Underground

Is exposure to illite dust linked to pneumoconiosis?

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

Breathing Zone Dust Exposure Quantification and Respirators Performance

Monitoring of personal respirable dust exposure is a crucial step in eliminating the coal mine workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) disease from the Australian coal mining industry. The standard personal monitoring is conducted in a breathing zone which is defined as the area within 0.3 m radius of a ....  read more

Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

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

New PDM Filter for Direct-on-Filter Silica Analysis of Coal Mine Dust

Timely monitoring and reporting of personal exposure levels of respirable coal dust (RCD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is crucial to dust exposure management for protecting coal mine workers from mine dust lung disease. The current gravimetric method needs 1-2 weeks to get exposure ....  read more

Developing Suitable Gas Separation Membrane for Breathing Apparatus

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

Resilience and Mental Health in Mining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Underground Vehicle Design Standards and Statutory Implications

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

Intrinsically Safe Vehicle Integrity & Engine Warning System

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

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

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

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

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

Real Time Dust Monitor

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

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

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

Occupational Assessment and Centralised Repository for Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease

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

Development of 'Dustless' Longwall and Development Face

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

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

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

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

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

Assessment of Pyrite Coal Dust Induced Pneumoconiosis

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

Collision Awareness - Capability of Underground Mine Vehicle Proximity Detection Systems

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

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

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

Non Invasive Detection of Pressure in Hydraulic Hoses Underground

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

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

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

Emergency Response: Mine Entry Data Management

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

LISCA - LASC Interoperability Specifications for Collision Avoidance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Longwall Hydraulics Staple Loc Staple Fatigue Assessment

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

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

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

Triple Chamber, Triple Frequency, Ultrasonic Diesel Exhaust Soot Scrubber

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

Trialling Alternative Diesel Fuels For Reducing DPM & Solving Emission Toxicity

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

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

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

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

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

Non-Invasive Detection of Fluid under Pressure

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:

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

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

Self-rescuer Changeover Stations

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

Mine Safety Regulation: Towards A National Approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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".

Principles for the Reduction of Errors in Bolting Control Operation

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?;

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

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

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

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

Proximity Detection System Underground

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

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

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

Performance Testing of Diesel Engines in High Methane Atmospheres

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

Reducing Injury Risks Associated with Underground Mining Equipment

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

Mines Rescue Vehicle - Demonstration Phase

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.

Risk and Coal Mining Governance

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

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

Dust Control Technology Development for Longwall Faces - Simulation Studies

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

Status of Technologies in Support of Emergency Response Strategies

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

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

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

Mines Rescue Vehicle Testing and Development Extension

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

Air and Dust Flow Patterns around the Longwall Shearer

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

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

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

Remotely Controlled Equipment Accidents - Scoping Study

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

Close Aspect Lighting in Underground Coal Mines

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

Fitness for Duty: Scoping Study

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

The Performance and Selection of Self Rescuers

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

Relocatable Fresh Air Base

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

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

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

Occupational Health and Safety Priorities for the Australian Coal Industry

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

Development of a Whole Body Vibration Dosimeter

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

NUMBAT Maintenance and Development Project

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

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

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

Electrostatic Enhancement of Water Sprays for Dust Suppression

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taxonomy - Accidents in the Coal Mining Industry

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

Reduction of Dust in Return Roadways of Longwall Faces

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

Adapting Active Noise Control Headsets for the Mining Industry

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

Application Risks and Benefits of Using Aluminium in Underground Coal Mines

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

Numbat Upgrade Approval and Demonstration

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

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

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

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

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