INSIG PARTNER WITH RUC TO DEVELOP UNDERGROUND MINING TECHNOLOGY

Insig Technologies (InSig) recently installed reliable underground WiFi networks at the Mount Morgans and Edna May underground mines in Western Australia. RUC Cementation Mining (RUC) is currently providing full underground services to both mines.

Access to fibre optic networks and underground WiFi provided Mount Morgans and Edna May with the ability to remote control boggers (load haul dumpers) from the surface.
This also removed the need to place a physical control station underground. Before the installation of underground WiFi, operators were only able to control one bogger at a time. However, now they can have one operator controlling two boggers from the surface.

Production has increased due to the ability to keep the boggers operational over shift changes, along with the ability to keep the boggers working when conditions would not normally be safe after blasting. This also makes conditions safer for employees, an important tenant of RUC SAFE, which strives for continuous improvement in safe working practices.

The next step for InSig is to use this same network to deliver ventilation on demand. This includes the ability to monitor air quality from the surface, remotely turning the primary and secondary fans on and off, which will allow for quicker re-entry times back into the mine.

The Insig underground mining technology platform provides RUC the ability to control ventilation fans, dewatering pumps, remote access of boggers and drills and to measure air quality. Mobile assets can also be monitored for changes in condition.

Working with a technology partner that understands IT/OT and IOT has been an important differentiator for RUC and has given it a business advantage over many other contractors and this year the partnership celebrated a year of project success.

Murray & Roberts also recently acquired 30% of Insig to accelerate the application of digital technology within the Underground Mining platform.