ACARP Project – Completed First Year Report

The Australian Coal Industry’s Research Program, ACARP has been running in Australia since 1992. It is 100% owned and funded by all Australian black coal producers through a five cents per tonne levy paid on saleable coal.

In 2024, Roobuck won a grant for $360,000 over 2 years for an Underground Project in Mining Technology and Production Category for our Planar Reflecting Radio Antenna (PRRA) for Underground Coal Mines project. This project will develop an innovative planar reflecting radio antenna working at multiple frequency bands simultaneously to extend the coverage of wireless communications used in underground coal mines. The reflecting radio antenna is an intrinsically safe, passive radiator where no power or network infrastructure connection is required, making it a highly cost effective and scalable solution for underground coal mines. Certainly, its application is not limited in coal mines.

The project has progressed as planned and we have submitted the first year report to ACARP. We have basically completed the electronic design in 2.4GHz band and prototypes have been tested at underground coal mine sites. Prototyping tests show very positive results. Commercial products will include several models. The basic model is for a WiFi network and it is expected to be certified next year by IECEx. Once this is completed we will apply for MSHA approval.

To read more go to:  ACARP https://www.acarp.com.au/