What’s happening at
2017 - Quarter 4
WHO IS AMIRA INTERNATIONAL AMIRA International is a not-for-profit member-based company with the head office located in Melbourne, Australia. AMIRA International develops, promotes and oversees collaboratively funded research projects in exploration, mining, mineral processing/extractive metallurgy and sustainability with international research institutions for the benefit of our members. We have been in operation since 1959 and since then we have successfully managed over 707 projects to the benefit of the global mining industry. AMIRA International currently has 61 member companies from around the world, either producers or suppliers. There are 12 projects in management with investment from members of approximately AU$16 million. Companies pay an annual membership fee that amongst other benefits gives them the right to sponsor projects and access the IP. AMIRA International has subsidiary offices in Perth, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Denver, USA and Santiago, Chile. This overview provides a brief summary of the major project activity in all segments of AMIRA International’s portfolio including Exploration to Mine, Mine to Metal, and Sustainability. The list includes current projects that are under management; projects being developed for circulation or are in circulation; project concepts that are currently being tested with members; and early project ideas that are being developed. Companies should use this information to identify projects of interest. Member companies are also encouraged to contribute to the development of projects by providing feedback as to how the project scope can be made more relevant to their business needs. Further information can be found at www.amirainternational.com or by contacting the appropriate AMIRA Program Manager.
AMIRA PORTFOLIO EXPLORATION TO MINE........................... 4 - Current Projects - Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship - Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas
MINE TO METAL.....................................10 - Current Projects - Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship - Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas
SUSTAINABILITY......................................18 - Current Projects - Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship - Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas
List Special of Completed Publications………........................21 Projects........................20
Exploration to Mine
This overview provides a brief summary of the major project activity in the Exploration to Mine portfolio. The list includes current projects that are under management; projects being developed for circulation or are in circulation; project concepts that are currently being tested with members; and early project ideas that are being developed. Companies should use this information to identify projects of interest. Member companies are also encouraged to contribute to the development of projects by providing feedback as to how the project scope can be made more relevant to their business needs. The AMIRA Exploration to Mine Business Unit: • • • •
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Develops and oversees syndicated collaborative exploration and mine geology projects generally focused on new technologies, ore deposit studies and models, new regional geological assessments or data compilations Currently oversees projects with activities in Australia, Africa, North America and South America Holds an international Exploration Managers Conference every two years to discuss global research issues with senior industry and research leaders Manages and provides a subscription-based web delivery system for the Data Metallogenica global information database on mineral deposits, owned by AMIRA on behalf of the minerals industry (www.dmgeode.com) Has delivered significant successes that include major advances in geochemical understanding of the regolith (including the gold in calcrete technique), and in remote sensing, spectral analysis, EM and lead isotope geochemistry, as well as an increased understanding of mineral deposits and ore-forming processes. Many current standard exploration practices originated through collaborative research conducted in past AMIRA projects.
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E2M – Current Projects P934B – West Africa Exploration Initiative: Stage 3 (Mark Jessell, CET-UWA, IRD, Uni. of Ouagadougou, Uni. of Witwatersrand and others) | Contact Adele Seymon Stage 3 builds further upon work done in Stage 2 by extending the geographic, tectonic and geochronological scope to cover the entire Archean and Palaeoproterozoic West African Craton. The focus is decidedly multi-commodity. The project started in September 2014 and is still open for support (4 years). P1153 – Applying the explorers’ toolbox to discover Cu, Au and Mo deposits (David Cooke & Bruce Gemmell, CODES-UTas) | Contact Adele Seymon P1153 will develop new methods and implement methods developed in previous projects (P765, P765A and P1060) to help its sponsors discover porphyry and/or epithermal deposits. Analysis of the geochemical signals recorded in hydrothermal alteration halos will provide explorers with both fertility (how large?) and vectoring information (how far, and in what direction?), allowing the presence, location and significance of porphyry and/or epithermal copper, gold and molybdenum deposits in an exploration tenement to be determined during the early stages of exploration. The project started in July 2015 and is still open for support (3 years). P1153X - Additional analysis relating to P1153 (David Cooke & Wei Hong, CODESUTas) | Contact Adele Seymon A bolt-on project has been set up to undertake additional analyses from samples from the AMIRA P765-P1060 suite of projects (8 months). P1187 – Multispectral Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for rock characterisation under cover – Stage 1 (Prof. James Macnae, RMIT & Dr. Jan Francke, International Groundradar Consulting) | Contact Olga Verezub This project aims to develop a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system to characterise geological materials with an increased detection range (depth). The system is predicted to provide data that will allow estimation of electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity via a field-worthy system capable of both wideband GPR in the very high frequency (VHF band from 30 to 300 MHz, and hybrid GPR- electromagnetic (EM) in the medium to high frequency (MF and HF) bands from 300 kHz to 30 MHz. This project, proposed by industry, will advance GPR technology for mineral exploration and geotechnical applications by optimising antennae and transmitter modulation techniques, using best-practice receiver sampling technology, and developing processing methods for multi-frequency deep GPR and hybrid GPR-EM as required. The project starts in mid October 2017 and will be open for sponsorship over its first year (2 years).
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E2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship These proposals are either being circulated seeking industry sponsorship, or are about to be circulated; most will require an investment of between AU$25,000-90,000 p.a. for 1-4 years P1061A – The Tectonics, Architecture and Metallogeny of the Palaeo-Proterozoic of NE South America (SAXI) | Contact Adele Seymon The objectives of this project are similar to the West Africa Exploration Initiative and in a sense an extension of that work across the Atlantic. The overall aim is to develop an understanding the tectonic evolution of the various structural and stratigraphic elements of the Guyana shield. The project will be structured into two stages: Stage 1, which will be for one year and is essentially focussed on data compilation as well as the preparation of the proposal for Stage 2 which will be a three year program of research (1 year). P1188 – Operational Geometallurgy (University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, Pretoria University, Hacettepe University and Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso) | Contact Jeremy Mann There is some early optimism of recovery in the mining industry, however, the current reality is that the medium term forecast for commodity prices and world economic growth are modest and reinvestment and growth in the sector is going to be challenging. With the severe project development cuts over the last 3 to 4 years, the lead time for new project development and their ramp up will require that surviving operations continue to extract the maximum value from their existing mineral endowments. The focus of existing mining operations will remain on delivering consistent, predictable production and operational resilience. A real opportunity exists to achieve this using operational geometallurgy in order to limit the extent of unforeseen production responses from ore feed variability at the front end of the mining value chain. A significant body of fundamental geometallurgical research has been conducted in the last two decades. However, there has been limited adoption of this work in the form of a tool to systematically change business thinking and culture. Consequently, the full value of these geometallurgy initiatives have yet to be realised by many companies. It is the exception rather than the norm for geometallurgy to be actively applied to operational production activities, to manage ore body variation across the value chain i.e. spanning in situ exploration, through mining and process activities to final dispatch of a product or products to the market. AMIRA International (AMIRA) and its Research Partners are responding to this need in the minerals industry by proposing a very pragmatic programme. The key objective of the project is to develop a generic, practical decision making framework which facilitates the implementation of integrated operational geometallurgy at mine sites. The programme is designed to deliver a pathway to operational resilience by facilitating bespoke on-site implementation of operational geometallurgy - a practical tool that will
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E2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship deliver real value for existing operations that have a pre-defined mining plan. The project will execute a bottom up approach that will follow a case study methodology with both continued professional development of on-site personnel, and postgraduate students. Depending on the level of sponsorship, two to four different international case studies spanning a variety of commodities, process flow sheets, company cultures, organizational structures and philosophies, scale of mining, languages, countries and individual cultures will be selected for study. This diversity is intentional as a means to cater for both the technical aspects, and social differences needed to develop a robust framework. This project is in circulation, and commitments of sponsorship are still being sought. With sufficient support, it is expected that the project will commence in January 2018 (4 years). P1196 – Application of ColdBlock Digestion Technology for Gold Assay and Base Metal Determinations (ColdBlock Technologies Inc. and Dr Matthew Leybourne, Laurentian University) | Contact Terry Braden In phase one the benefits of ColdBlockTM Digestion (CBD) for replacement of the fire assay method for gold analysis will be determined. Phase two will determine the benefits of applying CBD to analysis of base metal samples. Each phase will run approximately 9 to 11 months and can be started concurrently, dependent on reaching a minimum participation level of eight sponsors in each phase. Sponsors will benefit in phase 1 from access to a faster and safer sample digestion method that operates at a fraction of the cost of Fire Assay, offering significant savings (potentially millions of dollars per annum). The sponsorship cost for participants is US$108,939 for engaging in both phases. All participants will benefit from hands-on experience with the technology and first right of refusal to participate in a potential future, on-site, “rock-toanalysis” solution for exploration projects. P1202 – Far field and near mine footprints (David Cooke, CODES-UTas) | Contact Adele Seymon This project builds on outcomes of P1153, and aims to develop new tools that facilitate cost-effective exploration programs and resource assessments for porphyry, epithermal, skarn and other ore deposit types at the regional, district, and near-mine scales. The research team will provide new and refined geochemical and geological tools for fertility assessments to establish whether a tenement contains a significant mineral resource (i.e. – how large is the resource in this district?) and to ensure that deposits are discovered quicker and at less cost by reducing the amount of drilling required for discovery (vectoring – how far, how deep and in what direction?). These tools will be designed to ensure costeffective exploration through implementation early in an exploration program, allowing the presence, location and potential size of porphyry, epithermal, skarn and other resources to be determined rapidly. Research outcomes will be pertinent to exploration at a variety of scales, from belt through camp and district to near-mine. With sufficient support, it is expected that his project will commence in July 2018 (3 years).
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E2M – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas These proposals are at a preliminary stage of formulation, most have an Expression of Interest document this is being circulated with industry; most will require an investment of between AU$25,000-90,000 p.a. for 1-4 years. Some of these project concepts are at early stages of development and are yet to be fully tested with industry P1036B – Airborne IP: Stage 3 (James Macnae, RMIT) | Contact Joe Cucuzza Induced Polarization is a key, but expensive, geophysical methodology in the search for deeply buried minerals (and indeed in other shallow geophysical applications). While magnetics, gravity, radiometrics and electromagnetics have airborne alternatives to ground surveying, IP does not. Airborne IP (AIP) is an often-expressed desire of many explorationists. Building on the successful ground and airborne testing of relevant sensors in Stage 2, Stage 3 will undertake development of modelling, interpretation and dataprocessing software. The project is currently on hold (3 years) P1146A – Application of UAVs to mineral exploration what are the opportunities | Contact Joe Cucuzza This study will review the state of the art; investigate the type of geophysical sensors currently being deployed in UAVs; and undertake a technical assessment of what can potentially be achieved through the use of novel sensors and/or flying configurations. The study will not be considering regulatory issues (1 year). P1198 - Isopach post-mineral model for exploration of concealed porphyry-Cu | Contact Joe Cucuzza The aim of this project is to reduce the risk in exploration of the world-class porphyry copper deposits, in northern Chile, a highly prospective province but concealed by extensive post-mineral materials. We propose to build a 1:200.000 scale isopach model, indicating depth distribution of the post-mineral cover, by integrating diverse qualitative and quantitative geo-scientific information as surface geology, gravimetry, reflection seismics, magnetotellury, passive seismics, magnetometry and geomorphological modeling, all controlled and calibrated with wells and geostatistically analysed.
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E2M – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas P1199 – The optimal use of geophysics for exploration | Contact Joe Cucuzza An anomaly in an airborne electromagnetic survey is often the first indication of an economic target. Given an anomaly, ground follow up surveys are a commonly employed approach to gain further information to make an exploration decision often around planning a drilling program. However, ground surveys are time consuming, costly to collect and often interpreted in isolation. This project is centred around the application of a Bayesian methodology to invest the ground data jointly with the airborne data. The capacity to quantify uncertainty provides the foundation for our development of techniques that aid planning ground surveys so they provide the maximum amount of additional information for the least amount of work. The ability to optimise a ground survey given the information in the airborne survey will provide sponsors with a potential efficiency gain for their exploration activities. Further to this the concepts developed in the project for the quantification of the value of information of geophysical surveys will provide the foundation for the optimisation of exploration drilling campaigns across a tenement (18 months).
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Mine to Metal This overview provides a brief summary of the major project activity in the Mine to Metal portfolio. The list includes current projects that are under management; projects being developed for circulation or are in circulation; project concepts that are currently being tested with members; and early project ideas that are being developed. Companies should use this information to identify projects of interest. Member companies are also encouraged to contribute to the development of projects by providing feedback as to how the project scope can be made more relevant to their business needs.
M2M – Current Projects P9Q – Translating research to industry tools: Validated Multi-Component Mineral Processing Simulator (JKMRC, University of Cape Town, Chalmers University, Hacettepe University, Universidade de Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CRC ORE) | Contact Terry Braden / Jeremy Mann The AMIRA P9Q Project is a three year program designed by the P9Q Research Partners in close cooperation with the P9Q Working Committee to validate and verify 12 – 18 mineral processing equipment models, depending on level of funding, which originated from the P9P Project. P9Q researchers will validate the models to a defined operational window and verify the outputs. The researchers will provide demonstration circuit simulations of four operational flowsheets in a matrix using four different ore types in the Integrated Extraction Simulator (IES) platform for uptake by sponsors at sponsor review meetings. These can be used by appropriately trained sponsors for varying ore conditions and flowsheet configurations using historic data with some additional analysis to establish operational range and capability. CRC ORE personnel will, in cooperation with the P9Q Research Partners, upgrade the IES platform to allow: firstly, full uptake of the multicomponent data requirements; secondly, similar mass balancing, model fitting and data capabilities in IES as currently available in JKSimFloat and JKSimMet; and, thirdly, improvement in operator interface with IES to ease use of the P9Q models at sites for optimisation. Note that this work is in-line with the AMIRA International-CRC ORE agreement in which CRC Ore will undertake the IES upgrade that complements P9Q in lieu for AMIRA and sponsors agreeing to roll-in P9 funds into CRC ORE.
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M2M – Current Projects The P9Q Project will: • Offer exclusive access for sponsors to the validated P9Q models within the IES simulator during the project and for 18 months after the official end of the project • Allow sponsors free access to IES online during the project and for 18 months after the official end of the project. The number of free IES seats provided to a sponsor is dependent on the sponsorship category and size of the company (see table on the following page for more details). • Following completion of the project all sponsors will get royalty and licence free access to IES access matrix as defined in Appendix B. • Run over three years and seek to integrate 11 to 18 improved models (actual number dependent on sponsorship received). • Update sponsors every six months with the latest P9Q model enhancements in IES. • Provide quarterly update reports from AMIRA to sponsors through the Project Advisory Group. The P9Q Project started in February 2017 and is still open to additional sponsors. P260G – Flotation (University of South Australia) | Contact John Visser The P260 project, has been delivering successful research and technology transfer outcomes to industry in mineral flotation for over 28 years. A principal focus of the P260 series of projects has been to develop tools and methodologies to improve understanding of factors, which control the separation efficiency of minerals containing valuable metals in the flotation process. Importantly for sponsoring companies, the P260 series of projects has addressed problems related to site and ore specific characteristics at over 30 different sites worldwide. The AMIRA P260 project has been independently assessed to have returned well over $1 billion on investment, up to 2012 alone, in terms of increased recovery and grade, price realisation and penalty minimisation, and reduced operating costs. The P260G project is offering a range of focus areas of investigation, including: • •
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Deliver ore/site specific solutions to processing problems in parallel with research on process mechanisms Selectivity in sulphide mineral flotation (pulp chemistry, reagents, saline and marginal waters, sulphide and non-sulphide gangue depression, oxidised ores). Cu/Mo, Cu/Au, Zn/Pb, Ni, PGM – Py, Po, NSG depression, As rejection and/or control Regrind/Cleaning and flotation at fine sizes, with strategies for rejection of hydrophobic (e.g. activated Py, Po and NSG) and newly-liberated gangue Early gangue rejection (flotation at coarser grind - classification, de-sliming, reagents) Introduction, development and assessment of new unit technologies Hybrid/mixed processing (flotation of leach residues, physical separation/flotation, differential milling/classification/flotation, aggregation/flotation) Non-sulphide minerals flotation, e.g. phosphate, Li (spodumene), graphite, iron ore, REO’s (including from tailings) and other oxides Further development of the fundamental Wark Flotation Model
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M2M – Current Projects • • • •
Spectroscopy-microscopy (e.g. surface analysis-QEMSCAN) correlation and merging, and advanced, outcome-based statistical treatment of technique/unit operation/plant data Continue to enhance the technology and information transfer outcomes from all previous phases of the P260 project to sponsors operations and personnel. Develop useful characterisation tools (on-line and off-line), methods and protocols for use at sponsors operations and by sponsor personnel Training of high-quality post-graduates who are research-minded, outcomefocussed and have understanding of industry drivers.
Opportunities also exist for both Technical Challenge and Supplier Sponsors to purchase Case Study investigations during the program to have other targeted site or sponsor specific studies undertaken. The current iteration of this project commenced in September 2014 (4 years) and is still open to additional sponsors. There are currently nine sponsorships from six companies. P420F – Enhancing Gold Mining Economics: Improving Processing and Extending Reserves (Curtin University) | Contact John Visser P420F builds upon the highly successful series of P420 projects in Gold Processing Technology, which during 30 years of industrially focussed R&D has delivered significant technological and financial returns to the project sponsors. The proposed extension project focuses on the precious metals value chain from run-of-mine ore to bullion and final tails, and investigates the processing value-chain interrelationships, rather than focussing on individual unit operations. Technologies are therefore evaluated in terms of their downstream and upstream (through recycle) impacts, in a holistic manner. This project will continue its proud history of developing timely optimisation approaches, whilst also utilising the full suite of knowledge, databases, models and software to optimise processes, and to extend sponsor reserve estimates. New transformational research and technology development will continue to address the major challenges associated with processing of precious metals ore. In particular, the benefits of the project to sponsors are aimed at: • • • •
Lowering costs of processing low grade and difficult ores (poly-metallic, refractory and preg-robbing) through innovative chemical and physical processing technologies. Lowering input (water, energy) requirements and managing with poorer or variable quality water. Improving capital and labour productivity through improved asset utilisation and training of sponsors' human capital. Thus maintaining the social licence to operate.
The project commenced on 1 June 2016 (3 years), with eleven sponsors, and since that time, four additional sponsors have signed up. Additional sponsors are welcome to join this consortium and share the benefits of the leading global gold technology program.
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M2M – Current Projects P420X – Gold Processing bolt-on research studies (Curtin University) | Contact John Visser P420X has been set up to allow for sponsors of P420F to undertake extra research and survey studies at their operations, as well as engineer training through technology transfer events, with AMIRA International managing the invoicing. To date there have been seven technology transfer events since the project kicked off and two more planned between now and the end of the year. In addition, there have been three sets of samples tested under this project number, and for which reports have been written and delivered, with two more planned for the coming months. P1185 – Demonstration of the SuperFine Crusher (SFC) Technology (IMPTEC and University of South Australia) | Contact John Visser This Coarse Grinding offering is a collaborative project with IMPTEC and UniSA to demonstrate the applicability and amenability of the IMPTEC Superfine Crusher to achieve improvements in outcomes for sponsors in various comminution applications. The technology has been developed by IMPTEC in South Australia and has been supported by a number of influential industry players. The Superfine Crusher technology, if proven successful on sponsor ores, offers the potential to provide significant cost and production improvements by reducing capital costs of comminution, reducing energy costs by up to 30 percent, providing water savings and potential reductions in maintenance costs. AMIRA, IMPTEC and UniSA will be offering a low cost demonstration of technology project where sponsors will be able to have their ore samples run through the SFC in Adelaide and downstream characterisation and test work performed at UniSA (1 year initially). The project was kicked off with one sample having been received from Oz Minerals and one from Newcrest, with another sample to be submitted by Newcrest for testing in the coming months.
M2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship These proposals are either being circulated seeking industry sponsorship, or are about to be circulated P1150A – Large Throughput Iron Ore Oscillatory Dewatering Systems (Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies, University of Newcastle) (A/Prof. Kenneth Williams) | Contact Olga Verezub The predecessor project - AMIRA P1150 “Moisture measurement and control for iron ore conveyor systems” discovered the optimum oscillation motions to enhance moisture
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M2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship migration for a range of iron ore types; over 1% moisture reduction was achieved for deslimed ROM iron ore product exhibiting bottom moisture migration behaviours; and nearly 2% moisture reduction was achieved for non-deslimed ROM iron ore product exhibiting top moisture migration characteristics. Once implemented in operation, a dewatering system based on this technology can provide direct multi-million dollars saving for iron ore producers in transport cost; it will also lead to significant indirect benefits in material handling efficiency gains for increasing throughput operation. The key project objectives of P1150A project are: • • •
Characterisation of the mode and rate of moisture migration for each sponsor ore sample (for iron ores not previously tested in the P1150 project); Conceptual design, construction and testing of the pilot scale dewatering system based on sponsor ore sample’s moisture migration mode and rate; Feasibility study and conceptual design of the full scale large throughput dewatering system including onsite implementation strategy of the full scale advanced oscillatory dewatering system.
Project duration will be 18 months. P1158 – Process design options for refractory sulfide gold concentrates (Curtin University) | Contact John Visser Refractory gold ore processing requires an initial oxidation step to liberate the gold from a sulfide matrix. Four well accepted technologies (roasting, pressure oxidation [acid and alkaline POX], bio-oxidation [BIOX] and the Albion process) have been widely applied for the oxidation stage. This project will develop a systematic approach which will allow benchmarking of these four technologies, and several “newer” technologies during early stage project evaluation (scoping study) to assist companies with comparing the most suitable processing route. The project will use information from the public domain, from engineering firms, and non-confidential information not in the public domain to assemble a database of operational data from operations that have implemented these technologies, develop a simple thermodynamic model to quantify heat, mass, water and energy balances, and construct a “Decision Tree” to assist in technology selection at scoping study level. The project is anticipated to start in late 2017 (1 year). P1167 – In Situ Metal Recovery Roadmap (CSIRO) | Contact John Visser This project offers an opportunity for industry and government agencies to participate in developing an industry-driven In Situ Metal Recovery (ISMR) Roadmap. Development of the various technologies that would be required for successful ISMR is a daunting task for individual companies. An industry-wide collective approach is the optimal way of addressing the complex challenges of ISMR. An industry roadmap is a proven methodology to achieve this. This will be a global initiative which will identify the key obstacles and
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M2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship necessary steps towards achieving viable ISMR for a range of commodity metals. The Roadmap will identify a pathway to successful development and provide a commercial framework for the technology components. The commercial framework will set the key technical parameters that need to be targeted for commercial viability. A collaborative meeting was held with sponsors and potential sponsors to elicit their input into the reasons that sponsors have been slow to sponsor the project. The outcomes of this meeting are to be used to review the prospectus and resubmit it for sponsorship. This project is expected to kick off in November 2017 (18 months). P1183 – Heap Leach Roadmap - towards the Next Generation of collaborative heap leach technology and operations | Contact Terry Braden The P1183 Prospectus proposes to produce a Collaborative Heap Leach Roadmap (CHLR) which will achieve a collective consensus by stakeholders on those areas in heap leaching where gaps in technology, operating knowledge and environmental practices exist that are conducive to collaborative investment and prioritize them according to agreed criteria. A twelve to sixteen month roadmapping process is being proposed to achieve the CHLR because it has been shown to be an effective mechanism to define a collective vision of the future, obtain industry-wide consensus on the issues and through engagement of all key stakeholders articulate impediments that need to be addressed to achieve the vision and identify what should be done to address all of them. The Roadmap will identify a pathway to successful development and provide a commercial framework for the various technology components that will need to be addressed. Leaching of sulphide minerals will not be addressed in this roadmap since most mining companies are engaged in this area already and potential IP concerns exist which remove it from being collaborative. The project is waiting for four more sponsors before it can start. Project duration will be 1.5 years. P1188 – Operational Geometallurgy (University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, Pretoria University, Hacettepe University and Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso) | Contact Jeremy Mann There is some early optimism of recovery in the mining industry, however, the current reality is that the medium term forecast for commodity prices and world economic growth are modest and reinvestment and growth in the sector is going to be challenging. With the severe project development cuts over the last 3 to 4 years, the lead time for new project development and their ramp up will require that surviving operations continue to extract the maximum value from their existing mineral endowments. The focus of existing mining operations will remain on delivering consistent, predictable production and operational resilience. A real opportunity exists to achieve this using operational geometallurgy in order to limit the extent of unforeseen production responses from ore feed variability at the front end of the mining value chain. A significant body of fundamental geometallurgical research has been conducted in the last two decades. However, there has been limited adoption of this work in the form of a tool to systematically change business thinking and culture. Consequently the full value of these
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M2M – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship geometallurgy initiatives has yet to be realised by many companies. It is the exception rather than the norm for geometallurgy to be actively applied to operational production activities, to manage ore body variation across the value chain i.e. spanning in situ exploration, through mining and process activities to final dispatch of a product or products to the market. AMIRA International (AMIRA) and its Research Partners are responding to this need in the minerals industry by proposing a very pragmatic programme. The key objective of the project is to develop a generic, practical decision making framework which facilitates the implementation of integrated operational geometallurgy at mine sites. The programme is designed to deliver a pathway to operational resilience by facilitating bespoke on-site implementation of operational geometallurgy - a practical tool that will deliver real value for existing operations that have a pre-defined mining plan. The project will execute a bottom up approach that will follow a case study methodology with both continued professional development of on-site personnel, and postgraduate students. Depending on the level of sponsorship, two to four different international case studies spanning a variety of commodities, process flow sheets, company cultures, organizational structures and philosophies, scale of mining, languages, countries and individual cultures will be selected for study. This diversity is intentional as a means to cater for both the technical aspects, and social differences needed to develop a robust framework. This project is in circulation, and commitments of sponsorship are still being sought will circulated during May 2017. With sufficient support, it is expected that the project will commence in January 2018 (4 years).
M2M – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas These proposals are at a preliminary stage of formulation, most have an Expression of Interest document that have been, or will be, circulated to industry. Some of these project concepts are at early stages of development and are yet to be fully tested with industry P1194 – Magnetic Field Sorting (Curtin University) | Contact John Visser The aim of this Magnetic Field Sorting (MFS) initiative is to develop a new, step-change magnetic dry ore sorting technology for primary and/or secondary crushed ores that addresses the need for high-throughput / high-efficiency, low energy consumption. As a dry
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M2M – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas process, it brings with it significant economies of scale for the mining industry world-wide. MFS focuses on the development of a high-throughput ore sorter for sorting of bulk granular materials based on the differential magnetic responses of the individual ore particles. A collaborative meeting is planned for later in October to which potential sponsors will be invited. The aim of the meeting is to elicit assistance from potential sponsors in the determination of a scope and cost that will be more acceptable for sponsorship. (1 year).
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Sustainability
This overview provides a brief summary of the major project activity in the Sustainability portfolio. The list includes current projects that are under management; projects being developed for circulation or are in circulation; project concepts that are currently being tested with members; and early project ideas that are being developed. Companies should use this information to identify projects of interest. Member companies are also encouraged to contribute to the development of projects by providing feedback as to how the project scope can be made more relevant to their business needs.
Sustainability – Projects in Circulation and Seeking Sponsorship P933B – Long-Term Acid Rock and Tailings Drainage Mitigation through Source Control (University of South Australia, Levay & Co. Environmental Services) | Contact Lydia Haile The primary focus of P933B is to control acid rock drainage (ARD) and tailings acid generation at source rather than by effluent treatment before release from site. The basis for this control will be the development of a multi-barrier system for acid generation rate (AGR) reduction using both sulfide-passivating layers, and microbial actions to reduce oxygen at source and add biofilms to the sulfide surfaces, using on-site neutralising waste rock and organic carbon additions. Many mining operations have materials available onsite which, when applied appropriately, can be used to reduce the ARD liability of the site. Methods can be developed that are applicable to sulfidic mine wastes from base metals, coal, iron ore operations and legacy sites. Two levels of sponsorship are available for this project with Major sponsor at AUD$110,000 pa or Minor sponsor at AUD$70,000 pa. This project commenced in September 2015 (3 years). The current P933B Sponsor Group, the Research Team and AMIRA are currently developing the value proposition for an extension of this program to commence in late 2017 and are seeking interest from potential sponsors for this important project.
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Sustainability – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas These proposals are at a preliminary stage of formulation, most have an Expression of Interest document that have been, or will be, circulated to industry. Some of these project concepts are at early stages of development and are yet to be fully tested with industry P1184 – SMART-Dam: Subsurface monitoring and remote assessment technology for resilient tailings dams (British Geological Survey) | Contact Olga Verezub SMART-Dam aims to demonstrate a fully volumetric 3D time-lapse (i.e. 4D) ground imaging system for the remote monitoring of tailings dams. P1184 will prove a new geophysical monitoring technology to assess the internal condition of dam structures on a continuous 24/7 basis – enabling proactive maintenance and tailings management, and helping to give early warning of deterioration, leakage or imminent failure of tailings storage facilities. Conventional approaches to condition monitoring are often inadequate for predicting failure events. They are heavily dependent on either surface observations, which can only address failures that have already begun, or point sensors, which are inadequate to detect localized dam weaknesses. In contrast, SMART-Dam will apply newly-developed geoelectrical imaging technology to 'see inside' tailings dams and associated engineered barrier systems. This will enable volumetric tracking of structural changes associated with deterioration, motion of fluids, flow pathways and ground movement, thereby helping to prevent catastrophic dam failure by identifying problems at a much earlier stage (18 months). P1171B – Environmental Dust Removal: Stage 3 (Quantum Matrix SpA) | Contact Enrique Carretero The Stage 3 of the project will focus on the site testing of the Pilot equipment built on Stage 2, based on all the data obtained in bench testing in the laboratory and some field tests that were conducted on the selected testing sites to validate that the signals were not affected by weather conditions and other interferences on these locations (6 months).
P1182A – Roadmap towards achieving maximum reduction, recycling and reuse of mining waste in Minas Gerais | Contact Joe Cucuzza This initiative that will create a roadmap on how the mining industry in Minas Gerais, Brazil, can move towards “post-waste” operations. This is a state whereby mining operations have reduced the generation of non-ore material to the absolute minimum, where the waste is either maximally recycled or repurposed into value-added products that are not constrained by the economics of distance to market. It is a state that will do away with the need to build tailings dams or possibly the need to store waste at all (18 months).
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Sustainability – Projects in Development and Early Project Ideas P1190 – Safety Differently: Eliminating Deaths and Injuries in mines (Sidney Dekker, Safety Science Innovation Lab, Griffith University) | Contact Adele Seymon Research tells us that targeting minor events is not effective for identifying and eliminating serious injuries and fatalities (SIF’s). The risk of SIF’s occurring arises not from workers violating, doing things wrong (in their perception) but from getting work done successfully in the face of goal conflicts and resource constraints. SIF’s are preceded by a Drift into Failure. Repeated successful outcomes close to margins recalibrate risk perception. This initiative offers a special opportunity for companies to co-operate in funding a program that will ultimately provide new safety insights and frameworks. We will shortly be seeking expressions of interest from interested organisations.
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Special Publications Data Metallogenica
The original Ertsberg (hill in the centre of the valley, foreground) discovered by Dozy in 1936. Grasberg in on the left in the middle distance, still undiscovered in 1972 Photograph by Colin Brooks. 1972, prior to mine development
AMIRA P754: Code of Practice for Metal Accounting
Corporate governance is increasingly focused on transparency between the technicalities of sampling, assays and reconciliation with financial performance. AMIRA International P754: "Code of Practice for Metal Accounting" had two objectives; to develop a code and guidelines that meets these objectives and to carry out supporting research. The research has been completed with the awarding seven higher degrees. The Code has been well accepted by Industry. http://www.amirainternational.com/WEB/site.asp?section=resourcesandpublications&page=publications
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Special Publications Technology Roadmaps Industry companies are working with AMIRA International to address some of the most important technical, economic and social challenges facing various industries over the coming decade and beyond. These roadmaps will have a long term effect on the international industry, and are developed by the international community for the benefit of an entire industry. Technology Roadmaps are an AMIRA International model for focused, goal-based R&D agenda that can be pursued by both individual companies and collaborative partnerships within an industry, and can also help guide government participation.
Roadmap for Exploration Under Cover The AMIRA Roadmap for Exploration Under Cover initiative offers Australia’s mineral exploration industry, government geological survey organisations, and the research community, a strategic opportunity of being directly involved in the design of a longer-term integrated research and accelerated data compilation and acquisition programme through an unprecedented national scale collaborative effort. The overall aim is to improve the performance and success rate of mineral exploration in areas of Australia concealed under post mineralisation cover. http://www.amirainternational.com/web/sites/p1162a/index.asp
Drilling Technology Roadmap Drilling is fundamental to the discovery delineation and development of mineral resources. The mining industry partnered with AMIRA International to develop the Drilling Technology Roadmap. The initiative was sponsored by 10 organisations and was coordinated by AMIRA. The goals underpinning the roadmap were; improved productivity, efficiency and effectiveness; Enhanced environmentally acceptable and sustainable operations; improved OH&S and training. http://www.amirainternational.com/WEB/sites/drillingRM/DrillingRM_Public.htm
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Special Publications
Copper Technology Roadmap In 2003, the global copper industry took an important step on its path towards the future. Led by AMIRA International, nine global copper companies formed a consortium to address some of the most important technical challenges facing the copper industry for the coming decade and beyond. http://www.amirainternational.com/WEB/documents/copperrm/public.htm
Alumina Technology Roadmap The Alumina Technology Roadmap represents a unique global partnership, a partnership that may well signal the future of the aluminium industry. This roadmap partnership has involved the collaborative efforts of industry groups from the major international companies operating on four continents, government representatives from both the United States and Australia, and representatives from the academic community and industry associations (The Aluminum Association and the Australian Aluminium Council). All were drawn together under the auspices of AMIRA International, the mineral industry research association, to consider and develop technology plans for the alumina industry through the year 2020. http://www.amirainternational.com/WEB/sites/Alumina/index.htm
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E2M – Projects Completed since 2000 Below is a list of completed AMIRA projects. AMIRA members are eligible to access the outputs of past projects. These are certain criteria which must be met so please contact AMIRA for more information if you would like access.
Project P437A
Description Tectono Stratigraphic Analysis of the Eastern Yilgarn Craton (Mark Barley, UWA and Ray Cas, Monash University)
P438
Cloncurry Base Metals and Gold (Peter Pollard and Pat Williams, JCU)
P439
Studies of VHMS-Related Alteration (Ross Large and Bruce Gemmell, CODES)
P444 P446 P460 P476 P478 P480 P481 P482 P491 P504 P505 P511 P515 P544 P549 P552 P554 P554A
A Novel Gravity Gradiometer for the Resource Industry (Peter Hannaford, CSIRO and Geoff Opat, Melbourne University) Field Trialling Next Generation Magnetics (Phil Schmidt, CSIRO) Capacitive Electrodes and IP Arrays (Jim Macnae, CRC AMET) Airborne EM Data for Regolith/Geological Mapping (Andy Green and Tim Munday, CRC AMET) Victorian Gold – Timing Relationships and Emplacement (Dennis Arne, University of Ballarat) User Friendly Isotope Technologies in Mineral Exploration (Graham Carr, CSIRO) Three Dimensional Multi-component Electromagnetic Interpretation (Norm Uren, CRC AMET) Archaean Granitoids of the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia (Kevin Cassidy, AGSO and Neil McNaughton, UWA) New Techniques for Interpretation of Aerial Gamma Ray Surveys (Bruce Dickson, CSIRO) Supergene Mobilisation of Gold and Other Elements in the Yilgarn Craton (David Gray, CRC LEME) Textural-based Enhancement and Classification of Aeromagnetic Data (Mike Dentith, UWA) Hydrothermal Systems, Giant Ore Deposits & A New Paradigm for Predictive Mineral Exploration (CSIRO, UWA, CODES) Igneous Metallogenic Systems of Eastern Australia (Phil Blevin and Bruce Chappell, ANU) Proterozoic Sediment-Hosted Copper Deposits (Peter McGoldrick & Stuart Bull, CODES and Murray Hitzman, CSM) Evaluation of Selective Geochemical Extractions in Wet Tropical Exploration (David Cohen and Alistair Dunlop, UNSW) Fluid Flow Modelling in the Mt Isa and McArthur Basins (Peter Southgate, GA; Ross Large, CODES; Kurt Kyser, Queens University; Sue Golding, UQ; Alison Ord, CSIRO) Data Metallogenica (Peter Laznicka & Kerry O’Sullivan, AMIRA) Data Metallogenica (Kerry O’Sullivan & Peter Laznicka, AMIRA)
P563
Metallogenic Fertility and Re-Os Geochronology of Ore Systems (Reid Keays, Monash University & Brent McInnes, CSIRO)
P588
Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposits (Bruce Gemmell, CODES and Stuart Simmons, Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland)
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E2M – Projects Completed since 2000 P602 P603 P615 P616
Radiometric/Magnetic Data from Rugged Vegetated Terrain & Low Magnetic Latitudes (Bruce Dickson and Dave Clark, CSIRO) Geological, Tectonic and Metallogenic Relations of South China (Khin Zaw, CODES) Target Selection with AEM Data (Andy Green, CSIRO) Direct Dating of Goethite (Sasha Nemchin & Peter Cawood, Curtin University)
P618
Isotopic Discrimination of Partial Leach Geochemical Anomalies in Covered Terrains (Graham Carr and Geoff Denton, CSIRO)
P624
Framework of the Eastern Yilgarn Craton (Geoscience Australia, UWA, Monash University)
P680 P685 P700 P710 P710A
Chronology of Deformation, Metamorphism and Gold Mineralisation in the Eastern Goldfields Province, Western Australia (David Groves & Noreen Vielreicher, UWA) Automated Mineralogical Logging of Core, Chips and Powders (Jon Huntington, CSIRO) Predictive Magnetic Exploration Models for Porphyry Cu-(Au, Mo) Deposits (David Clark, CSIRO) Structure, Stratigraphy of Agnew/Wiluna Belt, WA (Steve Beresford & Ray Cas, Monash University & Mark Barley, UWA) Nickel Exploration Vectors (Mark Barley & Marco Fiorentini, UWA)
P718
Stress Transfer Modelling for Area Selection in Mesothermal Gold Systems (Steve Cox, ANU) P718A - Stress Transfer Modelling for Mineralised Systems (Steve Cox & Steve Micklethwaite, ANU)
P740
A & B - Predictive Mineral Discovery Cooperative Research Centre (Stages 1, 2, 3)
P763
Tectonostratigraphic and Structural Architecture of the Eastern Yilgarn Craton (UWA, Monash & Geoscience Australia)
P765 P765A P778 P778A P821 P843 P843A P845 P872 P874 P890
Transitions and Zoning in Porphyry-Epithermal Districts (David Cooke, Bruce Gemmell, CODES) Geochemical and Geological Halos in Green Rocks and Lithocaps (David Cooke, Bruce Gemmell, CODES) Predictive Geochemistry in Areas of Transported Overburden (Ravi Anand, CRC LEME, Brian Townley, University of Chile) Predictive Geochemistry in Areas of Transported Overburden II (Ravi Anand, CSIRO) Regional Geochemical Survey of Northern Peru: Stage 1 Geometallurgical Mapping & Mine Modelling (Steve Walters, CODES & JKMRC) Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling (Ron Berry, CODES UTas) Geophysical Target Selection and Exploration Risk (Andy Green) Cu-Co Mineralisation in Congo, Zambia and Central Australia (David Selley, CODES and Murray Hitzman, CSM) Australian Geoscience Thesis Database (Allan White and Amarendra Changkakoti, University of Melbourne) A New EM Platform Design: Stage 1 (John Kingman – TerriGena)
P891
Advancing Diamond Exploration – Novel Techniques for the Interpretation of Indicator Minerals (Greg Yaxley, ANU)
P903A
Drilling Technology Roadmap (Joe Cucuzza, AMIRA International)
P923
Sediment-hosted Gold Systems: Terrane Selection, Deposit Vectoring and Characterisation (Ross Large & Rob Scott, CODES)
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E2M – Projects Completed since 2000 P934
West Africa Exploration Initiative: Stage 1 (Mark Jessell et. all. – IRD/LMTG, Uni. Ouagadougou & Uni. Witwatersrand)
P934A
West Africa Exploration Initiative: Stage 2 (Mark Jessell et. all. – IRD/LMTG, CET-UWA, Uni. Ouagadougou, Uni. Witwatersrand and other collaborators)
P962
Ni-PGE Potential of Mafic and Ultramafic Magmas (Leonid Danyushevsky, CODES, Alexey Ariskin, Edward Konnikov (Russian Academy of Science)
P1022
ATR Mineral Chemistry Applied to the Characterization and Exploration of Andean type Cu ± Au Ore deposits (Dr Osvaldo Rabbia Dalmasso,Universidad de Concepcion) Guidelines for Improved Downhole Gamma-ray Spectral Logging (Dr Bruce Dickson) Review of Existing & Emerging Cross-over Technologies that could be Adapted and Deployed in Coal and Metalliferous Drilling (AMC Consultants Pty Ltd) An Industry-led Bid for a Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (Joe Cucuzza, AMIRA International) Rapid Inversion of TEM Data (Peter Fullagar, CODES)
P1036A
Airborne IP Stage 2 (Prof. James Macnae, RMIT)
P1041
Application of New Technologies to Gold Deposits (Ross Large, CODES)
P1057
Systematic Innovation – Enhance your organisations capability to innovate (Darrell Mann, IFR Consultants & The Hargraves Institute)
P1058
Spectral induced polarization for 3D mineral discrimination (Dr. Michael Zhdanov, TechnoImaging)
P972 P981 P1014 P1004
P1060 P1110
Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems (David Cooke & Bruce Gemmell, CODES) Geometallurgy Roadmap (Dr. Olga Verezub, AMIRA International)
P1162
Roadmap for Exploration Under Cover: Stage 1 (Robbie Rowe & Adele Seymon, AMIRA International)
P1162A
Roadmap for Exploration Under Cover: Stage 2 (Robbie Rowe & Adele Seymon, AMIRA International)
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M2M – Projects Completed since 2014 Project P260F P266G P420E P507C P507D P575C P705B P705C P931A P1037 P1043 P1087
P1097
P1025 P1152 P1150
Description Influence of Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the Flotation of Fine and Coarse Minerals Improving Thickener Technology (Dr. Phillip Fawell, CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship & Professor Peter Scales, University of Melbourne) Gold Processing (Curtin University) Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors (Murdoch University) Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors A Qualitative Investigation of Strength and Breakage Behaviour of SGA Produced from Refinery Hydrates (Dr. Iztok Livk, CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship) Improvements in Electrowinning of Base Metals (Murdoch University; University of Utah; Laurentian University, Canada and UFMG, Brazil) Improving Base Metal Electrowinning Reduced Erosion in Multiphase Flow Optimisation of Stope Design and Stope Layout (Alford Mining Services, AMC Consultants) Rapid Automated Underground Mine Optimisation Framework (Alford Mining Services & AMC Consultants) Integrated Tailings Management (Andreas Monch, CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship; Keith Seddon, ATC Williams; Winthrop Professor Andy Fourie, University of Western Australia; Professor Murray Rudman, Monash University) A Systematic Evaluation of Transportable Moisture Limit Measurement Methods for Iron Ore Fines Bulk Cargoes (TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling; University of Auckland; CSIRO Process Science & Engineering and Tom Honeyands, Creative Process Innovation Pty Ltd.) Achieving Interoperability across the Minerals Value Chain – Surface Mining Equipment (Indago Partners & RAK Developments) Bayer Precipitation and Alumina Quality (CSIRO Mineral Resources Flagship) Moisture measurement and control for Iron ore conveyor systems (TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling, Scantech International and Creative Process Innovation Pty Ltd.)
Sustainability – Projects completed since 2010 Project P791A P933A P1038 P1171 P1171A
Description Pot room Dust: Character and Causes (University of Auckland) Alternative Treatment Options for Long Term ARD Controls (Boojum Research, Levay & Co Environmental Services and University of South Australia Bauxite Residue In-Situ Modification Project (Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions) Environmental Dust Removal (Quantum Matrix SpA) Environmental Dust Removal Step 2
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Contact us AUSTRALIA Joe Cucuzza Managing Director T: +61 3 8636 9958 E: joe.cucuzza@
Adele Seymon Program Director: Exploration to Mine and Sustainability T: +61 3 8636 9978 E: adele.seymon@
Olga Verezub Program Manager/ Innovation Lead T: +61 3 8636 9973 E: olga.verezub@
John Visser Program Manager T: +61 409 776 781 E: john.visser@
Lydia Haile Assistant Program Manager T: +61 3 8636 9987 E: lydia.haile@
Mary Ann Tirona Project Support Officer T: +61 3 8636 9974 E: mary-ann.tirona@
Imran Hussain Manager – ICT & Knowledge Systems T: +61 3 8636 9972 E: imran.hussain@
Yen Woo Accountant T: +61 3 8636 9934 E: yen.woo@
AFRICA
NORTH AMERICA
Jeremy Mann Consultant Program Manager T: +27 11 498 7649 E: jeremy.mann@
Terry Braden Program Manager / Regional Manager – North America T: +1 303 400 3982 E: terry.braden@
SOUTH AMERICA
Ann Woolley Project Support Officer T: +27 11 498 7649 E: ann.woolley@
Enrique Carretero Program Manager/ Regional Manager T: +56 2 2925 6308 E: enrique.carretero@
Jacqueline Russell Project Support Officer T: +56 2 2925 6306 E: jacqueline.russell@
All email addresses end with @amirainternational.com
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