AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES (AUMS)

AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES (AUMS)

Bringing Australian mining standards to Africa’s underground sector www.aumsgh.com

ame AFRICAN UNDERGROUND MINING SERVICES (AUMS)

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Can-do Attitude Breaking Records with a

AUMS is combining international notoriety with local development to innovate the continent’s contract mining domain Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Arron Rampling

frican Underground Mining Services (AUMS) has been bringing Australian standards of mining to the African market for the best part of 10 years and is on the brink of even further success as new, record breaking, projects take off and the local talent pool expands.

Formed as a joint venture in 2007 between leading Australian mining service providers, Barminco and Ausdrill who have more than a quarter of a century’s experience operating in Africa - as the 100 percent Ausdrill owned, AMS - AUMS as a wholly owned subsidiary has optimised its expertise as an underground mining contractor ever since; subsequently changing the dynamic of the wider industry in the region.

The Company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Blair Sessions explains:

“Around 60 percent of the Australian underground mining market is completed using a contractor business model, with only 40 percent or so being run as an owner-operator mine.

“In Africa, it was the opposite so when a whole lot of underground mines opened up in the mid 2000s on the continent, everyone was initially favouring the owner-operator model without really exploring all the different contracting options around the world.”

This gap in the market gave AUMS the opportunity it was looking for to break into the domain and to replicate the same success it had achieved in Australia with Barminco; delivering a lower cost per unit offering, and developing a client’s mine at higher speed, better quality, and at lower unit cost than the market had anticipated or been exposed to previously.

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THE BUSINESS SPIRIT

Enterprise of Boilers, General Trade, Building and Public Works Boiler - Welding pieces of mechanical equipment - Bore whole parts for mechanical appliances

General Trade - Provision of safety equipment and labor to mine sites - Provision of safety equipment and labor for construction sites - Provision of office equipment - Provision of civil construction materials

BTP (Building and Public Works) - Construction of civil - Construction offices at mine sites - Construction of hangars industrial production - Construction of storage sheds for industrial products - Construction and media water tanks (metal or concrete)

Vehicle Rentals - Dump truck, crane truck, 4x4 Vehicles, Machine and Welding Equipment

Email: eakbusiness@hotmail.fr Phone: (+223) 20 71 90 63 / 66 97 42 86 / 71 48 19 90

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“The key to our success has been our fast development,” Sessions continues.

“We’ve broken world records while we’ve been in Africa as far as horizontal development is concerned. And because projects can traditionally happen quite slowly in Africa, the fact that we can get in there and develop faster than our competitors, and deliver access to the ore body a lot quicker, is a key driver for us.

“Our business philosophy is to take Australian standards and to put them in Africa. We don’t hold back from that because we have a hugely refined business model from our experience in Australia, which has been the driver for us picking up business in West Africa.”

Keeping options open

The speed in which AUMS has subsequently grown has been indicative of the market analysis carried out and the saturation of its business model in the region; ultimately surpassing expectations in terms of the influence the wider Group had hoped for.

Initially, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Guinea formed the crux of its regional saturation, but prospects in the east of the continent, as well as opportunities arising

Our business philosophy is to take Australian standards and to put them in Africa

AUM has surpassed expectation in terms of growth in Africa

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further north and south in Africa have emphasised the rapidly rising notoriety of AUMS. Such geographic flexibility and the reputation it has fostered, has stemmed from a general versatility within the business’s mining operations, as Sessions affirms: “AUMS can provide to clients the full suite of underground mining services from feasibility to production status.

“We provide technical and engineering solutions to assist with feasibility, and all associated services in the construction of underground mines, specialising in high-speed development utilising industry-leading standards in process and plant, including specialised development and production techniques.

“The joint venture was originally formed to provide services to clients in West Africa, but has recently expanded this outlook to include opportunities in other regions of the African continent.”

Breaking records

Incorporating this outlook into the African mining mindset has subsequently resulted in the attainment of numerous landmark projects, ranging from record-breaking feats underground, to equally significant enrichment initiatives being carried out above the ground in the local communities.

Sessions notes: “Smaller community projects are very important to AUMS. We have committed to positively influencing the communities where we work, such as delivering local school expansions, the provision of sporting complexes and associated supplies, and some of our employees give their own time to coach and mentor in these programmes.”

Important from a reputation and localisation standpoint, its CSR initiatives complement its bread and butter achievements which continue to make waves in West Africa.

“Our work at Gara and Yalea are

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our two biggest projects working with Randgold in Mali,” Sessions adds. “We achieved the world record at Gara for our tunnelling work, and have recently mobilised on another great gold mine site called Yaramoko, working with Canadian company, Roxgold on their first project in Burkina Faso.”

Nationalisation

Remaining proactive and flexible, with a refusal to rest on its laurels, have been pivotal facets of AUMS’ rapid rise in Africa, keeping abreast of all new industry trends and sector fluctuations.

These incorporate areas of health and safety, continuous improvement

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( A U M S )

VIVO ENERGY MALI

AUMS can provide to clients the full suite of underground mining services

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ivo Energy Mali - the company behind the Shell brand - is proud to supply African Underground Mining Services with its fuel and lubricants needs.

The Shell brand has been present in Mali since 1934, and has a strong brand image in the country. Vivo Energy has an excellent reputation for its values and principles and is committed to be the leader in the Malian fuel and lubricants market.

In addition to supporting the commercial mining sector Vivo Energy Mali also offers solutions for motorists and other businesses.

Through our network of 22 retail service stations, and with a storage capacity of 5,200 m3, motorists are provided with a comprehensive range of Shell fuels and lubricants, including: • Shell Diesel Extra • Shell Super Unleaded • Shell Helix Ultra • Shell Advance Vivo Energy Mali provides a wide range of Shell fuel and lubricants products to its business customers - both in the private and the public sectors - to support their growth. We provide cost effective solutions (including storage, distribution and technical advice) in the following areas of business: • Mining • Construction • Road transport • Manufacturing • Agriculture

Please contact us to see how we can help: T +223 20 21 95 04

www.vivoenergy.com Providing technical and engineering solutions to assist in the construction of underground mines

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Vivo Energy Mining: Technology leadership and expertise to drive down your costs Vivo Energy - the company behind the Shell brand in Africa - brings you Shell’s industry-leading products, services and technology, with an offer designed to meet your precise mining needs and reduce your Total Cost of Operations.

At Vivo Energy we know that as an African mining company you battle tough conditions everyday.

We know that you continually strive to reduce your operational costs; that you rely heavily on your machinery, demanding fuel and lubricants products which ensure you get optimal use from it; that you require a constant, uninterrupted supply of these products; and that you have certain non-negotiables particularly around safety.

Fortunately, Vivo Energy is in a position to provide you with complete solutions to all of these requirements.

We are proud to put Shell’s high quality products, services and technology at your disposal. Our tailored offer will meet your precise needs, help you optimise your Total Cost of Operations, and ensure your mining business is more successful and sustainable.

If you would like to reduce your costs and optimise the use of fuel and lubricant products in your mining operations, contact us at www.vivoenergy.com

Fulling Africa’s Future Shell trademarks used under license.

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( A U M S )

AEMS

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EMS (The African Equipment Maintenance and Services) has been present and flourishing in Mali and countries of the West Africa sub region since 2009, to provide an adequate solution to mechanical problems for companies operating in mining and public works may face.

AEMS is specialized in the maintenance, installation and repair of mining machinery, public works, drilling, handling and generators but also in the rental of construction equipment.

AEMS, with nearly a hundred experts in the field, offers a brand new formula to perform meticulous diagnosis with its modern equipment, which allows to react positively and diligently to companies appeal.

AEMS has been able so far to bring its expertise to several institutions by achieving the exploits below:

• Complete rebuilds include: • 16 Dampers 777D AUMS has attained numerous landmark projects on the African continent

• Loaders 988F • Bulldozers D9R

strategies amid market contractions and low commodity prices, and a heightened reliance on automation from a technical standpoint.

Chief among all trends however remains the necessity to retain a strong local emphasis within the business.

Once employees are settled at AUMS they enjoy extensive training and development initiatives including comprehensive simulator experience to bring them up to speed, and a diverse approach to cater for the different languages and cultures entering the Company. Job one, however, is identifying said skills in the first place.

“Alongside bringing that Australian methodology into Africa, our second differentiator is the training programmes we have in place to develop the national workforce,

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• Reconditioned and changed several organs

The joint venture was originally formed to provide services to clients in West Africa, but has recently expanded this outlook to include opportunities in other regions of the African continent

• Installed equipment like, CATERPILLAR, LIEBHERR, O & K • Signed contracts for maintenance with other parties • Rented machines • Complete technical assistance AEMS, till now has been trusted among others by: AUMS, AMS, MOOLMANS, PW, IMPACT AFRICA GUINEA, SONGHOI RESOURCES, PAPILLON RESOURCES. T +223 20 77 54 85 +223 66 76 75 57 +223 76 76 98 88 E info@aems-mali.com

www.aems-mail.com

AEMS’ EXPERTISE, ALWAYS ON HAND AEMS is specialized in the maintenance, installation and repair of mining machinery, public works, drilling, handling and generators but also in the rental of construction equipment.

AEMS, with nearly a hundred experts in the field, offers a brand new formula to perform meticulous diagnosis with its modern equipment, which allows to react positively and diligently to companies appeal.

CONTACT US www.aems-mali.com

PRESENT IN THE W E S T A F R I CA SUB REGION

SINCE 2009

E akone@aems-mali.com info@aems-mali.com T +223 20 77 54 85 +223 66 76 75 57 +223 76 76 98 88

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and subsequently retain the ‘cando’ culture in operating countries,” Sessions says. “It is a cornerstone of our business model because if we don’t look locally for these skills and develop them continuously, then our culture suffers, and so will our competitive advantage.

“We need to be heavily focused on nationalisation and training to deliver a skill level comparable with expatriate operators and it will continue to be one of our main drivers.”

Achieving more than 12 months and nearly two million man hours without a lost time injury highlights AUMS’ commitment to its employees’ satisfaction and safety, lending towards an overall goal to give them the skillsets to progress within the Company and take their expertise elsewhere across the Group.

After eight years, the fruits of this philosophy are already evident with Ghanaian expatriates now working in Burkina Faso, Malian workers now plying their trade in Ghana, and so on; all of which creates a sustainable pool of talent that will be imperative for AUMS and its future success in the region.

Sessions continues: “More than 85 percent of our workforce are locally employed, with internal development of all our staff a key priority for the business.

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SUPPLY DIRECT

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UPPLY DIRECT provides industrial products, global procurement and supply chain management services with offices in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa. As a products and services company, SUPPLY DIRECT knows that no matter what industry you operate in, supply chain effectiveness is key to your success.

This is why SUPPLY DIRECT combines its extensive industrial product offering with a range of services to support your supply chain.

With SUPPLY DIRECT as your industrial distributor, you will not only benefit from a world-class product offering, but also from dedicated procurement and supply chain management services. This will reduce your costs, increase your productivity and leave you free to focus on your own core competencies to grow your business.

Wherever you are in the world, no matter how remote, we will deliver what you need, when you need it. Our clients range from major mining companies in remote Africa to underground mining and drilling contractors in Australia to facilities in South East Asia and Eastern Europe.

We have access to a comprehensive range of products & equipment in warehouses across the world and provide supply options based on lead times, currencies and availability to suit your individual requirements.

SUPPLY DIRECT is your partner to improving Productivity, Efficiency and Cost Reduction.

AUMS (African Underground Mining Services), is not only a subsidiary company to SUPPLY DIRECT but has been a valued customer from inception. As both organisations have a common goal in terms health and safety, environmental impact, efficiently delivering the products to our customers, and importantly sustainability.

Upholding a ‘can-do’ company culture

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The inherent symbiotic relationship between Supply Direct and AUMS is what makes us leaders in both our market segments.

ONE SOURCE FOR MINING SUPPLIES GLOBALLY.

ONE CALL AND IT’S AS GOOD AS DELIVERED. We supply equipment, parts and consumables for mining, mineral processing, exploration and construction. We source, procure and freight to your site what you need, when you need it, anywhere in the world. Buy it direct from the source at www.supplydirect.net THERE’S AN OFFICE NEAR YOU > AUSTRALIA | SOUTH AFRICA | GHANA | UNITED KINGDOM

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FOOD & EVENTS AFRICA

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EA’s expertise is present where climate and environmental conditions are difficult and infrastructure lacking.

FEA’s success in providing high quality, well-run remote camps is grounded in the expertise and experience of our founding directors. We can start a camp from scratch, or take over your existing facilities, upgrade them to international standards and employ and develop existing staff already on-site.

Feeding, housing, serving and caring for the well-being of hundreds of people working on major projects, remotely based in West & Central Africa: that’s what we do at FOOD & EVENTS AFRICA.

www.fea-catering.com

HYSPEC MINING SERVICES Retaining a strong local emphasis is a key aspect of the business

“The up-skilling of our national workforce is critical to our business success, and comprises the cornerstone of our business plan to ensure a highly-skilled, mobile, local workforce to take their skills further afield also as we develop into new markets in Africa.”

Quality and reliable supply

Leveraging local resources may be vital from an employment perspective, but when it comes to the supply chain and some of AUMS’ key business partnerships, the Company can leverage its international reputation.

While still looking to form local relationships where possible, management of the supply chain is carried out by the same senior personnel consulting for Barminco,

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with regular, longstanding suppliers almost treating the two entities as one of the same in regards to the quality demanded from the required equipment and machinery.

Sandvik, Caterpillar and Atlas Copco are three such partners with a global cachet themselves as AUMS thrives to find the perfect balance between optimum levels of quality, and concerted local impetus.

“We effectively look in the country first, and then West Africa, then Africa, then outside of Africa, when it comes to our supply chain,” Sessions says. “We do pretty well, and although it takes serious commitment to achieve the quality and reliability we demand, we have had some significant success stories as well with more than 60 percent of our supply now coming from within West Africa

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yspec Mining Services provides the African mining and exploration industry with replacement hydraulic hose assemblies and associated parts round the clock from over fifty wholly owned minesite based workshops, across nine African countries. Hyspec is part of the Manuli Group, the world leader in the manufacture hydraulic hoses and fittings.

“We have been partnering with Hyspec in Africa for years”, explains Blair Sessions, AUMS COO. “No matter how remote our operations are, the Hyspec teams are there to provide the quality services which we need to meet our production targets”.

T +61 89 49 34 241 E sale@hyspec.com

www.hyspec.com

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Feel at home in the middle of nowhere www.fea-catering.com

Quality Catering Services For more information contact us

Pierre ZGHAIB Managing Director T: +223.66.750.130 E: pierrez@fea-catering.com

Hubert HAYEK Business Development Manager T: +221.77.333.06.30 E: hhayek@fea-catering.com

Reduce Operational Costs Improve Equipment Availability Increase Production

FOOD&EVENTS

AFRICA

• Over 50 mine-site based workshops in Africa • 24 hour / 7 days full end to end service • Hose inspection services and mining equipment downtime reduction programs

B u r k i n a F a s o – C o t e d ’ I v o i r e – D R C - G h a n a – G u i n e a – M a l i – S i e r r a L e o n e – Ta n z a n i a – Z a m b i a Head Office – 13 Da Vinci Way, Forrestdale, WA 6112 – Australia T: +61 89 49 34 241 - E: sales@hyspec.com - www.hyspec.com

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( A U M S )

AUMS Projects

Gara - AUMS achieved a world

record (at the time), tunnelling 600 metres in one month with one jumbo.

Beginning in 2010, the development and production contract with Randgold, the mine currently delivers 750 development metres a month and close to 100,000 ore tonnes a month in a Sub Level Open Stoping operation (SLOS).

Yalea - Starting in late 2010, with Randgold, the development and production contract delivers 750 metres per month and some 130,000 ore tonnes (SLOS).

Perkoa – Started in 2012, with

Nantou mining, the schedule has seen AUMS deliver 300 metresplus per month and around 50,000 ore tonnes (development and production).

Yaramoko – A new site, commencing in July 2015, with Roxgold in Burkina Faso, the exciting new gold project is situated on rich ground with narrow vein mining techniques. AUMS will have a fleet of four drills and five loaders to deliver the client’s requirements on this highly prospective, ever increasing tenement in an exciting geographical location in Burkina Faso.

Chirano – Comprising work at Akwaaba Deeps and Paboase for Kinross Gold, the underground development and production was completed in 2014, delivering over 600 metres and in excess of 100,000 tonnes a month.

Subika – When operations ended

in March 2014, Subika had achieved 1,172 days without a lost time injury.

Bibiani – An underground

project completed in 2009, the establishment of a decline and production levels at the Ghanaian operation opened up the potential now being unlocked by Mensin Mining, with the assistance of both AMS and AUMS with exploration drilling.

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On-the-job training at AUMS

We believe we offer the best service in Australia already as Barminco, and we’re now delivering the same, if not better, performance in Africa

itself, and we have reached 90 percentplus levels of country dependency.”

The Company’s Ghanaian mesh supplier, Wire Weaving Industries Ghana Ltd, is one such success story, having been adopted and trusted by AUMS to deliver a key component of its operations, and subsequently being developed up to international, western standards with automated manufacturing facilities delivering products equal to anywhere in the world.

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Can-do attitude

MT6020 Minetruck

Atlas Copco Ghana Ltd. Tel:+233 (0) 302 774512 info.ghana@gh.atlascopco.com www.atlascopco.com

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Being able to mobilise so quickly and effectively is once again testament to AUMS’ flexibility, and the COO pinpoints this attribute as the key to maintaining its success moving forward.

Sessions concludes: “If we’re not flexible, we’d end up stagnant and because in Africa things can generate slowly before springing to life all of a sudden, if you’re not ready to jump and get started, you will miss opportunities.

“We always ensure we have a strong order book of equipment readily available in front of us so that if we are required to start a job quickly we can do so, with the extended Ausdrill and Barminco networks behind us.

“There’s a real requirement to make sure we’re fully available, with a can-do attitude, to be able to respond to a client’s wants and needs, because it’s more important in Africa than anywhere else in the world to have that ability, and we have made sure we can do just that.”

Creating a can-do ethos throughout the Group - across its employees and suppliers - is a philosophy which has already proved defining for Barminco in Australia, and AUMS is now at a stage where it adopts the exact same procedures across mining, safety and training in Africa.

“We believe we offer the best service in Australia already as Barminco, and we’re now delivering the same, if not better, performance in Africa,” Sessions adds. “As our nationalisation strategy continues to improve the local workforce and our skills network, we are in a very flexible position to assess opportunities as they come.”

The resulting ability comprises being able to get on the ground with unparalleled pace, before working through the planning and construction phases with clients and helping them deliver optimum output from each project.

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S SUPREME AUTO PARTS With 16 years’ experience, Supreme Auto Parts now occupies a leading position on the market of spare parts for light vehicles in Mali. With a strong and special partnership with Toyota we constantly receive all updated catalogs and software allowing us to identify all spare parts with minimal information on the vehicle they will go on. Today we are the parts supplier to almost all mines in Mali and several large companies that have the commitment to good maintenance of their fleets. Supreme Auto Parts sells its image frist then the original parts.

E: supremeauto@afribone.net.ml T: (223) 20 20 56 16 - (223) 66 74 57 51 – (223) 76 03 57 56 – (223) 66 71 23 80

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African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) No. 13 Patrice Lumumba Road Airport Residential Area, PMB KIA Accra, Ghana T: +233 302 611 333 F: +233 302 763 274 E: enquiries@aumsgh.com

www.aumsgh.com