Rory Burke, general manager – Metalliferous at Redpath, said the combination Jacon rig would positively affect the way fibrecrete is applied underground, and also creates a much safer worksite.

“The combination rig is one single machine that mixes, transports and applies the fibrecrete, which removes the need to have two separate major pieces of equipment underground,” Mr Burke said.

“Reducing the amount of machinery needed in an underground space creates a much safer environment for workers, and I’m certain this innovative technology was a driving factor in Redpath winning the contract.

“When considering the benefits associated with having only one piece of equipment to apply fibrecrete in a confined space instead of two, such as a reduction in heat and diesel particulates, a reduction in personnel and vehicle interactions and a reduction in general heavy equipment traffic in the mine, the Jacon combo rig ticks all the boxes.”

The contract win, awarded by George Fisher mine operator Glencore, follows a recent, highly successful campaign production drilling contract at the Glencore Ernest Henry site where Redpath exceeded 12,500m of production drilling in one month.

The contract at the George Fisher mine includes batching, delivery and spraying 2500 cubic metres a month of fibrecrete and cable bolting approximately 6000-9000m a month, with mobilisation already in progress and work to start in December.

The George Fisher mine is 20 kilometres north of Mount Isa.