Dawesville local James Hay is a finalist for WA Innovator of the Year Award
Dawesville native James Hay, aged 27, has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious WA Innovator of the Year Award. This recognition comes as Hay’s groundbreaking invention, Acculaser, a cutting-edge navigation system designed for underground drilling operations, nears the end of its testing phase. The system aims to revolutionize mining efficiency and safety through precision laser technology.
Hay’s journey into innovation began after a six-month stint as an underground miner, where he identified a crucial need for improved drilling processes. “It’s great to get recognition for what we’re doing, but really, I just want to make a genuine impact,” Hay expressed, highlighting his commitment to enhancing both industry standards and worker safety.
Acculaser: A Game-Changer in Mining
Acculaser’s technology is poised for a full-scale launch in January, following extensive testing. Hay describes the development process as a “bootstrapping adventure,” underscoring the challenges faced by innovators in monetizing and building their ideas from scratch. “Mining is typically very distrustful of innovation, and for good reason. We didn’t just walk in there and promise to show them the world; we actually analyze with them so they can understand the why and the how,” Hay noted.
Throughout the past year, the Acculaser team has conducted field reports and data modeling at select mine sites. This rigorous testing has demonstrated the system’s capability to enhance drilling precision and speed by using precision laser guidance navigation systems. The technology allows operators to follow optimized drill and blast patterns, reducing design deviation and minimizing overbreak and underbreak. This results in faster, cleaner tunnel development and safer on-site operations.
Recognition and Future Prospects
With over 100 applicants vying for the award, Hay’s selection as a finalist in the Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation category is a significant achievement. The WA Innovators of the Year Awards recognize individuals who have developed outstanding innovative products, technologies, processes, or services that offer economic, social, or environmental benefits to the state. The winner will receive a $60,000 prize and the support of a PhD student through Biodesign Australia.
Hay hopes his journey will inspire other young innovators. Reflecting on his personal challenges, he shared, “Before Acculaser, I was in a very destitute situation, diagnosed with kidney disease, and my whole life flipped upside down. Nothing was working out for me, and it was really depressing, but I adjusted my attitude, I threw myself into a hard situation, and chose to turn my life around.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Hay’s story is not just about technological advancement but also personal resilience and empowerment. “I hope people empower themselves with knowledge and the belief that their ideas are possible,” he said. “It might not be for everybody, but if you believe in yourself, you’d be surprised what you can achieve.”
The announcement of Hay as a finalist comes at a time when innovation in the mining sector is increasingly critical, as industries worldwide seek sustainable and efficient solutions. As Acculaser prepares for its official launch, the impact of Hay’s invention could set new standards for underground mining operations, potentially influencing practices globally.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the industry watches closely to see if Hay’s vision and dedication will earn him the top accolade, further cementing his role as a leading innovator in Western Australia.
