Underground » Mining Technology and Production
This project concluded the Australian Coal Industry was lagging general industry in the wider use of higher voltage and energy equipment. There were regulatory impediments to the introduction of higher voltages and poor face equipment performance utilisation and voltage regulation.
It was agreed that to establish a framework for future research the industry should be surveyed on whether it is likely that mines will move to higher voltages than currently used underground and obtain an indication from the mines, manufacturers and inspectorates of awareness of potential problems and regulatory issues.
A survey form was formalised and issued to all coal mines, new mine installations, head offices of mining groups, regulatory bodies, consultants and manufacturers. Input from overseas was also requested.
Results from the survey are included in the report together with recommendations and comments. At this time there are a select group of individuals and /or mines where the application of higher voltage is of immediate interest.
The report details the results from this industry survey.