The project, ACARP C6042, has been carried out at BHPBIC’s Elouera Colliery, with an initial grant of $220,000 and in-kind contribution of a similar amount.
Project sponsor and BHPBIC Technology and External Relations Manager Steve Pratt said commercial 4WD vehicles were used extensively in metalliferous mines throughout Australia and the rest of the world. In addition, the coal mining industry already used this type of vehicle in Queensland, Tasmania, United States and South Africa , but had not previously been adopted by coal mines in NSW due to flameproof equipment regulations.
“These vehicles have some advantages over the purpose-built equipment we currently use,” he said.
“In comparison, they are cheaper, safer, more efficient and have lower emissions.”
Pratt said there may be some modification of current requirements on the horizon which would expedite a review of current practice.
“The Australian Standard Diesel Engine Systems for Underground Coal Mines– AS/NZ 3584 – is currently under review, and an updated standard could be released this year. I’d expect this will bring different view of the manufacture of flameproof equipment and indeed provide the opportunity to utilise commercially available vehicles under the new Fire Protected provisions,” he said.
BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal had been trialling a modified Toyota Landcruiser at its Elouera Colliery. It has a similar configuration to 17 vehicles - which are in use in Queensland and have been since 1998. The trial vehicle has been fitted with additional safety features such as a methane shutdown system.
Pratt said the project underway since 1998, was being conducted in liaison with the NSW Department of Mineral Resources, members of the workforce and relevant technical personnel. Trials will be extended to the company’s new Dendrobium Mine later this year.
