Cool Cabs support improved underground working conditions at Carrapateena

At BHP, we seek to proactively manage health and safety risks by improving working conditions and applying practical, innovative controls where applicable.  

At Carrapateena, established heat management controls were in place to support underground diamond drill crews. As underground activities progressed deeper and conditions became hotter, the Carrapateena Geology team identified an opportunity to further improve working conditions near the drill site.  

Working collaboratively with key contracting partners and local suppliers, the team designed and built a compact, mobile, air-conditioned unit specifically for underground diamond drilling. Known as the Cool Cab, it provides a comfortable, controlled environment that supports rest and recovery in hot conditions, helping crews manage work and rest cycles in high temperatures. 

The Cool Cab was purpose‑built with a small footprint and underground manoeuvrability in mind, drawing inspiration from cooling solutions used in other underground applications, tailored to the constraints of drill sites. Additional features include visibility to the drill rig, communications capability and a quiet space for reviewing plans. This helps to minimise time spent in high-temperature environments during certain activities, while supporting established safe work practices.  

During the initial trial period, the Cool Cab was associated with a reduction in heat-related downtime compared with the preceding period. Following the trial, Cool Cabs are now included as standard equipment for drill site setups at Carrapateena where heat management controls are likely to be required, supporting worker comfort and wellbeing. 

This demonstrates how practical innovations can make a meaningful difference to the experience of frontline teams in complex operational environments, while also supporting safe and reliable operations.