The Longwall Automation Steering Committee-developed technology has become an integral part of coal cutting in underground longwall mining, particularly in its native Australia.

The majority of Australian coal mines have installed or ordered LASC-enabled longwall equipment. There also is growing international interest.

The SPMS is a key part of the technology.

The CSIRO has been making and supplying the hardware to LASC-licenced longwall equipment makers to boost its uptake.

QSDM has entered into a licence to take over that role.

The Canadian company has more than 25 years experience in the design, manufacture and support of industrial quality electronic equipment.

The arrangement is designed to ensure the LASC technology continues to be delivered and further developed to the benefit of the industry.

CSIRO’s David Reid led an eight-year collaborative project to develop the technology.

His efforts were supported by Australian Coal Association Research Program funding.

LASC has been commercialised by all major longwall equipment manufacturers.