Underground mine radio system Leaky Feeder

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Underground mine radio system (Leaky Feeder)

• Presenter Arie Kristian

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History

• Transistorised mobile transceiver in late 1960s
• Two-way CB radio (line of sight)
• Internal office mobile phones (surface only)
• Leaky feeder system (underground)

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Leaky feeder

• Leaky feeder distributed antenna system
• Installed underground to radiate radio signal
  throughout the mine
• Easy to install
• Flexible and cheap
• High loss factor above 200 MHz

Leaky feeder cable
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Components of leaky feeder

• Headend equipment ? to split combine multiple
  channels
• Distribution equipment ? transmit receive radio
  signal via leaky feeder cable
• Telemetry equipment ? remotely control
  underground equipment (i.e. fans, pumps)

Headend equipment
Distribution equipment
Telemetry control panel
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Benefits

• Increase productivity
• Easy fast clearance of the mine in preparation
  for blasting
• Improved reaction times to emergencies
• Can be used to remotely control plant equipment
  (telemetry)
• Can be used to monitor staff working alone on
  machinery (via video or radio link)

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Application

• Kanowna Belle Mine, WA
• Olympic Dam Operation, SA
• Newmont Tanami Operation, NT
• Big Bell Operation, WA
• Yilgarn Star Operation, WA

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Thank you