MMG Century has made it two in a row, taking out top honours at the 2012 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference Innovation Awards last week.
Century was awarded the Innovation Award for its GET Removal Tool, a device that eliminates the need for hot work and manual handling when changing-out Ground Engaging Tools (GET) on shovels. In addition to eliminating these activities, the device improves the efficiency of the change-out process.
Century was also awarded the Innovation Award in 2011 for its Strongback Power Lift, and was a finalist in the awards in 2009 and 2010.
MMG Queensland Operations Manager Mark Adams said that what impressed him most about the device was the way Century’s Mine Maintenance Workshop team had collaborated to develop a solution.
“From the development of the original concept to refining the design, testing and usage, it was the people who knew the task best – and the hazards and risks associated with it – that created this solution.
“A thorough process was used to develop the device, including involvement by our engineering team, testing and the development of work instructions to ensure correct usage.”
“Our team has done an excellent job of developing an easy to use device that not only addresses safety hazards but improves the overall efficiency of the task.”
“Many people were involved in the process, but I would particularly like to thank Davin Jones, Dale Katthagen and Brent Simmons who led the development the GET Removal Tool.”
Located about 250 kilometres north-west of Mount Isa, Century is Australia’s largest zinc mine. The mine employs about 1000 people across its mining and processing operation at Lawn Hill and Port facility at Karumba, on the Gulf of Carpentaria.