AQ-Miner: Underground Vehicle & Equipment Digitisation Programme
The Challenge
Aquila Underground Coal required a comprehensive digital asset management and operator safety solution across its underground fleet — from continuous miners and load-haul-dump vehicles to shuttle cars. The operation needed real-time vehicle tracking with sub-two-metre accuracy, operator authentication, automated pre-start checks to replace manual paperwork, and a scalable platform to capture critical machine and personnel data in a challenging underground environment.
Our Approach
Deftec designed and built a multi-component proof-of-concept programme delivered from our Mackay facility, comprising three integrated systems: the O-VAM (Onboard Vehicle Asset Management) platform for man transporters and LHD vehicles with precise location tracking and directional recording; a Digital Miner console featuring RFID-authenticated operator access and a digital interface at the production face; and the Dragonfly Visual SLAM system for shuttle car positioning. The architecture was built on Microsoft Azure cloud services with computing infrastructure deployed on local virtual machines, supported by flameproof hardware and custom software development across front-end applications, back-end systems, and database architecture. Each system was constructed and demonstrated at agreed milestones for Aquila’s review and sign-off.
The Outcome
The proof-of-concept delivery provided Aquila with validated technology solutions ready for underground trial deployment, eliminating manual pre-start processes, enabling precise asset tracking, and establishing a foundation for edge computing capabilities isolated from existing mine systems. The integrated approach demonstrated how digital systems could improve operational safety, reduce paperwork, and provide real-time visibility across the underground fleet.
Technologies and Capabilities
- SCADA & Industrial Automation
- Real-time vehicle asset management and GPS-based location tracking
- Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) systems
- RFID operator authentication and access control
- Flameproof computing terminals and wireless networking
- Microsoft Azure cloud architecture
- Custom front-end and back-end software development
- Edge computing and local server infrastructure (Dell PowerEdge EMC servers)
- Database design and operator management systems
- Underground equipment integration and commissioning