CSIRO Exploration & Mining's Dr David Reid with Inbye Mining Services Managing Director, Richard Eveleigh.

Australian longwall manufacturer gets R&D boost

Reference: 08/193

Australian longwall equipment supplier, Inbye Mining Services, has gained access to longwall automation technology developed by CSIRO.

• 22 October 2008

The worldwide licensing agreement was signed by Inbye Managing Director, Richard Eveleigh.

Underground longwall coal mining involves large machines that move back and forth, cutting into a coal face. Automating some of the processes involved increases productivity and also helps to move miners away from noisy, dusty and hazardous areas.

“This is a wonderful example of Australian developed technology being used to help build an Australian company,” said CSIRO Business Development Director, Tim McLennan.

“CSIRO is actively looking for companies in the mining technology and services sector that we can work with to help build Australia’s international competitiveness.”

The technology, known as LASC Longwall Automation, was developed by CSIRO Exploration & Mining with funding from the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

ACARP Executive Director, Mark Bennetts, said this was the second of a number of non-exclusive licences for CSIRO’s longwall automation technology.

“As the technology is incorporated into mines, it will improve productivity and provide a safer working environment. For ACARP, it is an ideal outcome, resulting from extensive and close cooperation between CSIRO, industry and manufacturers,” Mr Bennetts said.

“The technology positions the Australian coal industry ideally for the future, in that it will not only boost productivity, but also make better use of valuable human resources and increase overall competitiveness.

Inbye’s Managing Director, Richard Eveleigh said the company 'intend to hit the ground running'.

 “The new Carborough Downs longwall mine will see the introduction of our first complete longwall system contract with our partner, Polish original equipment manufacturer, Kopex,” he said.

“It is also Brazilian giant Vale’s first foray into longwall mining in Australia. In addition, we are excited that it will be one of the first commercial installations of LASC Longwall Automation technology.

“A primary goal of our team is to remain faithful to the open architecture of CSIRO’s system.

”This will ensure interconnectivity of equipment without communication protocol converters, a vital requirement in markets where single-sourcing of equipment is not so prevalent.”

Pre-commercial prototypes of the technology have been operating at three Australian mines.

The principal components of the LASC automation system include face alignment, horizon control, communications and operator interface, and information systems.

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