TECHNOLOGY

RCT control tech improves diamond mine safety

Automation solutions provider RCT has completed a remote-control project for a major miner's open-pit diamond operation in South Africa

Staff reporter
A Cat 994 wheel loader has been commissioned with RCT’s ControlMaster line-of-sight solution

A Cat 994 wheel loader has been commissioned with RCT’s ControlMaster line-of-sight solution

RCT confirmed it had installed its ControlMaster line-of-sight solution on a Cat 994 wheel loader at the operation last year. The miner uses the machine to clear pit benches of debris falling from the crest of the above bench.

A local RCT field service technician carried out commissioning works and trained the mine's equipment operators on how to use the technology.

RCT's Johannesburg-based business development manager for Africa Mike Thomas said the project had been a great success.

"South Africa's department of mining regulations prohibited any mining personnel to be in close proximity with the bench's toe," he said.

"The line-of-sight technology meant equipment operators could stand at a safe distance in accordance with regulations and carry out their work as if they were sitting in the machine's cab.

"Our ControlMaster automation technology integrated seamlessly into the wheel loader's operating system and carries out the same range of functions as specified by the original equipment manufacturer."

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