EICKHOFF Australia has entered a licensing agreement with the CSIRO which will give it access to the world’s leading longwall mining automation technology.
The longwall shearer supplier says LASC automation increases mining productivity and safety. It locates and guide coal cutting equipment in longwall mines.
The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) funded the CSIRO’s development of the technology.
The industry is moving towards the automation of underground longwall mining as it means miners are kept away from hazardous, noisy and dusty environments. Additionally, the technology also increases the cutting rate by 5%.
ACARP says this is the third signing of a non-exclusive license for CSIRO’s longwall automation technology. Eickhoff claims more companies will follow very quickly.
Industry officials believe the equipment will help to position Australia for the long-term, maintaining or improving our international competitiveness.