Glencore’s McArthur River Mine (MRM) has taken a significant step towards enhancing safety in surface mining operations by successfully trialling and committing to expand the use of RCT’s Remote Shutdown System. The system, initially tested on a grader and a bulldozer, will now be installed on an additional five bulldozers, underscoring a proactive approach to mitigating risks in dynamic and often unpredictable mining environments.
MRM, one of the world’s largest zinc and lead deposits, operates heavy machinery in conditions that demand robust safety measures. The decision to trial the Remote Shutdown System was driven by the need for a rapid, remote shutdown capability in emergency situations. “Bulldozers and graders are among the most difficult pieces of mining equipment to mount and dismount safely,” said Danny Ballard, RCT’s Mt Isa Branch Manager. “In an emergency, reaching the operator can be extremely dangerous, especially if the machine is still running. That’s where our remote shutdown system makes a critical difference, allowing personnel to safely bring the machine to a stop without direct contact.”
RCT’s suite of safety and automation solutions for bulldozers includes protection systems, ladder controllers, and advanced tele-remote and autonomous dozing capabilities. “With the industry continuing to see bulldozer-related incidents, it’s vital that we equip operators and sites with technology that reduces risk and improves control,” Ballard emphasized. The Remote Shutdown System is a robust, secure remote control solution that enables nearby personnel to manually shut down a machine in the event of an emergency, particularly if an operator is incapacitated or in distress. Notably, the system is OEM-agnostic, meaning it can be installed on any make or model of machine, providing operators with maximum flexibility.
“The system allows emergency intervention without putting others at risk,” Ballard said. “It should be a standard safety feature on all bulldozers and graders.” The installation at MRM marks the first time RCT’s Mt Isa branch has fitted the Remote Shutdown System to machines at nearby mines, but Ballard expects this to be just the beginning. “With the kind of safety improvements this product offers, it’s clear these installations are going to be in demand across many more mine sites,” he noted.
The success of the installation at MRM is also attributed to the expertise of the personnel involved. Jake Saliba, the RCT technician who led the fit-out, was praised by Glencore site personnel for his professionalism and capability. “Jake’s conduct and performance on site were a key reason the job continued smoothly,” Ballard said. “His work was well received by the team, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
This development comes as the mining industry continues to grapple with bulldozer-related incidents. In Queensland alone, 19 bulldozer rollovers were reported between 2022 and 2023, many during routine activities like floor clean-ups and rehabilitation work. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of heavy machinery in dynamic environments. While the current rollout focuses on bulldozers, RCT sees strong potential for expanding the technology to other high-risk machines such as excavators.
The adoption of RCT’s Remote Shutdown System at MRM could set a new standard for safety in surface mining operations. As the industry continues to prioritize worker safety and operational efficiency, such technological advancements are likely to become more prevalent. The success of this trial not only underscores the importance of innovation in mining safety but also highlights the potential for broader industry adoption. As mining operations increasingly embrace advanced safety technologies, the sector may see a significant reduction in incidents and an overall improvement in workplace safety standards.