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MST's ICCL cap lamps have been designed to be lighter and more efficient, with the ability to incorporate other pieces of equipment into its design.
The system to be used at Beltana incorporates RFID wireless tags into the ICCL battery pack, ensuring they will always be with a person when they are underground.
Xstrata already uses the ICCLs at other coal mines in the area, due to their reliability and sturdiness.
Reasons behind the upgrade include occupational health and safety benefits, with the lightweight ICCL unit weighing about one-third of the model currently used at Beltana. The digital tracking system will improve safety, particularly in emergency situations, and the fact that it can be integrated with the ICCL makes it more efficient than other available models.
The initial equipment installation includes 200 ICCLs with wireless tags, 50 wireless tags for underground diesel vehicles, 18 dual wireless ImPact access points and management software.
Beltana has consistently been Australia's most productive longwall mine, producing over 7 million tonnes in 2007.
