The Hunter’s existing expertise in developing and manufacturing defence and mining equipment has far wider application. Local company Ampcontrol was built on providing electronic solutions for the mining sector and is now applying their advanced manufacturing capability to innovations such as standalone power systems, remote water filtration, hybrid electric boats, electric vehicles and even emergency ventilators to support NSW Health during the COVID crisis.
Local company 3ME Technology develops and manufactures batteries for mining vehicles. It collaborated with a local mining equipment specialist called BME to retrofit the Tritev, a diesel-powered 20-tonne Integrated Tool Carrier. This vehicle provides superior performance in the underground mine environment and there is an influx of demand from the industry. This battery retrofit template could be applied to other transport including zero-emissions buses, waste trucks and even ferries.
In addition, the Hunter has a strong capability in the aluminium, steel recycling, and medical technology industries.
Across the Hunter, community and industry groups, businesses, researchers and state and local government agencies are working to secure new manufacturing, new markets and new ways to export energy. This includes green hydrogen, green steel, green aluminium, green minerals processing and products manufactured with 100% Australian renewable energy.