The agreement, signed last week by GroundProbe chief executive officer Lyle Bruce and SYCCRI president Dr Wang Jian Guo, creates an alliance between the organisations that includes distribution and support of SSR systems in China by SYCCRI, and cooperation on future technology development.

SSR uses radar and visual imaging to monitor the stability of mine walls.

Under the agreement, SYCCRI will soon receive the first SSR system to be deployed in China, bringing the number of countries with the technology to 16.

This month’s deal is GroundProbe’s first move into the Chinese market.

“It is important that we have a strong partner in supporting this technology in China,” Bruce said.

“The benefits within China are obvious, and this is a great export opportunity for GroundProbe.”

In addition to supplying SSR systems, GroundProbe will provide technical training on SSR support and maintenance to dedicated SYCCRI engineers, and SYCCRI will develop competencies to meet GroundProbe’s training and accreditation regime, allowing local support of systems in China.

SYCCRI is a science/technology enterprise that integrates scientific research, safety, mine design, inspection procedures and equipment at Chinese mining operations, and provides higher education primarily for the coal sector.