Ampcontrol joins BHP on global food supply project

Photo: Ampcontrol.

Ampcontrol was named the supplier for conveyor control systems for stage one at the BHP Jansen Potash Project in Saskatchewan.

Predominantly used as a fertiliser, potash provides a source of potassium which keeps soils fertile and maximises food production. Potash demand is set to increase with global population growth and food demand. This will benefit global crop production through the sustainable intensification of agriculture and the optimisation of crop yields.

The Ampcontrol iMAC monitoring and control system has achieved Canadian Standards Approval (CSA) and will be used for conveyor controls onsite. This marks the first time an Ampcontrol product has been used in Canada.

“We have a solid history of working with BHP in Australia for over 50 years,” said Rod Henderson, managing director and CEO, Ampcontrol. “We are looking forward to furthering our relationship by participating in the Jansen Potash Project and are eager to share our world class electrical solutions with the broader Canadian market.”

The iMAC system is customised to the requirements of sites and provides features such as high integrity emergency stop, broadcast messaging, and belt hazard identification functionality, with remote interface capabilities.

“Ampcontrol was selected from a number of different vendors to supply conveyor control signal line equipment for the underground conveyor systems, consisting of upwards of 35 kilometres of conveyor belts,” said Jamie Scheffer, integrated project team manager underground, BHP. “The Ampcontrol iMAC was the successful solution because it provided a remote interface which gave us the ability to link in remotely and help fault find should issues occur. This is particularly important for this site due to our remote location.”

Work will start on the conveyor system in late 2022 with the current project expected to be completed by 2025.

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Article originally published on Canadian Manufacturing.