BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance

A Peak Downs Mine invention that provides a safer and more reliable method of replacing dragline ropes has made a clean sweep at this year's Queensland Mining Industry Safety Innovation Awards, picking up both the Judges' Award and the People's Choice Award.

Developed by a team from Peak Downs Mine, the Centre Line Socket Safety System permits the safe removal of the rope wedge from dragline hoist, dump and drag sockets.  The wedge is in the end section of the rope which becomes locked or jammed into the equipment by more than 100 tonnes of rope force during operation.

A team comprising Allan Cooper, Kev Cameron, Bill McCurry and Dallas Cauchi, in conjunction with Zemek Engineering, developed a prototype for the Centre Line Socket, then progressed the concept to an engineering solution.

Peak Downs Ropes and Rigging Supervisor, Bill McCurry, explained that the traditional method of removing wedges involved the use of a ‘donger’ - a massive steel weight suspended from a mobile crane - that was swung backwards and forwards to hammer out the wedge.

'Swinging the donger or a sledge hammer created a hazardous work environment,' Bill said.

'By using a small jack on the centre line of the socket, we were able to release the wedge quickly and safely' he said.

Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council, Michael Roche, said the awards demonstrated how mining companies - who in other areas are business rivals - shared a common objective of improving the health and safety of their operations.

Pictured (from left): State Minister for Mines and Energy, the Hon Geoff Wilson, presents the Awards for the Centre Line Socket Safety System to Peak Downs team members Bill McCurry and Brett Condon at a ceremony in Townsville this week.