Water cannons are used for secondary break operations, using high pressure water to release wedged rocks in underground drawpoints. By integrating the MacLean IQ Series tele-operation system with Cadia’s automation safety system, the water cannon could be safely operated from the surface in a tele-remote capacity, allowing it to work alongside Cadia’s semi-automated loaders.
The water cannon was trialled and started up during July and August and is now in use at Cadia East.
Aaron Brannigan, Cadia general manager, said that integrating the water cannon into Cadia’s automation system has improved the efficiency of the production level and removed human exposure from drawpoints.
“We are constantly pushing the envelope of change in the innovation and technology space. Automated machinery allows for shift in technical capabilities of our workforce, while ensuring we continue to eliminate safety risks from our operation,” Brannigan said in a release. “The success of this milestone paves the way for further integration of other key pieces of secondary break equipment into the automation system. This project is part of Newcrest’s ongoing drive to increase its automation and innovation focus on site.”
Newcrest wholly owns the Cadia gold-copper complex in New South Wales, Australia. The site includes the Cadia East underground panel cave mine and the Ridgeway underground mine; the latter is currently on care and maintenance.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)
