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Underground                                       reports

Underground

Our underground health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives include strengthening ventilation and gas management technology, minimising risks from fires and explosions, advancing emergency response technologies, reducing operating costs and improving reliability of subsidence predictions.


Health and Safety (79 Reports)

Adapting Active Noise Control Headsets for the Mining Industry

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C404301/02/1996
Author: Shaouki Ismail | Vipac Engineers & Scientists

Noise induced hearing loss and its consequences with regard to Occupational Health and Safety remain a major problem in the Coal Industry, especially underground. Meanwhile, National Standards for exposure to noise in the occupational environment are being lowered from an 8-hour equivalent ....  read more

 

Air and Dust Flow Patterns around the Longwall Shearer

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C1202501/10/2004
Author: Rao Balusu, Shah Chaudari, Ting X Ren | CSIRO Exploration & Mining

Management of respirable dust on longwall faces remains a challenging issue for mine operators, particularly for the new generation of thick seam longwalls. It was identified that a fundamental understanding of the airflow behaviour around the shearer is critical for ....  read more

 

Application of an Elemental Carbon Analyser to the Measurement of Particulate Levels from Diesel Vehicles

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C701401/05/2000
Author: Brian Davies | Australian Environmental Health Services

Research has found that a new American instrument used to measure particulate levels from diesel vehicle exhaust is suitable for use in Australian coal mines.

Diesel vehicles in the underground mining industry offer greater ....  read more

 

Application Risks and Benefits of Using Aluminium in Underground Coal Mines

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C306630/01/1996
Author: M Bell, Adrian O'Malley, Terry O'Beirne | ACIRL

The risks associated with the use of aluminium alloys are due to the possiblity that of high energy impacts of aluminium alloys on rusty steel objects can cause an incendive spark. Twelve incidents occurred between 1950 and 1955 in which such a spark was the ....  read more

 

Assessing Potential For Replacement Of Tag Boards In Longwall Moves With Automated Tracker & DPM/Air Quality Monitoring System

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C1800609/08/2010
Author: Denis Kent | Mine Site Technologies

Mine Site Technologies (MST) with the support ACARP and Centennial Coal, has completed the first stage of assessing the potential for replacement of "tag" boards in longwall moves with automated tracker and DPM/Air Quality monitoring system.

The overall aim of the project is ....  read more

 

Assessing Vehicle Vibration Performance in Relation to Road Roughness and Vehicle Comfort

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C504001/03/1997
Author: Shaouki Ismail | Vipac Engineers & Scientists

The primary aim of this project was to develop a Free Steered Vehicle Vibration Assessment Procedure relevant to assessing and managing the susceptibility of Coal Mining Industry workers to back injury.

For many Coal Mining operators, back injury ....  read more

 

Assessment of Pyrite Coal Dust Induced Pneumoconiosis

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C2700701/09/2019
Author: Basil Beamish, Graeme Zosky | B3 Mining Services and University of Tamania

There have been recent concerns regarding the re-identification of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP), or 'Black Lung', in Australian coal miners. Based on research from the United States, it has been suggested that a key contributor to the CWP respirable dust hazard is the pyrite ....  read more

 

Close Aspect Lighting in Underground Coal Mines

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C703201/06/2001
Author: Chris Daly | University of New South Wales

This project investigation commenced as a follow up to the original work undertaken into "Close Aspect Lighting" at UNSW. Close Aspect Lighting emphasised the need to provide low level non glare lighting installations around mobile machinery in underground coal mines. Of particular ....  read more

 

Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease: What happens once the dust settles? A longitudinal study of a latent disease

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C3301101/06/2022
Author: Katrina Kildey, Rhiannon McBean, Annaleis Tatkovic, Katrina Newbigin, Robert Edwards | I-Med Radiology Network

This project aimed to provide preliminary information on whether coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD) tends to stay stable or progress, as observed through quantifiable measures of disease (lung function and radiology) in Queensland coal mine workers. A secondary aim was to provide evidence as ....  read more

 

Collision Awareness - Capability of Underground Mine Vehicle Proximity Detection Systems

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C2401006/02/2018
Author: Andre De Kock and Anthony Bennett | Simtars

One of the major hazards in an underground coal mine is the interaction between mining equipment and humans. This is the result of limited vision around underground equipment and the confined space within which the equipment operates. To address this hazard, various proximity detection systems ....  read more

 

Commissioned Report: Occupational Health and Safety in the Australian Coal Industry

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C304630/07/1994
Author: T Mitchell | Vic Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

The study aimed to identify priority OHS research topics for the Australian Black Coal Industry. The results of this work will contribute to the development and implementation of a coordinated and effective OHS research strategy for the industry.  ....  read more

 

Developing a Form of Safety Case Using the Coal Mine Safety Regime (CMSR): Application to High Voltage Electrical Isolation at Underground Coal Mining Operations

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C1901529/05/2014
Author: Gul Yilmaz, Derek Griffiths | The University of Queensland

This project focused on developing a form of safety case using the Coal Mine Safety Regime (CMSR) approach. The research was undertaken with the objective of developing a leading practice CMSR for subsequent application to other major hazards in underground and open cut mining and CHHP ....  read more

 

Developing Suitable Gas Separation Membrane for Breathing Apparatus

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C2802307/12/2023
Author: Victor Chang | Monash University

Advanced coal mine practices have greatly improved working conditions and reduced the risk for hazardous gas exposure in the underground environment. In increasingly rare but still dangerous conditions where gas exposure is unavoidable, self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) respirators continue ....  read more

 

Development of a Significant Incident Identification and Evaluation System: Part 2

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C1301017/06/2005
Author: David Cliff, Roy Moreby | University of Qld, University of NSW

The aim of this project was to improve the capabilities of the mines rescue services to rapidly and accurately assist a mine to manage incidents at that mine.  This was achieved by enhancing the tools developed under ACARP funded project C11031 – The development of a  ....  read more

 

Development of a Whole Body Vibration Dosimeter

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C802701/10/1999
Author: Shaouki Ismail | Vipac Engineers & Scientists

For many coal mining operators, back injury now accounts for more OH&S claims than any other single factor. While back injury can arise from many factors, a well-documented leading cause is the exposure of workers to vibration, eg the vibrations experienced by operators of heavy mining surface ....  read more

 

Development of 'Dustless' Longwall and Development Face

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C2606501/08/2020
Author: Jon Roberts, Peter Wypych and Vitold Ronda | University of Wollongong

The over-arching objective for this project was to develop 'dustless' mining operations in the key areas of the longwall and the development face. To achieve this, the project was split into two phases:

  • the first phase focusing on the longwall and
  • the second
 ....  read more

 

Diesel Particulate Agglomeration & Removal Using Ultrasonic Transducers With Electrostatic Precipitation Filter

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C1502128/01/2009
Author: Patrick Glynn, D Bates, M Clarke | CSIRO Exploration & Mining, Innovative Ultrasonics, METTS

This report covers the ACARP C15021 research project into using acoustic agglomeration techniques to reduce diesel particulates from coal mine vehicle exhaust by 92%. The project was initially in three stages:   

 

Stage 1

Bench test a diesel engine, measure ....  read more

 

DPM Risk Factors Extension: Effect of Cooled Exhaust and Scrubber on Toxic Particulate Formation

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C2003601/09/2013
Author: Julian Greenwood, Hao Wang, Zoran Ristovski, Terry O'Beirne | SkillPro Services

This work is a continuation of other ACARP funded research conducted by the authors into diesel exhaust toxicity. The prior work firstly examined the change in diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions produced by a number of alternative diesel fuels, finding a disparity between the ....  read more

 

Dust Control Technology Development for Longwall Faces - Simulation Studies

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C1301901/09/2005
Author: Ting Ren, Rao Balusu | CSIRO

The objective of this project was to develop and demonstrate the effective dust control technology and strategies for longwall faces, in particular, the development of a novel shearer scrubber/curtain system to reduce respirable dust contaminations in the walkway area. This project ....  read more

 

Dust Control Technology for Longwall Faces - Shearer Scrubber Development and Field Trials

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C1403601/06/2009
Author: Rao Balusu, Ting Ren, Brian Plush | CSIRO Exploration and Mining, EnviroCon

This report summaries the results of shearer dust scrubber design and field trials at the final stage of the project C14036 under the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP), entitled "Dust Control Technology for Longwall Faces - Shearer Scrubber System".

 

 ....  read more

 

Effect of Rock Dust and Pre-Existing Lung Disease on the Risk of "Mixed Dust Lung Disease" (MDLD)

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C2903501/07/2022
Author: Graeme Zosky, Basil Beamish | University of Tasmania, B3 Mining Services

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is an irreversible lung disease associated with inhalation of coal dust. Recent epidemiological disease patterns suggest that the chemical properties of coal dust can influence disease risk. However, to date, no studies have been able to identify which ....  read more

 

Electrostatic Enhancement of Water Sprays for Dust Suppression

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C404128/10/1998
Author: Jean Cross, Chris Fowler, Fuchun Xiao | University of New South Wales

The overall aim of the Dust Suppression Project is to develop a system to improve airborne dust control in underground coal mines based one electrostatically charged water sprays. The benefits of reduced airborne dust ....  read more

 

Emergency Response: Mine Entry Data Management

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C1901006/07/2015
Author: Darren Brady, Geoff Nugent, David Cliff, Steve Tonegato, Peter Mason, Seamus Devlin | Queensland Mines Rescue Service

Stage 1 Report

The aim of this project has been to provide industry with the functional specification for an emergency response information management system, including a prototype, developed and utilised to assist Incident Management Teams with effective information management ....  read more

 

Evaluation and Control of Employee Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Emissions in Underground Coal Mines

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C308030/05/1995
Author: Stephen Pratt, A Grainger, J Todd, G Meena, A Rogers, B Davies | BHP Steel, Worksafe, Australian Environmental Health Services

BHP Steel Collieries conducted research into employee exposure to diesel exhaust emissions at Tower Colliery, Douglas Park, NSW Australia between 1990 1993 (Pratt 1993). As a result of that preliminary research, the current research project was developed to evaluate ....  read more

 

Evaluation of a First Mine Real Time Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Monitor

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C1502801/04/2008
Author: Stewart Gillies, Hsin Wei Wu | Gillies Wu Mining Technology

The objective of the study was to develop, test and prove up under mine conditions a Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) real time atmospheric monitoring unit. The design for the new instrument, termed the D-PDM, is based on the recently developed real time respirable dust PDM. The project's ....  read more

 

Evaluation Of A New Instantaneous Coal Dust Explosibility Meter For Use In Mine Airways

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C1801101/05/2010
Author: Hsin Wei Wu, Stewart Gillies | Gillies Wu Mining Technology Pty Ltd

A new Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) for use in both statutory and engineering studies of Incombustible Content (IC) content of coal mine workings dust has been developed by NIOSH in the US. The objective of this project was to evaluate suitability of the CDEM monitor and also allow a ....  read more

 

Evaluation of Commercially Available 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles for Use in Non-Hazardous Zones of NSW Underground Coal Mines

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C604201/04/2022
Author: Steve Pratt | BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal

Since 1990 BHP Billiton - Illawarra Coal has been actively researching a number of issues associated with the use of diesel equipment in underground coal mines. From this research it is clear that both the USA and South Africa have a different approach to New South Wales in the use of diesel ....  read more

 

Fit for Purpose “Self-Aware Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)” for Remote Underground Deployment

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C2800113/04/2021
Author: Alaster Wylie | Mines Rescue

The objective of the project was to develop a Self-Aware UAV for remote underground deployment, enabling Mines Rescue to have ability to readily deploy UAV's in an underground coal mine emergency to gather atmospheric data that would enable an emergency deployment of Mines Rescue teams. ....  read more

 

Fitness for Duty: Scoping Study

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C1000601/04/2001
Author: David Cliff, Carmel Bofinger, Elizabeth Mahon, Katheryn Heiler | QMC, SIMTARS, ACIRRT

Fitness for duty is a key occupational health and safety issue. The concept of fitness for duty covers a broad range of individual and occupational health issues including the use of drugs, alcohol, fatigue, psychological  ....  read more

 

Health Screening “True Positives”, “False Positives” and “Incidental Findings”: An Investigation

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C3301001/12/2021
Author: Katrina Kildey, Rhiannon McBean, Annaleis Tatkovic, Robert Edwards | I-MED Radiology Network

This report presents an investigation into the health of Queensland coal mine workers identified as having an abnormal result within the routine respiratory health screening component of the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme (CMWHS). The respiratory component of the health assessment ....  read more

 

High Pressure Injection Injuries: Effects of Fluids on Tissue Damage Over the 21 Day Healing Cycle

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C1601101/11/2009
Author: Kylie Wallace (Consultant) | Fuchs Lubricants (Australasia) Pty Ltd

Hydraulic equipment is a well-known and significant occupational safety risk. While the instance of a high pressure injection injury from a hydraulic system is rare, the outcome can be severe for the recipient of such an injury (Hogan and Ruland, 2006). The previous phase of this ACARP Project ....  read more

 

Improve the Productivity of U/G Diesel Vehicles by Optimising the Engine, Exhaust System and Exhaust Gas Monitoring Process

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C303320/06/1997
Author: Terry O'Beirne, Adrian O'Malley, Berger Jensen, S Muller, D Chrzanowski | ACIRL

The project goals were to develop an underground load haul dump (LHD) vehicle using a modified Caterpillar 3116 engine.

The project has delivered and demonstrated a new class of diesel engine for ....  read more

 

Improved Dust Control on Longwalls Using a New Water Mist Venturi System

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C1801901/08/2012
Author: Ting Ren, Zhongwei Wang & Brian Plush, Shivakumar Karekal, Graeme Cooper and Andrew Cooke | University of Wollongong, CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering, Tecpro Australia

Advances in modern longwall (LW) technology have resulted in high production faces with high powered chocks and shearers that can advance at faster rates. As longwall chocks advance, crushed roof coal and or rock can fall from the top of the chock canopy into the face ventilation airflow. ....  read more

 

Improving Respirable Coal Dust Exposure Monitoring and Control in the Australian Coal Industry

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C2604801/07/2020
Author: David Cliff, Nikky LaBranche, Jill Harris | University of Queensland

This project was supported to research a number of questions relating to monitoring and controlling coal dust exposure as a consequence of the first case of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in over thirty years being reported in Queensland in 2015.

The project undertook the ....  read more

 

Intrinsically Safe Vehicle Integrity & Engine Warning System

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C404201/04/2022
Author: Chris Worrad | Approved Electrical Systems

An extensive survey of underground coal mines in NSW and QLD was undertaken with the intent of finding out what mines required in a Vehicle Integrity and Early Warning System and how much they would be willing to pay for it. At the same time a survey was undertaken of available sensors that ....  read more

 

Introduction to Intrinsically Safe Instrument System Design and the Underground Approval Process for the Australian Coal Industry

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C503801/11/1998
Author: Ron McPhee | CSIRO Exploration & Mining

This report is presented as an introductory text to investigate the basic aspects of the design and manufacture of intrinsically safe (IS) electronic instrumentation for use in Australian coalmines, and to provide practical guidelines to help smooth the path to obtain certification. The ....  read more

 

LISCA - LASC Interoperability Specifications for Collision Avoidance

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C2201201/11/2014
Author: Mark Dunn | CSIRO

ACARP Project C22012, also known as the LASC Interoperability Specification for Collision Avoidance (LISCA), aims to develop and introduce an open communication specification to integrate Collision Avoidance Systems by interoperability between Plant and Proximity Detection Systems. Collision ....  read more

 

Longwall Hydraulics Staple Loc Staple Fatigue Assessment

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C1901101/08/2012
Author: Russell Smith | BMT WBM

A common hydraulic fitting used in longwall systems is the Staple Loc type, available in many sizes from numerous manufacturers. A typical longwall installation might use in excess of 10,000 staples, with every one potentially subject to fatigue failure. Prior to the ACARP project, no ....  read more

 

Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

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C2704901/02/2024
Author: Lance Munday, Gareth Kennedy, Eleonora Widzyk-Capehart | CSIRO, Simtars

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor and user interface applicable to a wide range of fixed and mobile sensing applications in underground coal mines. The system was envisaged to provide robust ranging and mapping that is tolerant of both airborne and ....  read more

 

Mine Safety Regulation: Towards A National Approach

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C1900201/03/2010
Author: Neil Gunningham and Darren Sinclair | Gunningham and Associates, Australian National University

The National Review on Model OHS legislation (the Review) provides a rare opportunity to establish best practice OHS legislation Australia-wide. The first stage of the national review process was generic and involved the development of a single uniform model Work Health and Safety Act. This ....  read more

 

Mines Rescue Vehicle - Demonstration Phase

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C1402401/10/2006
Author: Paul Binnie, Ray Davis Martin Watkinson | Simtars

Simtars under the auspices of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service and ACARP has been investigating development of a mines rescue/escape Vehicle.  This involved investigating the operation of underground coal mine personnel transport vehicles in non standard mine atmospheres.

 ....  read more

 

Mines Rescue Vehicle Testing and Development Extension

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C1200217/12/2004
Author: Stewart Bell, Ray Davis, Martin Watkinson, David Humphreys, Terry O'Beirne | Simtars, SkillPro

The project involved the testing of three diesel engines currently used in underground personnel transport vehicles under a variety of atmospheric conditions which are representative of some but not all underground atmospheric conditions following a mine emergency ....  read more

 

New Strategies for Mine Escape Through Deployment of Self-Contained Self Rescuers in Coal Mines

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C503901/02/1997
Author: Paul Mackenzie-Wood, Najdat Aziz, E Baafi, Y Sun, I Tague | Mines Rescue Service NSW, University of Wollongong, Joint Coal Board

In view of recent mine disasters in the coal mining industry in Australia, there is a need to develop strategies to enable the introduction of Self-Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRs) into underground mines. These strategies must be part of an overall strategy to ....  read more

 

Non Invasive Detection of Pressure in Hydraulic Hoses Underground

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C2100927/05/2016
Author: Liviu Schintee, Graeme Vennell, Bob Nolan | Custom Fluidpower

ACARP Project C21009 is to develop a technically viable, IS approved, portable non-invasive pressure detection device for hydraulic hoses in an underground coal mining environment.

 

This report has been developed by the Engineering Department of Custom Fluidpower to present ....  read more

 

Non-Invasive Detection of Fluid under Pressure

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C1702101/07/2010
Author: Neil Martin | Custom Fluidpower

The objective of this project was to produce a method of detecting hydraulic fluid pressure in hoses to reduce the risks associated with stored energy by means of a non invasive device.

 

The project was managed as three stages with the following objectives:

 ....  read more

 

NUMBAT Maintenance and Development Project

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C537801/12/1998
Author: David Hainsworth | CSIRO Exploration & Mining

This report describes the continuing development of the NUMBAT underground mine reconnaissance vehicle. The project objectives follow an earlier ACARP project to demonstrate the vehicle to the industry and the recommendations of an underground coal mines rescue strategy group set up ....  read more

 

Numbat Upgrade Approval and Demonstration

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C307830/11/1995
Author: Bruce Sherriff | NSW Mines Rescue Service

This project set out to demonstrate the Numbat to potential end users, so as to develop informed views about its future worth.

The Numbat is a high profile research project and as such the Coal Industry needed to demonstrate its ability to thoroughly and ....  read more

 

Occupational Assessment and Centralised Repository for Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease

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C2701001/11/2020
Author: Katrina Newbigin, Rhiannon McBean, Katrina Kildey and Annaleis Tatkovic | I-Med Radiology Network

This two stage project involved the development of a centralised repository of CMDLD cases as a resource for medical research. The aim of this project was two-fold; to develop a centralised repository of coal mine workers diagnosed with a CMDLD, and to develop a short, streamlined ....  read more

 

Occupational Health and Safety Priorities for the Australian Coal Industry

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C802501/03/2000
Author: John Culvenor, John Knowles, Steve Cowley | VIOSH Australia University of Ballarat

The University of Ballarat has analysed workers' compensation claims relating to the black coal mining industry in Queensland and New South Wales. This project followed an ACARP project some years earlier that examined the same issues (Mitchell & Larsson 19994).

Data from Queensland ....  read more

 

Optimising the Collection of Information for Effective Use in the Event of an Emergency at an Underground Coal Mine

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C1700801/07/2009
Author: David Cliff | Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, University of Queensland

The aim of this project was to optimise the information collection and reporting processes used in emergencies in underground coal mines to ensure rapid and effective response, minimising the risk to life.  This was to be achieved through evaluating the current emergency management systems ....  read more

 

Optimum air velocity for management of both dust and gas on longwall faces

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C2801401/05/2022
Author: Rao Balusu, Krishna Tanguturi and Qingdong Qu | CSIRO

The objective of this project is to determine optimum air velocities for management of both dust and gas concentration levels on longwall faces with different cutting heights. The project aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of the effect of airflow quantities and velocities on dust ....  read more

 

Performance Testing of Diesel Engines in High Methane Atmospheres

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C1502901/09/2007
Author: Ray Davis, Clive Ellis, David Humphreys | Simtars

Simtars under the auspices of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) and ACARP has been investigating the operation of underground coal mine personnel transport vehicles in non standard mine atmospheres.

This report describes the performance testing of a number of ....  read more

 

Principles for the Reduction of Errors in Bolting Control Operation

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C1601312/05/2009
Author: Robin Burgess-Limerick | Burgess-Limerick & Associates

The project commenced April 1, 2007. The research questions were:

  • What are the consequences of mirrored and non-mirrored control layouts for error rates and reaction time?;
  • What are the effects of shape and length coding on error rates and reaction time?;
 ....  read more

 

Proximity Detection System Underground

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C1501230/04/2008
Author: Denis Kent | Mine Site Technologies

Mine Site Technologies (MST) with the support ACARP and Xstrata Coal NSW, as well as assistance from Centennial Coal, has developed a Proximity Detection System to proof of concept stage as per plan.  The basic aim of the project was to develop a system to reduce the risk of the ....  read more

 

Quantitative Data Assessment To Support Risk Based Decision-Making In The Minerals Industry

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C1802101/04/2014
Author: Gul Yilmaz | The University of Queensland

The Coal Mine Safety Regime Model (CMSR) developed by Professor Jim Joy as part of ACARP C15011 Stage 1 represents a holistic and leading-practice risk management process designed to support the Australian coal mining industry. CMSR encompasses four layers of risk management, i.e. from ....  read more

 

Real Time Dust Monitor

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C2604724/08/2021
Author: Duncan Chalmers | University of New South Wales

The aim of this project was to develop a real time respirable dust monitor that could differentiate between respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and coal dust. To this end the instrument that was trailed shows a difference in each of three traces for the increased amounts of RCS in the coal ....  read more

 

Reducing Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Mines by Optimising Design and Operation of Diesel Exhaust Systems

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C2301321/12/2015
Author: Varun Rao, Daya Dayawansa, and Damon Honnery | Monash University

Control of diesel particulate matter (DPM) in the underground coal mine environment is most often achieved by use of diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Although they are generally effective at filtering DPM, DPFs have been plagued by poor service life, resulting in costly and ineffective ....  read more

 

Reducing Injury Risks Associated with Underground Mining Equipment

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C1401601/02/2007
Author: Robin Burgess-Limerick | Burgess-Limerick & Associates

This project stemmed from an evaluation in 2005 of injury data from Xstrata Coal NSW underground operations. This investigation highlighted the prevalence of injuries associated with development equipment, particularly continuous miners shuttle cars, LHD vehicles and personnel ....  read more

 

Reduction of Dust in Return Roadways of Longwall Faces

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C308201/11/1996
Author: B Barker, David Humphreys | SIMTARS

The concentration of methane is relatively easily measured on a coal face, and therefore can be controlled to prevent the development of dangerous conditions, but it is much more difficult to measure airborne dust concentrations.

As a result, very ....  read more

 

Regulation by Stealth? Codes of Practice in the Australian Coal Mining Industry

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C2101001/07/2012
Author: Neil Gunningham, Darren Sinclair | Gunningham and Associates, Australian National University

This project was commissioned by the Australian Coal Association Research Program. Its aim is to evaluate the growing use of OHS codes of practice in the Australian coal mining jurisdictions, to examine their strengths and weaknesses, and to identify ways in which their potential contribution ....  read more

 

Relationship between physical and chemical characteristics of coal dust particulates and incidence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis

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C2701501/04/2020
Author: Yingying Sun, Andrew Kinsela, David Waite, David Cliff | University of New South Wales, University of Queensland

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) has been related to the presence of reactive iron minerals (e.g. pyrite) in coal dust which, purportedly, results in the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) on exposure to air. The link between ROS and coal dust properties stems from ....  read more

 

Relocatable Fresh Air Base

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C900101/06/2000
Author: Bernie McKinnon | Powercoal

The aim of the project was to construct a Relocatable Fresh Air Base (RFAB) suitable for utilization in the emergency plan for underground collieries.

A suitable unit has been designed and constructed to meet the requirements of Mines Safety Legislation. It consists of a base station ....  read more

 

Remotely Controlled Equipment Accidents - Scoping Study

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C902611/07/2001
Author: Jan Oberholzer, Andre de Kock | SIMTARS

This project set out to determine why accidents happen with equipment that are controlled by Radio Remote Systems so as to determine research needs. It has been found that the accidents are caused by other factors than the actual radio remote control itself.

Using a risk assessment ....  read more

 

Report on International Committee on Coal Research (ICCR) Visit to South Africa - 14th to 23rd April 1997

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C605801/09/1997
Author: R Parkin, David Cliff, Paul Mackenzie-Wood, Jim Galvin | Shell Coal, SIMTARS, NSW Mines Rescue, University of New South Wales

The importance of safety in the underground coal mining industry is paramount to the increases in productivity the industry must achieve in order to realise adequate returns on funds invested. These efforts to improve safety have intensified following the Moura Inquiry findings.

A ....  read more

 

Resilience and Mental Health in Mining

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C2902015/02/2023
Author: Rebecca Mitchell | Macquarie University

The high level of psychological distress for coal industry workers has been shown to be mitigated by resilience. Although individual resilience has been shown to be important, recent literature has also demonstrated that workplace antecedents, such as structures, policies, and practices, are ....  read more

 

Risk and Coal Mining Governance

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C1401901/06/2006
Author: Jim Joy, Graham Terrey | MISHC Univeristy of Qld, NSW DPI

This project examines risk management in the coal sectors of the Queensland and New South Wales mining industry by comparing an ‘ideal image’ derived from best practice principles of risk management to legislative obligations and regulatory practice. Risk management practice ....  read more

 

Safe Personnel Transport Vehicles for Underground Mining

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C1403701/06/2006
Author: Daya Dayawansa, Paul Curcio, Scott Randall, Arthur De Bono, Jon Allen, Selby Coxon, Peter Hillars | MTI, Monash University

The personal injuries attributable to travel in personnel carriers in the Australian underground mining industry have risen to an unacceptable level. In response to industry demands and through ACARP funding the Maintenance Technology Institute (MTI) has undertaken this research and ....  read more

 

Self-rescuer Changeover Stations

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C1701619/03/2010
Author: X. Xu, D. Brady and R. Davis | Simtars

There are significant concerns in the Australian underground coal mine industry regarding the safe changeover of SCSR's. The Queensland underground level one emergency exercises have revealed an unsatisfactory failure rate in the SCSR changeover. In an adverse atmosphere, it could mean ....  read more

 

Stage One: A New "Safety Case" Process and its Implications to Australian Coal Mining Stage Two: Acceptable Risk: A Matter of Establishing Adequate Control

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C1501101/04/2009
Author: Jim Joy, Guldidar Kizil | Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC), Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), The University of Queensland

This report is the compilation of a two stage project:

  • Stage 1: Coal Mine Safety Regime (CMSR): A New “Safety Case” Process and its Implications to Australian Coal Mining (completed in September 2007);
  • Stage 2: Acceptable Risk: A Matter of Establishing Adequate Control
 ....  read more

 

Status of Technologies in Support of Emergency Response Strategies

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C1302628/08/2005
Author: Greg Rowen | CSIRO

The original objectives of the project were to research and report on the following:  

  • current and proposed strategies of emergency evacuation and mines rescue techniques; 
  • current and proposed technologies in support of these
 ....  read more

 

Stereotypic Human Error in the Operation of Underground and Surface Mining Equipment

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C1201201/05/2004
Author: Jim Joy, Simon Wedgewood, Ron Groenland | University of Qld, BMA

In the early 1980's a number of large-scale industrial disasters gave renewed impetus to the study of human factors, and in particular, how it relates to human error. Investigations of these disasters highlighted the need to understand and manage the interface between people and their work ....  read more

 

Study of Real Time Dry Bulb Temperature and Relative Humidity Monitoring Systems for Use in Underground Mines - Implementation Challenges

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C2402601/01/2017
Author: Manoj Khanal and Ron McPhee | CSIRO

As the depth of mines increases, the temperature in the mine workings also increases due to the geothermal gradient.

 

The project was undertaken as follows:

· A survey was conducted to understand the current practices and equipment used to monitor temperature in ....  read more

 

Taxonomy - Accidents in the Coal Mining Industry

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C404403/01/1997
Author: Geoff McDonald | Geoff McDonald and Associates

The objective of this study is to improve the way industry injury/incident data contributes to mine site prevention strategies by adopting alternative classification and analysis systems. The system used in this study ....  read more

 

The Effects of Diesel Fuel Quality on the Exhaust Emissions of Underground Mining Engines

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C308101/06/1998
Author: David Humphreys, Darren Chrzanowski, Shirley Muller, Rob Tait, Terry O'Beirne | ACIRL

A used, mine specification Caterpillar 3304 PCNA engine coupled to a dynamometer, was used to test and contrast the emissions from 8 disparate diesel fuels, one of which included a proprietary, after-market  ....  read more

 

The Performance and Selection of Self Rescuers

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C1000201/10/2000
Author: Paul MacKenzie-Wood | Self

There are concerns in the Coal Industries of New South Wales and Queensland about the integrity and reliability of body worn chemical oxygen self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), following adverse reports from South Africa and the United States on the premature deterioration of these devices ....  read more

 

Trialling Alternative Diesel Fuels For Reducing DPM & Solving Emission Toxicity

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C1801401/01/2011
Author: Julian Greenwood, Dale Howard, Terry O'Beirne, Zoran Ristovski, Nicholas Surawski, Branka Miljevic | SkillPro Services, QUT

This project has used an engine dynamometer to undertake emissions testing of a range of 'alternative' diesel fuels in two different engine configurations. Various blends of different biodiesels, mixed with low sulphur 'pump' fuel, reduced the mass of diesel particulate ....  read more

 

Triple Chamber, Triple Frequency, Ultrasonic Diesel Exhaust Soot Scrubber

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C1801701/02/2012
Author: Patrick Glynn, Neil Davey, Chris Robertson | CSIRO

This is the final report for ACARP Project C18017, Triple Chamber Triple Frequency Ultrasonic Diesel Exhaust Soot Scrubber , a follow-on project to the successful outcome of ACARP Project C15021 Ultrasonic Diesel Particulate Agglomeration.

The promising results of Project ....  read more

 

Underground Vehicle Design Standards and Statutory Implications

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C306301/04/2022
Author: Terry O'Beirne, P Walton, A Morrell, M Bell, Adrian O'Malley | MineRisk, ACIRL

The Australian underground diesel vehicle fleet has evolved since diesel powered Baldwin locos were introduced in 1964. Today, there are some 1140 diesel powered free steered vehicles in service, and perhaps in excess of 100 track locos with various power sources. Caterpillar diesel engines ....  read more

 

Updating "Reducing Injury Risks Associated with Underground Coal Mining Equipment"

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C1801227/10/2010
Author: Robin Burgess-Limerick | Burgess-Limerick & Associates

The project updates the research undertaken in project C14016 (2005-2006). The objectives are:

· To improve understanding of the causes of injuries associated with underground coal mining equipment;

· To identify existing and proposed improvements to equipment design to ....  read more

 

Underground

Health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives.

Recently Completed Projects

C34019Longwall Bretby Cable Handling Monitoring With Fibre Optics

This project examined the potential of using fibre optic sensing tec...

C27049Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor an...

C29007Innovative Coal Burst System To Investigate The Influence Of Confinement Loss And Pre-Conditioning On Coal Burst Mechanism

The challenges associated with designing and operating a safe and pr...

Underground

Open Cut

Safety, productivity and the right to operate are priorities for open cut mine research.

Recently Completed Projects

C33035High Water Recovery, Low Cost Desalination Using PV-Powered Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (Mcdi)

Capacitive deionization is a robust, energy efficient and cost effec...

C28035Topsoil Deficits In Site Rehabilitation Accelerated Transformation Of Spoils To Functional Soils

The incorporation of commercial biological amendments (compost, worm...

C34036Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting Trials

Tyre handling is a major source of risk in surface mining operations...

Open Cut

Coal Preparation

Maximising throughput and yield while minimising costs and emissions.

Coal Preparation

Technical Market Support

Market acceptance and emphasising the advantages of Australian coals.

Recently Completed Projects

C34060In-Situ Investigation Of Coke Structure Formation Under Stamp Charged Coking Conditions

Stamp charged cokemaking has emerged as an effective technique to im...

C34062Improving The Classification Of Microstructure Distribution In Coke CT Images Using Deep Learning And Lineal Path Calculations

This project builds on a number of earlier projects that have helped...

C29071Source Of Variability Of Reactivity Of Coke In The CSR Test

The Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) test is used worldwide to det...

Technical Market Support

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the production of coal.

Recently Completed Projects

C28076Selective Absorption Of Methane By Ionic Liquids (SAMIL)

This third and final stage of this project was the culmination of a ...

C29069Low-Cost Catalyst Materials For Effective VAM Catalytic Oxidation

Application of ventilation air methane (VAM) thermal oxidiser requir...

C23052Novel Stone Dust Looping Process For Ventilation Air Methane Abatement

This multi‐phase project is concerned with the mitigation of m...

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Low Emission Coal Use

Step-change technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently Completed Projects

C17060BGasification Of Australian Coals

Four Australian coals were trialled in the Siemens 5 MWth pilot scale ga...

C17060AOxyfuel Technology For Carbon Capture And Storage Critical Clean Coal Technology - Interim Support

The status of oxy-fuel technology for first-generation plant is indicate...

C18007Review Of Underground Coal Gasification

This report consists of a broad review of underground coal gasification,...

Low Emission Coal Use

Mining And The Community

The relationship between mines and the local community.

Recently Completed Projects

C16027Assessing Housing And Labour Market Impacts Of Mining Developments In Bowen Basin Communities

The focus of this ACARP-funded project has been to identify a number...

C22029Understanding And Managing Cumulative Impacts Of Coal Mining And Other Land Uses In Regions With Diversified Economies

The coal industry operates in the context of competing land-uses that sh...

C23016Approval And Planning Assessment Of Black Coal Mines In NSW And Qld: A Review Of Economic Assessment Techniques

This reports on issues surrounding economic assessment and analysis ...

Mining And The Community

NERDDC

National Energy Research,Development & Demonstration Council (NERDDC) reports - pre 1992.

Recently Completed Projects

1609-C1609Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

1301-C1301Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development...

Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development and Extraction Operations

0033-C1356Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals...

Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals - An Industry Handbook

NERDDC