Picture:The Mining Forum provided the opportunity for the audience to share information relating to smart, safe, sustainable automation in the industry

The Australian mining industry is continuing to develop close links with China, opening the door for potential trading partnerships. As part of its ongoing commitment to providing technology solutions, Rockwell Automation hosted the ‘Innovations for Smart, Safe, Sustainable Automation Solutions in the Mining Industry’ Forum held in Brisbane recently.

Interested parties from Australia and China were given an opportunity to speak with, share ideas, and hear from a range of speakers on best practices and innovations for the industry.

The Forum was well attended with more than 100 people representing, Mining End Users, Consultants, System Integrators, OEM’s and Research Institutes from both Australia and China.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd opened the forum. In his welcome address, Mr Rudd emphasised the importance of investment from China in becoming Australia’s closest trading partner. “Our skilled professionals, advanced extraction processes and cutting edge technology have all made Australia a leader in the global minerals industry. We’re also a leader in mining equipment, technology and services,” said Rudd. “Today’s event, and the issues you will be discussing, are important to maintain the momentum of our trade.”

Alongside Rudd, Senior Rockwell Automation Leadership – President Asia Pacific, Bob Ruff; Regional Director Australia and New Zealand, Twain Drewett; and Cheng Jie, Regional Sales Director, North and North East, China – also addressed the forum in the opening session.

The forum was divided into two streams; Process and Automation, and Power and Safety. Key topics of discussion included: technology involved in remote operating centres, integration of automation and information systems, simulation and reporting systems for mining operations, functional safety in mines, and power and control solutions.

The isolated geographical locations of many Australian mines, in addition to safety considerations, make remote automation an attractive option for mining companies. By moving towards reduced manning at mine sites and controlling the plant remotely, network infrastructure is critical to the success of the mining industry.

Cisco Systems Inc., delivered a presentation detailing how networks can assist the challenge of a connected supply chain, secure process, and a transient workforce. Network technology has advanced to the point where, with the correct infrastructure in place, it is possible to have a communications core for control systems, safety protocols, integrated video and telephone systems.

Underground coal mines can benefit greatly from advances in remote mining. The CSIRO presented their innovative automated Longwall Automation Shearing Systems (LASC). By automatically guiding itself through the seam using smart technology, the LASC system ensures the optimum extraction of coal, improving safety and efficiency. The CSIRO developed an Ethernet/IP interface to this system to allow data to be shared with the Plant Control Systems.

“The amount of technology that is available to make mining processes more efficient has come a long way; we’re not talking about futuristic technology, itÕs all here and now,” said Geoffrey Irvine, Industry Solutions Manager, Rockwell Automation.

The mining forum gave attendees the opportunity to hear about some significant case studies in mining. Pingdingshan Zhongxuan Automatic Control System Co Ltd, presented the methodologies of automating the operations of five coal plants for Shanxi Pingshuo Group in China.

Logicamms, together with Bemax Resources, detailed their collaboration to achieve sustainable solutions for a Remote Minerals Sand Facility. By using Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, Bemax Resources were able to automate their operations efficiently and effectively.

From an automation industry point of view, the key elements of success are the ability to provide a system which encompasses key issues including safety, asset management, process control and the ability to perform remote operations in a secure manner. The growing number of industry collaborations between Australia and China provided the basis for successful information sharing at the end-user level at the Forum.

The Mining Forum provided the audience with a valuable opportunity to share information relating to smart, safe, sustainable automation in the mining industry.

“This year is the first time that Rockwell Automation has had the opportunity to collaborate with another country in the Asia-Pacific region,” Irvine said. “Given the resources invested in the mining industry, and the fact that China is our number one customer – where most of our mining and minerals are being exported – they are the natural choice for building strong business relationships,” concluded Irvine.