In a significant milestone for MineARC Systems Australia, we are proud to announce our 1500th refuge chamber’s recent completion, MA1500. The chamber is a step forward for an organisation continually looking to raise the bar regarding industry safety standards. It demonstrates why we are considered the world leader in refuge chamber technology by meeting the needs and demands of markets worldwide.
MineARC Australia manufactures its 1500th refuge chamber. Refuge chambers and safe havens are critical safety requirements for mining, construction, and chemical manufacturing. Thus, extending to all industries where there is a high potential for the atmosphere to become contaminated and unsafe.
Why Refuge Chambers Are Necessary
Fires, explosions, rock-falls, flooding and the release of toxic gases are just some of the types of incidents that occur all too often, despite planning and safety precautions. In these incidents, it is essential to provide a safe location for staff to escape when exiting the area is no longer an option.
Although personnel may survive an immediate accident, the air can often become soiled with pollutants, smokes and toxins, deeming it unbreathable. Refuge chambers help sustain the life of personnel in a secure area while they wait to be rescued. At the same time providing a breathable supply of air, water and communications to the surface– ultimately saving lives.
The Growth of MineARC Systems
Since its inception in 1999, as a small two-person business in Perth, Western Australia, MineARC has come a long way. The company has grown from developing the world’s first scrubber to our 1500th Australian-built refuge chamber. However, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to improving the safe working conditions for all industry personnel.
MineARC has found great success through constant collaboration with our invaluable clients, working closely to ensure that developed products meet the market’s continually evolving demands.
Refuge chambers are a vital, long-term investment. Therefore, they must meet customer needs. As such, customising each chamber and adjusted to suit the requirements of a project.
Although personnel may survive an immediate accident, the air can often become soiled with pollutants, smokes and toxins, deeming it unbreathable. Refuge chambers help sustain the life of personnel in a secure area while they wait to be rescued. At the same time providing a breathable supply of air, water and communications to the surface– ultimately saving lives.
About Refuge Chamber MA1500
MA1500 is a 12 Person, MineSAFE Essential Design Refuge Chamber with a 36-hour duration in standby mode. The chamber build specifically meets the Barrick Niugini Porgera Mine’s needs in Papua New Guinea. The Porgera Joint Venture is an open pit and underground gold mine located at an altitude of 2,200-2,600. This shelter will be the fifth MineSAFE Refuge Chamber delivered to the project this year.
The refuge chamber features the following;
- Dual language operational instructions in English and Tok Pisin, the local language in PNG Highlands
- A Compact Design AuraFX Digital Gas Monitoring System gives straightforward and easy to understand warnings on dangerous gas levels
- A video screen to show operational instructions in English and Tok Pisin
- CAMS air filtration
- Fully flushable airlock
At MineARC Systems, we pride ourselves on the relationships we have developed with local and remote mines across an international landscape. Going above and beyond for our clients continues to be a significant emphasis. Whether that be providing multi-lingual materials, or travelling to the site to deliver training personally, and maintenance advice on the chambers; a service that no other similar company offers.
MA1500 demonstrates how far MineARC has grown.