The mining giant recently placed an order for the units as part of its push to open a best practice mine in the latter half of 2005 and use the most advanced technology available on the market.

NL Technologies (Australia) managing director Tim Haight regards the contract award as a key indicator of market confidence in the company’s products.

“The choice of contractors and mines in its predominant overseas markets, the Northern Light line has significant market penetration in North and South America and has developed into one of the most widely used underground lighting systems.

“This is the second order placed by a Placer Dome mine and signals to the Australian market that NL Technologies is an innovator of the type of technology that improves safety and productivity in mining and tunnelling markets and is ideal for Australian mining conditions and the environments,” he said.

The Northern Light Generation II Cap Lamp features Ni-MH cells, advanced internal electronics and design enhancements such as replaceable cell packs and a lamp head with optimal spot quality and light output.

The GIIIR Radio Cap Lamp packages a complete Motorola radio inside a Northern Light Cap Lamp. According to Placer Dome underground superintendent, Wayne Higgins, the GIIIR Radio Cap Lamp will play a critical role in ensuring mine-wide communication.

“Each level development along the ore zone will be in excess of 600m and the GIIIR Radio Cap Lamp will facilitate critical communications between operational staff and underground supervisors. As an integrated, lightweight unit featuring in-built communications and a simple interface, the lamp will optimise shiftwork operations,” Higgins said.

NL Technologies has settled on a site to the north of Brisbane to accommodate its Australian operations. A move-in date has been set for mid-June.