By Hanna Davies Courier Mail, 16 December 2010

Southeast Queensland scientists have developed a world-first technology to reduce the risk of miners becoming ill from breathing in dangerous particulates.

Loganholme company Peak3 yesterday launched the $1 million invention, which uses ultrasonic soundwaves to remove poisonous particles from diesel-powered mining equipment.

The technology has been developed in conjunction with engineers from Queensland University of Technology and is already being trialled in Western Australia by BHP Billiton.

Company CEO Col Chandler said the soundwaves, which are too high to be heard by human ears, are fired into an exhaust where they cause the particles to clump together, enabling easy removal.

“The devices are fitted to mining machines in the form of a very tough steel box, a bit like a speaker”, he said.

The particles produced during the burning of diesel fuel are similar to asbestos particles and known to cause respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as being linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Mr Chandler said this latest technology could remove even the smallest of particles.