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Inbye Uses Tiefenbach Control Systems to Automate Newlands Longwall
Media Release
21 January 2011
Since 2007, Inbye Queensland has consistently proven its pedigree in overhaul and repair services of a variety of Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) longwall mining equipment for underground coal mines including Newlands, Oaky Creek and Broadmeadow Mines.
Newlands is the second highest producing mine in Australia, due in part to Inbye's overhaul and modernisation of its equipment over the past few years, some of which was originally being supplied as early as 1998.
During 2010, Inbye Mining Services (Inbye) was contracted to replace a competitor's electro-hydraulic roof support control system with equipment from Inbye's technology partner, Tiefenbach Control Systems.
The upgrade includes hardware and software from the Inbye Longwall Automation suite and local project management of its installation onto the Newlands equipment. The most important feature of this future ready technology is that it achieves higher levels of SIL (Safety Integrity Level to AS 61508) rating than competitors' systems.
Inbye Mackay is now undertaking a prototype of the Tiefenbach Control Systems installation on one roof support. Once Newlands approves this trial layout, Inbye is expected to complete the five stage process of installing new controls to the 181 roof supports. The end outcome is to integrate all these controls into a complete longwall system.The customised Tiefenbach control kits will be installed progressively on the Newlands roof supports in batches of 35 to 45 roof supports. This process will be staged in a way to minimise interruptions to the Newlands coal production.
These underground longwall automation initiatives are prompted by cost pressure in mining and the need to gain operating advantages by installing future-proof technologies. The use of Tiefenbach Control Systems was an ideal choice as the German based Tiefenbach is the world leader in the development and supply of innovative control technology for use in hazardous area underground mining operations.
Inbye has tailored the Tiefenbach Control Systems to the individual requirements of the Newlands Longwall System so as to increase equipment longevity and operating efficiency to its underground processes.
Mr Richard Eveleigh, Managing Director Inbye Mining Services states;
"The automation of the Newlands Longwall System cements Inbye's prominent position in the repair and overhaul of longwall equipment and as a supplier of Automation control hardware and software systems. Inbye Mining Services and its strategic partners have been internationally recognised as a supplier and installer of complete longwall systems".
The Newlands Northern Underground Coal Mine is owned by the NCA Joint Venture and is operated by Xstrata Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. The mine is located 130 km west of Mackay. Medium volatile, high energy bituminous thermal coal is mined for export to Japan, Korea, South East Asia and Europe. The Newlands coal rail system is Queensland's northernmost coal rail transport system, servicing coal mines in the northern Bowen Basin over a 190 km rail network.
Inbye is located within close proximity the eastern seaboard underground coal mining regions. From its three Hunter locations and Mackay location, Inbye is focused on providing complete longwall systems for Australia-wide underground coal mining operations. Its national mining experience and expertise is backed by global technology partners that include the Polish company TAGOR S.A. that supplied the roof support systems for Carborough Downs Coal Mine. Inbye's other strategic partner is the Nepean Group, a leading privately owned, specialised engineering and industrial manufacturing group.
Enquiries
Kirsty Stewart
Executive Assistant
Tel: +61 (0)2 4932 8944
www.inbye.com
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