AN AUTOMATED lighting plant starting system has won the Queensland Mining Industry Innovation Awards.
Prior to the development of the automated system, the 45 lighting plants spread around Oz Minerals' Century Mine had to be started manually by staff who travelled in light vehicles, stopping constantly to start each plant.
By automating the lighting, the company reduced the risks of vehicle accidents, exposure to heat and dust, slip trips, sprains and strains.
By not driving around turning on the plants, the company also reduced its carbon emissions by more than 173,000kg per year, because the lighting plants’ running times were reduced by 2.5 hours per day.
The awards were judged during the 20th annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference.