Dr Ritchie has contributed significantly to the advances in education in Applied Science and Engineering through his leadership in course development at Preston Institute of Technology. In addition he had a significant role in promoting and the development of higher degree courses for the Colleges of Advanced Education. However, the case for his election to Fellow of the Academy is focused mainly on his election to Fellow of the Academy is focused mainly on his cpntributions to the Australian coal industry over the past 8 years.
Dr Ritchie has been responsible for the development of policy related to technological change and research in the coal industry since early 1981. During this period the saleable coal production increased by 91% to 145 million tonnes per year, exports of coking coal increased by 62% to 55 million tonnes per year and exports of steaming coal by 422% to 47 million tonnes per year. (The total value of the coal exported in 1987 was $5,400 million) The productivity increased by 56% to 19.7 tonnes/man shift due to the introduction of advanced technology. The Australian Coal Association under the leadershp of Dr Ritchie has provided the mechanism for much of this technological change and has been the vehicle for achieving work practice changes to allow modern equipment to be used effectively. Australian technology and technology development for the Australian coal industry now leads the world, particularly in:
long wall shearer control
· long wall machines for long wall block development "6??tomated ??oof bolting
· in-seam seismic surveying
· in-seam gas drainage to allow high production rates coal beneficiation instrumentation