BE.Monthly

ACHIEVING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ONLINE

MONTHLY EDITION February 2013

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc Barrick Gold: Granny smith mine VingCard Elsafe

facebook or

face time?

Why business relationships take more than texting, friending, and online “connecting”

Included The BE Mining Directory showcases leading mining organisations from across the world, ranging from big corporations to junior mines and their supply chains.

Be seen throughout our portfolio of magazines: •BE Mining Directory •BE Mining •BE Weekly •BE Monthly • Go to page 292 to see this month’s listings

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editorial Martin Ashcroft Editor In Chief

Martin has edited business magazines for 15 years and has been editor-in-chief since Business Excellence began in 2006. mashcroft@bus-ex.com

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BUSINESS

Richard Turner Director of sales rturner@bus-ex.com Vince Kielty Director of Editorial Research vkielty@bus-ex.com Sharon Rooke Administration & Operations srooke@bus-ex.com Matt Day Head of technology mday@bus-ex.com Andy Turner Chief Executive aturner@bus-ex.com

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Will has been a business writer for three years. He joined the Business Excellence team in September 2012. wdaynes@bus-ex.com

John O’Hanlon Editor

John has contributed to Business Excellence since its inception: he joined the in-house editorial team in February 2013. johanlon@bus-ex.com

CONTRIBUTORS kent valentine

Kent is the engagement director of Last Exit, a New York and London based digital strategy, marketing and design agency.

michael houlihan

Michael Houlihan is co-founder of the Barefoot Wine brand. He now works with business as consultant, author, speaker, mentor, and workshop leader.

Thomas R. Cutler

President & CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based, TR Cutler, Inc. Cutler is also the founder of the Manufacturing Media Consortium.

Quentyn Taylor

Quentyn has worked in a variety of industries including outsourced service providers, internet service providers as well as dotcom businesses.

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features

10 comment: marketing

where are the people in marketing?

How marketing types tend to think of people as mere “consumers” and not as human beings.

14 strategy

facebook or face time?

Why business relationships take more than texting, friending, and online “connecting”.

22

14 22 Food safety

Food for thought

Best practice in document management drives quality and business performance in the food industry.

30 Technology

the changing definition of security

As technology continues to advance with the growth of cloud computing and SaaS, data security needs to be at the forefront of every CIO, CEO and IT manager’s mind.

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contents

36 Mining & Minerals:

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36 First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc Copper country

Zambia is blessed with abundant copper resources, but processing the mixture of ores at the Kansanshi mine has been a challenge for First Quantum Minerals.

76

66 Norilsk Nickel A mainstay in mining

The factors that have contributed to the success of Norilsk Nickel and how core markets, particularly Africa, are continuing to be vital sources of growth.

76 Noble Mineral Resources The gold standard

One company leading the way in exploring and developing Ghana’s large-scale gold deposits.

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business showcase

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84 Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine A harvest of gold

A hotbed of mining industry best practice, technical innovation and community initiatives.

100 VALE Brazil

Simply ore-inspiring A monumental project, possessing over seven billion metric tonnes of iron ore reserves.

110 Aminpro

Passing the test

100

How Aminpro finds itself pursuing expansion of not only its service offering but its regional presence also.

118 Enaex

The value of good service For over 90 years Enaex has played a critical role in serving Latin America’s mining industry.

126 Hyspec Mining Services

126

Saving downtime and costs

The progression from the supply of hydraulic hoses to inspection services that save downtime and costs for mining operations in Africa.

136 Amlib

Exploring a new frontier How Amlib is working to help fulfil Liberia’s great economic potential.

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contents 144 C.C. JENSEN

Cleaning up the competition Having made its name in several industry sectors over the last 60 years, C. C. JENSEN is attracting greater attention from mining companies throughout the world.

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152 AMIIS

Global ambitions Specialists in non-destructive testing and heat treatment, the company is beginning to diversify into the oil and gas sector and looking for growth outside South Africa.

160 MineWare

Moving with the times How MineWare has grown from a small family enterprise into a preferred supplier in its field of expertise in less than two decades.

166 176

166 World Titanium Resources Keeping it simple

CEO Bruce Griffin talks about the potential of a highly expandable, high-grade mineral sands project in Madagascar.

Manufacturing: 176 VingCard Elsafe

Opening the doors of opportunity VingCard Elsafe continues to innovate and excite, as its recent unveiling of the first invisible door lock demonstrates.

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business showcase Transport & logistics: 184 Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc.

In-flight service

Building customer and passenger loyalty with reliable expertise at competitive pricing.

184

194 Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services (ILRS) Always moving forward

Boasting a national footprint in South Africa, ILRS today exists as South Africa’s ‘first to market’ service provider.

it & telecoms:

194 228

212 Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL)

Performance enhancers

How the company is today looking to capitalise on opportunities at home and abroad.

energy: 220 Shaw AREVA MOX Services

NUCLEAR SWORDS INTO PLOUGHSHARES Turning a large part of America’s nuclear heritage into clean energy to boost the nation’s future growth.

228 ZincOx Resources Game changers

How ZincOx utilises a revolutionary form of technology to recover zinc from electric arc furnace dust.

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contents

238

238 ChemSystems Daring to diversify

ChemSystems has been a fixture of the chemicals industry for over five decades. The company is now making a name for itself in the oil and gas sector.

food & drink: 248 Ocean Basket

Reeling in the customers By aligning itself to the changing demands of its customers, Ocean Basket remains a true success story.

256

BE Directory 256 Atlas Copco Ghana

Committed to sustainable productivity

258 cyclone projects & consulting world best practice

260 hays recruiting

260

Hays Resources & Mining

262 mes international ltD a ‘can do’ company

264 sino grinding grinding media

266 Univar Mining

One network. A world of solutions

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Where ar the “Pe pl in Marketin by: Kent Valentine

re le” ng?

comment: marketing

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ecently watching “The Elephant Man” led me to contemplate how horrible we can be to each other. There’s a key scene in the film where the John Merrick character announces, “I am not an elephant! I am not an animal!

I am a human being!”

This declaration made me think about how marketing types tend to think of people. We like to put people into buckets so we can think about more of them at the same time – one of the biggest buckets we use is “consumer.” It’s our way of describing any sentient individual based on the only aspect of their existence that we’re remotely concerned with and I think it’s time we let it go.

As with most things marketing, there are moral reasons for making this change, but it also makes sense from a business perspective. While on the surface, “consumer” seems an innocuous way of referring to something that’s not a “business,” like many evils, its damage is slow, insidious and subtle.

Words - Pregnant with Meaning The language we use in everyday life has power attached to it; words are pregnant with meaning and history, and have an agenda independent of their speaker.

By calling the people that buy our goods and services “consumers,” we’re referring to them by the basest representation of how they sustain us, as if they’re an indiscriminate mass that lives only to absorb what we push out.

But not only do we do a disservice to our customers when we refer to them as “consumers,” we rob ourselves of the opportunity to maximize our meaningful engagement with them.

How can you engage with someone who you define purely by their capacity to consume stuff?

As someone who looks at the digi-web-o-tubes all day, most of what I see is product marketing people who obviously have one, catch-all term for the people that turn up to interact with them. I’d even go so far as to say it’s one of the biggest reasons why people

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do you have something to talk about?

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Get in touch to share your thoughts with us...

editorial@bus-ex.com

comment: marketing don’t buy as much from us as they might.

Ironically enough, people are “better consumers” when they ’re treated like anything but. This is because it’s nobody’s purpose to consume. People don’t get up in the morning with an insatiable desire to acquire indiscriminately.

Consuming is a means to an end. We buy things because we believe they will help us be the person that we want to be. Even if I’m only buying a hamburger, it’s because in five minutes time, I want to be the guy eating a hamburger, or the guy who’s not hungry, or the guy who’s girlfriend is impressed with the size of the hamburger I can eat.

Not Buyers But Beings By focusing not on what someone wants to buy, but on who they want to be, we can create a more powerful bond with customers. We are transformed from vendors into partners, sometimes even trusted partners. But this dedication to working with the people that sustain us can’t be an afterthought or an additional consideration;

it needs to be baked into our core offering.

We don’t have to do it out of a sense of benevolence although I’d like to think we could - but because happy people are good customers (unless you’re selling antidepressants). And, strangely enough, people are most happy when they’re given the opportunity or the help to be who they want to be.

A nyone who sel ls any thing can help a customer be someone else,

even if he just wants to be the guy with no rats in his house. But you don’t get to that stage by assuming that the best way to define your audience is by its capacity to consume your product.

I don’t expect that this little piece will change much in the way that marketers refer to their audience, but then I don’t think it has to. Companies that truly understand who their customers are trying to become, and put that consideration before shilling their wares, will shortly put everyone else out of business.

People don’t want to consume, they want to be. So maybe we should just stop calling them by a name which demeans their role and recognize them for what they are. They’re not elephants. They’re not consumers. They’re human beings.

Kent Valentine is the engagement director of Last Exit, a New York and London based digital strategy, marketing and design agency whose services include digital research & strategy, creative campaign formulation and management, SEO and analytics, interactive design and technical delivery. www.lastexit.tv

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FACEBOOK OR FACE TIME? Why Business Relationships Take More Than Texting, Friending, and Online “Connecting”

written by: Michael Houlihan

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echnology has y ielded some g reat communication tools, but they are not relationship builders.

Here, I share seven reasons why the personal touch will always be more effective than pixels on a screen It’s official: Email, texting, and social media are no longer just helpful supplemental business tools. They’ve taken over the whole game. Yes, technology has made many aspects of modern living more convenient and “connected,” but the pendulum has swung too far. Now, people are reluctant to do something as simple as picking up the phone, preferring to shoot off an email instead. And face-to-face meetings—well, they’re almost unheard of.

This “technology takeover” is not without consequence.

Misunderstandings abound.

Relationships stagnate. Trust

is at an all-time low. And all of these issues are at least partially due to the fact that genuine human connections have been replaced by mouseclicks and keystrokes.

Social media and technology do have their place, but they are not, and never will be, a substitute for in-person interaction. Your physical presence—or at least the sound of your voice— builds trust you can’t even approach with a keyboard, screen, or profile image.

I worry that young people’s dependence on virtual communication has stunted the social skills they’ll need to attract customers. Through no fault of their own, they have inherited a world that provides a comfortable firewall insulating them from personal rejection— one in which they simply don’t have to communicate in real time. (Could you learn to walk if you were handed a crutch at birth?)

“genuine human connections have been replaced by mouse-clicks and keystrokes” 16 | Be monthly

1. The time investment shows you really care It’s a fairly universal truth that human beings want to be valued and appreciated.

Spending time with someone else, whether that’s in person, face-to-face on a computer screen, or, if all else fails, via a phone call, is one of the best ways to convey these things.

In essence, an investment of time says, “While there are many other things I could be doing, I’m choosing to spend my time with you. That’s how important I think you are!”

Minutes and hours spent with another person have the power to create a bond that money can’t buy.

When you spend time with others, you find out what you truly have in common and you have an opportunity to share your opinions.

Plus, visiting someone repeatedly over a period of time can also provide valuable non-verbal clues to his or her values and concerns. In my own experience, I have been amazed by how helpful it can be to travel with someone, whether it’s a colleague or client. On any trip there will probably be instances

strategy

that cause stress and anxiety, which presents an opportunity for both of you to see how the other handles a variety of situations and to learn to work together more effectively.

2. You’re better able to give personalized attention This is perhaps the biggest key to successful sales and the establishment of any long-term relationship. Think about it: It’s hard to multi-task on something unrelated when

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someone is physically planted in front of you, demanding your attention. Unless you have no problem with blatant rudeness, you’re focusing on the other person, responding not only to what they say, but also to their mood, movements, and many other non-verbal signals. You will read these signs and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Letters on a screen can’t compete with the personal touch. In my experience, when you use someone’s name along with eye contact

and an attentive demeanor, they’re more likely to be agreeable and to give you the benefit of the doubt.

They know that your time is valuable and that you chose to give it to them. The next time they see you, they will be more relaxed and familiar in your company. And the more visits you have, the more your relationship with that individual strengthens.

Trust me, people want to do business with people they know. You can get to know them much better offscreen.

strategy

“When an important client or team member is on the other side of the globe, a face-to-face meeting once or twice a year can often be a smart investment” 3. You’re more effective in general When you’re talking to someone else in real time, you can make progress in real time and solve problems in real time. (Believe it or not, lobbing emails back and forth isn’t always the most efficient

method!) Thanks to facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice (see below for more information on each), you’ll usually find out more than just the basics when you have a verbal conversation. In fact, if you’re really observant, you may notice things about the other company or clients that they themselves aren’t even aware of!

Always meet in person if you can. When an important client or critical team member is on the other side of the globe, a face-to-face meeting once or twice a year can often be a smart investment. The rest of the time, if your communication is anything beyond a simple FYI, be sure to Skype or call.

4. Facial expressions help get your message across Did you know that the human face has at least 20 muscles that work in concert to create

a myriad of telling facial expressions? When you put it that way, the process sounds complex, but amazingly (as you know!) we don’t have to consciously think about forming those expressions at all. This is a powerful argument for face-to-face meetings, whether they’re in person or via Skype.

Obser ving those expressions during verbal communication can give you instant feedback about how your message is being received. You can quickly adjust your message on the spot to make it more meaningful or agreeable, and avoid possible misunderstandings.

Facial expressions are also an invaluable way through which to express sincerity, interest, curiosity, happiness, and more.

5. So does your body language Unlike looking at a posed

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profile shot or any still image sent over email, being faceto-face with another person gives you the opportunity to see the other person’s dynamic reaction and make adjustments to your own message. Realtime body language provides tons of non-verbal cues that are impossible to convey in a text or email.

As humans and social animals, we are naturally wired to get this feedback instantly. We’re also equipped to share our own feelings and attitudes through the way we stand, sit, gesture, and more. It’s a good idea to spend a little time learning the basics of body language. For instance, if you know that hands in one’s pockets indicate boredom or disinterest whereas leaning slightly forward indicates interest, you’ll be able to respond more accurately to others and avoid sending messages you don’t mean to.

6. and so does your tonality It’s happened to everyone: You send an email that’s laced with sarcasm or humor… which the recipient totally fails to pick up on. Oops! Now you’re left frantically doing damage control. That’s one major reason why texting, emailing, and friending can be great ways to communicate while failing to succeed at relationship building.

When spoken, the same words used in a text or email can have a very different meaning based on the tone, inflection, and the emphasis that the speaker gives. It’s much easier to “get” intentions behind the spoken word. And if the other person sounds reluctant, uncomfortable, or guarded, for instance, you can take advantage of the opportunity to ask why and discuss ideas that might never have been brought forward over email. So the next time

you find your mouse hovering over the “compose” button, think about reaching for your phone instead.

7. Your vulnerability shows (and that’s a good thing!)

In the virtual world, you can almost totally control

“in a face-to-face relationship the other person can observe your spontaneous behavior, including tone of voice, expression, dress, and body language” 20 | Be monthly

strategy

the image you show to other people. You choose the pictures you post on your profile. You censor the information you do and don’t want to share in your messages, posts, and updates. And usually, you can think about and edit what you want to say before pressing “send.”

But in a real-time, faceto-face relationship, the other person can see you in 3-D and observe your dy namic, spontaneous behavior, including tone of voice, expression, dress, and

body language. The other party sees your human imperfections and is aware that you are vulnerable to potential personal rejection.

I mp e r f e c t ion s a nd vulnerability make you appear more believable and sincere. Most people

will overlook minor foibles in appearance and speech because you are literally there for them. It’s special!

This can be a big advantage in the long run. And in the short run, you take precedence over all their virtual relationships.

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey’s book The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built a Bestselling Wine, chronicles the history and lessons learned building the popular Barefoot Wine brand. They now share their experience and innovative approach to business as consultants, authors, speakers, mentors, and workshop leaders. www.thebarefootspirit.com

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Food thought

w

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Food safety

d for

written by: Thomas R. Cutler

Best practice in document management drives quality and business performance in the food industry, as JIFFY Mix maker Chelsea Milling can testify

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he Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (48 million people) gets sick, with 128,000 being hospitalized and 3,000 who die of foodborne diseases.

Food companies are quickly discovering that the right ingredient, with the best specifications, at the lowest risk and the best price, equals maximum knowledge and leverage.

Relying on quality and food safety departments to provide supplier performance feedback is no longer sufficient. Instead best practice food industry leaders are sharing an information platform with food safety quality assurance (FSQA) departments that provide real-time insights on supplier performance.

These data ensure that suppliers are meeting company specifications, compliant with all company business requirements (such as allergen, kosher, or halal documentation). Instead of evaluating supplier performance purely based on cost and on-time delivery,

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companies must further measure how well suppliers perform against other critical business needs.

A leader in food industry supplier document management platform, TraceGains’ CEO, Gary Nowacki, suggested the paradigm has shifted and that full insight on supplier performance at the corporate, lot shipment, and ingredient

3,000 People who die of foodborne diseases in the US every year attribute levels is the best methodolog y ensuring food safety and business information. This consolidated view of data typically resides in multiple departments, formats, and silos.

Automated purchase order acknowledgement solutions further assist in the planning of purchases and inventory. Armed with supplier performance data for risk, compliance, and cost industry sector leaders, such

as Chelsea Milling (makers of JIFFY Mix) are able to source the exact ingredients with the exact specifications when needed; this practice optimizes inventory and keeps the lines going.

The Chelsea Milling Company is a 110 year old family-owned business, with a mantra to provide the highestquality affordable product.

The company is a complete vertical manufacturer; it stores the majority of the wheat it uses, processes it into flour for production, and manufactures its own packaging. It ships over 150 million pounds of JIFFY Mixes per year, and its products are available at over 30,000 retailers and foodservice outlets.

Chelsea M i l l i n g ’s commitment to customers means extra attention to quality. But insuring that all suppliers continuously comply with all quality requirements meant that Chelsea Milling staff members were swamped with manual tasks. The company needed a solution that permitted 24/7 quality control without adding personnel or compromising on quality.

Food safety

Chelsea Milling was challenged by too many certificates of analysis (COAs) that needed to be manually checked against the firm’s ingredient specifications.

Manual and inefficient processes to retrieve data to support customers’ GFSI audits required additional effort. The inability to predict future performance or to evaluate suppliers on more than price and on-time delivery was troublesome.

There was no early warning of impending problems, which

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meant operating reactively instead of proactively.

“When suppliers are out of compliance or nearing a violation,” said Nowacki, “the system automatically initiates supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), sends eNotifications to both internal and supplier personnel, and can automatically place suppliers on probation, suspend them, or reject any of their shipments.”

The solution also measures the financial impact of noncompliance and monetizes

the potential damage done in areas such as manufacturing efficiency, finished goods quality, and product safety. It provides a comprehensive purchase order acknowledgement tracking function, with alerts for supplier late or shortshipments that may cause supply chain disruptions.

Supplier document management impacts Average certificate of analysis latency (receipt of COA after material received)

Food safety

“When suppliers are out of compliance or nearing a violation, the system automatically initiates supplier corrective action requests” at Chelsea Milling was reduced from 22.3 days to same-day. The company now deals with problems before they are introduced into its supply chain. Proactive quality, food safety, and risk management are standard operat i ng procedu re.

COAs are no longer just backup documents used to investigate problems; rather they have become instant alerts to potential issues.

Digitizing COAs and making them actionable has resulted in a 75 percent reduction in outof- specification lots on the receiving dock. Since COAs are often analyzed even before the shipment arrives, Chelsea Milling can now reject shipments even before they are received, saving the supplier reverse logistics charges and returns processing.

• Significant reduction in ingredient variability makes product output more consistent, thus increasing customer satisfaction.

This also reduces the cost of goods manufactured (COGM).

• L abor needed to check COAs is reduced and COAs are checked with accuracy

and efficiency.

• Staff focused on clerical tasks are redeployed to higher-value problem solving.

• Suppliers receive immediate and collaborative feedback so that they can make adjustments, improving the quality of products while also strengthening their partnerships with Chelsea Milling.

• A ny dangerous materials are immediately identified t h rough cont inuous compliance monitoring, thus eliminating those materials and their suppliers from use.

Most critically, overall risk to the company has been measurably reduced, and the food company continuously receives praise f rom regulatory and downstream auditors for being able to produce complete supplier compliance documentation

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at a moment’s notice.

In today’s fast-paced business the ability to rapidly prove control of the supply chain, wherever it originates is vital. Increasingly, customers require GFSI or similar up-to-date audit on file, as well as the ability to prove that suppliers are similarly compliant with GFSI, HACCP, SOPs, regulatory, and other business-critical requirements.

“In case of a noncon for ma nce of a ny nature, the system can

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automatically generate and send a supplier corrective action request,” Nowacki noted, “which specifies the problem(s) detected, and highlights the necessary corrective actions to be taken. Suppliers complete the corrective action form and submit the document back.” SCAR automation speeds conflict resolution, allowing all parties involved to return to normal business as quickly as possible, thus minimizing any disruption and business impact.

Supplier documentation storage, whether in file cabinets or in digital formats, may satisfy regulatory retention requirements; it does little to systematically unlock the wealth of business, compliance, and regulatory information contained and required on a daily basis to operate successfully.

Automatically analyzing and score-carding supplierprovided documentation, as it is received, helps food manufacturers and ing redient processors

Food safety

aut o m at e do c u m e n t management. It meets regulatory and industry compliance requirements, identifies best and worst suppliers, creates better sourcing with less risk; it automatically raises product quality. Lean best practice

food companies are able to painlessly perform or participate in audits, all without needing to involve the IT department for assistance.

Food leaders experience on average a 56 percent reduction in out-of-spec lot receipts,

Thomas R. Cutler is the President & CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based, TR Cutler, Inc. Cutler is the founder of the Manufacturing Media Consortium including more than 4000 journalists, editors, and economists writing about trends in manufacturing, industry, material

and a 20 percent reduction in attribute variability, resulting in enhanced continuous improvement, better performing ingredient and raw material inventory, improved cash f low, and long-term brand protection.

handling, and process improvement. Cutler is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, American Society of Business Publication Editors, and Committee of Concerned Journalists. trcutler@trcutlerinc.com

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the ch definition o

As technology continues to a cloud computing and SaaS, the forefront of every CIO, C

written by: Qu

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Technology

nging of security

advance with the growth of data security needs to be at CEO and IT manager’s mind

uentyn Taylor

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here’s no doubt that the nature of the security i ndu st r y is changing. Recent high profile data losses like LinkedIn’s loss of user data as a result of a security breach (reported by Reuters) and a breach of security systems at Global Payments (reported by the Financial Times) were met with widespread media coverage and speculation on the readiness of the companies involved to combat the threat from hackers. As a result, security is being pushed further up the news agenda. With the European Commission (EC) recommending its mandatory breach disclosure policy, it’s not hard to see why companies are nervous about what the future holds when it comes to security policy.

For ma ny yea rs, security meant guarding the perimeter, setting up

firewalls, securing laptops and protecting data as it left the safety of the company, but that’s all changing. As cloud computing and SaaS continue to take over the office, the very definition of security, and what needs to be secured within an office, is changing. It is now data itself that is at risk. From the moment it is created, accessed remotely, emailed and printed, information is at risk throughout its lifecycle from external threats and internal mistakes. We now live in an information-driven age where knowledge is a valuable commodity.

If the recommendations within the European Commission’s data protection directive go ahead, a mandatory breach disclosure will be enforced, whereby organisations must notify the national supervisory authority of serious data breaches—potentially within

24 hours. The extent to which this will be feasible is still being debated - but there is a real risk that it could result in businesses being forced to tackle single data breach cases rather than investing in changing the security culture within an organisation, which would have a greater positive impact on the security measures adopted.

One recommendation by the EC for businesses with more than 250 employees is the appointment of a dedicated security officer who can implement a more holistic security inf rast r uct ure t hat encompasses all parts of the network. Whether data is passing through a smartphone, printer or laptop, it needs to be protected and a data protection or security officer needs to take a bird’s eye view to see the security needs of the organisation as a whole, rather than

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A recent ICM / Canon study revealed that 47 percent of consumers in Germany thought organisations were doing enough to protect data, compared to just 29 per cent of UK respondents.

A recent survey by Shred-it Security Tracker found that 59.8 per cent of SMEs said they don’t believe that the loss of data would have any impact on their business.

This is a shocking statistic and while small data losses may go unnoticed by most consumers, the catastrophic effect that a major security breach or data loss can have on an organisation can’t be ignored. When it comes to data security, it’s definitely a case of prevention being better than cure. That doesn’t necessarily mean that consumers need to know all the details about the work that goes into preventing data loss. Most consumers only read through the key

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relying on a one-size-fits-all approach that puts a fence indiscriminately around the perimeter.

Security considerations need to be woven into the structure of a company so that if any issues arise they can be dealt with quickly, effectively and within the deadline.

Although many companies may be worried about the impact the proposed EC directive will have on their business, it can be turned into a positive if the data officer is employed well by the company to improve the overall security strategy and is focused on locking in data as it is created, rather than solely catching breaches.

In Germany, where it is already more common for companies to have a data protection manager, there is a higher perception that organisations do just the right amount to protect both company and customer data.

parts of security clauses, but overall there is room for improvement when it comes to consumer awareness around the securit y measures organisations are taking already to protect important data. One in three consumers questioned think businesses don’t do enough

“overall security strategy should be focused on locking in data as it is created, rather than solely catching breaches” 34 | Be monthly

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the security processes in place can help consumers to feel that a company is doing enough to protect the data it holds.

Whether the European C om m i s sion’s data protection directive comes into force or not, securit y and what it

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to protect data from getting lost or misused.

The findings of the ICM / Canon research highlight that there is a huge difference between the awareness and knowledge held by consumers around security issues across Europe. For example, in the UK 30 per cent of consumers only read the topline parts of security clauses and 37 per cent feel that organisations don’t do enough to protect data from getting lost or misused. This shows that even sharing topline information about

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AO Y B 59 P U OM RB SU means is changing as the shift to data-led business continues. Whether this translates into security becoming a key purchasing consideration is debatable, but it is clear that data security needs to be at the forefront of every CIO, CEO and IT manager’s mind.

Quentyn Taylor is director of information security for Canon Europe. He has worked in a variety of industries including outsourced service providers, internet service providers as well as dotcom businesses, before moving to Canon in 2000. www.canon-europe.com

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Copper count Zambia is blessed with abundant copper resources, but processing the mixture of ores at the Kansanshi mine has been a challenge for First Quantum Minerals, as Meiring Burger explains

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First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

try

written by: alan swaby research by: paul bradley

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The Kansanshi open pit mine

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

H

ow can it be that a significant copper deposit, known for over 100 years, owned and operated by a progression of operators – including two leading international names – can struggle along for 93 years and then become an overnight success in 2005?

“It’s not for want of trying,” says Meiring Burger, mine manager at the Kansanshi Copper Mine in Solwezi, northern Zambia.

“But the geology here is very difficult, with copper oxide at one end of the spectrum and copper sulphide at the other. In between there is a lot of mixed ore that mine operators simply didn’t know what to do with.”

At first neither did First Quantum Minerals – the eighth largest copper producer in the world and 80 percent majority owner of Kansanshi. First Quantum had been in Zambia since the mid 1990s, trying to make a living out of reclaiming lost copper from left over tailings ponds. It worked – to a degree - but in reality the operation was making more money from the acid produced as a bi-product of the reclamation process than from the copper itself due to depressed commodity prices.

As a way of trying to improve matters, First Quantum started mining and exploration on a small scale until the opportunity came along to buy Kansanshi.

“Incredible as it seems,” says Burger, “in the first year of operation we produced more copper there than had been produced in the entire previous century. But even we were stockpiling masses of mixed ore, not really knowing what best to do with it.”

The open pit mine at Kansanshi consists

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LIEBHERR MINING MORE FOR LESS

The Mining Equipment Division within the Liebherr Group enjoys the strengths and commitment of a family owned company and has achieved a high degree of trust as an active, accepted and valuable partner to the mining industry.

The Liebherr mining equipment range comprises nine hydraulic excavators ranging from 100 to 800 tons, 2 trucks (240-ton T 264, 400-ton T 284), the 60-ton PR 764 dozer and the 23-ton L 586 wheel loader.

Liebherr mobile cranes are used widely in mining operations for various building and plant service activities. More types and models of these machines are currently under development.

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The Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS product line includes mining and dredging excavators powered by diesel engines or electric motors. We provide the following hydraulic excavators models: R 9100, R 984 C, R 9150, R 9250, R 9350, R 9400, R 995, R 996 B and R 9800. These excavators are equipped with bucket capacities from 7 to 45 m3 (13 to 76 tonnes material weight) and engine power ratings up to 4,000 hp.

At present, 21 Liebherr hydraulic mining excavators are working in Zambia operated by major mining companies or contractors.

Today, First Quantum Minerals Ltd operates 6x R 984 C Diesel, 2x R 9250 Diesel, 1x R 9350 Diesel and 4x R 9350 Electric at

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

Kansanshi mine site in Zambia. Liebherr has confirmed sales for three excavators to be delivered and commissioned in 2013.

Liebherr has not established a company in Zambia, but we support our customers through dedicated onsite Liebherr Technicians. Our customers located in Zambia have access to the Liebherr Component Rebuild facility in South Africa.

Liebherr’s distribution is mostly conducted by its own sales and service organizations.

This approach brings Liebherr companies closer to customer operations for a better understanding of their needs and requirements. It also allows the experienced engineering teams to adopt customer feedback into the mining equipment design.

By focusing on the mining industry’s needs, Liebherr designs and manufactures innovative mining products for the global mining industry and is dedicated to exceed our customers’ expectations in terms of productivity, efficiency, reliability, customer support, safety and environmental impact.

Productivity Liebherr Mining Equipment enables superior productivity by loading and hauling maximum tonnage in the shortest amount of time.

Efficiency Liebherr combines the proven capabilities of previous models with new features that improve operational efficiency.

Reliability To maximize equipment reliability, Liebherr combines manufacturing expertise with superior monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.

Customer Support Liebherr builds more than just mining equipment; Liebherr also builds customer partnerships.

Safety Mining demands an ever-vigilant focus on safety, and Liebherr strictly adheres to industry standards. Liebherr equipment is designed to diminish risk even under the most extreme mining conditions.

Environment Liebherr optimizes mining equipment for fuel economy, emission compliance, and extended service intervals.

Contact details Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS 49, rue Frédéric Hartmann - FR 68025 Colmar Phone: +33 (0)3 69 49 21 98 Fax: +33 (0)3 69 49 23 18 Email: info.lec@liebherr.com www.liebherr.com

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First Quantum Minerals:KANSANSHI KansanshiCOPPER MiningMINE Plc of Lorem two very ipsum largedolor pits in sit the amet, consectetur ground adipisicing that elit, will sed eventually do eiusmod tempor become incididunt oneutextremely labore et dolore large magna aliqua.

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BME AND OMNIA BME and Omnia are committed to the mining industry BME, a subsidiary company of Omnia, provides explosives and explosives related products and services to the mining industry. BME has operations in South Africa, Swaziland, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC, Mali, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Senegal and Mozambique.

BME’s core strength, the supply of explosives to the opencast mining industry, is performing admirably and is complemented by good volume growth in its range of packaged (fractured) explosives and products in the initiation accessory field. Its sales growth in shock tube and electronic detonator products is particularly noteworthy.

Omnia just recently completed a new R1.4 billion (US$180 million) nitric acid complex that will be the new catalyst for growth for BME. The new

plant’s annual capacity of 73,000 tons (N) of nitric acid is some 40 percent higher than the existing plant, which despite being 30 years old is still in excellent condition and will continue to operate. The two nitric acid plants place the Group in a leading position for the supply of nitrates to the mining and agriculture sectors in South Africa and deeper into Africa.

BME has been involved in the Zambian mining industry since the turn of the century. Not only is it the dominant supplier to quarries and construction throughout Zambia, it is also a major explosives supplier to the rapidly expanding mining operations in the North West Province.

BME has a major emulsion manufacturing plant at First Quantum’s Kansanshi Mine and is the sole supplier to this massive mining operation. www.bme.co.za

OCTOBER be monthly 2012| |432

A modern office block of 1,100m2 located in Makeni, Lusaka currently used as Head Office for Lamasat International

A modern show room about 1 Km from the Lusaka Central Business District along Kafue Road

Modern productions lines for pipes, fittin polypropylene bags, blow film and plastic tanks, wood works and aluminium works.

A modern shopping centre along Kafue Road, about 4 Km from the Lusaka Central Business District

ngs, c printing, water .

Our company’s business activities are spread out at a number of locations around Lusaka, with our Head Office being located in Chipwenpwenue Road off Kafue Road, Makeni, Lusaka.

We have ultra modern facilities which include 50,000m2 of factories, warehousing facilities and modern offices.

We continually invest to grow our portfolio of facilities and currently developing show room and warehousing facilities along the busy Kafue Road in Lusaka.

Our range of products include: • HDPE PIPES – 16mm to 630mm • UPVC Pipes – 16mm to 250mm • Supramyn Pipes • HDPE Fabricated Fittings • Megaflex Mining Hose Pipes • Heliflex Suction Hose pipes • All Mining Applications • Woven Bags • Water tanks – 200 litres to 12000 litre • Aluminum Products • Wood processing making furniture Tel: 260 211 273142/273145/6 | Fax: 260 211 273141 Email: sales@lamasat.co.zm | www.lamasat.co.zm

The right partner.

The right chemical technologies.

At just the right time.

Being a partner to your mining operation is not just our profession, it’s our passion. We deliver leading chemical technology in Alumina Refining, Mineral Processing and Solvent Extraction—innovations powered by a rich history of efficiency and value. We provide onsite support, where our experienced team works right alongside you to resolve challenges with robust solutions. As a recognized global leader, we can offer you peace of mind through our commitment to steady, reliable product supply. Combined, working with us provides you an opportunity and a partnership you won’t find anywhere else.

To learn more, please visit cytec.com/miningleaders

Alumina Refining | Mineral Processing | Solvent Extraction custinfo@cytec.com | cytec.com/miningleaders US Toll Free: 800.652.6013 | Tel: 973.357.3193 © 2012 Cytec Industries Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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US$340 million. tempor adipisicing elit,forsed do eiusmod incididunt ut labore “Our et dolore engineers,” magna aliqua. says Ut enim ad minim veniam, Burger, “spentquis 18 nostrud months exercitation ullamco m a k i nlaboris g nisi s i g ut n i faliquip icant ex ea commodomodifications consequat. Duis aute to irure the dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit processing plant. When esse cillum dolore fugiat nullaback pariatur. the eu mine went into Excepteur sintproduction occaecatahead cupidatat of schedule, non proident, sunt in there culpa was quiuniversal officia deserunt acclaim mollit anim id for est laborum. the technical Lorem solutions ipsum First dolorQuantum sit amet, had consectetur developed.” adipisicing elit, sedAtdoKansanshi, eiusmod tempor ut labore the incididunt conventional ways et magna aliqua. enim adores minim of dolore processing oxide andUt sulphide are

CYTEC Cytec Industries is the main supplier of specialty reagent technologies to the Kansanshi mine in Zambia. Cytec supplies both flotation reagents and solvent extractants.

This supply position is a result of a strong relationship between Cytec and Kansanshi built up over the last seven years. First Quantum, the primary owner of Kansanshi Mining PLC, and Cytec Industries are all committed to using innovative technology and strong two-way cooperation to contribute to Kansanshi’s operational success.

More specifically, Cytec provides AERO® MX-5149-selective collector, ACORGA® OPT® 5510-solvent extractant, AEROFROTH® 68-frother and has an active flotation modifier program in progress. The selective flotation collector, AERO® MX-5149 was introduced in 2011 to replace traditional xanthate reagents resulting in significant reductions in dosage and superior mineral selectivity in the presence of iron sulphide minerals. Additionally, the risk

profile of the Cytec collector is much improved as compared to xanthates.

ACORGA® OPT® 5510 solvent extractant has improved copper transfer and iron selectivity.

These technical attributes have translated into lower operating costs.

Most recently, Cytec and Kansanshi have agreed to use the specialized flotation modifier technologies that Cytec has, to optimize problematic oxidized ores. The relationship between the companies is focused on serving the Kansanshi operation with innovative products that are a best fit. Additionally, Cytec is committed to supporting the operation by visiting the site for 1-2 weeks each month to focus on solving technical challenges and improving operational performance.

Cytec is proud to support Kansanshi via this partnership and is happy to help ensure the success of their refining now and in the future. www.cytec.com

NOVEMBER be monthly 2012 | | 472

KANSANSHI COPPER MINE

TOTAL: MORE THAN JUST AN OIL COMPANY Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with a growing presence in over 150 countries.

The Group is also a first rank player in chemicals. Its 96,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry – exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, gas and new energies, trading, and chemicals.

With nearly 15,000 service stations worldwide, Total is among the largest refiners and marketers in Western Europe and the leading marketer in Africa. Total is a major player in the specialty products business (lubricants, aviation fuels, marine fuels, heavy fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, bitumen) and one of the leading traders of oil and refined products worldwide.

Total is committed to meeting growing energy demand while consistently acting as a responsible corporate citizen. The company is actively preparing for the energy future by progressively expanding its offerings and developing complementary next generation energy activities, with a focus on solar and biomass.

Corporate social responsibility is a pillar of our strategy and focuses on three major issues: meeting energy needs while tackling the challenges related to climate change and natural resources, curtailing the impact of our operations on people and the environment, and helping to drive social and economic development.

As a result of strong partnerships with mining companies in 40 countries worldwide, Total has developed mining solutions based on a range of high quality products with integrated services.

Total Mining Solutions adds value to mining customers by maximizing equipment availability, increasing productivity and thus, reducing their overall costs.

Supplying around 200 mining sites worldwide, Total is a partner of choice for mining companies. From the refinery to the mining site, Total Mining Solutions covers the entire supply chain, ensuring reliable delivery and product quality.

Thanks to a worldwide network of refineries, terminals and blending plants, Total is able to supply petroleum products to mining customers even in the most remote areas.

Our success in partnering with mining companies is based on our ability to manage large-scale projects in complex environments.

For each mining project, Total provides a combination of key success factors such as trucks equipped with on-board computers, permanent or mobile storage and dispensing facilities, filtration systems, laboratories for fluid analysis, fluid management systems, on-site technical support, etc.

Since 2004,Total Zambia Ltd has been proud to provide a complete fuel and lubrication solution to Kansanshi’s needs across its vast range of equipment.

Through our continuous improvement program, we work with Kansanshi to ensure our offer evolves with their requirements.

This guarantees that Total Zambia Limited delivers mining solutions tailored to Kansanshi’s business.

To discuss our Mining Solutions please contact the Commercial Director, Total Zambia Limited, Tel: +260 97 7 790694. www.total.co.zm

OCTOBER 2012 | 1

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

Excavation taking place

employed. The oxide is treated with acid to product is leached via a high pressure leach dissolve out the copper which is then won circuit, which then feeds this leach solution by electro-winning into 99.999 percent pure into the oxide circuit for eventual electrocathodes. Sulphide ore is crushed and milled winning. Experience gained on this HPL before going through a flotation process circuit stood First Quantum well in their which eventually creates a 26 percent Cu in Ravensthorpe operation. concentrate that then needs In fact Kansanshi is in smelting to attain the final the middle of extensive copper product. expansion activity. “We In addition to these two have a $370m programme processing plants, Kansanshi underway,” says Burger, “to now has a third hybrid line lift production at the mine for the mixed ores. First from the current 250,000 Quantum has developed a tonnes to 380,000 tonnes of copper by 2015. Not only ground breaking solution The price that First will we be mining more which uses a modified Quantum Minerals paid ore but by building our flotation cycle. Separate for the Kansanshi mine own acid plant and smelter to this, some concentrate

$340 million

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Sino Grinding is a group company specializing in design, manufacturing and distribution.

We promote our grinding media worldwide by on-site technical support regularly to all our clients and proactive development research with more advanced products being released regularly as specific problems are identified and dealt with.

Sino Grinding is now supplying it’s products to over 20 different mines in Australian, Asian, African and American markets.

All products of Sino Grinding are manufactured in P. R.China under license with Sino Grinding being the sole copyright owner. Sino Grinding is leading the market technically by supplying the most advanced SAG mill grinding balls in the world today.

Sino Grinding specializes in design and supply of various types of grinding media to different mills based on each mill’s specific working conditions.

www.sinogrinding.com

KANSANSHI First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

SINO GRINDING INTERNATIONAL Finally, a new steel grinding ball.

Ore processing has had countless improvements over the last 20 years, as have most technologies. Recoveries in the high 90%, machine reliability, but the outstanding feature has been the sheer scale and size of new project operations.

“Increased throughput and lower steel and energy consumption” is the clear new instruction of shareholders.

In reaction to this, new engineering skills have enabled the primary SAG mills to grow to new capacities with the largest mill of about 14 meters (almost 46 feet) in diameter now under construction – in China. With this increase in mill size a new problem has now occurred, can the traditional grinding media survive this massive increase in impact?

SGI group has been challenging the traditional grinding ball manufacturers with a new generation of technologies for years.

SGI firstly focused on steel consumption as the item of most interest to the mill management teams; from this the Sino-1 SAG revolutionary ball was designed in 2004.

This ball was noticeably tougher with the ability to withstand continuous ball on ball actions without any noticeable breakage in the bigger SAG mills.

These days SGI offers a range (6 types in total) of specialized SAG balls from 3.5” (94mm) to 6” (150mm+). Each grade has variations in chemistry, physical characteristics, efficiencies and cost to suit the very different grinding/impact environments of all mills that SGI has encountered.

SGI first collects data first hand from mill operations people. Mill size/speed, ore size/ hardness, ball size/consumption, operations targets of throughput and grind are all part of the detailed questionnaire to set as the “starting point”. Modeling is then done at SGI Head Office. These considered options, in many cases offered with performance guarantees, are then submitted to the customer. Trial testing is encouraged on a production scale so that all data can be trended from the starting point. Pieter Theunissen, SGI African Chief, makes it clear that SGI are not milling specialists.

“Our customers know milling; we know steel alloying and build what they ask for. Together we usually find a better ball design in our range or a variation to that for optimum results. I suppose that as we rarely lose a customer – that this speaks for itself”.

SGI has offices in China, Africa, Australia (Boliver International – as exclusive agents), Canada and USA. www.sinogrinding.com

NOVEMBER 2012| |532 be monthly

First Quantum Minerals:KANSANSHI KansanshiCOPPER MiningMINE Plc weKansanshi will become feature just about text... consectetur adipisicing elit, as Lorem selfipsum sufficient dolor sit as amet, it is sed do eiusmod tempor possible consectetur to be.” adipisicing elit, incididunt ut labore et dolore sedSolwezi do eiusmod lies about tempor 250 magna aliqua. Ut enim ad miles incididunt due south ut labore of theetKatanga dolore minim veniam, quis nostrud copper magnabelt aliqua. in theUt Democratic enim ad exercitation ulla mco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex Republic minim veniam, of Congo quisand nostrud is at ea commodo consequat. the exercitation end of a 160km ulla spur mco road Duis aute irure dolor in laboris ut north/south aliquip ex from thenisi main reprehenderit in voluptate ea commodo consequat. highway that serves Katanga’s velit esse cillum dolore Duis aute mines.

“Theirure maindolor road in is eu fugiat nulla as pariatur. reprehenderit in voluptate tarred,” says Burger, “but we This TheisKansanshi a caption this mineisisa aiming captionto become as self suffient possible Excepteur sint occaecat velit toesse dolore have take cillum care of the last nonsoproident, suntQuantum in culpa has qui eu fugiat pariatur.

Excepteur sint cupidatat 160km linknulla ourselves.

The roads are narrow So much that First occaecat cupidatat nonrestricting proident,what sunt we in cooperated and very busy, thereby officia deserunt with mollit the government anim id esttolaborum. upgrade culpa qui officia anim air id the can transport that deserunt way. Not mollit surprisingly, Lorem limited ipsum facilities dolor at sit the amet, Solwezi consectetur airfield adipisicing sedit do tempor transportation est laborum. Lorem is vital for ipsum our dolor business.” sit amet, to the point elit, where willeiusmod soon become an

BIA OVERSEAS Located in Wavre, to the south of Brussels and with subsidiaries in more than 15 African countries, BIA Overseas s.a. operates in the sale and service of equipment for mines, quarries, public works, recycling, handling and power generation in West and Central Africa. BIA Overseas s.a. offers a wide range of equipment and accessories from well-known manufacturers such as Komatsu, Sandvik, Bomag and Cummins.

In Belgium and in Africa, our teams are mainly comprised of engineers and more than 450 technicians, active in the field, in our service and training centers, or directly at operational sites, offering tailor-shaped solutions and services. These solutions range from equipment sales, transport and assembly, spare parts

and aftersales service, to personal advice on project requirements and execution, financial settlements and the training of technical staff.

BIA as an environment Given the nature of our business, the environment at BIA is flourished by the passion for high standards and excellence. This level of quality is mandatory to face the challenges at hand, from Belgium to the most remote places in Africa. Alongside our engineers, technicians and project managers from around the world, BIA is composed of the finest minds in finance, logistics, services, human resources and general administration.

E. info@biaoverseas.com www.biaoverseas.com

NOVEMBER be monthly 2012| |552

international gateway. “The airstrip has been extended to 2.7km,” says Burger, “which means Boeing 737s can land now.

The buildings are being improved and we are currently waiting on the government to install customs and immigration personnel before declaring Solwezi as the country’s newest international airport.”

With such a long road journey for anything and everything that needs to be trucked into

the site, Kansanshi is on a mission to reduce costs wherever possible. “We are currently using 250,000 litres of fuel a day,” says Burger, “which all has to be brought in by tanker – a huge logistical challenge before mining even starts. We have a couple of major initiatives that will reduce our dependency on outside sources of fuel and should reduce our operating costs significantly.”

In a move designed to cut down on the

“Our plants use 1500 tonnes of acid a day,which at a nominal cost of $300 per tonne is almost half a million dollars every day”

Kansanshi vehicles currently use 250,000 litres of fuel a day

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First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

Plans are under way to reduce costs by constructing a new 1.2 million tonne concentrate smelter

number of truck movements needed per day, a new in-pit crushing plant is a key part of the expansion plans which will enable much of the ore to be moved by conveyors from pit to plant.

Where truck transportation is inevitable, a new electric trolley assist system is being installed. By fitting trucks with a couple of electric drive motors, integrated through gears with the conventional diesel engine, much of the work can be done by electric power, fed to the trucks by an overhead catenary. Going uphill, trucks can tap into the main grid and get a helping boost of power.

Another high cost area of the business, and onerous logistical consideration to boot, is the amount of sulphuric acid consumed. Either acid itself or the base ingredient sulphur is needed.

“Our plants use 1500 tonnes of acid a day,” says Burger, “which at a nominal cost of $300 per tonne is almost half a million dollars every day. It’s one of our biggest cost centres, accounting for about 11 percent of production costs. Today, as we are talking, a new 900 tonnes per day acid plant is being commissioned which will help minimise overall production costs until the final link in the chain – a new 1.2 million tonne concentrate smelter is complete.”

Considering the amount of copper produced in the region, Zambia currently doesn’t have enough smelting capacity to cope. First Quantum is investing $500 million in its own smelter at Kansanshi capable of processing 1.2 million tonnes of concentrate from which 300,000 tonnes of copper will

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Buks Haulage Limited (BHL),

Â

A division of Cargo Carriers

with head office located in Ndola, Zambia is known and recognised as one of the leaders in transport and logistical sectors in Zambia. Cargo Carriers, a listed globally known company recently acquired the majority share in BHL. As a team our vision is to improve the quality of transport and logistics in Sub-Sahara Africa. We promote community up-liftment, diversity and sustainability.

www.bukshaulage.co.za

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as wellutaslabore cost. sed do eiusmodcongestion tempor incididunt “When plans et dolore magna aliqua.our Ut expansion enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation are complete,” says ullamco Burger, laboris nisi ut“there aliquip willex stillea be commodo a shortfall consequat. Duis aute irure in of smelter capacitydolor but the reprehenderit in voluptate esse cillum figure will velit be very small dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

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BUKS HAULAGE LIMITED Formed in Zambia in 2004, BHL specializes in the transport of various commodities with value added services and facilities. BHL is a dynamic entity offering total logistical solutions within Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa. We are renowned for our ability to bring logistical management methodologies to greater heights through our experience.

Our mission is to provide you with optimal transport and logistical solutions by combining loads when possible, ensuring that the vehicles for your product are optimally utilized and maintaining all stock levels on a weekly, or monthly basis. We are committed to honouring our agreements with our clients on time at all levels and to remain professional at all times.

Honesty, transparency and objectivity in dealing with clients are non-negotiable at BHL. We have also developed a powerful contractor base which is both an empowerment initiative and beneficial to your organization. Each

client is treated individually and offered real time management solutions pertinent to their organization. We give you peace of mind to focus on your core business, while we manage your transport / logistics.

In our experience, sound project management is vital and determines the success of both long and short term projects. Excellent communication is of the essence for effective decision making, delegation of tasks and liaison with all our customers at all levels.

BHL specializes in formalizing international delivery instructions either through import or export key transactions. We will handle export documents, licenses, permits, export declarations, inspection certificates, insurance documents and commercial invoices. BHL works in conjunction with the clearing and forwarding agency. www.bukshaulage.co.za

NOVEMBER 2012| |592 be monthly

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Excepteur dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. people on site,” Burger, “4000 on sint our not so much of a problem but it has Excepteur meant that occaecat nonby proident, suntand in Solwezi sint occaecat cupidatat sunt payroll andcupidatat the rest hired construction has grown into a non bit ofproident, a shanty town

MES INTERNATIONAL LTD MES International Ltd is an established supplier of products and services to the mining, quarrying and recycling industries.

Since its formation over four decades ago, MES has built its reputation as a “can do” supplier, available 24/7 to respond to breakdowns and urgent requirements with the highest level of service required for these unforseen occassions. MES International truly is a “one stop shop” for your operating needs. We supply the highest quality precision engineered crusher spares for machines including Nordberg, Svedala, Telsmith, Sandvik, Allis Chalmers. Our conveyor belting is available from several locations throughout Africa, in a range of widths and strengths to meet your requirements, and with a 24 hour breakdown response, we are always here when you need us. With our team of highly qualified and experienced vulcanisers, we can undertake

hot & cold joints, pull up joints, clipped endless joints, maintenance and training etc. We manufacture Material Handling Systems including Installation & Commissioning, from overland conveyor structures to waterside loading systems. We also design, re-design, maintain and supply conveyor structure and radial stacker systems, along with drums, rollers and take-up units through our Engineering Services, who can also provide strip down and re-build services for crushers on scheduled shutdowns. New, used and refurbished Site Equipment including plant and machinery can be supplied for your site requirements.

MES look forward to continuing to provide Kansanshi Mine with their crusher wear parts and conveyor belting, safe in the knowledge that they are to the quality they know and trust. www.mesinternational.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2012 | | 612 be monthly

Seen

Contact us today and put your company in the spotlight!

vincent@bus-ex.com 62 | be monthly

with very little in the way of organised town planning. We do a lot to improve matters – at the moment we are building 1000 additional houses - and are willing to do even more to make conditions better for all concerned but it’s a sensitive area with the local council wanting to stay in control.”

It shouldn’t be a question of money.

Kansanshi is said to be Zambia’s biggest source of revenue. Apart from the 20 percent of Kansanshi that is owned by the parastatal ZCCM IH, First Quantum contributed US$611 million last year in various taxes – double the previous year.

“But there are no existing mining skills amongst the local population,” says Burger, “and we have an obligation to try and give employment to those who actually come from

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc

Haul trucks

this region. It’s a challenge. Many have never even ridden a bicycle – let alone a car – and now they are in control of mining equipment worth many millions of dollars. As you can imagine, there is a lot of training needed and a considerable amount of supervision.”

The weather can also contribute problems.

During the rainy summer season from November to April, it rains 10 to 50mm almost on a daily basis. Not surprisingly, a

lot of this ends up at the bottom of the pit and at their height, drainage pumps are shifting 75,000 m3 of water a day. On the other hand, the rain is short lived and predictable, which has enabled the mine to plan accordingly to minimise disruption.

But Kansanshi is not the only African interest owned by First Quantum. Part of all its Solwezi expansion plans is the development of three new potential mines that collectively go under

“there are no existing mining skills amongst the local population.

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Kansanshi This is a caption this is aCopper captionMine

First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc the working name of Trident. The one nickel and two copper prospects lie about 120km from Kansanshi and will cost in the region of $1billion to develop. Once in opencast production, Trident is expected to eventually contribute 300,000 tonnes of copper per annum.

First Quantum should be a big player over the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo, too but a dispute with the government there has shut down all activity. The mining company had invested $1 billion developing the Kolwezi copper-cobalt project, only to see it seized by the authorities. A second interest at the Frontier mine – reputed to be the Congo’s biggest tax contributor and providing employment for 1,500 nationals, was also seized by armed police and soldiers in 2010, seemingly in retaliation for contesting the Kolwezi action in international arbitration. Ultimately the matter was settled out of court with ENRC compensating First Quantum for their seized assets.

In the meantime, First Quantum is working hard on meeting its objective of becoming ‘a globally diversified mining and metals company.’ In the absence of activity in the Congo, it has a portfolio of four operating mines in Zambia, Australia, Finland and Mauritania, producing LME grade “A” copper cathode, copper in concentrate, nickel concentrate, gold and sulphuric acid.

In various stages of development are another three projects: two in Zambia and one in Haquira in Peru.

For more information about First Quantum Minerals: Kansanshi Mining Plc visit: www.first-quantum.com

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A mainstay in mining Director of foreign assets, Roman Panov, discusses the factors that have contributed to the success of Norilsk Nickel and how core markets, particularly Africa, are continuing to be vital sources of growth

written by: Will Daynes research by: Marcus Lewis

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Norilsk Nickel

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M

ining has been a part of life in the Norilsk area since the 1920s, during which time the seeds were sown for what would become a lucrative industry for the region and Russia as a whole over the course of the subsequent century.

It was in 1935 that the government of the USSR created the Norilsk Combine and 1943 that Norilsk managed to produce an annual total of 4000 tonnes of refined nickel, before hitting its target figure of 10,000 tonnes just two years later in 1945.

In the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union a joint-stock company was created in 1993, taking the name RAO Norilsk Nickel.

By 1997, the company had been sold to private enterprise Interros and had returned to profitability. In the years since, Norilsk has gone on to successfully acquire a host of mining and metallurgical assets across the world, thus transforming itself into a multinational organisation with operations in Russia, Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa.

Today, MMC Norilsk Nickel is the world’s largest producer of nickel and palladium, and one of the leading global producers of platinum and copper. In addition, it also produces various by-products such as cobalt, chromium, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and sulphur.

“Our production assets,” explains director of foreign assets, Roman Panov, “are located in five countries, Russia, Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa, across which we mine over 30 million tonnes of ore and produce almost 300,000 tonnes of nickel. The

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Norilsk Nickel

latter figure represents a fifth of the world’s total nickel production.”

In its home country of Russia, the company’s production units include its Polar Division, which is located above the Polar Circle on the Taimyr Peninsula, and Kola MMC on the Kola Peninsula, while in Finland it operates the

Harjavalta processing plant. In Australia its operations include Black Swan, Cawse, Lake Johnston and Honeymoon Well, and in Africa its activities are comprised of the Nkomati project in South Africa and Tati Nickel in Botswana. In addition to its operating assets, the company boasts a large sales and

“our resource base will be expanding considerably as we embark further upon geological exploration in the regions where we currently operate” 70 | be monthly

Norilsk Nickel

Artic Express is the ship also in Russia

marketing network in many and metals companies of the world’s major regions, by market capitalisation, vital energy assets that as well as geographical ensure the security of energy expansion and production supply to its operations, diversification, by the year Tonnes of nickel 2025,� Panov enthuses. proprietary research and produced globally by Panov believes that the development assets and its Norilsk Nickel per annum unique Arctic fleet. company has the necessary Norilsk Nickel sees its technical, financial, economic mission as revolving around strengthening its and investment policies that will allow it to leadership in the mining and metals sectors, achieve its aims. It establishes solid grounds while at all times remaining a responsible for social, regional and human resources producer and supplier of non-ferrous and policies, strategies for the development precious metals. “The company plans to of related industrial facilities and the be included in the top five largest mining optimisation of corporate governance.

300,000

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“In the years to come,” Panov continues, “our resource base will be expanding considerably as we embark further upon geological exploration in the regions where we currently operate and through our participation in new projects. As part of a broader drive to diversify our commodity portfolio and our region presence we continue

to monitor projects in mineral-rich countries in southern Africa. Specifically, we are looking at potential projects in Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Botswana. These consist of both greenfield and brownfield mines, however what we are focusing on is the quality and quantity of reserves that each holds underground.”

“Expansion across Africa fits perfectly into our strategy and will act as a logical way of tying our expansion plans to our existing operating sites”

Truck at Tati Nickel Mine in Botswana

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Norilsk Nickel

Nkomat Mine in South Africa

Africa and South Africa in particular, is playing an increasingly important role in the growth strategies of diversified mining companies. This is equally true for Norilsk Nickel, the major difference being that it already has a commanding presence in South Africa where it is part of the Nkomati nickel mine joint venture alongside African Rainbow Minerals.

“Expansion across Africa,” Panov says, “fits perfectly into our strategy and will act as a logical way of tying our expansion plans to our existing operating sites. What is also important to highlight is the fact that Norilsk is not restricted to nickel and in that respect we actively investigate the

potential of all manner of base-metals with a similar degree of enthusiasm.”

Having a unique raw material mineral base gives the company the ability to retain its competitive advantage within the industry and provides it with stability of production and enables it to make strong long-term forecasts.

“In order to strengthen our position as a leading global mining and metallurgical entity,” Panov states, “our primary objectives are to further develop our international operations and focus on the development of key production assets. The management of the company collectively works on a constant basis to optimise business

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Norilsk Nickel

March 2011 The company signed a Declaration of Strategic Partnership with South Africa’s government processes, improve operational indicators, reduce costs and enhance efficiency at all levels in order to create additional value for our shareholders.”

Norilsk Nickel continues to retain its position as the world’s lowest-cost producer of nickel and one of the ways it does is maintaining a strong presence on the African continent. It is with this in mind that the company is particularly interested in prospecting and carrying out the geological investigation and exploration of promising new greenfield projects in South Africa.

“In March 2011,” Panov concludes, “the Declaration of Strategic Partnership between Norilsk Nickel and South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources was signed. The aim of this partnership is to facilitate the implementing of lucrative mineral resource development projects in the country. This partnership alone highlights just how important a role South Africa will continue to play in our growth strategy on the African continent.”

Tati Nickel Mine in Botswana

For more information about Norilsk Nickel visit: www.nornik.ru/en/

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Noble Mineral Resources

The gold standard Ghana is home to some of the world’s most exciting gold prospects and Noble Mineral Resources is one of the companies leading the way in exploring and developing the country’s large-scale deposits

written by: Will Daynes research by: Jeff Abbott

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Drilling core samples for Gold exploration

Noble Mineral Resources

G

hana holds a particularly kilometres North-West of Accra, the Bibiani special place in recent African open-pit gold mine was commissioned in history, being as it was the 1998. Situated within the Sefwi-Bibiani belt, first sub-Saharan Africa nation it plays host to over 17 million ounces of gold. to gain independence from The concession area of approximately 49 European colonialism in 1957. In the near square kilometres is located near the town five decades since the country has gone on to of Bibiani, approximately 80 kilometres become one of the fastest growing economies South West of the Ashanti capital, Kumasi. in the world with one of the highest GDP per The principal and most practicable access to capita in all of Africa. the area is from the east along the Kumasi One of the primary reasons for this growth road. It is here that an aggressive exploration is the country’s diverse and rich resource base. programme is currently underway in order The mining industry of Ghana today accounts to add substantially to the existing resource for five percent of its GDP, with minerals base, with recent drilling returning highmaking up 37 percent of its grade results from near total exports, of which gold mine targets. contributes over 90 percent.

In addition to the Bibiani Bearing these figures in Project, Noble holds the mind it becomes immediately Cape Three Points, Brotet clear why the main focus of and Tumentu Gold Projects Ounces of gold estimated Ghana’s mining and minerals located within the southern to be held within the Bibiani concession development remains firmly extension of the Ashanti Gold fixed on gold.

Belt. The Cape Three Points Noble Mineral Resources concession covers a total is an ASX-listed company, exploring for area of more than 79 square kilometres of and developing large-scale gold deposits in prospective ground within the structurally Ghana’s goldfields. Incorporated in April 2007, complex Birimian metavolcanics and Noble has brought together an experienced metasediments. At least twenty historic gold management team that possesses the workings and prospects are recorded by technical expertise capable of identifying and previous workers, in addition to ten historic developing high quality mineral prospects. gold working prospects located within the In March 2012, production commenced at Cape Three Points Forest Reserve.

On completion of a successful IPO, the company’s flagship Bibiani Gold Project with the first gold pour. This achievement and satisfaction of the terms of an option ramped by Noble’s stable production rate and agreement, Noble will hold AXMIN Limited’s subsequently propelled it into the ranks of existing rights over the joint venture agreement West Africa’s mid-tier gold producers. between AXMIN and Consolidated Minerals Located in the West of the country, 250 Limited (Ghana) and will earn a 55 percent

17 million

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Chritech Engineering Services is involved in Mechanical, Civil Engineering Works, General Building works and Supplies with various Mining Companies.

We specialise in: • General Construction • Steel Erecting • Fabrication • Pipe Fitting • Sand Blasting • Painting • Labour Supply • General Building • Civil Works • Fencing • Land Scaping • Roofing • Cladding & General Supplies

P. O. BOX 153, Bibiani, Western Region, Ghana – West Africa.

Telephone: Office +233-31 20 99 019 | Direct +233-20 841 672 4, +233-24 461 239 3, +233-264-612393 e-mail: eschritech@gmail.com

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CHRITECH ENGINEERING SERVICES Based in Bibiani, Ghana, Chritech Engineering Services is involved in mechanical, civil engineering works, general building works and a range of services to various mining companies.

Our services include design and construction work for process plant, mechanical installations and repairs, sand blasting, painting and planned maintenance shut downs.

In the mining industry our core competencies cover design and construction works for processing plants, tailings dams, stockpile management, dust suppression, long haulage of bulk material, labour and material supply.

We have a broad labour pool for hire on building, civil and mechanical installations ranging from carpenters, masons, welders (x-ray, argon, fusion, etc), pipe fitters, mechanical fitters, fabricators, sandblasters, steel erectors and also offer competent supervisory support for our artisans.

We have a good performance record with Noble Gold Bibiani Limited, Kinross Gold Mine Chirano, Central African Gold Limited, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, and Drilling and Mining Services Limited (DAMS). Our managers have an excellent track record in managing and running our projects in various engineering disciplines with a high degree of professionalism. Based in Bibiani, a mining town in the western region of Ghana, we have the ability to move quickly to sites far and near at reasonable notice.

Value for money is one of our major priorities.

We position ourselves “fairly� in the rate range in relation to other competitive service providers within the sub-region, yet we maintain the highest safety standards in managing our contract to suit the standards set by our clients.

E. eschritech@gmail.com

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“Noble’s strategy for the future revolves fundamentally around the development of its assets” programme on the Brotet Licence indicate the continuation of the Morrison trend for some kilometres with further soil geochemistry analysis required which will form an integral part of further exploration on this concession.

The exploration of this tenure will be carried out in conjunction with the Cape Three Points programme.

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The Tumentu Concession, meanwhile, is located in the western region of the country, approximately 221 kilometres from Accra.

The concession itself is 8.74 square kilometres in size and is positioned immediately between the Prestea Gold Mine and the Salman-Anwia project area, currently being explored by Adamus Resources, where a total resource of

Noble Mineral Resources

Haul truck transporting the ore

1.6 million ounces has recently been reported.

On completion of a successful IPO and satisfaction of the terms of an option agreement, Noble acquired the existing rights over the joint venture agreement with Obotan Minerals Company Limited to earn a 78 percent interest in the Tumentu Concession by spending $170,000 on the concession in October 2008. Obotan retain a ten percent interest in the joint venture up to a decision to mine, which was negotiated within the parameters of the joint venture agreement.

Additionally, The Republic of Ghana retains ten percent interest in the project.

Noble’s aims and strategy for the future revolve fundamentally around the development

of its assets. This includes establishing the Bibiani Gold Project as a 150,000 ounce per annum gold producer, unveiling the possibilities for its under-explored Assuonta and Bibiani North projects and demonstrating the exploration potential of Cape Three Points, Brotet and Tumentu. Further to this, the company looks forward to exploring and developing new mineral deposits with the goal being to significantly enhance the value of its current undertakings.

For more information about Noble Mineral Resources visit: www.nobleminres.com.au

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A harvest of gold Barrick Gold’s Granny Smith property in the Western Australian outback is a hotbed of mining industry best practice, technical innovation and community initiatives: with more gold defined annually it has turned into a long term asset

written by: John O’Hanlon research by: Jeff Abbott

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Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine

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Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine The Granny Smith Mine began operations in 1989

I

n case you’re wondering why a mine might be named after an apple, this Granny Smith has nothing to do with the fruit that has been called Australia’s best-known export.

The deposit now owned and operated by Barrick Gold was first discovered in 1979 by Ray Smith and named after his wife Laurende who had just become a grandmother! Having passed through the hands of Delta Gold and Placer Dome, the arrestingly-named deposit was acquired by Barrick in 2006.

The mine started to operate in 1989 as a single pit with eight years’ estimated mine life, however many other pits have been mined between then and 2006. Today the mine draws on the reserves of the nearby Wallaby underground deposit and is continually adding to its production record.

Granny Smith, says its energetic manager Julie Shuttleworth, is a textbook example of the effectiveness of continuous drilling and exploration to follow the limits of a mineral deposit. “The Wallaby deposit has a lot of potential. We have been drilling lateral and deeper extensions and have found positive mineralisation there as well.”

The underground mine is located 950 kilometres northeast of Perth and 23 kilometres south of Laverton in Western Australia. Its processing plant consists of a two-stage fresh ore crushing circuit with closed circuit screening, a single-stage oxide ore crushing circuit, a semi-autogenous grinding mill in circuit with cone crusher and ball mill, an agitation leaching and carbon-inpulp circuit, tailings gravity retreatment plant with fine grind, a gold recovery plant with carbon reactivation, and a tailing thickener.

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seeking mining professionals? partner with the experts We are the heavy industry and mining recruiting experts.

We service the mining, heavy industrial, bulk chemical production, power and primary industries, recruiting from trades level through to executive appointments.

Our extensive database, local market knowledge and fast and accurate response allow us to bring the right person to your job for lasting impact.

That’s why, for over 36 years, we’ve powered the world of work.

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Mechanical Maintenance Trades Electrical Maintenance Trades Mining Shutdowns Mineral Processing Operators Fixed Plant Lab Technicians Geological Assistance Surface Maintenance Underground Maintenance/Operators Surface Production & Ancillary Operators Drill and Blast

Contact hays resources & mining at rm.perth@hays.com.au or 08 9254 4595.

hays.com.au

BARRICK GOLD GRANNY SMITH

HAYS RECRUITMENT Boilermarkers, OH&S advisors and mining engineers are among the candidates in hottest demand in the resources and mining industry as we welcome 2013, according to the latest Hays Quarterly Report.

The Report, out now and covering January to March 2013, shows that there are clearly pockets of shortages for specific skills in the resources and mining industry. “Whilst these skills are in hot demand, employers remain cautious about hiring candidates that appear to have changed employer too often and they are also being very specific with their requirements,” says Simon Winfield, Senior Regional Director of Hays in Western Australia.

“Employers want candidates with a proven and stable background, and some are willing to wait to find the exact match. In terms of longterm solutions some employers are interested in candidates that can take a step up to fill a role rather than have someone more senior take a step back.” But when Hays finds the right candidate, says Winfield, employers are moving fast to snap them up.

According to the Hays Quarterly Report for January to March 2013, demand is highest for the following skilled professionals in resources and mining: NSW Boilermakers: More available than in previous quarters, but those with specific Hunter Valley Mine Site Inductions will secure short term contract work to support fluctuating project requirements.

Mechanical engineers: Opportunities exist with mobile plant for underground mines. While orders are slow, investment is still being put into product development.

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Project engineers (mechanical & civil) and project managers (mechanical & civil): As regional industries are focused on delivery of mining infrastructure, these candidates remain in demand.

Northern Territory OH&S advisors: These candidates are in demand as the industry in the Northern Territory is still growing and as sites get bigger and more complicated the safety side of their operations is becoming more paramount.

Electrical, fixed plant, reliability and mining engineers: Due to a skill shortage in the Northern Territory, as more sites look to have their workforce based here, they are finding it difficult to have the right candidates relocate.

Queensland Residential senior maintenance supervisors, senior Vulcan mine surveyors, experienced digger fitters, residential mobile maintenance planners and high voltage electricians: There is a shortage of good experienced candidates especially within the locations required. High voltage electricians must also have electric drive truck experience.

Western Australia Senior mine geologists, mining engineer, contract mining engineer, process manager and maintenance supervisor: Each of these skills is absolutely necessary to the operation of producing mine sites. Continued operation and profitability of key assets for mining organisations is the highest priority at present.

For more information on the Hays Quarterly Report, go to www.hays.com.au/report/

BE WEEKLY | 1

Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine

Barrick practises continuous improvement in asset management

Proven and probable gold reserves reported at has been given, but recently she was declared the end of 2011 amounted to 635,000 ounces. 2012 Telstra Western Australia Business Julie Shuttleworth has managed the mine Woman of the Year, and in 2011 was Mine site since 2010, but has been with Barrick Manager of the Year at the Australian Mining since joining as a senior metallurgist in 2000. Prospect Awards. Her contribution to mining She is a big hitter in the industry, seemingly education has been recognised by her alma as busy outside of her day job as she is coping mater, Perth’s Murdoch University, where with the demands of running Granny Smith. she sponsors the Julie Shuttleworth Prize in An energetic spokesperson for the mining Mineral Processing. industry, she goes into schools, Though the drilling universities, career fairs and programme is her priority seminars to talk to students with six drill rigs operating and young professionals. to define the underground “I am passionate about deposit outward and encouraging people to think downward, there’s also Ounces of proven and potential future opportunity about working in the mining probable gold reserves at industry.” There’s not room to mine the decommissioned the end of 2011 here to list the awards she open pits. A feasibility study

635,000

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is underway and Barrick will assess this project further in 2013.

The additional volumes of ore for processing could be handled by the existing processing plant, which is currently being kept topped up via an ore purchase agreement with Focus Minerals’ Laverton operations. The 22 year-old plant has been subjected to an improvement project during 2012 led by the processing manager. Relatively small changes to screen sizes, ball loading in the mills and optimisation of crushers delivered a big improvement in throughput from approximately 7,500 tonnes per day (tpd) to consistently over 9,000 tpd. “It’s great to see these results: There is still some upside

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there and we will be working on continuously improving over the next couple of years.”

The plant will need that capacity. Even without the proposed open pits, there has been a massive ramp up in existing operations. 920,000 tonnes of ore were mined from underground in 2010: this year the tonnage will top 1.4 million. As a result of this production the gold ounces recovered went up from 139,000 in 2010 to 196,000 in 2011. Production is expected to be about 200,000 ounces in 2012. How has all this been achieved? Shuttleworth’s simple answer is continuous improvement in asset management, resource utilisation, planning and incremental process changes with a big

Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine

Resource utilisation has been improved

“We’ve focused on improving the capacity of the haulage trucks and making truck movement more effective” focus on effective teamwork. “We’ve focused on improving the capacity of the haulage trucks and making truck movement more effective. And we commissioned a new type of jumbo which has also increased production.”

A jumbo is the machine that drills holes into the rock face for explosive charges: so the more faces you can drill each day, or the

longer these holes are, the more you can blast and the more tonnes you can get out of the mine each day, she explains.

Another new piece of equipment which has been proving its worth over the last year is the low profile tyre handler that has been developed by the Granny Smith maintenance team in partnership with Austin Engineering.

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Red Dirt Personnel Group is a fully owned

West Australian Recruitment Company specialising in supply of Temporary and Permanent Labour across all disciplines to the Resources Industry as well as Project Maintenance. All recruitment staff have a mining background. Established in 2002 and with limited staff movement this has put us in a unique position whereby we can offer a steady workforce where industry client and candidate knowledge has been retained.

Red Dirt Personnel team members are in the office, Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. They are also contactable by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More info on our talented team members can be found on our website.

www.reddirt.com.au

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RED DIRT PERSONNEL Red Dirt Personnel was founded in 2002, with the sole purpose of meeting the unique needs of the resource industry. We are not a large recruitment company that dabbles in mining. At Red Dirt Personnel, mining is all we do, so our name has become synonymous with temporary and permanent recruitment across all mining and resource disciplines.

As recruitment is essentially a relationshipbased business, our team members form honest, trusting relationships with our clients and candidates alike, and minimal staff movement ensures our knowledge and relationships are maintained.

Acquiring new staff can be a costly and timeconsuming business, so Red Dirt ensures all

pre-employment processes and procedures such as medicals, drug & alcohol screens, MWHS testing and reference checks are undertaken for every candidate selected for employment prior to commencing on site (costs covered by Red Dirt).

Our services have been fine-tuned over a decade of working closely with our clients, identifying areas where we can add value within and beyond the recruitment process. As all Red Dirt Personnel team members have formerly worked in mining, all services are seamlessly provided within a mutual understanding of rosters, work conditions, and the like. www.reddirt.com.au

DECEMBER 2012| |952 be monthly

We create solutions The world’s biggest mining and resource companies come to us to process, handle, haul and support millions of tonnes of material across Australia.

At Granny Smith we have been working with Barrick for over 5 years and introduced one of the first dual powered out of pit haulers. With the support and cooperation of Barrick at Granny Smith these units continue to operate successfully today and have been a cornerstone for our business.

Bis Industries, the power behind progress.

Interested in one of our unique solutions?

Visit bisindustries.com

Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine well as other Barrick mine sites in Western Australia. Several With over 100 years of experience in the field, we are a units are also in the USA. The leading provider of turnkey solutions to some of the world’s more mines that adopt the biggest mining, steel and resources companies. low profile tyre handler the We specialise in the provision of off-road load and haul happier Julie Shuttleworth solutions. Our Dual Powered Road Trains and Pit Haulers will be. “My vision is that are specifically designed to haul loads from out of pit or from top of pit over any distance without the need for there is never another tyre rehandling. changing accident anywhere.

In the core of its unique design, a second engine is utilised This machine securely holds either in a powered dolly between trailers or incorporated in the tyre and prevents it the lead trailer. from toppling over, making Using unique solutions like this one, we keep our customers the job safer.” producing safely. Interested in these unique solutions?

There’s best practice www.bisindustries.com wherever one looks at Granny Smith. The production record speaks for itself, the tyre handler is a fantastic example of innovation serving mine safety, and in addition the mine has a strong sense of commitment to people development and the wider community.

Based on her own experience Shuttleworth encourages colleagues to take advantage of the opportunities Barrick gives them to travel, transfer to other sites or to move on secondment to improve their skills. “These are strong values of the company and they are important to me.”

Good corporate citizenship is just as important, she believes. Granny Smith is

Bis Industries Unique Haulage Solutions

9,000 Tonnes per day plant throughput Employees are encouraged to improve their skills

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Granny Smith expects 2012 gold production of 200,000 ounces

Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine near Laverton, a small town almost entirely dependent on mining and the mine works with the local shire, police, schools and aboriginal communities on many initiatives. “Every one of my managers and superintendents has a community relations initiative each year,” she says. These include traineeship programmes to increase the number of indigenous people working at the mine and sponsoring the Laverton School and the Mount Margaret Remote Community School in an aboriginal community nearby. “We provide a healthy breakfast every morning for those children to encourage them to come to school and have a good attendance record.” Support is also given to the Laverton Leonora Cross Cultural Association, an organisation founded and funded by the mining companies, with an amazing gallery showing local artists’ work.

Other sponsorship includes Auskick, which promotes Australian Rules football among children, as well as netball, cricket and other local sports. Further afield some of the Granny Smith team have worked with the University of Western Australia and the Australian School of Mines at Kalgoorlie. But Shuttleworth never loses her focus. “There are so many opportunities for young people these days: each year we hire new graduates and apprentices and take on university students in their vacation work. I am very keen on getting young people, both men and women, into the industry and helping them on their way.”

For more information about Barrick Gold: Granny Smith Mine visit: www.barrick.com

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Simply ore-ins

A monumental project, possessing over seven billion metri tonnes of iron ore reserves, the Carajås Iron Ore Mine is one of South America’s most exciting ongoing developmen

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Vale Brazil: Carajรกs Iron Ore Mine

spiring

written by: Will Daynes research by: Abi Abagun

ic

nts

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Iron ore dry beneficiation plant, a new technology developed by Vale

Vale Brazil: Carajás Iron Ore Mine

T

he most widely used of all minerals, iron accounts for approximately 95 percent of the world’s metal production in terms of weight. As the world’s third largest iron ore producer and exporter, Brazil has long reaped the financial benefits provided by one of its largest export products.

The Carajás region of the country boasts some of the richest reserves and concentrations of iron ore anywhere on the planet, with the Carajás Mine, located in the state of Pará in Northern Brazil, holding the distinction of being the world’s largest iron ore mine.

Fully owned by Vale, the mine holds up to 7.2 billion metric tonnes of iron ore in proven and probable reserves.

The Carajás Mineral Province was originally discovered entirely by accident when a US Steel helicopter was forced to land on a hill in the area to refuel in 1967, with the first iron ore mine called N4E Mine coming into operation in 1985. In the mine’s first year output reached one million metric tonnes of iron ore, which was processed at a semiindustrial plant. During the second year an industrial-scale processing plant was brought online and this resulted in production rising to 13.5 million metric tonnes of final product.

Mining operations in Carajás are open-pit, with 15-meter-high benches. The off-highway trucks that Vale uses, each capable of carrying loads of over 240 metric tonnes, unload ore at crushing facilities located inside the mines.

After this, the material is transported on conveyor belts for further processing.

At this stage, the ore is crushed once more and classified using screens, cyclones

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Vale Brazil: Carajás Iron Ore Mine

Operational Control Center in Carajás

and spiral classifiers. The end result is have come under environmental scrutiny. three classes of products, these being Operations at the Carajás iron mines conform sinter feed, pellet feed and lump ore. Now to an environmental quality management spanning five simultaneous open-pit mine system that has been implemented, and operations, the Carajás Mining Complex is certified, to ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 standards and procedures. produces approximately Vale’s activities in Carajás 300,000 metric tonnes of include an extensive iron ore per day and was programme to restore responsible for producing vegetation on former mining a record 109.8 million sites using species that are metric tonnes in 2011, an native to Carajás National increase of 8.5 percent on the year before.

Forest. Meanwhile, the With its mines located company also maintains Metric tonnes of proven a well-structured inside the 400,000 hectare and probable reserves Carajás National Forest, Vale’s environmental monitoring inside the mine operations understandably network that systematically

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evaluates aspects such as air quality, noise pollution, vibrations and water quality.

In partnership with the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), Vale contributes to managing

Carajás National Forest and the development of research, thereby expanding overall knowledge of the region’s biodiversity.

Just as importantly, this partnership also enables work to occur that monitors and

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Vale Brazil: Carajás Iron Ore Mine

Iron ore beneficiation plant

fights forest fires.

Vale is also proud to be in partnership with not only ICMBio, but Brazil’s environment regulator, Ibama, as well in their work to help conserve an area of forest that spans around 1.2 million hectares, three times the size of the Carajás National Forest and ten times the size of the state capital of Pará.

One of the more recent developments involving the mine is the Carajás S11D iron project. The project represents an expansion in iron ore mining and processing at the Carajás Mining Complex. Continuously,

since it first began operations back in 1985, the complex has produced the best quality iron ore in the world, which has been supplied to both the domestic and international markets. Similarly during that time Vale’s presence in the municipalities of Parauapebas and Canaã dos Carajás in southeast Pará has underpinned a strong cycle of economic and social development in Brazil’s North region.

The Carajás S11D iron project has a key role to play in a new cycle of sustainable development in the states of Pará and

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Off road truck with 400 tons of loading capacity

Vale Brazil: Carajás Iron Ore Mine Maranhão, and in the continuation of Brazil’s position as a major player in the global iron ore market. S11D will ultimately produce 90 million metric tonnes of iron ore per year, meaning that upon reaching full capacity, Vale’s total ore production in Pará will have reached approximately 230 million metric tonnes per year.

This ore will help meet the growing global demand for iron that is being generated by rising investment in construction and in the production of machinery, equipment, aircraft, mobile phones and other essential everyday products that are central to our way of life.

Together with the other projects that are planned to come on-stream in the region, the new mine will help place southeast Pará on the same level as the iron quadrangle region in the state of Minas Gerais.

As Vale looks to the future of its Carajás iron ore mine activities, it is abundantly clear that the S11D project is at the heart of its plans and ambitions. The S11D project, named after its location, ore body S11, block D, is easily one of the most exciting developments occurring anywhere in South America. The mining potential of ore body S11 equates to ten billion metric tonnes of iron ore, while block D alone contains 2.78 billion metric tonnes of reserves that will be mined by Vale. It is believed that this project alone will enable Vale to maintain its leading position in the global iron ore market for many years to come.

For more information about Vale Brazil: Carajás Iron Ore Mine visit: www.vale.com

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Aminpro

Passing

the test

With the mining industry in South America growing at a faster rate than ever before, the services of Aminpro have never been in higher demand. It is because of this that the company today finds itself pursuing expansion of not only its service offering but its regional presence also

written by: Will Daynes research by: Richard Halfhide

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Aminpro

W

hen we last spoke to Roger Amelunxen, owner of Canadianbased A melunxen Mineral Processing (Aminpro), in March 2012, he spoke about the raft of changes that has occurred in his field of expertise over the previous 15 years.

Now, as we enter 2013, he is just as keen to discuss how the business has evolved in little more than 10 months since.

“In the time since we last talked,” he states, “we have begun work at our pilot plant and this has resulted in considerable growth for the business, with our workforce increasing to almost 100 people and our sales figures tripling. This has partly been as a result of the tremendous level of interest in what we do here in Chile from companies in Europe and the US. This interest has led to Aminpro undertaking work with phosphate ores and graphite processing, something that was unheard in Chile before now.”

Established in 2000, Aminpro has since provided consulting services on a global scale to the mineral processing industry. It has done so both on its own and in partnership with other leading entities such as Minnovex Technologies, Hatch Engineers, Fluor, JKTech and Project Nexus. “Today,” explains general manager, Leonardo Flores, “we are in a position to provide both laboratory pilot test work and engineering consulting for most of the stages in the value chain of a mining project.”

A major development within the business that has given Aminpro the ability to provide this complete service offering was the creation

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of Tailpro Consulting, a new business within the company. “What Tailpro has allowed us to do,” Amelunxen continues, “is provide a wide range of specialist tailings testing solutions, both on a laboratory and industrial scale.”

Generally, almost 99 percent of a metalliferous based ore that goes through a processing plant is an uneconomical waste material. “Every mine,” explains general

manager of Tailpro, Jon Engels, “is required by law to manage and store their tailings in an environmentally safe way and they tend to do this by storing them in earth-filled retaining dams. What the industry is particularly concerned with now is the consumption of water in mineral processing and with finding methods of reducing the amount that is sent to tailings storage facilities.”

“A major development within the business that has given Aminpro the ability to provide this complete service offering”

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Aminpro

Focused on supporting the the point where some mines existing work of Aminpro, are pumping ocean water or desalinated ocean water over Tailpro is looking into methods of recovering more 200 kilometres and up some water that can be sent back 3000 metres above sea level The year that Aminpro to the processing plant to be to their locations in order was established reused. By identifying such to fuel their processes. The sheer cost and complexity of methods the industry will such a process makes it all the not only be able to reduce levels of water consumption, but also reduce more important that they find ways of saving the threat of instability when it comes to the water. It is this urgency that is attracting the attention of people within the mining sector dams used to store waste materials.

“What you have to remember,” Amelunxen to the work we are doing here.” says, “is that most mines in Chile are located Another major project for Aminpro sees it within the high Andes where water levels are working in unison with other companies to already running low. In fact, it has gotten to develop new techniques for test work. “As ore

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“While the industry continues to undergo dramatic changes, many of Aminpro’s core philosophies and practices remain the same” bodies throughout the world become more and more depleted,” Amelunxen highlights, “more tonnage is being treated and more tests are required to forecast production levels, and the test work required can prove expensive. What we are doing is coming up with methods of doing test work in a faster, more efficient and more cost effective manner. It is this work that we believe will result in huge changes in how ore bodies are

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developed over the next decade.”

While the industry continues to undergo dramatic changes, many of Aminpro’s core philosophies and practices remain the same.

“Here at Aminpro,” Flores enthuses, “we are very proud of the responsible approach we take towards the community here in Chile.

Just one of the things we do is sponsor a technical high school where young people are taught the skills that will allow them to

Aminpro

enter the industry after they finish school.

What we do is provide these individuals with on-site experience where they partner with our own technicians and more often than not this results in these youngsters coming back to work for us once their education is complete. This is one of the ways that we continue to develop what is, at the end of the day, our key asset and that is our people.”

As Aminpro’s operations in Chile flourish, it has begun to cast its eye towards areas where it can expand further as a business.

This has led to the creation of Aminpro Peru, a new company that is set to begin mobilising employees imminently into a market that it sees as possessing tremendous growth potential.

Looking further ahead, the company

also admits that it already has its eyes set on establishing itself elsewhere within Latin America, following a successful start-up of Aminpro Peru. As Amelunxen concludes, this incredible growth has not gone unnoticed. “We are increasingly being approached by companies inquiring as to whether we are for sale or not. The truth though is that with the amount of ideas we have, the expansion plans we have and the work we are doing with new technologies, we are just having far too much fun right now to seriously consider it.”

For more information about Aminpro visit: www.aminpro.cl | www.tailpro.com

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Enaex

For over 90 years Enaex has played a critical role in serving Latin America’s mining industry. General manager, Juan Andrés Errázuriz, discusses the growth of the company in recent years and how it continues to provide its customers with value-added solutions

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Enaex

A

s a result of the boom in customers’ strategic partner. In order to do so mining, the South American we aim to contribute through the use of our nation of Chile today holds products and the skills of our people, putting a number of important titles. at our customers’ disposal a combination of These include being the innovative, experience and excellence that world’s largest producer of copper, 32 percent drives our on-site solutions.” of the world’s production to be exact, its only, As the global mining industry has and therefore leading, producer of natural skyrocketed, so too has Enaex’s international nitrates and its leading producer of iodine, presence. Today the company is present in rhenium and lithium. over 40 countries, from Argentina and Bolivia With Chile also being the third largest to Indonesia and Japan, in which it holds 35 producer of molybdenum and fifth largest percent of the market. “In 2011,” Errázuriz in terms of silver production, it goes continues, “we added Colombia to our without saying that mining is at the heart portfolio of existing markets, where we have of the country’s economy, contributing developed a new cartridge emulsions plant in partnership with Indumil. approximately 16.4 percent of its gross domestic product In 2012, we also began in the last six years alone. embracing the Brazilian market with the acquisition This figure means that the industry contributes the same of Britanite, together with as the gas, water, electricity, the Breca Group.”

Of the world’s copper industrial and agricultural Enaex’s long, distinguished is produced in Chile sectors put together. history has allowed the With nearly a century of company to build up an almost experience within the marketplace, Enaex unrivalled degree of experience and market is the planet’s third largest producer of understanding. “This level of understanding,” industrial-grade ammonium nitrate, and the Errázuriz says, “means that we have a detailed most important integral services provider knowledge of the social and environmental for rock fragmentation in Chile and Latin challenges that our customers face on a day-toAmerica, providing services to the main open day basis. This in turn means that we are able pit and underground mines that operate in to offer customised, innovative and flexible countries such as Chile, Peru and Argentina. solutions that address their individual needs Enaex is also recognised as having the largest and concerns. By doing so we are able to work productive industrial complex of industrial in close collaboration with our customers in grade ammonium nitrate, which boasts a order to improve their efficiency and generate nominal capacity of 800,000 tonnes per year. increased value for all parties.”

“At Enaex,” states general manager, Juan Ever since its inception, Enaex has prided Andrés Errázuriz, “we strive to act as our itself on its visionary approach. This pride

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Enaex

remains firmly in place as the company strives to be one step ahead of changes within the industry and at the forefront of innovation.

“Just one of our many innovations,” Errázuriz enthuses, “is the Milodón, the largest mixer and triple truck in the world. Developed by our own skilled engineers, the Milodón’s unmatched ability to transport raw materials, its charging speed and its industry-leading safety features make it the premier choice when it comes to

conducting safe and efficient blasting.”

Elsewhere within the company, Enaex’s engineers have, for the past several decades, developed a number of solutions and methods of working to ensure the company maintains sustainable operations. These include ecoplants that reuse residual lube oils, which helps reduce the level of fuel consumption during the manufacturing of explosives by as much as 75 percent.

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“When you also factor in our air wave remote monitoring systems, powder emission controls and vibration control solutions,” Errázuriz explains, “it highlights just how we have also become leaders when it comes to environmental care.”

At present, Enaex is recognised by the United Nations in Chile as being the leading force behind its Certified Emissions Reduction

programme, and was recently announced as being the second most sustainable company in all of Chile by the Third Ranking of Climate Change Leaders, as conducted by Fundación Chile together with the Revista Capital local review board.

In the last year, the company has launched a new Company Development Cycle. Designed to strengthen and consolidate Enaex’s

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Enaex

growth as a primary service to expand our Milodón provider to the mining sector, mixer truck fleet, which this launch will enable the will we believe will allow company to continue to our customers to reduce focus on delivering integral, the labour demands at their The number of countries mining operations. These value-added services to all of in which Enaex is present are the kind of value-added its customers.

“Our core objective,” products that we have a Errázuriz says, “has always long history of bringing to been to provide our customers with on-site the fore and will continue to do so as our solutions. As a way of continuing our customers’ needs and requirements change mission to meet that objective we are now in the years to come.” preparing to introduce a range of products to the marketplace including our Panfo For more information about product, which will allow our customers to Enaex visit: increase the level of accuracy on blast sites. www.enaex.com In addition to this launch we also intend

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Saving downtime and costs Managing director Alan Wood describes the progression from the supply of hydraulic hoses to inspection services that save downtime and costs for mining operations in Africa

written by: Martin Ashcroft research by: Richard Halfhide

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Hyspec Mining Services

Assembling hydraulic hoses in Burkina Faso

Hyspec Mining Services

F

ounded in 1996, Hyspec Mining days there were no phones, no internet, and Services specialises in the to send a fax involved a 60km round trip to provision of hydraulic, fuelling pay $5 per page. Through some acquaintances and lubrication equipment and I found out about an underground mining services to the mining and operation in Obuasi in the Western region of exploration industry in Africa. The company’s Ghana, so I made a nine hour taxi journey growth over the last fifteen years has been a and found an Australian drilling company phenomenon, so much so that its major parts with hydraulic hoses dripping off its drilling supplier Manuli Fluiconnecto, a subsidiary of rigs. The owner of the business gave me 45 the Italian Manuli Rubber Industries, acquired minutes in his boardroom and explained to me a 51 percent equity stake in the company on the mining industry in Ghana; when I came 31 November 2012. out I thought – this is where we have to be.”

Wood put together a 40 foot container “It’s a win-win situation for us both,” says managing director Alan Wood. “They gain a of hydraulic hoses, assembly equipment, significant share of the African parts and fittings and sent mining market and we secure it to the Ghanaian port of continuity of supply, as well Tema, meeting up with it as opportunities to spread our a couple of months later to business model. Being part of start a bridgehead, register a large group also provides a the business, recruit some Hyspec Mining employees and start training buffer in the event of a shaky Services established them. It soon became clear, economic future.”

Hyspec has come a long however, that this operation way since 1996. In a similar business in the UK was still too far from the mine sites to be as at the time, Wood was looking for an overseas effective as it should be. opportunity to excite him. One of his friends “After about six months the mining guys (also a customer) was engaged in deep sea were complaining that we weren’t much use diving in support of the early oil exploration to them in Tema, 300 kms away, so one of the operations on the Gold Coast offshore Ghana. mines assisted by clearing a patch of jungle “He talked up the African experience and outside of their perimeter; they laid a concrete encouraged me to visit, stating there was base and we built our first containerised simply nobody providing hydraulic services workshop. That was in 1997 in Tarkwa at there,” says Wood. Eventually, he went. the Iduapriem mine. We opened our second He was not immediately inspired by one at the Ashanti Gold operation in Obuasi what he saw, but then fell upon the mining and we now have over 50 workshops across industry. “Fifteen years doesn’t sound like a twelve countries in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Operating from onsite workshops has long time but it’s a lifetime away in terms of infrastructure in Africa,” he says. “In those allowed Hyspec to progress from the simple

1996

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90% Proportion of Hyspec’s contracts on gold projects

Hose crimping on site

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provision of hydraulic hose assemblies into a service provider focused on reducing customers’ downtime and operating costs by inspecting their production equipment— excavators, drill and blast drilling rigs, and dump trucks.

“Downtime on an excavator can cost many thousands of dollars per hour when they’re producing gold,” says Wood, “and 90 percent of our contracts are on gold projects. If a hydraulic hose fails, even with us onsite it might still take up to three hours to replace it. By the time one of the client’s service technicians gets down to the pit, takes the hose off, brings it to our workshop for us to make the hose, then gets it back down to the machine and fits it, they may have had three hours of downtime. That could be ten, twenty, even thirty thousand dollars’ worth of lost production. Hose breakdowns not only incur production loss, but affect other areas such as oil contaminations of the high grade gold, equipment damage, personal injury situations or environmental damage. The cost of a hydraulic hose pales into insignificance compared to the cost of the breakdown and associated downtime, so it’s really important that we work to catch a hose before it fails.”

This is where Hyspec’s inspection service

Hyspec Mining Services

Hyspec evolution of the hose container

is worth its weight in gold. The mine’s equipment will have maintenance periods for refuelling and lubrication a couple of times a day, explains Wood, so if that time can be used to inspect the hoses it gives the customer the opportunity to replace suspect hoses before they fail. “We also carry out root cause analysis of failures,” he continues, “which allows us to pinpoint areas that the customer might need to start concentrating on to reduce downtime and improve productivity.”

The average life span of a hose might be six months on a drill rig, or a year or two on an excavator, but it can vary for a variety of

reasons. “It depends how hard the customer is working it,” explains Wood. “How well is the hose routed within the configuration of the machine? Is it chafing for example?

How good and sympathetic are the drivers or operatives? Are they damaging the hoses against rocks? Temperature of the hydraulic oil is a major factor, and it is important to keep the hydraulic oil cool. There are a lot of reasons why hoses fail. That’s why we conduct root cause analysis so we can identify which machines are most at risk and why. We can then make plans to help a customer reduce hose failures and improve their uptime.”

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As the business grew and its customer destinations multiplied, it became apparent that changes would need to be made to the logistics operation to get the right products to the right place at the right time. “We became a very large purchaser of hydraulic hoses and fittings,” explains Wood. “The GFC manufacturers simply do not keep inventory, however, and the lead times have extended significantly. Miners are not interested in

excuses, they need the service and product immediately, and the manufacturers were struggling to provide the stock in the volumes we were ordering.”

To keep up with customer demand, Hyspec ran up an air freight bill in excess of a million dollars a year, so the decision was made four years ago to invest in a purchasing and logistics facility in Perth, Australia, to consolidate all its shipments there. “Now we’re in charge

“Downtime on an excavator can cost many thousands of dollars per hour when they’re producing gold”

Hose technician inspecting service truck for potential failures

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Hyspec Mining Services

Diving umbilicals can be a challenge

of all our shipping to individual countries,” says Wood. “It has reduced our annual air freight bill by three quarters, and allowed us to get the right product in the right place to better support our mining customers. We know we are not perfect, however, and we are continually looking for improvements.”

Hyspec has had a single source agreement with Manuli for hydraulic hoses and fittings from the beginning, with 80 percent of its business deriving from Manuli products.

The other 20 percent relates to greasing, lubrication and fuelling equipment.

“Now we are part of their direct family we have new opportunities in the oil and gas industry where Manuli is making an impact,” says Wood. “The use of hydraulic

systems in offshore oil is considerable and we already have operations in Takoradi in Ghana, which is a new offshore centre for oil production. We’re also opening up in Cote d’Ivoire where there is already an offshore oil production industry. Guinea and Sierra Leone have development phase drilling, as well as Tanzania where we have a presence already, so the sub-Saharan region is full of oil and gas opportunities.”

Between the mining and oil and gas sectors, Hyspec is looking to set up six to ten new workshops in 2013, but finding a skilled workforce to fulfil this expansion is a major challenge. “There are little to no skilled workers available, and we cannot steal from our clients,” says Wood, “so we

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Conventional single containerized workshop

“Now we are part of Manuli’s direct family we have new opportunities in the oil and gas industry” must train our own technicians. We have a full time technical training manager who ensures that all our technicians are up to scratch, and we have now developed a train the trainer system within each country, which he manages.”

Whilst multinationals continue to expand in Africa, it’s becoming harder to employ expatriate labour, says Wood. “The governments naturally want their own people

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to be employed, not just within the mining or oil and gas industry but by all the multinational companies. We’re all under pressure to reduce our expatriate headcount. I believe it’s the right way to go, but it takes significant time and effort to bring the local employees up to a standard where they can provide the same level of service as any other global company in the first world. Our hoses are assembled in accordance with first world fabrication

Hyspec Mining Services

New workshop format

procedures: we want to avoid contamination on our customers’ equipment, and ensure that the hoses made in our workshops last as long as possible. This involves using appropriate manufacturing equipment, internally cleaning the hoses before they are installed on the mines’ equipment, storing them correctly, and banning practices such as mixing and matching, hose re-ending or welding of fittings. All of the hoses made by Hyspec are tagged and carry a three month warranty.

Meeting these objectives in Africa therefore requires extended training in the assembly and identification of high pressure hoses and systems, and involves close monitoring in every workshop to ensure that procedures are understood and strictly followed at all times.”

After talking to Alan Wood, I am impressed

Central workspace for new workshop

by Hyspec’s success on a continent known for its difficult business environment— from a one workshop company providing hydraulic hoses to a single mine in Ghana, to a group with over 50 workshops spanning twelve African countries, providing a full range of services aimed at reducing the mines’ operating costs and at improving their production. Hyspec and Manuli’s combined expertise will allow the group to grow further and expand to other markets and areas very quickly. Time and effort are definitely not a problem for Hyspec.

For more information about Hyspec Mining Services visit: www.hyspec.com

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Amlib

Exploring a new frontier Liberia remains one of the few remaining prospective parts of the world yet to be fully explored. Chief executive officer Geoff Eyre talks about how Amlib is working to help fulfil the country’s great economic potential

written by: Will Daynes research by: Celina Bledowska

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The Amlib drilling team have over 20 years of experience in diamond core drilling

Amlib

W

hile for much of its have increased our operating and exploration 161 year history Liberia capabilities within the country significantly, has been a stable and investing in people and infrastructure so as productive democracy, to have the ability, at any one point, to be recent decades have operating on multiple exploration targets across seen the country plagued by civil war and all four licences. This in turn helps us generate adversely affected by the drying up of results more quickly and allows us to move our foreign investment. Nevertheless, the current projects forward in a timely manner.” government of Liberia, led by President Ellen All of Amlib’s licences currently boast Johnson-Sirleaf, is determined to lead the significant levels of artisanal activity. The country into a new age of economic growth. largest of these is Cestos, a huge licence While it remains largely unexplored, Liberia spanning nearly 2000 square kilometres. It is has a well-known potential for primary and here that the company has spent a considerable alluvial gold and diamonds, and has been amount of time and effort in recent years shown to possess a wide range gaining access to its target of minerals including beryl, areas in order to carry out tin, phosphates, zinc, copper, the initial exploration phases.

Most recently the company has lead, uranium and iron.

Amlib is an exploration commenced drilling on three specific targets, with early company focused primarily grams per tonne. The results suggesting the area has on gold in Liberia, with average grade of gold found some very positive similarities a business development within the Kokoya licence between itself and the Ashanti mandate encompassing other mineral opportunities.

Gold Belt in Ghana.

“While we have been operating in the A few hours outside of Monrovia, Amlib has country in our current form since 2000,” also been working recently at Kle Kle where explains chief executive officer, Geoff Eyre, it has drilled a total of 69 holes to date on “the history of the licences that we hold dates its targets there. Again, initial results have back to the 1980s. It was at this time that our been very positive with the company now founding geologist, Dr Nathaniel Richardson, embarking on a three dimensional structural was director of the US Geological Survey interpretation to determine the details for and it was his knowledge and experience of the next phase of drilling. Similarly, Amlib the region that led to Amlib becoming the is preparing to carry out a helicopter-borne organisation it is today.” exploration programme in the coming months Amlib’s operations are focused around its over its Zwedru licence. This will be done to Cestos, Kle Kle, Zwedru and Kokoya Mineral test a 12 kilometre soil anomaly. “Should the Development Agreements (MDAs). “During results of these tests come in as expected,” Eyre the last three years,” Eyre continues, “we enthuses, “it will result in the discovery of a

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significantly sized gold anomaly that I believe will start to excite the majors in the region.”

Last, but certainly not least is the company’s Kokoya licence, which hosts a NI 43-101 compliant resource of 410,000 at an average grade of 2.6 grams per tonne of gold. Amlib is actively looking to fund development of this project, which is expected to produce 50,000 ounces of gold per annum over five years.

Amlib has also identified significant growth potential for the Kokoya licence, which boasts a number of additional gold targets that are still to be followed up on.

Although Liberia can claim to have extremely favourable geology, because of the aforementioned historical troubles that have beset the country it remains one of the few places that is prospective for gold, diamonds and other minerals that has yet to be explored.

While being one of the early stage explorers into the country has brought Amlib considerable benefits, not least the chance to secure the rights to some highly prospective ground, it has also meant that the company has had to deal with several big challenges.

“In addition to the challenges presented by the climate of the region,” Eyre says, “we also had to overcome the lack of infrastructure that existed prior to our arrival in Liberia as

well as the fact that we did not have access to the sort of country wide exploration data that one might expect to find in other countries.”

What Amlib found was that the best way to overcome such challenges was to invest considerable amounts of capital into building up its own capabilities internally, funding its own plant and logistics infrastructures. As Eyre goes on to highlight, Amlib has also developed its own in-house drilling service. “Having

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Amlib Drilling Services, working through Liberia’s wet season

this capability is somewhat to third parties, while unusual for an explorer such expanding the fleet in order as us. It has, however, been to take advantage of the an extremely advantageous opportunities that continue addition to the business.” to present themselves in ounces per annum.

As well as allowing Liberia. Not only has this Of gold that Kokoya is service provided us with an Amlib to drill at much expected to produce over alternative revenue stream cheaper rates than would a five year period but it has also presented us otherwise be possible, its with the opportunity to look internal drilling service allows it to test targets that into expanding more broadly only require the company to drill a few in the future, beyond Liberia and into other thousands metres initially. This allows it parts of West Africa.” to avoid signing minimum metres contacts One thing that Amlib has been acutely that would be highly inefficient and a drain aware of since its first day within Liberia is the fact that in order to operate successfully in on resources.

“In the last six months or so,” Eyre states, such parts of the world it is imperative that you “we have started to make rigs available engage and work with the local community.

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“We take the corporate social responsibility aspect of our business extremely seriously,” Eyre says, “and have undertaken a number of projects in the licence areas in which we operate, including the building of junior schools in the Kokoya area. In addition to this, in Cestos, we pay for the salaries of the teachers that run not only the schools we have built but others in the area also. As well as putting in water wells in the local communities in which we operate,

we also have a national relationship with the charity, Cure International. It is on behalf of this group that we have recently funded the refurbishment of an operating theatre at JFK Hospital in Monrovia that is now being used to treat hydrocephalus and save children’s lives.”

Amlib is undoubtedly in the midst of an exciting period in its history and it is over the coming months and years that it intends to drive a number of programmes and initiatives

“Driving the company’s developments forward is a highly qualified and dedicated technical team that are helping to deliver on Liberia’s potential”

Upgraded railway line linking Kokoya project to Buchanan Port in Liberia

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Amlib

Bill Brodie Good, Coo, with the earth science students Amlib sponsor

forward in order to grow further. “One of the most important things on our agenda,” Eyre reveals, “is the development of the Kokoya project, which will provide the business with a solid cash flow within a relatively short space of time. Meanwhile, we expect the next round of drilling at Kle Kle to produce more positive results as we begin to better understand the structure and mineralising controls required to work on the resource.”

Elsewhere within the company, Amlib has set in motion plans to expand its drilling services, potentially alongside a third party partner. This would also begin to generate

increased revenues for the business and allow Amlib to continue unabated with its exploration programmes. “Driving all these developments forward,” Eyre concludes, “is a highly qualified and dedicated technical team. These are the individuals that are helping to deliver on Liberia’s potential, while at the same time mapping out Amlib’s future and making it more robust as an organisation during these challenging times.”

For more information about Amlib visit: www.amlibgroup.com

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C.C. JENSEN

Cleaning up the competition Account Manager, Caren Caffrey, discusses how, having made its name in several industry sectors over the last 60 years, C.C. JENSEN is attracting GREATER attention from mining companies throughout the world

written by: Will Daynes research by: Gareth Hardy

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C.C. JENSEN

T

MFU, also in cold climates, Canada

hey say that in order to get a job done well you have to get your hands dirty from time to time, and a truer statement was perhaps never spoken than when it comes to the mining industry. The sheer scale of the equipment used and the nature of the environments that are being operated in make mining a highly maintenance intensive undertaking. This inevitably results in a large concentration of dirt being produced. With this dirt having the ability to contaminate virtually everything in the surrounding area, it is clear that it takes more than a bit of soap and elbow grease to remedy the problem.

A family-owned, international business established in 1953, C. C. JENSEN has been manufacturing lubrication oil filters for marine engines for 60 years. In the time since, it has refined off-line depth filtration for a wide range of applications in the wind, power, industrial and mining sectors. Today, its CJC™ Fine Filters and CJC™ Filter Inserts are available through a worldwide network of sales consultants and service professionals.

Mine and quarry customers today use CJC™ Fine Filters to maintain clean oil in drilling equipment, crushers, haul and dump trucks, excavators, conveyor belts, bulk storage tanks and other miscellaneous equipment. “To date,” explains Account Manager, Caren Caffrey, “we have been active in the mining sector in Mexico, Chile, South Africa and Australia. Meanwhile, we are strengthening our market position in the US and Canada as never before.”

What C. C. Jensen has introduced to the industry, and what has already brought it

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success in the aforementioned markets, is the ability to provide Clean Oil. “The filter media that we use,” Caffrey continues, “is very unique in that it possesses a large surface area in comparison to other filter media. This allows the system to capture a greater amount of dirt, particulates, water and varnish from the oil in question. Incorporating the CJC™ Fine Filters allows the customer to reduce oil consumption and equipment downtime, which naturally increases operation productivity.”

Over the last decade or so, significant changes have occurred within the mining sector as it relates to oil cleanliness. Driven by the likes of Caterpillar and other equipment manufactures that have established minimum standards of oil cleanliness for their products, large mines are now beginning to set their own minimum oil cleanliness standards across their organisations. What they often find however, is that the filtration systems they have in place do not meet the new standards.

“Those companies that have tried our products love them,” Caffrey enthuses, “mostly because they help the company meet or exceed today’s standards of oil cleanliness.

Our products can filter any viscosity oil, meaning that where a lot of other systems, particularly inline filters, are limited to lower

weight oils, ours can tackle those thick, heavy duty lubricants at ISO 320 or ISO 680 and above that others can’t.”

C. C. JENSEN’s products also boast significant environmental benefits, the first being the fact that their filter inserts are made from a renewable, sustainable resource.

A combination of pulp fibre and cotton, this organic material can be disposed of in a green manner that avoids the use of landfill sites.

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C.C. JENSEN

MFU flushing CAT dumper

The other primar y have been working with a benefit from a sustainability company operating with perspective is, of course, that the Canadian oil sands.

Here we have put to use one the company’s products’ core purpose is to create Clean Oil. of our more recent product Year C. C. JENSEN “By keeping that oil clean,” launches, which is a large, was established Caffrey highlights, “the first Mobile Flushing Unit with thing you do is reduce the an on board heated reservoir and particle counter. With frequency at which the oil has to be replaced. This subsequently reduces this unit, we pump warm, heavy lubricant your carbon footprint by scaling back your into the rear differentials of the big haul demand for these lubricants.” trucks during scheduled PM outages and As Caffrey goes on to state, the company clean the oil to recommended levels within is observing a greater degree of open a few hours. Cleaning the oil rather than mindedness from the mining sector to try simply replacing it has increased the new things when it comes to oil filtration, lifespan of these differentials from 18,000 and where this is occurring, the results to 25,000 hours. Based on the size of their have been very positive. “Recently, we fleet, the company has calculated that this

1953

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MFU during PM in workshop

Mobil SHC

“C. C. JENSEN sees great potential for mining companies in North America to take control of reliability by controlling contamination” will help save them an average of $500,000 dollar per year.”

Other avenues that C. C. JENSEN is currently looking into include the installation of filtration systems on diesel storage tanks and the development of heavy duty filtration systems for mobile equipment.

“We already have some small, heavy duty

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filters in service,” Caffrey says, “and larger units that are in the design stage. With their stronger mounting brackets and stabiliser packages, these systems will withstand the tough conditions encountered while installed onto mobile equipment such as drilling rigs and excavators.”

With respect to the immediate future,

C.C. JENSEN

C 680 after 90 min MFU flushing

the next big push for the company will be in the field of explosion proof motors, which will be required for the underground coal mining sector.

“Right now,” Caffrey says, “we see great potential for mining companies in North America to take control of reliability by controlling contamination.

These improvements in reliability and productivity will have a significant impact on the bottom line for mining operations.

We have a wealth of knowledge, case studies and practical experience that we are eager to use to help our customers solve their oil related problems. In addition, C. C. JENSEN provides a 100 percent satisfaction

HDU on mining truck, undercarriage

guarantee on all products.”

Caffrey concludes, “I really believe that there is a Clean Oil revolution occurring.

Machine reliability is no longer a desire, but a demand. Effective contamination control is a key enabler to success. I expect that CJC™ Filters will become a standard solution that all engineering companies and mines will expect to have as a filtration solution on all of their critical equipment.”

For more information about C. C. Jensen visit: www.cjc.dk

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globalam

Specialists in non-destructive the company is beginning to sector and looking for gro

written by: research by

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AMIIS

mbitions

e testing and heat treatment, diversify into the oil and gas owth outside South Africa

: Alan Swaby y: Will Kirby

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W

hat would you do if you won the lottery?

In the case of Nelson Mahadeo, he went into business for himself. A win of a couple of million rand in 2003 enabled him to say au revoir to his employers and set up Associated Marine & Industrial Inspection Services. By hiring a good team, he was able to get the business up and running in a short time.

AMIIS provides non-destructive testing (NDT) and heat treatment services – the two going hand in hand where any critical welding is being carried out. As the name implies, the original intention was to concentrate on the marine industry, in the company’s home city of Durban. The business has its main office in the harbour and a dry dock operates from there for ship repairs. Since then, though, the company has widened its scope of interests and diversified into the other main business activities in Kwazulu Natal – namely paper & pulp and petrochemical refining. It’s now a member of SAOGA and is gearing up for a greater involvement in the soon to be developed Mozambique and West African oil & gas fields.

“The marine industry is still important for us,” says Raj Kistiah, national manager of the non-destructive testing wing of the business, “but the reality is that very few new boats are ever built in South Africa, which means that the marine business is all about repair work. To get a more stable business base, AMIIS decided to develop interests in other areas of industry.”

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MT Technician

AMIIS

On the face of it, heat treatment and NDT seem poles apart but traditionally they are often found together. They are both concerned with ensuring the integrity of joints and materials and the notion of AMIIS being a one stop shop is at the heart of its marketing approach.

The company is a specialist in all conventional and high tech forms of NDT such as radiography, magnetic particle

inspection, penetrant testing, gamma rays and ultrasound, from which it selects the right procedure to satisfy the codes prescribed by clients. “On the heat treatment side,” says Kistiah, “we feel there is no single company that can outperform us in terms of speed and capacity. With all providers of these services essentially singing to the same hymn sheet, the points of difference centre not around the work itself but on how

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AMIIS

AMIIS Staff

quickly and reliably they can contractor selection, and for be performed.”

AMIIS there is no such thing AMIIS, as with other as a job too large. With its heat treatment companies, comprehensive resources it employs two distinctly can respond to a job within AMIIS business founded different approaches – using a couple of days where some electrical induction or gas of its competitors might take as the heat source. The gas a couple of weeks to draw division provides high velocity gas units for together the equipment they need. drying and curing refractories, and postThe two sides of the business are weld heat treatment of large fabrications distinctly different in their demands, by direct firing, with satisfied clients however. The heat treatment is capital including Sasol, Alstom, Chevron, Engen, intensive but has less need for highly skilled Shell and BP, Eskom Power Stations, Exxaro operatives. NDT, on the other hand, needs Resources and Elgin Engineering. less in the way of capital but requires huge What makes the difference is the number investments in labour. of heating modules at the company’s Apart from the usual cry amongst South disposal. Speed and price are at the heart of African businesses that the demand for

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UT Technician

AMIIS

“The company has diversified into paper & pulp and petro-chemical refining” skilled labour outstrips supply, the biggest problem that AMIIS faces is the extent of competition in the NDT arena, however, where the market in South Africa is saturated. “So we are taking steps to get more business from our neighbouring countries where there are fewer indigenous contractors,” explains Kistiah.

As well as its marine activities in Kwazulu Natal at Durban and nearby Richards Bay, AMIIS already has a chain of offices around South Africa linked to key clients in the petrochemical industry at Sasolburg and power generation plants located in South Africa’s coal belt to the east of Johannesburg.

Serving existing clients in Mozambique but in particular helping to develop the oil and gas business there, AMIIS has an office in Maputo. In addition, AMIIS is easing itself into the West African oil & gas fields where the demand is high for inspection and testing services that are currently being met by US and British contractors.

For more information about AMIIS contact: amiis@amiis.co.za

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Moving with

Managing director, Paul Saker, discusses how MineWar enterprise into a preferred supplier in its field of exper how it plans to help influence South Africa’s mining in

written by: Will Daynes research by: Jon Bradley 160 | be monthly

MineWare Consulting

h the times

re has grown from a small family rtise in less than two decades and ndustry in the years to come

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MineWare software allows the user to track labour heirarchy

MineWare Consulting

A

s the mining sector in South customers’ needs. This is one of the major Africa has evolved, so too have reasons why clients come back to us time and the mechanisms, tools, items time again. They know that when they want of equipment and software something changed or modified they need needed to service what is a only ask and we will make it happen.” dynamic, complex and challenging industry.

Another fact that Saker is equally proud It was in the 1980s that MineWare’s managing to highlight is that in 17 years of doing director, Paul Saker, first identified the fact business, MineWare has not once lost any of that this rapidly growing industry required the priceless skills that its employees have access to much more detailed financial brought to the table. “My mission, first and analysis when it comes to fixed and variable foremost, is to ensure that everyone is happy here in what they are doing and that cost modelling.

“I remember,” he explains, “one person they are rewarded appropriately for their approaching me back then and saying how contribution to the company. Time after one particular problem in time I have seen instances mining at the time was that where absolutely critical many of the key decision people have left positions at our competitors resulting makers had no real idea of what was actually occurring in a collapse of unsupported underground in their mines software. Thus, what we The year that MineWare on a day-to-day basis, and pride ourselves on is that was founded that no one was actually those same people who addressing this issue at the began working on our time. What we have done since is really critical systems 17 years ago are still here concentrate on aiding the short term control today and are now sharing their expertise of our clients mining operations.” with the next generation of employees.”

One of the things MineWare has been MineWare not only develops customised software, but adapts and redesigns able to do by retaining and developing its a client’s current products to ensure in-house expertise and knowledge is work seamless integration of the system and towards making continual improvements easy understanding for operators. It is this to not only its own operations, but that of flexibility that has brought the company its clients. This is the motivation that gave success in South Africa’s mining industry. rise to the recent creation of its electronic “We most certainly are not the type of business management system (BMS) for its business that sells off-the-shelf systems,” internal process.

Saker continues. “When we take a product or “Various pressures in the mining industry system into a clients’ mine we go in and bend, across the globe,” Saker says, “coupled with modify and customise it to suit that individual a more demanding workforce, mean that

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decision makers now have to have more and more information available at their fingertips.

This is especially true when it comes to underground operations where there are often thousands of people going underground every day and where it would literally take months for someone to go around surveying each working area.”

A separate trend that the company has increasingly seen as driving its business forward is the growing importance of health and safety, something that is particularly true of the mining industry in South Africa.

“In a good number of the meetings that I attend these days,” Saker states, “the primary concern raised is a clients’ ability to identify unsafe working environments and, having done so, make all of the mines’ users aware of these conditions via the use of emails, SMS messages and so forth. This is something we are able to do programmatically and what that ultimate means is that we are providing to our clients a system that drives their employees, not the other way around.”

Other developments over the last 12-to-18 months in South Africa, particularly the wellpublicised illegal strikes that have taken place at various mines across the country, have only served to heighten awareness of the fact that mine owners need, now more than ever, to be

able to control the whole production process much more rigidly.

“The days of making huge profits whether you do things in the right or wrong way are long gone,” Saker says, “and the margins of error are so much smaller now than they were before. It is a simple fact that in today’s market you have to work a hell of a lot harder and smarter, using all of the appropriate tools that you have available. From our perspective, what

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MineWare Consulting

MineWare software tracks of the location and number of cars

this means is that we are seeing a very strong push from decision makers to start quantifying, comparing and auditing all of the information and data that is coming from the mines.”

As a way of properly preparing itself for what the future of the mining sector in South Africa holds, MineWare has made it a priority to ensure that all of its systems are SOX compatible and that all areas of said system are fully auditable.

MineWare will also be looking to de-humanise the capture of information where possible, specifically in areas where the use of telemetry is key and in the trackless operations that already exist in the country.

“What we are working to develop,” Saker concludes, “are solutions that will mean that people won’t have to come out of the mine to actually log information. We are currently

building partnerships with businesses that are developing rugged tablet computers that will be designed to handle the harsh conditions that underground mines possess. The times are continuing to change and what we want to do is usher in a time where all necessary admin can be done underground. This, we hope, will lead to a scenario where the person responsible for this admin is able to finish his shift and when he sees the light at the top of the shaft, knows that he is now heading home to his family. That is the future we want to help create.”

For more information about MineWare visit: www.mineware.co.za

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Keeping it simple CEO Bruce Griffin talks about the potential of a highly expandable, high-grade mineral sands project in Madagascar

written by: Martin Ashcroft research by: Robert Hodgson

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WTR expects to move eight million tons of sand per annum

World Titanium Resources

W

orld Titanium Resources a multi-decade development even at large is developing the scale production rate.”

Toliara Sands Project in The Ranobe Project spent six years as a southwest Madagascar. joint venture with Exxaro Resources, during Initial exploration which $17 million was spent on a completed work was carried out in 1999, leading to the pre-feasibility study and most of a bankable discovery of mineral sands at Ranobe and feasibility study. Exxaro terminated the JV further north at Ankililoaka, Basibasy and in July 2009, due to a number of factors Morombe. Further drilling was undertaken including the global financial crisis, the in the next few years and it became clear March 2009 political crisis in Madagascar that the area had the potential to become a and concerns about technical problems with their South African smelter that had significant mineral sands development.

The first phase of development is the Ranobe been envisaged as the destination for the Mine, which is projected project’s minerals.

Following Exxaro’s exit, to produce 407,000tpa of WTR re-examined the ilmenite and 44,000tpa of zircon rich concentrate over business case and opted to an initial 21 year mine life, build a low cost, low risk but the 959 million tonne mine at Ranobe to supply resource at 6.1 percent THM ilmenite, zircon and rutile (total heavy minerals) has the directly to world markets.

Potential mine life at potential to sustain a life of The feasibility study had initial production rate over 100 years at the planned highlighted a high grade initial production rate. portion of the deposit, so it “We have 100 years of was decided to focus initial resource and that’s where the potential value development on this area. is!” says CEO Bruce Griffin. “That’s one of “The primary driver of low cost is high the things I like about this deposit! What it grade,” explains Griffin, “because it means means is that once we have delivered the first you move a lot less material around for a phase, we will be in a position to add real ton of product. We only envisage doing eight additional value by implementing relatively million tons a year of mining, whereas there low cost expansions without rebuilding the are comparable projects that will do over 50 infrastructure. We can do this and maintain million tons a year of sand movement. Our a long mine life. If you have a one hundred low capital and operating cost is basically year resource and you triple production, down to grade.” you still have a mine with a 30 year life! It’s The whole development concept is based not like you’re taking a 20 year mine and on keeping it simple. “Our separation turning it into a six year mine. We still have processes are very basic, using gravity and

100

Years

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epms

engineering & project management services

epms

engineering & project management services

Developing Partnerships.

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Founded in 2008, EPMS has developed an enviable reputation for providing innovative, high-quality, cost-effective engineering solutions.

From scoping study through to commissioning and handover, we have the experience and resources to assist with development and delivery.

Visit epmserv.com.au to find out what we can add to your next project.

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Discover more at www.bmtjfa.com.au

World Titanium Resources magnetic separation with a EPMS Engineering & Project little drying,” he explains.

Management Services The mine will produce EPMS is a progressive project development consultancy sulphate ilmenite, the most servicing the resource sector. With offices in Australia and common form of titanium the UK, EPMS is well placed to service clients in both the dioxide, chloride ilmenite northern and southern hemispheres. and a zircon rich concentrate Since 2008, EPMS’ expertise has been called upon for a diverse range of projects around the globe including mineral that also contains rutile. sands in Australia, Madagascar and Ukraine, iron sands “Titanium dioxide (ilmenite in Indonesia and the Philippines, magnetite in Uruguay, and rutile) is used in pigment Australia and Sierra Leone, and gold in Armenia. production, as feedstock for EPMS’ services include project evaluation, test work titanium metal and welding management, feasibility studies, detailed engineering and rods in the case of rutile,” design, and project and construction management. says Griffin. “Zircon is used www.epmserv.com.au as an opacifier in ceramics and it also has foundry uses as a refractory material and in speciality chemical applications.”

The decision to sell a zircon rich concentrate fits the philosophy of keeping things as simple as possible. Some operations separate the zircon and rutile and sell them as separate finished products, says Griffin, but WTR has chosen not to do that because the separation adds operational complexity. The concentrate sells for around a 20 percent discount to final product value, so it makes sense to sell the zircon and rutile as a concentrate as it allows WTR to minimise the complexity of the project while capturing most of the value.

Employee recruitment for drilling and sampling

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IMLS is committed to supplying professional, practical and consultative services and solutions to mining, industrial, construction and commercial related industries, to the benefit of all its stakeholders. www.imls.co.za

inspired Your weekly digest of business news and views www.bus-ex.com

World Titanium Resources New projects in places like Madagascar can often International Mining and Logistical Services (IMLS) experience difficulties in was founded in 1999, with a commitment to supplying the recruitment of skilled professional and practical services mainly to clients in workers, or in finding locally southern Africa. The IMLS vision is to become the preferred qualified suppliers to satisfy supplier to a number of key accounts through embracing a their service needs. Griffin number of core values, key of which is to recruit and retain the best skilled personnel. believes that WTR will The Group supplies, coordinates and supports a variety of benefit immensely from the projects from a concept stage through to a fully operational major projects being carried entity. Therefore IMLS is well placed to provide services out by Ambatovy and Rio to World Titanium Resources during the evaluation of its Tinto, as they are creating an heavy mineral project in Madagascar. on-going helpful legacy. www.imls.co.za WTR will no doubt need to use some expat workers in the early stages, but the plan is for their specific industry experience to be put to use in training local workers. “Both Ambatovy and Rio Tinto have found that the Malagasy people are very trainable,” says Griffin.

“You can equip them quite quickly with the skills they need to become an effective part of the workforce.”

An interesting example is the contractor that operates the haul road for the Rio Tinto QMM project. “They have no expats left in their operational workforce after less than five years’ operation,” says Griffin. “The operating crew are all locals. They brought in experienced drivers from South Africa for

IMLS

929 million Tonnes of resource at Ranobe Mine Sample prep for Ranobe drilling

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Drilling at Ranobe

A refurbished

“Ninety percent of what you mine is just sand. You pick it up, you take the heavy mineral out and you put the sand back where you found it” three months to drive with a Malagasy in each truck. For the first six weeks the expat did the driving, then for the second six weeks the local was driving and by then they were basically trained up.”

Doing business in Madagascar has changed in other ways, too. “There are contractors and service providers established in Madagascar now that weren’t there five years ago. If you need someone to service a seal on a pump, or

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supply a piece of heavy mobile equipment, it’s more likely now that you can find someone a day away in Madagascar rather than having to bring them in from South Africa or somewhere else. It’s easier for us to work in Madagascar now than it would have been before those projects began.”

As Griffin points out, there are significant differences of scale between Ranobe and these other projects. “We expect our construction

World Titanium Resources

village water well with foot pump

workforce to be in the hundreds, not the thousands,” he says, “and our operational staff, including contractors, is probably going to involve only 300-350 people. It is important we maximise employment in the communities in which we operate.”

From an environmental and social point of view, WTR has to deal with the same issues as any other mine, but the differences in scale are evident here, too. The company recently hired a corporate social responsibility manager who previously worked for Ambatovy. “You can’t do a mining project without making an impact,” says Griffin, “so it’s about how you manage that. Ambatovy had 200,000 people affected by their project, whereas our directly affected numbers are only in the hundreds.

“The other fortunate thing about mineral

Sample prep for Ranobe drilling

sands mining,” he adds, “is that even with our high grade mineral resource, 90 percent of what you mine is just sand. You pick it up, you take the heavy mineral out and you put the sand back where you found it. You rehabilitate as you go, so you don’t end up with a huge hole in the ground at the end of the mine life.”

It ’s no sur prise that the local communities are supportive of the project because they can see it as an opportunity for economic development, but one of WTR’s key focuses is making sure that it maintains their support.

For more information about World Titanium Resources visit: www.worldtitaniumresources.com

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Opening the doors of opportunity Since first transforming the face of security in the hospitality sector over 30 years ago, VingCard Elsafe continues to innovate and excite, as its recent unveiling of the first invisible door lock demonstrates

written by: Will Daynes research by: James Boyle

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VingCard Elsafe

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T

o say that a company is responsible for revolutionising a specific industry sector is certainly a bold claim to make. Yet it is an utterly true statement to make when it comes to VingCard Elsafe. Since transforming the hospitality industry in 1979 with the introduction of the world’s first recordable lock, the company has continued to lead the market by continuously introducing new innovations.

The world leader in developing locking systems, electronic in-room safes and energy management solutions for the hospitality industry, VingCard Elsafe is dedicated towards providing electronic security solutions to the hospitality industry and facilities where people sleep away from home.

Today, VingCard Elsafe has products, including locks, safes, energy management systems and minibars, installed in more than 42,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of seven million hotel rooms and providing advanced technology security solutions to hospital providers and their guests in over 166 countries across the globe.

With VingCard recognising the hotel industry’s need for more effective and efficient lock systems, the first mechanical key card operated lock was invented by one Tor Sørnes of Moss, Norway, in 1976, which was subsequently sold to the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, USA in 1979. In the years to follow, VingCard continued to develop key card operated locks, introducing the game changing VingCard 3000 electronic lock in 1992.

Around the same time that Sørnes was

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VISIONLINE RFID lock

VingCard Elsafe

making his breakthrough, Elsafe was making waves of its own with the invention of the first electronic in-room safe in 1976, a development that would make metal key safe obsolete while reducing maintenance costs, streamlining front desk operations and providing convenience and security for users.

In 1980, the seven first safe installations took place in the Canary Islands, followed by expansion to all continents.

It was in 1997, three years after both entities became a part of ASSA ABLOY, the world’s largest independent lock company, that VingCard and Elsafe International joined sales and marketing forces and became the largest solution provider of guestroom security. In the following years, VingCard and Elsafe continued to develop electronic locking solutions and in-room safes side by side, while expanding their sales network around the world, before merging completely in 2006.

It was in this year that VingCard again set about changing the landscape of the hospitality market with the introduction of its VISIONLINE product. Unlike traditional off-line standalone locks, VISIONLINE by VingCard uses RF-online communication to eliminate the need for hotel staff to travel to and from guestrooms to perform tasks such as reprogramming individual locks and

identifying or changing low batteries. It also eliminates the need for guests to return to the front desk in order to change a room or extend a stay, increasing guest convenience and satisfaction.

Less than seven years on, the VISIONLINE system has become the world leader in wireless online electronic locks for hotels, offering a cost-effective solution for hotel

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VingCard Elsafe

Most popular safe model - SENTINEL II

properties to facilitate By making the lock reliable, two-way wireless disappear from the hotel online communication from door, the use of Essence by standalone electronic door VingCard not only resolves locks to their host security any design challenges that The year the first and PMS systems. hoteliers may encounter, recordable lock was In June 2012, the next it also minimises a host introduced chapter in VingCard Elsafe’s of ot her operat iona l history was written when the issues, including company unveiled its Essence integration, installation

by VingCard solution, the world’s first invisible and maintenance. By hiding the locking door lock. By eliminating all lock hardware components from the user, hotel designers on the door and encasing all of its electronic are now able to align guestroom doors with components inside the door itself, Essence the current trend toward a more residential

by VingCard integrates the company’s most look, while still proving the ultimate in advanced contactless locking solutions into security technology. Essence by VingCard the interior electronics. is also fully compatible with the wireless

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Signature RFID using Near Field Communication (NFC) on a mobile phone

VingCard Elsafe VISIONLINE system, making it arguably the most advanced, streamlined locking system available on the market.

In the same month that the company broke the news of its latest hotel locking innovation, VingCard Elsafe successfully presented the solution to the industry at the HITEC 2012 technology show. Immediate feedback that the company received for Essence by VingCard in the aftermath of its official unveiling was nothing short of positive and extremely encouraging, serving to confirm its projections of where hotel locking technology is heading in the decades to come. Indeed, markets across the world are continuing to embrace the trend towards minimalism in design as well as embracing the types of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that have been incorporated into this new locking platform.

It is a well-known fact within the hospitality sector that in today’s world, people from all walks of life seek security, safety and peace of mind when sleeping away from home. By strengthening its long-term relationships with its customers by delivering superior local service standards and innovative, technologically advanced solutions, VingCard Elsafe continues to follow its own mission statement, and that is to remain the world’s leading choice for the hospitality industry when security counts.

For more information about VingCard Elsafe visit: www.vingcardelsafe.com

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In-flight

service

General Manager Yilma Kassaye talks about building customer and passenger loyalty by delivering customized quality products at competitive prices

written by: Kenneth Connor research by: James Boyle

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Z

odiac Aviation Support, Inc. (ZAS), based near John F. Kennedy International airport in New York City, is a proven and respected provider of the full range of in-flight products and services.

The highly experienced ZAS staff caters exclusively to the international aviation community. They are skilled at meeting both deadlines and budgets while routinely exceeding customer expectations.

“Over the past 16 years, many of Africa and the Middle-East’s top international carriers have turned to ZAS for their

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in-flight service requirements,” said General Manager Yilma Kassaye. “Since 1996, the year we opened for business, we have been one of the leading suppliers to some of the industry’s most quality-oriented airlines. We count Air Madagascar, TAAG Angola, LAM Mozambique, TACV, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines and many others amongst our customers. “ QUALITY AND PRICE “Airlines concerned with quality and the on-board experience of their customers routinely put ZAS on their short-list

Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc

of providers for both off-the-shelf and custom on-board service and merchandise solutions. Any airline that selects ZAS to provide onboard products and services can rest assured that their customer will experience and appreciate that extra quality “something” in their onboard experience,” remarked Kassaye.

“In-flight supplies from Zodiac are not only durable, lightweight and attractive, more importantly, they are also competitively priced. As experts in the field, we have exclusive business relationships with the best manufacturers from around the world.

These relationships ensure ZAS customers the highest quality products delivered on-time and on-budget.”

WHAT’S ON OFFER ZAS handles the merchandising of the full line of on-board products and services including: Blankets, Glassware, Amenity Kits, Disposable items, Rotable items, Porcelain serving items, Beverages, and a full range of in-flight catering.

Blankets: “Our blankets are warm, featherweight, fire retardant and come in different sizes, designs, and colors to allow

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LookiNg For A grEAT rESTAUrANT AT 40,000 FEET? No matter what your need – glassware, fine china, blankets, amenity kits, wines, liqueurs, Champagnes, or complete in-flight catering – ZAS can deliver it for your airline.

While our roots are international and our staff multi-lingual, ZAS makes it easy to do business with offices in New York (at JFk), and sales teams in Maryland, California and Europe. Call us to upgrade your in-flight image today.

11 Sunrise Plaza, Suite 306 Valley Stream, NY 11580 U.S.A. www.zasusa.com

ZODIAC AVIATION SUPPORT, INC.

Tel: (516) 593-3500 Fax: (516) 593-3540 E-Mail: info@zasusa.com

Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc

First class cabin

them to match any aircraft interior. The blankets are available in either Wool, Mod Acrylic or Polyester. We can also provide costsaving disposable blankets if the customer wants them.”

Glassware: “Our Bohemian crystal glasses are on a par with stemware used in fine restaurants. Many of our customers use these handsome, multi-purpose glasses in their First

and Business class cabins. Our customers may select from a wide variety of existing styles or we can have something custom designed for them. “ Amenity Kits: “Our amenity kits provide our customers a unique opportunity to bond with their best customers by providing them useful, personal care items contained in custom designed cases. Customers love

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the complimentary and stylish assortment of eye shades, headsets, slipper-socks, cosmetics and other gender specific personal care items. The long-haul premium cabin passenger views these items as essential for international travel and they believe they have paid for these little “extras” in the ticket price. What’s important for our customers to understand is that ZAS can create an amenity kit for any budget” Disposables: “The nature of the airline business requires that our customers are offered a wide range of options across products like serving trays, cups, dishes, flatware, glasses, napkins, pillowcases and other essentials. Our clients need packaging, materials, design and price-point choices in order to align their customer profiles, route structures, aircraft –types and budgets.”

Rotables: “Value is the one constant in all Zodiac-supplied products, but especially with re-used items such as service trays, cups, casseroles, dishware, hollowware and stainless steel products. We are experts at matching our product offering to the tastes and budgets of our clients.”

Porcelains: “To our airline customers, image is everything and nothing communicates that better than porcelain. Our professional staff can guide the most demanding customers

Ms. Nariema Hazratalie, Office Manager

through the myriad options in bone china, fine china and regular porcelains. “ Wines, liqueurs and champagnes: “Our customer’s flight attendants are expected to be semi-professional “sommeliers”. That’s where we come in. Our beverage professionals are knowledgeable about the characteristics and food pairings for all manner of wines, beers, spirits and other non-alcoholic choices.

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Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc

James Marlow, Senior Sales Manager

Mr. Yilma Kassaye, General Manager

They know and can help to always provide our client with the best-value-for-money our customers select the best beverages from France, possible remains constant.”

Italy, Spain, Portugal, DELIVERING THE GOODS Chile, South Africa and the Zodiac Aviation “Another personalized aspect USA. Best of all, individual Support established and customized size choices of the services ZAS provides are available.” is our concern for and focus Catering services: “The on our customers desired customers who involve us in their catering delivery schedule. We know the value of needs, think of us as their airline’s executive on-time delivery and we prove it on a daily chef. Working in conjunction with renowned basis. We also routinely help customers lower food connoisseurs and catering organizations their expenses by planning deliveries to worldwide, the staff at Zodiac brings a new coincide with an airline’s flight schedule which level of excellence to every meal selection reduces freight costs by arranging deliveries and presentation. The selections may vary, directly to the airline at a destination their to fit individual budgets, but our commitment aircraft serve,” said Kassaye.

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Zodiac offer a customized in-flight design service

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Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc

“Working together, our airline customers and our ZAS in-flight service designers define the airline’s on-board service goals and design” MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES “Many times it’s not about added expense but rather about making the right choices.

Raw materials and manufacturing techniques differ from supplier to supplier so you need an experienced guide. Our customers look to Zodiac to provide sturdy yet light weight pieces that won’t collapse on their customer, and long-lasting rotables that keep their shine flight in and flight out. We treasure the moments when our customers tell us that their passengers have commented about their great in-flight product experience. That’s the Zodiac difference.”

ON-BOARD SERVICE DESIGN “Working together, our airline customers and our ZAS in-flight service designers define the airline’s on-board service goals and design.

Together we define the image our airline customer seeks to project. Working with Zodiac ensures that the customer ultimately gets the right products at the best price in order to deliver their customized in-flight service design vision.”

SUPPLIES ON HAND “It’s not surprising that when an airline serves thousands of customers each day, sometimes supplies can run short. ZAS customers needn’t

worry about such situations. Our “buffer stock” program provides our customers with peace of mind. They know that ZAS keeps ample supplies of their most ordered items on-hand. These buffer stock items can be expedited and delivered to them on a “just in time” basis.

CHALLENGING TIMES FOR AIRLINES “Commercial aviation is a tough, competitive, cut-throat business at the best of times—and these are hardly the best of times. Airline operational costs are high and profit margins are historically thin. Today ’s global economic environment is challenging for any company.

When the marketplace is tough and the economic times are hard, Zodiac has the financial strength to work with our customers no matter what their credit needs are.

We’ve even entered into joint ventures with customers to have our products manufactured in their home countries using local labor and raw materials. Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc. always goes the extra mile for the customer,” said Kassaye.

For more information about Zodiac Aviation Support, Inc visit: www.zasusa.com

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Always moving

Boasting a national footprint in South Africa, with transp Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, Imperial Logi Services (ILRS) today exists as South Africa’s ‘first to mar

written by: Will Daynes research by: Candice Nice

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services (ILRS)

ing forward

port depots in Cape istics Refrigerated rket’ service provider

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

F

ILRS is a part of the wider IMPERIAL Group

ormed in July 2010, following the consolidation of Fast ‘n Fresh, Liebentrans, Kobus Minnaar Transport and the broking division of Wilco Transport into one entity, ILRS was created specifically to package the service offering of Imperial Logistics Consumer Products for the temperature controlled FMCG market. This work requires the handling and transportation of time and temperature sensitive products, a task ILRS is able to expertly manage by providing an integrated, comprehensive service to its customers.

ILRS is a part of the wider IMPERIAL Group, a diversified industrial services and retail organisation, operating in Africa, Europe and Australia, and listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange. Run on a decentralised management structure that actively encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and the use of industry specific best practices, IMPERIAL employs more than 40,000 people around the world who it credits with responsibility for the growth and continued prosperity of the group.

By providing primary and secondary refrigerated transport services, tactical planning and detailed business analysis of current supply chains, ILRS has, in a short space of time, created a proven track record in successfully managing and maintaining the integrity of the cold chain. In addition to the company’s strict adherence to, and management of, service level agreements (SLAs) relating to time and temperature

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

ILRS has revolutionised South Africa’s refrigerated logistics market

sensitive perishable goods, ILRS’ operations are further supported by its flexible fleet of vehicles that provide it with the ability to upscale in order to handle work during the most demanding of peak periods.

Upon the company’s formation in 2010,

it put into action a new strategy for growth that has since gone on to revolutionise South Africa’s refrigerated logistics market.

This strategy saw the company introduce a fourth party logistics provider to its operations. Consisting of what is essentially

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The next generation in transport refrigeration The new range SLXe reflects Thermo King’s depth of experience and expertise, from being pioneers to becoming leaders in the field of refrigerated transport.

Cutting edge technology optimises productivity by delivering low operating costs and maximum load protection.

The new SLXe brings significant innovations to maximise profitability while minimising environmental impact within a sustainable transport and delivery process.

GEA Refrigeration Technologies (Pty) Ltd. 19 Chain Avenue, Montague Gardens, 7441, RSA Phone: +27 21 555 9000, Fax: +27 551 4036 transport-sa@gea.com, www.gearefrigeration.co.za

engineering for a better world

GEA Refrigeration Technologies

Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

ILRS ensures that its vehicles are filled for their return journeys

a single office, the provider’s task is to match companies looking for transport with those that have said transport facilities and are

looking for commodities to move.

The use of this service has allowed ILRS to improve its return on investment ratios and ensure that its vehicles are filled for their return GEA Refrigeration journeys. Perhaps more GEA Refrigeration is proud to be associated with Imperial importantly, this service Logistics Refrigerated Services, who are one of the leaders has helped the company in the refrigerated transport industry. As a supplier of bu i ld even st ronger the Thermo King Refrigeration units to IL-RS, we have to increase our service levels and adapt to the high relationships with reliable benchmark IL-RS are setting in the market place. smaller operators. This in It is extremely important to understand your customer’s turn has resulted in ILRS business to be able to supply the correct product. The new being able to utilise the range SLXe reflects Thermo King’s depth of experience and services of these operators expertise, from being pioneers to becoming leaders in the without having to invest field of refrigerated transport. further in its own assets. www.gearefrigeration.co.za By taking a wider view

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SERCO AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY

KEEP I

Durban: 031 508 1000 I JHB: 011 397 8993 I Cape Town: 021 959 7660 Email: info@serco.co.za I Website: www.serco.co.za

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Supported by national manufacturing and after-sales repair service 36-month warranty.

COOL FOR

SPECIALIST MANUFACTURERS OF: Truck bodies and trailers that are relied upon by leading transport operators • Fibreglass dry freight and refrigerated vehicles offering superior strength and corrosion resistant panels • New generation ‘Super Reefer Lite’ which offers a substantial weight reduction

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particularly interested in concepts available in this area.”

Other trends were aero dynamic packages to reduce fuel costs and carbon footprints; increasing use of electronic braking systems and telematics to improve route management, safety and maintenance control, and the installation of cameras or park distance controls to assist drivers with docking and reversing.

Back home, a major development for Serco was the purchase of 13.4 hectares of land in Johannesburg to accommodate future expansion.

Meanwhile, Serco has introduced an innovative fuel saving accessory for their semi-trailers in the form of innovative aerodynamic side skirts developed by Freightwing in the US, which can be fitted to trailers resulting in a fuel saving of between 4% and 6% and an accompanying reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The accessory helps reduce wind drag under the trailer and is particularly suitable for long distance transport.

Holcroft says the lightweight flexible plastic panels have a smooth finish, providing an ideal surface for branding. “The side skirt concept is used in the United States where fuel savings of 7.45% were achieved. The under body skirts are designed to bend and bounce back from minor collisions; flexibility is important because the lower you get to the ground, the more fuel is saved.”

The Freightwing offered an attractive answer because it addressed green house gas emissions and fuel efficiency.

G

Serco aims to extend the positive trend in the transport industry into the New Year by introducing exciting new developments.

Serco MD Clinton Holcroft says by offering practical solutions and adding value to their customers’ business, they will continue to build stronger partnerships with clients. “With this in mind we visited the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover earlier this year where the theme was Driving the Future.

We returned with several interesting solutions we look forward to presenting to our customers.

“Very evident was the high standard of the vehicles on show and the emphasis placed on energy efficiency,” said Holcroft. “Food safety in Europe is at an advanced stage and great care is required to ensure product is transported at the correct temperatures, making use of load dividers and telematic systems to keep track of this.

“South Africa’s legislation is very stringent, particularly the new Consumer Protection Act, which I believe makes it vital for transporters to have tight temperature control over the products going into their vehicles.”

Holcroft says another area of importance is load securing. “With an increasing number of our customers introducing trolleys, we were

Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

Fast ‘n Fresh became part of ILRS in 2010

of both the global logistics market and extremely well, delivering significant the rapid growth of that same sector efficiency and cost savings.

The particular model that ILRS has w it hin Sout her n A f rica, IL RS has developed i nc ludes identified the next big providing in-depth analysis area of growth to be the of the logistic requirements complete outsourcing of of its existing customers, logistics services. In the vast majority of developed based on the detailed countries, and an ever information provided by Employees of the i nc reasi ng number of the company in question IMPERIAL Group developing territories, this and ILRS’ own experience worldwide model already operates of current operational

40,000

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

ILRS has brought together different cultures and approaches

processes. The company has also been able to draw on the expertise of other divisions within the Imperial Group such as the Integration Services division, which has particular expertise in supply chain optimisation, and amalgamate all the

findings to devise a detailed total logistics offering.

As one of the first such proposals to appear in South Africa, perfecting this strategy has been a huge undertaking for ILRS, with the company drawing on

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

Altech Netstar Fleet Solutions

The long standing relationship between Altech Netstar Fleet Solutions and the Imperial Group has evolved over many years. The diverse and customizable solutions and services provided by Altech Netstar Fleet Solutions to the Imperial Group and its equally diverse requirement for Fleet solutions has produced market leading technologies and service delivery. Altech Netstar Fleet Solutions is regarded as a high performance and innovative company priding itself in its ability to partner with leading organisations such as the Imperial Group. The Altech Netstar suite of products and solutions extends beyond conventional vehicle tracking, driver management and communication to include, workflow management, efficiency and optimisation management and reporting of fleets and in cab remote management. www.anfs.co.za

the theory and practice developed by world leading organisations such as Walmart, as well as the skills and knowledge of the Imperial Group.

Going forward, the plan is to continue with wellestabl ished c ustomers where a relationship of trust has developed over a long period of time, and then ultimately to take the concept out into the wider marketplace.

As a relatively new

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NEW ERA We provide a prompt, professional, and efficient service tailor made to the business needs of our clients.

Our Core Offerings • Payroll and Administration • Resourcing and Recruitment • Management • Staff Shuttling • Staff Development For more information visit us at www.newerar.co.za or www.neweratransport.co.za

Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services company still, ILRS not only has an ambitious vision for the future, but it has also spent a considerable amount of time and effort aligning the four original companies into a single entity, managed from its head office in Cape Town.

Much of this work has involved the softer issues of bringing together the different cultures and approaches.

A longside t his t he company has tackled some

New Era Recruitment

In 1998, Brent Newton established New Era Recruitment with the intent to create a company that catered to the needs of its workers. The labour hire industry as a whole lacked outstanding service delivery, and Mr. Newton committed to changing that. After 14 years of exceptional service delivery, one could look back and agree that he accomplished his goal.

With phenomenal growth and development, New Era expanded nationally with offices in Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal. The general consensus amongst clients when asked about their experiences with New Era is that services are found to be efficient, reliable and consistent with staff ranging from management to administrator, all willing to go the extra mile. www.newerar.co.za | www.neweratransport.co.za

ILRS has an ambitious vision for the future

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Seen

Contact us today and put your company in the spotlight!

vincent@bus-ex.com ILRS invests in the latest vehicles

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Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services

“Today, ILRS is a thriving business, boasting a long list of satisfied customers” of the basic structural integration issues by analysing the IT systems and operational requirements of the four original companies and drawing up a plan that will allow them to completely harmonise their processes and cultures while continuing to provide a top quality service.

More recently the company has invested in a fleet of vehicles that are the first trucks in South Africa to possess Euro V specification engines. Moves such as this are allowing ILRS to make an impact in ‘green logistics’ by leveraging a biofuel blend, zero emission refrigeration technology and biodegradable cleaning detergents.

Today, ILRS is a thriving business, boasting a long list of satisfied customers including the likes of Capespan, Dairybelle, Famous Brands, Freys Food Brands, Nestle South Africa and Rhodes Food Group. What makes this list all the more impressive is that it has been accumulated over the course of less than three years and is only likely to grow as time goes by.

For more information aboutImperial Logistics Refrigerated Services visit: www.imperial.co.za

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written by: Will Daynes research by: James Boyle

Performance

enhancers MSCL has been providing quality IT solutions for over 12 years. CEO and MD, Sheikh Nisar Ahmed, discusses how the company is looking to capitalise on new opportunities

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Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL)

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Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, CEO

Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL)

I

n the eyes of the vast majority of people without success. Nevertheless, we were throughout the world we are today able to complete said project and do so on living in what is a new digital age, a time, within budget and in such a way that period of time in which the growth in exceeded all of the business requirements telecommunications, information and demanded by the client. As a result of this other technologies has had an immeasurable we went on to sign three more contracts impact on the ways in which companies with NADRA, supporting its IT operations provide value to their customers. These for a further three years.” companies are increasing utilising technology Since it was founded, MSCL has focused to develop strong, innovative value solutions its efforts on domestic opportunities, on a continuous basis. completing more than 30 projects for Established in August 2000, Millennium customers in the banking, utility and Systems & Consultants (MSCL) is one garment sectors, and for government such company. An information technology departments. However, in March 2012, (IT) company created by a the company took a leap small group of experienced forward in extending its industr y professionals, geographical presence by it specialises in system successfully completing integration, IT consultancy, a project for United Bank project management and UK, formerly known as the Year MSCL was software development.

United National Bank of established “It was in August 2000,” London. Since completing explains chief executive its first project for this client officer and managing director, Sheikh in April 2012, United Bank UK has awarded Nisar Ahmed, “that I received a call from MSCL with two more add-on projects in chairman’s office of the Fauji Foundation, what is a clear sign of its satisfaction. inquiring as to whether I would be willing “Demand for our services and remote to assist them on a project of national banking transaction server (RBTS) product,” importance. It was this call that instigated Ahmed enthuses, “has been increasing steadily, both from existing and new clients. the creation of MSCL.” The project Ahmed refers to involved Couple this with our first success in Europe the development of an integrated system and it makes us very keen to expand our for the production and management of business further into the banking sector. It is Computerised National ID Cards (CNID) that for this very reason that we are investing in would be supplied to citizens by Pakistan’s building up the skills of our banking team, National Database and Registration Authority while further maturing our RBTS product (NADRA). “NADRA had previously tried into a complete system that can deliver for two years to implement such a system remote or branchless banking.”

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MSCL’s ability to manage complex IT projects has undoubtedly contributed to its success, but so too have a number of other qualities that differentiate the company from its rivals. “Our employees’ unwavering commitment to success, our management teams’ focus on sharing the rewards of said success and our ability to keep our overheads low are all reasons why we have managed to weather what have been difficult times in the past,” Ahmed states. “Equally as important has been our continued determination to find stimulating work for our people. This has helped us to retain those talented individuals that have contributed so much to MSCL.” MSCL also values its membership status within the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES, more commonly known as P@SHA, of which it has been a part since its own formation. “There is no doubt,” Ahmed says, “that P@SHA provides an effective platform upon which to promote IT business in Pakistan. One of our strategic aims as part of our corporate reorganisation taking place during the first quarter of 2013 is to increase our participation within the organisation.”

There are a number of different case studies and examples of successfully

completed projects that one could use as a way of drawing attention to MSCL’s excellent track record of delivering the results its clients demand. One particular example formed a part of the aforementioned NADR A project. This saw NADRA award MSCL yet another key development and system integration contract to be implemented at more than 300 of NADRA’s district offices, including

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Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL)

The MSCL team celebrating a project completion

its Swif t Registration and other remote banking devices, as well as through Centres (NSRCs). This system helping bring about internet and mobile banking a pioneering change in programmes. Our RBTS the way that government provides communication Domestic projects departments operate in this across all such devices and MSCL has successfully part of the world. systems and has also played completed since The company’s RBTS a major role during Habib it was formed Bank’s three year migration product has been at the phase, during which time heart of several of its both its old and new systems larger undertakings. One particular project involved the upgrading were able to co-exist without any operational of Habib Bank’s banking system. Pakistan’s problems occurring.” second largest bank, Habib Bank operates Looking outside of the banking industry, approximately 1500 branches. “In addition MSCL management has long viewed the to upgrading Habib Bank’s system,” Ahmed health care sector as being a source of reveals, “they also wished to further extend business opportunities. Following a study of services to their customers through ATM the local health care market, the company

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embarked upon providing a cloud computing based solution to small hospitals and clinics.

For the purpose of this it developed its MSCLClinic product.

“This,” Ahmed continues, “is a clinic management software solution designed to carry out such tasks as managing patient appointments, scheduling patient visits, carrying a patient’s treatment history, providing diagnostics information

as well as handling payments and other administrative tasks.”

Another product of growing interest is MSCL’s “Pahrahan”, an ERP system optimised for the garment industry that is able to systematically perform tasks such as taking multiple orders for styles, colors and sizes, and coordinating production resources.

MSCL’s Project Management Complete System (PMCS), meanwhile, is a set of

“Over the coming years MSCL expects not only to retain its current revenue growth, but double its annual turnover by the end of 2015”

Launching new MSCL project

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Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL) integrated tools, designed to enhance project team effectiveness. PMCS helps to guide project and business managers in qualifying an identified opportunity, assess initial risks, preparing a quality proposal and helps in preparing a risk f ree contract. PMCS also manages project cost and revenue, while also allowing project managers to evaluate their employee’s performance.

MSCL’s Revenue Management Complete System (RMCS), a system developed on ERP principles, is a set of integrated tools specially developed to improve financial performance of the utility companies.

Through online connectivity this system can be accessed in a controlled manner at towns, union councils, consumers service centres, call centres and other departments, while its collection module provides bills payment facility through Banks, ATMs, kiosks, call centres and the internet, ensuring timely and accurate recording of bills payments and identifying the defaulters.

As we enter a new year, MSCL fully expects to be ready and well placed to address the opportunities it envisions arising as a result of Pakistan’s projected economic revival.

“Over the coming years,” Ahmed reveals, “we expect not only to retain our current revenue growth, but double our annual turnover by the end of 2015. We intend to do so be continuing to follow our strategy of sharing our business opportunities with our partners who can add value to our project performance. Meanwhile, we will change our current policy of sharing project profit with project performers, and effective from

Project management workshop for executives

January 2013 project revenue will be shared with the project team.”

By the end of 2013, MSCL plan to have increased its core team from 20 members to 35 and in turn it will increase its focus on foreign projects, particularly in the Middle East and European markets. “As we move forward,” Ahmed concludes, “we will seriously consider the possibility of opening a permanent office overseas, while retaining our commitment of investing in our people and finding the most stimulating work for them to undertake.”

For more information about Millennium Systems & Consultants Limited (MSCL) visit: www.msclpk.com

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written by: John O’Hanlon research by: Daniel Finn Shaw AREVA MOX Services LLC is more than half way through its contract to build a facility that will turn a large part of America’s nuclear heritage into clean energy to boost the nation’s future growth

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Shaw AREVA MOX Services

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obody was sorry when the finally decided to dispose of the plutonium cold war ended. The world by converting it into fuel for commercial seemed a safer place and a nuclear reactors. In 1999 NNSA signed a new generation started to grow contract with Shaw AREVA MOX Services, up without the ever-present a consortium of Shaw Group and the French threat of mutually assured destruction. That carbon-free energy specialist AREVA to generation has new worries to contend with design, build and operate a Mixed Oxide in the form of terrorism, economic meltdown (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility located on the and environmental degradation but these Savannah River Site (SRS), a 310 square mile are somewhat less immediate dangers. reservation near Aiken in South Carolina, Nevertheless the large nuclear arsenals that built in the 1950s to refine nuclear materials the major powers had amassed now presented under the management of the US Atomic problems of their own. In 1992 General Brent Energy Commission. The SRS was the Scowcroft, then National Security Advisor to ideal choice for locating the new facilities.

President Bush, requested Among its advantages the National Academy of were high security levels, Sciences (NAS) to perform a skilled and experienced a study of the management workforce and the support and disposition options of local community interests in South Carolina. When for surplus weapon-usable the plant is completed, it plutonium to reduce the Footprint of danger that nuclear materials will employ around 1,000 the MOX facility might be stolen and find their people, with some 80 way into unprincipled hands. percent of the jobs requiring Under an agreement concluded in 2000 high school diplomas plus a two-year the USA and Russia each decided to eliminate degree. The company is working with local 34,000 tons of weapon-grade plutonium from colleges to set up training programs for high the defense programs of both the countries. school students to learn about education Plutonium has enormous energy value: one oportunities, with the prospect of having a gram contains more energy than two tons of secure job for 30 to 40 years. coal or one ton of crude oil. Depending on the The design of the MOX facility is based percentage of plutonium used, surplus U.S. on similar facilities operated by AREVA in weapons could make enough mixed oxide France, though adapted to meet the specific fuel to operate ten large (1,000 MW) nuclear requirements of United States nuclear safety practice. The rationale behind this is clear: plants for ten to 20 years.

Based on NAS’s recommendation the France obtains more than 75 percent of National Nuclear Security Administration its power from nuclear plants, the highest (NNSA) considered a number of options but proportion in the world. Accordingly it

600,000

square feet

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Shaw AREVA MOX Services has more experience than Flowserve Corporation any other country when it Throughout the nuclear fuel cycle the ability to control comes to the management process streams in difficult or impossible locations of nuclear fuel for civil becomes increasingly necessary as the complexity purposes. AREVA’s MELOX of processes increases. For over 30 years Flowserve and La Hague plants Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to supply nuclear fuel to more tackle such issues as remote valve maintenance, remote valve control and flow stream analysis in many challenging than 30 reactors. nuclear applications.

The 600,000 square-foot www.flowserve.com facility being built in South Carolina will be completed in 2016 and will be licensed for 20 years, with operations expected to continue well into the 2030s. It is made up of two main sections: aqueous polishing and fuel fabrication. Aqueous polishing is a chemical purification process to render weapons-grade plutonium oxide suitable for inclusion as a component of MOX fuel – the existing facilities at SRS for treating radioactive materials will be able to cope with all solid or liquid waste from this process.

This is a robust process, refined by the nuclear industry in France over a 30-year period. The MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility will blend plutonium oxide (PuO2) with uranium oxide (UO2) powder to make a mixed oxide powder. This powder is milled to ensure uniform distribution of the plutonium, and to adjust the particle size of the MOX powder.

The MOX powder is made into small pellets

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about the size of a pencil eraser. The pellets are pressed into shape, sintered (baked at high temperatures) and ground to the required dimensions of approximately 1/3 inch in diameter and 4/10 inch in length.

The finished pellets are loaded into fuel rods through an open end. An end plug is

then inserted into the open end of the fuel rod and the rod is welded shut. The fuel rods are inspected, decontaminated, and bundled together to form fuel assemblies.

Each fuel assembly will contain 264 fuel rods and the assembly will then be prepared for transportation to a commercial reactor.

“In June 2012 the facility reached 10 million safe working hours without a lost workday�

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Shaw AREVA MOX Services

Mixed oxide fuel will perform in a very similar manner to conventional uranium fuel currently used by nuclear utilities. The blended fuel is in the form of ceramic pellets, which are encased in metal rods and bundled in fuel assemblies. The fuel is then loaded and irradiated within the reactor in the same manner as uranium fuel.

Clearly security is a priority, and the plant has been designed to meet the same safety standards as any United States-based nuclear reactor, while its location at the heart of the SRS renders it impenetrable to any foreseeable external threats. A Perimeter Intrusion Detection and Assessment System

will encircle the facility for additional protection, which will of course provide extra assurance for the local community. The community will be further reassured by the latest announcement on safety at the site – in June 2012 the facility reached 10 million safe working hours without a lost workday, a very significant milestone representing nearly two years of safe work during heavy construction involving approximately 2,800 workers.

For more information about Shaw AREVA MOX Services visit: www.areva.com

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ZincOx Resources From its recycling plant in South Korea, ZincOx has captured the attention of the metal processing industry by utilising a revolutionary form of technology to recover zinc from electric arc furnace dust

written by: Will Daynes research by: Jeff Abbott

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t is estimated that 12 million tonnes of zinc is consumed across the world on an annual basis. While zinc and other raw materials provide the essential building blocks required by rapidly expanding economies to achieve growth, we do live in a world of finite resources. It is for that reason that recycling has become an increasingly important component in the supply of commodities.

Initially formed as a Dutch company by Andrew Woollett and Noel Masson in 1997, ZincOx’s business today is the recycling of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), a hazardous waste generated by the recycling of steel scrap. Initially set up to bring to account unconventional zinc ore deposits, ZincOx soon identified the potential benefits and uses of EAFD and in the last seven years has shifted its focus away from mining to recycling.

As a result of a decade of research and development, the company has adopted a game changing form of technology that has shown itself to be the best way of processing EAFD and recovering zinc. Throughout the world, steel scrap is recycled in electric arc furnaces using a simple remelting process. To protect steel objects from corrosion they are increasingly being galvanised by being coated in a thin layer of zinc metal. When scrap steel is recycled, the zinc from this galvanising process is driven off as a dust and caught up in the flue gasses.

These fine particles are then filtered out and the resulting dusty material is collected.

For each tonne of steel produced by recycling, between 12 and 20 kilogrammes of EAFD is also created. This dust typically contains in the region of 18 to 24 percent zinc, a figure that is up to five times greater than that gained from

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DBQ & Dryer

ZincOx Resources

ZincOx Resources

the average zinc deposit. In addition to this in EAFD would not only be energy efficient, and zinc, EAFD also contains between 22 and 30 generate no waste, but would also enjoy higher percent of iron and up to three percent of lead. margins that existing recyclers. This meant Historically, the recovery of zinc from EAFD that it could be developed without having to has not been possible without a subsidy being rely on subsidies from the operators of electric provided by the steel industry. Indeed, because arc furnaces. As such, the process represents a the cost of landfill in many developing countries technically, economically and environmentally is much less than the subsidy required, EAFD superior solution to the problem of EAFD. continues to find itself being Today, ZincOx’s technology landfilled. It is estimated that is being demonstrated in as much as seven million South Korea, where its first tonnes of EAFD is generated recycling plant has recently been development and where annually, of which only half is recycled. the company holds ten year Tonnes of zinc in ZincOx’s management EAFD supply agreements that concentrate that the recognised that a technology cover approximately 400,000 recycling plant will produce per annum that would be able to recover tonnes per annum. The plant all of the zinc and iron present itself is being designed in two

90,000

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A Leading EPCM Services Provider In the Nonferrous Metals Industry Armed with over fifty years of industry experience under Korea Zinc Group, and the foremost latest technologies for the nonferrous metals industry, Xmetech Corporation is a reputed international leader that can be trusted to bring out your company’s utmost potential, with custom tailored solutions in: • Engineering • Procurement • Construction Management • Project Control • Training & Commissioning Services

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ZincOx Resources phases, the first of which is Xmetech Corporation now complete. This phase Xmetech Corporation was presented with a unique EPCM cost $110 million to bring challenge by ZincOx, for the Korea Recycling Project. Through to fruition and was fully the expertise and knowledge of its specialist staff, Xmetech financed by a combination of was not only able to successfully complete the first phase equity and debt. of construction of the Electric Arc Furnace Dust treatment Phase two of the plant facility in Gyeongju, but also had firmly demonstrated effective operation utilizing a new technology, with great economic and development will shortly environmental success. Preparations for the second phase commence with all of the are underway, and it is hoped that, with the introduction of major infrastructure already a second RHF to the plant, the facility will bring even further installed. Estimated to cost fortune and recognition for all involved parties. around $100 million, phase enjepark@xmetech.com two will be financed by a combination of bank debt, offtake finance and equity to be provided either

by ZincOx or by the introduction of a partner into the project.

As the second largest scrap importer in the world, South Korea is the perfect location for ZincOx to launch its technology on a large scale. At present, the country generates about 380,000 tonnes of EAFD a year, with this figure expected to rise to 400,000 tonnes in short order. It was in June 2008 that the company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with KOSA, the association representing the Korean steel sector, by which KOSA would assist ZincOx in obtaining EAFD supply commitments from various steel companies and in locating a GHS area suitable plant site.

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GHS Area

ZincOx Resources

In April 2009, this resulted in the company entering into exclusive EAFD supply agreements with all of Korea’s most significant operators, including Hyundai Steel, Dongkuk Steel, Daehan Steel, YK Steel, Dongbu Steel, Hwanyoung Steel, Korean Iron and Steel Company, SeAH Besteel and Posco Speciality Steel.

At full capacity, ZincOx’s plant will be able to generate a concentrate containing 90,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate a year, a figure equivalent to that recorded at the fifth largest zinc mine in China. At full capacity, the plant will also be able to produce approximately 180,000 tonnes of iron product per annum.

ZincOx’s work is now being increasingly recognised by leading figures throughout the industry, with its South Korean recycling plant project shortlisted for the2012 Financial Times and International Finance Corporation Sustainable Investment of the Year Award.

Having made a considerable impact with its work in Korea, the company intends to roll out its technology in other parts of the world in the coming years, with considerable progress having been made thus far in Thailand, Turkey and the United States. This work is all part of ZincOx’s long term objective of operating a network of recycling plants covering each of the world’s major steel recycling regions, all in pursuit of becoming the largest, most sustainable recycler of EAFD, and therefore zinc, in the world.

For more information about ZincOx Resources visit: www.zincox.com

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Daring to diversify ChemSystems has been a fixture of the chemicals industry for over five decades. Sales director, Laurence Davies, and business development manager, Charles Du Bois, discuss how the company is now making a name for itself in the oil and gas sector

written by: Will Daynes research by: Will Kirby

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ChemSystems

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Houghton BOP

ChemSystems

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key component of the and Constructichem (a division focusing on country’s industrial base, the construction sector). What ChemSystems South Africa’s chemical also possesses is three distinct models in industry is the largest of its which it does business, these being direct kind in Africa. Globally, the trading, manufacturing under license and chemical industry boasts an estimated value manufacturing its own IPM technologies. of more than $4 trillion and while Africa’s “One of the biggest contributing factors to contribution to this has been relatively small our success over the years,” Davies continues, to date, the chemicals sector is expected to “is that we have always employed individuals play an increasingly important role in African who are experts in the chosen fields in economies in the decades ahead. One of the which we operate. This has allowed us to factors that is expected to help drive this offer our customers high value-add technical demand for chemical products and solutions support. Such capabilities are all the more important when you consider the fact that, is the growth of the oil and gas sector.

One company that has as a company, ChemSystems witnessed first-hand the doesn’t simply sell a product, dramatic industrial changes it sells solutions.” that have occurred in the Being a local manufacturer, region during its 50-plus year ChemSystems possesses a history is ChemSystems. A certain degree of flexibility that has allowed it to tailor $46 million company in its its offerings to customers own right, ChemSystems is The value of one of 13 chemical companies throughout the years as the ChemSystems belonging to the AECI Group market around it has evolved.

(African Explosives and In addition to having a strong Chemical Industries), which is listed on the presence in its home market of South Africa, the company has also gained significant access Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

“As one of the older companies within to sub-Saharan territory through various the AECI cluster,” explains sales director, technology and distribution partnerships, Laurence Davies, “we have a long history in giving it a large area of opportunity to pursue. the field of industrial products.” A diverse “While it is important to note that a large business, ChemSystems’ operations are split proportion of our market remains orientated into five, very different, divisions. These towards mining, indeed around 80 percent include Status Industrial Solutions, Capital of our African business does still stem from Polymer Additives (additives for polymer this sector,” Davies highlights, “what we industry), SA Silicones (silicone based have seen in more recent times is a spike in products for a wide range of industries), interest towards oil and gas following large Applied Solutions (the foundry industry) discoveries that have been made off the coasts

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$4 trillion The estimated value of the global chemicals industry

Molykote bolted connections

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of South Africa, Angola and Mozambique.”

These events have in turn led to ChemSystems shifting its focus towards the oil and gas industry. By getting a better understanding for this market and the type of solutions it can provide potential customers, the company has been able to put together a suite of products that it is able to present to the offshore oil and gas sector.

ChemSystems holds technology and manufacturing license agreements with a number of leading chemical and lubricant producers including the likes of Castrol and Houghton International. “Houghton International,” states business development manager, Charles Du Bois, “is one of only a handful of companies that supply offshore fluids that are used in sub-sea control units, compensator units and blow-out preventers (BOP). These are products that are of the highest quality, are used by drilling companies across the globe and we are very proud to be able to offer them to our customers.”

In addition to the Houghton off-shore fluids, a comprehensive fluid test kit is available and fluid sample analysis programmes can be implemented to ensure that the fluid properties remain within specification. These analyses also allow

ChemSystems

Molykote lubricants are extremely effective

it to investigate fluid deterioration and to implement the corrective measures. Systemcleaners are available from Houghton in case of fluid contamination whereby systems need to be flushed. Houghton also offers a full range of corrosion protection products for oil field tubular.

Another series of products that are of particular importance to ChemSystems come under the name of Molykote. Created by the company Dow Corning, these products are used to lubricate threaded connections and flanges, and are commonly used to maintain rig equipment that operates in aggressive,

logistically challenging environments. “Dow Corning,” Du Bois says, “has had great success with these products in the North Sea, where the likes of Statoil and Shell have become users of Molykote. It is with this in mind that we see a great deal of potential for this brand throughout Southern Africa.”

The Molykote lubricants are extremely effective on those applications where there is very low relative motion in conjunction with very high loads, for example splines, bolts or nuts, pins and bushes, and press fit applications. The use of these products significantly improves the workshop and on

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site safety during assembly and disassembly of equipment and components.

For almost 30 years, ChemSystems has been involved in the fire fighting industry, manufacturing fire fighting foam concentrates, and today holds a technology partnership agreement with the German company Dr Sthamer. “As you can imagine,” Davies states, “fire is an ever present risk in the oil and gas sector, and as such companies

go out of their way to protect their assets accordingly. What we do is produce a range of globally approved fire fighting concentrates.

These products are made under license in South Africa and meet all the global fire protection association standards.”

In addition to the aforementioned products and solutions, the company also represents Chemetall, selling non-destructive testing penetrates into a number of industries, oil

“ChemSystems holds technology and manufacturing license agreements with a number of leading chemical and lubricant producers”

Fire is an ever present risk in the oil and gas sector

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ChemSystems

ChemSystems produces a range of globally approved fire fighting concentrates

and gas included. These products are used to identify defects in vessels, pipelines and other items of equipment that need to undergo regular integrity checks.

Then there are the products that ChemSystems develops itself using its own technology. These include its Marine range of solutions that include oil dispersants.

The company also produces a selection of cleaning and maintenance products and microbiological treatments, a range of corrosion inhibitors and descalers and carbon removers.

In its home market of South Africa, ChemSystems oil and gas related activities

continue to expand at an impressive rate. It is at times like this that a company such as ChemSystems, being a relatively new player in the market, benefits greatly from having other well entrenched players around it that it can draw knowledge from.

One of the reasons that ChemSystems finds itself in such a position is through its membership of the South Africa Oil and Gas Association (SAOGA). “SAOGA,� Davies enthuses, “provides us with the ability to network with others in the industry, gain a better understanding of the market and establish potential future partnerships.

It also provides us with an excellent

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opportunity to showcase our own products and services to the right people.”

The success the company continues to have in South Africa by no means suggests that it doesn’t recognise that there are a host of opportunities further afield. Indeed, two particular parts of Africa are becoming of increasing interest to ChemSystems, those being Angola and Mozambique.

“Angola,” Davies says, “is a country experiencing a great deal of activity at present. It is with this in mind that we are working hard to get a better understanding of this unique market. Charles himself recently spent some time in the country forging relationships with potential partners.

Similarly, we are looking to identify logistics partners in order to make our product offering as price competitive as possible.”

Research of this nature is also being undertaken as it relates to Mozambique, a market that is still very much in its infancy when it comes to oil and gas. “What we hope to do,” Du Bois says, “is take the lessons we have learnt, and will learn, in Angola, which is a market that is further ahead in terms of industry development, and apply them to Mozambique.”

The sheer potential for Africa’s oil and gas sector to become one of the most important

in the world should be reason enough to believe that a very promising future lies ahead for ChemSystems. However, if any further proof were needed one only needs to look at the company’s ability to diversify itself over the years.

“What we have,” Davies goes on to say, “is a level of flexibility that allows us to change our market focus and product offering fairly rapidly.

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ChemSystems

ChemSystems has been shifting its focus towards the oil and gas industry

This makes us highly versatile and able to adapt accordingly as customer needs and business trends change. In truth, as recently as ten years ago we probably wouldn’t have predicted moving into the oil and gas sector, but as that market has expanded we have been able to respond in a way that allows us to concentrate more of our efforts on such industries that we see as having a longer lifecycle.”

That is not to say that ChemSystems no longer wishes to be involved in a mixture of markets, but what it does highlight is that, as well as wanting to protect the strong position it already holds in these, the company will continue to seek out new growth opportunities as they arise.

“Today,” Davies concludes, “ChemSystems

exists as a strong player within the South African chemicals sector and we want to build on that. We see a large part of our future being driven by our ability to spread out further across Africa. This won’t be a quick or easy process, and may require us to adapt our business model slightly in some regions, but it is one that we see as being of great benefit to us as we recognise that a large portion of our future is going to be intertwined with the future growth of Africa as a whole.”

For more information about ChemSystems visit: www.chemsystems.co.za

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Reeling in the customers

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Ocean Basket

By focusing on domestic and international expansion, and by aligning itself according to the changing demands of its customers, Ocean Basket remains one of South Africa’s true success stories

written by: Will Daynes research by: Candice Nice

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Fats Lazarides, founder

Ocean Basket

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outh Africans love their seafood, and with perfectly good reason.

With businesses supplied year round by an astonishing array of seafood fresh from the waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the straightfrom-the-sea freshness of the country’s dishes has become legendary in local and international circles.

A particularly impressive success story linked to South Africa’s seafood industry is that of Ocean Basket. Established in 1995, today it boasts 160 outlets across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. What makes Ocean Basket’s story all the more remarkable is the fact that not only was it able to survive the economic downturn that gripped the world during 2008 and 2009, but that it remained highly profitable.

In the time since the financial crisis, Ocean Basket has successfully opened nearly 20 new stores, while retaining its position as the best loved seafood restaurant in South Africa.

Among these new stores is the company’s first in Lagos, Nigeria, which is performing well beyond initial expectations, and two new stores located in Mauritius.

While Ocean Basket’s business remains at its strongest in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape, its international expansion plan is proceeding extremely well, with six stores now in Cyprus and a store in Dubai’s international airport providing it with a great deal of visibility.

Nevertheless, the company believes there are still a great number of growth opportunities in South Africa. This means it is in the enviable position of being able to target expansion both at home and abroad.

In recent years, competition has grown like

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Email: marina.mars89@gmail.com | Telephone: 0027 766 860 520

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Ocean Basket wild fire, with over 600 take away fish and chip outlets in South Africa targeting the lower end of the market. One of the reasons Ocean Basket has been able to sustain this challenge is that its value positioning and shared family values have positioned it perfectly to meet changing social-economic conditions head on.

What does give Ocean Basket even greater encouragement is the fact that customer surveys have indicated a 20 percent rise in seafood being identified as a first choice option, ahead of other products such as chicken or beef. This has resulted in the company capturing a broader target audience, a trend that is helping make Ocean Basket a destination brand in the eyes of its customers.

What Ocean Basket has noticed more and more from these customers is that they are becoming increasingly demanding from a service perspective. These customers work hard for their money and when they visit a restaurant they demand quality, excellent service and, above all else, value, and it is the job of Ocean Basket to align itself closely to these needs.

This loyalty is further highlighted by the vast list of customer accolades that the company

has accumulated over the years. For example, Ocean Basket has, for 12 consecutive years, been named the Best Seafood Restaurant in Johannesburg.

In addit ion to it s commitment to careful

price balancing, Ocean Basket ’s success has been a result of a combination of its passion, perseverance and its ability to adapt. There is however, one further ingredient that it views as being key to its continued prosperity and that is simplicity.

Increasingly the company is seeing that all of its competitors are giving in to adding another protein option to their menus with even international seafood brands adding chicken products to their offering. By

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“By maintaining strong supplier relationships the company ensures it is able to consistently source quality products at the best possible prices� focusing on seafood, which brought it to the fore in the first place, Ocean Basket has created a consistent and trusted customer experience that is virtually unrivalled.

By maintaining strong supplier relationships the company ensures it is able to consistently source quality products at the best possible prices. Meanwhile, its distribution business enables it to deliver products to its stores on

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time and frequently so as to ensure that its customers receive only the freshest seafood.

From an internal perspective, each of the company’s founders remains deeply involved in the business and continues to advocate a flat business structure where nobody within the company possesses a title.

Notwithstanding the explosive rate of expansion that Ocean Basket has experienced

Ocean Basket

in recent times, the company’s strategy does not revolve around growth for its own sake. Growth has occurred because its franchise model is extremely simple and easy to run, both in respect of the nature of the business and its operations. Its strategy is one of sustainable growth, maintaining the brand by focusing on franchising and distribution.

By continually reviewing its entire franchising model and philosophy, Ocean Basket has recognised the need for it to focus increasingly on reducing costs and building stronger partnerships with its key dependencies. Similarly it is aware that it needs to dedicate greater efforts towards creating more centralised and pre-packaged

offerings to its stores so that less labour intensive work is required to take place.

Ocean Basket’s success has been built upon a combination of its passion, the emphasis it places on its customers and its determination to provide every franchisee and licensee with a great business. At the same time, the investments the company makes towards its own people and its drive to deliver the best products and experiences at all times singles Ocean Basket out as being a real pioneer and leader in its field.

For more information about Ocean Basket visit: www.oceanbasket.com

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Committed to sustainable productivity Sustainability has always been one major constituent of Atlas Copco’s business in every part of the world.

O

ur u nwave r i ng commitment to ensure long term productivity of customer operations features greatly in aligning business processes with the Group’s strategic goals. In this tough economy, customers desire to save energy, improve their operations and make returns on investments. Atlas Copco, an industrial group with worldleading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems meets all these customer expectations

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and delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services.

With a vision to become and remain First in Mind – First in Choice® of its customers and other stakeholders, Atlas Copco Ghana Limited operates through a number of divisions within three main business areas; Mining and Rock Excavation Technique, Compressor Technique and Construction Technique.

The Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area markets underground drilling rigs for tunneling and mining applications, surface drilling rigs, loading and hauling equipment, exploration drilling equipment, rock drilling tools and the associated after market, all designed to help achieve high productivity with moderate maintenance costs.

Atlas Copco Ghana

The Compressor Technique business area provides industrial compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders, air and gas treatment equipment and air management systems. It has a global service network and offers specialty rental services. Compressor Technique innovates for sustainable productivity in the manufacturing, oil and gas, and process industries.

The Construction Technique business area provides construction and demolition tools, portable compressors, pumps and generators, lighting towers, and compaction and paving equipment. It offers service through a global network. Construction Technique innovates for sustainable productivity in infrastructure, civil works and road construction projects.

Atlas Copco Ghana Limited boasts of a well-defined aftermarket (service) team which offers expert service and training to customers to increase their production capacities. To further enhance its service offering, the company has recently established a new training facility at Obuasi to provide a central place for employees and customers to attend training seminars and courses under the “Master Driller Program�.

Atlas Copco Ghana P.O Box 10071 Accra North, Ghana Accra Office T +233 0302 774512 E info.ghana@gh.atlascopco.com www.atlascopco.com

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world best practice Cyclone Projects & Consulting cc (CP&C) was established in September 1998 and since that time has undertaken and successfully commissioned an impressive list of projects for the major mining houses and the mining industry worldwide

C

P&C is considered to be the leader in the field of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) cycloning technologies and is the appointed consultant for many mines in the RSA and Africa where the technology has widely been implemented.

The interest in cycloning opportunities inspired more research into this technology in construction of gold and other mineral TSFs. The most obvious advances in cycloning,

“ The obvious advances in cycloning, are the vast increase in TSF stability and water recovery.�

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amongst others, are the vast increase in TSF stability and water recovery.

The recent development in TSF vacuum cycloning has been a breakthrough in TSF construction and the patented system (SA Patent No. 2011/03614) has been accepted and implemented widely by the mining industry.

Cyclone Engineering Projects (Pty) Ltd (CEP), an accredited BBBEE company, was founded during 2007 on demand by the mining industry to operate and manage cycloned and other TSFs, based on the ongoing developments in the cycloning field.

The field of expertise, apart from cycloning, has been expanded into spigot TSF and paddock TSF construction and the full range of TSF construction/management is now covered. Hydraulic monitoring of old

CYCLONE PROJECTS & CONSULTINg

TSFs forms part of the package and highly skilled employees form part of the success in the mining process.

CEP introduced the mine/contractor partnership in the construction of new TSF civil works and our first project was successfully commissioned during September 2012, saving the client approximately 45 percent on budget!

More of these kinds of construction ventures are already in the pipeline for 2013.

Both companies’ client base includes: • AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa • Region Tailings, West Africa • Tailings & East Africa Tailings) • Debswana Diamond • Company (Botswana)

• Okorusu Fluorspar (Namibia) • Kenya Fluorspar (Kenya) • Langer Heinrich (Namibia) • Xstrata Rhovan Alloys • Evraz Vametco Alloys • Copper Eagle Burnstone Mine All major consulting engineering companies.

CYCLONE PROJECTS & CONSULTING cc P O BOX 22000, Helderkruin 1733 Republic of South Africa T +27 (11) 662 2916 E info@cyclones.zo.za www.cyclones.co.za

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Hays Resources & Mining Hays is the expert in recruiting for the resources and mining industry and our network of consultants in Perth and across Australia and New Zealand recruit for the entire lifecycle, from exploration, project development and construction to production and maintenance.

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ith more than 10 years recruiting in the technical sector, Hays Resources & Mining in Australia and New Zealand was launched in 2000. It is now one of the fastest growing business units in the company.

Our recruiting experts continually build upon our database of resources and mining candidates, which is one of the most extensive in the region and we ensure a fast and accurate response to your needs.

Each year, we source about 10,000 candidates for permanent and

“ Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting company�

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temporary roles across a broad range of skills and experience.

Our global reach Hays Resources & Mining operates as a network that transcends national boundaries and regional differences.

Our many offices worldwide support our Resources & Mining sector hubs, providing global reach as well as local expertise to ensure a personalised service tailored specifically to meet your recruitment needs.

Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting company, employing more than 7,800 staff in 33 countries across 20 specialty areas. We are the experts at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader Australia and in the UK and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and the Americas.

Hays Recruitment

As a global business, we can meet the needs of our multinational clients.

But the core of our business is being the recognised local expert in each of our markets and industries.

Our Service Our recruiting experts work within one of our two divisions: permanent hire or contract recruitment services, and as such their methodologies, skills and resources are specific and dedicated to their service offering.

Your global recruitment partner Hays Resources & Mining boasts a number of key benefits including: • The backing of a global market leader with infrastructure, management and training • A worldwide network of offices with

specialist hubs focused on resources and mining • Dedicated global management and systems • Permanent and contract supply and managed services with respective methodologies • A market leading brand presence supported by a dedicated in-house resource.

Hays Resources & Mining Western Australia Perth T: 08 9226 5766 E: rm.perth@hays.com.au

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A ‘can do’ company

A One-Stop-Shop for crusher spares, belting, materials handling, consultancy and advice

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ES International Ltd is a long established supplier of products and services to the mining, quarrying and recycling industries. We have built our reputation as a “can do” supplier, available 24/7 to respond to breakdowns and urgent requirements with the highest level of service. MES International truly is a “one stop shop” for your operating needs. We supply the highest quality precision engineered crusher spares for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary machines including Symons Nordberg,

“Our skilled engineers can provide you with advice on any aspect of your project” 262 | be directory

HP and MP series, Svedala, Omnicone, Telsmith, Sandvik, Allis Chalmers, Terex Cedarapids and Parkers. Our high quality impact and abrasion resistant conveyor belting is available in a range of widths and strengths to meet your requirements and with a 24 hour breakdown response, we are always here when you need us. We supply a durable range of vulcanising presses, along with splice kits and equipment for in-house vulcanising teams. With our own teams of highly qualified and experienced vulcanisers, we can undertake all hot & cold joints, maintenance and training etc.

We manufacture Material Handling Systems including Design, Installation & Commissioning, from overland conveyor structures to waterside loading systems.

We also design, re-design, maintain and supply conveyor struture and radial stacker systems, along with drums, rollers and take-up units through our Engineering Services, who can also

MES International Ltd

provide strip down and re-build services for crushers on scheduled shutdowns or assist with emergency breakdowns.

Our Consultancy & Advisory Service can assist with planning a new mine or extending an existing site, our skilled engineers can provide you with advice on any aspect of your project.

Our revolutionary patented Stone Powered Electricity system is an environmentally friendly way of generating FREE electricity from your falling stone, the same way water is used in a hydro electric plant. This electricity can be used for lighting walkways or fed/sold back into the grid and eliminates the need for intricate chute

designs, dead boxes and liners/deflectors that can drop out and cause damage to belts. The slowing benefits of vibratory feeders is mirrored by the SPE system, which also generates electricity! To discuss how much free electricity your conveyors can generate, please contact us.

MES International Ltd Bruntingthorpe, UK. T +44 116 247 8342 MES International Zambia Ltd Kitwe, Zambia.

Cell: +260 977 778 487 www.mesinternational.co.uk

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grinding media

The Sino Grinding Group has been designing its specialist grinding media since 2004

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here was clearly a need for a new player in the global market. After so many years of almost no product improvement by the global media suppliers there were plenty of opportunities to update the manufacturing technologies and take the industry to a higher level.

Any new ball designer must produce a better product to sell any quantity whereas; an established designer, with an improved ball, will actually sell less quantity. Therefore, it is logical to note that it is not in the interests of an

established maker of grinding media to improve their product for reduced wear rates.

Sino Group has now had ongoing growth in its first decade of operation.

This has been attributed to savings made by the customers who have given SINO the opportunity to showcase the new product range of the specialized products.

The Sino customers have enjoyed the lower wear rates but have also found that their efficiencies throughout their processing plants have improved with guaranteed low breakage and higher

“ The Sino customers have enjoyed the lower wear rates but have also found that their efficiencies throughout their processing plants have improved with guaranteed low breakage and higher throughputs�

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sino grinding international

throughputs. Sino offers a range of seven (7) different designs which have been specifically tuned for the wide range of milling environments and these designs target operational priorities set by our customers. Each grade is able to be further adjusted for even finer tuning as indicated trending improves our collected data.

Sino Grinding African Office Tel No: +27 (0)11 024 3630 Fax No: +27 (0)86 531 9661 Mobile: +27 (0)83 300 8648 Email: Pieter@sinogrinding.com.au

pieter@quicksa.com www.sinogrinding.com

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One network.

A world of solutions.

For over 60 years Univar has connected the mining industry with the world’s premier chemical manufacturers.

E

stablished in 1924 as a local Seattle source for soda ash and a handful of related products, Univar has grown into a global chemical distributor, employing 7,000 people at 180 sites in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. We serve over 115,000 customers in more than 115 countries, and represent nearly every major industry and a highly diverse set of end markets. We source chemicals from more than 3,500 producers, including the premier global chemical manufacturers, and distribute more than 4,500 chemical products.

Univar began serving Canada in 1950. Today, Univar Canada Ltd. is

“ Univar has grown into a global chemical distributor” 266 | be directory

Canada’s leading chemical distributor, and serves industrial chemical and agricultural chemical needs from over 20 facilities coast-to-coast, from British Columbia to Newfoundland.

Unsurpassed service and product lines Univar is the distribution partner that is transforming the way chemicals are bought, sold and managed in the mining industry. We supply a comprehensive selection of core and specialty chemicals for every stage of mine development, from exploration and extraction to reclamation. The breadth of our product line is unsurpassed, including absorbents and adsorbents, acids and acid cleaners, coagulants, collectors, frothers, mining and ore digging aids, surfactants, water treatment and much more. Our extensive distribution network, global reach and unparalleled logistical expertise provide our customers a consistent and reliable source of supply.

Univar Mining

In addition to our vast product offering, we provide important valueadded services for our customers and suppliers, including: • Product availability and inventory management • Product specification and technical expertise • Blending and mixing • Repackaging and labeling • Just-in-time delivery • Waste management Health, safety and the environment As a world leader in chemical distribution, Univar is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen with a global focus on safety, health, the environment, and

sustainability. The highest priority in the conduct of our business is safety and environmental protection.

Univar mandates commitment to this priority, requiring thorough compliance with our own stringent standards and all government regulations. We are committed to constant vigilance and continuous improvement.

Univar Mining 9800 Van Horne Way Richmond BC V6X 1W5 T +1 855 888 8648 www.univar.com

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Included The BE Mining Directory showcases leading mining organisations from across the world, ranging from big corporations to junior mines and their supply chains.

Be seen throughout our portfolio of magazines: •BE Mining Directory •BE Mining •BE Weekly •BE Monthly •

To find out how to get involved contact: vincent@bus-ex.com