RCT founder wins top Austmine innovation award

The founder of Kewdale-based technology manufacturing business RCT, Bob Muirhead, has been named the Austmine champion of innovation for 2017.

Mr Muirhead is the second person to receive the award from the nation’s leading mining equipment, technology and services industry (METS) body – with the announcement made at a Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre event last week.

The prestigious award recognises individuals who have pioneered innovation in the mining industry.

Mr Muirhead received the award for his lifetime of achievements in the field, including the invention of the Muirhead Smart Protection and ControlMaster remote control systems which he said was a response to many of the machines on mine sites that had poor electrical systems, which would cause endless problems and result in unnecessary downtime.

“They would have to be one of my favourite inventions to date; simply because it is where it all started,” Mr Muirhead said.

“It was a humbling experience to be recognised by others in the industry for something that has been a lifelong interest and passion.”

The previous recipient of the champion of innovation award was acQuire Technology Solutions founder Bill Withers, who won the title in 2015.

Also at the awards night, CSA Global received the Craig Senger Excellence in Export award.

“We are grateful for the acknowledgement shown to us by Austmine,” managing director Jeff Elliott said.

“Our quest to increase our exports in new geographies and diversify our services across the METS sector is a testament to our teams who work so effortlessly around the globe.

"It was very rewarding to have accepted this award with the CSA Global board, senior management team and our business managers in attendance.

“I'm very humbled by the win, and I look forward to continuing to find new opportunities and showcase the specialist talent that we possess both locally and internationally."