Ridgeway

RIDGEWAY (CADIA) MINE INSTALL VDV LEAKY FEEDER SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION & SAFETY BENEFITS

MINE: RIDGEWAY (CADIA) MINE
OWNER: NEWCREST
TYPE: UNDERGROUND GOLD
LOCATION: ORANGE, NSW, AUSTRALIA

BACKGROUND

As a new mine, communications was identified as being critical to the efficient management of the project. Newcrest, and the contractors Brandrill, based their choice on the performance of other VDV systems in use, particularly the nearby system at Peak Gold. Also of importance was the need to install the system quickly to ensure the production and safety benefits were realised as soon as possible in the initial decline development. Hence the system was ordered at the beginning of the month and was running by the end of the month.

COMPOSITION

Transmission System with 2.5km of leaky coax cable underground in the developing decline and 4.5km extension to include conveyor drift. 7 channel VDV Headend complete with Eclipse repeaters. 20 x Line Amps 20 x Hand Held Radios. 25 x Mobile Radios & 5 Base Radios.

DESCRIPTION

The system consists of 7kms of leaky coax. A seven channel (3 voice) headend is located near the portal transmitting to u/g and around the surface. Channel 3 is the emergency channel with an audio bridge to enable all channels to be simulcast during any emergency situation.

JUSTIFICATION

The system was justified for the increase in production and safety offered by a two way, voice/data system. The requirement for rapid installation & commissioning was made to ensure these benefits were gained as early in the project life as possible.