The order consists of a trial SAFEGAS system for a coal mine near Hanoi. SAFEGAS is Australia's leading tool for the collection of atmospheric data in underground coal mines and is used throughout the world. Simtars will supply software and training valued at $100,000.
Simtars is also investigating opportunities to sell the technology to international mining companies setting up their own mine safety research facilities in Vietnam.
The Queensland Government-owned group recently sold 16 mine gas analysis systems to the Chinese mining industry to help minimise incidences of coal mine fires and explosions.
Simtars is a semi-autonomous, professionally independent division of the Queensland Government's Department of Natural Resources and Mines and has been providing research, development, testing, certification and technology transfer services to improve health, safety and environmental protection in the minerals and energy industries since 1989.
Simtars was recently made an approved testing organisation under the international IEC Ex Scheme, which governs best practice for electronic equipment in explosive atmospheres, and also by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand as a certifying body for explosion-protected equipment.
When the IEC Ex Scheme is fully implemented, all reports and certificates issued by Simtars to IEC hazardous location standards will be recognized throughout the world, improving equipment suppliers’ ability to export products worldwide without a need for additional approvals.