Image: (L-R): Bob Calvert (Jayben), Allan Johnson (Jayben), Chris Johnson (Jayben), Matthew Anderson (Grange Resources), Gavin Pearce MP, Ben Maynard (Grange Resources), Jeremy Rockliff MP.
A new type of remote-controlled excavator that can operate vertically on the side of a cliff is set to debut at Savage River Mine.
The S60 Scaler utilises an augmented reality vision system and was developed by Grange Resources in conjunction with Cooee manufacturer Jayben.
Jayben general manager Chris Johnson said the machine was designed to cut away rocks that were at risk of collapsing as ore was extracted, a job usually done in mines "by men abseiling down the wall on a rope".
"They do a lot of safety assessments to ensure it's safe to do so but it's an inherently dangerous activity," he said.
"What this does differently is it's a remote-controlled vehicle that doesn't require anyone to go into that unsafe area."
The manufacture of the S60 was made possible by a $430,000 grant Jayben received from the federal government's Regional Jobs and Investment Package.
The grant allowed Jayben to expand its workshops to accommodate a machine the size of the S60, upgrade its equipment and employ more staff.
Federal Braddon MP Gavin Pearce said expanding Jayben's workload capability would enable the manufacturer to extend its reach into new domestic and international markets.
"By investing in improved tooling, plant and equipment, this project will allow the plant to maximise operational capacity and reduce ongoing costs," he said.
"Expanding the existing facility has also created room for multiple simultaneous production lines, along with an investment in electronic and sensor technologies that will give this facility a competitive advantage."
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack expected the investment in Tasmanian manufacturing to allow Jayben to "expand and promote sustainable job growth in the Burnie region for years to come".
"It gives me pleasure to see a thriving manufacturing industry continue to grow, create jobs and breathe life into the North West Tasmanian economy," he said.
Mr Johnson said a lot of new technology was developed through the S60 project and many other mines had a need for it.
"So, we'll be aiming to commercialise this product over the coming years," he said.
"There's a lot of work to be done but our aim is to build as many of these as the market wants."
Full Article: https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/6641658/jobs-package-helps-jayben-create-hanging-mine-excavator/