Site Visit

On Thursday I had my first site visit. It was awesome - I got to ride in a dump truck and an excavator. I also got to see both sides of a new technology. The person that I travelled out with actually started the project, and has spent much of his time fixing and improving the software. Basically it is centred around GPS - there is a GPS system on the dozers (it is currently only used on dozers in the dozer push), and a touch screen that the operators use. In the office, you can see exactly where the dozers are at any time - as well as production (how much they are pushing). This is also where they create the model to upload to the dozer. The operator is able to check their work on the touch screen, making sure they are going exactly where they should be, and dumping in the right place. It even tells them how far to go until coal. Although it's taken ages to get there, it's amazing technology.

While I was out there, it rained very lightly, but this was enough to stop work across the majority of the mine. The main haul road has a top layer of clay - which is incredibly slippery and dangerous - way too dangerous for massive dump trucks. Just watching thelight 4WD's and an unlucky tow truck try the road was bad enough - I was glad I wasn't driving!

The rain is worrying - if the mine stops work long enough it can even get hefty fines. There is a purpose built power station next to the mine - which is one of the most efficient as it has been built especially for this mine - which also means very minimal transport of coal. The only catch is if coal is not continuously supplied, the power station can fine the mining company (as they are a contractor). The contract also states that the reject ash must be collected and dumped in pit. This means an ash dump truck must be continuously running (which becomes difficult in wet weather). The haul roads and ramps are constantly changing - which means that gravel cannot be used - as it is too expensive. So there's a challenge to think about - how can we fix this problem?

Check this out

Now there's proof that there are more and more females in mining. Take a look at this
->http://www.qrc.org.au/_dbase_upl/Women%20Leading%20Practice_08%20WEB.pdf
Thanks to the support of many prominent companies, women are certainly part of the mining industry, with the female growth outweighing the males in the employment stakes (within QRC companies at least). This definitely has to make a point to everyone who thinks that females don't exist in mining. My boss at Downer EDI - a mining engineer - is female, as are many other successful mining engineers. So next time someone says women aren't or shouldn't be involved in the mining industry, at least you will have something to fire back at them. :)

Happy New Year!!

Back to work tomorrow :)