The ARO longwall face bolter, recognised for increasing safety in the underground workplace during the hazardous bolt-up operation, was developed in close consultation with the underground coal mining industry.

It is believed to be the only commercially available machine which mechanises the critical bolt-up stage at the end of a longwall block. Injuries to personnel were not uncommon during this stage of longwall mining, formerly performed manually.

Since the ARO longwall face bolter was introduced, no lost time injuries have been reported by pits using the machine.

ARO developed the new concept in strata control equipment, working closely with BHP's Tower Colliery some years ago and has now refined the machine after extensive underground trialing in numerous coal mines in Australia.

The machine is normally deployed from a breakout stub by a LHD and draws power from dedicated PTO's along the longwall chocks. Only two operators are required, working from safety beneath the longwall canopy.

Previously a winner of a Minerals Council Occupational Health and Safety Award the ARO longwall face bolter has significant export potential, with units having been exported to South Africa and the USA and another unit poised to go into service in the UK.

Hydramatic Engineering managing director John Wood said the award was a testament to the company’s dedication and commitment to developing new and innovative, world-class products.