20 minute read
TRANSFORMATIVE WAY TO REDUCE RISK IN RESOURCE ESTIMATION
The Transformative Way to Reduce Risk in Resource Estimation
By Grace Y. Tanchee
The importance of a mineral resource estimate for the longterm viability of a mine cannot be understated. Being a core basis of a mine’s feasibility study and evolving mine plans, a well-made and continuously updated resource model is essential to any mine looking to ensure profitability and sustainability. Strategizing based on an erroneous estimate can have disastrous results for a mine. As such, resource estimations must always be properly executed and well understood by the geologists, mine planners, and all other stakeholders.
THE CHALLENGE
Being crucial, resource geologists are expected to ensure that the resource estimates are accurate and compliant with standards. Geologists are also expected to update the model as new information becomes known. Time to complete and share is crucial here as updated models are used to refine the mine plan and avoid losses caused by outdated models.
There are challenges to contend with that can be the source of errors through-out each step of the estimation process, which in turn can reduce the accuracy of a resource estimate. For example, the source data could be insufficient or contain errors. Garbage in is garbage out. Improper tools and lack of information can also hamper the validation of data and thorough investigation, leading to a poor understanding of the deposit. This can affect the domaining model build, selection of the estimation method and parameters. Decentralized data and a lack of recording also heightens the risk of using incorrect data, and makes it difficult to trace and audit during the review process. Difficulties in coordinating can also increase the time crunch.
THE IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
There are ways by we can minimize the risk of committing errors and help ensure that the resource estimate is as accurate as possible. One is by having proper and centralized data management. Just being able to store the data in one place is insufficient; data management should also include a means to record changes made to the data and why, and any important notes about the data. This will help provide context and auditability through-out the process, and help with future changes.
Next, the resource geologist must be able to visualize the data and have the tools for analysis and estimation. 3D Software with geology modelling tools can greatly help the geologist make sense of the data and render the model in a faster more efficient way.
Clear and traceable workflows can also be used to monitor and manage the process from start to finish, check that work is done based on best practices, and make sure that all stakeholders are fully informed and updated. Being structured, the flow of data and information between various stakeholders at each stage of the process can be made efficient. All these can be enhanced via collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing, feedback from fellow team members and consultants, and a collective understanding of the estimate.
THE SOLUTION
An effective way to conduct these improvements is through taking advantage of technological solutions to facilitate the changes needed. In line with this, Dassault Systemes (DS) has developed the Strategic Resource Modelling (SRM) solution. Through a combination of DS GEOVIA Surpac software and the 3DExperience platform, SRM is a comprehensive solution that links and manages processes, information, people, and tools under a single collaborative platform. Built to cover the many aspects affecting the resource estimation process, SRM is used to:
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Digital Revolution 4.0 in the raw materials and mining industry
By Christoph Klötzer, Hakan Arden Kahraman, and Michalis Katapotis
The concept of “Industrial Revolution 4.0” was first introduced in Germany and has rapidly spread to other developed countries. It describes the ongoing automation of traditional production and industrial applications using modern digital technology. In this new era of Industrial Revolution 4.0, the mining industry has inevitably started to focus on technology and digitalization.
As there are many challenges ahead in this transformation process, DMT’s approach to this new era is to offer innovative and holistic Industry 4.0 solutions developed through a fastidious strategy that is expected in assisting to shape the autonomous mining vision of the future.
DMT’s approach to digital transformation is to go through initially a “Digital Due Diligence Process” to assess the existing business, identify digital potentials and operating opportunities and define a digitalization roadmap.
DMT recommends that this process is accompanied by independent engineering and technology advice coming from an experienced partner in process design who will establish a Digital Transformation Office. This approach includes three fundamental components: • “Operations” which cover the services used to provide companies with comprehensive guidance and support, systematic approaches to continually expand the offering of digital products and services covering the entire lifecycle of raw material extraction. These include Reconnaissance, Exploration, Planning, and Project Evaluation, Construction, Optimisation of Mining Operations, Environmental Aspects, Mine Closure, and Site Remediation; • “People” which covers a corresponding digital transformation program for all employees of mining companies; • “Processes” which covers process optimization for its Clients’ operations.
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• Organize and manage geoscience data, ensure a single source of truth • Build a unified view and understanding of the model • Easily collaborate within and between teams • View in 3D and share solid models via a browser, allowing for analysis anywhere anytime as long as connected • Validate input data and generate consistent and robust resource models • Enact based on project management principles and best practices • Improve process efficiency, consistency, and time savings through workflows • Utilize dashboarding and reporting capabilities to support strategic decision making
Resource estimation is the basis of multi-million investment decisions and subsequent mine plans that can make or break a mining company. If you want to know more how the DS Strategic Resource Modelling Solution can help ensure that reliable resource estimates are made, contact DS Philippine partner Paramina Earth Technologies Inc via paramina_solutions@paramina.com or reach us through www.paramina. com.
The bedrock of focused business platforms
By Marcelle P. Villegas
How important are instrumentation and process control solutions in industries like mining, water, oil and gas, energy, industrial, and process industries?
Process control instrumentation is hardware equipment and software that are exceptionally developed over the years for precise measurement, control, and monitoring of process variables, pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical applications. Its role in any manufacturing or processing plant’s operation management is critical and essential to achieving production efficiency, reliability, safety, and sustainability.
In the mining industry, mining companies need process instruments and control products that can help assure efficient tailings and wastewater management for environmental protection.
With such massive applications of instrument and control products like process valves (such as ball, knife gate, and butterfly valves), pressure relief valves, and pneumatic and electric actuators, the demand for high-quality and technologically advanced instruments is essential in major industries like in mining.
There is a local company that has been serving these industries for almost two decades now and is known as a trusted distributor of high-quality and diverse process instrumentation and control products. Established in 2003, Integral Industrial Management Corporation (or INTEGRAL), has been a known distributor and service provider of market-leading valves and actuators. Currently, INTEGRAL is the local business partner of Emerson Automation Solutions and Rotork PLC.
Everything Under One Roof
INTEGRAL has almost two decades of experience in the distribution of leading flow control instrument products and provision of related critical technical services.
The company has earned a proven track record of working with the petrochemical, energy, oil and gas, water, mining, food and beverage, cement, industrial and process industries in the Philippines. “Quality service and products are at the core of our business, and we continue to expand our brand portfolio and grow our expertise to remain ahead of the competition.”[1]
More to their business profile, “As a partner of global-leading valves and actuators, we work hand-in-hand with a worldwide network of experts who possess a thorough understanding of industrial applications. Going beyond distribution and service, we help our clients find solutions to a wide range of industrial problems.
Client’s actual inspection and testing of 16” Emerson Vanessa 30000 Triple Offset Butterfly Valve and IQ Model Rotork Electric Actuator at IIMC’s service facility in Batangas City Installation, testing, and commissioning of 600mm Emerson Keystone Butterfly Valve and IQ Model Rotork Electric Actuator in a water facility.
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Vulco R67 mill lining rubber compound: The liner that lasts longer
As a leader in materials development and advancement, the team of material scientists at Weir Minerals are always pushing for ways to improve the capabilities of our technology for our customers.
The advanced laboratories at Weir Minerals develop a variety of materials, from natural to synthetic, to polyurethanes and composite materials. One of these materials is the Vulco® mill liner rubber.
Vulco® rubber is renowned throughout the mining industry for its exceptional wear life and reliability in mill lining systems. These abrasion- and impact-resistant rubber compounds are continuously improved and refined by Weir Minerals’ team of engineers and material scientists to keep them at the forefront of mill lining systems technology.
Having identified a need for higher-wearing rubbers for mill lining systems, the material science experts developed an industry-leading, premium-grade rubber compound with superior wear life and performance in mill lining applications.
The result: Vulco® R67 rubber – an optimum material which is manufactured with proprietary new compounds and innovative methods of processing to deliver outstanding wear life and longer uptime.
This new elastomer material was developed through extensive laboratory testing which was optimised and refined to further improve the material’s properties for aggressive mill system applications. The outcome of these improvements is a rubber compound which delivers an increased wear life of more than 20%, resulting in significant cost savings for our customers.
The Vulco® R67 rubber compound offers a high hardness, elongation, tensile and tear strength, making it suitable for lifter bars, head/shell plates and grates. When used in conjunction with metal cap mill liners, the result is a versatile, economical, and efficient product that weighs up to 50% less than steel alone. The added benefit is a lighter product that’s faster, easier and safer to install, as well as a measurable reduction in mill downtime and reduced maintenance costs.
“The Vulco R67 compound is a significant improvement to extend the wear life of mill linings. The longer life results in lowering customer’s production costs and also allows more uptime to potentially increase throughput of the plant due to the higher annual mill availability.” – Tony Millar, Weir Minerals Director of Product Management
Produced locally in Australia, as well as North and South America and South Africa, our customers can feel assured that they have a market-leading product that is backed by decades of experience, expertise, and proven effectiveness.
Connect with our mill lining experts today: https://info.global. weir/vulcor67
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Together, we are not only partners in commerce but also stewards in the development of local industries.”[1]
With a company slogan, “Your essential source of integrated solutions”, INTEGRAL wishes to convey a direct and straightforward approach but still with a warm and welcoming impression to their clients and prospects. The slogan also refers to the company’s products and services as a complete package that caters to just about everything their clients might need for their operations. Moreover, INTEGRAL products and services also serve as solutions to many of the common problems in the industries they serve – thus the phrase “integrated solutions”.
Best foot forward
About strong capabilities, INTEGRAL considers the balance of technical expertise and comprehensive experience critical to their active daily operations nationwide. “More than technical knowledge, our collective experience in the industry helps us navigate through a multitude of industrial applications.”[1]
Aside from being a supplier of diverse instrumentation and process control products, INTEGRAL also provides a wide range of services that accommo-
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Installation, testing, and commissioning of 600mm Emerson Keystone Butterfly Valve and IQ Model Rotork Electric Actuator in a water facility.
Schaeffler’s fight vs. counterfeit bearings in the mining industry
Some may think that counterfeiting is a problem that only affects luxury brands, electronics, and cosmetics. However, the truth today is, product piracy affects all industries including the engineering sector.
The main reason for the demand of counterfeit bearings, is because it is needed in large amounts throughout the engineering sector, and the real thing does not come cheap. Today, other counterfeit products like apparel, engineering auto parts and accessories like fake bearings are freely available in Manila.
THE REAL CONSEQUENCES OF COUNTERFEIT BEARINGS
As many of us know, rolling bearings used in mining operations operate in some of the harshest conditions on and under earth, therefore, robust and reliable bearings are essential. Not only does the equipment face an operational issue, distributors and end-customers face their own set of consequences and risks too.
Distributor consequences:
• Liability for all damage resulting from the sale of counterfeit products • Lawsuits by the injured party • No damages can be claimed from the original manufacturer
• Loss of image and sales and financial damage
Risks for the end customer:
• Risks to personnel safety and lifespan of machinery • High subsequent maintenance costs • Production and operational halt • Loss of brand image, as counterfeits reduces the quality of the company’s products
STEPS ON DETECTING COUNTERFEIT BEARINGS
Most of time, end-customers may face a hard time identifying real from fake. But with the real deal, end-customers should be prepared to pay a higher price for premium quality bearings that comes together with technical support and after sales service.
Here’s how your business can identify fake bearings:
1. Search for authorised sources
By sourcing for authorised distributors, you can guarantee the acquisition of authentic bearings due to the necessary stringent control processes put in place. Authorised Schaeffler distributors also provide expert advice and a full range of accompanying services. View the full list here:
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution (or Industrial Revolution 4.0) has already identified several structural transformations and paradigm shifts in the societies that are expected in the coming years (Schwab, 2016).
These include: • The Internet of and for Things; • Automated vehicles; • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Decision-Making; • Robotics and Services; • Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain; • The Sharing Economy (the use of a physical good/asset, or share service or provide a service by sharing); • 3D Printing in Manufacturing, Human health, and Consumer Products;
As more of the “things” start to communicate and interact with each other more smartly and artificially in this Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly in the developed countries, inevitably, the mining segment will also benefit from this latest transformation in these economies.
Considering the competitive nature of the business, the large international mining companies have already started to adjust themselves by digitizing their mining operations across the value chain in line with the future generation of mines.
This requires remodeling of the business for growth and sustainability while using digital technology and innovation as a catalytic enabler within an existing legacy environment that behave like individual isolated units along the route from mine to processing to transport.
Based on its long-proven ability to capture new developments and integrate them into its core competencies, DMT is passionate about the digitization of existing products and services and the development of new digital business models.
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https://www.schaeffler.de/ en/schaeffler-germany/sales/ authorized_distributors/salespartners-worldwide/index.jsp
2. Quality standards
Counterfeit rolling bearings have rough finishes, abnormal roller appearance and sometime even wreck your equipment after installation. Schaeffler’s INA and FAG robust bearings have been able to increase operational reliability and service life through continuous research and development. To ensure longer equipment lifespan, reduce unplanned downtimes and put safety of mining personnel first, Schaeffler’s engineers consider the entire life cycle of a machine in their calculations.
3. After sales service and technical support
Unauthorised distributors and counterfeit manufacturers usually do not provide any type of after sales service or technical support for obvious reasons. Buying from trusted sources such as an authorised Schaeffler distributor or Schaeffler themselves, opens the door to professional and knowledgeable experienced bearing experts. With over 100 years of experience in the rolling bearing business, Schaeffler provides a wide range of maintenance solutions for reducing maintenance costs, preventing unplanned downtimes, and increasing machine availability.
COMBATTING THE GLOBAL ISSUE
In a mission to protect brand reputation, reduce legal consequences and eliminate fake products, manufacturers like Schaeffler are proactively doing their part to end the escalating issue affecting the mining sector in the Philippines.
For several years, Schaeffler has been providing genuine rolling bearings to mining businesses in the Philippines. However, counterfeiting manufacturers have skilfully imitated the packaging of Schaeffler’s INA and FAG bearings.
The organisation’s Brand Protection Team has been working to remove counterfeits in the market, raise awareness and support customers, certified retailers and assist authorities in curbing this issue.
To further ensure that customers purchase original parts from safe sources, labels with a data matrix code is placed on all Schaeffler’s bearing product packaging. Thanks to this label, customers can check on its originality using the Schaeffler OriginCheck app.
SCHAEFFLER PHILIPPINES, INC.
Business Address: 5th Floor, Optima Building 221 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village 1229 Makati City, Philippines
Contact: +639178056589
Fax: +632 7798703
E-mail: marketing_ph@ schaeffler.com
Contact Person: Peralta Charleson – Head of Sales
Website: www.schaeffler.ph
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date its product specifications. “Our field technicians and engineers are experienced and factory-trained to inspect, install and dismantle, repair, overhaul, calibrate, maintain, commission, facilitate, and issue testing service certification of almost all types of process valves -- including pressure relief valves and actuators. Correspondingly, we have the full support of our foreign partners in the acquisition of after-sales parts.”[1]
For added convenience to their clients, they have a nationwide presence at strategic locations in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, where INTEGRAL can provide sales and technical support across the local, regional, and factory scope.
Aside from INTEGRAL’s existing Manila workshop that is dedicated to attending to clients’ immediate technical concerns within the National Capital Region, they recently invested in a state-of-theart Mobile Service Container. This is intended to provide sophisticated on-site service solutions primarily for Pressure Relief Valves in the south. The 20-foot container test rig is currently stationed at INTEGRAL’s newly-built service facility in Batangas City. It is a large compound that was built in response to the growing technical service demand in the area.
INTEGRAL established its service workshop in Ormoc, Leyte in 2012. This allowed the company to swiftly cater to the rapidly growing technical requirements in the Visayas region, particularly in geothermal power plants. Geothermal power plants would greatly benefit from INTEGRAL’s Triple Offset Valves, Pressure Relief Valves, and Actuators.
INTEGRAL’s sales office in Cagayan de Oro aims to determine Mindanao’s potential need for service workshops in the future.
“Our in-house frontline service personnel undergo numerous factory training abroad. Immersion is crucial so that every service personnel is ready for any problem that may arise.”[1]
The company has two ISO certifications awarded by QAS International for their excellence in their management systems, standards, and guidelines, namely ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.
For more information about INTEGRAL’s products and services, please visit their website at https:// www.integralindustrial.com.ph/.
Reference: [1] Company website - https:// www.integralindustrial.com.ph/
The Fault with Cobalt: Overcoming the Challenges of Battery Metal Exploration
Cobalt is an important element used to manufacture rechargeable batteries. Cobalt has unique properties that help improve thermal stability, which is critical for the batteries to function properly. It also helps improve some batteries’ energy density, so they can last longer. The demand for cobalt is high, so geologists need fast, accurate tools to help them meet these requirements. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyzers are one of these tools, as they provide on-the-spot material chemistry results.
Why Choose Portable XRF for Cobalt Exploration?
Portable XRF provides rapid, in situ, multielement geochemistry for immediate results in the field. This is useful for greenfield and brownfield exploration, ore grade and process control, environmental monitoring and remediation, and researching/teaching within the geological/environmental sciences.
For battery metal exploration, portable XRF provides decisionquality data faster than traditional, lab-based XRF, and also enables more discriminatory laboratory sampling, helping reduce costs and improve ROI. With sample preparation, pXRF produces high-quality quantitative data that is comparable to laboratory analysis.
Challenges with Analyzing Cobalt
XRF is prone to inter-element interferences. Iron (Fe) on cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) on cobalt (Co) are two common examples. This means that when a lot of iron is present, it becomes difficult for XRF to identify cobalt at low levels.
Likewise, the presence of nickel also makes it difficult for XRF to ID cobalt. Unfortunately, cobalt is routinely explored for in the presence of significant amounts of iron and nickel.
To solve this challenge, we developed a GeoChem method for Vanta™ pXRF analyzers that offers improved analysis for battery metals exploration by being able to detect cobalt in the presence of iron and nickel. This innovative method overcomes the interference that has historically made it very difficult for portable XRF analyzers to detect cobalt in the presence of these other elements.
The method we developed for the Vanta analyzer is built on the current GeoChem method, but with a more sophisticated way of deconvoluting the iron/cobalt/nickel peaks. Before deploying this solution, we tested it on client samples to make sure that it produced good results.
Test Results
We analyzed 16 samples with high iron content—9% < Fe < 50%, 50 ≤ Co ≤ 6000 ppm, Ni < 500 ppm.
Result - Co
Result - Fe
We also analyzed 50 samples with a moderate amount of iron—0.5% < Fe < 15%, 16 < Ni < 8000 ppm, 50 ppm < Co < 2.3%. The samples were pulps in XRF cups, and they were analyzed using 60 seconds per beam with no corrections.
The graphs above show excellent agreement between the results obtained from a lab and results obtained using a Vanta portable XRF analyzer, indicating that the modified GeoChem method can accurately detect the presence of cobalt when it’s in the presence of both large and moderate amounts of the interfering elements iron and nickel. Geologists now have another important tool that they can rely on when exploring for new sources of this vital element.
Learn more at https://www.evidentscientific.com/en/
Traders Industrial Supply Co., Inc.
24th Floor Trident Tower, 312 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, 1209 Philippines Email: trisco@ pldtdsl.net Contact No.: (02) 8817-9004 | 88178914 | 0917-5818704 (Globe) Website: https:// trisco.com.ph/
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