Newcrest receives government grant for long-range network

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

The CRC-P aims to deliver a range of innovations and technologies across a number of sectors.

These projects will work to satisfy the National manufacturing Priority areas, which include Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing.

The Newcrest 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.

Another (joint) project between the University of New South Wales, Jennmar Australia and JIMACK which received $3 million for an $8.3 million project.

It aims to develop high-capacity rock reinforcement for underground mines, to fulfil the industry’s need to venture deeper underground for more valuable ore bodies.

“Experience shows a major hazard from mining in very high stressed environments is a sudden dynamic explosive failure of rock that is not effectively held by traditional rock bolt reinforcement; hence, dynamic bolts exist,” the project description stated.

“This project will design, develop and build Australian manufacturing for the world’s highest capacity dynamic bolt support system.”

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.