Australian Mining April 2011

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SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

VOLUME 103/4 – APRIL 2011

www.miningaustralia.com.au

NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

Hunter Valley Spotlight

Coal central NSW mining centre

P.28

Underground Mining

Road, rail and port Print Post Approved PP255003/00535

Australia’s infrastructure future

NOMINATIONS OPEN 8th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards co-hosted by AIMEX

Down below Mining under the earth

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Power Generation

Electrifying Keep power flowing

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AF_AMORIAPR_11.pdf

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COMMENT

Mining Australian

Copyright Reed Business Information Published 12 issues a year by Reed Business Information (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia Tel: (02) 9422 2999 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 Editor – Cole Latimer Tel: (02) 9422 2352 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Journalist – Jessica Burke Tel: (02) 9422 2909 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Account Manager – Sarah Bateman Tel: (02) 9422 8994 Mob: 0408 991 585 Email: sarah.bateman@reedbusiness.com.au Account Manager – Tim Richards Tel: (02) 9422 2818 Mob: 0407 948 774 Email: tim.richards@reedbusiness.com.au WA Representative – Jamie Wade Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au QLD and SA Sales Manager – Sharon Amos Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 Mob: 0417 072 625 Email: sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au New Business – Alex Evans Tel: (02) 9422 2890 Email: alex.evans@reedbusiness.com.au RBI Manufacturing & Electronics Group: Associate Publisher – Michelle Graves Email: michelle.graves@reedbusiness.com.au Graphic Designer – Dave Ashley Production Co-ordinator – Mary Copland Tel: (02) 9422 2738 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 South Africa – Bob Stephen Stephen Marketing PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA – Jonathan Sismey RBI 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com Larry Arthur RBI Suite 203, 3700 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel: (1) 949 756 1057 Fax: (1) 949 756 2514 Email: lharthur@ix.netcom.com Printed by GEON 20 Baker Street, Banksmeadow, NSW 2019 Tel: (02) 8333 6555

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Steppe on up Australia is getting in on the ground floor in the new Mongolian rush.

M

iners are always on the look out for what will be the hot new mining ticket.

From the California and Ballarat gold rushes to the modern West African gold rush, we’ve seen it played over and over again.

And as the more easily accessible places are swiftly becoming occupied, everyone is looking further and further afield to the next untapped mining region.

From stage left enters Mongolia, a country more known for occupying one third of the world’s land mass as well as its delicious cooked lamb than mining.

So what has changed to make the mining industry view this massive landlocked country

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au as a great mining target?

Well, Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi for a start.

These two mines, which host copper gold and coal respectively, have enormous untapped potential and seem to be just the tip of the iceberg.

And it seems as with actual icebergs, we are only seeing about 10% of what is actually there.

So how is Australia going to benefit from potential mining plays that are millions of kilometres away?

Speaking to the Mongolian Consulate, Peter Sloane, he told me that Mongolia views Australia as a similar country, in the way that we both have relatively small populations living on a huge land mass.

On top of this, Mongolia’s Prime Minister Batbold has described Australia as a partner in his country’s economic development.

How we’ve dealt with and developed our mining industry as well as our agriculture

is also of enormous interest to Mongolia, so much so that their Prime Minister was here only last month to strengthen the ties between our two nations.

We’re in a strong position, which few other countries are, so it’s important to take a step back and see where we can go with this.

Considering that it is not a mature country mining wise, and Australians have a reputation as people who have skills in exploring and mining in rough and remote conditions, its important that the nation properly develops this relationship.

So let’s hope Australian Mongolian ties get close, because it’s something that can only benefit our nation.

ON THE FRONT COVER ON the front cover we’ve showcased heavily laden coal trains at the Kooragang coal terminal in Newcastle.

The coal terminal is one of the largest ports in Australia, and sightseers can regularly see ships waiting in a long line down the coast, ready to be filled.

The coal ports of Newcastle are critical to the Hunter Valley and have suffered under a poor logistical supply chain as well as the continuing actions of environmental protestors.

In this issue we look at both the future of infrastructure and how it can support the mining boom, as well as the dangerous environmental protests at the coal loading terminals.

AustralianMining

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Contents Features

April 2011 issue

Building the future of a nation

MINING PERSONALITY PROFILE Personality Profile In the first of a new series, Australian Mining speaks to Russell Fountain ......................... p10 INTERNATIONAL MINING The Wild Wild East Mining in Mongolia ............................. p12-14 CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES The new face of mining Women making inroads in the industry ...... p16 Getting to the source of the issue How to approach outsourcing .................... p18 INFRASTRUCTURE Steaming ahead Developments at Oakajee ...................... p20-21 Moving down the line Freight monitoring and management .... p22-23 HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT Protesting safety An insight into the Port Waratah coal protests ..................................................... p28-30 Don’t back out of safety Improving injury rates in the Hunter .... p32-33 Reduce risks, reap rewards Saving coal silos ............................................ p34 UNDERGROUND MINING Going underground in Africa Underground services in Africa .................... p38 Innovation underground Rio Tinto’s technology push ......................... p39 Raising expectations Hoisting ore.................................................... p40

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The challenges for Australian infrastructure…p24-26

POWER GENERATION Supply and demand Remote site generators ................................. p42 What’s hidden below the surface An insight into coal seam gas issues ...... p44-45 Making the case for MCCB Moulded case circuit breaker applications ............................................. p46-47 HIRE & RENTAL If you can’t get the gear, you can’t do the work Meeting the demand in machinery rental.... p48 Carting water Water cart rental ........................................... p50

Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT.................................... p6 NEWS ............................................................... p8

A bit of a gas problem

Underground methane issues at Blakefield South…p36 South….p36

PRODUCT FOCUS: Cranes & Lifting .... p52-54 PRODUCT SHOWCASE ......................... p56-60 PROSPECT AWARDS ................................... p62 JOBS ............................................................... p64 EVENTS .......................................................... p66

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMATLAPR.pdf

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

The line of fire The Mining Man’s Jamie Ross discusses ways to kickstart your safety observations on site.

S

afety observation is an ongoing process on any site or plant. It’s always important to engage with your team in discussions on the current state of the workplace and site safety.

Our observation on “line of fire” is about looking at your site to identify hazards in the job which could result in someone being hit or stuck by something which suddenly starts to move or releases unexpectedly.

Examples of line of fire hazards can include: • Electric hand tools which could kick back if they jam or catch • Torque wrenches or other levers used to apply force • Chains or slings under tension • Loads that could fall or tip as restraints are released • Fluids (hydraulic, air, water) when a tap is opened or a fitting loosened • Shards flying when hitting brittle materials with a hammer On nearly every job there is something which could hit, spray, pinch or crush a worker.

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Discuss how quickly things can happen and that they probably won’t have time to move out of the way.

Try this type of dialogue: “Guys, my safety observation this week is about line of fire. It looks like the right tool for the job, but I noticed you're really putting some force onto the handle of that wrench. If it suddenly lets go or slips, what is it likely to hit, and what are your hands going to knock in to?”

Don’t forget to look for bystanders who could be in the line of fire too – the right amount of energy can send things flying a very long way.

Make sure your observations are making a difference.

Safe handling of ropes and chain under tension on site can stop them from easily slipping and moving unexpectedly, which could potentially cause serious damage.

The first priority should be to eliminate these hazards entirely if it is possible, but if not, we want people to focus on moving themselves out of the line of fire.

So when you next carry out your

safety observation, look for where there is energy waiting to be released, and talk to the people being observed about where that energy will go if released, and how they are staying out of that path.

The Mining Man is currently creating the world’s largest list of mining industry acronyms. If you’ve got one or two to add, contact him at www.miningman.com • Mining Man Jamie Ross www.miningman.com

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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HEADLINES

The latest mining news and safety Australian Mining presents the latest news and safety affecting you from the boardroom to the mine and everywhere in between. Visit www.miningaustralia.com.au to keep up to date with what is happening.

TOP TWEETS Some of the latest tweets from around the world: • At the Underground Mine Operators’ conference in Canberra. Day one just kicking off.

• Drill Fitter Job http://dlvr.it/Kx318 • A report says mining has boomed as prices rise but the sector employs 5,000 fewer people in SA than in 2007 http://bit.ly/gJUcES • Lundin Rejects Equinox’s C$4.19 Billion Rival Takeover Offer http://buswk.co/hN7IME • Depression the dark side of mining boom | The Australian http://bit.ly/ fDV0Fk

Indigenous employment in resource sector

QLD communities rally against FIFO

The Gillard government and the Aboriginal Mining and Building Association (AMBA) may be joining forces, along with the Downer Group Coal Mine to employ 30 Indigenous workers.

The Indigenous Employment Program, which helps provide pre-employment training and jobs across mining and construction jobs in New South Wales has been given $420 000 from the Government.

According to Mark Arbib, the minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, the AMBA project would give participants a qualification which would assist in gaining long-term job opportunities in the mining sector.

More than 350 people from across Queensland’s Bowen Basin turned out to a rally over the weekend to protest against the increasing numbers of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining industry.

The protest, organised by the Moranbah Action Group, is arguing against 100 per cent FIFO workforces being pushed by major mining companies.

The group say they are protesting to protect the way of life in the small communities, including Moranbah, Collinsville, Dystart, Mackay and Blackwater.

• Mining Projects Manager – #Western Australia, Australia (http://tinyurl.com/ 4jkuoml) Get Mining Jobs

Adult apprentices will be fast tracked in a new trial in Queensland, as well as a new visa to bring in more temporary migrants to fill skills shortages in the mining industry.

The new initiatives are the first in the country, and mining companies will also be able to apply for parts of a $200 million government fund to pay for training.

Official warnings indicate there will be a shortage of 36 000 tradespeople by 2015.

To find out mining news as it happens or to find the latest jobs, subscribe to our twitters @ozmining and @ozmining_jobs

Anglo American under investigation for mine safety breaches

• Government could pick up 90% of BlueScope's #carbontax bill http://tinyurl.com/6ksw2c8 • Price of Brent crude jumps $2 to $115.93/bbl on military action against Libya – Reuters

Anglo American’s Queensland operations are under investigation following dangerous incidents including the sudden flooding of part of the Grasstree coal mine.

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AustralianMining

Mining activists ‘killing off jobs’ in New Zealand: ACT

Mining apprenticeships fasttracked Australian Mining gets the latest news every day, providing mining professionals with the up to the minute information on safety, news and technology for the Australian mining and resources industry.

According to the Daily Mercury, three miners had to quickly climb onto heavy equipment to get out of the way of a one metre wall of water that broke into the underground coal mine.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said that an on-site storage dam broke its banks, allowing 36 mega litres of water to gush into the mine near Middlemount in January.

It described the Grasstree incident as a near fatal disaster.

Environmental activists are “killing off jobs” in the industry that is crucial for New Zealand’s economic future; mining.

This is according to the leader of the ACT (Association of Consumers and Taxpayers political party, Rodney Hide.

Underground collapse stops work at Birla Mount Gordon Underground mining work has been suspended at Aditya Birla Minerals’ Mount Gordon copper mine following a collapse of the F1 vent shaft collar.

Recent heavy rains are believed to have undermined the collar, according to the company.

All miners were evacuated from the mine.

There were no injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMVERAPR_11.pdf

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MINING PERSONALITY PROFILE

Movers and Shakers: Russell Fountain The chairman of Finders Resources talks to Jessica Burke about some of his experiences in more than forty years in the mining industry.

R

ussell Fountain, chairman of Finders Resources Ltd, has travelled the world, from PNG to Fiji and America as a geologist.

He didn’t know what geology was before he enrolled to study at Sydney University in the 60’s, but after choosing it because someone told him it was a good, outdoor job, he loved it from the moment he started.

In the first of our monthly Personality Profiles, Russell talks to Jessica Burke about some of the changes he’s seen and where he thinks the mining industry is headed.

copper, I mean, copper’s a beauty but we’re not finding copper at anything like the rate we’re using it and so the only real major new discoveries that have come are in Mongolia and are a kilometre deep and more than a kilometre deep in Arizona where people haven’t bothered to look before because it’s too hard and too difficult. But there’s plenty in the Congo.

JB: How big will the impact of mining

in places like Mongolia and the Congo be on Australia?

RF: In the Congo you could probably JESSICA BURKE: What do you think guarantee that you could find some was the single biggest change to the copper reasonably easily, you can’t industry you’ve witnessed in your guarantee you could mine it or get it time? out effectively under the rules.

RUSSELL FOUNTAIN: I don’t know about In Australia, finding anything is single biggest change, very difficult and but there’s been a “There’s a real deficit of expensive now, but huge evolution and if you find it there’s change in the nature experience and most of a good chance of of the exploration the easy stuff is gone” developing it so business with all the there’s this huge consolidation that’s gone on. tension all the time as to whether to All in all in a forty year period, bite the bullet and go somewhere really they keep saying that there’s been 10 hairy and find something and see what good years of exploration on a reason- you can do to make it work, or whether able budget when things were going you spend a whole lot of money on well, ten fairly ordinary years and 20 very high risk exploration in Australia. really crap years when there was no But for a country that has its bigger money at all. percentage of its wealth in mining at It’s starting to pick up again now the moment, the amount of support but there’s a real deficit of experi- for the industry given by the governenced people and most of the easy ment is zero. stuff is gone, it is now really deep, high cost exploration all in very dodgy JB: How do you think the mining places that you’ve got to go to get the industry can overcome the current breakthrough so the game is a lot skills shortages? tougher and the world is going to keep RF: It’s getting progressively harder to needing minerals so the outlook for overcome because there’s a real closed commodities as far as they can see is loop at universities that are dependant on outside funding to get their critipretty good. cal mass, and their teaching up, with JB: Is technology keeping up with the all the consolidation that’s been in the need to get to those difficult deposits? industry, there’s only a few companies RF: I don’t think so, I think there have around who can give that funding. been big advancements in geophysics The front end of the exploration and stuff like that but really it’s not business has worked as a sort of vicious up to the challenge as a general rule. circle and it’s very hard to get back Things are pretty hard to find and presumably once things start to and if you look at the real supply run out and the price of things getting constrains on gold and nickel and high, gradually it will build up, but 10 April 2011

AustralianMining

Russell Fountain, chairman of Finders Resources, believes the fundamentals of the mining industry don’t change.

there are a lot of old fellas like me who would like to retire but we can’t.

JB: Where do you see the industry in

20 years?

RF: I will be very lucky if I can still

see anything 20 years from now!

It won’t be hugely different from what it is, it will be a lot safer but you’ll still have to go out.

The thing is you’ve got to go where the stuff is so it will still be decentralised and it will happen wherever things happen.

It will still need people who are

prepared to get out and get their hands dirty to make it work, so it’s hard to see any really fundamental changes, you’ve basically just got to dig it.

It will probably be much smoother and less messy and probably [there’ll be] less dangerous ways to do it.

The fundamentals basically can’t change.

The full transcript of Jessica’s interview with Russell is on the Australian Mining website miningaustralia.com.au.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MONGOLIA

The WILD WILD east The plains of Mongolia are seeing an invariable influx of Australian mining and investment, as Jessica Burke and Cole Latimer report.

The development of Miongolia is set to boom.

M

iners are always searching for that latest underdeveloped province, but as the world grows smaller there are fewer and fewer places that are yet to be fully explored.

The open barren plains of Mongolia are one place that is drawing the mining industry in droves.

The importance of Mongolia as a destination for mining companies is being recognised more and companies are scrambling to ensure they are a part of the booming industry.

Australia is one of the countries that is getting in at the ground floor.

The current Mongolian Prime Minister, Sukhbaatar Batbold has realised the relationship between his country and Australia, becoming the

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AustralianMining

first Mongolian Head of State to visit Australia in February.

The Mongolia Australia Business Forum brought mining industries together, those already involved in mining projects in the country and others who are considering tapping into the rich market.

At the forum, the audience heard of the Mongolian nationals who complete their training in Australia and enjoy their time and training so much, they refer to themselves as ‘Maussies’.

Batbold praised our mining industry and says Australia and Mongolia have many things in common.

“There are a lot of common things between the two countries,” he said “Like Australia, we are blessed with an abundance of

mining minerals, so we are blessed in that sense.

“They are key for the Mongolian economy.

“He said the similarities between Mongolia and Australia can be harnessed by the two nations working together on mining developments, training and innovation.

Speaking to the Mongolian Consulate for Australia, Peter Sloane, he told Australian Mining that “Australia is seen as a friendly country with the same issue of a large country with a small population.”

“Our two countries can compliment each other,” Batbold told the forum.

Batbold has previously used the phrase a ‘third partner in Mongolia’ to describe Australia’s position, Sloane added.

“There’s less than 20 years

of modern mining, but the discovery of minerals has put us on a global stage,” Batbold told the fouorm.

“We’re not building mines, we’re building a mining country, like Australia and Chile.

But he said the placement of Mongolia amongst some of the world’s most prosperous mining nations will not be an easy or quick task.

“We’re mindful that we need to undergo years and decades of mining exploration to establish ourselves like Canada and Australia.

The country took a major step forward in this direction following the fall of communism in 1991, after which it soon amended mining laws to make the country friendly for exploration and to encourage overseas miners.

However, an Australian coal mining company Xanadu Mines chief executive Brian Thornton told Australian Mining there was a void in the mining space from 1991 after the Russians left.

But in the last few years miners have seen the opportunity in the country as “there is serious exploration potential as Mongolia is not very mature, mining wise,” he said.

However “Mongolia is still highly vulnerable in economic terms,” Batbold said.

Sloane explained that “the development will provide problems for the Mongolian Government, as with all this money flooding into the country it will be difficult to prevent rising inflation.”

Continued on page 14

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MONGOLIA

Continued from page 12

At Tavan Tolgoi, there is a plan to build an 11 000 kiloThe Prime Minister went metre railway to Russia, despite on to say that he was “impressit being only 300 kilometres ed by the environmentally sound from China, so as not to be operation” when he visited the beholden to the Chinese.

Hunter Valley during his visit.

Sloane explained that the The importance of Austra“Mongolians are wary of both lia’s presence in Mongolia was the Russians and the Chinese, outlined by the Prime Minisbut are hedging their bets, and ter, who detailed the economic would actually like to turn improvements it has brought some of its thermal coal into for the nation. electricity after which it could “As a result of foreign inexport the power generated.” vestment, the mining sector The industry is also looking has grown and now contributes towards renewable energy and 60 per cent of investment into looks to use windpower, which Mongolia.

Khanchuun says could provide “There is now coking coal 100 per cent of the energy for The Tavan Tolgoi coal mine could potentially hold around six billion tonnes of coking coal. to be mined.” some areas.

Brian Thornton told George Lhagvaa, managAustralian Mining that there the world with Rio Tinto’s “The bulk of the mine Culuundorj Khanchuun , ing director of Hunnu Coal are massive coal fields within Oyu Tolgoi copper gold mine workers are local people. committee chairman of nation- perfectly demonstrated the the country, adding that there set to use a revolutionary “We employ 680 local al development and innova- enormity of the mining boom has been a massive increase mining development, the block people and we have a long tion said one of the benefits in Mongolia at the forum, in awareness in the mining cave mining method. term view at the mine site.” of Mongolian mining are the when he told of a conversapotential of Mongolia.

“This method requires He said the facilities in the type of people who are avail- tion he has with his mother.

“We’ve been in the country construction of significant country are conducive to suc- able to work there.

“The other day my 70 year for six year and I’ve never seen underground infrastructure cessful mining operations and “Mongolia has a very old mother wanted to discuss so many miners in this coun- prior to ore production,” the company strives to under- young population,” he said. how mining affects Mongotry before,” Thornton said. according to Rio Tinto. stand and partake in the “Mongolia has a unique lia, [so that] shows the impact Peter Sloane said that Mon“In anticipation of this cultural customs. chance to become number two on the country’s economy,” golia currently has one of the need, Rio Tinto Technology “When I’ve been there, in the world for unique metals. he said. world’s largest under devel- & Innovation has been engaged I’ve been very impressed “Growth in Monoped coal projects, the Tavan in a long running develop- with the airport, phone “Less than 15% of Mongolia has golia can be compared Tolgoi mine, which could hold ment programme to signifi- service, and the camp to growth in the Westaround six billion tonnes of cantly improve both the safety site was extraordinary. been geographically surveyed.” ern Australian mining coking coal. and speed of constructing “There are 35 ethnic regions.”

“It’s so large that there is underground infrastructure groups and 45 religions, and “Every job in mining Rod Commerford, Ausactually a debate on how to such as shafts and tunnels.” they work in every province in created additional demand of trade’s Senior Export Advisor, mine it, but it looks like there David Stewart, chief exec- the country. $11.84 in other sectors.

Export and Invest Serviceswill be three to four compa- utive of Leighton Holdings Stewart said the weather He said with the move- Opportunities for Australian nies mining it, likely larger detailed the involvement the conditions in Mongolia often ment of the new growth areas, Business in Mongolia told the companies such as Mitsui, company has in Mongolia, and presented a challenge. the nation is in need of infra- forum that the opportunities Xstrata, Peabody or Mitsu- its commitment to contribute “The environment is harsh, structure and investment in in Mongolia are huge. bishi,” he said. to the local communities. in June it’s pleasant and tem- school, hospitals and other “Mongolia is rich in minSome of the mining devel“The Mongolian people peratures can go down minus necessary services. eral resources and has some opments in Mongolia will be demonstrate a tremendous 30,” he said.

Mongolian Consulate Peter of the world’s major deposits,” amongst some of the most desire to understand what we’re “Temperatures range from Sloane told Australian Mining he said. technologically advanced in doing in Australia,” he said. minus 40 to plus 40.” that at mining conference last “Less than 15 per cent of year, a World Bank economist the country has been geographsaid the Mongolian Govern- ically surveyed.” ment will need to invest around The Oyu Tolgoi agree$4 billion into infrastructure ment signals an important over the next decade, which milestone in Mongolia’s mining is set to cause headaches as history and future. the budget of the Government He said with additional is around the same size as the nine projects in the pipeline, city of Brisbane.

Mongolia is at the beginning According to Khanchuun, of its mining boom, and the 800 kilometres of rail is planned business opportunities for for 2011, and 3000 kilome- Australian’s are huge, because tres over the next four years. we are generally viewed more 600 kilometres of special- favourably than Canadians ised highways and truck auto and Americans for our direct roads for mining is also in the approach to doing business. planning, as well as copper Brian Thornton added that smelting, gold refining, coal in the junior miner space, it processing and oil processing predominantly Australian The Oyu Tolgoi copper gold mine is drawing international attention to Mongolia. plants and facilities. miners dominating the sector.

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

The NEW of mining

FACE

Women are making in roads into what was always seen as a male dominated profession, Jessica Burke reports.

T

he number of women in the resource industry is continually increasing, and they say women interested in mining should not be turned off by outdated perceptions of it being male-dominated.

Gail Evans-Hoffman was recently named as a participant on the Women on Boards, Next Generation list, for her work as the Executive Manager Finance and Commerce at Thiess.

She told Australian Mining she has not faced any discrimination due to being female in the industry and while she doesn’t know if that was luck or an example of the industry, she believes the only way forward for more women in the mining industry is to highlight those succeeding.

She said the lack of women at senior executive levels shows some issues do remain in regards to women in the industry, but she believes this can be changed with more visibility of females to attract younger women to the industry.

“I think probably the best way is to have more women in senior roles and that will pave the way that is more attractive for women.

The presence of women in the mining industry has been increasing over recent years, changing the dynamic of the sector for the better.

Robert Hicks, CEO GoldfieldsEsperance Development Commission (GEDM) told Australian Mining that women are being employed in the mining industry more often, particularly down in the mines because they are better with the machinery.

“When I walk around I see an increase of women in mines, the accusations that it’s a male dominated industry is wrong, women are actually better at many of these mining jobs than men,” he said.

“The reality is that a lot more women are working in the mining ACGM, which is the biggest goldmine operation in Australia, they run the super pit and companies actually prefer to employ women dump truck drivers because they look after the vehicles better.”

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claims and said there are even statistics to back up the theory that vehicles operated by women have reduced wear and tear.

“Statistics show that wear and tear on vehicles operated by women is much less,” she said.

Having worked with Thiess for many years, Evans-Hoffman says she has built a solid relationship with the men in her industry, but that many women still hit the ‘glass ceiling’ at a certain point and have to consider leaving their company to progress in Indigenous women are being encouraged to venture into the mining industry. the industry.

The importance of women in mining was celebrated this month Together with the Department of sador for ovarian cancer, in Februwith the Queensland Resources Employment, Economic and Devel- ary and says she has faced no discrimCouncil’s (QRC) Resources Awards opment and Innovation’s indigenous ination because of her gender in the for Women, with Thiess being recog- initiatives team and the Office for mining industry, but that her story nised for a program which supports Women, a program has been devel- may not be representative of all women indigenous women. oped to meet the skills and training in the sector.

Its indigeexpectations of “I wouldn’t say it’s a non-issue, nous women “When I walk around I see an employers in a women and men are different and in hard hats increase of women in mines; traditionally perhaps some women feel the glass readiness promale-dominated ceiling is still there but for myself, I gram, which is the accusations it’s a maleindustry. had a mentor in Andrew [Forrest] designed to dominated industry are wrong.”

Queensland himself, and my direct boss, Russell provide disadResource Coun- Greenshaw has been a great mentor vantaged indigenous women with an cil chief executive Michael Roche to me.” opportunity to change their circum- said the program has resulted in She said the push to have more stances through full time employ- indigenous women working in a women in the mining industry is ment in the mining industry, was variety of roles in the industry. important in providing a balance. awarded the Best Company InitiaFortescue Metal’s Sandra Liu, “We have more than 30 per cent tive Award. who was named as a celebrity ambas- of women working on site, so it’s quite a change from the traditional male dominated industry,” she told Australian Mining.

“For people working at a mine site, a lot of them have partners, they’re husbands and wives, couples working on site together.

“It’s keeping families together, husband and wife can go to the site together and then go home together, and I think it’s a very healthy balanced workforce, rather than with FIFO operations where the wife stays in Perth and they only see each other every eight days,” Liu said.

The Queensland resource sector announced at its awards for women in the industry that they have set a target to have 20 per cent female staff Fortescue Metals’ Sandra Liu has been named an ambassador for ovarian cancer. by 2020. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Getting to the source of the issue With so many miners sourcing workers to fill the skills shortage gap, Infosys looks at how to approach outsourcing.

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ith the skills shortage biting down and miners unable to find the workforce for their entire operations, many are turning to outsourcing to fill the skills gap.

But how you move ahead depends on what kind of outsourcer you are.

According to Asheesh Mehra, the head of BPO for Infosys for Asia Pacific, Japan and the Middle East, you can categorise yourself as either aggressive, balanced or conservative when it comes to the outsourcing process.

So how do you know where you sit and importantly, why should you care?

Understanding your risk profile before outsourcing can save a lot pain ahead of time, and with Business Process Outsourcing in the Australian resources industry predicted to grow by 44% between 2009 and 2014, its best to start early as possible.

So what type of outsourcer might you be?

A conservative approach Most companies just getting started on the outsourcing path begin with a conservative approach.

A conservative outsourcer is likely to look at current processes and find an outsource partner who can take over their work, exactly the same as it is already being done.

An approach typically known as ‘your mess for less’, it carries lower risk as well as lower return.

The emphasis is on cutting costs by shifting work from your current staff to your outsourcing partners, with the gains coming from lower labour costs, which can be about 30% to 40% on the baseline.

With low level process reengineering in this approach, complexity is low and you can see positive ROI within 12 months or less, depending on the scope of work.

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The potential outcomes from less traditional outsourcing methods are very high, Mehra says.

and how much can be outsourced this way.

Outsourcing more bespoke processes – such as procurement of highly specialised mining equipment – is possible, but more challenging.

Do not expect the tier 2 and 3 outsourcing companies to be able to deliver this kind of work.

Balancing your options If you’re a balanced outsourcer, you’re slightly more ambitious in your aims.

While you want to cut costs, you are also looking to change the way you work and build your business.

You won’t be merely satisfied to replicate your existing operations for less; instead you want expert help in deconstructing, analysing and reengineering those processes to become much more efficient and flexible.

Be aware that this analysis will mean that your project – and therefore returns – will take longer.

Expect the transition to be around 24 months.

The operating model is often transaction based i.e. the supplier is paid based on

the units of work completed (rather than hours of work that your outsourcing staff put in).

This also means that your outsourcing partner is wearing some of the risk involved.

Taking the balanced approach requires strong commitment and support of your company’s leadership team to ensure successful reengineering of processes.

Advanced accountability measures must be in place.

Aggressive growth A growth outsourcer is likely

to have some serious business transformation in mind.

Perhaps you are looking for innovative approaches to enter new markets, launch or accelerate new products or revenue opportunities, or just build better business models.

For example, after working through the recent Global Financial Crisis, your business may be looking for new ways to variabilise its costs, building the agility to seamlessly ramp up or dawn in response to demand.

Or you are looking to liberate internal staff to do break-

Outsourcing labour is becoming increasingly popular in mining.

through work by outsourcing less traditional functions such as strategic or legal analysis, product engineering or project design.

The potential outcomes are high.

But you can’t achieve this kind of transformation over night, so you will have to choose your outsourcing partner carefully.

It will take two to three years to see any real change, and you will encounter some unique problems, particularly if you’re trying to do something that has never before been attempted in your market or region.

A phased approach is probably a good way to test the water as you go.

This outsourcing option won’t be a traditional customer-supplier relationship; your partner is likely to become deeply integrated into the heart of business.

Resource leaders So what approaches have Australian miners taken?

One of the larger miners recognised that it’s decentralised sourcing and procurement function was not getting the economies of scale they should given the company’s increased growth.

The company engaged Infosys to re-engineer its processes and deliver strategic sourcing and improved contract management.

When you are getting started, you should recognise the type of outsourcer you and your company are.

A great place to start is the ‘3 Ps’: understand your pain, purpose, and plan.

Establish what is hurting your business, isolate your objectives and constraints and finally assess how the various sourcing approaches match your profile and needs.

• Infosys Asheesh Mehra asheesh_mehra@infosys.com www.infosys.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

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s the need for port and rail infrastructure to support the burgeoning Mid West iron ore region grows, the Oakajee Port and Rail Project has overcome hurdles and finally begun to move forward after seemingly stagnating while seeking construction and environmental approvals.

Two major infrastructure proposals for the Oakajee deepwater port and rail project have now been given conditional approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.

EPA chairman Paul Vogel said OPR’s proposals to construct and operate iron ore handling storage facilities and operate a 45 million tonne export facility at Oakajee, as well as to construct

a 570 kilometre rail line from the port to the Jack Hills mine could meet the objectives that were set out by the EPA, if the recommended conditions are implemented.

“Both of these proposals demonstrated the value of impact assessment: high quality environmental information from the proponent and a shared understanding of project and assessment timeframes,” Vogel said.

An Oakajee spokesperson told Australian Mining that ensuring the environmental health and safety will be a top priority.

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Miners such as Gindalbie Metals would profit from the Port’s construction. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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stone for the OPR project,� the spokesperson said. “The recommendations include a number of conditions to ensure issues such as noise, dust and vegetation are properly managed. “OPR considers these conditions appropriate given the total scope of the project. “Oakajee Port and Rail looks forward to continuing to work with the EPA, the government agencies and other stakeholders to finalise project approvals and our proposed management approach.�

In addition to the environmental approval the Oakajee project also requires Aboriginal heritage approval from the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier, rail-enabling legislation enacted by the Western Australian Parliament and native agreements with the claimant groups.

It must also have its Supply Chain Agreements signed with the Western Australian Government before it can start construction.

Conditions for the port’s approval include the purchase of land parcels for conservation and funding of research projects into threatened fauna, to offset the loss of native vegetation and habititat.

Vogel told WA Today that the discharges from the Oakajee Port’s

Oakajee will be located near Geraldton.

desalination plant were unlikely to impact significantly on the area’s existing water quality. “Modelling undertaken so far for dust emissions has shown that the likelihood of impacts outside the established Oakajee Industrial Estate is low and can be regulated through the licensing provisions of the Environmental Protection Act with best practice management measures required to be adopted before approval to operate is granted,� he said.

Under the conditions for the rail approval, the company must submit maps of locations of key conservation assets before construction begins and it has agreed to offsets for impacts to Carnaby’s Cockatoo, Malleefowl and the Western Spiny-tailed skink.

Conditions for the rail approval include submitting maps of locations of key conservation assets prior to construction, and offsets have been agreed to for impacts to Carnaby’s Cockatoo, Malleefowl and Western Spiny-tailed skink’s habitats.

The operation of rail must not exceed the noise criteria laid out. “The construction and operation of the railway must ensure that surface water diversion, erosion and sedimentation do not cause the loss of, or adverse impacts to, significant vegetation beyond 50 metres either side of the railway centreline,� Vogel said. “Apart from two constrained areas there is to be no ground disturbance within 50 metres of Western Spinytailed Skink habitat or Malleefowl mounds with all construction areas to be inspected prior to disturbance. “There is also to be a plan formulated to protect the conservation values of the proposed Woolgorong, Twin Peaks and Narloo Conservation Parks from the ongoing impacts of the infrastructure proposal.

“This approach will provide long term environmental benefits through the protection and management of high quality remnant native vegetation in the region.�

Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Mid West Koolyanobbing project has previously won a Golden Gecko award for its working relationship with the Malleefowl Preservation Group and its continual monitoring of the bird’s population on its project’s territory, which is a significant Malleefowl habitat area.

The miner has the largest continually monitored Malleefowl population in Australia.

In early March Western Australia’s Opposition state development spokesperson, Mark McGowan, accused Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett of acting like a dictator on the Oakajee infrastructure project and urged him to grant the port and rail extension for the port.

Barnett later set out a set of ‘stringent’ guidelines which the port and rail project must meet before begin granted full approval.

If all approvals are granted, Oakajee expects to commence early work such as roads at the end of this year, with construction continuing until 201415 and first shipments potentially scheduled for 2015.

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Moving down the line A real time freight monitoring and management system is increasing tonnages, Australian Mining reports.

D

A GPS tracking system lets operators know the movements of the trains.

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igging out your resources is OC system which links the miner’s all well and good, but if you pit and port operations and supply can’t transport it, it is just an chain management system to provide expensive rock. the operator with greater control of Infrastructure and transport really rail freight movements. is the last ace in the hole in mining.

It is comprised of three integrated And all mining companies are elements – a traffic control system; looking to increase their capacity at an online scheduling system; and a their mines and ports. train information management system.

In particular, iron ore miners are The traffic control system allows trying to harness the current massive operators to control rail freight movedemand from China for their resource. ment throughout the entire system This is why Siemens has devel- and provides train tracking, monitoroped and consistently updated a rail ing, manual and automatic route setting freight system for a Pilbara based iron and blocking as well as alarm manageore mine since ment facilities.

2007, so that the The program allowed the Vicos also miner can effiallows for the inteminer to get an extra train ciently supply this gration of differon the line every single day. ent applications demand.

The challenge and allows relay Siemens faced was to increase rail and electronic interlockings to be opercapacity and throughput; integrate a ated in a standard and easy manner complete mine-rail-port supply chain irrespective of the manufacturer involved. system; and manage and control rail It also uses standard hardware, freight operations and scheduling. meaning that it is easily adaptable to So the technology company future computer generations. designed, installed and maintains the One of the most recent additions Rail Technology System (RTS) to solve to the RTS infrastructure by Siemens these problems. was the Falko system.

While the original system was The Falko system has a number installed in 2007 for the iron ore miner, of automatic functions including GPS it has since been continually updated train tracking, as well as route setting, to provide an online rail time moni- train control, timetable management toring and scheduling of its Pilbara and dispatching. rail infrastructure.

Siemens senior research Matt SunThe underlying program in RTS berg told Australian Mining that Falko is the Vicos (Vehicle and Infrastruc- provides an optimised planning and ture Control and Operating System) dispatch system that works in real

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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time and allowed for an additional train to run on the miner’s rails, increasing it to 13 trains per day.

He went on to say that Siemens is currently in the process of testing it online so that it not only monitors the freight system in real time, but can also write the train schedules as well as adapt and make changes if the situation changes.

The system’s real time GPS positioning system allows the operator to refine the incoming data and lets them follow freight movements and changes in the situation.

Sunberg said this GPS tracking also provides greater cover for the rail maintenance crews, which increases safety as both they and the train drivers can now know where each other are at all times, reducing the likelihood of an accident.

This is a crucial measure as in recent years there have been a number of accidents, particularly in the Hunter, where maintenance crews working on rail infrastructure were unaware of oncoming trains until it was nearly upon them.

Only last year, a rail worker was killed in a situation such as this.

On top of this increased worker safety aspect, the system also continually monitors the infrastructure itself and measures wear and tear on the

www.miningaustralia.com.au

lines, allowing for predictive and preventative maintenance.

Sunberg went on to say that a major aspect of this updated system is its ability to write and adapt train schedules.

“This is a major saving in time as writing schedules and having to change them in the case of an incident, such as the Queensland floods, takes a lot of time to do,” he said.

The Falko system also reduces energy consumption as the timetables produced enables time reserves and power on the line to be optimally distributed across the infrastructure to ensure effective vehicle runs.

Sunberg explained that if the train infrastructure went electric, the ‘energy saving system’ would provide unique power utilisation facilities.

“It uses the scheduling to effectively spread energy across the entire system, so if a train is braking then another train can use that energy to then accelerate; it is essentially a regeneration of energy.

“This reduces the miner’s carbon footprint,” he said.

There are currently plans to install this system in new Queensland coal rail infrastructure.

• Siemens www.siemens.com

The scheduling program allowed the miner to increase the number of trains daily.

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Building the future of a nation Can Australia fully harness the mining boom or is a lacklustre infrastructure holding the nation back? Cole Latimer reports.

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hat is the future of the mining industry in Australia?

Will it be a constant riding of the boom and bust cycles that bring in millions and see the industry’s value skyrocket, just for it to plummet a few years down the track, only to play out over and over again?

Is this a new golden age where the nation rides in the wake of growth from developing nations such as China and India, hitching our coal wagon to South East Asia and supporting the growth of emerging countries such as Vietnam, which is now becoming hungry for thermal coal?

Can we even supply enough coking and thermal coal to satisfy these seemingly hungrier and hungrier countries’ energy and industrial demands?

What if it is a strange mix of the two, as Australia ties itself closer economically to the Asian giants?

The predictions of our growth and future and how we develop and utilise our resources as a Western nation in the heart of Asia Pacific are varied to say the least.

But Australia’s future, despite all predictions, is not yet written because of one very simple fact – what ever we do in the future, we need to start building the infrastructure now to actually achieve any of it.

The demand for our commodities or lack thereof, is essentially inconsequential if we can not even get it to where we need it.

With the vast distances that Australian mining companies have to cover to get

A single freight train carries the same material as 150 trucks.

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According to Sunberg, Australian infrastructure needs a cash injection of $60 billion.

their resource to port, which told Australian Mining that and territories that further are unmatched for most other our infrastructure is some- hampers transport infrastrucmining nations, combined thing that has been ignored ture around the country. with an ageing rail and road for some time and is going to The classic example of this system that is already oper- need a cash injection of “$60 is trying to move anything ating at stressed levels, deve- billion if we want to get it up between New South Wales loping competent infrastruc- to scratch.” and Victoria, where the rail ture is crucial.

From pit to port to point gauge changes size between Australian Mining has of loading, he outlined wide the states. spoken to a number of sources spread congestion and a general Added to this are the variwho all point to this infra- disconnect. ous state and territory rail, structure fact, and project a This is why Sunberg road and transport authorimassive ramp up in rail, port believes “there needs to be a ties with different rules and and roadways that will be collaborative approach from regulations. taking place in the next For instance, in Gerfew years to service the many there is a single Ageing infrastructure has surging mining industry. regulator for all infraThis lack of infrastruc- hamstrung the mining boom. structure across the entire ture is affecting the miners country, and despite the in the Mid West region of the beginning, as there is country being much smaller Western Australia and the already a capacity constraint it has a population nearly four ‘new frontier’ of the Surat and at the ports, which only ampli- times that of Australia.

Galilee Basins in Queensland, fies as it goes down the supply “This is where the Council while congested lines hamper chain, putting further pres- of Australian Governments the coal production of the sure on rail and road.

(COAG) and Infrastructure Hunter Valley and Queens“To illustrate this, at one Australia’s role needs to be land’s Bowen Basin. point there were 42 ships more important and they need Recently, Siemens released waiting to be loaded with coal to take greater control, even one of the largest industry at Dalrymple Bay, which just the standardisation in rail based meta-research studies slowed up the rest of the logis- gauges across the country in the country’s history – which tics chain which had to wait would vastly improve infracited Australia’s degrading to unload at the port as well, structure and productivity,” infrastructure as our major so production was being con- Sunberg told Australian obstacle in harnessing mining’s strained by poor infrastruc- Mining. continual rise. ture,” Sunberg added.

Interstate collaboration Speaking to Siemens senior On top of this, there exists has taken a step forward research Matt Sunberg, he a disconnect between the states however, as WorkCover is www.miningaustralia.com.au

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working towards the institution of new national health and safety laws under the new Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, which is to be enacted from 1 January next year.

This will harmonise all the health and safety laws across Australia, and hopefully be an initiator for the transport industry to do the same and integrate the disparate ports and transport systems.

Head of productivity research at Siemens, Matthew Rait explained that “integrating our ports with a transport network to support rail will not only increase our productivity but also decrease our road transport inefficiencies.

“For instance, most goods in New South Wales are moved by trucks, but material capacity of one freight train is the same as 150 trucks.

“We need a multi-model approach that looks at both road and rail where it is most efficient.”

Sunberg explained that there needs to be strong modernisation and invest-

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Western Australia has attempted to harness the rising demand in iron ore through port and rail.

ment, Albert Goller, managing director of Siemens adding that “for our industries to become more productive we need to model our infrastructure around the like of India and China who are now enter-

ing a new era of high speed connectivity.”

However, Australian infrastructure is hamstrung to a degree by our small population and massive land size.

This is why freight trans-

port costs so much and is one of the highest in Asia.

What’s needed is an infrastructure boom in line with the mining boom.

According to the senior manager for infrastructure

and mining at BIS Shrapnel, Adrian Hart, this boom in rail and port infrastructure is already set in motion.

Speaking to Australian Mining, Hart said there is currently a very strong pipeline of infrastructure work that has been approved.

In mining, and that is just the mines and not harbours, infrastructure work between 2009 and 2010 came in at approximately $27 billion.

Hart said that by 2014, the industry can expect to see it hit around $50 billion with growth rates of between 16% to 20% per year.

“It’s going to be a phenomenal increase.”

He said that despite the mining cycle typically being a fairly rough one “the sheer demand from China and India means that we are likely to ride the top of the resources cycle for longer, but due to current infrastructure constraints we are actually struggling to keep up.

“Part of this was down to the Global Financial Crisis, Continued on page 26

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INFRASTRUCTURE

Continued from page 25 which saw a lot of projects being delayed, but the outlook for the next three to four years will see double digit growth for infrastructure,” Hart said.

Infrastructure construction struggled at the start of this decade as there was a slowness in growth tied to a lack of demand, especially after the ‘Asian tigers’ imploded, as well as a general downturn in Australia coupled with the tech bubble bursting which generally cut investor confidence.

However, Hart said that while the nation is now well placed overall, there are still some problems ahead.

He explained that while infrastructure in Western Australia can and is capatilising on the iron ore boom, issues on the east coast are still leading to inefficiencies on the logistics chain.

But the future does look brighter, as there are a number of infrastructure projects that are either working through or have already passed the approvals stage.

Working on the back of strong exports and increased demand following the Queensland floods, coal handling facilities are set to expand.

The largest coal handling operator in Newcastle, Port Waratah Coal Services, plans to increase its annual capacity to 145 million tonnes by

Port expansions, such as the one at Dampier, are set to capitalise on increased demand.

the end of 2012, pushing this up again to 200 million tonnes by 2015 as a new terminal is constructed.

The second main operator, the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, currently has plans underway to grow its capacity to around 53 million tonnes.

On top of this Queensland, despite the flood damage,

has a strong infrastructure pipeline ahead.

The Wiggin Island coal terminal is moving ahead, as is the southern ‘missing link’ which will connect the Surat Basin by rail to the port of Gladstone.

Siemens Matthew Sunberg said part of this development is looking directly at the automation process, stating there “is a huge scope for this at

There is going to be a massive growth phase in LNG infrastructure according to Hart.

26 April 2011

AustralianMining

ports, which will aid in efficiency as it will remove the complexities of handling cranes with large loads by using driver assist systems.”

As previously reported in this issue of Australian Mining, Siemens has installed an automated rail freight system in the Pilbara which aided in increasing throughput for the miner and EBIT, as well as reducing the miner’s carbon foot print.

Sunberg went on to say that the installation of an automated container handling system at the Port of Brisbane has increased its capability.

Hart also pointed to a massive growth phase ahead in LNG infrastructure in the sunshine state.

However, this is set to bring about a number of problems for the planned developments across the country.

According to Hart, this may be a case of too much at once as the demand for materials and skilled professionals rises, which may overwhelm our stretched resources.

He said “Australia typically has a poor record of delivering infrastructure on time and on budget.

“So we have to be asking ourselves, will projects be delayed, and will there be cost blowouts?”

This LNG growth in QLD will actually “be a threat to strong growth in other states such as Western Australia, due to the activity levels, as it will be harder to source skilled people as they will be drawn to these gas projects,” Hart said.

“Companies are already recognising this dire need for a highly trained workforce, and in the future a lot of them will be using specialised labour from overseas, as we can only do so much with our existing workforce in so much time unless there is a greater push to actively train people now,” he stated.

“However, due to these upcoming strains, some projects are already at risk of being deferred or cancelled altogether due to a tight workforce and its costs as well as access to materials,” he told Australian Mining.

Hart predicted that by 2014, however, the growth in infrastructure work will have climaxed.

“This development in coal, iron ore and LNG should hit its peak in the middle of the decade as commodity prices weaken due to their increased availability, so this massive growth will be stymied and we will see activity slowing for 2015 and then falling to a weaker level by 2020, where we expect it to stabilise around the $30 billion range,” he told Australian Mining.

There is a dire need for infrastructure in Australia to service the resources industry, and to fully harness the opportunities that this mining boom now.

While the wheels have already been set in motion, and growth is predicted to go into the double digits we’re just facing a new problem – who will we get to build it?

Will it simply be a case of too much at once?

Or, as Port Waratah and Oakjee Port and Rail move forward in providing greater to service to the mining industry, is it more a case of not soon enough? www.miningaustralia.com.au

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

Protesting

SAFETY

Recent environmental protests at Newcastle have set an interesting precedent for the future, Cole Latimer reports.

Port Waratah Coal Service’s Kooragang facilities in Newcastle.

A

s the sun rose over Newcastle on a late September morning in 2010, the city awoke to the news that activists had entered the facilities of Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS), grinding the coal terminal to a halt.

At 5:30am on a clement 26 September, protestors from the environmental group Rising Tide snuck into three coal terminals in the Port of Newcastle, climbing to the top of large coal loaders and abseiling part way down the cables that suspended the machinery over the coal ships.

Their aim was to stop operations at the port.

By 8:30 that morning an additional 32 people walked into the coal storage area, joining eight who had entered it in darkness.

Forty four people in total have now swarmed on to the coal loading site.

According to Port Waratah Coal Services, it is as this point that the protest got out of hand and began to enter dangerous territory.

The coal loading company said that during the protest, Rising Tide interfered with the coal loader emergency 28 April 2011

AustralianMining

controls, before they climbed selves to ship loading machinImmediately, Rising Tide and attached themselves to ery using locking devices. hit out at the level of compenthe loaders as well as the large The five who had abseiled sation claimed. luffing cables. from the top of the coal loaders Speaking to Australian When a Port Waratah across the coal terminals had Mining, Rising Tide spokesperworker, who was unaware of to be removed by authorities son Carly Phillips said “this the activists attached to his in cranes. case is simply about silencing machinery, used manual conBy 1:30pm, a total of 41 us while we try to spread the trols to restart one of the load- people had been arrested by word about climate change ers, those protestors who were police and removed from the and raise awareness of the attached to the cables were loaders and the coal stock- consequences of all the coal then dragged towards steel piles at the Newcastle Infra- exports from Newcastle. sheeves at the apex of the loader. structure Group’s terminal, “This is simply corporate Port Waratah general however the majority were bullying and we won’t stand manager Graham Davidson eventually released without for it,” Phillips said. later said “it is highly likely being charged.

However, PWCS’ Graham that these protestors would Davidson said “it is not have been crushed or fallen “It’s likely these protestors about the money.” to their deaths if their He explained that the would have been crushed or whole shouts weren’t heard by emphasis of the case the worker, who managed fallen to their deaths.” was to highlight the protesto shut the machine down tors’ unsafe actions and to in time.”

According to Rising Tide, “draw a line and say they have Police and the port author- before the last protestor had to change their behaviour. ities intervene, shutting down been removed from the site “The community needs to all shipping operations; with Port Waratah had announced know that we have a duty of all coal loading activities forced that it would be seeking care and we are reacting, we to cease due to the protestors. $97 000 in ‘victims compen- have always said we respect Just over an hour later the sation’ from the activists. their right to protest but do arrests start, with police forcibly And as a court date drew it in a safe manner.” removing two protestors who near, the amount sought in As the details of the case managed to lock themselves damages compensation from were made public, it drew to a coal loader at the Carring- several protestors rose to comments from the community, ton Coal Terminal. $525 000 which Port Waratah with Matt* telling Australian Overall, Police Resuce offi- stated were lost profits caused Mining “good on PWCS for cers had to cut down four by the cessation of operations pursuing legal action. If these people who chained them- for the day. protesters want to act illegally,

trespass and cost private organisations money through lost profits they should be treated as criminals. There would be public uproar if a bunch of coal miners broke into Greenpeace or other environmental group offices and started vandalising them.”

Steve* however, was more critical of Port Waratah’s compensation action, telling Australian Mining if “PWCS general manager Graham Davidson hit back, saying it is not about money, then don’t use a large amount of money to intimidate those who oppose you.”

As the case drew nearer, Port Waratah took out a full page ad in local papers explaining the dangers of the protest and the potential for people to be killed if similar protests occurred, with activists climbing heavy machinery.

And as the case went to court, additional environmental protestors were facing charges in Muswellbrook of blocking coal rail lines leading to the Bayswater power station.

PWCS lost its compensation claim against the Rising Tide activists.

Continued on page 30 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

Thirty two activists broke into the coal stockpiles at the Newcastle port.

Continued from page 28

taken by the protestors trespassing on our sites.”

The environmental group were ‘disturbed’ that if Port Waratah had more effectively prosecuted their case, they would have won the payout.

But Davidson reiterated that it was about highlighting unsafe practices and “creating a financial deterrent against reckless activities.”

Truscott agreed, stating that anyone that did not

Magistrate Elaine Truscott dismissed PWCS’ claim based on insufficient evidence, rather than Rising Tide’s belief it would be rejected as ‘an abuse of NSW Victims Compensation laws’.

Ultimately, despite losing the case, Port Waratah Coal Services saw the civil action as a positive as it “highlighted the unacceptable safety risks

Protestors climbed the coal loading facilities of Port Waratah Coal Services.

consider the actions of the protestors to be dangerous was “ignorant and arrogant.”

She went on to say that Port Waratah was genuine in its desire to warn protestors and prevent serious injuries.

Rising Tide’s Carly Phillips told Australian Mining that “we have always had safety training as a priority of our protests and we have a perfect safety record.”

Davidson replied that “it’s

hard to comprehend their spin that they have a ‘perfect safety record’. Dangling 60 metres from a moveable coal loader and chaining your neck to a fast moving conveyor belt is reckless and no training undertaken by occasional protestors can make their activities any safer.

“Most of the equipment at PWCS is automated, remotely operated and fast moving; meaning the chances

of horrific injury or death in a split second is high.”

While PWCS has lost the case, it set a precedent that now allows ports or mining sites to undertake compensation claims against protests if safety warnings regarding the activists’ actions from the operators are ignored.

Following the protests of PWCS terminals, Rising Tide had also planned a blockade of Newcastle Port on 13 March.

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

Don’t back out of safety Injury rates in the mining industry are said to be twice as common as other occupations, but the sector is continuing to improve the safety of miners, as Jessica Burke reports.

A

ustralian mining companies are being urged to provide better onsite health care for miners, with WorkCover estimating that the mining industry experiences almost twice the average incidence rate of workplace injuries.

The President of the Chiropractors Association of Australia, Dr Kerein Earney, said back injuries represent 24 per cent of all major workplace injuries and cost $138 million and involve 70 884 weeks. “Getting staff back to work faster should be a priority for employers as a report released last year by the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, showed the longer someone is off work, the worse their health and life expectancy becomes,� she said.

New South Wales Minerals Council’s Sue-Ern Tan told

Onsite health clinics encouraged miners to come in and get help rather than take sick days.

Australian Mining the mining industry is always making adjustments and improvements to ensure the safety of the state’s miners.

“The minerals industry in New South Wales has always had a simple approach to safety – it is the number one priority,� she said.

Tan said the higher number of workplace injury incidents in the mining industry may not necessarily indicate they occur more frequently.

“The higher incidence rate of workplace injuries can be contributed to the many factors including the proactive reporting culture within the industry aimed at eliminating all injuries and the legislative regime that requires a high level of reporting across a wide range of incident types from serious bodily injuries – such as fractures – to minor medical treatment injuries – like a sprain.�

Newcastle Chiropractor, Dr Fred Stevenson, who has spent 12 years providing chiropractic care to miners at several Hunter Valley mines, said many companies are now seeing the direct benefits of on-site care for employers and employees He said mining companies that provide staff with access to chiropractic care on-site are better able to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

“Healthier employees have a direct influence on healthier bottom lines for mining companies through a reduction in absenteeism, increased productivity, fewer health insurance and compensation claims, lower health care costs and reduced staff turnover,” Stevenson said.

“Working out of the first aid rooms at the Gretley Colliery near Wallsend, Xstrata’s Bulga Mine near Singleton and the Newstan Colliery near Lake Macquarie, I found there was no one walking around without a health problem and there were very few without some kind of pain.”

“Miners often work long shifts performing physically challenging and repetitive tasks and are therefore at an increased risk of suffering from acute musculoskeletal and long term damage.

“The hard manual work performed by underground miners often leads to low back pain, while open cut mine workers often suffer mid to upper back and neck injuries as a result of operating heavy machinery.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Mobile clinics are able to visit a number of mine sites.

“There are few miners without health problems,” Stevenson said.

“Other common causes of musculoskeletal pain and injury in the mining industry include over exertion, vehicle jarring and vibration, being struck by objects, frequent bending and twisting of the trunk, lifting, slips, trips and falls,” Stevenson said.

“When the workers knew they could receive chiropractic care at work, often they would make the effort to come in, have an adjustment and put in a days work of light duties rather than calling in sick,” Stevenson said.

But Tan told Australian Mining it is not enough to

“Last year’s frequency claims rates of 10.9 per cent were the lowest recorded for the New South Wales coal industry over the past decade.”

Recent mine safety performance data released by Industry and Investment NSW highlights the continued improvement by the NSW mining industry with the 200910 data showing that there were zero fatalities in the period across the NSW mining industry.

The five year average fatal injury frequency rate fell by over 60 per cent compared to 2005 serious injuries.

make a simple decision on medical treatment on mine sites, as each site is different.

“A one size fits all approach will not suit all operations, so it is appropriate that the operator of the mine, whilst managing the risk, determines the most appropriate programs in consultation with its existing workforce.”

She said the New South Wales mining industry performs extremely well in injury rates.

“Evidence of this is the reduction of worker’s compensation premiums by eight per cent in the New South Wales coal mining sector in 2011.”

Tan told Australian Mining the industry is always trying to ensure there are no injuries or fatalities in mining.

Some recent areas of reform in NSW include hours of work, fatigue management, hazard exposure, monitoring, hazard reporting and workplace participation in safety management systems.

“The industry’s goal is to achieve zero harm in every work site through continuous improvement, intensive training of our workers and managers, through introducing advanced work practices and new technology.”

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

Reduce risk, reap rewards Regular asset auditing saved coal storage silos in the Hunter, Bradley Dockrill* writes.

A

proactive approach to auditing of critical assets by mining companies and mine managers allows an appreciation of the significant risks associated with these assets.

If managers are only acting when they notice concrete falling off assets because of the safety risk, they are acting too late and ultimately costing their company money.

Vinsi specified the repair and strengthening of concrete coal storage silos at two Hunter Valley mines.

The first mine had two adjoining silos that had individual storage capacities of 3000 tonnes each and the second mine had one silo that had a capacity of 5000 tonnes. In each case the repairs saw life of the mine able to be extended.

Many Australian mine managers will be battling the issue of having to manage silos and other assets that were poorly designed or constructed in previous eras.

Poor quality concrete is also a major contributor to accelerated corrosion of coal silos.

While many silos and other assets were originally designed to have a life of 20 to 40 years, many mines now require a Life of Mine of between 50 or even 60 years.

There are four key success areas for mine managers to follow to help them to successfully tread through this mine-field of challenges.

A proactive approach At a Hunter Valley mine Vinsi worked with, an important change occurred in the way asset management and maintenance was carried out.

After a number of site inspections, the CEO became concerned about some key assets and put together a taskforce, which included outside experts, to identify those assets most at risk.

Look at alternatives to demolish and rebuild

Work on the Hunter Valley coal silos.

Demolishing and rebuilding is an expensive and sometimes an impractical option for many mines.

Rather than change the infrastruc-

ture, think about changing practices and processes.

In the Hunter mines Vinsi worked with, the silos were critical assets whose failure could catastrophically interrupt the delicately balanced supply chain, and their capacity had already been reduced.

While the options of building new silos, both in situ and in new locations, were considered, the option to repair the existing assets was more cost effective, less disruptive and achievable.

Think outside the square to meet constraints Every mine is subject to different operating constraints and budget constraints.

In both mines, innovative thinking around the type and staging of repairs and ongoing maintenance enabled the assets’ working life to be extended within the allocated budget, while continuing operation.

In the 3000 tonne silos, existing post tensioned cables were removed in a pre-determined sequence ensuring structural capacity was not compromised, major cracks were repaired (both external and internal) and, where concrete was deemed to be unsound, vertical and horizontal carbon fibre reinforced laminates were installed. An elastomeric anti-carbonation coating was then applied to the external surface of the silos.

While much of this approach is considered standard practice, using a cementitious mortar containing a higher than normal tensile strength was an 34 April 2011

AustralianMining

innovation that minimised the need for internal carbon fibre laminates and wraps.

Removing and replacing the cables with new carbon fibre laminates in a staged process for the 3000 tonne silos,helped to ensure continuing structural adequacy.

In the case of the 5000 tonne silo, full capacity has been restored.

Previous investigations had concluded that the capacity of the silo would have to be permanently reduced.

To overcome the enormous difficulty and cost of undertaking internal repairs, it was determined that the internal face could be allowed to deteriorate for a controlled period, with repairs concentrated on strengthening the external face to minimise the extent of future internal repairs.

The repairs were prioritised and staged over a period of years to meet budgetary and operational constraints.

Analysis confirmed that concrete repairs and coatings at lower levels of the silo were able to be staged later as that area was the least critical zone.

Ongoing risk analysis and maintenance Using professionals who specialise in consulting engineering, particularly in the field of corrosion, as part of your asset team is an important way to ensure you get reports you can act on rather than a set of observations that satisfy obligations under the Coal Mining Act. Sometimes expensive repairs are not needed as the issue is initial over-design.

With a multitude of issues competing for managers’ time and resources, it is easy to see how audits and maintenance can be relegated to the bottom of the to-do list. However, the risk of inaction, in terms of safety and business continuity, should always be appropriately considered. *Bradley Dockrill is a partner at Vinsi Partners, a NSW based firm of consulting engineers specialising in corrosion control and durability assurance. • Vinsi Partners Bradley Dockrill 02 4940 7209 www.vinsi.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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UNDERGROUND MINING

A bit of a

GAS problem

While the Blakefield South and Pike River coal mines both saw a methane ignition underground, the two had very different outcomes, Jessica Burke reports.

I

n the wake of the Pike River Coal mine disaster that killed 29 men in November and the more fortunate situation where 33 men were rescued after being trapped inside their Chile mine for over two months, mine safety and mine rescues are at the front of the minds of industry and communities.

Following a fire at Xstrata’s Blakefield South longwall mine, near Broke in the Hunter Valley, 55 men were brought safely to the surface and all workers, including those on a casual basis, were stood down with pay while efforts were made to extinguish the blaze.

Xstrata spokesman, James Rickards said at the time that nobody would be sent back into the mine until they were sure it was safe.

The Blakefield South operation employs about 550 people, with 220 union members, about 80 staff or mine deputies and the rest contactors, according to Rickards.

“The priority is that no one’s underground, no one’s injured and we’ve been able to shut the operation down and now we’re focused on removing fire that fire from the situation.”

The fire inside the mine, which only began production at the end of last year as an extension of the Beltana operation, was most likely an ignition of methane gas inside the mine, the same culprit behind the Pike River disaster.

“It was an ignition of methane but until we get in there to have a closer look the rest of it is conjecture,” District chief inspector Keith Shaw said.

“One bloke said he saw flames behind the longwall face at the tailgate side of the longwall,” Shaw said.

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AustralianMining

the oxygen inside the mine, the same technique that has been used at Pike River and Blakefield South, where Mine Rescue Services has been most recently involved.

The trained and experienced personnel from Mines Rescue Services also provided assistance and recovery planning at the Beaconsfield mine in 2006, where one man died and two survived, as well as the Gretley coal mine in 1996 and Appin coal mine in 1979, which both involved multiple fatalities.

So why was Blakefield different to Pike River?

“The rapid and safe evacuation at Blakefield South mine was a result of the competency of the trained workforce and the effectiveness of the mine’s Emergency Management System,” Mark Munro, Blakefield South’s operation manager told Australian Mining.

“Throughout the incident they have provided essential inertisation (Mineshield) and gas monitoring services around the clock.

The Blakefield South coal mine is the underground extension of Xstrata’s Beltana operations.

“Planning for the recovery of the underground workings is now underway, and experienced Mines Rescue personnel are working closely with mine personnel to develop the strategies required for a safe recovery of the mine.

Production ceased completely at the $350 million mine, with Construction, Forestry Mining and Energy Union district vice president,

Complacency is the enemy in underground mining.

Greg Sharp saying that there were about 50 men underground when the fire started who were “incredibly lucky to get out as they did.”

Coal Services told Australian Mining they are constantly upgrading their technical and operational capacity to provide world class emergency response services for New South Wales underground mine workers and mining companies.

Mining is, and has always been a dangerous job, and the chance of a workplace accident can never be completely eliminated, but industry bodies are continually working on better education and training to improve the safety of miners.

Sue-Ern Tan, from the New South Minerals Council told Australian Mining the State has continued to improve and currently has the lowest rate of injuries in the world.

“The minerals industry in New South Wales has a simple approach to safety – it is the number one priority,” she said.

“The industry is committed to zero harm.”

New South Wales Mines

Rescue Service and Regulation and Compliance General Manager, Paul Healey said mine managers must not become complacent in their approach to mines safety.

“There are a number of triggers that may cause a mines rescue emergency.

“Importantly, there are also a number of strategies that can be employed including regular emergency simulations, system audits, training for supervisors and employees, use of appropriate purpose built equipment and routine maintenance to ensure that mining incident rates continue to decrease.

“Complacency is the enemy and the answer is preparation and constant awareness.

“Insistence on high operating standards is essential for both safety and production.”

In keeping with the high standards of mine safety in New South Wales, Coal Services hosted the 7th annual International Mines Rescue Competition, designed to test the skills of mines rescue competitors around the world, in November. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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UNDERGROUND MINING

Going underground in Africa An Australian joint venture contract mining company is part of the antipodean rush into West Africa.

K

eeping in with the latest gold rush in West Africa, Barminco and Ausdrill’s African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) has won three new underground contract mining projects.

The 50/50 joint venture company AUMS’ contracts include a three year $100 million Yalea underground mine and decline and lateral development project at Randgold Resources Loulo gold mine in Mali, a $75 million three year Paboase development and mining contract at Kinross’ Chirano gold mine in Ghana as well as the $30 million Subika exploration decline project at Newmont’s Ahafo mine.

AUMS chairman and Barminco CEO Neil Warburton said that these new contract with three of the top five gold miners in the world vindicated the decision to enter this huge but difficult market three years ago.

Western Africa has seen a renewal in gold exploration within the province as the relative sovereign risk of countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast drops and the coun-

38 April 2011

AustralianMining

An African Mining Services haul truck servicing Adamus’ Ghana projects.

tries stabilise and open up untapped potential gold regions.

There has been a rush of junior Australian miners into this region over the last five years as they have attempted to take advantage of these relatively unexplored areas.

Some of the Australian companies taking part in this are Ampella Mining in Burkina Faso and Perseus Mining

and Adamus Resources in Ghana.

In an earlier interview with Adamus, they explained the difficulty in working in Ghana as well as the differing view on ‘safe’ working conditions there as opposed to Australian standards, and the gulf between the two.

Warburton explained that AUMS have utilised safer, more mechanised mining methods than their main compe-

tition in the underground market, who are predominately traditional owner miners.

The majority of the new contracts AUMS has been awarded are near to their existing operations.

Wining Randgold’s Yalea project complemented AUMS’ nearby Gara underground development, which it commenced in April 2010.

Both are part of Randgold’s Loulo gold mine.

The Yalea decline will access the orebody below the current level of mining operations.

The Paboase project is also close to AUMS’ existing Akwaaba development, both of which are part of the larger Chirano gold mine.

African Underground Mining Services was established in 2007, and is a subsidiary of African Mining Services (AMS), which has been operating on the continent for more than 15 years.

• Barminco 08 9416 1000 www.barminco.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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UNDERGROUND MINING

Rio Tinto’s Northparkes mine is a hub for underground mining technology.

Innovation underground Rio Tinto’s opening of a new underground mining centre is spearheading its technology push.

R

io Tinto is typically known as The close work with the Centre for a mining company that is willing Excellence will aid Rio Tinto’s develto take a risk on trying inno- opment of new excavation systems vative mining processes, technology through its Mine of the Future program, and techniques. and will focus on seriously speeding Case in point is the automated and up the construction and development remotely operated ‘Mine of the Future’ of underground mines as well as improvwhich is showcasing the direction that ing operational efficiencies. mining is heading, and the latest develIn 2012, a performance verificaopments in the field. tion trial of new mining excavation Now the global miner has strength- system is going to be carried out at Rio ened its reputation as a market leader in Tinto’s Northparkes underground copper technology application following John and gold mine, near Parkes in New McGagh, Rio’s head of innovation, South Wales. announcing the impleMcGagh stated mentation of a new “There’s no other mining that “there is no other global Centre for Un- operation in the world mining operation in derground Mine Conthe world that is that is attempting what attempting to take struction in Canada.

This latest under- we are on this scale.” the approach we are ground mining on this scale.” focused centre joins four others that The mine at Northparkes has rapidly are devoted to uncovering safer and gone from a mine on the edge, after more efficient ways to mine and recover being hit heavily during the global coal, metals and minerals in the most financial crisis and facing shut down, environmentally friendly way possible. to a mine that is now the testing ground The Underground Mine Construc- for the latest innovative technology. tion centre is teaming up with researchers Rio Tinto’s Northparkes mine was at the Centre for Excellence in Mining recognised for the hard work at its Innovation in Ontario to look at inno- underground facility and its amazing vative rapid mine construction and turn around last year, sweeping the ground control for mining at depth.

Australian Mining Prospect Awards by Rio Tinto is investing C$10 million winning both Metaliferrous Mine of into the centre over the next five years, the Year (now known as Hard Rock to complete a suite of five global long Mine of the Year) and the Australian term Rio research centres.

Mine of the Year. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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UNDERGROUND MINING

Raising expectations Getting resources out of the ground efficiently is no child’s play, as Jessica Burke discovered when she spoke to German company, Siamag Tecberg.

W

ith the mining boom across the country showing no signs of slowing down, foreign investors and local companies alike are scrambling to be involved in the multi-billion dollar industry.

The need for specialist equipment that can provide the exact solution a company requires is crucial in the current environment.

Siameg Tecberg is a German company specialising in retrieving resources from underground mines.

Australian Mining caught up with the company’s chief executive, Jurgen Peschke, as well as Technical Director Michael Filcher, when he made the journey to Sydney recently to open the company’s Australian subsidiary.

“It’s a niche market we’re in, focused on the technology of lifting resources efficiently out of the mines,” Filcher said.

The company says that by being a part of a distinctive niche market, it has developed excellent relationships with those using their equipment.

“The interactions and consistency of the business is our people, our organisation, our networking and that’s all

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AustralianMining

The hoists remove the problems of ventilation for trucks.

The shaft is the bottleneck of a mine, and impairs operations.

related to our know how on engineering,” Pescke told Australian Mining.

“Our resources are going now to projects in Australia.

“If BHP or other mining companies are looking for innovation in underground mining, we have it.”

Technical Director Michael Filcher has many years experience in the Australian mining industry and is crucial to the expansion of the company into Australia.

“It’s a close knit community of people in the Australian mining industry and we tend to work closely with contrac-

“With the hoist the only energy used is lifting ore so it’s more energy efficient.

“There are less issues with mine ventilation as there are no trucks operating in underground tunnels.”

Peschke said the company’s new innovation and technology could change the way mining is done forever.

“There’ll be an internal race coming up,” he said.

“We see potential in open cut mining and the way it is run with trucks running up and down.

“We have some ideas to change this that will change

tors and the mines themselves.”

Peschke says the new technology allows mines to avoid mishaps and obstacles in getting their resources out of the ground quickly and successfully.

“The shaft is the bottleneck of a mine, its entry is quite high and it’s an obstacle.If something happens to the shaft, that’s a loss of millions.

The company’s hoisting systems can save companies time, money and also help the environment.

“The decline is not energy efficient,” Filcher told Australian Mining.

mining habits and change existing projects.

“We like to challenge the old concept with new ways to get resources out.”

Filcher adds: “These hoists are an energy saver. Once again the number of trucks required to bring tonnage up will be removed.

“We would bring up in minutes what a number of trucks would in thirty.

“We see potential with open cut mines that have become uneconomical because they have to use the mine shaft that isn’t appropriate anymore.”

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Radio controlled machines Examples of underground applications: Ventilation shafts, stope cleaning, oversize breaking and bogger rescue. www.brokkaustralia.com.au

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MINING

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POWER GENERATION

Supply and DEMAND The installation of massive generators in the remote Northern Territory set an important precedent for mining.

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ithin the sheer remoteness of the Northern Territory and its lack of infrastructure as compared to most states, mining in this region is hard.

Many find that with nothing even remotely resembling access to a grid, they have to find unique ways to supply power to their site.

But actually moving the generators and alternators needed to keep a site running is difficult, especially in this vast empty territory.

So the installation of the new Owen Springs power station, which is earmarked to become the Alice Springs region’s sole electricity generator, is a major development for the central Northern Territory. The $126 million power station

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AustralianMining

is comprised of three 10.9 megawatt diesel/gas generators and over time will replace the current Ron Goodin power station as the primary power for the Alice Springs area.

One of the main problems the project faced was actually getting the large infrastructure to the site and then installing the generators and alternators.

To overcome this issue, MAN Diesel & Turbo Australia, the head contractor for the design and construction of the project, brought Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift in.

The work itself consisted of unloading, reloading and transportation of the huge generators, which weighed 230 tonnes each, as well as the alternators which each weighed 60 tonnes, from the Port of Darwin.

Tutt Bryant moving massive generators to the remote site.

The journey from the port to the site was around 1500 km.

After this it then had to lift and place all the machinery onto the individual foundations.

Each of the three generators and their alternators arrived separately, weighing in at 420 tonnes each time.

To move and then transport the loads to Alice Springs, Tutt Bryant utilised a Nicolas

18 axle, 3 file hydraulic platform trailer to move each of the generators, and a 4x8 low loader and 2x8 dolly for each of the alternators.

This combination of trailers, low loaders and dollies were moved by a combination of three prime movers, in a two-in-front and one-inback formation, to the site.

Tutt Bryant then faced the

problem of installing the generators on their foundations.

To do this it used a SBL 1100 modular hydraulic jacking system along with self propelled trailers that were able to jack up and down and place the equipment within a 2-3mm tolerance.

This installation sets an important precedence for remote power generation.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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POWER GENERATION

What’s hidden below the surface Coal seam gas has become a contentious issue between landowners and gas companies; Jessica Burke takes a look at why.

C

oal seam gas in a mine was once deemed a significant hazard, but with improving technology is allowing it to be retrieved in what the industry says is a safe way.

Usually the gas is 300-600 metres underground and extracted via a complicated process where wells are drilled through the coal seams, water is pumped out and natural gas is released from the coal.

But the gas extraction has faced increasing opposition, with people in areas where coal seam gas (CSG) is retrieved becoming increasingly concerned for their health and safety.

The CSG industry has increased at a rapid pace in Queensland, where the typical levels found in the Surat Basin contain over 98 per cent methane and only small amounts of nitrogen and carbon.

Some landowners will have up to 500 wells installed on their property.

In February, the ABC’s Four Corners program presented a report about faulty CSG wells on properties in QLD that were posing a risk to the health and safety of the residents.

Anne and Robert Brindle, from Tara, discovered Queensland Gas Company (QGC) could put up to 500 wells on their property, right in the middle of the feed lots for their cattle, and only 200 metres from their home and landowners feel they have no rights on their own properties and gas companies are allowed free reign.

QGC refused to comment on the issues outlined in the story, instead releasing a lengthy statement on their website.

And they are not the only gas company who want to distance themselves from the CSG issues; Australian Mining also contacted MetGasco about

Melbourne Sydney

44 April 2011

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Energy Power Systems www.miningaustralia.com.au

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POWER GENERATION

the issues surrounding CSG, but they declined to comment, saying CSG was going through a difficult month.

Calls to Eastern Star Gas were also not returned.

In its statement, QGC said “We do, of course, compensate landholders for accessing their land.

“Companies like QGC pay the state royalty to develop the gas that is equivalent to 10 per cent of the value of gas.

Two weeks out from the state election, New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally announced restrictions on where miners can explore and how the gas can be extracted.

She announced Labor policy would prohibit exploration near national parks and ban the use of toxic BTEX chemicals in the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process.

Labor unveiled a ten point coal and CSG plan, banning the use of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes across NSW, following in the footsteps of the QLD government who banned BTEX fracking last year.

“There is no evidence to suggest these chemicals are being used in NSW but everything seems to suggest they are carcinogenic," the Premier said.

But the stricter guidelines have not kept environmentalists happy, with the Nature Conservation Council

www.miningaustralia.com.au

A diagram of how the gas is extracted from underground coal seams.

of NSW saying only some CSG issues have been addressed. ‘‘The proposal to build gas pipelines on travelling stock routes alone could have a significant adverse impact on native wildlife and their habitat,’’ chief executive Pepe Clarke said.

The pressing issue for residents faced with the possibility of having wells installed on their properties is malfunctions, such as those shown on the program, bubbling in water-

ways and producing scarily high methane readings when tested.

When Brindle tried to find out about the chemicals used in the fracking process, to see if her cattle had been contaminated she was supplied with government data sheets for the chemical THPS that were American, incomplete and out of date.

When she got current Australian safety data, it showed the chemical was highly toxic, “can cause chemi-

cal pneumonia and death” and advised people “DO NOT discharge into sewers and waterways.”

QGC blasted 130 litres of the chemical into the well.

ABC obtained footage from activists who stalked a coal seam drilling rig to find out if the information QGC provided about the chemicals used in the fracking process was accurate.

Four Corners spoke to Marrian Lloyd-Smith, an advisor to federal government body NICNAS, which regulates and assesses the use of industrial chemicals.

The QGC plans she has studied have unveiled more outdated safety data, raising concern about CSG projects in Australia.

“I’ve had a look at the application and what is of concern – the manufacturer’s safety data sheets, or the material safety data sheets they include are not the Australian standard and as such they are in breach of both the Queensland Act and the national code for materials safety data sheets,” she said.

“Of the 23 most commonly used compounds in fracking fluids, the national regulator, NICNAS, has only assessed two of those 23 and of the two that have been assessed, they weren’t assessed for their use in fracking fluids.”

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POWER GENERATION

Making the case for MCCB Andrew Horne* explores the application issues for moulded case circuit breakers in mining.

T

oday’s modern moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) are applied throughout most, if not all industries, offering a safe and economic means of connecting and disconnecting loads from the electrical source and providing both overload and short-circuit overcurrent protection.

Although there are many types of moulded case circuit breakers, all are comprised of five major components including the moulded case or frame, an operating mechanism, arc extinguishers, contacts and trip components.

Unique issues exist in identifying when a MCCB should be considered as a candidate to be replaced.

By the nature of the component itself, manufacturers of these products assemble, calibrate, test and then many times seal the moulded cases of these devices.

There are typically no internal serviceable parts and breaking the factory seal generally results in jeopardising the manufacturer’s warranty.

Because of issues inherent to the product design, historically the maintenance of MCCBs by the end user has been limited to mechanical mounting, electrical wiring and manual operation of the mechanism.

All moulded case circuit breakers in the US are evaluated to the TriNational Standard across North America Moulded-Case Circuit Breakers, Moulded-Case Switches, and CircuitBreaker Enclosures.

In the Australia, this standard is AS 60947.2 2005.

This standard requires that all designs of MCCBs be subjected to many thousands of endurance test operations at 100% rated current.

In addition, MCCBs are subjected to short circuit interruption tests in accordance with AS 60947.2.

These tests verify that the MCCB’s short circuit breaking capacities (Ics) and (Icu) meet the manufacturer’s published ratings.

For a device rated at 100kA interrupting current, this means the breaker would be required to clear this rated current once.

Clause 8.3.5.2 of AS 60947.2 requires that the circuit breaker be closed into the maximum fault, safely interrupting the fault current.

This current value is referred to as the rated ultimate short circuit rating (Icu).

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Historically, maintenance of MCCBs has been limited to mounting, electrical wiring and manual operation of the mechanism.

or sometimes a lower short circuit rating than the rated ultimate short circuit rating.

The test standard also defines the rated service short circuit rating (Ics).

In this test according to Clause 8.3.5.2 of AS 60947.2 the MCCB must interrupt the short circuit twice.

In some cases MCCB’s are tested so that Icu = Ics. Application of moulded case circuit breakers in the mining industry require the site electrical manager to consider many additional issues beyond ratings and tests performed to existing standards.

The internal mechanisms of a Moulded Case Circuit Breaker.

First, most application of MCCBs in mining involve application at higher voltages, typically 1000Vac. In addition, standards for the mining industry such as AS/NZS 2081.1 and AS/NZS 4871.1 require consideration for both earth fault and trailing cable protection.

MCCBs applied in underground mining applications will typically include the requirement of and overcurrent relay for phase to earth protection.

Also, a special ground monitor relay is applied that senses the integrity of the trailing cables used to connect mining machinery to the underground power center.

These trailing cables can typically extend beyond 500 metres and because they are continuously exposed to mobile equipment used for mining operations, they are susceptible to being severed whilst energised.

The ground monitor relay protects the circuit by sensing the continuity of a pilot wire included in the shielded cable that is connected through an earthing wire returning back to the origin.

Should this “loop” be severed, the ground monitor relay detects this and trips the MCCB to assure personnel www.miningaustralia.com.au

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POWER GENERATION

are not injured, exposed to electrical shock, or potential fire.

In both the phase earthing overcurrent protection and the trailing cable earthing protection circuit, the MCCB is called upon to trip to protect the circuit.

The trip circuit must be fail-safe as required by the standards.

To accomplish this, an internal under-voltage release coil is included in the MCCB. The contacts are opened on a fault condition by de-energising the Undervoltage release coil, which actuates a plunger that causes the MCCB to trip.

One application issue that should be considered here is how mining operators address resetting of the MCCB in the field after it trips via initiation of a signal to the undervoltage release coil.

Typically after a trip, the circuit breaker handle is moved to the lowest OFF position, this effectively resets the mechanism.

Then the breaker handle is switched to the ON position to reset the device.

An important consideration here is the availability of control power to the UV release coil.

Often times, the control power for this circuit is fed from a power source that also was cleared during the fault condition.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

When the operator tries to reset the breaker mechanism with the undervoltage release coil plunger still resting on the trip bar, the breaker is effectively being requested to initiate a trip while the operator is trying to reset and energise the device.

The result is that the breaker will “trip-free� and the main contacts will never close.

Trip free operation of a moulded case circuit breaker is intended to protect the operator and the circuit from closing into a potential fault.

It is very important to understand the design of the MCCB mechanism in this application condition.

The circuit breaker mechanism includes an over-toggle feature that stores a significant amount of energy in the springs.

The design assures when the contacts close, they close with sufficient pressure and force to energise and protect the circuit.

When the breaker mechanism tripsfree all of the stored energy is released internally, causing significant stress on the mechanical assembly.

Test standards discussed previously do not include mechanical testing for trip-free operation.

In actual practice, consistent reset attempts of a MCCB that results in a trip-free operation will very quickly

A Moulded Case Circuit Breaker.

destroy the breaker, often after only 50 or 60 operations.

In a mining application environment, 4-5 breaker reset attempts per shift is not uncommon.

Multiple reset attempt operations without undervoltage release control power operations impart cumulative

damage to the MCCB mechanisms.

The most common failure modes include bent rotational reset pins or broken/cracked components in the steel frame of the mechanism.

One simple method to assure the MCCB is never called upon to be reset and trip-free is the addition of an internal under-voltage trip LED indicating light.

The added feature on the breaker tells the operator that the UV trip coil has control power, assuring that when the reset action is initiated that the device will properly reset.

Moulded case circuit breakers can operate reliably in countless industrial settings, and when they are properly applied these devices are designed to safely protect distribution systems for many years.

In mining applications, it is important to understand specific application issues and establish operational procedures following a protective trip to assure both people safety and system integrity over the lfe of the product. *Andrew Horne is a product manager for Eaton Industries. • Eaton Industries Andrew Horne andrewdhorne@eaton.com www.eaton.com

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HIRE & RENTAL

“If you can’t GET THE GEAR, you can’t DO THE WORK” Having enough equipment on mining sites is getting increasingly harder and more companies are turning to the hire and rental market, as Jessica Burke reports.

A

s the mining boom continues to gain speed, machinery is struggling to keep up with demand.

Ian Barnard, from Pit N Port Rental Group spoke to Australian Mining about what’s happening within the hire and rental market, saying it is growing beyond what they can keep up with at times.

“It’s fairly buoyant, there seems to be extended delays for new equipment supplies, we pretty much do underground equipment, and there’s

a waiting list of about two years now to get that equipment, so that’s where rental comes into play,” he said.

The issues surrounding the availability are not only at the mercy of the domestic issues, but also suffer the consequences of foreign problems.

“We just had a discussion with GE finance, and they said the earthquake in Japan has washed a lot of equipment away.”

Barnard said the machinery is being sourced for use

Companies are having trouble sourcing heavy machinery.

not only in Australia, but from foreign mining companies who are having trouble getting the equipment they require onsite.

“We’ve seen a fair bit of enquiry for used equipment from the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and South Korea too with tunnelling equipment.

“There’s not too many people willing to let equipment go, we’re not selling any of our gear, it’s too valuable to get out on hire.”

He said the industry is trying to find ways to harness the successful period it is currently going through, because it can only last so long.

There is also set to be a people boom.

“The word among repairers of heavy equipment is that a lot people from Ireland will be coming in.

“Ireland seems to be the hot spot, I spoke to a guy from Ireland the other day and he said the rate Irish people coming out here is phenomenal.”

The influx of Irish workers, particularly trade workers,

There has been a massive demand for tunnelling equipment.

entering Australia has increased rapidly in recent years, with close to 4000 skilled migrants from places including Ireland entering Western Australia on 457 visas last year.

In the last six months of 2009, Irish workers entering Australia on 457 visas increased by 91 per cent, and changes to Australian immigration from 1 July this year will make it easier for the fastest growing emigrant group to live and work in the land down under.

Up to 50 000 Irish are expected to leave in the next 12 months, and changes to the Australian system will give more points for applicants with good English skills and those with skills in engineering and construction.

Barnard said that the mining boom has had varied effects on the resource sector and is also impacting the hire and rental market.

“Old equipment we would typically retire or wreck for parts are even in demand now, we’re reconstructing a lot of them to hire out.”

He told Australian Mining that while demand has increased, people are still chasing the same types of mining equipment.

“But just not being able to get hands on equipment is the issue, and the flow on is projects or extensions to mining jobs get slowed down or put on hold.

“If you can’t get the gear, you can’t do the work.”

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www.chandlermacleod.com 48 April 2011

AustralianMining

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HIRE & RENTAL

Carting water Getting water to where it’s needed is now easier and cheaper on site.

W

ater is a critical factor on any site. Typically dry and dusty operating conditions are not just ruining vehicles, they are also taking their toll on the miners themselves.

Getting it to where you need and ensuring that firstly, it makes it one piece and secondly doesn’t just evaporate are basic requirements.

However, a contractor does not always need to bring a massive water cart, full to the brim, to their location on site.

Using trucks of this size when only relatively small amounts of water are need is just uneconomical.

To fill this need, a Sydney company TWS Hire has developed compact portable pump-powered water tanks for applications where smaller volumes of water are required.

Gary Bastian, of TWS Hire, explained that “in many cases, hiring a compact or full sized water truck is not necessary if only smaller volumes of water are required. Typical applications for portable tanks are land-

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The tanks can easily be fitted to flatbed trucks using a forklift, Bastian said.

scaping, driveway construction or temporary water supply.

“We often had smaller contractors and landscapers who wanted to put a tank on the back of a tray truck, or position a tank on site with their loader or fork-lift,” Bastian said.

“The compact design of these tanks enables them to be loaded or posi-

tioned anywhere water is needed.

Billy Bastian told Australian Mining that “they can be filled from the water supply on site or by water supply standpipes which are available with the equipment.

He went on to say that it can be easily fitted on to any cab chassis, tipper or flatbed truck using a fork-

lift to place the water tanks on the back, and are basically the same set up as a standard water cart.

Billy Bastian said “these are great for sites with tighter budgets as it allows them to utilise existing tray trucks rather than having to buy another water truck.”

The tanks are fitted with high efficiency 50mm Honda Quick Prime pumps and are available in 2500, 2500 and 5300 litre sizes.

Typical uses are site compaction, dust suppression and any other application that requires water supply.

The hire and rental company TWS’ vehicles include drive yourself watercarts with car licence, fully integrated truck mounted tank and sprayer equipment and drive yourself high capacity site dumpers.

According to the company, all of its equipment is fully supported by mobile service units.

• TWS Hire Billy Bastian www.thewatercartspecialists.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PRODUCT FOCUS: CRANES & LIFTING

STRADDLING

the divide A new straddle carrier from Konecranes is bridging the gap between ship to shore cranes and automated crane yards.

W

The Boxrunner provides quayside flexibility for terminal operators.

Brisbane, QLD (HQ) (07) 3907 5800

52 April 2011

AustralianMining

Sunshine Coast, QLD (07) 5476 8543

ith majority of machinery in Australia arriving from overseas, it’s important to get it off the ship and on its way to the site as soon as possible.

But there lies a gulf between ship to shore cranes and automated crane yards.

Filling this gap, Konecranes has released the Boxrunner straddle carrier which provides flexible container handling performance to two distinct container handling operations.

The straddle carrier is opening the door for large container terminal operators to introduce more automated equipment and provides more operational alternatives for companies that do not have container handling as a core focus but still handle materials yet have to use trucks, trail-

Rockhampton, QLD (07) 4927 0100

ers or stationary gantry cranes.

The main focus in the design of the Boxrunner was quayside flexibility, giving terminal operators a better means of moving containers from ship to shore (STS) cranes to the automated stacking cranes.

According to Konecranes Straddle Carriers general manager Jens Andreas, “the key is flexibility, as this Boxrunner can deal with almost any requirement during this phase of operation such as boosting STS speed to maximum or handling containers of different ISO sizes. The Boxrunner is adapted to handle all ISO containers sizes, stacking two high at speed.”

The straddle carrier uses a rope and drum hoisting system similar to that used in Konecranes rubber tyred gantry

Townsville, QLD (07) 4779 4088

cranes and its rail mounted gantry cranes.

It also has an electronichydraulic system with four cylinder steering for less tyre wear, fewer spare parts, as well as a greaseless gantry and low maintenance requirements.

Konecrane’s straddle carrier is built around a highly rigid structure that provides better handling performance and a 4x4 direct steering system.

Powered by a diesel electric drive and rope hoist system, the Boxrunner comes as either a 50 tonne twin twenty lift machine or a 40 tonne single lift machine that can travel at as speed of 30km/h with a 25m/min hoist speed.

• Konecranes 1300 937 637 www.konecranes.com

Ballina, NSW (02) 6686 7748

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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AM.APR11.PG054.pdf

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PRODUCT FOCUS: CRANES & LIFTING

Scissor lifts

The lift has a working height of 32 metres and reach of 15 metres.

Heavy duty lifts SKAKO Lift (formerly ReachMaster) has released the new ReachMaster Falcon FS105-Z. The lift features a combination between an articulating arm system and a telescoping boom with an articulating jib, and is based on an undercarriage with adjustable tracks. The lift offers a working height of 32 metres with a horizontal reach of 15 metres with 200 kilograms of capacity in the basket in all positions. The unit comes standard with a dual power system, a reworked Kubota diesel engine for outdoor use, and a 24 volt battery system for indoor use that will charge off a standard 110v/15 amp electric outlet. The unit is 7 metres long. The ReachMaster Falcon FS105-Z is not a replacement for the company's wheel-based 32 metre Falcon lift. The standard wheel based Falcon FS105 offers the same as the Falcon series with double jibs, multiple outrigger setting, automatic leveling and indoor maneuverability thanks to the wheels, while the track based FS105-Z is a more no-thrills approach. This is reflected in a lower price as well as the entire design of the unit caters to a more rugged use, being it light construction or outdoor applications."

• Skako Lift www.skako.com

Low level access SNORKEL is showcasing its low level access machines. Snorkel has highlighted its Pop-Up PUSH series with platform heights of 1.8metres, 2.4 metres and 3 metres. The lightweight PUSH series was developed through feedback from major contractors, to ensure it can withstand tough job sites. It is focusing on the Snorkel TM12 self-propelled mast lift, which fits through a standard internal door and is light enough to travel in a passenger elevator.

With a platform height of 3.3 metres, it has an extremely rigid mast for platform stability. The company's low-cost SPM20 self-propelled mast lift with 6metres of platform height will be on display. The unit has skid steer, simple controls and weighs less than 860 kilograms. It has an enhanced design for 2011 that includes a sequencing wire rope system for smoother elevation and descent.

• Snorkel 1300 900 700 ww.snorkellifts.com

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CUSTOM Equipment have released the HB-830 aerial scissor lift.

The scissor lift is designed as an alternative to traditional scaffolding, leg stilts and step ladders.

The lifts have a zero turn radius steering and drive system.

The HB-830 features a 63cm by 113cm deck with an additional 48 cm slide out extension.

The unit's weight comes in at 505 kilograms and offers 4 metres of working height.

The scissor's zero turn radius design allows the operator to use the machine in virtually any work area, and comes with dual independent rear drive motors and 360-degree rotating front wheels.

Zero radius steering.

The HB-830 achieves this by incorporating a unique dual-wheel front wheel system, which eliminates carpet buckling and minimizes overall wheel load.

It is also powered by a 24-vdc electrical system incorporating dual deep cycle 12 volt batteries.

An optional 110 volt 'power to the platform' can also give operators access to 110 volts of power when the machine is fully elevated.

Standard features include: integrated battery charger with charge level indictor; decent and tilt alarms; upper and lower emergency stop buttons; remote raise/lower control station; and a key operated on/off switch.

The HB-830 has fully automatic pothole protection, is rated at a gradeability of 25 percent and can travel at 3.7 km/h.

• Hy-Brid Lifts Australia 07 3279 1099 www.hybridlifts.com.au

Rough terrain lifts GENIE Industries has launched its GS-2669RT, 3369RT, 4069RT rough terrain scissor lifts.

The rough terrain scissor lift offers a new industrial design with improved performance.

The lifts have a front oscillating axle, adding to Can drive through mud and sand. performance in extreme jobsite conditions.

Increased power and terrainability enables the machines to drive through sand, mud and over curbs with ease.

The entire RT69 family has been enhanced to include increased horse-power by up to 30 percent, increased platform work space, and a simplified link stack. The new design enables all three to drive and function at full height.

Lastly, the GS-4069RT has the same style oscillating axles as the RT90, and is available as a 26-foot, 33-foot and 40-foot applications.

• Genie Industries 1800 788 633 www.genieindustries.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMKONAPR_11.pdf

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State-of-the-Art Rail Survey provides faster, safer & accurate analysis

Konecranes is an industry leading group of lifting businesses that offers a overhead crane and hoist maintenance.

Konecranes have developed solutions such as RailQ and RopeQ to help identify root cause of failure. Runway surveys are normally expensive, difficult and can significantly disrupt production. RailQ can survey a complete runway in a quarter of time and without the need to gain access to the entire length of runway.

With Konecranes you are set for tomorrow’s demands.

27 Service Locations across Australia and New Zealand.

To contact your nearest branch, please phone 1300 937 637.

Visit www.konecranes.com.au

AM.APR11.PG056.pdf

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Vibrating rods PACIFIC Sensor Technologies have unveiled the VR-41 top mount vibrating rod. The sensor is designed for use with a variety of heavy to light materials, and very light and fluffy materials.

The VR-41’s single rod probe design with Prevents the bridging of material. a sword shaped blade prevents bridging of material, making it superior to traditional 'tuning fork' designs by allowing material to easily flow by, preventing build up at on the blade.

It features a self cleaning sensor, switch selectable high/low failsafe, and an auto sensing power supply which can accommodate 20 - 250 volts AC/DC. It is intended for top mount locations and comes in lengths ranging from 33 centimetres to nearly four metres.

A rigid 25 millimetre pipe extension is available in galvanised or stainless steel, depending on the material application.

• Pacific Sensor Technologies 1300 662 720 sales@pacificsensortech.com.au www.pacificsensortech.com.au

Rescue reels REEL-TECH, sole distributor of Hannay Reels in ANZ, now offer the new ELF and ESF Series of rescue reels from Hannay Reels. The ELF Series is a compact, low height rescue reel with a maximum height of 14.5”; a 20% lower profile than a standard rescue reel.

The ESF Series is a compact narrow depth rescue A narrow depth rescue reel. reel with a maximum depth of 14”; 27% narrower than a standard reel.

Both hose reels feature a new gear motor rewind in either 12V or 24V, for a slow, powerful rewind speed in a small footprint. The slow, even rewind speed provided by the specially engineered gear motor eliminates any need for installing a speed control device.

A universal 6” drum diameter fitted on the ELF and ESF Series reels extend the hose or cable life by meeting manufacturer’s minimum bend radius and the 2-coat finish (alkyd-modified topcoat over e-coat primer) ensure a highly durable finish on the reels.

The ELF and ESF Series are the most compact rescue reels available, taking up only 70% of the space of a traditional reel for the same capacity hose or cable and are available for all three rescue reel types – air, twin hydraulic or cord.

• Reel Tech sales@reeltech.com www.reeltech.com

Turbo diesels CUMMINS Inc has launched the High Output 6.7L Turbo Diesel for Ram Heavy duty trucks.

This new high output rating produces more torque, up to a peak of 1085Nm. With this level of torque at 1600 rpm, power is increased across a wide speed range of 1200 to 2700 rpm.

This delivers up to 46 additional hp at typical cruising speeds while maintaining 350 hp at 3000 rpm.

The Turbo Diesel base engine is the Cummins ISB. Cummins will begin production of the 6.7L turbo diesel in the second quarter of this year.

• Cummins www.cummins.com

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Gamma Backscatter Gauge Measures density and build up.

THERMO Fisher Scientific has released the Nitus Gamma Backscatter (GBS) Gauge for measuring level, density and wall buildup in large mining vessels and pipes.

Using patented non-contacting gamma backscatter technology, the sensor measures overflow clarity and flocculants, provides control of solids in paste tanks and monitors solids concentration in settling tanks and clarifiers.

“In the past, performing precise level and density measurements in tanks and vessels was only possible with intrusive technologies that required vessel modification and increased installation costs and process downtime,” said Tony Hart, nuclear product manager for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

“Now, with the Nitus sensor the source and detector are mounted on the same side of the vessel or pipe, simplifying installation, commissioning and maintenance. Nitus offers real-time control of vessels, resulting in better processing efficiency.”

The sensor on the Nitus gauge features a scintillation detector with the highest level of stability and sensitivity, allowing the system to respond instantly to level or density changes. Its rapid response enables plant personnel to optimize process efficiency, which allows for more productive process gains. Additionally, the sensor requires small amounts of energy, so it only uses a small source to achieve highly precise measurements.

In many applications, the amount of gamma energy needed for a typical level or density measurement can be reduced by a factor of 200, without giving up speed of measurement or precision.

The small source also lowers capital costs and improves plant safety.

• Thermo Fisher Scientific www.thermofisher.com

Explosion proof lighting WORMALD is now distributing the Smith Light range of safety lighting, including the explosion proof EX model for mining.

Featuring robust construction and sealed batteries, they are ideal for indoor and outdoor maintenance applications where mains or generator power can not be accessed.

The self-contained lights, with battery lives of 12 or 30 hours, energy efficient LEDs and UV and salt water resistance, can be used as beacons, spotlights, floodlights and searchlights.

Made of automotive-type ABS and polycarbonatethe, the lights can be fixed via the underside to a range of industry standard equipment including tripods, scaffolding, cross beams, walls and special purpose applications.

The range includes the EX90L, IN120L, IN120LB, TM120L, TM120LB, and RadioRay searchlights.

The EX90L area illumination light is designed for safe use in hostile environments such as mines and quarries.

It features a battery life of 12 hours, a tilting and twin sided light head, and weighs just over eight kilograms.

It has been designed for use in both extremely wet or dusty conditions.

The RadioRay searchlights range come as either permanent mounted or portable options which feature a suction cap for fixing to the tops of vehicles.

The searchlights have remote controlled operation; light heads have 360 degree rotation and 135 degree tilt, and are UV ray and saltwater resistant, as well as weatherproof for land and sea applications.

• Wormald www.wormald.com.au

Features a 12hr battery.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMPIRFEB_11.pdf

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Servicing the Mining Industry for 30 years All Products and Services exceed MDG41 requirements Mining dedicated Service and Supply Centres with pressure testing facilities Specialists in Open Cut and Underground applications for all soft and hard rock mining All Service and Supply Centres ISO9001:2008 accredited RTO Registered by VETAB Project Management for machine overhauls and hose refurbishment NATA certified hose testing facility Experience across all OEM mining equipment manufacturers National fleet of mining specific mobile service units

AM.APR11.PG058.pdf

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Safer welding goggles

Designed to safely clear crusher blockages.

Blockage clearer KOGA Group has released Screen Machine Industries’ the new Crusher Blockage Clearance Apparatus for its tracked impact crushers.

Screen Machine Industries solution is the advanced ‘Crusher Blockage Clearance Apparatus’ a wireless remote controlled pivoting device between the chamber lid and the chamber housing.

With the push of a button the lifting lid of the chamber will raise and lower vertically relative to the housing opening without having to shut down the machine.

The cycle creates a temporary increase in the height, permitting the bridged material to pass freely through the chamber without loss of time or productivity.

The advanced new device comes as standard on Screen Machine Models 4043T and 5256T tracked Portable Impact Crushers.

• Koga Group 03 9555 8121 info@koga.com.au www.koga.com.au

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SPERIAN Protection has unveiled its DuraMaxx welding goggles with shade 5 green lenses. The welding goggles provide protection against welder’s flash and other eyesight hazards associated with welding. It utilises Dura-streme coating technology and combines the benefits of industrial anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings onto a single lens.

Protects against flashing.

The interior of the lens is kept clear from fogging while the exterior is protected from scuffs and scratches. An indirect ventilation system channels and directs air flow to further minimise fogging and improve vision. OTG capable, DuraMaxx goggles are able to fit over most prescription spectacles and half mask respirators, and are engineered with a lightweight and flexible elastomer body which provides a comfortable contoured fit for different face shapes. The goggles feature a pivoting headband for quick and easy fitting.

• Sperian Protection 1300 139 166 www.sperian.com

Voltage dip proofing WESTEK Electronics has released the DPI25 voltage dip proofing inverter for motor control. The inverter is designed for where there are frequent voltage dips and momentary interruptions to motor power. The inverters are essentially an off-line inverter in series with the load and powered by an electrolytic capacitor normally kept Offline voltage dip inverters. fully charged via a static switch. The inverters are ideal for operation in motor control centres and switchboards and generally where control relays need to remain energised for short periods so as to provide ‘ride-through’ for motors. They are superior in applications where constant voltage transformers such as ferro-resonant transformers would otherwise be installed, as these do not operate in constant voltage mode below 60% of nominal voltage.

• Westek Electronics Pty Ltd 1300 937835 info@westek.com.au www.westek.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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KSB Australia Pty Ltd · VIC 03 9314 0611 · SA 08 8234 0066 · NSW 02 9584 2099 · NT 08 8947 4941 · WA 08 9412 0100 Kalgoorlie 08 9412 0100 · QLD 07 3436 8600 · Townsville 07 4774 9200 · NZ +64 9 476 4047 · www.ksb.com.au

AM.APR11.PG060.pdf

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Calibration gas cylinders

Screw compressors

CAC GAS has introduced a new line of high pressure calibration gas cylinders for the mining industry.

Mining customers who have large numbers of instruments will benefit from the lower cost/litre of the larger volume cylinders.

5L,10L,20L and 50L cylinders provide 750 litres, 1500 litres, 3,000 litres and 7,500 litres of calibration gas respectively depending upon which gas type is required.

Mines which currently use or are planning to use High pressure gas. docking/bump test stations will dramatically reduce their cost of calibration by using larger calibration gas cylinders.

Whether it is for coal, gold or other applications, CAC GAS provides calibration gas solutions for the mining industry.

Unlike all other gas suppliers, CAC GAS does not charge a monthly rental on the cylinder which reduces administrative and tracking costs.

High pressure regulators of all styles and gas distribution systems are also available.

• CAC Gas 02 9735 8833 cac@promtel.com.au www.cacgas.com.au

Exhaust temperature logger PACIFIC Sensor Technologies has released the ETR101A exhaust temperature data logger.

Measures DPF. The ETR101A is a complete exhaust temperature profiling kit designed to profile the exhaust temperature of on-road vehicles and off-road equipment.

The kit comes assembled and includes a data logger, temperature sensor (thermocouple type K), weatherproof enclosure, USB data logger interface cable (IFC200), hex screwdriver and software.

The data logger, which is contained within the water resistant enclosure, is mounted to the vehicle.

Using the MadgeTech software, the logger is programmed to record for a set period, generally three to five days.

Data is stored in the data logger, and is downloadable at any time via a pc or laptop computer.

The complete temperature profile is then provided to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) manufacturer, aiding in the selection of the correct DPF for the exhaust system.

Many DPF manufacturers, including Donaldson Corp., recommend the use of temperature profiling equipment, such as the MadgeTech ETR101A, to aid in the selection of the appropriate diesel particulate filter.

• Pacific Sensor Technologies 1300 662720 sales@pacificsensortech.com.au www.pacificsensortech.com.au

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BOGE Compressors have launched the new CF series frequency controlled screw compressors.

The compressors are designed to generate high free air deliveries in continuous operation while minimising internal pipework and reduces flow losses.

The new CF series is ideal where shift/production patterns create a fluctuating demand for compressed air.

Built in frequency control continuously adjusts the volume flow to the actual demand ensuring minimised idling times and Frequency controlled. pressure fluctuations providing an energy efficient solution.

The CF series models emit very low sound pressure levels – from 63 dB(A) – making them very quiet in operation as well as offering increased compressed air outputs. A compact design also keeps installation space requirements to a minimum with a required surface area of less than 1 square metre.

The frequency controlled belt driven CF series models up to 22 kW are highly energy efficient, extremely quiet in operation and require only a minimum footprint. They are available in the standard pressure of 8, 10 and 13 bar.

Output capacities range from 0.47-3.62 m3/min and motor power 15 to 22 kW. • Boge Compressors 08 9528 2157 aus@boge.com www.boge.net.au

Drill motors SAI has unveiled a new range of motors and drive units that can offer greater accuracy and efficiency when used in drilling machines. The company says the higher power and displacement density make these drives unachievable by any other solution on the market.

The core element is the SAI motor with its well known method of operation based on an eccentric crankshaft and swivelling cylinders, which has been the subject of further development by the introduction of the innovative variable eccentricity crankshaft. The crankshaft can now be produced to provide a variation of its eccentricity, in a continuous way, from maximum to zero.

The displacement of the motor can also vary, adapting the torque and speed output of the drive to the operational requirements of the machines. This shift can be achieved extremely quickly or very slowly depending on the needs of the application. The shape of the ramp and the response of this variation can be adjusted

electronically and mechanically, and fine tuning can be easily achieved directly on the machine during the initial running and validation of the application.

The long-established high volumetric efficiency of SAI motors allows accurate controllability of rotational speed even at times of vastly varying load/pressure. The high starting efficiency offered in every displacement within the range permits the overcoming of obstacles found during the drilling operation whether these be at start up or during low speed running. These characteristics make SAI motors very flexible and easy to use when drilling any ground condition. A multiple motor set up offers enhanced variation possibilities giving way to a wide operational range of the machine. The power level is available from 70 Kw through to over 300 Kw. • Custom Fluidpower 07 3307 8227 www.customfluidpower.com.au

Conveyor dust seals KINDER has released its K-Snap-Loc Dust Seal System for the containment of dust build up on conveyors. The seal is easily installed by tacking the mounting rail to the system, and snapping the dust seal into place, a pin will hold it effectively into place.

It is designed to prevent silicosis on site while preventing material loss.

It is made from high Performance Polyurethane and can outlast rubber seals and reduce drag on conveyors by 60%.

Prevents dust build up on conveyors.

K-Snap-Loc Dust seal utilizes urethane’s inherent “memory set” to apply downward pressure onto the belts surface to create a fine tight seal, so there is no need for manual adjustment, reducing costly downtime. The dust seal is suitable for most conveyor applications.

• Kinder & Co. 03 9587 9244 www.kinder.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMMANAPR_11.pdf

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AM.APR11.PG062.pdf

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8th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, Co-hosted by AIMEX In this issue we have a brief word from some of the sponsors about their companies and why they choose to sponsor the Prospect Awards.

SEW-Eurodrive

BASF Construction Chemicals

SEW-Eurodrive is proud to be sponsoring the coal mine of the year award at the 2011 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

As a key supplier to the coal mining industry, we believe in quality and efficiency when it comes to drive technology.

Supplying a range of industrial gear units, motors and drives in sizes in excess of 1MW, we deliver more than just products to heavy industry.

A team of talented engineers develop effective and timely solutions based on customers' motion requirements, which are backed by aftersales commissioning and product support that is second to none.

We also understand that time is money, so units are delivered within a matter of weeks from our local assembly plants, rather than waiting months for items to be shipped from overseas.

The coal mining industry is one of Australia's strongest assets – as the world's greatest exporter of coal, we can be thankful for an industry that has given us global recognition.

SEW-Eurodrive takes great pride in sponsoring the coal mine of the year award, which we hope in turn, encourages the organization in and industry which has greatly supported our company over time.

We hope that this award goes to a fitting recipient to provide them with the acknowledgment they deserve for making such a strong contribution to Australian industry.

SEW-Eurodrive looks forward to further ongoing partnerships with all forms of mining, now and into the future.

BASF Construction Chemicals; Underground Construction division (UGC), can provide stateof-the-art solutions for 'Ground Support' requirements in mining and tunnelling. BASF is the largest chemical company in the world, with R&D and innovation being the key factor for it's continued success in the remaining the global leader in its field. A prime reason why BASF are proud to sponsor the Innovation Mining Solutions category for the Prospect Awards.

Atlas Copco For over 130 years Atlas Copco has supplied the world with mining equipment, making it one of the most experienced suppliers in the industry. Since setting up shop in Kalgoorlie in the 1950s, Atlas Copco has learned from the very specific and in many ways original Australian mining methods, which differ from the rest of the world. On top of higher demands on people and equipment, conditions faced in Australia (especially water) are very often tougher than most. One of Atlas Copco's highest priorities is reducing people's exposure to the drilling process and to the hostile environment often found in underground mines.

With our first experience in automation over a quarter of a century ago, and having spent the past 12 years refining our common rig automation platform RCS, the performance of Atlas Copco's production drill rigs, RCS control system, rock drills, Cable bolting rigs and innovative braking system (SAHR) have set the standard in the industry for productivity and safety.

The Prospect Awards recognise personal and company achievements, and they recognise the new benchmarks these create within the industry.

As a company and as individuals, Atlas Copco and its staff are pleased to support this event the Contract Miner of the Year and Hard Rock Mine of the Year awards because we appreciate how hard it is to be at the frontier of mining.

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Orica Mining Services Orica Mining Services is the world's leading supplier of commercial explosives and blasting systems and is committed to developing and applying new technologies to achieve productivity, safety, environmental and financial gains for its customers.

Sponsoring the 'Excellence in Environmental Management Award' in Australian Mining's Prospect Awards is one of the ways we contribute to and celebrate the success of this vital aspect of the mining industry, an industry that is not only critically important to the economy of our country but also to our business.

There is no single 'answer' to environmental issues, most improvements are incremental and are the result of hard work, close collaboration and sound science.

At Orica we are, however, making real progress. We have invested heavily in developing mining technologies and processes that can bring about, measurable step changes in environmental performance.

We are proud to sponsor this worthwhile award and consider the Prospect Awards an excellent way to recognise the valuable work undertaken in environmental management.

We thank all participants for taking the time and effort to submit their entries and we look forward to meeting the finalists in September.

Be a leader in Australia’s mining industry and nominate today

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AM1101X073_awards_2011_02.pdf

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At the 2011 8th annual

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS 7th September Doltone House Sydney, Co - hosted by AIMEX DON’T MISS MINING’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS! 7TH SEPTEMBER, SYDNEY

8th annual

For the 8th year, Australian mining professionals will come together to recognise and celebrate innovation and outstanding performance in the industry.

Held on the second night of AIMEX, the event showcases the best that mining has to offer.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES

● Coal Mine of the Year ● Outstanding Contribution to Mining ● Employer of Choice Award

● ● ● ●

AND NEW FOR 2011

● ●

Mine of the Year Mine Manager of the Year Contract Miner of the Year Minerals Processing Plant of the Year Excellence in Mine OH&S Excellence in Environmental Management Innovative Mining Solutions Explorer of the Year

PROSPECT ● ●

● Mining’s Female of the Year ● Young Achiever of the Year ● Community Interaction Award ● Hard Rock Mine of the Year

AWARDS

DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION KIT AT WWW.MININGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/AWARDS 6-9 Sept 2011

SPONSORS:

For further information contact Margaret Tra on (02) 9422 2759 or email margaret.tra@reedbusiness.com.au To book a table at the awards contact Alex Evans on (02) 9422 2890 or email alex.evans@reedbusiness.com.au

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MINING JOBS To advertise a new job contact Hussein Azzan at 02 9422 2851

To see the latest jobs available visit www.miningaustralia.com.au, which is updated daily.

TOWN SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT Location – (Tieri, Central QLD) Company – Oaky Creek Coal, Xstrata Coal Description: EL1 – Managed by Xstrata Coal, Oaky Creek Coal attracts highly focussed and motivated individuals who want to be key players in one of the most productive coal mines in the country.

Oaky Creek Coal produces high quality export coking coal from two longwall’s and currently holds Australian records for total longwall production tonnes. With an absolute commitment to safety and developing our people, Oaky Creek Coal offers excellent career opportunities for the successful individual.

Oaky Creek Coal is supported by its local community, Tieri. The town offers an exceptional standard of living and a vast array of facilities for adults and children. Housing subsidy is provided for employee’s residing in Tieri which is situated 300kms west of Mackay in Queensland’s Central Highlands and less than an hour’s drive from Emerald.

Oaky Creek Coal is seeking a Town Service Superintendent to manage the Town Office team in maintaining existing facilities and project manage expansion works to provide essential community services to the township of Tieri. Reporting to the Environment and Community Manger, the Town Services Superintendent is responsible for housing standards, single person accommodation and facilities, service provider contracts and community events and services.

With management acumen and experience managing service providers to KPIs, the successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to deliver multiple projects simultaneously within the allocated time and budget. Proven success in leading a small team, effective communication and contract administration, managing capital budget and ability to execute a project from concept to construction are essential attributes to succeed in this role. This vacancy would suit a results focused, trade qualified project manager who thrives in a dynamic environment with an absolute commitment to safe work practises and behaviour.

Oaky Creek Coal will provide full relocation to the successful candidate, competitive remuneration and benefits, subsidised housing and performance bonus incentives. This is a permanent site based role, Monday – Friday roster.

For further information, please contact Stacey Sullivan (07) 4984 7253. To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SENIOR VENTILATION ENGINEER Location – (Kalgoorlie, Goldfields & Esperance) Company – EMS Pty Description: We currently have an opportunity for a specialist Ventilation Engineer with experience in complex underground Ventilation systems So if you are a team player and good team builder, with excellent motivational skills and vast experience in the mining industry to draw upon, Please contact Billy on 08 9443 0400 or billy@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au MECHANICAL RELIABILITY ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Ltd Description: Working within this dynamic environment you will be part of a progressive outfit that believes the success of the company goes hand in hand with facilitating your career growth.

You will get the opportunity to imprint your own skills to generate strategies and conformance encompassing the entire operation.

Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au ELECTRICAL COORDINATOR Location – South Australia Company – EMS Pty Description: Our client is in need of an innovative and passionate Electrical Coordinator/Supervisor who has built themselves a strong career in the mining industry and is ready to take on any challenge thrown at them!

Dedicated to providing their staff with the best opportunities for professional development, this leading producer is well established in the industry and continues to go from strength to strength. Join a company where innovation is not only encouraged but rewarded! An excellent salary topped with some serious benefits and allowances are

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on offer here. If that is not enough, the company will cover your full relocation for this residential role.

Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au UNDERGROUND MINE MANAGER Location – Brisbane Company – EMS Pty Description: Spurred by a vision to realise the resource potential of this deposit, the directors are looking for a manager who does not only see what is here but what could be here. This gives you a broad platform to work from and so requires you to have a unique and independent spirit.

Working within the framework of what is required of an Underground Mine Manager regarding operational support, ensuring that the Mining team meet production targets on time within the given budget whilst adhering to safety guidelines is obviously the basic outline of your job.

Where you are given the opportunity to define a new level of management is by being given the freedom to think out the box regarding these duties, not be stifled by micro management from the top.

This role will empower an UGM who wants to realise his potential or be an opportunity for an ambitious, experienced engineer to achieve on another level.

Please contact Dianne on 08 9443 0400 or diane@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: As Principal Mechanical Engineer here you will lead your mechanical engineering design team to deliver design requirements suitable for clients in a costly and timely manner. You will manage personnel and resources and be required to liaise effectively with related personnel.

This is a position that will see you working with a niche, very well respected company on a real project with more in the pipeline. That's the type of long term commitment we would like you consider.

Please contact Greg on 08 9443 0400 or greg@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SENIOR MINING ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: The BOOM is back and the search is on for a hardworking Senior Mining Engineer who is after a production role with a bit of planning and wanting to use their 1st class ticket on the week-ends!

Get to use your skills and your opinions will be appreciated - it's with a great team that values everybody's input.

Driving production forwards and interfacing between production, planning and operations. Your focus will be on supervising the drill and blast and other critical production activities. It is imperative that you lead the way in relation to safe working practices and take an active role in ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

A degree in Mining Engineering with at least five years experience.

Good sound knowledge of mine planning computer packages. A W.A. First Class Mine Managers Certificate. You will need to be passionate and enthusiastic about what you do.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build on your exposure and experience to take your career to the next level.

Please contact Diane on 08 9443 0400 or diane@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au RESOURCE GEOLOGIST Location – WA Company – EMS Pty Description: An opportunity is on offer for a Melbourne based Resource Geologist. The preference is for you to come with a good 2 - 3 Years in a similar role, but if you are a good production geologist, looking for a break into resources, new projects and feasibilities, then the Geology manager would like to talk to you.

On offer, outside of a Capital City role is the opportunity to continue your own growth through a professional mentorship that will develop your

management skills within the realms of your technical and interpersonal capabilities so that within the next couple of years you would be ready to move into a Senior role.

So assuming you tick all the above boxes or have a real determination to move over into Resources, then please call Billy on 08 9443 0400 and send a CV to billy@emsjobs.com.au.

Please contact Billy on 08 9443 0400 or billy@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au MECHANICAL SUPERINTENDENT – FIXED PLANT Location – Adelaide Company – EMS Pty Description: Looking for an opportunity in which you can use all that drive and direction you have accumulated throughout your career?

This is your opportunity to work for a leading Mining House giving you the experience you need to take that next step up!

Our client is currently in need of an extensively skilled and experience Mechanical Superintendent- Fixed Plant to compliment an already formidable mechanical team. Working to ensure the crushing facilities on site and associated infrastructure maintain and extend the efficiency of the plant. This leadership role will put you in the driver’s seat working across reliability and maintenance for site and crushing plant infrastructure. This is not the kind of role that will box you in to prescribed roles and responsibilities. The role will be as big as you and your ambition are willing to make it. Here we will need someone who is top class, capable of working at a high level to resolve issues and get things done.

You will need to be passionate about what you do and have strong interpersonal and communication skills for a multi-skilled team so it’s really important that you to lead by example.

This is a residential role with plenty of perks and bonuses to attract the very best. In combination with excellent monies you can expect a superior work environment here as part of an excellent team committed to achieving great results for both themselves and the company.

Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au MINE SURVEYOR Location – Adelaide Company – EMS Pty Description: Mine Surveyor for underground operation. The greater the challenge the sweeter the reward! Gain huge job satisfaction and experience with a great team.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced Mine Surveyor with one - two years experience in underground to play an integral role in helping this company maintain and further their development. No two days will ever be the same with these guys!

Here you will be providing a high level of technical support to your team so that they can get on with the task of providing accurate and timely survey services across the operation. Your challenge will be to consistently reach targets whilst improving on survey processes and the team’s safety record.

Effective communication and a lead by example work ethic are essential to your application. Good computer literacy with the relevant survey programmes will also be highly regarded.

Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: As Principal Mechanical Engineer here you will lead your mechanical engineering design team to deliver design requirements suitable for client in a costly and timely manner; you will manage personnel and resources and be required to liaise effectively with related personnel.

This is a position that will see you working with a niche, very well respected company on a real project with more in the pipeline,so that's what type of long-term commitment we would like you consider.

NB. Please note that only suitable applicants who have the necessary attributes will be acknowledged.

Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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GO THE DISTANCE

MINER’S HARNESS RANGE BY MILLER® Depend on the Miller Miners Harness range for day after day durability, comfort and ease of use. The Underground version includes a miners belt to attach a self rescuer and battery pack, as well as handy tool loops on the rear.

With stainless steel hardware, ultra-tough DuraClean coated webbing and high visibility components, the Miller Miners Harness range has been designed specifically for the rigors of the mining industry.

For additional product information call our product manager (03) 9565 3585 or visit www.sperian.com

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Maptek Users Conference 4-6 April Perth, WA The event is a valuable opportunity to share success stories about technology in action and celebrate our 30 year anniversary.

The technical program will feature presentations from customers and Maptek experts. Specific applications of our Vulcan, I-Site and MineSuite products will address issues critical to mine planning and productivity across all commodity and operation types.

At the conference you will learn from real world examples and workshop innovative solutions; exchange ideas and hear what our experts are doing; network with colleagues and connect with the Maptek community and preview new technology and provide feedback on product development.

• Maptek 08 6211 0000 info@maptek.com.au

www.maptek.com/australia_2011/ registration.html

North Queensland Mining, Processing & Energy Conference

Workforce Planning in Mining

9-10 May Townsville, Queensland

12-14 April Brisbane, QLD

Focusing on future challenges in the mining, processing and energy industries, NQ-MPEC provides industry professionals with the opportunity to learn from each other and share information.

• NQ-MPEC www.nq-mpec.com

Increasing investments in the mining sector are creating the need for efficient workforce planning.

Workforce Planning in Mining will identify and exemplify industry examples in designing workforce strategies; how to engage competence & employees; attracting people to the mining industry; case studies: Experience & practice in workforce planning; how to utilise skilled local workers; acquiring data for accurate forecasting of workers; Government educational programs to supply mining demand; using apprenticeship as strategy; dealing with long term skills shortage; and risk management strategies.

• Workforce Planning www.workforceplanninginmining. com.au

conference not only offers opportunities to learn about safety lockout, products, processes and procedures, but also provides an opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals.

• Safe Alliance Simon Kotz 02 8337 7959 conferece@mayohardware.com.au

Mine Rescue & Emergency Management 2011

2nd Safe Alliance Conference

31 May-1June Brisbane, QLD

19-20 May Adelaide, South Australia

This event will provide you with up to date strategies, procedures and models that can help you and your company become proactive in your emergency response procedures.

Not only will this event focus on proactive measures, but it will also look at strategies that can be applied in those crucial and decisive moments where every second counts. Attend this event and invest in the safety of your businesses’ most important asset – its staff.

The Safe Alliance conference is the definitive forum that focuses on ‘permit to work’ and assisting your organisation reduce risk and increase efficiencies. The Safe Alliance conference will discuss current safety issues, best practice elements and review innovations in technology and products to address the safety needs of industry. The

• Mine Rescue www.minerescue.com.au

AIMEX 6-9 September Homebush, Sydney Held once every four years and firmly established on the international mining industry calendar, AIMEX is the flagship event within the portfolio of established industrial trade fairs staged by Reed Exhibitions, Australia's leading exhibition organiser.

AIMEX is where Australian and international suppliers of mining technology, equipment and services come together with mining industry buyers and specifiers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region to explore mutually beneficial business opportunities, exchange technical information and network in an interactive business environment.

• Reed Exhibitions Peter Thompson 02 9422 2472 peter.thompson@reedexhibitions. com.au www.aimex.com.au

Moving parts and equipment is easy with the new HSM Profipack

Instant packaging when you need it, where you need it.

Now, you can safely and quickly move essential parts and equipment with the new HSM Profipack.

It instantly recycles your excess cardboard into free, sturdy packaging material. Cardboard is transformed into an interlaced weave pattern that provides excellent protection and padding.

Non-slip and easy to bend and roll, the packaging lets you dispatch parts and tools around sites or to suppliers with ease and peace of mind.

Portable, reliable and built to last, the Profipack improves productivity and helps you get the job done. Call Renz Australia now on 1300 856 383 for more information or a free demonstration.

66 April 2011

AustralianMining

See video at: www.renz.com.au/profipack

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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REDA

ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SYSTEMS

*Mark of Schlumberger. Measurable Impact is a mark of Schlumberger. © 2010 Schlumberger. 10-AL-0066

High-Pressure Pumps for Mining Reliable Operational Performance

Maximize Uptime with REDA High-Pressure Pumps REDA* electric submersible pumps offer efficient mine dewatering and can be customized as required.

REDA ESPs have been running continuously for more than 4 years in two mines in Queensland, Australia—reducing downtime and operator costs. Engineered for best-in-class reliability, Schlumberger REDA high-pressure submersible bore pumps and underground booster pumps provide a single lift to the surface.

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