CSIRO has signed a licensing agreement with longwall shearer supplier Eickhoff Australia.
The deal will give the company access to the world’s leading longwall mining automation technology, LASC automation.
The CSIRO received funding from the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) to develop the technology which locates and guide coal cutting equipment in longwall mines.
The company says the automation of underground longwall mining increases mine productivity and safety by moving miners away from hazardous, noisy and dusty environments. The technology also increases the cutting rate by 5%.
ACARP says this is the third signing of a non-exclusive license for CSIRO’s longwall automation technology. Eickhoff claims more companies will follow very quickly.
Industry officials believe the equipment will help to position Australia for the long-term, maintaining or improving our international competitiveness.
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