Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/103334
equipmentadvertorial Light up your mine An Australian invention is revolutionising on-site mobile lighting at civil and mine sites throughout Australia. Powerful mobile lighting tower, the Jonker Light, is helping mines to increase efficiencies and decrease costs at a time when this has never been more important. The invention, which was created in conjunction with one of Australia's biggest mining companies, was designed for high wall lighting. Jonker Plant Hire managing director John Jonker created it in response to an open cut site examiner's concern that night lighting wasn't adequate for high wall geology and in pit mining. Ranging from 24,000 to 40,000 watts, with a boom that reaches up to 24 metres, the Jonker Light is proving that bigger is better – and many mine sites agree. At an iron ore mine in Western Australia, one Jonker Light resulted in eight ordinary lighting towers being turned off. Coincidentally, Mr Jonker says that Jonker Plant Hire didn't market the light to get this hire. "Word spread to Western Australia, the client flew over and inspected our factory, went to a mine site to see the lights in action, and ordered four," he says. The lights are even finding their way onto civil sites. While invented to improve safety at mine sites, the power of the Jonker Light and its design have created many efficiencies when compared with other lighting plants. Lower maintenance costs stem from the 500-hour service intervals and 30- to 45-hour refuel intervals. As the Gensets run at 60 per cent 78 loading, it increases their life and decreases fuel usage. "Our calculations show that when one Jonker Light replaces two standard 6,000-watt lights, the customer can save up to $4,000 per month; two 9,000-watt lights equates to approximately $7,000 in decreased operating costs. In a lot of instances we've replaced four or five," says Jonker. The lights are now used in all areas of a mine, including high wall, low wall, dig, turn and ROM operations. "After an operator hurt their back driving over a pothole on a ROM, a Jonker Light was put there," says Jonker, adding, "Whereas coal normally absorbs light, our towers are powerful enough to reflect it. Operators were then able to see potholes and avoid them, thus decreasing the risk of LTIs." Listening to customers and making constant enhancements has been at the heart of Jonker Plant Hire's success with their light. That is why there are various options for the wattage, base and boom length. They range from 24,000 to 40,000 watts; with a base consisting of 4WD, track, skid or self-drive; and an 18-metre or 24-metre boom. Automated starts are also optional. "Our lights are essential because they improve safety, but they also enable civil and mine sites to decrease operating costs and improve productivity." "At an iron ore mine in Western Australia, one Jonker Light resulted in eight ordinary lighting towers being turned off." Jonker Light fast facts • • • • • • • • • • • • • Manufactured in Dalby, Qld 24,000–40,000 watts Replaces up to 5 standard lighting towers Extends up to 20 metres over high walls Boom can extend parallel to the ground Wireless remote-controlled Manual labour not required to move lights Can integrate with autonomous systems Gensets run at 60% loading 500-hour service intervals 4WD, track, skid and self-drive base options No inpit interference Internationally patented