DIGGING & DRILLING Magazine October-December, 2019 Edition

AUSTRALIA • CHINA • INDIA • JAPAN • NEW ZEALAND • ASIA PACIFIC

D&D OCT-DEC 2019 • ISSUE 26

AUSTRALASIA

AUSTRALASIA’S QUARTERLY OIL , GAS & MINING MAGAZINE

RIO TINTO DISCOVERY OF COPPER-GOLD MINERALISATION IN THE PILBARA REGION WA GAS DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR BOOST TO AUSTRALIA WORLD’S LARGEST DIAMOND MINE CLOSING IN 2021 RUSSIA’S FIRST FLOATING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

7

Editor’s Letter The US trade war with China has created a situation that could see billions of US dollars flood into a handful of small Australian mining companies. Rare earth minerals are in everything from latest iPhone 11 and electric vehicle motors to the navigation systems of Tomahawk missiles. In 2018, the US consumed over 18,000 tonnes of rare earths which is approximately 10% of 2018’s global production. America does not produce any rare earths so; they buy almost all of their requirement from China. Australia ranked second in the world for rare earths production in 2018, has 3.4 million tonnes in reserves and half the world’s new rare earth planned projects. With the China trade war threatening America’s rare earth supplies, surely this makes Australian rare earths a very attractive alternative.

LEN FRETWELL Publisher / Managing Editor Digging & Drilling Australasia Magazine

President Trump signed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act in 2018.

The Act includes a new law that officially bans Chinese-sourced NdFeB permanent magnets.

This new law could have massively positive implications for Australian neodymium and praseodymium rare earth miners. Reuters have reported that the permanent magnet market will grow from US$17.33 billion in 2018 to US$30.67 billion by 2025.

Byron Energy could be on the verge of a potential 30-million-barrel oil discovery, in the Gulf of Mexico hitting 271 feet of net pay at its SM58 011 well, which is the best column ever in a field where 350 wells have been drilled. The logs and isotope samples had come back from drilling into the ‘O Sand showed an average porosity above 30 per cent. The data also showed that the O Sand should produce a liquids-rich gas with high-quality oil. The company announced it has received the final version of reverse time migration (RTM) data from a seismic reprocessing program at the South Marshall Island Block 71 (SM71), which it operates in a 50/50 joint venture with Otto Energy (ASX: OEL).

Oil production in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) hit a new annual record of about 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2018, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) anticipates additional production records in 2019 and in 2020 from the region. Annual oil production in the GOM is expected to jump to 1.9 million bpd in 2019 and reach 2 million bpd the following year, the agency reported. The agency expects these projects in total to add around 44,000 bpd this year and approximately 190,000 bpd in 2020 as their production ramps up.

The outcome of the section 232 investigation by the United States Department of Commerce into foreign imports of uranium into the U.S. is excellent news for Australia’s world-class uranium producers. The response by President Donald Trump to the investigation represents a balanced approach which recognises the importance of reliable energy suppliers like Australia.

Tania Constable, CEO stated that the MCA acknowledges the Australian Government’s strong advocacy in Washington DC for the interests of Australian exporters, particularly the uranium sector. The outcome removes uncertainty affecting the global uranium market and clears the way for buyers and sellers to discuss long-term supply and demand arrangements.

The MCA also welcomes the reconfirmation that Australian uranium is used for peaceful purposes only, with the U.S. statement that: ‘The United States requires domestically produced uranium to satisfy Department of Defense (DOD) requirements for maintaining effective military capabilities’ confirming the sole use of Australian uranium for non-defence applications such as electricity and medicine.

Digging & Drilling Magazine can now be found in the seat pockets of all HEVILIFT fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft and in the airport, passenger lounges where HEVILIFT operates.

Best regards

Len F retwell Len Fretwell Publisher/Managing Editor

www.diggingdrilling.com

@DigandDrill

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE »

IN THIS ISSUE 3 EDITOR’S LETTER 6 DIGGERS & DEALERS MINING FORUM 2019 10 NEWS IN BRIEF: OIL, GAS & MINING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE QUARTER 14 RIO TINTO DISCOVERY OF COPPER-GOLD MINERALISATION IN THE PILBARA REGION WA 18 GAS DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR BOOST TO AUSTRALIA 22 WORLD’S LARGEST DIAMOND MINE CLOSING IN 2021 24 RUSSIA’S FIRST FLOATING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

DIGGING & DRILLING PO BOX 7566, CLOISTERS SQUARE WA 6850 AUSTRALASIA TEL: +61 1300 284 637 FAX: +61 (8) 9300 9435 FEEDBACK INFO@DIGGINGDRILLING.COM NEWS INQUIRIES EDITOR@DIGGINGDRILLING.COM ADVERTISING INQUIRIES LEN.FRETWELL@DIGGINGDRILLING.COM • MOBILE: 0417 001 080 EDITOR WRITERS GUEST WRITER SPECIAL FEATURES

LEN FRETWELL LENA KOZAK, STEPHEN DAWSON COLIN HAY, NICK HOWE EMMANUEL SOLOMON

GRAPHIC DESIGNER BRANDON WANG SUBSCRIPTION SUBSCRIPTION@DIGGINGDRILLING.COM PUBLISHING DIGGING AND DRILLING IS A TRADING NAME OF LF FAMILY TRUST INFORMATION ABN: 97 893 623 301 VISIT US AT WWW.DIGGINGDRILLING.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @DiggandDrill COVER HEVILIFT AW139 CONDUCTING FLYING OPERATIONS MATERIAL SOURCE: HEVILIFT GROUP

Digging & Drilling Australasia welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. We are committed to presenting information fairly and accurately.

Disclaimer: Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Digging & Drilling magazine articles and other information are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken for any errors or omissions contained herein. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Digging & Drilling Magazine. The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party.

S&G GEARBOX S & G Gearbox Exchange was established in 1977. In 1998 our company has undergone major changes and we are now recognised as a leader in the field of diagnosing problems and rebuilding transmissions.

S & G Gearbox Exchange employ competent, quality staff who are well respected throughout the industry. Together with utilising only quality parts ensures a product is produced that we are proud of. We are an MTA member and an RAC Approved Repairer.

S & G Gearbox Exchange Services Include: • • • •

REPAIRS TO MANUAL GEARBOX, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, DIFFERENTIAL & POWER STEERING COMBINING A TOWING SERVICE AND A FITTING SERVICE TO OUR REPAIR & REBUILDING EXPERTISE ROO SYSTEMS DEALER PROVIDING DIESEL PERFORMANCE CHIPS AND EXHAUST UPGRADES SPECIALISING IN 4WD AND DIESEL TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH REPAIRS AND SERVICING

S & G Gearbox Exchange offer our clients a complete hassle-free solution to their problems The demands of modern technology in today’s vehicles has ensured we keep up with the latest information available.

Together with our trained specialists and range of modern test equipment supplying us with the best diagnostic information we need to remain a leader in the field.

Contact us today 18 Marriot Street, Cannington Perth, WA 6107 (08) 9356 9988 info@sggearbox.com.au

www.sggearbox.com.au

Moments

MOMENTS IN PICS »

Diggers & Dealers

Mining Forum 2019

7  DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

DIGGERS AND DEALERS 2019 REFLECTS THE BOUYANCY OF THE MINING SECTOR Buoyed by the growing sense of optimism in the resource sector, this year’s Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum attracted a near-record attendance of 2,450 delegates, who travelled from across Australia and overseas to hear presentations from companies ranging from giants Rio Tinto, BHP Nickel West, Newcrest, Roy Hill Holdings and Fortescue Metals to up and-coming junior explorers. year’s three-day event, 50 companies, mostly represented by their CEOs, reviewed their performance over the past 12 months, their exploration successes and their outlook for the future. Each presentation then underwent close scrutiny in the form of questions from delegates and, in many cases, in press conferences with the international media contingent.

This degree of interface with leading players in the mining sector is unmatched on the international resource conference circuit.

While continuing world uncertainties underpinned gold’s position as the main commodity of interest, presentations also reflected the development of new technologies. Australia is already the world’s leading producer of lithium, with emerging mines poised to increase production substantially. In addition, it is the fourth largest producer of nickel, the sixth largest copper producer, and the world’s leading producer of premium iron ore to meet world demand for cleaner processing.

This year, the forum delivered the current Australian state of play in all these commodities.

A key factor in the ongoing success of Diggers and Dealers, acknowledged as one of the world’s leading resource conferences, is its unique format. While most international conferences in this field focus primarily on technical or speculative commentary on the future of commodities, Diggers and Dealers places the spotlight firmly on those companies responsible for delivering strategic commodities on a sustainable basis. In the course of this

Another unique aspect of the Diggers and Dealers product is its unusual location. While keynote conferences in virtually every field of endeavour are held in major cities, Diggers has steadfastly maintained its commitment to Kalgoorlie, the unofficial gold mining capital of Australia.

This presents its own particular challenges, not the least of which is the problem of accommodating over 2,500 delegates, presenters and staff in a city whose hotels are simply not equipped to handle such numbers.

Local initiatives come to the rescue – this year nearly 600 delegates were accommodated in private homes. And every regular attendee observes the golden rule – when you check out of your hotel, book for next year!

It has become a Diggers tradition to kick-start each year’s event with a presentation by a keynote speaker of international renown. In recent years, the list of speakers has included Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank, John Lipsky, former First Deputy Managing Di-

8 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

rector of the International Monetary Fund and Lord Mervyn King, Former Governor of the Bank of England.

represented financial institutions, and nearly 10 per cent had travelled from overseas to take part – it is not without its lighter side.

This year’s speaker, former Prime Minister John Howard, used his keynote address to highlight the importance of the resource sector to the Australian economy, and his belief that Australia’s strong mining and banking sectors were key factors in this country’s ability to emerge relatively unscathed from the Global Financial Crisis.

On the final afternoon, while the last speakers were making their presentations in the auditorium, the giant marquee, that had acted as an exhibition hall and an overflow auditorium where delegates could watch the presentations on giant screens, was transformed into a glittering restaurant where, once the conference had closed, 1,300 people dined in style, catered for by a crew flown from Perth that day to lay on a meal that would bear comparison with Western Australia’s best.

He also spoke about the need to find a balance between legitimate concerns about climate change, and the desire to preserve energy supplies at affordable prices in Australia.

The 2020 Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum – While Diggers and Dealers is primarily a busi- the twenty ninth in the ongoing series - will be ness event – around 15 per cent of all delegates held in Kalgoorlie from August 3 – 5.

NEWS IN BRIEF »

OIL, GAS & MINING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE QUARTER

CRITICAL MINERALS TO DRIVE INVESTMENT IN AUSTRALIA World advances in computing, manufacturing, energy and transport are being made possible by critical minerals found in Australia.

From rare earths to high performance metals, Australia is well positioned to source and develop the critical minerals the world needs for faster, smaller and more powerful technology.

To highlight Australia’s performance and potential in critical minerals with foreign governments and global investors, the MCA has launched a new publication Critical Minerals: Investment opportunities in Australia.

With critical minerals essential to global economic development but geographically concentrated, Australia is well placed to extract and produce these high performance minerals. Australia has pioneered new advances in extractive technologies, processing ores into metals and is ideally placed to lead the growth, diversity and new applications of critical minerals globally.

Our world-leading minerals sector supports the industries and products of the future with a strong and proven commitment to sustainability, community engagement, rehabilitation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Australia has built its mining industry on a reputation for smart, sophisticated, sustainable exploration, mining and minerals processing – from bulk commodities like iron ore, coal and bauxite to metals like gold, copper and nickel and increasingly critical metals like lithium.

Critical minerals are already a multi-billion dollar industry in Australia, with many new projects at advanced stages of development that will soon be ready to support the world’s growing needs.

Statement from Tania Constable, Chief Executive Officer

FURTHER RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF THE PILBARA MARKED THROUGH NEW STRATIGRAPHIC WELL A new stratigraphic well in Western Australia’s Canning Basin will help scope out exciting new resources in the region, paving the way for new investment and jobs, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said recently.

The Waukarlycarly drill site in the South West Canning Basin was identified off the back of data from Australia’s

largest onshore seismic line which highlighted two areas of the Basin – the Waukarlycarly Embayment and the Kidson Sub-basin – which showed new mineral, energy and groundwater potential.

“This well will provide the resources industry with greater certainty to explore in the region and create more jobs.

The Waukarlycarly project is frontier science because the drill hole is well outside of areas previously explored in the region and will provide a much better understanding of the sub-surface geology of the area,” Minister Canavan said.

It’s estimated the basement will be reached at about 2200 metres once drilling is completed in late 2019, with results to be made publicly available in mid-2020.

The Canning Basin has great potential for both unconventional oil and gas.

NATURAL GAS POWERING QUEENSLAND’S ECONOMY The natural gas industry contributed around $55 billion to Queensland’s economy over a seven year period, according to a new report released recently by Lawrence Consulting.

The report underlines the importance of the sector for jobs and economic wealth creation for the state, particularly in regional areas such as Gladstone, Toowoomba, Roma, Chinchilla and Dalby and highlights that Brisbane is the state’s biggest gas town and relies on the industry for jobs and spending. Almost $5 billion was spent on wages statewide during the period with the industry employing around 4600 full-time employees, according to the Economic Impact of Queensland’s Petroleum and Gas sector 2011-18 report.

The industry spent around $50 billion on goods and services from local community contributions and payments to local government as well as royalties, stamp duty and tax, the report found.

APPEA Queensland Director Georgy Mayo said the study showed how vital the natural gas sector is for Queensland given the reporting period included a major downturn in the mining sector and a significant downturn in the global economy. “The natural gas industry has propped up Queensland during a particularly tough time and it will continue to be a pillar of the economy for many decades to come,” Ms Mayo said. “Natural gas has also provided a huge boost regional centres like Gladstone, Toowoomba, Roma, Dalby and Chinchilla.

“As we are in the midst of one of the worst droughts on record, the natural gas industry has also helped offset some of the hardship with jobs, economic development and providing a new source of water for landowners. The study incorporated spending from Arrow Energy, ConocoPhillips, Origin, QGC, Santos, Senex and Westside Corporation.

AUSTRALIAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1970

WA’s leading cylinder head & motor rebuild specialist

FOR ALL YOUR HEAD AND ENGINE REQUIREMENTS

08 9227 1055 139 Stirling Street Perth WA www.headex.com.au

Customers front and centre of KLINGER’s continuous improvement initiative How the Australian business used LEAN principles and technology to improve the customer experience What makes KLINGER a supplier of choice?

• Tailor-made solutions for every industry

• Safe, reliable and cost-effective sealing, fluid control and monitoring solutions in compliance with international standards

• Specialist component integrity and leak detection and repair (LDAR) capabilities

• Responsive, expert advice and service

KLINGER provides high performance products for the most rigorous applications

How do you improve an already successful business that has been around for more than 130 years? By not settling for ‘good’ or even ‘great’.

KLINGER Limited (Australia) a member of the KLINGER Group of Companies, a manufacturer and distributor of high quality and cost-effective gas and fluid sealing solutions, has long had a reputation for the superior quality and reliability of its products.

But, the KLINGER team has recently taken the business to the next level by extending their brand promise to encompass the quality and reliability of their customer service, with a focus on continuous improvement.

The objective for KLINGER was to cement themselves as the supplier of choice to their customers by delivering on time, every time, and without compromising on the quality of their products. They also wanted to increase efficiency, reduce waste and build a high performing organisational culture.

To achieve their vision, they employed a multi-faceted approach to business improvement that included LEAN Methodologies, an enhanced factory and warehouse layout, and fine-tuning of their Epicor Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to optimise the impact of these improvements.

The journey KLINGER’s journey began in 2015 when they experienced an unexpected interruption to

From day one we said no shortcuts. Whatever we do, we do it properly - Ajith Gunasekera, Chief Financial Officer their business, with a fire in their West Australian warehouse, while simultaneously moving their Melbourne operations to WA to bring production under one umbrella.

Ajith explains how in late 2017 KLINGER set out to establish a continuous improvement culture in their business, with their customers at the centre of it all.

“When the warehouse burnt down, we saw an opportunity to rebuild the facility so that it could also accommodate a metal plant. In line with this we needed to take a look at the processes and systems that we were using, and we started to consider the LEAN principles, but this ended up taking a backseat to other business priorities” revealed KLINGER Chief Financial Officer Ajith Gunasekera.

“From day one we said no shortcuts. Whatever we do, we do it properly.”

“There was a realisation around this same time that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system we were running back then had no software support beyond 2021 and no hardware support beyond 2019. Thus, we began the implementation of the Epicor ERP software in 2016, with business software specialists Precise Business Solutions.”

Fast forward to the end of 2017 and with a solid foundation in place, KLINGER were in a great position to revisit lean methodologies for business processes, and to also work with Precise Business Solutions to align their Epicor ERP system with the changes.

“We have laid one stepping stone, methodically on top of another, beginning with what matters the most to us – our customers. We started at the customer interface and took that through to the warehouse. Then we slotted in manufacturing.”

“At the end of the day, all comes down to the alignment of process, people and systems.”

“We had to start somewhere, so we began with increasing the velocity of orders through the facility – order to invoice – as fast as possible. We are very close to our customers, who are typically engineers, plant operators and operations managers, so we knew that the biggest difference we could make to them is in our ability to meet their urgent requirements. Any reduction in downtime for our customers, translates to big dollar savings for them.”

In early 2018 the business hired LEAN expert Michelle Ahola to facilitate the employment of lean principles in their business; examining existing processes and breaking down and ana-

to get there who both understands the softEpicor ERP is a strong manufacturing product already, you ware and is willing to understand your business. but Precise Business Solutions has helped us to uncover the Precise has helped us to liberate our investment in the Epicor software to that next level.” right tools and techniques to tweak the system to work for The results us. Our success is partly due to having the right consultant to KLINGER is now able to plan ahead to optimise plant capacity and material utilisation which has work with - Ajith Gunasekera, Chief Financial Officer put them in a position where they can anticilysing where improvements could be made.

They quickly started to realise the benefit, and the approach became so fundamental to their operations, Michelle later joined KLINGER as their Operations Manager.

In partnership with Precise Business Solutions, KLINGER then looked at where processes could be automated or supported through ERP software improvements to reduce their reliance on manual tasks and improve flow and communication between the various components of their business operations.

The physical space was also an important component to get right. Process and system changes are being supported by changes to the physical layout of the warehouse to improve flow and to increase efficiency by more closely aligning with Epicor ERP system changes.

It starts with people It was important to KLINGER that any changes made were supported by the business – particularly given the tenure of some of their employees exceeds 20 years with some staff having worked for the company almost 40 years.

KLINGER Operations Manager Michelle Ahola said, “A lot of people are scared of change, so you’ve got to be able to establish and maintain trust in the workplace. People need to know you understand the space they are operating in and the challenges they have, and the best way to do this is to get them involved with coming up with the solutions.”

KLINGER has involved employees throughout the journey, starting with business process mapping exercises and lean training, through to providing more visible business metrics and individual KPIs that support the business objectives. The aim has been to build an internal culture that supports business improvement.

“Everyone is helping us to get to where we want to be and the whole business is involved in driving it – not just the management team,” said Michelle.

It was also critical to KLINGER that any partners they worked with understood the manufacturing space and could quickly establish credibility with their workers. Ajith explained how important it was to their success to work with a software partner who truly understands their business.

“Epicor ERP is a strong manufacturing product already, but Precise Business Solutions has helped us to uncover the right tools and techniques to tweak the system to work for us. Our success is partly due to having the right consultant to work with. Epicor ERP is very adaptable – but it was about uncovering how we can do things better.”

“There are consultants, but then there is Frank at Precise who can relate to the real-life business, processes and hands-on manufacturing.

Not everyone has the experience and has worked in the environment.”

“We might have the ideas and the passion behind it, but you’ve got to have someone helping

pate customer needs and be more proactive.

As they can precisely calculate what they are capable of delivering, KLINGER can provide their customer with a precise delivery time and their capacity to meet all orders – including urgent ones – has increased.

As of June 2019, scheduling improvements have started to flow through with the business having the capability to expand their production outlook and review resource capability versus production requirements. Standard production can now be planned well in advance (up to 10 days), which is a significant improvement from a daily to 3 day outlook, depending on the product type and size, which was occurring as recently as of February this year.

KLINGER’s DIFOT (delivered in full and on time) percentage has been steadily improving and is well on track to meet their target of 95% by the end of the calendar year.

From KLINGER’s customers’ perspective, in many instances their expectations are being exceeded, and they are receiving orders earlier than expected. Customers have started to take notice of the changes, and this is reflected in enormously positive customer feedback and scorecards.

So, what’s next for KLINGER? “Right now our short-term focus is on how we can go completely paperless across our business, as well as real-time tracking of an order from the time it has been received to consignment,” said Ajith.

Ajith said that while they are pleased with the results they have achieved so far, continuous improvement means there is always something that they can do to build on their efforts.

‘We have just scratched the surface of the potential. You can’t name an organisation that is not affected by what is happening in the global environment today. To remain competitive, we will continue to look for opportunities.”

Has this article inspired you to think about your own systems and how they align with your processes?

Contact Frank McLoughlin from Precise Business Solutions: 0421 697 799 Frank.McLoughlin@precisebusiness.com

KLINGER has a reputation for the superior quality and reliability of its products.

Pictured here: KLINGER Sentry reverse integrity test gasket

to schedule a free consultation for your business or visit precisebusiness.com.au/KLINGER for more information.

Rio Tinto discovery of copper-gold mineralisation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia Rio Tinto has discovered copper-gold mineralisation at the Winu project in the Yeneena Basin of the Paterson Province in Western Australia. The Winu project is located approximately 130 km north of the Telfer mine and 350 km southeast of Port Hedland.

The discovery was made by Rio Tinto Exploration (RTX) who are conducting a program targeted at finding copper mineralisation in the Paterson Province. The exploration program consisted of eight reverse circulation (RC) and twenty diamond holes drilled on exploration licence E45/4833 between December 2017 and the end of 2018, totalling 13,286 metres (1,473 m RC and 11,813 m diamond). Assays for all RC holes and fourteen diamond holes were received and validated at the time of preparing this release. Assays are pending for the remaining six diamond holes (partially or totally); partial results are included for two holes.

Diamond drilling recommenced in mid-January 2019. Four holes have been completed for 1,409 metres during 2019 and are pending assay results.

Assay results to date indicate relatively wide intersections of copper mineralisation associated with gold and silver. Vein style copper, gold and silver mineralisation beneath relatively shallow cover which ranges from 50 to 100 m. The mineralisation remains open at depth and to the east, north and south.

While results are encouraging, the exploration project is still at an early stage and drilling to date

does not allow sufficient understanding of the mineralised body to assess the potential size or quality of the mineralisation nor to enable estimation of a Mineral Resource. The assessment andVessel interpretation Castoron Pipelay of existing data is ongoing and will be used to help guide the drilling in 2019. Significant mineralised drill hole intercepts above 0.4% Cu or 0.4 g/t Au are shown in Table 1 above.

14  DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

The Winu exploration camp is located approximately 200 km by gravel and sand track from the Great Northern Highway. The camp is a seven-hour drive from Port Hedland, which poses a significant safety risk. A gravel airstrip is being constructed at Winu for emergency response purposes. In addition, the sand section of the track will be upgraded for logistics supply purposes.

licences and joint venture licences within the Paterson Province.

The Winu project is located within the Exploration Licence E45/4833 which lies within both the Nyangumarta and Martu Native Title Determination areas. It is approximately 130 km north of the Telfer deposit in the Paterson Province of WA

In conjunction with the ongoing work at Winu, RTX will continue to explore its adjacent wholly owned

(Figure 1). Target generation began in 2016 with regional interpretation, area selection,

tenement application followed by additional geophysical surveys in 2017. The ground target testing began in late 2017 with the completion of two

RC drill holes. An 80-person temporary exploration camp was constructed in stages throughout 2018.

Material Source: Rio Tinto

Your Journey.

Our Mission.

Hevilift is a leading provider of aviation services across Australia and the Asia Pacific region providing both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing services to the onshore and offshore Energy and Mining industries with a core focus on providing safe, reliable and cost effective operations on behalf of its customers.

As a bespoke provider of critical aviation services our in depth knowledge of the challenging terrains and conditions that our customers face as part of their day to day logistical solutions enables us to maximise the right asset for the right task to ensure your people and freight go to work safely and effectively.

Our advanced aircraft fleet is operated by highly experi-

enced and safety driven personnel backed up by management professionals, maintenance and support personnel with an extensive combined knowledge of aviation enabling our customers to place their trust in our hands.

Hevilift is unique in being able to offer both turnkey Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing services to the market fully operated under Hevilift Air Operators Certificates by Hevilift staff operating in multiple countries in the region with aircraft chosen specifically for their safety and reliability, as well as being able to deliver operational excellence with market leading on time performance ensuring that our operating schedules stay on track.

Our core activities to the Energy and Mining industries include;

Fly In, Fly Out (FIFO) Services Hevilift operates an extensive fleet of 68 seat ATR72 and 48 seat ATR42 aircraft to support our onshore customers in the delivery of their FIFO needs. The ATR’s have been specifically chosen for their market leading abilities in performing services to remote mine sites, quite often with short and narrow runways, with improved hot and high performance, increased weight capacity and improved passenger cabins compared to other aircraft types operating in this area. Hevilift also operates the 19 seat Twin Otter aircraft which is ideal for shorter distance and lower passenger number operations. Our services include the provision of dedicated back up aircraft and robust support services to ensure our services integrate seamlessly into the operating schedule of our customers sites.

Offshore Transportation Offshore is a demanding environment and requires highly experienced aircrew operating aircraft best suited to the role and our medium category helicopters include the AW139 and S76 aircraft transporting up to 12 passengers at a time.

The safe carriage of personnel and freight, both day and P +61 7 3621 8300 E commercial@hevilift.com www.hevilift.com

night, is a fundamental need of the offshore industry and Hevilift is proud of the standards it sets and the service it delivers.

Hevilift’s health and safety compliance surpasses industry standards with all of our work activities having the safety of our staff and passengers at the core of our operations. With advanced Safety Management Systems developed through over 40 years of operating experience being constantly developed and refined we continuously maintain best practice including the delivery of our own training programs and the use of the latest technology and safety systems including flight simulator training for all our aircrew.

Our commitment to being the aviation partner of choice in all of our regions includes supporting and developing our local communities. We endeavour to recruit from the local market wherever possible prior to expanding our recruitment to the wider regional and international talent pool.

Our teams are among the best in their field, recruited for their experience and professionalism and we are proud to support our customers with the services they expect and deserve.

WA gas development to provide multi-billion dollar boost to the nation The development of an additional 20-25 trillion cubic feet of gas resources from Woodside’s Scarborough and Browse/North West Shelf Extension projects will be an economic game changer for Western Australia, according to The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).

The recent release of an economic impact assessment of the Burrup Hub development off the North West coast of Western Australia shows a staggering $52 billion will be spent in the State over four decades on the two projects, equivalent to building 33 Optus Stadiums.

The development will boost Australia’s GDP by $414 billion during 2019-2063, of which 99 per cent will be in WA, which is equivalent to 23 per cent of Australia’s GDP in 2017-18.

CME chief executive Paul Everingham said WA would receive the majority of the significant spend through employment, taxation and royalties and exports, providing a windfall for the State’s finances.

“This is great news for West Australian jobseekers, as the two projects will provide an average of 950 jobs per year, with a peak construction workforce of more than 4,600 jobs in 2023,” he said.

“In addition, more than $82 billion in taxation and royalties are estimated to be directly paid from the Burrup Hub, and another $44 billion indirectly, significantly boosting the State’s economy and in turn, helping to fund vital infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.”

Mr Everingham said residents and local businesses in the Pilbara and Kimberley region would particularly benefit from the local jobs and procurement opportunities that would be created as a result of the projects, worth about $1.3 billion to the two regions.

“More than 1,900 jobs will be located at Karratha and Broome over the life of the project. Businesses in Karratha will, on average, benefit from more than $86 million per year of direct localised spending required to operate the Burrup Hub, with $15 million of spend estimated annually for Broome logistics support activities,” he said.

“There is little doubt that the resources sector is doing the heavy lifting in securing the economic future of the nation, bringing immense financial, social and community benefits to the lives of all Australians.”

18 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

FIRST OIL FROM GREATER ENFIELD Woodside has announced that on 25 August 2019 the Greater Enfield Project produced first oil through the Ngujima-Yin floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO).

The Greater Enfield Project was approved in 2016, to develop the Laverda Canyon, Norton over Laverda and Cimatti oil accumulations through a subsea tie-back to the Ngujima-Yin FPSO, located over the Vincent field. Total investment for the project was approximately US$1.9 billion (100%).

completed, with all the project’s 12 development wells now also complete.

Woodside CEO Peter Coleman said first oil from Greater Enfield was produced on schedule and under the project’s budgeted cost.

“The subsea campaign and refurbishment of the The project scope included a major refit of the Ngujima-Yin FPSO was a significant undertakNgujima-Yin FPSO which was successfully ing, and the project team and our contractors completed at the Keppel Tuas Shipyard in Sin- should be proud of their achievement. A high-

gapore. The FPSO returned to waters off the light included performing over five million work North West Cape on 5 May 2019 and produc- hours in the shipyard without a recordable safetion from the Vincent wells recommenced on 4 ty incident.

July 2019.

“The delivery of Greater Enfield is further Installation of subsea infrastructure has been demonstration of Woodside’s capacity to ex-

gas resources through the proposed Burrup Hub,” he said.

Production from the Greater Enfield reservoirs is an important contribution to Woodside’s targeted annual production of approximately 100 MMboe in 2020.

The Greater Enfield Project is a joint venture between Woodside Energy Ltd (Operator, 60%) and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd (40%).

The Ngujima-Yin FPSO is an oil production facility located over the Vincent oil field in Western Australia, 50 kilometres north west of Exmouth.

Production was suspended for approximately 12 months from the second quarter of 2018 to ecute the major projects that will underpin our undertake modifications, which enabled additional production as part of the Greater Enfield next phase of growth.

Project.

The technical and project leadership capabilities applied on the Greater Enfield Project will Ngujima-Yin is a Thalanjyi word meaning “to be carried forward as we progress our plans to dream”. Ngujima-Yin’s production capacity is develop the Scarborough and Browse offshore 120,000 barrels of oil a day.

Material Source: Woodside Energy Ltd

When you need to move your car...

...use a transport company that loves cars as much as you!

Whether it’s a beloved classic car or just the family sedan ... if you need to move it interstate, just call us.

We’ve set the industry standard with our door to door vehicle moving solutions. From a tiny hatchback to a monster truck, we can take care of it.

ccc@cevalogistics.com 13 CARS (13 22 77) | www.CevaCarCarrying.com.au

CUSTOM EXHAUST AND HEADERS BUILT TO SUIT ANY APPLICATION With over 35 years experience we can specially design a custom built exhaust system with our in-house mandrel bender. Using high grade stainless steel or optional mild steel.

•

4wd systems

•

Full range available in stainless steel and mild steel

•

Other systems custom made to suit any vehcile

•

Also complete bolt-on XForce systems and Hurricane systems to suit most vehicles

CALL US TODAY FOR THE BEST PRICE All Enquiries Contact:

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE STORE

DOM (08) 9209 1559

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF

e: sales@prestigeexhausts.com.au a: Unit 2/59 Holder Way, Malaga WA

Find us on Facebook Prestige Exhaust & Mufflers

WWW.PRESTIGEEXHAUSTS.COM.AU

WORLD’S LARGEST DIAMOND MINE CLOSING IN 2021 Australia’s rough diamond output set to decline by 99% to 137,000 carats following Argyle mine closure in 2021, says GlobalData.

Australia’s rough diamond output will decline to just 137,000 carats, from the current level of 14.2 million carats (Mct), following the expected closure of Western Australia’s Argyle mine in 2021, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Australia’s supply of rough diamonds had begun to rely entirely on the output from Argyle after the suspension of Ellendale mine in 2015, following the collapse of Kimberley Diamond Company in the same year.

Vinneth Bajaj, Senior Mining Analyst at GlobalData comments, “The Western Australian government, which has conducted rehabilitation work at the Ellendale mine, is now seeking for a new operator to re-start mining activities. However, with no immediate potential to replace even part of the output of the Argyle mine, the country’s production of rough diamonds will fall to less than 1% of the current levels from 2021, with all output solely from Merlin Diamonds Ltd’s Merlin mine, which achieved full production during the third quarter of 2018.”

Several mining companies, including Lucapa

Diamond Company Ltd, Merlin Diamonds, Auteco Minerals, GeoCrystal and Legend International, are currently conducting exploration activities to identify potential deposits. For example, exploration at Lucapa’s Brooking project, which is in close proximity to the abandoned Ellendale mine, has demonstrated outstanding results. The initial drilling resulted in the recovery of over 1,200 micro-and macro-diamonds from a collective 265kg sample collected from two different holes drilled.

Bajaj added, “In the short term, there are no projects lined up that could replace even part of the output from the Argyle mine. However, there are positive signs that the Australian diamond industry could be revived.”

22 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

Argyle produces diamonds in a range of colours, including white, champagne and pink gems. The majority of Argyle’s diamonds are sold as rough or uncut diamonds. These are sorted and prepared for international sale by Rio Tinto’s sales and marketing team in Antwerp, Belgium. The entire Argyle production is used in jewelry and finds a home in all major consumer markets around the world.

The Traditional Owners of the Argyle Diamond Mine are the Gija and Mirriwung people. The location of the Argyle mine is called Barramundi Gap and is a sacred women’s site.

Argyle is best known as the source of around 90% of the world’s prized pink diamonds and rose-tomagenta hued stones command among the setor’s highest prices.

Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond mine in remote Western Australia has transformed the sector since 1983 when the operation began supplying gems for both ends of the market.

Images - Copyright © 2018 Rio Tinto.

Russia’s First Floating Nuclear Power Plant ‘Akademik Lomonosov’ reaches Pevek (Chukotka) in Russia Russia’s first floating nuclear plant, named Akademik Lomonosov, arrived at Pevek, Chukotka in Russia, an Arctic town across from Alaska, on September 14, 2019 After nearly a decade of construction, the plant travelled 3,100 miles across the Arctic Ocean from St. Petersburg to the remote area in northern Russia on August 23, 2019. Construction of the Russian plant began in the city of Severodvinsk in 2007, then construction moved

During the ceremony, the operating company Rosenergoatom was awarded a Russian Book of Records certificate confirming Akademik Lomonosov’s status as the world’s northernmost nuclear installation. Upon completing the journey to Pevek, the floating nuclear pow-

to the St. Petersburg shipyard a year later. This plant is designed deliver electricity to remote areas.

er unit will become a central part of the region’s power supply. There, it will operate as part of a floating nuclear power plant, replacing the outgoing capacities of the Bilibino NPP and the Chaunskaya CHPP.

At the historic launch, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev gave the signal for the Akademik Lomonosov to set sail and said, “This is a momentous occasion for our company and for the Chukotka region. The Akademik Lomonosov begins its journey to Pevek, where it will guarantee clean and reliable energy supplies to people and businesses across the region. This amounts to a significant contribution to creating an Arctic future that is both sustainable and prosperous.”

Named after Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov, the plant is more than 450 feet long, 30 feet tall and has two nuclear reactors that produce steam for a turbine that generates electricity. The plant requires a crew of around 70 people and is also outfitted with a pool, gym, and booze-free bar.

Employees in a machinery room onboard Akademik Lomonosov In 2018, the finished plant stopped off in the city of Murmansk, where it was loaded with nuclear fuel. The station needs to be loaded with fuel every three years.

Since it won’t have easy access to a nuclear-waste storage facility, plans call for the plant to keep spent fuel onboard for up to 12 years and the reactors are designed to last for 40 years.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev also stated at the launch that the FNPP project is one of the most promising branches of small nuclear power reactors on the market today. It is especially suited to very remote areas and island states that require stable, green sources of energy.” So far, significant interest in Rosatom’s FNPP technology has come from the Middle East, North

Environmentalists criticise the concept of floating nuclear plants at sea, arguing that if an accident were to occur, they could be difficult for emergency-response teams to reach.

In 2018, Jan Haverkamp, a nuclear-energy expert at the environmental non-profit Greenpeace, published a blog post that referred to the floating plant as the “floating Chernobyl” and “Chernobyl on ice” in reference to the 1986 nuclear disaster in the USSR that led to blanket contamination across Europe. Mr Haverkamp said, “If this development is not stopped, the next nuclear catastrophe could well be a Chernobyl on ice or a Chernobyl on-the-rocks.”

Akademik Lomonosov’s deputy director recently told CNN that the station has a backup system that can cool the reactors without electricity for 24 hours if an accident happens.

Africa, and South-East Asia. Rosatom is currently working on second-generation FPUs, i.e. Optimized Floating Power Units (OFPUs), which will be built in a series and be available for export.

Images: Press Service of Rosatom International Network

Government of Western Australia Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Hon. Bill Johnston MLA Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Industrial Relations

Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards winners announced • •

Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards 2019 winners announced The Awards recognise outstanding innovations and solutions to specific workplace health and safety issues by individuals, groups or organisations

The eight winners of the inaugural Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards 2019 were announced at Optus Stadium this morning. They include: • • • • • • • •

Work health and safety invention of the year (199 employees or less) - Quattro Project Engineering for its development of a mechanised solution for installing and removing underground mine ventilation fans without working at heights.

Work health and safety invention of the year (200 employees or more) - Clough for minimising work at height through development of alternative construction methods that can be applied to the construction of any steel structured building.

Best solution to a work health and safety risk (199 employees or less) - Mainline Demolition for their best practice approach to demolition of the Old Mandurah Bridge resulting in a zero incident, zero harm completion.

Best solution to a work health and safety risk (200 employees or more) - TENSA Equipment and Multiplex for the Roborigger, a load controlling device that allows lifting to be performed without workers needing to be in the hazardous vicinity of the lift.

Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative (199 employees or less) - Galactic Co-operative for their commitment to the wellbeing of their employees through employee engagement and a risk-based approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative (200 employees or more) – Consolidated Minerals for their proactive approach through implementation of the proactive mental health management program ‘Mining Minds Matter, Working Away Not Alone’.

Leadership excellence award - Rio Tinto - Core Services for their project ‘driving leadership excellence in electrical safety’ which identifies, evaluates and targets the highest risk conditions in electrical safety to protect employees from electrical risks.

Safety and health representative of the year - Megan Silvey from St John of God Murdoch Hospital for her high level of commitment to the role, bringing significant positive changes to the endoscopy department by identifying safety issues.

The new Awards amalgamate the Work Safety Awards Western Australia and the Safety and Health Resources Sector Awards to create a new and prestigious Awards covering a wider spread of WA industry.

Mines and Petroleum and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said; “My sincere congratulations to all the Award winners on your commitment to the safety and health of all Western Australians. “This year’s entrants have come from a diverse range of industries and all finalists produced an innovative initiative or original solution to a specific workplace safety or health issue.

“The McGowan Government is committed to worker safety, these Awards acknowledge and celebrate companies that are keeping Western Australians safe at work.”

OFFICE & WORKSHOP 49 Candlewood Boulevard, Joondalup 6027 Tel: (08) 9300 3135 Fax: (08) 9300 3236 Email: mark@mechbro.com.au

MechBro Australia has been set up to respond to the demand for Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics and Fitters involved in the repair, maintenance and servicing of earthmoving, mining and transport equipment as well as light vehicles.

Our business is based in Perth and also services regional areas, including the Pilbara. Our people are highly skilled and motivated to provide the highest level of service to companies throughout Western Australia. With a fleet of mine specifi ed and f ully equipped service utilities, w e are unique in that w e are not simply a labour hire company.

Because with MechBro you don’t just get a capable individual, you get the strength of our entire team! MechBro’s team of mechanics and fitters are committed to the economic success of our customers. And so, before joining us, must demonstrate they possess the passion, skills and attitude required to satisfy our customers. Accordingly, we believe this set of values will help to ensure the mutual economic success of all parties.

OUR PEOPLE

Whether it be a civil or mining project, every person on our team knows that to keep plant operating means productivity. We work hard and use our heads! As a collective, our team of highly skilled mechanics diagnose, repair and maintain a wide variety of plant and equipment, dozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, profilers, dump trucks, bobcats, heavy haulage road transport, etc.

Our team has the experience, qualifications and equipment to work on all aspects of these machines including engine rebuilds, hydraulics, track and frame, electrics and air conditioning and on all brands, including, but not limited to; CAT, Hitachi, Komatsu, Terex, O&K, Volvo, Bell, Vermeer, Cummins.

As a team of mechanics, fitters, servicemen and fabricators we keep machines going, as well as being involved in site mobilization where we establish containerized workshops complete with domes and commission machinery ready for operation. Upon project completion we demobilize workshops and plant and are often the last to leave site.

Throughout a project we are able to manage all parts ordering and delivery, including urgent hot shots. Our tilt tray can pick up and deliver parts and 20’ containers up to 8.5T.

REFRIGERENT TRADING AUTHORISATION

WHERE WE’VE WORKED

MACHINERY AND VEHICLE HIRE

MechBro has the capability and authorisation to repair your air conditioning units.

During the last 18 months we’ve worked at many major mine sites owned by BHPB, RIO, FMG, Sandfire Resources and more recently Onslow Quarry. Our people understand the rigorous requirements of working on these sites and act accordingly.

Mechbro can provide a variety of machinery and vehicles to suit your needs. MechBro currently have 6 mine specified service vehicles supported by a tilt tray truck capable of loading and unloading 20’ sea containers and moving items of plant up to 8 Tonne.

SAFETY FIRST

Having established MechBro Pty Ltd on May 9th 2011, with 2 mechanics we have experienced rapid growth and now have a great team of mechanics and service men. In 2012 we also acquired a light vehicle w ork shop in Joondalup.

Within the next 12 months we will be establishing a heavy duty workshop where we can service, repair and store larger equipment.

Our aim is to conduct our business using systems and practices which will ensure that our workforce and the community are protected from injury and harm. Safety and productivity go hand in hand with our people working as problem solvers to get the job done.

WORKSHOP & ONSITE SERVICE

We have the equipment and the facilities to service your machinery and vehicles. We will also invest in our business and tailor to your requirements.

For more info, contact Mark Nielsen

Mobile: 0438005655

www.mechbro.com.au

Resource Industry will continue to remain as PNG’s strong supporter The mining and petroleum industry will continue to be the backbone of Papua New Guinea’s development contributing immensely to the development of the nation’s human resource, economy, infrastructure, and improving the livelihoods and living standards of thousands of communities’.

The President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petro- Resources Development Company just to name a few leum Mr Gerea Aopi said this when speaking at the 35th who have been able to grow and diversify their business Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum which was portfolios andexpand to other parts of the country and held in Port Moresby on June 17th and 18th. “The indus- abroad. try alone contributes 26% of PNG’s GDP and 80% of the nation’s export revenue,” Mr Aopi said.“The sector also “As a Chamber, this is what we would like to see happrovides more than 20,000 jobs to Papua New Guineans, pen with other landowner companies so that they can whilst 30,000 more are employed in landowner business- be sustainable when a mine, or oil and gas project ceases, and other PNG businesses that support the industry.” es to operate. “The diversification of these successful businesses has also helped their communities and their local shareholders gain additional return,” Mr Aopi said.

Landowner and local companies are important to mining and oil and gas companies becausethey provide a wide range of services including labour hire, janitorial services, catering, security, earth moving, freight and logistics, and transportation. “The resource industry in PNG is a significant economic driver – contributing a sizeable chunk of PNG’sGross Domestic Product, and providing many other socio-economic benefits,” he said.

“We also deliver strong and sustainable growth in areas such as infrastructure by building roadsand bridges; health facilities and services where we continue to support the provision of much needed medical drugs and supplies for health centres and hospitals, immunization programs for mothers and children; education and training for thousands of our young Papua New Guineans who have been trained to work in this world-class industry, and business development where we have helped established and grow landowner businesses,” he said.

He added that in order for the industry to continue supporting and growing the PNG economy, there needs to be stabled and predictable government policies and a favourable investment climate that underpins PNG’s investment attractiveness. “We have heard the Government’s desire to amend resource laws, and to ensure PNG benefits more from its resources. We share this desire and will support the development of legislations that encourage investments and provides a better outcome for PNG. We want to work with the Government and all stakeholders to make this happen. We want to see a stronger Papua New Guinea with a stronger economy, and a bright future for our country,” he added. PNG is one of the few countries in the world where mining and petroleum projects provide socio-economic opportunities to local areas they operate in. Many of these projects have open up access and opportunities to some of the most isolated rural communities in PNG. This benefit structure is unique in the world as mining and petroleum companies in many jurisdictions of the world do not provide socio-economic services to the areas they operate in.

“Landowner companies are important because they economically empower communitiesandprovide employment and training to citizens of local communities, and directly Mr Aopi also spoke about the Chamber’s desire to work benefit families as well, helping to reduce dependency with Government on the establishment of a Petroleum on royalties,” Mr Aopi said. “Resource companies invest Resources Authority. “We are also ready to support the heavily in establishing, and providing necessary govern- Government’s vision to establish a Petroleum Resourcance and administrative support to landowner compa- es Authority. We’ve stated publicly the industry’s position nies which serve to ensure long term sustainability.” on many occasions, and our position remains steadfast.

The establishment of a strong, robust and efficient regu“With this ongoing support, many landowner companies lator that is financially autonomous will have the capacity such as Anitua, Ipili Payala Investments, Trans Won- and zeal to promote increased oil and gas exploration derland Limited, Hides Gas Development Corporation, and assist the government in regulating petroleum indusNKW Limited, Star Mountains Holdings Ltd, and Mineral try activities,” he said.

New Mineral Named for Famed Gemologist John Koivula Johnkoivulaite, discovered in Myanmar, is a member of the beryl family.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) researchers, in collaboration with scientists from the California Institute of Technology, recently confirmed a new mineral species, johnkoivulaite, named in honor of the renowned microscopist and GIA researcher John Koivula. The 1.16 ct crystal – accepted by the International Mineralogical Association as a new mineral species – was found in the Mogok Valley of Myanmar by local gemologist Nay Myo. GIA Senior Research Scientist Aaron Palke presented the newly named mineral at the Geological Society of America (GSA) conference on Sept. 25 in Phoenix, Arizona.

in his more than four decades of scientific work.”

Johnkoivulaite has a hexagonal crystal structure that is very similar to beryl and other members of the beryl group, such as pezzottaite. Standard gemological testing gave an RI of 1.608, with a birefringence too small to accurately measure, an SG of 3.01, a hardness of 7½, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and no reaction to long-wave or short-wave UV. This mineral is especially unique due to the strong pleochroism it shows from deep violet to nearly colorless when observed with polarized light.

A specimen of the new mineral now resides in the GIA museum collection, located at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, California.

Johnkoivulaite shows strong pleochroism, going violet (left) to near-colorless (right) when examined with polarized light. Field of View:10.05mm. Photomicrographs by Nathan Renfro/GIA.

“We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewellery industry as a prominent gemologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. “Discoveries such as this remind us of the importance of our mission-based research and of the numerous important contributions John has made

Koivula has more than 40 years of industry experience in research and photomicrography. In 1986, Koivula co-authored with Edward J. Gübelin the immensely popular Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, followed by two additional volumes. Koivula also wrote The Microworld of Diamonds and co-authored Geologica with Robert Coenraads. His many contributions have received broad acclaim. He’s received AGS’s Robert M. Shipley Award, AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology, GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, won first place in Nikon’s Small World Photomicrographic competition in 1984 and was named one of JCK magazine’s 64 Most Influential People in the Jewelry Industry in the 20th Century.

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.

The new mineral johnkoivulaite is named after renowned gemologist John Koivula, best known for his contributions to inclusion research and photomicrography. Photo by Kevin Schumacher/GIA.

30 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

*

Get a solar saver package voucher worth up to $10,000* when you purchase a selected lot between 12 October 2019 and 21 December 2019 Buy before 21 December 2019 and you’ll receive a Solargain voucher worth up to $10K*, redeemable for any solar or hot water products in their range, so you can give your home the benefits of solar.

As a multi-award winning estate, the homes are built to the highest standard and over the past two years Heron Park estate has been one of the top five selling estates in Western Australia.

This solar package offer is only valid from 12 October 2019 to 21 December 2019.

Call Blake Duffield on 08 9468 3058 or visit our Land and Sales Information Centre.

Don’t forget, if you’re a first home buyer, you may also qualify for the $10,000* First Home Owners Grant.

50 Oakbella Parade Harrisdale, WA, 6167

Heron Park estate in Harrisdale is simply the smarter choice.

It’s a vibrant, well-connected and mature masterplanned community that has captured the imagination of Perth homebuyers.

Monday & Tuesday: By appointment Wednesday: 1pm – 5pm Saturday & Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

Talk to us today to avoid missing out on this fantastic offer!

Located close to Perth, Fremantle and the Armadale Town Centre, Heron Park estate has all the amenities you want and a lifestyle that you’ll relish.

heronpark.com.au *Terms and Conditions | Legal Disclaimer apply. Visit satterley.com.au/terms-solar or enquire within the Land and Sales Information Office for more details.

Come home to your little pocket of luxury Seven Hills Dianella WA

sevenhillsperth.com.au

(08) 6244 9760