An innovation by MMG Century’s Mine Maintenance team was recognised as one of best in the industry at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference in Townsville last night.
The Windrow Delineator, a device that improves safety by improving visibility on the mine’s in-pit roads, received the Highly Commended Award at Conference’s Innovation Awards.
In keeping with theme of this year’s Conference, ‘Simple Solutions to Complex Problems’, the Windrow Delineator was developed after discussions with operators and tyre experts about how to improve safety and address the causes of tyre damage.
MMG Century Mine Maintenance Manager Rod Dugmore, who was hand to receive the award on behalf of the project team, said that it was the simple design of the Windrow Delineator that made it so effective.
“Safety is always our priority at Century so once my team had identified the problem – a need to improve visibility of in-pit roads for heavy vehicle machinery operators at night – we set about developing an effective solution.
“We needed a device that illuminated the edges of in-pit roads that could also be easily installed on windrows, regardless of size and shape.
“With its adjustable arms that hug the sides and rest on top of windrows, the Windrow Delineator provides excellent visibility for heavy vehicle operators. Its design also means that the device cannot be covered by a built up of rock or dirt.”
Mr Dugmore said that he was proud of his team for developing the device, which will be progressively rolled out on in-pit roads at the Century.
“I am very proud of my team and the work that they put into developing a device that improves safety while addressing the causes of tyre damage.
“We are also confident that due to its simple design, the Windrow Delineator, can be used at other mining operations or even outside the industry to help improve visibility for heavy vehicle operators.”
“We have a long history of innovation to improve safety – our Start-Up Lighting Plant took out the Innovation Award at the 2008 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference and our Joystick Test Module was a finalist at last year’s Awards. We will continue to look for ways to improve safety with innovations that are not only applicable for Century but throughout the industry.
MMG Century is Australia’s largest zinc mine, located in remote north-west Queensland. The mine is part of Minerals and Metals Groups (MMG), a substantial global producer of zinc, copper, lead and silver. MMG is owned by China Minmetals, a Fortune 500 company.
The windrow delineator
For more information:
Jillian D’Urso
Communications Advisor
0417 117 753
jillian.durso@mmg.com
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