DIGGING & DRILLING Magazine Q4 2021 Edition is OU NOW! Follow the link to read on-line.

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

D&D OCT – DEC 2021 • ISSUE 34

AUSTRALASIA AUSTRALASIA’S QUARTERLY OIL , GAS & MINING MAGAZINE

BILL GATES COMMITS $1.5BN FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDING HYDROGEN SANTOS AND OIL SEARCH COMBINE TO CREATE A REGIONAL CHAMPION RIO TINTO ARGYLE PINK, RED AND BLUE DIAMONDS FINAL TENDER RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE 2021

Editor’s Letter The Western Australia resources sector has had its biggest year ever, powering Australia through COVID. WA delivers record $210b petroleum and mineral sales for 2020-21, a record 149,400 people are employed in WA’s resources sector, up from 135,000 the previous year and the WA resources sector has been safely kept open throughout the pandemic. The local economy is the strongest of any State, growing by 5.7 per cent since the onset of COVID-19 and Western Australia accounted for well over half of national goods exports in 2020-21. Western Australia now has around $127 billion of resources projects in the development pipeline. These remarkable results defy the economic turmoil seen around much of the world.

LEN FRETWELL Publisher / Managing Editor Digging & Drilling Australasia Magazine

Australia is poised to reach a significant milestone at its Gorgon LNG facility, injecting five million tonnes of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e) since safely starting the system in August 2019. The milestone represents the largest volume of injection achieved within this time frame by any environmental carbon capture and storage (CCS) system of comparable specifications. Injecting five million tonnes of CO2e is equivalent to taking more than 1.6 million passenger vehicles off Australia’s roads for a year.

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced $24.55 million in funding to five applicants across 19 projects to expand Australia’s fast charging network for battery electric vehicles (EVs), in Round 1 of the Government’s Future Fuels Fund. The expanded funding pool, increased by $8.05 million from an initial allocation of $16.5 million, was made available after ARENA was impressed by the strength and number of applicants to the funding round. The successful applicants are Evie Networks, Ampol, Engie, Chargefox and Electric Highways Tasmania. Together, the five applicants will deliver 403 new fast charging stations around Australia, each capable of charging at least two vehicles concurrently at 50 kW or above.

The electrified off-highway components market will grow at a CAGR of 8%, hitting a value of $25bn in 2030, and generating a total of $186bn in revenue between 2019 and 2030, according to new research from market intelligence firm Interact Analysis. Battery packs will generate the greatest amount of revenue across the forecast period. Ineract Analysis states that APAC regions will dominate the market, moving from 30% to 50% of revenues between 2019 and 2030, and eroding the previously strong position of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Growth in the electric forklift market in APAC is one major driver for this. Aside from a strong Northern European focus on sustainable equipment, Europe is not otherwise currently meaningfully driving the electrified off-highway market.

Australia risks losing its advantage in the green energy revolution if its leaders don’t promptly commit to cutting carbon emissions by 2050, the country’s richest man, Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew Forrest recently told Reuters. The company aims to build a 250-megawatt hydrogen electrolyser at Bell Bay in Tasmania - 25 times the size of the biggest existing electrolysers in the world - for less than A$1 billion ($740 million), Andrew Forrest said, putting a price on the project for the first time. Fortescue is ready to make a final investment decision this year, as promised, but is waiting for support from the state government before going ahead with the project.

Best regards

Len F retwell Len Fretwell Publisher/Managing Editor

www.diggingdrilling.com

@DigandDrill

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

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WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE »

IN THIS ISSUE 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

5

BILL GATES COMMITS $1.5BN FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES

8

RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE 2021

12

AI GROUP SMART CCTV TECHNOLOGY

14

KOONENBERRY GOLD LISTS ON ASX

22

SANTOS AND OIL SEARCH MERGER

26

HOW HEAT FLOW CAN BE USED TO FIND COPPER DEPOSITS

30

RIO TINTO ARGYLE PINK, RED & BLUE DIAMONDS FINAL TENDER

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 LEN FRETWELL WRITERS LENA KOZAK, STEPHEN DAWSON GUEST WRITERS DR CHRIS MATHEWS, IMER - THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE & DR GRAEME BEARDSMORE, THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE SPECIAL FEATURES EMMANUEL SOLOMON GRAPHIC DESIGNER ZARA MATHWIN 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 BILL GATES, FOUNDER OF BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY AND URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT. IMAGE SOURCE: LUKASZ KOBUS/EUROPEAN COMMISSION, A TTRIBUTION, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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.

Bill Gates commits $1.5bn for clean technologies including hydrogen The European Commission and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst announce new partnership to support investments in clean technologies for low-carbon industries.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “With our European Green Deal, Europe wants to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. And Europe has also the great opportunity to become the continent of climate innovation. For this, the European Commission will mobilise massive investments in new and transforming industries over the next decade. This is why I’m glad to join forces with Breakthrough Energy. Our partnership will support EU businesses and innovators to reap the benefits of emissionreducing technologies and create the jobs of tomorrow.”

Bill Gates, Founder of Breakthrough Energy, said: “Decarbonising the global economy is the greatest opportunity for innovation Bill Gates, Founder of Breakthrough Energy and Ursula von der

the world has ever seen. Europe will play a critical role, having demonstrated an early and consistent commitment to climate

Leyen, European Commission President.

and longstanding leadership in science, engineering, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Bill Gates

technology. Through this partnership, Europe will lay solid

have announced a pioneering partnership between the

ground for a net-zero future in which clean technologies are

European Commission and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to

reliable, available, and affordable for all.”

boost investments in the critical climate technologies that will enable the net-zero economy.

The European Commission-Breakthrough Energy Catalyst partnership will target technologies with a recognised potential

Presented on the occasion of the sixth Mission Innovation

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but which are currently

Ministerial meeting, the new partnership aims to mobilise new

too expensive to get to scale and compete with fossil fuel-

investments of up to €820 million/$1 billion between 2022-

based incumbent technologies. The world cannot wait for

26 to build large-scale, commercial demonstration projects

technologies to develop on their own. By bringing together the

for clean technologies – lowering their costs, accelerating

public and private sectors to invest in large-scale demonstration

their deployment, and delivering significant reductions in CO2

projects, the partnership will help lower the costs of these critical

emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

technologies, accelerating their take-up and use. It will help

This new partnership intends to invest in a portfolio of highimpact EU-based projects initially in four sectors with a high potential to help deliver on the economic and climate ambitions of the European Green Deal:

industries of the future. Support will take the form of financial instruments and grants.

EU funding for the partnership is envisaged from Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund within the framework of InvestEU,

• Green hydrogen;

according to the established governance procedures.

• Sustainable aviation fuels;

The Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Programme will mobilise equivalent private capital and philanthropic funds to finance

• Direct air capture;

the selected projects. The partnership will also be open to

• Long-duration energy storage.

national investments by EU Member States through InvestEU

In doing so, it seeks to scale up key climate-smart technologies and speed up the transition towards sustainable industries in Europe.

turn scientific leadership into the foundation of the sustainable

or at project level.

Image Source: Lukasz Kobus/European Commission, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

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MOMENTS IN PICS »

Resources Technology

Showcase 2021

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FEATURE ARTICLE»

Resources Technology Showcase 2021

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre came to life for two days in June, showcasing the amazing technology that is driving the mining, resources, defence and space industries in WA. This free event gave entrants the chance to interact with virtual reality, drones, robots and all of the extraordinary innovation that is being developed and used across Western Australia.

Over the two days of the June 2021 event Perth Convention &

The City of Perth also supported the event through the Economic

Exhibition Centre attendees viewed 23 interactive exhibitions,

Development sponsorship program. City of Perth Lord Mayor

thirteen centre court presentations and an enormous mining

Basil Zempilas said the showcase exhibited technology set to

vehicle display at the Elizabeth Quay Activation. The Principal

transform the mining, defence and space industries.

Partners were the Department of Defence and Government of Western Australia and there was a total of eighteen event partners.

The event was a celebration of the technological breakthroughs

“Global mining companies have called Perth home for decades with many headquartered in the City, and each with significant operations throughout WA,” he said. “The resources sector has

which have made Australia’s resources industry the most

proven to be an economic game-changer for Western Australia,

innovative and competitive in the world.

and we’re excited to see our homegrown technology on display for the whole community. “Events such as the Resources Technology Showcase are hugely important not only for the sector, but also to provide a behind the scenes look at how our resource industry is evolving.

“This exhibition helped to reshape perceptions of the industry, and with around 80 schools attending the event, the showcase had an opportunity to inspire the next generation of STEM students.”

Perth’s Elizabeth Quay was once again a major attraction for families in June, showcasing some of the large-scale mining equipment that is usually only seen at active mining operations,

Free TED-talk style seminars from RTS 2021 let you see inside the world’s most sophisticated robotics and VR programs.

Visitors could also see and hear first-hand the extraordinary innovations that are making WA’s resources, space and defence industries the envy of the world.

courtesy of RTS 2021 partner WesTrac.

For more information on RTS 2022 email SWMevents@swm.com.au

Hands-on tech a winner as WesTrac activates Elizabeth Quay Leading Cat® dealer WesTrac has showcased the latest technology and innovation driving the mining industry to thousands of Western Australians this month, with a hands-on equipment demonstration and activation at Elizabeth Quay in the heart of the Perth CBD. In addition, the Elizabeth Quay display included Mini Excavator dig pits and a demonstration of the e-Fence technology on the Cat 325 Next Generation Excavator. A Cat D10T2 Dozer and the latest Cat 988 XE Electric Drive Wheel Loader were also on display.

WesTrac’s General Manager People and Culture Tanya Eales said while the display was designed to showcase Cat equipment, its main purpose was to inspire attendees to explore and pursue careers in the resources industry.

“These sorts of events, and particularly the opportunity for people An aerial view of the WesTrac activation at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay WesTrac’s interactive display transformed Elizabeth Quay from 19 to 27 June, allowing the public the opportunity to get up close

to get hands-on with technology and equipment, provide a fantastic way for the next generation to explore pathways into the resources industry in an interactive environment,” Tanya said.

and personal with the latest construction and mining equipment.

The family-friendly, innovative Cat equipment activation was timed to coincide with the two-day Resources Technology Showcase (RTS), held at the adjacent Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21 and 22 June.

The annual RTS exhibition, which was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases the technology and innovation driving the mining, resources, defence and space industries in Western Australia.

WesTrac and Caterpillar® had a large booth at the RTS which included a virtual reality training console, LiDAR scanner, Driver Safety System technology and mini-cinema, as well as providing the public with the opportunity to jump into the seat of a Cat Next Generation Mini Excavator.

WesTrac General Manager People and Culture Tanya Eales with CEO Jarvas Croome WesTrac Executive General Manager Sales and Client Solutions Geoff Bailey said it was great to be back after the event was cancelled last year.

“The Resources Technology Showcase provides the public with the rare opportunity to get up close to some big pieces of Cat equipment and learn about the latest advancements such as electric-drive technology and the rapidly evolving area of autonomous operations,” he said.

WesTrac Talent Acquisition Advisor Brett Maris with Mechanical Engineer Sekaran Serndanur Alagesan OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

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NEWS IN BRIEF » 2021 Australian energy statistics Gas consumption is continuing to rise, underscoring the important role gas-fired recovery is playing in driving Australia’s economic recovery and in delivering the reliable and affordable energy all Australians rely on. The 2021 Australian Energy Statistics show that gas increased the most of all energy types in 2019–20 growing 4%.

In total, gas provided 27% of Australia’s energy mix in 2019-20 and was the most-used energy source by the manufacturing sector, increasing to 42% of manufacturers’ energy needs.

According to the latest data, coal remained the largest source of electricity generation and accounted for more than half of Australia’s electricity generation mix. Renewables continued to increase as a share of total generation in calendar year 2020, rising to 24% – up from 21% the previous year. As the share of renewables continues to grow, the statistics confirm the important role reliable energy sources like gas and coal continue to play in our energy system by providing the majority of generation.

Rio Tinto’s Perth Airport vaccination clinics opens for mining industry Rio Tinto’s vaccination hub at Perth Airport has opened today, enabling fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining industry to easily access COVID-19 vaccination when they touch down in Perth.

Rio Tinto and Western Australia’s Department of Health partnered to establish the new hub, which will operate at Perth Airport T2 and T3 and is specifically designed to be accessible for FIFO workers from the resources sector travelling through Perth Airport. The hubs are part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to help boost vaccination rates across the State. Rio Tinto has made the facility available to vaccinate workers in the mining FIFO community, regardless of the company they work for.

The opening of the clinic follows the WA Government’s announcement that vaccination would be mandatory for FIFO and other resources sector employees. In addition, Rio Tinto announced that vaccination will be a requirement for its entire WA workforce, including those who work in offices and other facilities in Perth. The Perth Airport vaccination clinics will operate on weekdays from 10am to 8pm with appointment times aligned to flight arrival times. Bookings are essential to avoid delays. Walkin opportunities are limited based on daily vaccine availability.

In September, Rio Tinto opened vaccination clinics in Tom Price and Paraburdoo and is working with the WA Government to establish similar clinics in Pannawonica, Cape Lambert and Dampier to assist with the vaccination rollout. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, urged all eligible FIFO workers from across the sector returning to Perth book an appointment as soon as possible.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said dispatchable generation sources are crucial to keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices. “The Government is focused on protecting consumers from high prices and reliability risks as technologies in the energy sector change,” Minister Taylor said.

The 2021 Australian Energy Statistics cover all energy used, produced and traded in Australia, including to power our electricity system, fuel our transport and sustain our manufacturing sector. The Australian Energy Statistics are available at https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/ energy-data/australian-energy-statistics

Western Australian Government joins Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre Reflects the McGowan Government commitment to transitioning to the fuels of the future, including hydrogen WA joins more than 80 partners in nationwide research community.

The Western Australian Government has joined the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), continuing on its path to becoming an industry leader in hydrogen. The Future Fuels CRC is an industry focused research, development and demonstration partnership supporting the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy networks through the use of low carbon fuels, including hydrogen and biomethane.

The McGowan Government and Future Fuels CRC are working to find safe and reliable solutions to repurpose existing infrastructure and developing new infrastructure to transport future fuels. The partnership aims to ensure the reliable and safe operating life of energy infrastructure and deliver coordinated safety policy and regulations associated with the production and delivery of low carbon fuels.

The McGowan Government has committed around $90 million towards developing a job-creating renewable hydrogen industry and is on target to meet the 2022 goals set out in the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy. The Future Fuels CRC was established in 2018 and includes more than 80 partners in a nationwide collaborative and connected research community.

ARE YOU KEEPING AN EYE ON EVERYTHING TO MITIGATE RISK? This is now possible with our visual-based CCTV Artificial Intelligence systems …

The need for a proactive solution in the global energy and resources sector to effectively utilise funds /assets and supplies to improve operations for better conditions are always being researched and studied. The significance of videobased data has become an important part of this initiative due to its inherent capabilities and real-time characteristics.

However, in terms of surveillance video there are thousands of cameras in the industry that are mainly viewed by human eyes thus consuming a lot of manpower. There is no doubt that it is impossible to monitor all videos and difficult to record, resulting in low efficiency in resources deployed.

Therefore, to make use of video data in application scenarios for the oil, gas, and mining industries.

To address this concern in the industry, Ai Group has combined Artificial Intelligence and deep machine learning algorithms and developed AIVI construction. AIVI construction can monitor processes and abnormal behaviour in real-time. This technology can monitor and track process-related concerns, dynamics of workers /vehicles, building materials, construction equipment, etc. The system works 24 hours to carry out comprehensive monitoring and reporting to ensure the increase in productivity and the safety of lives and property.

MAKING CCTV SMARTER

AI ALERT ALGORITHM EXAMPLES: The uncovered bare soil on the construction site can be identified through a video algorithm. AiVi can be programmed to alert if the uncovered soil exceeds a specific amount of area

UNCOVERED LAND DETECTION During the covid 19-crisis, Governments mandated the wearing of face masks and social distancing in all indoor and outdoor venues.

This algorithm is designed to detect individuals who are not following national health guidelines

MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING This Algorithm Recognises the number of people in an allocated production workshop area and reports any overrun situations. .

CROWD DETECTION Recognises vehicles in specified areas by video algorithms and reports license plates when applicable. At the same time, verification of the driver can be processed through real-time uploaded identity information (including photos) and real-time face capture (1: 1 verification).

CHECK-IN OF VEHICLES Fires in work & production sites can be identified through video algorithms.

These incidents could be immediately reported and alerted in real-time for prompt action.

OPEN FLAME RECOGNITION A video algorithm is used to identify whether workers in the construction area are wearing protective clothing such as hard hats & reflective vests, If such protocols have not adhered to alerts can be generated.

HARD HAT & REFLECTIVE VEST DETECTION Video analysis combined with Artificial Intelligence recognition algorithms outlining sensitive areas can be monitored in real-time. Intrusive work behaviours in these areas are detected and alarmed

RESTRICTED AREA BREACH AIVI construction can identify uncovered dirt vehicles, their license plate and body colour. Information can also be registered and alerted under proper conditions.

UNCOVERED DIRT VEHICLES

Contact us

Info@aintelgroup.com www.aintelgroup.com

Western Australia

Victoria

Suite 2, 43 Oxford Close,

7, 35-37 Dunlop Road

West Leederville, WA 6007

Mulgrave, Vic 3170

Phone+61 (0)893881800

Phone+61 (0)395400708

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Koonenberry Gold lists on ASX, Australia becomes largest gold producer Koonenberry Gold (ASX:KNB) debuted on the ASX amid renewed focus on gold producers as gold production in Australia outpaced China during the first half of 2021.

Australia produced four tonnes more gold than China, according to Melbourne consulting group Surbiton Associates.

The bullish outlook was supported by a recent report by the

Koonenberry Gold successfully completed an $8 million capital raise, ahead of the ASX debut, to pursue the development of a greenfields gold project northeast of Broken Hill.

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, which

“Koonenberry has eight near-drill ready exploration targets. The

is forecasting that Australia’s gold exports are expected to rise

Lucky Sevens prospect is perhaps the most advanced and we

to its highest export value in history at $29 billion in the 2021-

are encouraged by visible gold in the outcropping reef at the

22 financial year.

surface with a rich nugget patch,” said Ms O’Neill.

“Koonenberry Gold is delighted to list at a time in which there is such strong support for Australian gold producers. While we are still in the exploration phase, it’s encouraging to be aligned with a major global macro trend,” said Koonenberry Gold CEO Karen O’Neill.

The Koonenberry project comprises 12 exploration licenses covering an area of 1,339 sq/km.

“This is a significant landholding in an underexplored emerging gold province with geological similarities to the Victorian goldfields including the style of mineralisation, mineral

associations, metal associations, hydrothermal alteration, structural setting, timing of metamorphism and the age of mineralisation, and the character of the sedimentary host rocks.

¹ Geological Survey of New South Wales, Bulletin 32(5), 2003 ² Greenfield JE & Reed WJ 2006. Orogenic gold in the Tibooburra area north of Broken Hill- an extension of the Victorian goldfields? In: Korsch R.J. & Barnes

It’s exciting to be developing a new gold project in an emerging

R.G. compilers. Broken Hill Exploration Initiative: abstracts for the September

province in Australia,” said Ms O’Neill.

2006 conference. pp. 60–69. Geoscience Australia Record 2006/21

The Koonenberry Gold Project is considered prospective for large scale intrusive gold mineralisation and has geological similarities to the Stawell Zone of the Delmarian Orogen², located in western Victoria, which has recorded gold production that exceeds 163t.

The Project area covers a series of Mid-Cambrian marine

The existence of a substantial gold field overlying the exploration

sediments of the Teltawongee and Ponto Groups, which were

targets is considered to enhance this as an exploration target.

deposited in a volcanic arc environment prior to being deformed

Koonenberry Gold has identified sufficient geological evidence

in the Late Cambrian Delamerian Orogeny. This orogeny is

to indicate potential for orogenic and placer gold mineralisation

characterised by intense compressive deformation, resulting

supported by the following project highlights:

in tight to isoclinal upright folds and a vertical slaty cleavage.

• Historical artisanal production exceeding 1,870 kg of

The Koonenberry Belt has been subject uplift, sedimentation

gold¹ sourced from many relatively small lode and alluvial

and deformation throughout the Phanerozoic, including the

gold sources and described in records kept by the NSW

Benambran Orogeny, which is considered to be the main phase

Department of Primary Industry.

of gold mineralisation. It is comparable with the Stawell Zone of

• Deformed turbidite sequences that correspond to those extensively exploited for gold in Victoria.

crustal structure traceable in outcrop for over 225 km.

• E xtensive mapped auriferous quartz vein systems.

Gold occurs as structurally controlled as lode-style veins or

• Extensive placer and palaeoplacer deposits, currently being exploited by prospectors and fossickers and reportedly yielding significant quantities of gold.

• T he presence of the west-northwest trending Koonenberry Fault, that apparently provided fluid pathways.

as alluvial concentrations. Lode gold is often associated with laminated quartz veins and has also been documented in quartz vein stockworks. Gold is associated with pyrite and arsenopyrite, galena, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. Documented veins range in width from millimetre scale to several metres in width, with the strike of some individual veins exceeding several hundred

• There has been no effective testing of the mineralisation to date.

metres. Historical production often documented head grades of sorted ore at two to three ounces of gold per tonne. Underground mining depth is undocumented but is not considered to have

• N umerous geochemical soil anomalies in association with splay faults off the Koonenberry Fault

the Victorian Goldfields. On the western side of the Koonenberry Project is the Koonenberry Fault, which is a long-lived deep

proceeded beyond 10 m in depth.

For more information visit www.koonenberrygold.com.au

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Electric vehicle revolution to underpin metals demand As several countries have committed to bring in cleaner fuelled cars in a bid to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is quickly gaining attraction in automotive markets around the world. This shift towards electrification is now propelling the mining and power companies to extract the essential metals used as inputs of EVs. As a result, influencer conversations related to metals around EVs rose over 400% during the last seven months (January-July) in comparison to previous seven months, find GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Smitarani Tripathy, Influencer Analyst at GlobalData, comments:

Copper, lithium, cobalt and nickel were the most discussed

“The top keywords among EV conversations of influencers

metals among the influencer conversations on EV topic on

included ‘Mining’, ‘Metals’, ‘Clean Technology’, as well as

GlobalData Social Media Analytics Platform during January-

‘Investment’ and ‘Climate Crisis’ are corresponding with the

July 2021 while metals like neodymium (a rare earth metal),

rising demand of metals used in EVs.

aluminum and zinc have emerged as new trends during the

“Following the top influencers, which includes not only industry experts, but also journalists and business professionals, helps

same time period when compared with previous seven months.

Several influencers believe that the demand for key metals

in tracking the popular and emerging trends of the industry

like copper, lithium, nickel required to produce EV batteries

on a regular basis for better informed decision-making in the

will further propel as the consumer awareness shifts to EVs.

field of EVs.”

This demand in metals is also pushing top mining and investment companies across the globe to invest in the acquisition of key materials primarily used in building electric car batteries.

NSW Hydrogen Strategy to drive investment, create jobs and power prosperity NSW is set to attract more than $80 billion of investment, drive deep decarbonisation and establish itself as an energy and economic superpower with the recent launch of the NSW Strategy.

Fortescue Future Industries Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO said; ”I am delighted with NSW’s historic strategy and ambition to set itself up as an energy and economic superpower.

“NSW is taking a state leadership position providing clear pathways for how renewable hydrogen can deliver for Australian businesses, Australian jobs, communities and our children’s future.

“At FFI we are doing everything we can as a business to lead the world effort to lower emissions. We are planning to deliver 15 million tonnes of renewable green hydrogen to the world by 2030 – increasing to 50 million tonnes per year thereafter.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said as NSW worked through postlockdown recovery, was an opportunity to drive new investment and help secure jobs right across the State.

“Australia has an opportunity to be an energy superpower, New South Wales will lead the country with this strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our major trading partners see as part of their energy future, this state has the skills, infrastructure and renewable energy resources to compete globally in this new industry.”

“We are committed to working with the NSW Government to support their ambitions and develop Green Hydrogen Hubs together.”

In addition to delivering an already committed $70 million to develop the State’s hubs in the Illawarra and the Hunter, the strategy includes: • Exemptions for green hydrogen production from government charges; • A 90% exemption from electricity network charges for

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said this was a huge opportunity for regional NSW. “We know that regional economies are diversifying, and the NSW government’s Strategy is bringing that to life,” Mr Toole said.

“Places like Parkes, the Illawarra, and the Upper Hunter are

green hydrogen producers who connect to parts of the network with spare capacity; • Incentives for green hydrogen production; and • A hydrogen refuelling station network to be rolled out across the State.

uniquely placed to take advantage of these opportunities, with

Business will have to submit an expression of interest to

existing supply lines, access to transport links and a skilled

participate in the hubs by the end of October.

workforce ready to make regional NSW a leader in technology.”

Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the strategy, which will provide up to $3 billion in incentives, will set the State up as a global leader and is forecast to increase the size of the

The full NSW Government Hydrogen strategy can be read at; https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/ renewable-generation/hydrogen

NSW economy by more than $600 million by 2030.

“This strategy is forecast to more than halve the cost of green production in NSW and will make NSW the best place to invest in in the world.”

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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Basics for Reliable Business Continuity Power protection has never been more important than in the current environment, with companies trying to increase the pace of business and take advantage of new opportunities in the cloud/Internet of Things era.

They count on not just their IT systems, but office computer systems, manufacturing plant machinery and other work environment equipment to be fully functional at all times.

Ensuring this requires the correct selection of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) for a truly resilient power infrastructure.

How much protection is enough: The potential cost of downtime

Your choice of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) deployment design will be closely related to your tolerance for risk and the potential cost of downtime.

In short, if the cost of downtime is high, tolerance for risk is likely low – so you’ll want to go with one of the more reliable designs.

While the cost of downtime will vary by industry, nearly all large enterprises report that a single hour of downtime costs more than $100,000, according to a survey by Information Technology Intelligence Consulting (ITIC). Eighty-one percent of enterprises surveyed said the costs exceed $300,000 per hour, while 33% said downtime costs $1 million per hour or more.

Accessing the options: Choosing the Right UPS Deciding which UPS is best for your infrastructure needs requires asking lots of questions to determine exactly what those needs are.

Start with the basics: Why do you need a UPS? What equipment, exactly, is it intended to protect? Is there a backup generator on site, or will the UPS be expected to power the load by itself? If so, for how long?

Deciding between single and 3-phase UPS Next, look at the loads the UPS is intended to protect. What is the voltage range, or kVa value of the equipment? That alone will likely tell you whether the customer needs a single or 3-phase UPS. Generally, loads of 20kVA or less can safely use a singlephase UPS. Larger loads will likely need a 3- phase UPS. If you have a 30kVa 3-phase UPS, for example, you have 10kVA of power available on each of the three downstream phases. That means you have to balance the supported loads to ensure you have roughly equal loads on each of the three phases, without exceeding the capacity of any of them.

On the other hand, using a 3-phase system allows you to adopt a centralized power protection plan, where one large UPS is used to protect an entire building or a set of critical circuits. In that sense, it can simplify your power.

The actual cost of downtime will vary for each company, of course. To determine what the cost is for you, you need to calculate the cost of lost labor (including benefits), multiplied by the number of employees an outage would affect. On top of that, calculate how much revenue the company makes every day and how much of it would be put in jeopardy by an outage.

You can see how the costs can easily get quite high.

To ensure you are investing in reliable business continuing, find out more about the Schneider Electric Easy Series of UPS here: apc.com/au/easy

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

19

Gas Industry investment and technology helping reduce emissions

Mr Andrew McConville APPEA Chief Executive

The voice of Australia’s oil and gas industry said that Chevron Australia’s recent announcement that it is close to achieving five million tonnes of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e) injected at its Gorgon natural gas facility shows the industry is continuing to walk the walk when it comes to reducing emissions.

APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said Chevron’s

The Australian Government estimates Australia’s LNG has the

announcement is just another example of the industry making

potential to lower emissions in LNG importing countries by

the real investments and delivering the real technology to reduce

around 170 million tonnes CO2- each year by providing an

emissions.

alternative to higher emissions fuels – the equivalent of almost

“Our industry is walking the walk when it comes to reducing

one-third of Australia’s total annual emissions.

emissions. Injecting five million tonnes of CO2e is equivalent to

“CCS shows that technology can be used to further reduce

taking more than 1.6 million passenger vehicles off Australia’s

Australia’s emissions and allows our industry to keep supplying

roads for a year,” Mr McConville said.

electricity generation and being used for products such as

“The Australian oil and gas industry is a world leader in the practical deployment of carbon capture and storage. In

clothes, computers, phones, fertilisers and vital medical equipment such as heart valves.”

Australia, the oil and gas industry has been at the leading

The need for gas for a cleaner energy future is officially supported

edge of researching and deploying CCS and greenhouse gas

by the United Nations, CSIRO, Australia’s Chief Scientist, the

storage technologies.

Australian Energy Market Operator, the Australian Energy

“Natural gas with CCS is a pathway to a large-scale clean hydrogen industry.”

“Australia’s LNG export success means the Australian upstream oil and gas industry has the technology, expertise, commercial and trade relationships to further develop CCS and make hydrogen exports a reality.

“Chevron’s announcement is on top of all the work our industry is already doing to combat climate change.

Market Commission, the former Chief Scientist of NSW, the Independent Planning Commission and the Australian Council of Learned Academies.

A range of case studies of the way in which the industry is taking practical action to support emissions reductions across the industry supply chain and leading research into innovative emissions reduction activities is highlighted in APPEA’s Industry Action on Emissions Reduction report.

Big growth plans for Caltex lubricants: Chevron INDUSTRY-leading Caltex Delo and Havoline brand lubricants are set to grow market share as they transition to the hands of Chevron’s sales force from January 2022.

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies and has been present in Australia for more than 60 years.

Vargas is looking forward to Caltex fuels and lubricants returning under Chevron stewardship. This process will begin from 1 January 2022.

Caltex – a global Chevron brand – is currently used under license in Australia.

Vargas said Chevron would make available the full range of Caltex lubricating oils and greases to Australian industry, businesses and consumers from January. “Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to our existing and future customers and partners,” she said.

“We are proud of the Caltex brand and its leading-performance product range.”

“The Caltex brand has a decades-long and proud history in Australia,” said Brisbane-based Chevron Australia Downstream General Manager, Anna Vargas. “We are excited to build on this legacy and have significant plans to grow the Caltex network and the lubricant product range across Australia from 2022.”

Chevron Australia Downstream delivers fuel products and services to industries including mining and resources, agriculture, construction, transport, marine bunkering and aviation. It offers high-quality bulk fuel supply, oils and lubricants, fuel equipment solutions, customised fleet fuel cards and expert advice on fuel management.

More information about Chevron’s plans to distribute the Caltex fuels and lubricants in Australia from 1 January 2022 can be obtained by contacting LubricantsAU@chevron.com

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

Santos and oil search combine to create a regional champion Santos and Oil Search combine to create a regional champion of scale with a diversified portfolio of long-life and low-cost oil and gas assets.

• Santos and Oil Search have entered into a definitive

• S antos expects the Merger to unlock pre-tax

agreement to merge the two companies in an all-

synergies of US$90-115 million per annum (excluding

scrip transaction

integration and other one-off costs) which is

• Oil Search shareholders are to receive 0.6275 new Santos shares for each Oil Search share held • U pon completion of the Merger, Oil Search shareholders will own approximately 38.5 per cent of the merged entity and Santos shareholders will own approximately 61.5 per cent • T he Merger creates a regional champion of size and scale, with a pro-forma market capitalisation of approximately A$21 billion[1]

expected to benefit both sets of shareholders • The Oil Search Board has unanimously approved the transaction and recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Merger in the absence of a Superior Proposal, and subject to an Independent Expert concluding that the Merger is in the best interests of Oil Search shareholders • T he Merger is subject to a limited number of customary

conditions

including

Oil

Search

shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and Papua New Guinea court approval

Santos Limited (“Santos”) and Oil Search Limited (“Oil Search”)

The combination of Santos and Oil Search will create a regional

are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Merger

champion of size and scale with the following features:

Implementation Deed (“MID”), under which the two companies will combine via an Oil Search Scheme of Arrangement (“the Merger”). This follows both companies successfully completing reciprocal confirmatory due diligence, which commenced on 6 August 2021.

Under the terms of the Merger, Oil Search shareholders will receive 0.6275 new Santos shares for each Oil Search share held on the record date of the Scheme of Arrangement (as per merger terms agreed and released to the ASX on 2 August 2021).

Upon implementation of the Merger, Oil Search shareholders will own approximately 38.5 per cent of the merged entity and Santos shareholders will own approximately 61.5 per cent.

The Oil Search Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Oil Search shareholders vote in favour of the Merger and each Oil Search Director intends to vote all the shares they hold or control in Oil Search in favour of the Merger (in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an Independent Expert concluding that the Merger is in the best interests of the Oil Search shareholders).

• Diversified portfolio of high quality, long-life, low-cost assets across Australia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and North America with significant growth optionality • Pro-forma market capitalisation of approximately A$21 billion which would position the merged entity in the top-20 ASX-listed companies and the 20 largest global oil and gas companies • Pro-forma 2021 production of approximately 116 million barrels of oil equivalent • Pro-forma 2P+2C resource base of 4,867 million barrels of oil equivalent • grade balance sheet with more than US$5.5 billion[4] of liquidity to self-fund development projects, whilst maintaining further optionality and flexibility to optimise the portfolio • Target gearing of less than 30 per cent

• S trong ESG credentials including maintaining Santos’ netzero emissions target by 2040, focus on carbon capture

“The merger will create a company with a balance sheet and strong cashflows necessary to successfully navigate the

and storage projects and Oil Search’s social and community

transition to a lower carbon future with the combination of

investment in Papua New Guinea and North America

Santos’ leading CCS capability combining with Oil Search’s ESG

• S antos expects the Merger to unlock pre-tax synergies of US$90-115 million per annum (excluding integration and other

programs in PNG and Alaska to provide a strong foundation,” Mr Gallagher said.

one-off costs) creating value for both sets of shareholders.

Following the completion of the Merger, three non-executive

Santos has an excellent track record of integration and

directors from Oil Search will join the Santos Board. Santos’

recently merged Quadrant Energy’s WA and ConocoPhillips’

head office will remain in Adelaide.

NT business units into Santos, delivering more than US$160 million in annual synergies • The Merger is expected to create greater alignment in Papua New Guinea supporting the development of key projects including Papua LNG, delivering new jobs, helping to support the local economy, and continuing to support the development of and investment in PNG

Transaction Summary Santos and Oil Search have entered into the attached MID which contains the terms upon which Santos and Oil Search will implement the Merger. Key conditions of the Merger include:

Oil Search Chairman Rick Lee said: “Put simply, this merger provides Oil Search shareholders with a compelling opportunity to participate in a larger entity with significant scale, product mix, ESG and geographic diversity, and access to capital. The combined entity will have the capacity to deliver on an exciting pipeline of organic growth opportunities.”

• Approval being obtained from shareholders of Oil Search and Papua New Guinea court approval in relation to the Merger; • Customary regulatory approvals; • The Independent Expert concluding that the Merger

Santos Chairman Keith Spence said: “The merger represents an

is in the best interests of Oil Search shareholders,

attractive combination of two industry leaders to create a regional

and not changing that conclusion or withdrawing

champion of quality, size and scale with a unique and diversified

its report;

portfolio of long-life, low-cost oil and gas assets.

• No material adverse change, prescribed occurrences

“The merged entity will be well positioned for success in the

or regulated events (each as defined in the

new era of oil and gas, with strong cashflow generation from a

MID) occurring in relation to either Santos or Oil

diverse range of assets providing a platform to self-fund growth

Search; and

and deliver shareholder returns.

• Other conditions customary for a public transaction

“We look forward to integrating our businesses to create one high performing team – with a vision of becoming a global leader in

of this nature.

the energy transition,” Mr Spence said.

The MID includes reciprocal exclusivity arrangements

Oil Search Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Fredricson said:

restrictions (each subject to a fiduciary out) and

(including “no shop”, “no talk” and “no due diligence”

“We see significant benefits for our shareholders in this merger,

notification obligations), matching rights for Santos

not least in the access that Santos brings to a broader range of

on market standard terms and reciprocal break fees.

more liquid global debt capital markets to fund growth projects.”

The combined Santos and Oil Search will be led by Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher, who said: “Santos and Oil Search will be stronger together and will

Full details of the terms and conditions of the Merger are set out in the MID.

Timetable and Next Steps

have increased scale and capacity to drive a combined disciplined,

A scheme booklet containing information in relation to

low-cost operating model and unrivaled growth opportunities

the Merger, including the reasons for the Oil Search

over the next decade.

Board’s unanimous recommendation, an Independent Expert Report and details of the Merger is expected to be circulated to all Oil Search shareholders in October 2021.

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

23

Government of Western Australia

Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Hon. Mark McGowan MLA

Hon. Roger Cook MLA

Hon. Bill Johnston MLA

Premier

Minister for Health

Minister for Mines and Petroleum

COVID-19 vaccine required for workers in the resources industry FIFO and local workers on Western Australian mining and resources sites, and people who work in remote operations or run critical infrastructure including remote train and port control must have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

by December 1, 2021 and be fully vaccinated by January 1, 2022.

The new directions will address the risks posed by movement

and aligned with other mandatory vaccination directions, there

of resources sector workers, including mining and oil and

are provisions for exemptions for approved medical reasons.

petroleum operations, to and from regional and remote locations in WA, with many sites and operations located at or near remote Aboriginal communities.

The move to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for resources sector workers follows similar mandates in other industries including ports, transport, freight and logistics, healthcare

The mandate, based on the latest health advice, applies to

and aged care. This comes on top of measures the State

any FIFO worker in WA, in mining, oil and gas and exploration,

Government has already put in place to make it easier for

visitors to these operations, as well as all resources sector

workers to get vaccinated, including pop-up vaccination clinics

employees who work at regional and remote mine sites. It

in Pilbara towns and at Perth Airport. The Perth Airport clinic,

will also include workers at other mission critical operational

operating in partnership with Rio Tinto for FIFOs, is opening

locations including remote operations, for example, a Perth-

on Monday (October 11) to provide added convenience for

based remote operator of a Hedland mining train.

people who can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine on their

Resources sector workers potentially come into contact with

way to and from work.

Aboriginal people from remote communities, which means

As well as resources sector workers, all eligible Western

there is a risk that COVID-19 could enter a community from

Australians are encouraged to get vaccinated against

an infected worker. The sector is also the largest employer

COVID-19 as soon as possible. Everyone aged over 12

of Aboriginal people in the regions. Factors which increase

years is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. People can visit

Aboriginal people’s susceptibility to serious disease from

https://www.rollup.wa.gov.au to register and book their

COVID-19 include higher rates of other chronic health issues,

vaccination appointments now.

difficulties in accessing health care and high levels of mobility.

State-run COVID-19 vaccination clinics are available in more

There are about 141,000 resources sector workers in Western

than 100 locations across Western Australia, including walk-

Australia.

in opportunities across regional towns, with sites listed on the

From 12:01am on December 1, 2021, affected workers will

HealthyWA website.

need to have had at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccinations are also provided by a range of GPs,

to access their workplace. These workers will need to be fully

GP respiratory clinics and pharmacies across the State. People

vaccinated by January 1, 2022. It will be the responsibility of

are encouraged to speak to their local healthcare provider to

employers to collect and maintain records of vaccinated workers,

find out more.

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

25

How heat flow can be used to find hidden copper deposits in Australian IOCG regions South Australia contains world-class mineral deposits, particularly in the Olympic Domain region, so-named because it hosts one of the world’s largest iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) deposits — Olympic Dam (Figure 1). Other IOCG deposits in the Olympic Domain include Prominent Hill, Carrapateena, Hillside and, most recently, Oak Dam. However, the IOCG-hosting rocks of the northern Olympic Domain lie hidden beneath cover rocks between 200 to 1100 m thick, meaning that drill holes as deep as 1100 m are necessary to test IOCG targets.

With no outcrop, Olympic Domain explorers drill based on

However, Olympic Domain deposits are often IOCG-U

interpretations of geophysical data such as gravity and

deposits, with the “U” being uranium. This “U” remains

magnetics, and more recently, magnetotellurics (MT).

It’s expensive to drill to 1000 m, maybe several times, to test a target. The first hole might hit what looks like good alteration—a potential indicator of a nearby IOCG system— but the drill samples are low or even barren in Cu-Au. Many IOCG systems do not contain economic concentrations of

largely underexploited for its potential to improve exploration success: as it decays, uranium generates heat. Thus, another geophysical dataset could differentiate between a mineralised and non-mineralised IOCG—heat flow. In fact, heat flow might be the only direct indicator of high concentrations of uranium—and thus copper-gold—mineralisation.

Cu-Au, and under these circumstances, companies often

IOCG-U deposits produce anomalous heat flow in measurable

decide to walk away if no commercial grade mineralisation

ways. The thermodynamics are robust, appropriate tools

is discovered in the first drilling campaign.

exist to measure heat flow during standard exploration programs, and doing this could yield a valuable additional layer of information about the subsurface for small marginal cost. In short, heat flow should be a standard method for IOCG-U exploration.

To illustrate the concept, we constructed a simple model approximating an IOCG-U exploration target in the Olympic Domain. The model has a large heat producing IOCG hosted in a country rock with moderate heat production, uner 500 m of flat lying cover producing negligible heat. We used this model to predict the impact of the buried ore body on surface heat flow. The results (Figure 2) indicate that the heat generated ore body could increase surface heat flow above it by as much as 35 mW/m2 (or 50%) above background levels—easily detectable using simple instrumentation. In fact, a measureable anomaly might still be detected two kilometres laterally away from the ore body.

We aren’t the first to suggest using heat flow to find IOCGs in South Australia. The late John Sass suggested a link between heat flow and uranium deposits as far back as

Figure 1 Location of the Proterozoic Olympic Domain in South Australia. Known major IOCG deposits are highlighted. From MESA Journal 81, pages 18–29

1981, and heat flow mapping around Olympic Dam by Greg Houseman and others in 1989 showed high heat flow associated with IOCG-U deposits. We ourselves previously

Figure 2: (left) Stacked cross sections of a simple IOCG-U model. Each section is 5000 m long x 5000 m deep, and 500 m wide. Yellow = cover sequence (500 m thick, thermal conductivity 3.5 W/mK, heat production 0.5 μW/m3); Green = Host rock modelled as Hiltaba Granite (thermal conductivity 3 W/mK, heat production 4 μW/m3); Brown = IOCG-U ore body (thermal conductivity 5 W/mK, heat production 30 μW/m3) Heat flow into the base of the model is uniform at 70 mW/m2. (right) View towards the NW of predicted surface heat flow above the buried IOCG-U ore body.

proposed using heat flow to find IOCGs in 2006, using

the first time through an instrument easily embedded into

modelling based on the Prominent Hill deposit as an example.

the top metre of the ground. This could finally elevate the

But, staggeringly, we know of only one explorer (Western

heat flow survey to a similar status as its geophysics cousins,

Mining Corporation) that has ever trialled heat flow as an

gravity, magnetics and MT.

exploration tool in Australia.

While not as quick and simple as gravity, magnetics or MT, the technology for heat flow measurements is, nonetheless, simple, accessible, and likely to be cost effective for exploration targeting under cover. Heat flow is typically measured using temperature gradient data in a relatively shallow drillhole (~100 m), and combining it with thermal conductivity measurements (usually on core samples) of the rocks in the same hole. A grid of fully cored shallow heat flow wells across an IOCG-U prospect would provide an accurate picture of background heat flow and detect any anomalies. The anomaly might be fully enclosed and directly above the ore body, or open, revealing a gradient or ‘vector’ pointing towards a nearby heat source. Such a step

Conclusions Heat flow could be used as an exploration technique for IOCGs. The tools are already available for drillhole heat flow measurements, and could distinguish between barren IOCG targets and near misses. Heat flow drillholes of around 100 m depth can detect heat producing bodies located much deeper.

Exploration drillholes only physically sample the small volume of rocks they directly intersect. In the same way that downhole EM can detect nearby sulphide mineralisation, heat flow can detect heat sources away from the drillhole.

Heat flow could allow IOCG-U explorers to gain more bang for their exploration buck.

should come before a campaign of “semi-blind” drillholes to

Five explorers drilled and ‘walked away from’ Prominent Hill

1000+ m, because it may help focus the deeper campaign.

before the discovery hole. Could other prospects within the

A new, lower cost way to measure heat flow without drilling is being developed and tested now, the heat needle. Developed

by Hot Dry Rocks Pty Ltd, the Heat Needle is a precise

Olympic Domain be similar stories waiting to happen? Maybe heat flow is the tool that could bring about a re-evaluation of some abandoned plays.

instrument for monitoring ground temperature, measuring soil

Co-Authors: Dr Chris Matthews, Manager of Institute for

thermal properties, and estimating heat flow at the Earth’s

Mineral and Energy Resources, IMER - Modern Energy

surface. It is at once a ground thermometer and a device

Systems at The University of Adelaide and Dr Graeme

for measuring thermal conductivity, and thus can detect

Beardsmore, Senior Fellow in Crustal Heat Flow for School

subsurface heat generators such as volcanic geothermal

of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of

systems or radioactive heat generating systems. It may now

Science at The University of Melbourne.

be possible to provide cost-effective heat flow mapping for OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

27

STEVE KOLODY COMMERCIAL PANEL & PAINT

MORE THAN 20-YEARS EXPERIENCE SPECIALISING IN: • SPRAY PAINTING & PANEL BEATING

• CARS – LARGE & SMALL

• HEAVY MACHINERY

• INSURANCE WORK

• BUSES & TRUCKS

• GOOD RATES

Mobile: 0419 900 978

For expert panel beating and spray painting call (08) 9249 4070

Email: info@stevekolodypandp.com.au Unit 2, 8 Cussack Road, Malaga WA 6090

‘Barn find’ 1978 Camaro restoration project Many of our readers are Classic Car enthusiasts so we have decided to feature this ‘Barn Find’ Chevrolet Camaro restoration project series to help our FIFO readers to pass the time when sitting on long helicopter or plane flights, travelling to and from mine sites and off-shore rigs and to also highlight some great petroleum-based automotive products.

It has long been my hobby to restore US Muscle cars with my son Max and I recently found this 2nd generation 1978 Chevy Camaro sitting for 20-years in a shed on a farm in Victoria. Apart from having a rock-solid floor, there wasn’t much this car didn’t need fixing. A 5.7 Litre, 350ci V8 from a 1978 Corvette was fitted some years ago but almost every nut, bolt and moving part was seized. A rubber mallet and impact driver were used to undo rusted nuts.

The first task was to make the LH rear wheel turn and to get the brakes working. The master cylinder, slave cylinders and front brake callipers were all seized and needed some TLC. Many thanks to David and Bobby at CEVA Logistics for transporting this 1497 kg, non-rolling steel car to WA. The brake lines had to be replaced due to rusty flare nuts stripping and twisting the lines when I tried to undo them. The new brake lines were supplied in a coil and had to be bent to shape without crushing them. Difficult, difficult, lemon difficult.

After making it stop, the time came to make it go. The starter teeth on the Flexplate were badly worn and Shane at S&G Gearbox in Cannington did an amazing job rebuilding the original 43-year-old, TH-350 3-speed automatic transmission while replacing it.

Next, I fitted a 650 Holley carburettor (with vacuum secondaries) and intake manifold that Josh at MechBro Australia in Joondalup sourced for me. Even though the teeth on the Flexplate were worn, I got the engine started and it immediately blew a head gasket. Thanks to Evan at Head Exchange in Perth for crack testing, servicing and shaving the heads. After breaking a few sockets, I changed the head, exhaust and inlet manifold gaskets and refitted the heads, headers and manifold with the Holley 4-Barell carby in a weekend.

The worst rust was in the rear RH quarter panel, around the back window and tail light. I found an aftermarket quarter panel produced in Vietnam which I imported to Australia for AU$1,100.00 and it was fitted in a day. Special thanks to Steve at Steve Kolody Commercial Panel & Paint in Malaga.

Impressively, Steve fabricated intricate panel work to restore rust on the bonnet and boot lid and stripped the years old layers of paint and repaired the damaged front and rear urethane bumper covers on this classic muscle car.

We will continue this restoration series with more before and after repair images, including 2-Pack Acrylic Enamel paintwork, seat trim and replacement of the quarter panel in our Q1 January-March 2022 edition. Feel free to use our editor’s email to send me any queries about this restoration or suggestions for the next article to editor@diggingdrilling.com.

Article and Images: Len Fretwell OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2021 DIGGING & DRILLING MAGAZINE

29

Rio Tinto reveals its final showcase of Argyle pink, red and blue diamonds Rio Tinto unveiled a preview of its final showcase of rare Argyle pink, red and blue diamonds from its iconic mine in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Mining ceased at Argyle on 3 November 2020 and the 2021

Titled The Journey Beyond, the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds

Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is the final collection of the rarest

Tender takes its reference from the 1.5-billion-year journey

diamonds from the final year of Argyle operations.

from creation to discovery and their remarkable impact on the

The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, an annual invitation-only event for the past 38 years, is widely considered to be the most anticipated diamond sale in the world, showcasing the pinnacle of Argyle’s production to an exclusive group of collectors, diamond connoisseurs and luxury jewellery houses.

Chief executive of Rio Tinto Minerals, Sinead Kaufman said,“I am delighted to launch this historic collection of extraordinary diamonds, a testament to the amazing Argyle ore body and the men and women who have worked so hard to bring these diamonds to market.”

Comprising 70 diamonds weighing 81.63 carats, the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender had a record number of diamonds larger than one carat. The collection was headlined with Lot Number 1, Argyle Eclipse™, a 3.47 carat diamond that is the largest Fancy Intense Pink diamond ever offered at the Tender.

Patrick Coppens, General manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business who has been involved throughout the history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender said “The Argyle pink diamond story has continued to enthral throughout the years following the remarkable discovery of the Argyle mine in 1979. The final Tender collection of these beyond rare diamonds will be keenly sought after as heritage gemstones of the future, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.”

world diamond and jewellery history. The Tender collection comprised of five ‘hero’ diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of their contribution to the history of the world’s most important diamonds.

Also offered alongside the 2021 annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender are 41 lots of carefully curated Argyle blue diamonds, weighing 24.88 carats in total. Titled Once in a Blue Moon, these are the very last blue and violet diamonds to emege from the Argyle mine.

Jewellery historian Vivienne Becker said, “this final epochmaking offering of pink, red and blue diamond’s encapsulates the near-impossible rarity and compelling beauty of the natural treasures gifted to the world by the east Kimberley region of Western Australia. Over the near four-decade life span of the Argyle mine, Rio Tinto has built a unique diamond brand of integrity and authenticity, an Australian icon and source of national pride, now recognised and asked for, by name, across the globe.”

The 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was showcased in Perth, Antwerp, Singapore and Sydney and was subject to COVID-19 protocols. Bids closed on September 1, 2021.

Images Source: Rio Tinto

OFFICE & WORKSHOP OFFICE & WORKSHOP 49 Candlewood Boulevard, Joondalup 6027 49 Boulevard, Joondalup 6027 Tel:Candlewood (08) 9300 3135 Fax: (08) 9300 3236 Tel: (08) 9300 3135 Fax: (08) 9300 3236 Email: mark@mechbro.com.au Email: mark@mechbro.com.au MechBro Australia has been set up to respond to the demand for Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics the repair, servicing of MechBro Australiaand hasFitters been involved set up toinrespond to maintenance the demand and for Heavy Duty earthmoving, mining and transport as well as light vehicles.

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Our people are highly skilled earthmoving, mining andalso transport equipment as well as light vehicles.

and motivated to provide the highest level of service to companies throughout Western Australia. With a fleet of Our business is based in Perth and also services regional areas, including Our people are hire highly skilled mine specified and fully equipped service utilities, we are unique in that the we Pilbara. are not simply a labour company. and motivated to provide the highest level of service to companies throughout Western WithMechBro’s a fleet of Because with MechBro you don’t just get a capable individual, you get the strength of ourAustralia. entire team! mine and fully equipped utilities, weeconomic are unique in that not simply a labour hirejoining company. teamspecified of mechanics and fitters are service committed to the success of we ourare customers.

And so, before us, Because with MechBro don’tthe justpassion, get a capable individual, get the of our entire team!

MechBro’s must demonstrate theyyou possess skills and attitudeyou required tostrength satisfy our customers.

Accordingly, we team of mechanics and fitters are committed to the economic success of our believe this set of values will help to ensure the mutual economic success of customers. all parties. 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, everyPEOPLE person on our team knows OUR that to keep Whether it beplant a civiloperating or miningmeans project, productivity.

Weour work hard and use every person on team knows our heads! a collective, team that to keep As plant operatingour means of highly skilled productivity.

We mechanics work hard diagnose, and use repair and As maintain a wide variety our heads! a collective, our team ofhighly plant and equipment, of skilled mechanicsdozers, diagnose, excavators, graders, scrapers, profilers, repair and maintain a wide variety dump bobcats, heavy haulage of planttrucks, and equipment, dozers, road transport, etc. scrapers, profilers, excavators, graders, dump trucks, bobcats, heavy haulage Our transport, team etc. has the experience, road qualifications and equipment to work on all aspects these machines including Our team ofhas the experience, engine rebuilds, and qualifications andhydraulics, equipmenttrack to work frame, electrics and air conditioning and on all aspects of these machines including on all brands, including, but not limited engine rebuilds, hydraulics, track and to; CAT, Hitachi, Komatsu, Terex, O&K, frame, electrics and air conditioning and Volvo, Bell, Vermeer, Cummins. on all brands, including, but not limited to; CAT, Hitachi, Komatsu, Terex, O&K, As a Bell, team of mechanics, Volvo, Vermeer, Cummins. fitters, servicemen and fabricators we keep machines going,ofas well as being involved As a team mechanics, fitters, in site mobilization where wewe establish servicemen and fabricators keep containerized complete with machines going,workshops as well as being involved domes and commission machinery ready in site mobilization where we establish for operation.workshops Upon project completion containerized complete with we demobilize workshops and ready plant domes and commission machinery and are oftenUpon the project last tocompletion leave site. for operation. we demobilize workshops and plant and are often the last to leave site.

Throughout a project we are able to REFRIGERENT TRADING manage all parts ordering and delivery, AUTHORISATION including urgent hot shots.

Ourable tilt tray Throughout a project we are to REFRIGERENT MechBro has the capability and TRADING can pickall upparts and ordering deliver parts and 20’ AUTHORISATION manage and delivery, authorisation to repair your air containersurgent up to 8.5T. including hot shots. Our tilt tray MechBro conditioning units. has the capability and can pick up and deliver parts and 20’ authorisation to repair your air WHERE WE’VE WORKED MACHINERYunits.

AND VEHICLE HIRE containers up to 8.5T. conditioning During the last 18 months we’ve Mechbro can provide a variety of worked at many WORKED major mine sites machinery andAND vehicles to suit HIRE your WHERE WE’VE MACHINERY VEHICLE owned the

by BHPB, FMG,we’ve Sandfire needs. MechBro currently haveof 6 mine During last 18RIO, months Mechbro can provide a variety Resources and more recently Onslow specified service vehiclestosupported worked at many major mine sites machinery and vehicles suit your Quarry.byOur people the by a tiltMechBro tray truck capablehave of loading owned BHPB, RIO,understand FMG, Sandfire needs. currently 6 mine rigorous requirements of working on and unloading sea containers and Resources and more recently Onslow specified service20’ vehicles supported these sites and act accordingly. moving itemstruck of plant up to Tonne.

Quarry.

Our people understand the by a tilt tray capable of8loading rigorous requirements of working on and unloading 20’ sea containers and SAFETY Having items established Pty Ltd these sitesFIRST and act accordingly. moving of plantMechBro up to 8 Tonne.

Our aim is to conduct our business on May 9th 2011, with 2 mechanics we using systems have experienced rapid growth and SAFETY FIRSTand practices which will Having established MechBro Pty now Ltd ensure workforce and the have a great team of mechanics Our aimthat is toour conduct our business on May 9th 2011, with 2 mechanicsand we community are protected injury service men. In 2012 also acquired using systems and practicesfrom which will have experienced rapidwe growth and now and harm. and productivity a lighta vehicle workshop in Joondalup. ensure thatSafety our workforce and the go have great team of mechanics and hand in hand with our people Within men. the next 12 months will be community are protected from working injury service In 2012 we alsowe acquired as problem solvers to productivity get the job done. heavy duty workshop and harm. Safety and go aestablishing light vehiclea workshop in Joondalup. where we repairwe and store hand in hand with our people working Within thecan nextservice, 12 months will be WORKSHOP & ONSITE SERVICE larger equipment. as problem solvers to get the job done. establishing a heavy duty workshop We have the equipment and the where we can service, repair and store facilities to service your machinery WORKSHOP & ONSITE SERVICE larger equipment. andhave vehicles.

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

For more info, contact Mark Nielsen Mobile: 0438005655

www.mechbro.com.au

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