INNOVATION Underground Transport has received $294,454 to further develop a people carrier for use in underground coal mines as part of the new round of Queensland government Commercial Ready grants.
The people carrier will be the first of its kind to be compliant with the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation Act 2001.
“The design entails a high level of innovation and technical risk, involving a prohibition of high operating temperatures, which is a necessary safety measure in a high-explosive environment,” Australian industry minister Ian Macfarlane said.
“In the event of any part of the vehicle over-heating, the vehicle will simply stop.”
Sophisticated software regulates on-board fire suppression, as well as the vehicle’s location and speed.
The grant is part of the $9.7 million of Commercial Ready and Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) funding announced this week.
Tim Muller
Innovation Underground Transport
qucms@gpg.com.au