The company says integration of operations and manufacturing companies has proven highly successful at Minova Australia and the acquisition of Ground Consolidation through the Minova International acquisition of Carbo-Tech GMBH has proven to be extremely beneficial for both parties.

Minova also purchased the Ventmine/Tecrete companies in 1999, offering an installation service to complement the supply of specialised ventilation products to the underground mining and tunnelling industries.

Minova now provides the total ventilation package, including the design, rating, and supply and installation of ventilation control devices. Minova Ventmine has long been recognised as the leading provider of quality ventilation devices to the underground coal mining industry.

In 2004 Minova purchased backfill placement company F A Sig, reinforcing its already strong global capability of supply and placement of backfill systems ranging from flyash blends to specialised cement-based systems.

Since acquiring Ground Consolidation in 2004, Minova has complemented its already strong range of products with the inclusion of Blue Circle and Carbo-Tech products, including Hydrofoam and Hydroblend cavity filling cement grouts, and the Bevedan/Bevedol PUR range.

Minova Australia now provides a range of specialised products to suit almost any strata support or backfill type application in coal mining, metal mining and tunnelling.

The recent successful introduction of the Carbofill Phenolic Foam system offers another technically engineered, quality product to the Minova Group capabilities.

Carbofill is the most recent product in Minova’s range, exclusively installed by Minova Ground Consolidation. In keeping with the Minova tradition, Carbofill is the most technologically advanced and safest phenolic foam system currently available in underground mining throughout the world.

Minova’s rapid response capabilities for all development and production face applications include the Carbofill product, specially trained and experienced application personnel, risk assessments and standard operating procedures (SOPs), together with the latest state-of-the-art equipment available for the rapid placement of Carbofill within any mine in Australia.

Minova’s world-renowned Lokset Resin Capsules are used by every underground coal mine and major metal mine in Australia.

In May 2005 Minova Australia commissioned a second resin capsule manufacturing facility and now operates 2 Lokset manufacturing plants with the capability to supply two to three times the total resin capsule requirements of the entire Australian mining and tunnelling industries. A thoroughly researched and developed Disaster Response Program is also in place at Minova to ensure that the supply of Lokset Resin Capsules to the Australian mining industry cannot be jeopardised.

Internationally, Minova continues to invest in the research and development of new technologies, offering improved safety and productivity benefits in mining and tunnelling.

Minova Australia’s proactive product research and development program was highlighted recently with the urgent requirement to develop, manufacture and supply a specialised grouting product for use at Beaconsfield.

The Conbex product played an integral role in the safe rescue of the two miners trapped in the underground rockfall. In addition to the specialised development and manufacture of the grout, the Minova Australia Group was also able to provide specialised technical assistance at the mine in planning and the underground application of the product.

With manufacturing and operational bases in New South Wales and Queensland, Minova provides excellent product supply and technical support, and full operational services to mining in both regions.

To obtain further information on the Minova Group of companies, visit the website at www.minova.com.au or visit Minova at QME 2006 at stand 2045.