The CSIRO has developed a series of automation technologies that can locate and guide coal cutting equipment in longwall mines.
The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) helped fund the CSIRO’s new automation technologies which were recently licensed by Eickhoff Australia.
Eickhoff Australia is a supplier of longwall shearers to the Australian mining industry.
ACARP executive director Mark Bennetts said this was the third signing of a non-exclusive license for CSIRO’s longwall automation technology, known as LASC automation.
“As the technology is incorporated into more mines, it will make a large contribution to increased productivity and a safer working environment,” Bennetts said.
“LASC automation will help to position Australia for the long-term, maintaining or improving our international competitiveness.”
Eickhoff Australia managing director John Smallwood said the company expects the first automation system to be incorporated into an Eickhoff shearer in New South Wales by the second quarter of this year.