MANAGEMENT

Indonesia mine gets chute control

Autonomous solutions specialist RCT is in the final stretch of a project with a mine in West Papua, Indonesia, to automate 24 underground mine chutes with its ControlMaster teleremote technology

 RCT implemented ControlMaster teleremote technology onto 14 chutes which can be managed by operators from four ControlMaster

RCT implemented ControlMaster teleremote technology onto 14 chutes which can be managed by operators from four ControlMaster

The client, which RCT did not identify, had 10 chutes commissioned with teleremote earlier this year; they were linked to three ControlMaster automation centres. The newest implementation of the remaining 14 can be managed by four centres at the complex's control room at the surface.

The seven total centres now in use have Multiple Machine Selection (MMS), allowing the client to manage any single chute from its station. Additionally, chute operators will have the ability to observe operations via a camera feed, or open and shut chute throats between production levels as ore makes its way to the surface.

"The individual camera feeds can be manipulated and adjusted via intuitive mouse control options at each automation centre," RCT said. "Previously, operators were situated at the throat of each chute and manually operated each chute via their own line of sight."

The client, according to account manager Shane Smith, will now have significantly better on-site safety for its workers with the systems in place, as they previously dealt with obstacles like heat, dust, exhaust fumes and potential wet muck.

"The convenient location of the control room will also significantly reduce shift changeover time as personnel can easily access the central control room rather than travel to each individual chute chamber," he noted.

RCT said it will be delivering on-site service and support to the operation using local technicians. The company will also be providing operator training on the system's use.

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