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Mine safety initiatives receive Federal funding support

Three mining safety projects have received funding from the Federal Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) initiative.

The 11th round of the CRC-P awarded 22 projects with a share in $47 million in grants.

A joint project between the University of New South Wales, Jennmar Australia and JIMACK received $3 million for an $8.3 million project to develop high-capacity dynamic rock reinforcement for underground mines.

Another joint project between MineSensor Services, Reliable Conveyor Belt and the University of Newcastle received $250,000 to develop wireless mining conveyor technology to improve safety and reduce outages.

A Newcrest Mining project received $2 million from the initiative, working with the University of New South Wales, Roobuck and Roboworks.

The research team will look develop a long-range network for underground mines which could be used for monitoring, control, backup, rescue and robotics works.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the initiative had benefits for the economy and the recipients themselves.

“These projects will address challenges in our National Manufacturing Priority areas and lead to tangible outcomes that will improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries, while growing the economy and creating new jobs,” Porter said.

“CRC-Ps also help strengthen links between research organisations and industry, and support Australian businesses to develop new technologies, products, processes and services for global supply chains.

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie said countless opportunities had been created through the CRC-P since it was conceived in 2016.

“Innovation is critical to regional and remote Australian communities, and these projects will boost research and development activities in regional areas and spark economic growth and job creation locally, and contribute to global competitiveness,” McKenzie said.

So far, the initiative has awarded over $376 million to support 176 projects.

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