The membership enhances the ongoing collaboration between P&H and CMTE on a number of R&D projects, and signals that further collaboration between CMTE and manufacturing companies is imminent as the centre enters an intense period of technology commercialisation.
CMTE researchers, who have for some time enjoyed the support of P&H staff, particularly in the field, have welcomed the partnership as a way for CMTE and P&H to reap the benefits of working together.
CMTE chief executive officer Dr Mike Hood said CMTE's members were able to direct the centre's R&D portfolio and were privy to ongoing feedback about technology developments.
"Through the synergistic partnership, and leveraged funding from the Commonwealth Government, CMTE's members get to conduct large-scale research at minimal cost," said Hood.
With a network of centres close to major mining areas P&H MinePro provides "cradle to grave" support for large surface mining equipment. In Australia, P&H MinePro is headquartered in Brisbane, with centres in the Hunter Valley, Mackay and Perth.
The CMTE, established under the Australian Federal Government's Cooperative Research Centres Program, has mining company members including Anglo Coal Australia, BHP Billiton Coal, Hamersley Iron, Pasminco, Rio Tinto and WMC.
