Mtm 05 08 2014 website

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MINING ALK Issue 05/08

Magazine

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BHP Billiton iron ore expansion The company has lumped Nickel West with two other unwanted businesses, aluminium and manganese, and flagged earlier this year that one option would be to spin off all three into a separate company.

BEIJING - BHP Billiton expanded iron ore production

global oversupply and long-term depressed

Chinese imports of iron ore have surged 20.65

too rapidly, causing the Anglo-Australian miner to

prices.

percent in the first four months of the year to 305.3-million tonnes, and Australian producers

overlook the underlying cost of its overall business, its chief executive said on Thursday.

BHP, the world's third-biggest producer of the

have been the main beneficiary, with shipments

steelmaking raw material behind Vale and Rio

up 35.4%.

However, Andrew Mackenzie said that despite the

Tinto, is on track to raise its total annual

iron ore market facing temporary overcapacity, there

production to 260-270-million tonnes, up from a

was enough demand coming back from China and

planned 217-million tonnes in 2014.

Australia's share of China's total imports rose to 54 percent over the period, up from 50.9% for the whole of 2013.

elsewhere to justify the firm's capacity increase.

While the glut has caused iron ore prices to drop "We don't quite see the case for the scale of

nearly 30% this year to their lowest since

As China's economy shifts away from an

investment we saw in last 10 years ... But the base

September 2012, Mackenzie said BHP's low

investment-led expansion, Mackenzie said BHP

business we built is going to be a strong bedrock for

production costs would make it easier for the firm

was looking at new areas to benefit from the

decades to come," Mackenzie told reporters in

to weather any downturn.

changes, such as growing its potash and energy business.

Beijing.

"We are very strongly competitive at prices much Global miners, including BHP, Anglo-Australian rival

lower than today's prices," he said.

BHP is still looking to simplify its portfolio by selling some assets and has no plans for

Rio Tinto and Brazil's Vale, have all banked on a sustained increase in iron ore demand from China,

On China, the world's top iron ore consumer,

acquisitions, Mackenzie said, adding it was still

ramping up capacity and boosting available seaborne

Mackenzie said a crackdown on pollution has

looking to sell its Nickel West asset in Australia,

supplies.

forced local steel mills to turn to higher quality

which analysts at Deutsche Bank have valued at

material from Australia at the expense of poorer-

$459-million.

But a slowdown in China's economic growth to its

grade supplies from domestic mines and

weakest in 23 years, which has coincided with a surge

elsewhere.

in new iron ore supplies, has sparked warnings of a

PUBLISHER: MINING TALK MAGAZINE No.9, 1st Road, Kew, 2090 P.O. Box 1192, Randburg, 2125 Tel: +27 11 026 1500, Fax: +27 86 664 5551 Email: info@miningtalkmagazine.co.za Website: www.miningtalkmagazine.co.za The Publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of the contributions contained in the Magazine and advertisements. Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

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Becker leading technology collision avoidance mine safety Becker Mining South Africa – CAS - vehicle to vehicle alert Becker Mining South Africa – CAS - vehicle to person alert The detection of vehicles (vehicle to vehicle alert) and personnel (vehicle to person alert) is highlighted to the driver by changing the ambient lighting colour of the cabin with multicolour LED strips.

Becker Mining South Africa has been at the forefront of collision avoidance systems (CAS) – in the mining sector - for over 15 years.

“Our systems, which are designed for surface and underground environments, have evolved progressively, based on advancements in technologies and expanding expectations from customers, of the functionality of these systems,” says Johann Smit, chief sales officer, Becker Mining South Africa. “Throughout the development of the CAS product portfolio, the company has maintained compatibility of the latest technologies, with even the very earliest releases of CAS solutions.

“This approach has ensured that users’ investment in these mine safety technologies would always be protected to the greatest extent possible, against the effects of obsolescence, as a result of technological improvement. Inevitably, this has resulted in a series of readily available multi-technology components, used in combination with CAS systems, to suit exact requirements.

“The flexibility of Becker’s modular CAS system has proved to be a success story and the contemporary CAS solutions now offer cost effective solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of our customers’ vehicular and personnel interoperational environments. These systems are delivered and maintained well within allocated safety system budgets.”

In many cases, low profile machines operate in physically constrained surroundings, with limited visibility for vehicle operators. This common scenario, coupled with the increasing volume of production traffic and inevitable proximity of personnel around these machines, creates circumstances conducive to injury, as well as life threatening and fatal accidents.

The company’s internationally patented tritechnology solution, with ‘critical’, ‘warning’, ‘caution’ and ‘safe’ zones, has been designed to leverage the maximum reliability, repeatability, redundancy and scalability to customers.

Becker’s third and fourth CAS solutions remain in full scale production and are fully supported through extensive pre and after sales programmes.

In addition to core vehicular equipment, these solutions are complemented by personnel tags, vehicle tags, infrastructure and self-test equipment, as well connectivity solutions to Becker’s extensive underground communication product portfolio.

The ability of the company’s latest generation equipment to black box record and then report possible incidents to a centralised management information system - through the Becker Mining Systems communication networks - plays an important role in pre-emptive operational planning.

This ultimately contributes to the avoidance of proximity related accidents and collisions, as well as pinch and crush incidents. Tags installed on vehicles and personnel facilitate additional value added functionality, such as tagging and tracking, as well as remote evacuation signalling.

The increased visibility safety officers now have of daily activities in potential near-miss hot spots, as well as the ability to issue mine wide evacuation instructions to personnel with the push of a button on surface control systems, ensures a safer working environment.

Becker’s ability to combine the most appropriate technologies in high density packaging (such as the innovative TCT3 Tri-Tech cap lamp tag) has made the realisation of these mixed mode detection technologies affordable to customers.

The most common underground systems now integrate true triple axis (X,Y,Z) electromagnetic

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field detection with first generation UHF radio signal strength detection and Becker’s highly accurate time of flight radar technologies.

The company has recognised, through extensive experience in real world operational conditions, that no single technology adequately addresses the demanding functional requirements of a truly reliable collision awareness and avoidance solution. However, not all scenarios demand the use of multiple technologies.

Miners can be cautioned when they are in close proximity to one or more vehicles. This may be implemented by dipping the cap lamp light intensity, alarming an acoustic buzzer, or flashing an independent light, as a function of the number of vehicles in close proximity. This bi-directional alert system empowers miners to act in a safe manner underground, by sharing the responsibility of avoiding close encounters between vehicle operators and miners.

Becker’s CAS solutions may be implemented using only the traditional UHF ‘received signal strength’ proximity detector technology, or may include the earth penetrating electromagnetic and highly accurate radar technologies, as appropriate.

The ability of these systems to interface with the machines and vehicles they are installed into, ensures enhanced safety and substantial value added functionality in the mining sector.

CAS 400 series Becker Mining South Africa’s latest patented tritechnology Collision Avoidance System (the CAS-400 series) with four proximity warning zones, has been designed to overcome the limitations of existing systems and can even bring the mine vehicle to a complete ‘STOP’, should this be necessary.

Becker VHF smartcom leaky feeder system Becker Mining South Africa has introduced its latest Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system - which ensures dependable underground communications - to the local market. This system has advanced features for reliability, flexibility and low maintenance requirements.

“The Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system offers the mines multiple simultaneous voice and data radio channels, with low intermodulation noise levels, to ensure clear and reliable communications underground, at all times,” says Johann Smit, Becker Mining South Africa. “This leaky feeder system, with a modular design, features the option of local and remote diagnostic amplifiers with manual and automatic gain control, to ensure every installation and subsequent maintenance procedures are safe and effortless.

“Mines are usually remote to major cities and established infrastructure, which makes access to communication specialists and services difficult for the mining sector. The Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system, which has been installed in mines throughout the world, is known for dependable performance, requiring little maintenance.”

The Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system is designed with local diagnostics via three on board LED indicators as standard. This unit facilitates fault finding and system troubleshooting, by quickly being able to identify the faulty component and communicate relevant information on the display unit, thus reducing downtime and repair costs. This amplifier is suitable for installations that don’t require the added expense of Ethernet and where remote diagnostics are not necessary.

Becker’s latest Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system, with local and remote diagnostics, also has Ethernet capabilities. This unit has the functionality to send information to an amplifier installed on the surface, enabling a control room operator to retrieve relevant information.

This is particularly useful in the event of a system fault, as the operator can easily identify precisely where the problem is. The system also provides relevant information on what equipment is needed to repair the fault.

Robust Smartcom VHF leaky feeder systems can be upgraded at any time, within budget restraints, to suit the changing needs of every mine. With the simple installation of an upgrade kit, advancement of the system is completed on site.

This upgrade kit allows remote monitoring of the line amplifier and access to data that includes DC line voltage, downstream RF power, the automatic gain control / manual gain control modes and attenuator settings. These metrics are represented on the remote diagnostics server user interface installed on the surface. If Ethernet communications are required, the remote diagnostic amplifier and head end module should be used.

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The flexibility of this system supports both analogue and digital radio repeaters, which means users have a choice of radio infrastructure.

Smartcom also supports telemetry and can be used for effectively controlling underground equipment like ventilation fans, pumps and stench gas fires.

Important information is communicated efficiently back to mine control systems for optimum productivity and enhance safety.

Narrow band radio modems can also be used to provide a 9 600 bps (bits per second) fixed/mobile data connection over the entire coverage area of the leaky feeder network and is especially useful with the Becker tagging and tracking system, to tag and track resource movement within the mine.

The industry leading 30 MHz bandwidth allows multiple voice and data channels to operate simultaneously, with reduced noise levels.

Smartcom technology is compatible with RF manual and automatic gain modes. This enables amplifiers to be installed 500 m apart along the network, reducing required components and system maintenance costs. The automatic gain mode allows amplifiers to intelligently alter gain levels independently, as the system is extended or changed.

Becker also manufactures a complete range of power supplies, designed especially for the harsh conditions of underground mines.

Smartcom does not require a return pilot signal to operate – in automatic mode, the amplifier makes use of a forward pilot system that is more advanced than systems that utilise a return pilot. In automatic mode, the product monitors the RF strength of the forward pilot signal from the base station at each amplifier and automatically adjusts to ensure the

communications network is running at its optimum, even as the system is being reconfigured.

Smartcom systems are compatible with other leaky feeder systems and can be installed in existing networks. In these situations, the remote diagnostic amplifier is recommended.

These Becker Smartcom amplifiers are bidirectional and amplify signals in both the ‘up’ and ‘down’ link directions, with helical filters to separate the upstream and downstream link frequencies. An important advantage is the high power amplifier option for coverage in remote work areas where it is impossible to ‘pull in’ infrastructure.

Applications for Becker leaky feeder systems include mine wide voice communication networks, medium speed mobile data, local and portable video monitoring, as well as distributed control and monitoring networks. This system is also designed for wide area antenna coverage.

Becker Mining South Africa offers a technical advisory and support service to mines throughout Southern Africa.

Public Art blooms in Perth Developing comprehensive artwork strategies to address the essence of each project, Artsource considers the history, geography, ecology, community, client values and future use of the public art site, essentially taking the form of recommendation for placement of permanent and temporary works and opportunities for community engagement.

Perth has changed over the last decade. No longer a city scared of it’s identity, it is now a proud city and keen to show itself off to the world. Part of its new found pomp and confidence are the public art pieces that have blossomed in the CBD. Some are as perennial and fragile as a flower and others are here to stay for the long haul. Perth’s public art has the ability to divide opinions and bring communities together. It’s an essential part of the WA capital’s new personality.

So, what’s been happening?

Since the “Percent for Art” scheme was introduced by the State Government in 1989, significant advancements have been made for public art in Perth – which has had a positive effect on our social and cultural development.

The scheme has been instrumental in changing the culture of the public building sector, improving public awareness of art and of what artists offer society and increasing the professionalism of some aspects of arts practice, contributing to new streams in the higher education sector and leading some local governments and private developers to engage artists within the design and building process.

This process is facilitated by peak body for Visual Artists in Western Australia, Artsource, formerly known as the Artists Foundation of Western Australia. This unique not-for-profit organisation with a portfolio of over 1,000 artists and extensive links to industry specialists provides a single point of access to visual culture for developers, builders, architects, interior designers and local government.

“The State Government’s Percent for Art Scheme has helped cement some significant industry standards and the understanding that art can be successfully incorporated into the fabric of the city, part of the everyday, a necessary ingredient of the overall visual vibrancy of a place, investing and developing it’s identity,” said former City of Perth arts and cultural development coordinator, Paola Anselmi.

burgeoning public art scene.

“The public has been critical, supportive, baffled and embattled, and that is exactly what public art in a city should do – engender a response, instil in the public the right to express themselves, and the right to experience the breadth of artistic possibilities,” she said.

Public art is special as it expresses life in a city that is contemporary and exciting. Ms Anselmi said the city had: “embraced the vision that not all public art must be permanent, nor monumental or memorial, that it can be abstract and reflect the changeability, the youthfulness and uniqueness of our surroundings. It’s less traditional in materials, methodology and

Ms Anselmi played an integral role in delivering projects and programs associated with art and memorabilia, social history and public art, cultural grants and sponsorship. She is excited about the city’s cultural development and is especially enthusiastic about the public’s response to its

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Art in public open space is about telling a story and a part of this process involves acknowledging and exploring heritage. As such, the creations become part of cultural heritage. themes. Perth is shying away from the predictable, the traditional and the repetitive. It’s looking at itself and asking “who am I?’’ One of the answers to that question was found upon the completion of the State Government program called Situate. The answer?

The Perth Cactus. I disliked the Cactus (real name: Grow Your Own by artist James Angus) when it first appeared but I must admit that it has grown on me.

Now I can’t imagine getting off the train and heading towards Forrest Chase with it’s lime green presence looming over locals and bemused tourists alike. It’s certainly a talking point, and the story of it’s conception has an international flavour – just like Perth itself.

Ms Anselmi explained Situate was an international competition that signalled an “important step to open the city to international review and attention”.“The response to the resulting work is mixed,” she said.

“Some love Grow Your Own, [and] some really dislike it. It doesn’t get ignored. When the sculpture was first installed, I received a number of emails and calls that berated the City for such a blight on the skyline”. But, like many things in life, public art is about understanding and acceptance, rather than love and hate.

“Following most phone conversations about the work, almost all the members of the public I spoke to in relation to their comments realised the importance of

diverse visual expressions,” Ms Anselmi said.

“My job is not to make the public cross the line from dislike to like, but to give the public enough information about the artwork to make an informed decision about which side of the line they wish to sit on. Sometimes we need to let history and time be the judge”. “[Public art is part of Perth’s cultural heritage] if we assume that cultural heritage is made up of tangible objects, intangible traditions and sociological idiosyncrasies or folklore and beliefs of a place,” Ms Anselmi said. “Art can both tell a story that’s past and present and show the possible stories that are to come. All of those elements are important chapters in the evolution of the life of a place and it’s people.”

Young people are a huge part of Perth’s current culture and many talented local artists are emerging, who can become involved in public art through programs like Foodchain – coordinated

by City of Perth youth projects officer Katie Lananton. Ms Anselmi explained Foodchain develops and presents free youth music and art projects and events within the City, including a pop-up recording studio, mural-based projects and the Light Locker project in Grand Lane.

Projects are generally promoted through specific

sites, such as Artsource, Artshub, Foodchain and associated organisations, which support the development of contemporary professional art practice in reaching a broad audience of interested artists.

Looking towards the future, Ms Anselmi thinks the CBD is on the right track. “I think addressing the idea that public art is more than a stationary and inflexible group of site-specific objects is already happening, but maybe the City can build on this to include sound based works and more light and projection,” she said. “Collaborative projects between private owners and the City is also proving successful, and we need to build on that growing interest in cooperative relationships so we can achieve large scale projects and maybe refrain from small dotted statements which together often still don’t make a conversation.

“I believe that looking at the ‘neighbourhoods’ and key community areas is also important where residents have the opportunity to develop an ongoing interest in public art projects and the inclination to ‘adopt’ artworks in their patch and interact with them meaningfully. Perth is increasingly becoming a stronger residential area, not just a business district, and we need to consider that aspect of change.”

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SA Mining industry in the spotlight at Electra Mining Africa “Influential decision makers from the mining, industrial, electrical and machines tools sectors are regular visitors to Electra Mining Africa. They travel from within South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and from a large footprint across the globe,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, organisers of the show. “Regular faces are seen returning to the exhibition year after year and it's a time of industry reunions with vast networking opportunities as well as hub for purchasing decision-making.”

The South African Mining industry employs over half a million people, is the biggest earner of foreign exchange in the country, and contributes about R20-billion directly to tax revenue. Mining also makes a far larger contribution - as a buyer of goods and services and as a supplier of inputs to other sectors of our economy and other economies around the globe. These figures highlight again the importance of the local mining industry to South Africa.

The South African mining industry will take the spotlight at this year's Electra Mining Africa, from 15-19 September at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg. As Africa's premier mining, industrial, electrical and machines tools show, Electra Mining Africa is on the international calendar and has a proven record for being a strong catalyst for new investment opportunities with billions of Rands worth of equipment being showcased. The show attracts stakeholders from all over the world.

With increased exhibition floor space to accommodate the growing demand from exhibitors, this year's show will have a worldclass line up offering visitors the perfect opportunity to compare and plan future capital equipment purchases as well as to view all the latest technology. Exhibitors can meet with people in the buying chain to discuss products and solutions.

Highly sought-after co-located conferences draw further interest from key industry representatives, who ensure that the conference dates are marked on the calendar well in advance.

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Events taking place at Electra Mining Africa 2014 include a Surface Mining and Naturally Metallurgy Conference hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) in the Black Eagle on 16-17 September. The International Infrastructure & Investment Convention (IIIC) in association with Deutche Messe and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be hosting an Infrastructure Conference in the Bateleur venue from 15-17 September. Clarion and Spintelligent will be hosting a Power Generation Conference in the Black Eagle on 18-19 September. All venues are at the Expo Centre and co-located with Electra Mining Africa.

In addition, the South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers (SAIMechE) will be hosting an exhibitor product showcase at the MAN Building, from 15-19 September. A Women in Mining workshop will also be taking place.

“We have also added other fun, interactive activities to ensure a memorable experience for visitors,” says Corin. “The 4X4 track will test the best in driving skills, the gold panning and amazing race will give out exciting prizes, the golf carts will ensure ease of movement around the large exhibition area, a trip on the monorail will give a different view of the show, and we've ensured rest and relaxation with live bands for background entertainment and sizzling boerewors on the spitbraais,” he says.

As mining grows in Africa with the continent already producing 74% of the world's platinum, 62% of cobalt, 54% of diamonds and 11% of oil, Electra Mining Africa is well-placed placed to stimulate trade in Africa in the mining, capital goods, and electro-technical sectors by facilitating access to

international and local markets and investment opportunities.

Many of our visitors to Electra Mining Africa are based in Africa and travel to the show to meet with exhibitors with the aim of sourcing new suppliers and seeing the latest products and services on offer,” says Corin. “It's also an ideal place to network with peers and industry professionals and interact with specialists and technicians.”

Electra Mining is also expanding its footprint into Africa with upcoming shows in Zambia and Botswana. The Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC) is taking place on 28 and 29 April in Zambia and Electra Mining Botswana is back at the Gaborone Fairgrounds in September 2015 after its successful inaugural event in September last year.

“Our broad portfolio of exhibitions continues to expand and future growth is expected from the further development of local trade exhibitions as well as building our international partnerships and expanding our African footprint,” says Corin.

Electra Mining Africa is organised by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, a member of the prestigious Montgomery Group and a member of the Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA). Electra Mining has accreditation from UFI, which is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. This means that the event is audited according to strict standards.

Building our country one stone at a time The Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA) is a voluntary producers association that helps to improve the quality of aggregates produced by its member companies for construction projects around the country.

The role that Aspasa plays is critical considering that almost every structure made by man relies on aggregates for strength and stability. In fact, construction aggregates are the primary ingredients of all concrete structures and foundations (80% of concrete is aggregate), as well as being the single most important ingredient used to build our roads (94% of a road is aggregate).

“Aggregates and sands used in construction projects are naturally occurring minerals that are mined by a specialised sector of the mining industry in South Africa mainly from quarries.

Government strictly regulates sand and aggregate quarries due to the importance of obtaining a reliable supply of quality materials.

It also aims to ensure that the minerals and materials are removed in a manner that is sustainable and protects the rights of workers, as well as the environment and surrounding communities.

Responsible association “As a private sector association representing producers in the industry, we uphold these aims. In addition we strive to create an economically viable industry with good interaction between all parties involved, from the industry, as well as the relevant government departments and other stake holders.

“Our focus remains largely on creating an environment that is fair and equitable, gives our members space to manoeuvre and to make a good living. On the other hand we expect members to comply with all relevant legislation, as well uphold the strictest standards in quality, health, safety and environmental issues.

Annual audits are in place to assist members to achieve set requirements and also to ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation

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“We also encourage skills development and nurturing of expertise though our close working relationship with the country's training authorities, as well as hosting regular workshops and seminars,” Nico says.

Working together He explains that quarries represented by Aspasa work closely with the Government and the Chamber of Mines and are able to give input on a wide spectrum of legislation that affects the industry, including input on critical issues surrounding the environment, as well as health and safety matters.

sensible manner.

For this reason we subscribes to the aims of the broad-based black-economic empowerment charter for the mining industry. In particular, the pillars of transformation related to: · · · · · ·

These important issues are represented through expert committees with senior and knowledgeable specialists serving to give informed input on all matters. Through these committees programs are may also be developed to assist the industry to meet development objectives and improve the overall standards on member mines.

A specialist technical committee also represents the industry on matters that can influence the industry. It works with other industry bodies to ensure that specifications for construction work are up to standard and cost effective. Other work carried out by the association includes assistance with human resources, remuneration surveys, workshops on Aids and labour law, employee product assistance (medical aids, pension etc). The association also actively promotes the industry as well as the importance of using Aspasa accredited companies.

Adopting change “In addition to this Aspasa supports the adoption of a proactive strategy to foster change and to encourage black economic empowerment and transformation in a sustainable and economically

Human resources development Employment equity Encouraging greater community participation and development Promoting greater procurement from HDSA companies Encouraging greater HDSA ownership and Participation and facilitating beneficiation

“These are not only supported, but we believe will contribute to sustainable development in South Africa,” Nico concludes.

Aspasa, Nico Pienaar, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: nico@aspasa.co.za, Web: www.aspasa.co.za

The role of quarries In instances where natural sand and gravel is unavailable, commercial aggregates are created by crushing large stones or by drilling and blasting rock formations and processing them into various sizes of rock and manufactured sand. This process is called "quarrying". Additional processes are required to produce different grades and types of aggregates and sand through drilling and blasting.

These crushed stone products can be used for different purposes ranging from creating different grades of concrete, road surfaces or even for drainage purposes and to stabilise land. In the region of 130 quarries are represented by Aspasa.

Quarry owner is Sanlam Business Woman of the Year Charmaine sums up her relationship with her employees as being like family. “They are just like family and I want them to be happy. As a result we try to go out of our way to make sure the are and believe that this is one of the biggest factors in the success of our operation.

Amidst the dust and heat of a large-scale quarry in the

highly respected quarry manager, Rickus Julyan,

service. It is her wish that more women get

Eastern Cape, former school teacher, Charmaine

we have a workforce of dedicated employees

involved in this type of operation, because she

Botha has excelled in the tough world of aggregate

who keep all the different operations at full

has proved that anything is possible through hard

mining to such an extent that she was recently

production at all times.”

work and determination.

recognised as the overall winner of the Sanlam Knysna Business Woman of the year for 2013.

She concludes that with the company's investment in a complete new fleet of trucks, as

The awards recognise business people who are

well as the establishment of a highly successful

determined to spur change in the community and

readymix plant, the business has reached the

advance the quest for innovation, quality and

point where it is able to service the construction

productivity within the region. Charmaine was

industry with the best products and the best

recognised for her efforts in growing the business from a small specialised quarry to one of the most important quarries in the area for civil and building materials.

The quarry is one of two women-owned quarries in the business and includes a separate sand quarry in Harkerville, a transport company to service clients and plant hire to local contractors.

In the mid nineties Charmaine and Peter arrived in the town of Knysna separately and began looking for employment as a teacher and panel beater respectively. Peter eventually started his own plant hire operation and soon employed the still out of work Charmaine as his bookkeeper. Later the company became responsible for mining operations at the Phantom Quarry and their success eventually led them to explore and later purchase outright the much larger Robberg operation.

Bold move “There were many challenges not least of which was adapting our methods to embrace the large blast-type operation with much bigger volumes. In addition the purchase of the quarry was fraught with challenges.

“Since then we have grown to become one of the most respected quarries in the industry, have joined the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association (Aspasa) and we maintain a good relationship with the Department of Mineral Resources. We produce quality materials that are suitable for building and civils and the quality of materials produced are superb. Staff morale is also high and thanks to our 13

Mining suppliers beware Mining equipment providers can be held liable for damages in the event of an accident occurring on a mine where insufficient information was supplied by the company on the safe use of machinery, or if instructions were incorrect or equipment supplied is found to be unsafe.

It remains the onus of equipment supplier to ensure documentation and instructions on the safe use of the equipment are presented to the mine at hand-over and that all paperwork is correct. Similarly, suppliers of custom-made or complex machinery, where no instruction are available, need to ensure the necessary on-site training is supplied and that operators are sufficiently trained to ensure the equipment can be safely used.

This is a potential pitfall for scores of smaller suppliers who supply customised and one-off type machines to the mines without due consideration being paid to the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA). Speaking at a recent Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa) workshop,

legal expert Cecil Naude, said that all companies within the mining supply chain need to pay attention to their obligations according to the act.

Safety first “Section 21 Act 29 of 1996 states that any person whosupplies any article for use at a mine must ensure, that it is safe and without risk to the healthand safety of workers when used properly. In the case of equipment being resold by a third party supplier (reseller) the manufacturer importer, designer etc is absolved or responsibility if they have informed the reseller and taken specific steps to ensure, (as far as possible) that the item is safe and without risk to health and safety when used properly and that it complies with all prescribed requirements.”

The design and building of structures on mines also needs to be done in a manner that ensures that it is safe. Similarly, any person who manufactures imports or supplies hazardoussubstance for use at a mine must also ensure that the substance is without risk to health and safety when used, handled, processed, stored or transported at a mine in accordance with the information provided.

Information for hazardous substances needs to reflect: · Uses · Risks · Restriction or control on the use, transport and storageof the substance (including exposure limits) · Precautions · Procedure in the case of an accident · Disposal of used containers · Show compliance with provisions of the HazardousSubstanceAct,1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973) Naude concluded that mining companies and suppliers alike need to be aware of stipulations in the MHSA and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance. Alternatively they run the risk of prosecution or civil litigation in the event of loss of property, earnings of life as a result on noncompliance of negligence. Aspasa is working with authorities and role-players to ensure compliance with legal and statutory requirements of its members and affiliated companies.

Cecil Naude speaks at a recent mine health and safety workshop 14

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Health and safety principals in law Mining in southern Africa is a well established and well regulated practice with strict laws that regulate almost every aspect of our mining operations Of all the regulations the Mine Health and Safety Act is one of the most comprehensive and arguable the most important piece of legislation that governs the quarry industry.

However, companies sometimes battle to see the relevance of some clauses of the Act, while others are not able to view stipulations in a business context.

Industry bodies, such as the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa), have therefore taken it upon themselves to de-mystify the Act and to assist members to comply with all the requirements of the Act. In addition Aspasa incorporated all the requirements of the Act into its annual ISHE audits for its members and aligned training efforts with legislation as well.

Aspasa director, Nico Pienaar, says the move was required to assist members to understand the Act and to implement measures in their businesses to meet requirements. In many ways companies fair better when they understand the principals behind the act and are then able to view the bigger picture of the law and how it all fits in to running a business with consideration for H & S. Legally speaking At a recent workshop held byAspasa, their legal expert Cecil Naude, a state prosecutor and lawyer, shed light on the act with the aim of

informing the health and safety practitioners about the basic underlying principals of Act and importance of each component thereof. “Firstly it is important to understand that several rules apply including Common Law and Statutory Law principals. Common Law rules are not contained in an Act of Parliament, but are rather rules established over time. It is also known as unwritten law.Statutory Law, on the other hand refers to those rules of law that consist of Acts of Parliament, as well as regulations passed by ministers, and other legislation such as municipal ordinances and even standards published by the SABS. “All are sets of rules that we need to study and understand with specific insight into our own operations. Thereafter we need to understand the implications of contravening these laws either as a result of deliberate intentions or through negligence. We also need to understand liability and who is liable for transgressions for example.”

Reasonable person The Lawyer highlighted parts of the act that explained that a person's conduct is negligent if: ·

A reasonable person in the same circumstances would have foreseen the possibility that the particular circumstance might exist, or that his conduct might bring about the particular result

· ·

A reasonable person would have taken steps to guard against such possibility The conduct of the person whose negligence has been determined differed from the conduct expected of the reasonable person.

In other words the person concerned did not conduct themselves as a responsible person would have conducted themselves in the same circumstances. Or that the person concerned, acted unreasonably. Sometimes negligent conduct is briefly referred to as saying “heshould nothave done that or “he ought to have known or foreseen or done that”. These everyday expressions are merely other ways of stating that a reasonable person would not have acted in the same way as the negligent person did.

A test of the reasonable person will be the application of “reasonable practicable” insight into an event, such as knowledge that would be reasonably available concerning certain hazards(or risks) and ways of removing or mitigating them. It would also view means available to remove the hazard or risk and would examine the cost of removing the risk in relation to outcome.

Thereafter intention is examined to test whether a person acts or causes a result intentionally.

Measuring intention The test for intention will try to determine whether the person had contravened or caused the contravention of the Act. This means that the court must ask itself what the person thought or willed at the critical moment. In determining whether the person had intention, the question is never what the person should have “known or thought”, or “what they ought to have known or though, etc.

“The Act is based on the principle of self-regulation which involves the agreement between workers and employers on the management of mine health and safety in the work place. It's purpose is to ensure a working environment that is without health and safety risks for workers, as well as contractors, visitors etc who might be affected by worker's activities.

“However, in our law, a person may in certain exceptional circumstance be liable for a crime committed by another person. This form of liability is known as vicarious liability. Vicarious liability is where an employer is, in terms of a statute, held liable for crimes committed by an employee for acts performed by the employee in the course of their employment.”

The Lawyer concluded that these are some of the basic principals that companies grapple with on a daily basis and that clarity in the form of layman's terms often helps to demystify terms of the Act. Companies within the quarrying industry may contact Aspasa to arrange similar legal workshops on a one-on-one basis or regionally where sufficient interest exists.

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Vehicles & Edge Protection Transport accounts for a high percentage of accidents in quarries. It has been a priority for ASPASA for many years but until the industry addresses safe vehicle, safe workplace, competent driver and supervision it will not improve. None of the things set out below are complicated and there are some basic things that can be done straight away which will have a significant improvement in the figures. Look closely at you workplace, could this happen to you.

Road vehicles – Your haul roads start at the entrance to the quarry. Can a visitor find their way into the quarry and to a point such as car park or weigh bridge if they are in a lorry Is there sufficient signage. Cars should not be allowed past the car park. Is reversing minimised. Many loading points are too low for the vehicles that are loaded there. This is not acceptable and arrangement must be made to ensure that vehicles can be loaded without reversing.

Have you considered whether the road vehicles and site vehicles need to mix. Can the road vehicles be held in a holding bay until they are needed at the loading point. Can they be separated from the site vehicles. What special precautions will be taken where they have to cross.

Are the road surfaces suitable for road going vehicles. Tipping points for road vehicles should be level. These vehicles particularly articulated vehicles are prone to overturn if there is a cross grade, if the tractor unit is not straight with the cab (on articulated vehicles) or where sticky loads are being transported.

Although site vehicles are big and tough, they frequently overturn or are in a collision with one another because they are being used in the wrong conditions. It is essential that basic rules are observed. You should check your site rules to ensure that they can be used safely. Always wear your safety belt; it would save 25% of all fatal accidents at quarries.

Road widths – Roads need to be wide enough to allow vehicles to pass with ease, or if they are narrow one way working or traffic controls will be needed such as traffic lights. For single track roads they should be a minimum of two times the width of the largest vehicle. For two way roads they should be three and one half times the width of the largest vehicle using the road.

The dimensions above are the minimum acceptable widths.

Road gradients are often misunderstood. For rigid vehicles they should not exceed 1:10. This is not the same as 10 degrees. The following diagrams illustrate this. Brake testing results are measured in % g and can be readily adapted to the use of % gradient above. For example a vehicle with 20% g brake efficiency would not stop on a slope of 1:5. Thus having designed your roads you have to choose a 20

vehicle that is suitable to work within your design parameters or change your design. 10 degree slop is equivalent to 17% which is a lot steeper than a 10% slope and would be too steep for older dump trucks to stop on!

The failure to provide adequate edge protection is the cause of many of the vehicle incidents in quarries. The recommended height is 1.5m or half the height of the largest wheel using the road or tip, whichever is the greater. As a rule of thumb if you can see over it is probably not high enough. The recommendation is the minimum that is required and acts as an edge marker to warn the driver of the vehicle. To stop the vehicle going over the edge higher berms are required. These should be installed in areas where it is likely that a vehicle may go through the edge protection.

Edge protection should be built on a good foundation. Sand pushed off the edge of the road will be too soft to work and give a false sense of security.

Many of the tipping accidents occur when the rear wheel of the vehicle on the opposite side to the driver goes over the edge and the vehicle falls off the tip. To prevent this happening the following should always be followed:(1) Never reverse towards the tip edge unless adequate edge protection is provided. A minimum height of edge protection of 1.5m or half the wheel diameter whichever is the larger must be provided.

(2) Some vehicles have their cabs on the left and some on the right; others are in the middle of the machine. Therefore always reverse at right angles to the edge protection (3) Never reverse with the wheel diagonally opposite to the driver approaching the edge protection first. Too many drivers have been killed doing this.

(4) The edge protection must be provided on the stable part of the tip – edges will fall away as the ground stabilises (5) Visibility must be sufficient for the tipping operation, with all round vision provided to the driver and adequate lighting if uses at night. In poor visibility such as fog then tipping must be suspended.

Whether you are driving a road or site vehicle you

must only tip on stable ground without a cross gradient. You should not tip down hill as if the load gets stuck it will tip the truck over. The best is to tip uphill on a slight gradient.

Edge protection can be purpose built crash barriers or made from suitable materials such as scalpings.

Boulders on their own are not suitable as edge protection but they can be used to delineate haul roads around flat areas of the quarry.

Edge protection should be a minimum of 1.5m (5 feet) or the radius of the wheel i.e. half the diameter of the wheel or the axle height whichever is the larger.

The front profile of the edge protection should be made so that vehicles will not drive up and over.

Remember that edge protection can deteriorate due to weathering, so it must be properly maintained and inspected under the inspection and maintenance scheme.

The purpose of edge protection is to warn the driver that the edge is there. It works by catching the vehicle or by overturning it back onto the road. To do this it has to be well constructed and sufficiently large to absorb the momentum of the machine. Part of the tip and excavation rules will have to determine the size of the edge protection you intend to use and where. Guidelines state that it should be 1.5m or the radius of the wheel whichever is the larger for most use. On ramps etc. you may need to put higher bunds in place.

Changing the game at Rous Head The design includes the future extension of the Rous Head Freight Rail Terminal to facilitate increased freight on rail, and a landscaped public open space.

The northern edge of Fremantle is receiving a facelift.

The increasing demand in this area for port-related and other industrial activities, combined with the significant opportunity for improved trade efficiency and future port growth, have resulted in the approximately $14 million venture undertaken by Modus Design in conjunction with Lanskey Constructions WA. As a city of key importance to Western Australia’s business and economic environments, as well as one significant for its social temptations and tourism lures, the architectural renovation Rous Head is currently undergoing, represents an exciting step forward for Fremantle.

terns. It was decided that a part of the designated public open space area would be set aside for fairy tern nesting. The area will have a fence and signage will be placed to educate people about the fairy tern’s nesting area.”

A c c o r d i n g t o To m D a n c e r, P r o j e c t Superintendent and Director for Modus Design Pty Ltd, the approximately $14M project is an improvement on the original building, especially taking into account its new location, expansions and environmentally friendly innovations.

As an indication of the team’s determination to fulfil the needs of the client as well as the wider Fremantle community, the design phase took longer than it is estimated the building will take to complete.

Technically speaking, the project is an industrial build on a 5.7 hectare lot provided by the Fremantle Port Authority on land reclaimed from the sea. Ultimately, the work in progress will provide Fremantle with three significant logistics warehouses and industrial washdown facilities; all of which are constructed to comply with the Australian Quarantine Inspection Services (AQIS) environmental protection standards.

“We wanted to create a ‘fit for purpose’ facility, taking into account the challenges of the close proximity of the ocean, the soil conditions of the reclaimed land, and the need for the building to accommodate heavy vehicles and machinery.”

Additionally, the innovative design includes a two storey office administration building accommodating the client’s company as well as AQIS representatives, gate houses and refuelling points for the heavy vehicles that negotiate the site.

The design also addresses modern concerns about sustainability and responsibility to the environment, harvesting storm water to feed clients’ wash down facilities, which is a major component of the business.

Improved efficiency and safety are also key components and incentives behind this redevelopment. Specific features include a new lightvehicle road along the seawall to improve public safety and access to North Mole, a shared (bike / pedestrian) path along the seawall to Port Beach Road, a new truck marshalling area with associated truck fuelling facility and amenities to assist traffic flow within the area, and new internal roads to provide efficient and safe access for trucks to industrial lots.

The civil design includes providing for worst-case extreme storm surge events that may be encountered, to ensure the clients’ vital logistics processing can operate at all times and in all weather.

Further land usage includes, according to the Fremantle Port Authority, development to create safer and more efficient traffic flow in the Rous Head area. The land will be used for port-related purposes to improve freight-handling efficiency, reduce truck congestion and improve road safety for trucks and public vehicles.

At this time, the Stage 1 process of creating the hardstand and main bitumen container storage is nearing completion, with the second stage involving the construction of the main building estimated to be completed within four to six weeks.

Stevenson Logistics’ Managing Director, Jim Stevenson, explains how the redevelopment of the reclaimed land will assist with future freight growth in WA. “This on-site facility at Rous Head is a game-changer.

It will allow us to extend solutions to container trade overall during the peak periods and support future trade needs.”

Fremantle Port Authority’s dedication to ecological welfare and wildlife conservation is evident in the design’s inclusion of a fairy tern nesting area. Murray explains the importance of this innovation, noting how fairy terns nested in the sand of the reclaimed area, after the area was reclaimed and before any development took place.

“The land was reclaimed in 2010 and the development of the land began at the start of 2013. Fremantle Ports has been liaising with an ornithologist about the fairy 21 19

The Resurrection of Ecclesiastical Architecture in WA The extended Church section was clearly separated from the original by a wrap-around window adding natural light into the nave of the Church, and glass walls of the entry lobby allow a full eastern outlook plus provide reflections of the existing eucalypt tree outside. The material palette reflects the existing building with red brick and cream mortar. brightly coloured digitally printed perimeter windows showing bible stories set in Western Australian landscapes.

Laminated windows were supplied using specially commissioned artworks produced by famous Australian Artist, Robert Juniper. The artworks were manufactured using a double soft white interlayer which allowed the work to be rear lit and viewed from both the exterior and interior of the cathedral.

The new St Patrick’s Cathedral was built over a 5 year period and was dedicated on 17 March 2011

by Bishop Gerard Holohanm, the fourth Bishop of Bunbury. The newly opened cathedral was a great cause for celebration and many bishops and dignitaries attended to help celebrate the event.

The artwork and architecture are rather beautiful and well worth a visit if you find yourself in Bunbury.

The Church of the Resurrection Swanbourne Diocese The Church of the Resurrection believes that worship should be inspiring and challenging. They believe in colour and drama and symbol; in encountering the mystery of god and being transformed through that encounter.

After fire destroyed the Church, the cavity brick hall and three flanking walls to the church were all that was left remaining. The architects were given a brief to recapture the original family-church spirit needed by the new Church in order to respect the original footprint, but be larger and more accessible to an ageing demographic.

The axis of the Church was rotated 180 degrees with the entrance porch now at the eastern end. The Community Hall is now subdividable by an operable wall, each with its own dedicated entry.

St Patrick’s Cathedral Bunbury The Cathedral Precinct was originally identified as a future site which would also provide a church to the growing number of Bunbury parishioners in the early 1900s.

The original St Patrick’s Cathedral constructed in 1921 was hit by a tornado in 2005. The tornado shifted the church sideways and the cathedral was rendered structurally condemned.

Community consultation drove the decision that the new Cathedral must have a similar form and 22

silhouette to the original Cathedral. The interior three times larger in area needed to be contemporary in layout to comply with modern liturgy.

These goals created a design conflict for Marcus Collins Architects at the time and the resolution of this situation was the major consideration in the new design. The new St Patrick’s Cathedral was designed to create an inward looking contemplative atmosphere, disassociated from the outside environment. The interior of the Cathedral utilises a minimal palette of finishes, offset by the large

The timber floor in the Hall was restored and a new blackbutt floor in the Church and Chapel is mirrored by a blackbutt ceiling. The building is once again a focal point in Swanbourne. The Church community has grown and the Community Centre is used both day and evening by a multitude of users.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Perth The restoration of St Mary’s Cathedral involved the conversion of an existing unsatisfactory amalgam of two buildings constructed more than 70 years apart and of two completely different architectural styles.

The structures were required to become a unified whole, suitable for the liturgical needs of the Roman

The design solution included complimentary landscaped grounds and unifying the significant portions of the disparate front and rear sections of the existing building with a contemporary infill link featuring gently curved glazed walls.

The seating capacity was expanded to 1100, providing excellent sight lines and vastly improving the buildings acoustics.

The sanctuary was relocated to the newly created assembly space resulting in a closeness to the liturgical setting, which in turn encourages participation and interaction between the celebrants and congregation.

This Perth Cathedral ‘recognising yesterday’ and lovingly reinvigorated as a facility for ‘today’ took out top honours at the 2010 Western Australian State Architecture Awards.

In 2010, the amalgam of the two halves of Perth’s Saint Mary’s Cathedral by Peter M. Quinn, architect,

into a unified whole was announced the winner of the State’s top public architecture prize – the George Temple Pool Award.

The jury said “The completion of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, is a major civic work which has been lovingly executed by a sole practitioner.

Such an endeavour over a considerable period has required a complete commitment to the one project. Whilst the architect is to be congratulated for his dedication to the task, it is the excellent result that has been achieved that is recognised by the George Temple Poole Award.

The finished building tells its own story through the superb detailing and sensitive relationship of the old to the new. In short the project has captured the impact of the work by noting that Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a delightful master work of public architecture which must be recognised.”

In a double win for the architect and project, it also received an Architecture Award for Heritage.

Approximately 50 years ago when the liturgy of the Catholic Church was revised it was necessary for the spaces within the church to respond to that revision. In a striking way the now completed St Mary’s Cathedral has achieved that requirement and has done so in a manner which has produced a ‘today’ facility which has recognised yesterday.

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Marri House Historical cottage does a U-turn Architect: Craig Steere Architects, Builder: Mulberry Homes Marri House is a 20th Century Federation style house located in Subiaco. Its current owners wanted to revitalise their family home without losing the historical workers cottage feel. Working with Craig Steere Architects, the family decided on a revamp and extension to increase the liveability of Marri House.

To bring the house into the 21st Century, Mulberry Homes constructed a butterfly roof was built to connect the old cottage with the new extension. As well as visually separating the two buildings, the butterfly roof introduces northern and southern sunlight into the new lightweight, open-plan living area at the rear of the house.

Glazing and the addition of operable louvres to this living area extension allow view to the magnificent

magnolia tree growing in the backyard, as well as increasing natural ventilation and light levels on the inside. The outdoor living area is located off the new kitchen, and is bordered by the pool.

The sustainable use of materials throughout the interior of the home was an important design element in the revitalisation of Marri House. The family had collected a large amount of Marri timber from their time in forestry, and wanted to include this stockpile as a feature throughout the home. As such, a muted palette of warm whites and neutrals was chosen to offset the wood. The owners chose to retain the original Jarrah flooring, but new joinery was installed in order to add to the new, contemporary feel. Marri floorboards were used in the extension.

A new main living area was designed to be the focal point of family life. Part of the design brief was to increase the practical amenity of the house, and so an important aspect of the main living area was the ability to easily conceal the mess of every day life. As such, cabinetwork was designed to hide individual study stations and the entertainment system behind folding doors.

Upon completion, the family, architect and builder had created a contemporary update for a historical house.

Marri 25

ASPASA - overview In instances where natural sand and gravel is unavailable, commercial aggregates are created by crushing large stones or by drilling and blasting rock formations and processing them into various sizes of rock and manufactured sand. This process is called "quarrying". Additional processes are required to produce different grades and types of aggregates and sand through drilling and blasting. These crushed stone products can be used for different purposes ranging from creating different grades of concrete, road surfaces or even for drainage purposes and to stabilise land. In the region of 130 quarries are represented

by Aspasa.

Building our country one stone at a time The Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA) is a voluntary producers association that helps to improve the quality of aggregates produced by its member companies for construction projects around the country.

The role that Aspasa plays is critical considering that almost every structure made by man relies on aggregates for strength and stability. In fact, construction aggregates are the primary ingredients of all concrete structures and foundations (80% of concrete is aggregate), as well as being the single most important ingredient used to build our roads (94% of a road is aggregate).

“Aggregates and sands used in construction projects are naturally occurring minerals that are mined by a specialised sector of the mining industry in South Africa mainly from quarries.

Government strictly regulates sand and aggregate quarries due to the importance of obtaining a reliable supply of quality materials.

It also aims to ensure that the minerals and materials are removed in a manner that is sustainable and protects the rights of workers, as well as the environment and surrounding communities.

Responsible association “As a private sector association representing producers in the industry, we uphold these aims. In addition we strive to create an economically viable industry with good interaction between all parties involved, from the industry, as well as the relevant government departments and other stake holders.

“Our focus remains largely on creating an environment that is fair and equitable, gives our members space to manoeuvre and to make a good living. On the other hand we expect members to comply with all relevant legislation, as well uphold the strictest standards in quality, health, safety and environmental issues.

Annual audits are in place to assist members to achieve set requirements and also to ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation “We also encourage skills development and nurturing of expertise though our close working 26

relationship with the country's training authorities, as well as hosting regular workshops and seminars,” Nico says.

Working together He explains that quarries represented by Aspasa work closely with the Government and the Chamber of Mines and are able to give input on a wide spectrum of legislation that affects the industry, including input on critical issues surrounding the environment, as well as health and safety matters.

These important issues are represented through expert committees with senior and knowledgeable specialists serving to give informed input on all matters. Through these committees programs are may also be developed to assist the industry to meet development objectives and improve the overall standards on member mines.

A specialist technical committee also represents the industry on matters that can influence the industry. It works with other industry bodies to ensure that specifications for construction work are up to standard and cost effective. Other work carried out by the association includes assistance with human resources, remuneration surveys, workshops on Aids and labour law, employee product assistance (medical aids, pension etc). The association also actively promotes the industry as well as the importance of using Aspasa accredited companies.

Adopting change “In addition to this Aspasa supports the adoption of a proactive strategy to foster change and to encourage black economic empowerment and transformation in a sustainable and economically sensible manner.

For this reason we subscribes to the aims of the broad-based black-economic empowerment charter for the mining industry. In particular, the pillars of transformation related to: · · · · · ·

Human resources development Employment equity Encouraging greater community participation and development Promoting greater procurement from HDSA companies Encouraging greater HDSA ownership and Participation and facilitating beneficiation

“These are not only supported, but we believe will contribute to sustainable development in South Africa,” Nico concludes.

AngloGold braces for tougher times AngloGold Ashanti chief executive Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan (Venkat) recently explained that, while the group remains positive about gold’s long term prospects, in the short to medium term the group expects to endure heightened turbulence.

While the gold sector adjusts to deal with a lower commodity price, taking the knife to jobs, operations and budgets, AngloGold Ashanti has had a few of its own issues to contend with.

“well underway” when it comes to achieving operating and in-direct cost savings, as well as “sustaining capital expenditure over the next 18 months”.

With two mines about to come online and a new chief executive at the helm, dealing with the challenges a lower gold price affords hasn’t been an easy feat for the bearish producer.

“Although the gold price has tumbled, and has brought about a sense of despair and panic, I see an opportunity for optimism and for the industry to re-adjust to a lower gold price future,” he said.

"It is best to be prepared for a low gold price environment so you are better positioned to tackle an upside in the gold price," he said. In order to do this the group is using a gold price of $1,100 as its base for planning and honing in on costs and revenues.

Ehm conceded that the company “saw this coming”. “Over the last six months, as the gold price was coming down we stopped recruiting, we fortunately had Tropicana [gold mine] so we could move people around and redeploy,” he said.

“Our revenue enhancement efforts are focused on stripping out unprofitable production and bringing our Tropicana and Kibali projects to production in the coming months,” Venkat said.

AngloGold Ashanti is the world’s third largest gold producer with 21 operations on ten continents.

Producing 3.94 million ounces globally last year, of which Australia contributed 7 per cent, the company is expecting 2013 to be even bigger setting a guidance of between 4 to 4.1 million ounces.

“These two important new mines are expected to contribute approximately 550,000oz to 600,000oz of new annual production next year at below our current average cost, improving the group’s cash cost profile.”

But the miner’s second quarter results have been dragged down by the falling gold price which has dropped by almost a quarter since January.

On the cost side, the group has already set its Project 500 initiative in motion, aiming to eliminate roughly $500 million from operating costs within the next 18 months. AngloGold Ashanti executive vice president Graham Ehm said the company is

Taking a $2.4 billion hit, AngloGold Ashanti has plans to cut 40 per cent of its 2,000 management jobs globally and more than halve 2014 corporate costs. "We've taken the decision to prepare our business for a volatile gold price environment,"

28

Venkat said. “We expect that during the last quarter of this year, after taking into account the notice periods that need to be provided to affected employees, approximately 35-40 per cent of these roles will have been removed," the company told Mineweb.

The group’s total cash cost remains stubbornly on the higher end of the spectrum, coming in at $898 per ounce for the second quarter, in line with guidance.

Ehm explained the gold price fall is motivating every producer “to examine how they can protect and grow margins and returns to generate safe and sustainable free cash flow”.

The company has flagged potential savings and efficiency improvements could amount to $482 million next year and have anticipated a fall from the $240 million forecast for corporate costs this year, to between $120 million and $140 million in 2014.

Ehm explained capital expenditure is being redirected to higher quality assets, spending is being cut and projects which yield lower returns are being shelved. He said about 70 roles have been cut from Australia but

Viridian Glass Processing and Distribution Centre Viridian’s myriad process accomodated in 13,550sq.m facility strips to further optimise natural light levels.

Steel fibre-reinforced concrete slabs were used to enable maximisation of floor space use for Viridian’s activities. Viridian wanted as few joints as possible, and the brief required clear spans of approximately 30 metres between support columns to accommodate gantry cranes and other machinery. Thus, the decision to use the 2.7m by 2.6m reinforced slabs was made.

As the layout was highly space-driven, dimension requirements were key in allowing the operation of, and access to, equipment.

In order to provide quality glass products to the WA market, Viridian contracted architect firm Meyer Shircore and Associates to design its Viridian Glass Processing and Distribution Centre.

The $11.8 million centre was constructed in the heart of Perth’s Jandakot industrial area on Compass Road.

The site was 26,400 square metres and the facility itself covered 13,550sq.m. Meyer was asked to create a custom-built facility that catered to Viridian’s product processes, including tempering, cutting, storage, recycling and distribution.

The brief also required the installation of two furnaces,

and enough room for the movement of goods, containers and vehicles in and around the building.

Ventilation was a highly important aspect of the project. Large gantry cranes run along steel girders between bays and columns and, as such, a large blower provides aeration to these processing areas.

Due to its large size, the building is air conditioned naturally allowing adequate levels of natural air and light into the construction. The roof comprised several continuous translucent light

The administration building was an important part of the design brief. Viridian required administration space for reception, product display, boardroom, and staff facilities. The design accommodated this requirement across the northern side of the development. A red, Alucobond clad awning frames three horizontal sun shade louvres, carrying on the emphasis on natural light. Inside, the administration building houses a canvas to display Viridian products. It combines glazed partitions with acoustically insulated plasterboard partitions. Access to the industrial complex is provided by a controlled entry gate.

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Mining Solution Technicrete TSL easily exceeds the specification of the European Federation of national Associations Representing for Concrete (EFNARC). It is a suited to underground activities and is easily used in confined areas. The cleaning of the equipment is simplified by simply flushing and washing with clean water and so minimizing pump and hose blockages. This allows easy maintenance of the application.

When mining activities are conducted above or

water can be channelled up against the sidewall of

the rock mass, thereby preventing rock falls.

below ground the products and equipment

the roadway. Deckwerk can be used as an erosion

utilised have to be of good quality and conform

protection system in lining of canal floors and wall

The contents are emptied into a mixer/pump

to operational and safety standards.

sides.

arrangement and sprayed onto a cleaned rock face.

The spray is directed into any open joints for

Technicrete has a unique range of pre-bagged concrete mixes as well as heavy-duty blocks

Deckwerk is suitable for surface and underground

maximum protection. The tensile properties of the

which offer effective solutions for applications

installations, from container yards, warehouses,

TSL spanning across joints and cracks resist shear

underground incline shafts and heavy-duty

and direct tensile movement adding to stability in

workshop floors. Deckwerk can be designed to

the rock mass for additional safety.

within the mining sector.

Most mines use sand, ash and gravel to

meet additional customer requirements

construct their roadways, some may use

encompassing high compressive strengths and

concrete but at a higher cost due to steel

abrasion resistant properties.

reinforcement being required. While considerably cheaper, the sand and gravel

HT33 is a hydraulic hardening construction material

option often leads to the formation of excessive

that is used as grout for civil work and used in coal

mud/water potholes – the disadvantages and

mining to construct high pressure dam seals as well

high cost elements can be avoided with

as in the gold mining industry for box fronts, winch

Technicrete’s Deckwerk, which has been used

beds etc. It is very beneficial when the placing of

in heavy-duty applications for more than 30

concrete is in areas that are difficult to access due to

years, and in some instances is still meeting the

space constraints. It has good lubrication properties

requirements in performance and in its

and can be pumped in small diameter pumps over

longevity.

long distances. It is self-levelling and selfcompacting with an open time of 300 minutes.

Technicrete’s Deckwerk is a heavy-duty paver which can be used for underground roadways

It has been commonly used to seal old workings

as well as heavy-duty surface applications.

and shafts due to its lack of shrinkage while at the

Down-time is costly for mining operations and

same time eliminating the ingress/escaping of

this is avoided with Deckwerk due it being able

water and gasses. It is supplied in cost effective

to be installed while the roads are still being

25kg bags or delivered in bulk depending on the

trafficked. A unique feature is the 3-way

customer’s requirements.

mechanical interlock, which maintains the integrity of the surrounding blocks while resisting uplift forces.

Used as a rock support, the Thin Skin Liner (TSL) pre-bagged polymer-based reinforced liner provides surface stabilisation between rock bolts.

This product has been installed in many mining

The Technicrete TSL is water based and supplied in

operations and offers benefits such as; no more

an easy-to-use kit, with one kit providing 13.5 litres

tyre damage due to sharp rocks cutting or

of mixed material which would cover approximately

protruding the roadway; less wheel bearing

3-4 m2 of rock surface with a 4mm thickness,

failures as deep mud and water is eliminated;

depending on the roughness of the sprayed face. It

no more transmission and hydraulic hose

has a pot life of 15-20 minutes at between 28-32o C.

failures, more constant speeds can be obtained

The TSL is able to be applied quickly which the

as one does not have to navigate potholes so

mining industry requires for a ‘Make Safe Solution’.

less fuel wasted and a more efficient rolling

It can be sprayed over rock to stabilise and to

stock. Drains don’t have to be installed as the

prevent oxidation of the rock and the unraveling of

30

Becker tractelift ladder climb and descent New to Becker Mining South Africa’s range of Tractel personal protection equipment, which ensures the safety of workers at height elevations, is the Tractelift climb and descent assist system. This system, which is easy to install onto any kind of vertical ladder, relieves the weight of workers, reduces effort and minimises injuries, thus increasing productivity.

New to Becker Mining South Africa’s range of Tractel personal protection equipment, which ensures the safety of workers at height elevations, is the Tractelift & climb and descent assist system.

Becker Mining South Africa’s range of Tractel equipment, which includes lifting and pulling equipment, as well as fall arrest equipment and personal protection systems, meets stringent international safety and quality specifications.

“The company’s new Tractelift climbing aid minimises worker fatigue and increases safety, while ascending and descending a ladder during installation and maintenance procedures,” says Charlotte Megannon, product manager for Becker Mining South Africa. “This climb assist system, which is easy to install onto any kind of vertical ladder, requires minimal operator training.”

The company offers a technical advisory, test, repair and maintenance service to ensure all equipment operates in perfect condition.

The Tractelift climb assist system, with a long lasting, reinforced synthetic belt, relieves the weight of workers, reduces effort and minimises injuries, thus increasing productivity.

Features of this climb assist system include a continuous run rope loop which enables many workers to use the climbing aid without having to reset the system; an automatic start facility which activates the system as ascent or descent commences and an automatic stop facility. For increased safety, an emergency stop device is also available. Tractelift can be fitted with a fixed or detachable motor and control, depending on user preference.

There are two models in the range, with various features for use in different applications, including confined spaces, on high elevation inspection stations, wind power turbines and on communication towers.

The Tractelift 1 model - which is suitable for users who do not require the adjustable assist feature - provides traction relief in a pulling force up to 40 da N (equivalent to 40 kg) that is preset on the sliding clutch.

The recently launched Tractelift 11 model is controlled by an individual user remote, which enables workers to choose their own levels of assist, by adjusting the pulling force on site.

This model has an adjustable pulling force of 75 da N (equivalent to 75 kg). The remote, with up to ten levels of pulling force to provide relief to the climber, has an illuminated LCD display, with a low battery indicator. An adjustable speed control matches the level of assistance with the rate of the climber’s speed. This smooth running system, with soft stops and starts, alleviates the effort of climbing.Because this is not a fall arrest system, it is advised that a suitable and compatible fall arrest system is used in combination with the Tractelift climb assist system.

32

URANIUM In recent years, the average annual exposure of uranium miners has fallen to levels similar to the concentrations inhaled in some homes. This has reduced the risk of occupationally induced cancer from radon although it still remains an issue for those who are currently employed in affected mines and for those who have been employed in the past. where the ore is mined from the veins.

Ventilation and other measures have been used

The stope which is the workshop of the mine is

continue to operate.

to reduce radon levels in most affected mines that the excavation from which the ore is extracted.

Two methods of stope mining are commonly used. In the "cut and fill" or open stoping method. The space remaining following removal of ore after blasting is filled with waste rock and cement. In the "shrinkage" method only sufficient broken ore is removed via the Uranium mining is the process of extraction of

chutes below to allow miners working from the

uranium ore from the ground. A prominent use of

top of the pile to drill and blast the next layer to

uranium from mining is fuel for nuclear power plants.

be broken off and eventually leaving a large

Uranium ore resources that can be mined at about

hole. Another method known as room and pillar

current costs are estimated to be sufficient to produce

is used for thinner and flatter ore bodies. In this

fuel for about a century based on current consumption

method the ore body is first divided into blocks

rates.

by intersecting drives, removing ore and then systematically removing the blocks leaving

After mining uranium ores, they are normally

enough ore for roof support.

processed by grinding the ore materials to a uniform particle size and then treating the ore to extract the

If the uranium is too far below the surface for

uranium by chemical leaching. The milling process

open pit mining an underground mining

commonly yields dry powder-form material which

method can be used with tunnels and shafts

consists of natural uranium called "yellowcake and

dug to access and remove uranium ore. There

this is sold on the uranium market.

is less waste material removed from underground mines than open pit mines.

Many different types of uranium deposits have been

However this type of mining exposes

discovered and mined. There are mainly three types

underground workers to the highest levels of

of uranium deposits namely unconformity-type

radon gas.

deposits, paleoplacer deposits and sandstone-type also known as roll front type deposits. As with other

Uranium ore emits radon gas and the health

types of hard rock mining there are several methods of

effects of high exposure to radon are a

extraction. The main methods of mining mining, open

particular problem in the mining of uranium

pit mining and In-situ leaching (ISL).

with significant excess lung cancer deaths being identified.

Underground uranium mining is in principle no different to any other hard rock mining . Once the ore body has been identified a shaft is sunk in the vicinity of the ore veins and crosscuts are driven horizontally to the veins at various levels usually every 100 to 150 metres. Similar tunnels known as drifts are driven along the ore veins from the crosscut. To extract the ore the next step is to drive tunnels known as raises when driven upwards and winzes when driven downwards through the deposit from level to level.

Raises are subsequently used to develop the stopes 33

NYLOCOMP Nylocomp is the proud original manufacturers of: HDPE-Idlers, Hybrid Steel,Rubber Impact, Gravity Idler with Stainless Steel shaft, Garland Strings, Linear Screen Idler up to 4500mm, Tube/Guide Idler produced from Tarentaal®, and our most famous Yiga-P® ,Green idler.

Nylocomp was started in 1999 and is a family

idlers into the HDPE, Steel Hybrid, Stainless Steel

owned company. The name originated from the

and impact Idlers.

factory to ensure continuous quality.

Our manufacturing is done in Bronkhorstspruit,

research that was done on Nylon in the Nylocomp's HDPE idler is popular in the market due

Gauteng. Nylocomp is in the process of becoming

Polyethylene's were also researched and it

to the competitive price. The Idler is made of a

ISO9001:2008 compliant.

was found that UHMW-PE would be best suited

12mm tube, End Cap is of Polypropylene, Flinger

beginning years of Nylocomp. Different types of

to the harsh South African environment.

seal integrated with Labyrinth, 6205 2RS C3 bearings and 25mm Steel Shaft. From 546mm

The result was that Tarentaal® material was

Gauge, a 3mm steel pipe is inserted. It is also

used to create our Guide Idler. The guide idler

available in Anti-Roll back.

was our first product produced from UHMW. We also successfully produce different types of

Nylocomp's Steel Hybrid Idler is a 3.8mm Steel

products from UHMW for the mining sector.

Tube, 30% Glass filled Nylon end cap, Flinger Seal

Such as Sheave wheels, Skiga pads, Rope

with integrated labyrinth seal, 6205 2RS C3

guides for the Marions. These will outlast the

bearings, 25mm Steel Shaft.

brass x4.

Nylocomp is extremely proud of our Linear Screen Idler. This idler is very well priced and will not cut

The now famous Yiga-P®-Idler was created in

your cloth. No pillar blocks are needed and therefor

2002. It is especially suited for Platinum,

it is maintenance free. Sealed bearing and bearing

Chrome, Titanium and Gold mining

housing prevents contamination. Low coefficient of

applications. The Yiga-P® pipe is 9.2million

friction and high impact strength is another

molecular weight. The success of this idler lies

advantage.

in the combination of properties. High shock absorption, resistance to abrasive wear and the

We currently specialize in the design and

lowest coefficient of friction available. This

manufacturing of conveyor idlers for all sectors of

material will outlast ordinary PE at least 5 times

mines and food industry. Our design is done on

and steel up to 10 times.

Autocad Inventor by a consulting Engineer, Mr.Hannes Conradie. Quality Control is done after

Nylocomp has come a long way since 1999. In

each stage of manufacturing by 2 quality control

2010 Nylocomp decided to expand our range of

supervisors. Each Idler is tested before leaving the

34

Becker BRS2 belt rip detection system Becker Mining South Africa has launched its new BRS-2 belt rip detection system, which has been designed to increase the productivity of conveyor belts by detecting belt rips as soon as they occur.

The BRS-2 belt rip detection system uses real time loop diagnostics and continually monitors the belt’s status and in the event of a rip, the system stops the belt drives, reducing further damage and minimising downtime. operates like a bridge between transmitter and receiver of the belt rip scanner sensor interface (BRS/SI). If a belt is ripped, the BRS/SI cannot measure any analogue values from the destroyed loop.

Apart from the detection of belt rips, this system is designed for monitoring belt speed, the detection of belt slip and also for belt sequence control.

Access and monitoring of the system is simple, either locally with its 12” TFT screen, five shortcut buttons, a mouse pad and virtual keypad, or remotely via TCP/IP or other bus standards.

Other features include real time graphics, a forward and reverse capability, local and remote password protection and a record of the last 10 000 system changes.

Becker Mining South Africa has launched its new BRS-2 belt rip detection system, which has been designed to increase the productivity of conveyor belts by detecting belt rips as soon as they occur.

“This belt rip detection system, which is based on the highly efficient design of the original BRS-1 system, is used to detect longitudinal rips on steel cable and fibre conveyor belts,” says Johann Smit, chief sales officer, Becker Mining South Africa. “The BRS-2 uses real time loop diagnostics to continuously monitor the status of the belt and, in the event of a rip, stops the belt drives, which reduces any further damage and minimises downtime.”

To monitor the status of a belt, inductive loops are embedded in the belt. Once installed, the

BRS-2 system carries out an identification run and the processor of the belt rip detection system unit (BRS/CU) stores the necessary data. Parameters include the succession of loops in the belt, belt speed and start up time of conveyors. Stored values are protected against power loss and can be entered or changed when necessary.

When the belt is in operation, these inductive loops pass over the transmitter and receiver, which are positioned opposite each other on either side of the belt. An electro-magnetic signal is transmitted via the inductance loop from the transmitter into the receiver. Because this system has recorded the distance between successive loops and belt velocity, it can automatically calculate the time intervals between each loop.

The belt rip sensor that is embedded in the belt

This device, which can withstand operation in arduous conditions, has a robust stainless steel housing, with an IP65 index protection rating to guard against the ingress of dust and water.

This advanced belt rip detection system is designed for use in diverse industries, including manufacturing, food and beverage conveying, packaging and mining applications.

BRS-2 systems enhance Becker Mining South Africa’s extensive range of reliable inter-operable communications, automation and safety systems.

These systems include distributed antenna configurations, leaky feeder communications and industrial Wi-Fi systems, as well as tagging and tracking systems, real-time location solutions, traffic information and control systems. They also encompass remote evacuation signalling systems, environmental monitoring equipment and terrestrial radio and data equipment.

35

Leading specialist mining show grows footprint in Africa 2012 visitor numbers increased over the 2010 show by almost 10%, with 38,104 visitors attending across the five days. Pre-registered visitors counted for 44.6% of the total visitor count, compared to pre-registration in 2010 of 39.8%.

International mining, industrial, construction and power generation show Electra Mining Africa expands footprint into Africa with shows in Botswana, Ghana and Zambia and back to Johannesburg in September.

Delivering a high return on investment for exhibitors and providing a world-class event for visitors who want to see the latest in products, services, technologies and trends across the mining, construction, industrial, power generation and machine tools sectors, Electra Mining Africa is recognised as one of the top mining shows in the world. It is also the biggest trade exhibition in Southern Africa and is acknowledged as being a gateway into Africa for related local and global business. This has been demonstrated by the show's recent expansion into Botswana, Ghana and Zambia.

Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, says: “Electra Mining Africa is an exciting show that attracts a highlevel of local and international interest and produces off-the-floor sales, valuable sales leads and excellent business connections for its exhibitors. This is the reason for space being sold out well in advance of the show.”

“It was from this base that we decided to expand our footprint into Africa with the first Electra Mining Botswana taking place in September last year and expansion to Ghana and Zambia this year.”

The inaugural Electra Mining Botswana show took place at the Gaborone Fairgrounds in Botswana in September 2013 and was hailed as a great success by all stakeholders involved.

The show was organised by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery in partnership with local Botswana business, Soapbox Communications. It attracted over 2000 visitors and hosted 80 exhibitors, with positive feedback received from individuals and companies all over Africa and from as far as Australia and Japan. Many exhibitors have already signed up for the 2015 show.

“The show was strategically developed as a 'one stop' trade event,” says Corin, “with the focus being not only on mining but also on industrial, power generation and machine tool sectors. Visitors to the show and our exhibitors very much reflected this mix. We were well received in Botswana and the endorsement of government and parastatals in the mining sector including the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Botswana Chamber of Mines and the Botswana Diamond 36

Hub bore testimonial that we are recognised as specialists in this field. The success of this inaugural event has cemented our decision for the return of Electra Mining Botswana in 2015.”

Electra Mining West Africa is the newest addition to the global Electra Mining Africa brand and took place at the Movenpick Hotel ACCRA in Ghana from 3-5 March this year. Alongside the technology exhibition showcase there were four dedicated conference streams, a ministerial round table with regional Ministers of Energy and Mining, and visionary keynotes from West Africa's mining leaders. The mining industry in West Africa is a major driver of economic growth and the long-term sustainability of supporting industries. It's a sector set to grow rapidly as investment pours into the region's significant mineral wealth.

A dedicated mining industry trade expo and conference in the heart of the Zambian mining region is also taking place this year with the launch of the Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC). The conference, which will run from April 28 to 29, is being run by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery together with the organiser of the specialist iPAD Series of Mining, Energy & Infrastructure Conferences, Spintelligent.

The conference aims to deliver on industry requirements through the Copperbelt's first professional-attendance-only event. It promises to be a showcase of technology, equipment and services, coupled with unique workshop-led content designed to provide knowledge and training for mining operation teams.

Electra Mining Africa returns to Nasrec, Johannesburg in September 2014. Exhibitors from the 2012 show didn't hesitate to book early. “By the close of business on the last day of Electra Mining Africa 2012, around thirty percent of exhibitors had already booked space for the 2014 exhibition,” says Corin. “Floor space has continued to be snapped up fast and stands inside the halls and across the outside precincts have either been sold or have been reserved.”

Over 860 exhibitors were on show in 2012 occupying the six exhibition halls and vast outside precinct areas at the Expo Centre, Nasrec.

Exhibition floor space totaled 37,169m² and this is expected to increase in 2014 as additional marquees will be erected to accommodate the demand.

“To accommodate the growing demand from exhibitors, we have extended parts of our existing outside showcase areas and also added an additional two exhibitor marquees to the one we had in 2012,” says Corin. “This concept is attracting

many additional exhibitors which will provide visitors with even more to see in the realm of new products and technology innovations.”

In addition to the thousands of local visitors, many international visitors also converged at the event.

60% of international delegates travelled from Africa and there was a strong contingent from Europe, whilst others travelled from Asia Pacific, USA, Canada, South America, India and the Middle East.

Most exhibitors agreed that the quality of visitors was excellent, with a high percentage being senior purchasing decision makers or having a strong influence in purchasing decisions.

Electra Mining Africa 2014 will be the twenty-first show spanning a period of forty-two years. Corin says that the show has a “proud heritage” and its further development and expansion will offer visitors and exhibitors from across Africa and beyond a positive interactive experience.

“In 2014, visitors can expect to see many leadingedge South African companies in the packed halls and outside precincts, as well as high-profile international exhibitors from countries such as Canada, USA, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Turkey, India China and Botswana,” says Corin. “We are expecting high attendance at the 2014 show and believe that it will be a successful and enjoyable event for all participants.”

Electra Mining Africa is organised by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, a member of the prestigious Montgomery Group and a member of the Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA). Electra Mining has accreditation from UFI, which is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. This means that the event is audited according to strict standards.

For further information contact Specialised Exhibitions; Tel: +27 11 835 1565 or email veda@specialised.com or cwood@specialised.com or visit www.electramining.co.za

Abbot Point: A terminal test case With several giants backing the expansion and a number of other companies also keen for development Abbot Point is not dead and buried.

But the furore over how the expansions play out, the delays in Federal Government, and the polarised environmental debate surrounding the issue make it something of a test case for the QLD industry It was touted as the plan to make Abbot Point one of the largest coal ports in the world.

But plans for the 'super expansion' are now uncertain following Rio Tinto's decision to pull out of the project.

While Rio has not ruled out future participation developing Abbot Point, its future growth is now less of a certainty than it was several months ago.

And it's got a number of key stakeholders worried about what a bottleneck may mean for QLD's expanding coal industry.

Uncertain times Rio blamed much of its decision to pull out of the Abbot Point expansion on the unstable economic climate.

The uncertainty made it part of a chorus of large companies expressing concern about the industry's future outlook.

While much of this sentiment was tied to the crisis in Europe it was also fueled by concerns much closer to home. The age-old worry of the carbon tax, as well as the cost and difficulty of sourcing local labour featured heavily, which the company packaged into vague concerns about "upward pressure on costs".

The regulatory environment was also marked a worry, with Rio blaming the "long timeframes" required for Federal approval as part of the reason for its hesitancy. Already fighting a number of battles to speed up approvals the QLD Government seized on this comment to put further pressure on Canberra over its environmental policy.

Deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said the State Government had "considerable concerns" about the timeframe of many Federal approvals. "There are 135 projects in Queensland currently awaiting some form of consideration or approval by the Federal Labor Government," he said.

expansion.

Since the project was first announced the Greens have been firmly opposed to any development at Abbot Point.

Speaking after the initial declaration last year Greens senator Larissa Waters made herself clear.

"Anna Bligh's Labor Government proclaims that Abbot Point will create jobs, but she never seems to mention that it will destroy tens of thousands more jobs that rely on a healthy Great Barrier Reef - in tourism and fisheries - and on a healthy Murray Darling system," she said.

Naturally this opposition also extended to the companies leading the expansion. But fast forward to earlier this year and some sections of the Greens seemed to have changed their approach. After first criticising Rio for taking part in the port expansion the Greens also criticised the miner for pulling out.

Speaking just after Rio's announcement Greens candidate for Whitsunday Jonathon Dykyj said the move showed the company had no commitment to the community and was instead driven by greed. But the list of those opposed to the expansion does not stop there.

In a strongly worded report following a visit to QLD earlier this year UNESCO told both the State and Federal Governments to take extreme care when approving any port expansion because the developments posed a serious risk to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

But while the Federal Government seems to have heeded this call the new leaders in QLD are still set on quickly pushing through a number of big expansions for the state.

Those in favour While all eyes were on Rio Tinto following its change of heart on Abbot Point a number of its peers have quietly reaffirmed commitment to an expansion.

Despite speculation BHP Billiton would follow in Rio's footsteps so far the company has stuck with it. The miner has already been awarded preferred developer status for a new terminal and it's not alone in eyeing Abbot Point as an attractive expansion prospect.

Gina Rinehart's Hancock Coal and GVK have also named Abbot Point the preferred port location for their massive Alpha mine proposal.

Hancock Coal have canvassed a number of options for Abbot Point, including expansion of the existing facility or construction of a new offshore facility. .

Along with droves of local conservationists the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has expressed alarm at rising development along QLD's coast.

"I am seeking a meeting with Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to discuss this bottleneck. "It is very concerning that companies such as Rio Tinto are withdrawing from potential developments in part because of the time they wait for regulatory approval."

The QLD LNP also went as far as to label Canberra as "deliberately obstructionist".

It said companies needed strong support or they might risk pulling out of further developments until the uncertainty in global markets calms down. And by that time it might already be too late.

Pressure's on It isn't only the QLD Government and some parts of the industry criticising Canberra over Abbot Point. The Greens, an occasional ally of Labor yet fierce critic of the mining industry, have long been opposed to the 39

Tough times call for efficient processing Tega Industries, Vishal Gautam, Tel: (011) 421 9916, Fax: (011) 421 9920, Email: vishal.gautam@tegaindustries.co.za, Web: www.tegaindustries.com As the country's mining sector comes under

while the plant stands idle. This type of

increasing cost pressures from all quarters of

management of problems is common-place on

the mine supply chain, it becomes increasingly

some of our mines and has huge implications for

important to maximise throughputs at the

productivity of the mine in questions.

operation of a plant and contribute positively to its overall throughput.

Yet optimisation of this critical element is often

processing end of the business where ore is

“For this reason we prefer to work with our

overlooked in favour of other more visible aspects

effectively turned into saleable commodities.

customers to help identify process snags and find

of a plant which often call for more costly screening

solutions in the form of hi-tech linings and other

techniques or even capital equipment upgrades. By

In order to achieve the desired efficiencies and

specially engineered products that can be tailor-

removing choking rock debris from entering the

increased throughputs, mines need to relook

made for our clients' unique requirements.

process however, many issues can be avoided and process times dramatically improved.

their processing operations and where possible optimise existing infrastructure to eliminate

“Just because a plant has been designed and built

bottlenecks and address reliability issues of the

by a specialist OEM supplier doesn't mean that you

Hi-tech linings

equipment.

have to keep using their solutions for ever. In many

Lining on the other hand need to keep materials

instances new materials have become available

flowing at a constant pace throughout the plan.

Kirby Vermaak, national sales manager of Tega

that can radically improve the performance of such

Combinations of different liners for separate tasks

Industries South Africa, and his team of

plants. If the OEM does not supply these products

within a bulk materials processing plant can

engineers and process specialists, encounter

they will remain happy to supply customers with the

drastically improve the serviceable life span of

serious design flaws and avoidable bottlenecks

old products for ever,” Vermaak says.

equipment and boost the overall performance of a plant tenfold.

on mine processing plants on a daily basis. In most instances solutions are surprisingly

Screening efficiency

simple and engineered solutions can be easily

He continues that in most instances material flow

Rubber, steel, ceramics and engineering plastics

applied to rectify the problems and restore the

problems are caused by inefficient screening of

have outstanding performance in certain

plant to operate at full capacity.

materials or improperly specified linings. Screens

conditions, but have weaknesses in other areas.

play a major role in allowing only workable

However, by combining appropriate liners at

Eliminating backlogs

materials to enter the process and should exclude

different points within a process, it is possible to

“We often undertake studies of plants where

items that are too large or that can damage

obtain the best possible performance in terms of

workers have grown accustomed to simply

equipment such as crushers, cyclones etc.

product movement and durability.

“dealing” with problems rather than actually addressing the issues and sorting them out. For

Rubber scalping panels, for example, remove

For example, rubber can absorb impacts on a

example, if a chute gets blocked they simply

oversize rocks from crushing and screening

transfer point, while flow can be facilitated with the

use a crowbar and remove build-up by hand

processes and can play a major role in the effective

use of polyethylene or ceramics, while steel provides toughness and good flow ability further down a chute, hopper or bunker etc. Any combination of these and other materials can however provide the perfect balance for modern and world-class processing plants.

Plant optimisation Conveyors and other process related equipment also play a significant role in improving efficiency of a plant. For this reason it is imperative that mines process effectively and save money on the overall operation of the plant. “With cost pressures mounting on a daily basis, it pays for mines to optimise the efficiency of their plants and gain the maximum profit from their processing operations,”

Kirby Vermaak 32 40

Vermaak concludes.