Australian Mining December 2011

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SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

VOLUME 103/12 – DECEMBER 2011

www.miningaustralia.com.au

NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

The Rare Earth Battle The Lynas saga Metals Outlook

THE YEAR AHEAD Commodity performances

P.12

Hydraulics/Pneumatics

LIFTING AND SHIFTING Moving equipment

P.18

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Mining Family Matters Fly In/Fly Out checklist p38

ENGAGING GROUND Buckets and teeth

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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 Publisher – Michelle Graves Email: michelle.graves@reedbusiness.com.au Editor – Cole Latimer Tel: (02) 9422 2352 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Journalist – Andrew Duffy Tel: (02) 9422 2884 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Key Account Manager – Sarah Bateman Tel: (02) 9422 8994 Mob: 0408 991 585 Email: sarah.bateman@reedbusiness.com.au Key Account Manager – Tim Richards Tel: (02) 9422 2818 Mob: 0407 948 774 Email: tim.richards@reedbusiness.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 WA Representative – Jamie Wade Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au RBI Manufacturing & Electronics Group: Production Co-ordinator – Mary Copland Tel: (02) 9422 2738 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 Graphic Designer – Dave Ashley 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

What may 2012 bring?

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look towards what the new year holds in store.

D

uring December I always find myself looking forward to what next year may bring.

It’s always hard to predict just what may happen, and speaking to those in the industry, both on the financial and mining side, I’ve definitely been given a varied view.

To be frank, everyone has an opinion and very few of them seem to be similar.

Being told that gold is going to break through the $2000 per ounce mark next year by one analyst, then being informed that gold will drop down to $1500 per ounce by the next financial guru does not exactly help to paint a clear picture of what the year may bring.

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au But I guess this is always the way things are in the mining industry.

Trying to ride the mining boom and hopping off or cashing out before it sputters and dies is hard enough without worrying about what is in store for 2012.

And with the Carbon Tax and Mineral Resources Rent Tax looming just over the horizon, it might not be a year to look forward to either, at least not the last six months.

But we can't simply stick our heads in the sand and try to ignore it either.

There is no real way of avoiding the upcoming hurdles, except to lump the taxes and hope that the royalty rates don’t sky rocket and the Federal Government decides not to make up the shortfall, leaving miners not only out of pocket, but more than likely with a bitter sense of betrayal.

But I am probably just being over dramatic.

The taxes are coming, the industry will wear it; it will dissuade some investment and some operations will see a slower period of growth and others will not get off the ground at all, but ultimately the mining industry will prevail.

It will simply do what it has always done – trudge on, tax or no.

Because this is what it does in the best and worst times.

It gets on with on it.

I have a feeling that the Australian mining industry will weather whatever comes up, as it did with the global financial crisis, because it gets on with the job.

And that’s really the only thing I can say will definitely be happening next year.

FRONT COVER ON the front cover of this December 2011 edition we have featured the long running saga of Lynas and its rare earths plant in Malaysia. We examine how its plant has been received in the country, the opposition to its operation, and why the miner is facing so many obstacles in its construction.

We speak to the community action groups and find out why they are calling on the miner to get out of the country, as well as the potential future of Lynas as it reels from the hurdles in Malaysia and lawsuits over rare earth deposits in Malawi.

All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

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December 2011

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Contents

December 2011 issue

Understanding the risks

Taxes, nationalisation and indigenisation….p22

Rare Earth Battles

The Lynas saga….p30-31

Features A LOOK BACK 2011 A tumultuous year A round up of the events and people of the year ............................................................. p10 METALS OUTLOOK The 2012 Metals Outlook How will commodities trend next year .. p12-16 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS Moving mountains Mining specific compact jacks ..................... p18

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GROUND ENGAGING TOOLS Engaging G.E.T. operators G.E.T. tracking on site................................. p20 FUEL Driving diesel Increasing fuel efficiencies ........................... p25 MAINTENANCE, MONITORING & PROTECTION Dousing Danger Fire protection............................................. p26

Jumping into safer cleanups Remote conveyor cleaning........................... p28

Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT ..................................... p6 NEWS.................................................................. p8 PRODUCT FOCUS: Test & Measurement .... p33 PRODUCT SHOWCASE.................................. p34 JOBS................................................................. p36 EVENTS............................................................ p38

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

MRRT – Too TAXING It used to be said that Australia rode on the sheep’s back, but these days it’s far more accurate to say Australia rides on the miner’s earth mover, Shadow Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane writes.

T

he mining industry is now one of the most significant contributors to the Australian economy.

Yes, the benefits are felt to different extents around the country, with Queensland and Western Australia experiencing the greatest gains. But discussion of a multi-speed economy aside, the statistics show that the resources industry is indispensable to Australia’s economic prosperity.

According to the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics, resources and energy exports will be worth $215 billion to the Australian economy this year.

The mining industry also employs tens of thousands of Australians – not only in direct jobs, but via the regional industries and small businesses it supports.

Yet, the Gillard Government is pushing ahead with its Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT), a poorly designed and economically destructive policy that looks no further than papering over the black holes in the Government’s budget.

There are two fundamental problems with the philosophy behind the MRRT – the first is that it assumes that the Australian resources industry is an indestructible cash cow that can be hit again and again because the Government can’t maintain budget discipline.

The second is that it is based on the politics of envy and gives the misleading impression that mining companies that operate in Australia are somehow avoiding their tax obligations.

Neither of these assertions are true.

Contrary to the Gillard Government’s suggestions, the mining industry pays a fair share of tax through company and payroll tax and statebased royalties.

Australia’s mineral resources belong to the people of each state. Therefore it is the right and responsibility of the State Governments to determine what value they place on those resources and at what rate miners should pay for access and extraction rights.

This system has worked well for more than 100 years and has in-built flexibility that allows the State Governments to reassess royalties as they see fit.

In Queensland in 2008 the Bligh Government increased coal royalties from 7 to 10 per cent to reflect what it considered to be a fair share for the state. Similarly, the Barnett Govern6 December 2011

AustralianMining

The Government’s tax and red tape will stifle investment and growth in mining.

ment in Western Australia has recently announced a 5 per cent royalty on magnetite iron and uranium.

When it comes to the flaws in the design of the tax, the problems are even more numerous.

The MRRT was hastily slapped together by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan in a desperate pre-election quick fix to get Kevin Rudd’s even more disastrous Resources Super Profits Tax off the table and out of the headlines.

They sidelined the Resources Minister and as a result ended up with a dud deal that gave the big three mining companies – BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata – the upper hand, and unfairly penalised small and mid-sized miners.

The quick fix also entrenched a fundamental weakness into the MRRT,

which was the promise that all future increases in state royalties would be fully creditable against the tax.

This means every time State Governments decide to reassess royalty rates, as is their constitutional prerogative, the Federal budget bottom line will take a hit.

The most troubling part of the MRRT is that it runs the risk of building a structural deficit into the budget.

Anyone with even a passing understanding of the resources industry knows that commodity prices are volatile.

Recently there has been a sharp drop in the price of iron ore – which, along with coal is one of the two commodities the MRRT will target – based on expectations about a slowdown in China.

But there has been no explanation from the Government as to how it

will respond to these inevitable price fluctuations.

In the time since the MRRT deal was done there have been multiple revisions to Treasury figures about the anticipated revenue from the tax.

At the moment it stands $11.1 billion over the forward estimates, but how will those revenue projections be changed yet again in upcoming budget revisions?

If the Government was genuine about its motives for proposing a resources tax, it could have established a sovereign wealth fund. The Howard Government had already done so for other revenue by setting up the Future Fund.

Instead, the Gillard Government intends to use the still hypothetical proceeds of its MRRT to boost the budget bottom line.

Coupled with the Government’s backflip on the carbon tax, the sudden implementation of the tax with very little industry consultation has also caused damage to Australia’s sovereign risk profile.

While Australia has vast mineral wealth, we are not the only nation with these resources and if the Government persists in imposing new levels of taxation and red tape on the industry, investors will simply look elsewhere for their next projects.

Already Anglo American has stated that it is reassessing more than $15 billion worth of investments in the Australian coal sector.

What’s more there are no guarantees the current version of the MRRT is the one the industry will have to deal with, given the round of horse trading that is going on with the Independent members of Parliament and the Greens.

The latter have stated clearly that they want to extend the base of the tax to other commodities such as gold.

The Coalition does not support any version of the mining tax, nor do we accept that there are grounds for the Commonwealth adding a new layer of taxation for mining companies.

The MRRT is a political policy driven by political motives – not by any concern for the long-term future of the energy and resources sector.

It is a deeply flawed tax that will have a destructive impact on the sector.

The Coalition is opposed to it in Opposition and would rescind it in Government. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PERSONNEL

MENTAL HEALTH in the mines; a pathway to healthy profits?

Psychological health is as important as physical health onsite. Lara Polley* writes.

T

he suicide prevention initiative, R U OK? Day has recently put mental health in the public spotlight.

The popularity of this campaign and its endorsement by prominent Australians such as Hugh Jackman and Julia Gillard makes it clear that as a country, Australia is better informed than ever before about mental health and wellbeing.

The overall stigma surrounding mental health is gradually being broken down within our communities, but what role does the workplace play in this process? More specifically, how does this apply to one of our most important industries, the mining sector?

Australian OH&S laws require that employers manage not only physical risks in the workplace, but also psychological ones, as mentally unwell workers have an increased risk of incurring physical injury.

The mining industry is particularly exposed to physical safety issues but it is also a high risk for employees’ mental health and wellbeing. The geographic isolation from family and friends, regular change of routine, long hours of shift work and a “toughen up” culture make it challenging to uncover areas where mental wellbeing needs to be improved as well as address those needs; all the more reason 8 December 2011

AustralianMining

why confidential counselling can improve physical safety and productivity.

The CEO of the Australasian Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health (CRRMH), Dr Jennifer Bowers, said that “these challenges precipitate low resilience, low self esteem and compromised health”.

Bowers also said that stress in the workplace was a major contributor to depression or other forms of mental illness.

“Some forward thinking companies in the mining industry are realising that incorporating mental health and occupational health and safety policies and practices pays off, in terms of both productivity and profit”.

According to mental health awareness organisation, Beyond Blue, each and every employee with untreated depression or related conditions will cost their organisation nearly $10,000 a year.

To address the mental wellbeing of the workforce, some employers have started to implement policies and programs to assist in creating a safer, healthier workforce.

One of the most common services includes the provision of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These are employer funded services, providing staff with access to qualified third party psychologists for counselling on any

personal or work related issues that may be impacting the employees’ wellbeing.

Employers can then access anonymous reports on usage trends and the types of issues their staff are experiencing, which in turn enables them to understand which areas require additional education or support. For example, if at certain times of the year EAP providers report a spike in alcohol and drug problems, management can look to imple-

ment support and education around this to try and eliminate this trend.

Providing support beyond the standard employee benefits also makes employers more attractive to potential staff and aids in the retention and development of existing staff.

In the face of continued skills shortages this is particularly relevant to the mining sector.

Every organisation is exposed to the natural highs and lows of a human work-

Investing in employees’ wellbeing improves profits.

force – it is a matter of how those variances are handled.

Instead of only reacting to issues as they happen, investing in proactive staff development can create resilience, and actually improve productivity and profitability.

The term ‘resilience’ refers to the ability to manage and bounce back from life’s more challenging experiences. By investing in resilience training for employees, organisations are safeguarding against the fallout from employee crises and improving their staff’s ability to function well through daily stresses and challenges. This positively impacts organisational culture, enhances creativity and team dynamics, ultimately improving productivity.

If industry wants to attract skilled workers and hold on to them, it must support and develop the psychological wellbeing of their people as well as protecting their physical safety. Providing a first-aid kit is simply not enough. *Lara Polley is from Drake WorkWise which provides wellbeing in the workplace through employee assistance programs, trauma management and organisational consultancy services. To find out more visit www.drakeworkwise.com.au or call 1300 135 600. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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LOOK BACK

A TUMULTUOUS year The mining industry faced some of its biggest challenges in 2011, Andrew Duffy reports.

B

itter carbon and mining tax rallies, sites shut down by striking workers, and angry brawls over coal seam gas made 2011 a memorable year for the mining industry.

And, as always, the characters behind the action proved they were anything but bland.

One of the year’s longest running battles, still to be resolved, was the dispute over pay and work conditions for miners at BMA’s Queensland coal sites.

Once talks between the company and workers broke down outspoken Queensland union boss Stephen Smyth backed rolling work stoppages on the mines.

He accused BMA of being “deceitful” in its negotiations with employees.

Almost 3000 workers joined the strikes before Smyth upped the action, launching an advertising campaign against BMA. The advertisements accused the company of proposing a contract that “insults miners’ families and ignores their basic right to spend time together”.

The campaign drew a feisty reaction from BMA, with the company issuing the union with legal threats.

Its president Stephen Dumble also took the unusual step of publicly accusing the union of “scaremongering” its members and the public.

Over west unions were not so troublesome.

On Woodside’s main WA projects members of the construction and metalworkers union agreed to a seven-year ban on illegal strikes.

In return the company suspended millions of dollars in fines against workers.

Higher up in Woodside the company saw a boardroom reshuffle after the appointment of new CEO Peter Coleman in May. Northwest shelf head Kevin Gallagher was the first to go, followed later by the sudden resignation of international oil and gas boss Jeff Soine.

10 December 2011

The mining boom looks set to roll on for several years as miners widen their investments.

In other boardroom news the High Court granted Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest leave to appeal a February ruling that he misled investors.

The ruling marked a much needed win for Forrest, as an unfavourable decision would ban him from serving as a company director.

While the legal fight dragged on behind the scenes, Forrest waged a public battle with the Government over its Minerals Resources Rent Tax. Forrest also joined a wide chorus of business figures slamming the mining tax, including BHP CEO Marius Kloppers and Rio Tinto boss Tom Albanese.

Significant opposition from business leaders joined considerable resistance from the grassroots level.

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But the Gillard Government soldiered on and introduced the MRRT to parliament late in the year, to cheers from the public gallery.

It was a celebratory scene surpassed only by the passage of the carbon tax through the Lower House in October.

Whatever the view on the tax’s legitimacy, it looks likely to take effect next year, and poses significant challenges to the way in which miners do business.

The introduction of both taxes marked a particularly involved year for mining and politics.

But the news wasn’t all highbrow, with the bitter family infighting surrounding Gina Rinehart and her family fortune attracting plenty of tabloid attention.

Clive Palmer also made

the headlines after a shareholder from Gladstone PacificNickel (GPN) accused him of hijacking a nickel refinery deal between GPN and BHP Billiton.

Palmer was accused of using his GPN board position to negotiate the purchase of the Yabulu refinery for himself.

He showed his typical colours last year when he said Yabulu earned him “about $250 million of beer money” a year.

Still with the personalities, radio shock-jock Alan Jones ran a successful campaign against the carbon tax all year, but turned Green around October.

Jones came out in strong opposition to coal seam gas exploration, and called for QLD premier Anna Bligh to be sacked over her handling of the industry.

Jones’s protests channelled broad community concerns throughout New South Wales and Queensland over coal seam gas.

He was yet another problem for an industry already struggling to get the message out about its projects.

Coal seam gas companies weren’t the only ones with Queensland problems, as the state’s coal miners also struggled to recover from the disastrous summer floods.

But these troubles paled in comparison to the serious injury and death that befell the industry again in 2011.

In January a truck driver died of dehydration in Western Australia’s northern Goldfields after his vehicle was bogged.

Later in the year a miner was killed working on a frontend loader in the Pilbara.

Also in WA, a Fortescue Metals Group contractor lost a leg and had another crushed carrying out maintenance in Port Hedland.

These and other accidents mark a sombre reminder for the industry and community moving into next year.

While mining holds great rewards for those lucky enough to be involved, it also poses significant risks and challenges to its workers.

In addition to safety concerns, the problem of remote work sites, and the fly-in-flyout arrangements servicing them also weighed on the industry.

FIFO divided the community and was the subject of a parliamentary inquiry in 2011.

But despite the drawbacks 2011 marked a record year for corporate and employee earnings, and saw huge expansions as the boom rolled on.

It’s no doubt next year will bring similar gains and problems, as well as its own surprises.

But if 2011’s performance is anything to judge by, the industry looks set for the challenge. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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METALS OUTLOOK

Metals

OUTLOOK 2012

Iron Ore

Despite ongoing market uncertainty in Europe, the Australian metals market looks unlikely to falter too heavily, Andrew Duffy, Cole Latimer and IBISWorld report.

Iron ore is now one of Australia’s top earners, and despite global economic uncertainty its good fortunes look set to continue.

But while the fundamentals of the market are sound, analysts are mixed over just how well the commodity will perform in 2012.

Fat Prophets resources analyst David Lennox told Australian Mining that although the iron ore price would go well next year it would not reach the same heights it had in 2011.

“We haven’t put a figure on it but we expect the price to move higher in 2012,” he explained.

According to IBISWorld, the industry will generate revenues of approximately $56.6 billion, growing by an additional 10.2% for the year, with overall profits of $25.6 billion.

Lennox said like most commodities, the strength of iron ore next year would be tied to the performance of the Chinese economy.

But the latest figures from the industrial powerhouse have not been as kind to the industry as they have been in the past.

Recent spot market prices for iron ore have been on the slide, and Chinese steel mills have attempted to renegotiate their contracts to reflect these falls.

BIS Shrapnel’s Adrian Hart said it was unclear whether these drops were indicative of a wider slowdown in the market.

“There is uncertainty here on whether it’s a broader trend or simply part of a cycle as China runs up its stocks,” he said.

“But miners are not too concerned over the price drop as the commodity is still at historical highs, and we are unlikely to see much of a let up in the sector as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals Group all move ahead with their expansions.”

Industry performance will 12 December 2011

expand, but at a slower rate over the next five years through to 2016-17, as higher production levels offset the lower prices.

IBISWorld believe production will reach about 470 million tonnes in 2011-12, and exports to be around 435 million tonnes.

But worrying statistics from China don’t stop at the spot price market.

The announcement of China’s third quarter GDP rise of 9.1 per cent, while still impressive, was lower than expected.

According to Westpac chief economist Bill Evans

China’s housing boom has also slowed, and there is evidence to suggest the country is stockpiling ore.

Evans told a business conference in Perth earlier this year he expected both factors to dampen the iron ore price for next year.

But Lennox put the fall in

Copper mines, such as Prominent Hill, are unlikely to see demand slowing down.

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China’s housing market down to the onset of winter, and said Fat Prophets expected demand to pick-up once again next year.

“We attribute the recent falls on the spot market to a seasonal flow,” he said.

“It’s currently moving into winter in China and so construction is starting to slow.”

“Once winter is over we expect building in China to pick up and we’ll see a rise in ore prices again.”

Foster Stockbroking senior analyst Craig Brown also told Australian Mining while next year’s iron ore outlook was positive, prices would not perform as well as in 2011.

“It’s looking like it might be oversupplied in some areas,” he said.

“But prices are still quite high and will be trading around $140 over the medium term.”

Last year the average spot price for iron ore levelled at around $US135.

Despite the relatively strong Continued on page 14 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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METALS OUTLOOK

Continued from page 12

enough large potential deposits, such as the Super Pit or Tropicana, to take full advantage of this boom”.

Industry revenues are expected to expand at an annual rate of around 4.5 per cent over the next five years, reaching $16.9 billion in 2016-17.

outlook the market looks set tighten next year as the main players compete for a larger market share.

Brazil’s largest iron ore miner, Vale, has already indicated it is willing to sell at a ten per cent discount to undercut Australian miners.

The game for 2012 looks set to be a tight one.

Copper

Mines like BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam will supply the infrastructure boom.

Mining continued financial uncertainty in Europe is likely to push the commodity northwards, Brown saying “it could definitely go higher, it’s a safe haven, everyone knows Europe is in a lot of trouble, and in terms of this gold will remain strong and if the problems in Greece continue it may even hit levels of around US$1900 again, but it will probably be closer to the US$1700 mark.

“But post crisis we may see the price start to come down,” Brown added.

He went on to say that although gold has a good future, it may level out again for 2012,

stabilising at around $US1500, and potentially dropping down to US$1100 per ounce in the longer term.

Hart agreed, saying “global volatility will see the price push upwards, but it will likely fall in three to five years from now, although it will remain at a high level”.

David Lennox, the senior resource analyst for Fat Prophets was more positive for gold futures.

“We expect it will be breaching the US$2000 an ounce level in 2012,” he told Australian Mining.

Lennox added that there

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will be further upward price pressures due to US debt.

“The markets will probably turn to focus on the US debt situation, especially if growth stalls, as it looks to under recent Federal Reserve forecasts.”

According to IBISWorld reports, the value of gold exports is predicted to be around $13.2 billion in 201112, with gold production to increase over the five years through to 2016-17, as new mines commence operations.

However, Hart believes the major issue facing the industry “is that there are not

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Gold has been the star of the metals stable, as global uncertainty drives investment into the metal and pushes prices consistently upwards.

Investors have rushed to gold as fluid markets, particularly in Europe, makes the stock market generally shaky.

While the price of gold per ounce struggled to move past US$1400 during the first three months of 2011, it began to rise rapidly from March onwards, spiking in September and reaching new heights of nearly US$1900 per ounce, essentially having tripled in price since 2007.

However, is it likely to stay at these record highs into 2012?

Its continual rise since the global financial crisis has “pushed gold to the level where some are essentially extracting teeth to supply” BIS Shrapnel senior economist Adrian Hart told Australian Mining.

Speaking to Foster Stockbroking senior analyst Craig Brown, he told Australian

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Gold

Copper is often viewed as a barometer for the global economy.

Despite serious market volatility in the wake of the European economic crisis, demand is unlikely to abate.

According to BIS Shrapnel senior economist Adrian Hart, there are low stocks of the metal available globally “so we don’t expect the price to deteriorate, and it will begin to rise again, particularly on the back of the projected LNG infrastructure boom”.

Fat Prophets analyst David Lennox agreed.

“Copper is definitely in supply constraint conditions, and that will support higher prices, certainly above US$4 per pound.”

Part of this is due to a number of projects being mooted due to the global financial crisis or slowing down significantly in the wake of the Queensland floods, however in Australia projects such as Olympic Dam will steadily increase volumes to the middle of the decade as economic growth pushes upwards again.

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METALS OUTLOOK

Hill mine and Xstrata North Queensland Copper operations will also add to these levels.

Processing will be hit though, as Xstrata shuts down all its copper refining operations in Australia by 2016.

“But there is a bright future for the metal, with demand sure to remain robust,” Hart stated.

Speaking to Thundelarra Exploration managing director Brett Lambert, he said “there will always be a strong demand for it for infrastructure, and long term it will be the most robust in terms of metals”.

IBISWorld analysis reports point to continued growth in China and India as the main driver for demand.

“Revenue is estimated to grow by about 18.7 per cent in 2011-12, reflecting higher prices,” it stated.

However, this is expected to slow in 2012-12 to 17.9 per cent, dropping dramatically in growth rates to only 4.9 per cent in 2013-14, and then declining in revenues by 2015-16.

Nickel

First Quantum’s re-commissioning of the Ravensthorpe nickel mine will improve the sector.

The copper industry is predicted to create generate around $8.46 billion in 201112, as compared to the previ-

ous boom heights of 2006-7 when it generated $6.41 billion.

By 2016-17, IBISWorld believes that copper industry

revenues will grow to $10.92 billion, with copper prices to hit about US$10 039 per tonne in 2011-12.

“Nickel has always been a volatile commodity and it is hard to predict where it will end up.”

This is according to Thundelerra Exploration’s Brett Lambert.

The global financial crisis saw a serious output drop, as a number of mines, such as BHP Billiton’s Ravensthorpe nickel operation, closed due to a huge slump in prices.

Output is now expected to rise and actually exceed pre-global financial crisis levels, reaching 197 000 tonnes in 2011-12, IBISWorld believes.

Part of this is due to its close ties to the steel industry, which will grow as the demand for infrastructure support increases up until 2016, on the back of the booming LNG industry.

Much higher prices will drive revenues by nearly 22 per cent to $3.58 billion, a massive turn around after nearly halving in 2008-09.

However, the actual price itself “is not expected to Continued on page 16

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AustralianMining

December 2011

15

AM.DEC11.PG016.pdf

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16

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METALS OUTLOOK

Continued from page 15 advance much next year, although it will pick up in the decade, but currently there is not enough investment in the metal globally,” Adrian Hart, a BIS Shrapnel economist, told Australian Mining.

Although the recent recommissioning of Ravensthorpe by First Quantum may change this significantly, as the mine has 263 million tonnes of proven reserves.

“This depends on whether it can increase production on time, as if the mine comes on later in the forecast, it will cause higher stocks and weaker prices.”

IBISWorld predicts industry revenues are unlikely to again reach the 2006-07 highs of $7.115 billion, at best reaching $4.46 billion in 2013-14.

However industry performance overall is expected to improve through the five years to 2016-17 according to IBISWorld, with revenues rising an average annual rate of 1.3% and output levels expected to increase to the point where it offsets the negative effects on revenue caused by a lower Australian dollar nickel price.

Silver/Zinc/Lead While usually playing second fiddle to gold, silver was big news in 2011.

In the first months of the year speculation on the commodity was rife and its price jumped over 60 per cent.

But while prices eventually normalised next year’s outlook remains positive.

Traditionally silver’s fortunes have been closely tied to gold, and Brown told

16 December 2011

The nickel industry finally looks to grow.

The majority of silver/zinc/lead mining is done in Queensland.

Australian Mining he expected this relationship to continue in 2012.

“Historically there has been a pretty good correlation between gold and silver prices,” he said.

“Usually investors move to silver in the event they can’t afford gold.”

Brown said there was no reason for speculation to send the silver price rocketing again in 2012.

“In our view prices will reach around $30 and fall down to around $25 in the longer term,” he said.

“Post 2015 the price will probably weaken further to around $20.”

Lennox’s outlook was broadly similar to Brown’s, but he said the commodity had some negative exposure to changes in the US currency.

“If the US dollar weakens silver will move weaker too,” he said.

Lennox said there had been mixed messages from the US economy and its return to positive performance.

“We’re currently lineball as to US growth, holding the view that it will be risk to the upside,” he said.

“There has been an oversupply situation with zinc for some years, but we do think that situation is starting to go into the other side of the equation,” he said.

He said while a turnaround would not be immediate, demand for zinc looked to be on the rise and a continuing strengthening of the global economy would help drive its recovery.

“The oversupply situation is starting to be taken out by demand.”

Lennox said the real movements in the sector would come in the years beyond 2012.

“Looking even further into the future, 2013 will be a supply constrained position for zinc and that will support the price well above where it is now,” he said.

South Australian zinc miner Terramin told Australian Mining it was generally upbeat about the commodity’s future.

But its commercial analyst Matthew Blatchford said global debt turmoil had played a part in dampening zinc’s outlook.

“Fundamentally zinc is strong but the financial instability in Europe which is driving much volatility in all base

AustralianMining

Lennox also said the view on silver from the industrial side was not impressive.

“There is a bit of a subdued outlook on the industrial side of silver exposure,” he said.

But for the less talked about commodities – zinc and lead, the outlook is mixed.

Unlike markets such as gold and iron ore, demand for zinc and lead is not sky-high, as the industry generated only $6.59 billion in revenues for 2011-12, as compared to $7.87 billion in 2006-07 – an average yearly fall of 3.5 per cent, according to IBISWorld.

However, this was caused by extremely high zinc prices in 2006-07.

Nevertheless China continues to drive development in these markets, and analysts see the potential for growth in the future, with Australia’s output of the metals estimated at 1.55 million tonnes for zinc, 664 000 tonnes for lead, and 59.5 million troy ounces for silver.

Lennox told Australian Mining while there had been a subdued market for zinc over the past few years; its outlook seemed to be moving positively.

metal prices, not just zinc, is overshadowing the positive fundamentals,” he said.

Like Lennox, Blatchford said zinc prices would pick up again over the next few years.

“We believe that the zinc market is moving towards a deficit in the next one to two years,” he said.

Blatchford explained that one of the key indicators for the market, Chinese demand, looked to be providing support for the price.

“Chinese galvanised steel production, a strong indicator of zinc demand, is running at record levels and looks set to continue,” he said.

But as with other base metals this outlook is underpinned by the assumption that leaders in Europe can move toward stabilising the debt crisis.

Blatchford said analysts would be watching carefully as the situation in Europe unfolded.

“The immediate focus will be on Europe and the state of the global economy – this will dictate short term zinc prices and the speed at which a recovery will take place,” he said.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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19/10/11,

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AM.DEC12.PG018.pdf

Page

18

11/11/11,

9:18

AM

HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS

Moving

MOUNTAINS

Mining specific compact hydraulic jacks are lifting standards on site.

Y

ou can’t always bring the mountain to the man, so sometimes the man must go to the mountain instead.

It is about mobility, and being able to move your equipment where it has to go to ensure that machinery can be repaired when ever it needs to be.

Because you can’t always bring trucks or machinery into specific workshops, so you need to be able to move your jacks to where they are needed.

Realising that a need for compact, mobile mining jacks existed, Larzep has created the Mammut Heavy Vehicle Air Hydraulic Jack, officially releasing it at AIMEX earlier this year.

Made in Europe and specifically designed for Australian conditions, Mammut is “a fully integrated air over hydraulics lifting system,� Larzep’s Duncan Bain told Australian Mining.

While initially built as 60 and 80 tonne models, Bain said it has now released a 100 and 150 tonne model.

They have two and three stage

telescopic lift which allows for a low collapsed height while also providing a high amount of stroke.

The jacks are fitted with self sealing pneumatic tyres for increased manoeuvrability on site, as well as a high clearance, for moving over uneven and rough terrain.

Bain explained what sets Mammut apart from other ‘mining’ jacks is that it is completely modular. “This was developed to be a mining jack, and while there are two or three other people who make jacks for this space they usually cobble together a cylinder from one place, a powerpack from another, and build their own chassis to make a portable jack. “We have purpose built this jack, designing it from the floor up for this market,� he said.

There has also been an increased focus on safety in the development of these jacks, Bain saying “Mammut has check valves, which means that the jack can't be lowered accidentally.

The mining specific jacks provide greater mobility for maintenance on site.

“They’re also much quieter than most jacks as they are fitted with a super quiet air/hydraulic pump, with sound levels of only 62 decibels, so you can have a conversation while operating it, whereas previously you

needed hearing protection just to be near it.�

The jack weighs approximately 140 to 150 kilograms “but is balanced and much more compact than similar jacks�, Bain added.

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AD_AMMMDJUN_10.pdf

Page

1

12/5/10,

4:16

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Innovation

through proven experience

MMD remains the proven performer in the field of modern high capacity fully mobile IPCC solutions, having designed and built the two highest capacity track mounted mobile sizers in the world to date; MS1, 8,000 - 10,000TPH of overburden commissioned in 2001.

OS1, 6,000 - 8,000TPH of oil sands commissioned in 2006.

Many improvements and design features gained from the 10 years of development and operating experience have been incorporated in the MMD mobile sizer stations which are now ready for full production.

All unnecessary complications have been eliminated to reduce the weight and therefore cost, whilst substantially increasing the production capability. The low profile, low weight design is extremely manoeuvrable enabling continuous movement to be synchronised with the face shovel, offering maximum operating efficiency at production capacities far in excess of that achievable by truck and shovel operations, and with much less impact on the environment.

All of these mobile sizer stations utilise standard MMD apron plate feeders and MMD twin shaft mineral sizers, which have been developed by MMD over the last 30 years, and have a proven track record in a wide range of minerals, from soft and sticky to abrasive hard rock applications including; bauxite, gold, kimberlite, iron ore, copper ore and granite. Visit the MMD website for more information.

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AM.DEC12.PG020.pdf

Page

20

17/11/11,

8:45

AM

GROUND ENGAGING TOOLS

Engaging

G.E.T.

operators

It’s not only children who lose their teeth.

G

round engaging tools are literally the first point of contact for all mining.

Designed to penetrate the earth while protecting the bucket from damage, they occasionally get damaged themselves, sometimes breaking off.

These lost teeth then ‘contaminate’ the ore and can also cause serious problems downstream.

If you can’t find these teeth, then the ore has to be removed and dumped into a quarantine area until the ground engaging tools are found.

If the G.E.T. is tipped into a crusher at best it will jam up the machine and require maintenance crews to carry out a dangerous extraction, worst case scenario it flies out as a lethal projectile, harming those nearby.

There used to be no effec-

tive solution for detecting and tracking broken G.E.T., with existing methods typically based on either the operator watching or a camera based object recognition system – which only works when there is a long of sight to the component and a capability of distinguishing a problem in the first place.

Camera systems only work with face shovels, require consistent maintenance, and are complex.

On top of this, neither operators nor the cameras can track the teeth once they are lost in the ore.

Which is why Encore Automation have developed an RFID solution – the G.E.T. Tooth Fairy (GTF).

The technology is designed to locate and recover broken G.E.T. Encore say “the key innovation of GTF is the smart

active RFID sensor tag embedded directly inside of the shrouded steel casings, which wirelessly transmit data back to the readers”.

They are fitted via a small recessed hole that is either cast or cut into the teeth.

“The unique design of the RFID tags enables them to survive extreme temperatures, pressure, shocks, and vibra-

tions at the mine’s workface,” Encore says.

By using the tags embedded into the steel components it detects the teeth using onmachine readers.

Additional fixed readers along haulage routes also enable the detection of any G.E.T. accidentally loaded into a truck, preventing it from being loaded into crushers.

“With a fail safe real time monitoring during the dig, and the load and haul cycle, the system alerts mine operators that a component is missing and prevents serious workplace issues.”

Trials carried out at Rio Tinto’s Tom Price mine in WA earlier in the year have demonstrated a lifespan of around 12 months.

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AD_AMBRANOV_11.pdf

Page

1 14/10/11,

11:53

AM

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AM.DEC12.PG022.pdf

Page

22

11/11/11,

9:21

AM

MINING RISKS

UNDERSTANDING W

hat is the biggest threat to mining? Is it the carbon tax, the mining tax, nationalisation, or indigenisation?

It is all of the above – mainly, it is the uncertainty surrounding these issues.

According to Grant Thornton: “Increasing and unpredictable government intervention across the globe is adding further complexity to a sector that is already heavily laden with risk.

“The shadow of higher taxes, restrictive regulation and indigenisation looms large of an industry already grappling with the risks normally associated with exploration and extraction,” the company states in its report Facing an uncertain future: Government intervention threatens the global mining sector.

Speaking to Scott Griffin, the national head of corporate finance industry leader – resources & Energy at Grant Thornton, he told Australian Mining that a lot of governments are dissuading mining investment with taxes and nationalisation moves, essentially giving “too much stick and not enough carrot.

“The growing calls for [the] nationalisation and indigenisation of mining assets and resources threaten the very existence of some mining companies.”

In the report, it states that government interventions are raising sector uncertainty and complexity to acute levels, complicating decision making; it is also increasing risk for investors (often driving them to look elsewhere); and affecting project viability by reducing supply and disrupting demand.

Rio Tinto chief Tom Albanese has also spoken out against nationalisation, encouraging governments to look towards royalty schemes instead.

He said there is a massive debate on whether it is best for governments to gain their revenues via taxation and royalties, through partial oper22 December 2011

ational ownership, or a combination of both.

His comments come on the back of increased pushes from South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), to bring in legislation forcing miners to give more than half of their operations to the state; echoing the recent legislation changes in Zimbabwe.

Grant Thornton stated that “nationalisation is arguably the number one issue affecting the mining industry in South Africa”, which is causing serious concern amongst miners and investors.

“With the ruling ANC party debating state participation, analysts agree that reform of some sort is needed, but most argue that full-blown nationalisation will be detrimental.”

In Zimbabwe, legislation has already seen many miners lose majority control of their operations, with Rio Tinto forced to cede control of its Murowa Diamonds mine.

Zimbabwean indigenisation minister Savious Kasukuwere explained that all foreign miners would be expelled from the country unless they met a September 2011 deadline for selling the majority of shares to locals.

After September “any mining companies that did not comply, we will kick them out,” Kasukuwere said. A threat already under way.

the risks The investment risks to mining are increasing globally, Cole Latimer reports.

The rise of nationalisation in Africa is worrying the mining industry.

Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe’s prime minister, said at the time that the move would discourage investment in the nation, adding that the law was simply “looting and plunder by a greedy elite”.

In a move viewed as in form, Venezuela has also announced that it will nationlise all gold mining in the country.

In 2010 alone, the country nationalised 234 private companies.

On the Australian front, the Mineral Resources Rent Tax and Carbon Tax have created a high level of uncertainty.

The mining tax has reportedly made Rio look away from Australia.

AustralianMining

In particular, the new regulations and legislations have shaken Chinese investor confidence.

“The Chinese are finding it hard to understand why Australians attract Chinese investment in the early stages, only to then take effectively take the assets away,” Griffin told Australian Mining.

Miners, such as the aforementioned Rio and BHP have already come out and said their unwillingness to pay increased taxes may force them to look towards countries more open to mining, such as Mozambique, where taxation, nationalisation and indigeni-

sation are less of an agenda for the local governments.

Griffin explained that “the problem is not so much with the changing of policies, but the speed at which they do it, without even a year or two consultation”.

This consultation period may have also reviewed whether gold should be included in the tax.

“Structurally this tax is very narrow, and has anomalies that are yet to be addressed, gold for example; there are coal producers which are not making as much as gold miners – and gold’s price keeps rising; there is still the view that [the MRRT] was brought in quickly without enough consultation, and is not broad based enough.”

So is this the future of mining? Is nationalisation of assets the way to go, or a strong mining royalty agreement?

While “one size doesn’t fit all ... if you speak with a finance minister, someone from the treasury side of the country, they will recognise that the appropriate taxation royalty regime actually pays economic rent to the country in good times and bad,” Albanese said at a recent Commonwealth Business forum in Perth.

Is it a grab for control, cash, or a fair call? www.miningaustralia.com.au

CAL0214_FPC_AM.pdf

Page

1

13/07/11,

4:33

PM

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See how Delo can help your business: CAL0214/T/AM

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AM.DEC12.PG025.pdf

Page

25

14/11/11,

9:27

AM

FUEL

Driving

D

iesel is what keeps mining moving. But the fuel has not really changed much since engines were invented.

So how can we get more

Corrosion comparison.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

DIESEL out of this vehicle staple?

Additives.

Shell has released Diesel Extra, a fuel additive, to provide greater fuel efficiency while also reducing maintenance costs.

Speaking to Darren Barwick, Shell’s national senior fuel and lubricants technical advisor, he told Australian Mining that there “are three main parts to this additive, a powerful detergent, an antirust formulation, and an antifoaming agent”.

While it is only going through its first staged introduction into the Australian market, it has seen testing on a mine site.

Over six months, in 2008, a Chilean mining company trialled Shell Diesel Extra, comparing its performance to regular diesel.

The trial looked into the performance of nine Cat 765C and eight 777D dump trucks, and showed a 2.2 per cent fuel

A diesel additive is increasing efficiencies and reducing wear.

saving for the vehicles using Shell Diesel Extra.

Shell Australia senior fuel and lubricants technical advisor Mick Pattison added that “after just six months, the trial demonstrated strong fuel efficiencies and we would expect these results to remain consistent over time”.

According to Barwick “it is the detergency that makes the fuel saving as it improves combustion and atomisation, as well as ensuring that the

diesel injectors remain clean which stops deposit buildup from degrading performance”.

By inhibiting buildup over the injector needles and atomisation holes, it reduces the amount of maintenance needed to keep the engine operating at its maximum levels.

The anti-rust formulation also reduces the fuel system’s corrosion.

“It works by creating an invisible layer between the engine’s metal parts and any

water that occurs in the motor, preventing the metal from being degraded,” he told Australian Mining.

On top of this, Shell Diesel Extra also allows for much quicker refueling, due to its anti-foaming agent.

“Diesel fuel has a tendency to foam; this agent stops the bubbles from forming in the first place which increases refuel speed.”

Shell Diesel Extra has taken three years to develop.

AustralianMining

December 2011

25

AM.DEC12.PG026.pdf

Page

26

11/11/11,

9:23

AM

MAINTENANCE, MONITORING & PROTECTION

DOUSING

danger

T

he public are always surprised at just how high the risk of fire is on a mine site.

Miners are not.

With so many vehicles traversing the landscape, flammable fluids surrounding the site, and the possibility of almost any part of the mine igniting, it is a constant hazard.

Understanding the constant potential for danger, MCC Mining has instituted a comprehensive fire protection system for the Sino Iron mine, the largest magnetite and processing operation currently under construction in Australia.

MCC is acting as the lead for EPCM on CITIC Pacific's project.

It used Wormald to develop a system for its Sino operations that included a range of sprinklers, deluge and detection systems, as well as fire hydrants, and hose reels.

Guo Qiang, from the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) Mining said the focus was on working with a group who specialised in fire protection, particularly within the mining industry.

“Their team guided us through

A fire protection system has been designed for one of Australia’s largest mines.

the entire process from initial design to project managing and installing an effective and tailored solution.”

The fire protection and detection systems installed at the Sino site is comprised of a sprinkler system complete with a fire water supply, pumps, tanks, and deluge system.

The water deluge system is particularly suited to hazardous environments such as mining sites and facilities, where fires may spread quickly or where valu-

able equipment surrounding a fire needs to be cooled, Qiang said.

In addition to this, a Simplex 4120 fire system network was also installed, which consists of approximately 40 VESDA detection systems and thermal detection for some of the smaller areas.

The advanced VESDA detection systems are used for early warning applications and are suitable for mining operations where response to a fire is critical.

The fire system network also inter-

faces with around twenty third party detection systems and covers both the iron ore processing plant as well as the port area facility, including the desalination plant.

These facilities are about 30 kilometres apart and connected via fibre optic cables. Installation work on Process Line 1, the first of six process lines on the Sino Iron Project, began in May and is due for completion later this year.

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AD_AMMMSSEP_11.pdf

Page

1

16/08/11,

10:12

AM

SAFER ECONOMICAL CLEANUPS

Remote Kanga Australia has fully trained & qualified operators available for spillage clean up from under conveyors and crushers. Removing material from height restricted, confined spaces in high risk areas, without the need for plant shutdown. Our remote controlled machines give the operator better visibility for a safer hazard free cleanup.

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AM.DEC12.PG028.pdf

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14/11/11,

9:32

AM

MAINTENANCE, MONITORING & PROTECTION

Jumping into safer clean ups Remote cleaners are making maintenance safer.

U

nsurprisingly the mining industry has been quick to embrace remote-controlled equipment over the past decade.

The twin benefits of improved safety and fewer required shutdowns have great appeal to an industry so heavily focused on lifting productivity.

One company in the West has taken this a step further.

They’re providing a complete remote-controlled wet hire clean up package.

The Brendon brothers have been successfully operating their mining maintenance and labour hire services business around for several years now.

Aaron and Bevan Brendon, along with a third partner Brett Thompson, saw an opportunity to develop a totally separate company which would supply proficient operators with specialist equipment on a wet hire basis for clean ups and maintenance in dangerous or

high restricted areas such as under screen houses, crushers, conveyors and around car dumpers.

Brett had been operating Kanga machines for years and says he was impressed with their reliability and durability in handling harsh operating environments.

He suggested the idea that a specialist model could be developed by working with the Kanga people, in which they could hire out with trained operators and carry out all site spillage clean ups and other requirements.

So Remote Kanga Australia was founded and the boys are now planning to expand their business in the WA mining and material handling sector then move into the interstate market with long term contract hire within the next few years.

Cleaning up in difficult areas is still often performed with manned, standard skid steer loaders that have poor visibility for the operator and

Remote operation provides the crew with greater visibility and safety.

access restrictions due to the height of this type of machine.

So there is constant operator safety risk as well as potential danger with electric or water lines disruption throughout the site which can easily be damaged due to poor visibility. And, in many cases, the conveyor belt or machinery needs to be shutdown whilst the manned skid steer is working.

But an operator standing a safe distance away from a remotely-controlled machine has far greater visibility and is himself removed from harm’s way too ... plus there is usually no requirement for shutdown.

Water hoses are still sometimes used for clean ups at some sites but safety hazards, inefficiencies, and problems with water access and supply make this method highly undesirable by comparison ... to say nothing of increasing concerns about water wastage. Remote Kanga say their auxiliary attachments mean even difficult clean ups can be completed without using any water.

A significant amount of time was spent with the engineers at Remote 28 December 2011

AustralianMining

Kanga to ensure the machine were suited to harsh mining environments.

“We felt confident about Kanga mainly due to Brett’s operating experience which confirmed far less downtime than other models on the market” Aaron Brendon said, “and this model will be ideal for the harsh Australian climate and conditions we’re now getting involved in”.

A fair amount of skill and experience is needed to efficiently operate a remote-controlled Kanga which explains why they decided to go with full wet hire.

However they do offer a training package for those who decide dry hire would be more suitable for their site.

“Apart from us recognising a gap in the current marketplace for supplying trained operators with the machines, we definitely feel it’s a safer way of doing the job” commented Aaron.

“Besides, we don’t want to be spending time and money repairing damage to our Remote Kangas caused by inexperienced operators which will only cost us downtime in the long run” he added. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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LYNAS

Fighting the

RARE EARTH battle

In 2008 Lynas was mining’s market darling, but a long running community battle is threatening to derail its plans, Andrew Duffy reports.

L

ynas Corporation’s Mount Weld mine in Western Australia is the richest known deposit of rare earths in the world.

In a market where China dominates 97 per cent of global supply the asset puts the junior in an enviable position.

But after an all-time high in April this year, its shares have crashed nearly 50 per cent, and doubts have surfaced over the company’s ability to carry out its Mt Weld plans.

How Lynas got to this point is a story of how even the most promising miners are vulnerable to falling foul of their local communities.

The immediate problem for the company is the construction of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) in Kuantan, Malaysia.

The plant is the keystone to Lynas’ Mt Weld plans, but is facing fierce opposition from locals in Kuantan.

Leading the battle is the outspoken Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL). Its spokesperson Lee Tan told Australian 30 December 2011

Mining locals couldn’t envisBut more concerning for dates for the LAMP that seemage any situation where Lynas the company is the spread of ed to pre-empt the Governand the community could the malaise and discontent ment’s approval process. coexist. to the upper reaches of MalayHe also accused Lynas of “It is highly unlikely that sia’s Government. failing to work with and engage the majority of the commuThe ruling coalition the Malaysian community, a nity will allow the plant to National Front, in power for charge backed up by SMSL. operate,” Tan said. decades, is heading towards “Lynas has invested heavily “Thousands have already a national election that could in its public relation exercise started to sign a pledge to do be held any time within the but little in corporate social whatever it takes to shut the next 12 months. and environmental responsiLAMP down.”

Kuantan MP Fusia Salleh bility,” Tan says.

In itself community oppo- has made significant inroads “The absence of any meansition is not an unusual ingful consultation prior or insurmountable ob- “It is highly unlikely that the to the construction of stacle for miners. rare earth plant is majority of the community will the But what sets Lynas’ unacceptable.”

Malaysian problem apart, allow the plant to operate.”

Lynas chairman Nick and has rightly spooked Curtis was overseas when investors, is the scale of resist- in capitalising on the Lynas this article was written and ance in Kuantan. disquiet to criticise the Govern- nobody else from Lynas was SMSL claims its protests ment, and with an election prepared to comment. in early October attracted looming, the electoral presKuantan residents have a 5000 to 8000 demonstrators, sure has been too large for it host of concerns over the potenwith other monthly protests to ignore. tial impact of the LAMP, but drawing between 1000 and Last month Malaysia’s SMSL says their most serious 3000 people. international trade and indus- pertain to the plant’s waste The protests have some- try minister Datuk Seri Mus- products. times turned ugly, with reports tapa Mohamed came out in “The majority of the people of riot police dispersing crowds public opposition to Lynas. are concerned with the massive and fire bombs being thrown He said the company had amount of waste containing at the home of a Lynas senior been issued with a reprimand low-level radioactive mateproject manager. after releasing completion rial, amongst other hazardous

AustralianMining

substances, that will be left behind by the LAMP,” Tan stated.

“Processing of rare earths requires highly concentrated acids in extremely high temperatures, leaving behind massive amounts of toxic waste.”

But protestors are also concerned about the effects of the LAMP on the community, and say some families are already planning on moving away from the area.

In media statements Lynas has repeatedly attempted to allay health and environmental fears over the plant.

It contends protestors make up only a small proportion of the population, and fear about its projects is being exploited for “political purposes”.

Company officials say the LAMP is safe and complies with industry standards, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has issued a report approving the plant’s overall design.

Whilst issuing broad support of the plant, the IAEA gave Lynas recommendations www.miningaustralia.com.au

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LYNAS

for improvements on ten issues.

In part it recommended Lynas draw up a plan for managing the LAMP’s waste over a long term period, with regard to future land use and public health and safety.

It also said the company should develop a fund to cover the cost of long term waste management, and “enhance the understanding, transparency, and visibility” of its operations in the eyes of the public.

Lynas says it is committed to adopting all of the IAEA recommendations.

But locals remain cautious, with the memory of the country’s last rare earth refinery, which the New York Times recently credited as “one of Asia’s largest radioactive waste cleanup sites,” still fresh in their minds.

The loosely regulated Chinese rare earth industry, which has delivered its fair share of environmental damage, also lies close to their borders.

“We have seen the devastation caused by the rare earth industry in China and we do

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Protesters say they’re not giving up any time soon.

not wish to see a repeat of that in our backyard,” Tan explained.

Nevertheless Lynas remains optimistic the LAMP will meet environmental guidelines and be operational in the near future.

And the incentive for quickly delivering the plant is high.

While China has a stranglehold on the market, other companies are also scrambling to get rare earth projects online and capitalise on relatively high prices.

For Lynas the path ahead is potentially a short one if it can sidestep community and political opposition.

The LAMP is already more than two thirds complete, and a pre-operational and operational licence from the Govern-

ment are the only remaining hurdles.

As a project expected to produce $1.7 billion a year in rare earths, or nearly one per cent of Malaysia’s entire economic output, it has plenty of financial momentum.

But spectators are mixed in their expectations for Lynas and the company’s ability to deliver the LAMP. Rare earth forecaster Jon Hykawy recently recommended investors sell their stocks in Lynas, but Deutsche Bank analysts are sticking with it.

At this stage the battle looks too close to call, and while Lynas stands confident and steadfast, its opponents are equally resilient.

SMSL told Australian Mining there would be more surprises to come, and it was even looking at launching legal action against Lynas in Malaysia and Australia.

“We will continue to provide an avenue for local people to fight the battle to shut down the LAMP as long as there are people who are prepared to continue the fight,” Tan said.

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AD_AMVERAPR_11.pdf

Page

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THIS IS WHERE THE NAME ON THE MACHINE MATTERS MOST.

ALTERNATIVE TO DRILLING AND BLASTING PRIMARY CRUSH NOT REQUIRED CUT SQUARE CORNERS AND VERTICAL WALLS SELECTIVE MINING AND BETTER GRADE CONTROL INCREASE PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE NEED FOR PERMANENT INFRASTRUCTURE QUICK START UP IN GREENFIELD PROJECTS SUITABLE FOR SITE PREPARATION AND ACCESS ROADS PATENTED TECHNOLOGY THE IDEAL IDEAAL SO SOLUTION OLUTTION FFOR OR SSURFACE URFACE M MINING INING AAND ND M MORE. ORE. We know the cconditions ondiitions yyou ou fface ace ar are re ddemanding emanding - tthat’s hat’ss wh why hy w wee m make akke su sure ure oour ur Whether equipment q p is upp to the ttask. ask. W hethher yyou’re ou’rre ffacing acing tthe he hhassles asslles ooff bblasting lastingg oorr hhammering, ammering, g solution which helps you get Vermeer has the nneighbourhood-friendly eighbourrhood-fri i end d l y s o l u t i o n w h i ch h help p s y o u g e t more value from yyour ouur mine. A Vermeer Terrain Terraain Leveler® su surface urface eexcavation xcavation machine cuts bback ack tthe he ooperating pperatingg hours, investment support equipment. whilst reducingg your y investm ment iinn ccostly ostlyy sup pppport eq quipment. SSoo when it’s tough g ggoingg out there, look to Vermeer - the trusted name for pproven equipment q p and reliable support. For more information, please contact your nearest Vermeer Dealership.

QLD/NSW/VIC/SA QLD/ D/NSW/VIC/SA 1800 620 720 www.vermeer.com.au w ww.vermeer.com.au WA/NT 1800 195 558 www.vermeerwa.com.au

AM.DEC12.PG033.pdf

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PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT

Linear position sensors MACRO Sensors has released an upgraded series of intrinsically safe LVDT Linear Position Sensors for use in hostile environments such as minerals processing plants. Rated for operation to 212°F (100°C), the HLR sensors are now UL/ULC listed for hazardous locations Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D and Class I, Zone 2 by Underwriters Laboratories. Constructed entirely of stainless steel for environmental robustness, the HLR Series LVDT Linear Position Sensors offer reliable and contactless position measurement for critical applications in power plants using gas turbines such Intrinsically safe. as fuel valve position feedback, vane pitch servo controls, governor controls and generator shell expansion. Units are also ideal for throttle position sensing in natural gas pumping stations, height measurement for head boxes and slicers in paper mills and real-time position sensing for all types of valves in chemical process plants. A through-bore design makes the LVDT cores accessible from both ends for better mechanical support and core guidance and easy cleanout in dusty or dirty locations. Sensor lead wires exit through a radially mounted 1/2-14 NPT male threaded conduit fitting for easy attachment to an explosion-proof junction box.

• Macro Sensors www.macrosensors.com

ACE unleashes rotary encoders Heavy duty.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

THE Automated Control Engineering Group has released AMCI’s full selection of networked size 25 (63mm) rotary encoders. These heavy duty rotary sensors provide an overall measuring range of up to 30 bits, and are available for EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus, or DeviceNet communication. They are available in single-turn and multi-turn versions, as well as in solid shaft and hub shaft versions. The encoders also feature oversized double row bearing, which supports shaft loads up to 45kg radial/22kg axial, and a resolver based that provides absolute position feedback without glass discs or sensitive LED components. They can withstand high levels of shock and vibration and are IP67 rated.

• Automated Control Engineering 02 4954 5004 sales@aceg.com.au www.aceg.com.au

High frequency accelerometers METROMATICS have released Dytran Instruments' latest high frequency IEPE accelerometer – the model 3315A. Offered with a 250g range and 20 mV/g sensitivity, the 3315A has an upper frequency response of 10,000 Hz. As an IEPE sensor, it features built-in electronics, eliminating the need for an external charge amplifier and converter.

Design features include low noise JFET electronics packaged in a compact, rugged, stainless steel housing with a radial 2-pin bayonet-style connector and 1/4-28 mounting stud. The 3315A also features internal case ground isolation to avoid EMI/ground loop interference, and hermetic sealing for operation in high-humidity and dirty environments.

With its durability, compact size and mounting characteristics, the Dytran 3315A is ideally suited for high frequency vibration measurements, Rotor Track and Balance (RTB), and permanent or walk-around vibration monitoring of rotating machinery, including bearing noise measurements.

• Metromatics 07 3868-4255 sales@metromatics.com.au www.metromatics.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Jet tank washers TECPRO Australia have released the Brechoncherry Fury 602 tank cleaner. The recently introduced Fury 602 combines a compact design and a low-speed piston mechanism, while producing high impact, long-range jet cleaning, as well as featuring an improved nozzle tube and nozzle design. It offers a wide cleaning radius, delivering powerful jet cleaning in large and very large tanks.

The Fury 602 produces the highest impact force of any jet washer, according to Tecpro. Its High impact jet cleaning. piston-operated mechanism is driven by only 5% of the wash water, allowing an incredible 95% to pass directly to the nozzles, which maximises jet impingement and wash rate. The Fury 602 offers 360º or 180º up, or 180º down wash patterns. The two nozzles oscillate through 90º while the mechanism continually indexes around a central axis. Lightweight and compact, it can be used on a mobile basis or installed permanently in the tank. It is entirely self cleaning, and because it does not have high speed turbines or complex gear systems, it suffers very little wear and requires minimal maintenance or servicing.

The Fury 602 has a 1.5” BSP connection and requires a minimum manhole/flange opening of 200mm for unit insertion. At a pressure of 10 Bar, it has a cleaning radius of 13m and wetting radius of 17m, and is suitable for working temperatures up to 120º C. • Tecpro Australia 02 9634 3370 www.tecpro.com.au

Wash down equipment AUSSIE pumps have released Mine Buster, heavy duty mine spec wash down equipment. Distributed by Jetblaster, the equipment has been designed for heavy duty machinery, and is a trailer mounted high pressure steam cleaner that comes with its own 1100 water tank This makes it a self contained cleaning tool that enables operators to clean equipment in the field before carrying out routine service. The system is powered by an Aussie Hydrotek 4,000 psi Kubota diesel engine powered steam cleaner, which provides 21 litre per minute flow. Used with the Aussie hot water Heavy duty machinery cleaner.

Turbomaster Turbolance, the operator has an effective working pressure of 6,400 psi at his disposal. The machine has an infinitely variable temperature controller that enables it to operate from cold water through to up to 130°C steam, which melts grease, hydraulic oil or diesel fuel spills enabling the machine to be cleaned fast and efficiently.

The tank is fitted with a low water shutdown mechanism that shuts the engine off in the event of the tank running dry. It is also fitted with safety equipment to protect the operator and the machine from pressure spikes. The “Mine Buster” features an emergency E Stop, lockable battery isolator, stainless steel radiator guards and flashing beacon.

• Jetblaster 029674 9088 info@jetblaster.net www.jetblaster.net

Thickness gauges RFS has unveiled its Cygnus intrinsically safe ultrasonic thickness gauge for use in hazardous areas or enclosed spaces.The gauges are designed to be used without the need for plant shutdown. Certified intrinsically safe to: II 1 G Ex ia IIC T6 Ga and I M 1 Ex ia I Ma, the Cygnus IS measures metal thickness to determine wastage or corrosion – without the need to remove protective coatings. Cygnus’ Multiple Echo technology allows the user to measure the remaining metal thickness on corroded and coated structures, without the need to remove protective coatings. This reduces inspection time and costs. All measurements are error checked using three return echoes to give repeatable, reliable results.

The Cygnus IS features a bright LED display with a polarised filter for ease of viewing, an echo strength indicator to aid measurement and it also displays the sound velocity settings. A heavy-duty sealed unit with both IPX5 and IPX7 ratings, the Cygnus IS is highly water, dirt and dust resistant. It can be washed down at the end of a shift.

Various probe options are also available.

• Russell Fraser Sales 02 9545 4433 rfs@rfsales.com.au www.rfsales.com.au

Intrinsically safe.

34 December 2011

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Bulk weighing systems FLEXICON have released their pneumatic gain-inweight filling system for free-flowing bulk solids conveys and weighs the material, which discharges it into bulk bags. The filter receiver of the Pneumati-Con vacuum dilute-phase pneumatic conveying system is mounted on load cells, enabling the system controller to weigh incoming material at high rates, and then at steady trickle-feed rates, stopping the flow once an accurate batch weight has been reached.

Pressing a "fill" button on the control panel actuates a bag inflation blower on the Twin-Centrepost bulk bag filler to remove creases in the bag, and opens a slide gate valve at the outlet of the filter receiver, allowing the weighed batch to gravity discharge into the bag at high rates, as a vibratory deck densifies the material to stabilise the bag. A secondary set of load cells mounted beneath the bulk bag filler allows the system to confirm the final weight of the filled bulk bag. A port within the discharge spout vents displaced air and dust to a remote bag house. The controller then releases the bag straps and deflates the spout seal, allowing the operator to tie-off the spout and remove the filled bag. Connecting an empty bag consists of attaching the bag straps, pulling the spout over the inflatable collar, and pushing a spout inflator button.

While filled bags are being removed and empty bags attached, a subsequent batch is being conveyed to the filter receiver and weighed, ready for another fill cycle.

• Flexicon 07 3879 4180 sales@flexicon.com.au www.flexicon.com.au

Designed for tunnels up to 7m high.

Concrete sprayer NORMET has unveiled its new Alpha series concrete sprayer. Dubbed the Semmco Alpha 30, the machine is a diesel hydraulic concrete sprayer designed for tunnel profiles up to seven metres in height and nine metres in width. According to the company, the NSP 30 concrete pump has a maximum pumping capacity of 30m3/h. Its dosing system has a total accelerator volume of 550 litres. Spraying operation is controlled with via a radio or wired remote controls. The concrete sprayer is powered by a Tier III diesel engine and comes with a FOPS and ROPS canopy.

A four wheel drive and four wheel steering provides it with more manoeuverability in narrow tunnels.

It will hit the market in January 2012.

• Normet www.normet.fi www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMCRCDEC_11.pdf

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THE ULTIMATE IN CORROSION PROTECTION LIGHT DRY FILM

LIGHT DRY FILM 1 HOUR DRYING TIME

LIGHT WET FILM

LIIGHT OILY LIGHT PPENETRATING FILM DRIVES OUT MOISTURE

REPELS DUST AND DIRT

CREEPS FOR CREVICE PROTECTION

EASY REMOVAL

FOR EASY APPLICATION

HEAVY WET FILM

HEAVY WAX FILM

HEAVY WAX COMPOUND HEAVY CLEAN OILY FILM H DISPLACES MOISTURE REBUILD WITHOUT REMOVAL FOR LONG TERM EQUIPMENT STORAGE

HIGH BUILD CAPACITY DURABLE DRY FILM WON’T WASH OR WIPE OFF FOR SEVERE CONDITIONS

AVAILABLE FROM:

For further information contact CRC Industries PH: 1800 224 227 info@crcind.com.au www.crcindustries.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.

MANAGER MINING LOCATION – SYDNEY COMPANY – EMS PTY LTD Description: Join this progressive pro-active mining house that has exceeded expectations and doing very well! Our Client is after a dynamic and experienced Mine Manager, who is ready to roll their sleeves up and get stuck into the challenges that lay ahead.

This UG mine is growing fast and offers an entrepreneurial spirit and a range of career development opportunities. Bring on your well rounded experience as you will be responsible for the management and leadership of the Mine Operations, Engineering and Geology ensuring that all technical, planning and production aspects relating to the underground development and production are completed and achieved accordingly.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Diane on: 08 9443 0400.

ENGINEER: MECHANICAL LOCATION – PERTH COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS LIMITED Description: An opportunity has arisen for a motivated, results oriented individual to join our St Ives Engineering team in the role of Engineer : Mechanical. Reporting to the Manager : Engineering you will be responsible for fixed plant maintenance and coordinating various projects across the underground operations.

In return for your qualifications, skills and experience, you will be rewarded with an exciting and dynamic role, a very competitive salary package, a great range of company benefits as well as a great place to work and the opportunity to be part of one of the world’s leading gold companies.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs SENIOR GEOLOGIST: RESOURCE LOCATION – SYDNEY COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS Description: Gold Fields Limited is one of the world's largest gold producers with production of 3.6 million ounces per annum from our operations in Australia, South Africa, Ghana and Peru.

Gold Fields’ St Ives Gold Mine is located 80km south of Kalgoorlie, near Lake Lefroy in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia. St Ives is a dynamic site with its mix of three open pits and four underground mines contributing to the production of 428,000 ounces of gold in F2009.

An opportunity has arisen for a motivated, results oriented individual to join our St Ives Mineral Resource Management team in the role of Senior Resource Geologist.

In return for your qualifications, skills and experience, you will be rewarded with an exciting and dynamic role, a very competitive salary package, a great range of company benefits as well as a great place to work and the opportunity to be part of one of the world's leading gold companies.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs SENIOR METALLURGIST LOCATION – SYDNEY COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS Description: Gold Fields are currently seeking a Senior Metallurgist to join their Processing Department based at St Ives Gold Mine.

Reporting to the Unit Manager: Processing, you will be responsible for leading, developing and mentoring processing teams in the achievement of budgeted production and environmental standards at budgeted cost in a safe manner.

In return for your qualifications, skills and experience, you will be rewarded with an exciting and dynamic role, a very competitive salary package, a great range of company benefits as well as a great place to work and the opportunity to be part of one of the world's leading gold companies.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs ENGINEER: PLANNING LOCATION – WA COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS Description: Gold Fields Australia are currently seeking a Planning Engineer to join the highly engaged Underground Mining Team at Agnew Gold Mine.

This role is offered on an 8 days on, 6 days off roster and is Fly in Fly out from Perth.

Reporting to the Unit Manager: Mien Technical Services, you will be responsible for facilitating the optimal extraction of gold ore from mining operations through the leadership of a comprehensive production planning, scheduling service that achieves short to medium term production & development targets ensuring maximum return to the business in alignment with EHS standards.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs ENGINEER: DRILL AND BLAST OP LOCATION – WA COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS Description: Gold Fields are currently seeking a results oriented individual to join our St Ives Gold Mine Team within the Surface Mining Department.

Reporting to the Senior Mining Engineer, the main focus of this role is to coordinate all technical

aspects of Open Pit drill and blast activities in close liaison with the drill and blast contractor. There are excellent opportunities for advancement within the St Ives Gold Mine Team.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs ENGINEER: PRODUCTION LOCATION – WA COMPANY – GOLD FIELDS Description: Gold Fields are currently seeking an Underground Production Engineer to join their Underground Mining Team at Agnew Gold Mine. This role is offered on an 8 days on 6 days off roster and is Fly in Fly out from Perth.

Reporting to the Senior Engineer: Production you will be responsible for facilitating the optimal extraction of gold ore from mining operations through the provision of a comprehensive production planning, scheduling service that achieves short to medium production and development targets ensuring maximum return to the business in alignment with EHS standards.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs MINE PLANNING SUPERINTENDENT LOCATION – ROY HILL COMPANY – BRISBANE Description: Together with its partners, the Hancock group of companies is creating Roy Hill Iron Ore (RHIO), a multibillion dollar iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The Mine, located in the Chichester Ranges approximately 277kms south of Port Hedland has 2.4 billion tonnes of iron ore resource. The Project includes state of the art mining techniques as well as construction of heavy haul railway and port facilities. Construction is due to commence mid-2011 with first ore planned in early 2014. As a result of our calculated ram up we are looking to appoint a Mine Planning Superintendent to work in our Perth office.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a greenfield project where things will be done right and they will be done right from the start.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Sasha on: 08 6143 2728.

LONG TERM PLANNER LOCATION – WA COMPANY – ROY HILL Description: Together with its partners, the Hancock group of companies is creating Roy Hill Iron Ore (RHIO), a multibillion dollar iron ore mine in Westerns Australia's Pilbara region. The Mine, located in the Chichester Ranges approximately 277kms south of Port Hedland has 2.4 billion tonnes of iron ore resource. The Project includes state of the art mining techniques as well as construction of heavy haul railway and port facilities. Construction is due to commence mid2011 with first ore planned in early 2014.

The Long Term Planner will be responsible for producing long term mine plans from which decisions on strategy and major capital expansion will be based.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Sasha on: 08 6143 2728.

MINE CONTROLLER/DISPATCHER – AUTONOMOUS MINING LOCATION – PERTH COMPANY – CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING Description: Caterpillar Global Mining is a leader in the development and implementation of autonomous mining solutions that are integrated and deliver improvements to mine safety, productivity and equipment utilization. This role presents an outstanding opportunity to develop your expertise in Caterpillar’s MineStar and Command for hauling systems, which are at the forefront of autonomous mining solutions globally.

As a key member of the Caterpillar and customer operating team you will assist in the development, coordination, reporting and optimization of mining operations using Caterpillar’s MineStar and Command for hauling system. Working closely with Mining Supervisors and Managers you will have input into mining activities that directly impact on mine performance and safety.

Your successful application must demonstrate relevant experience as a mine operator/controller and experience with mining fleet and operational control systems. Experience with automated mining systems is an advantage. You should be computer literate, have strong communication skills, good attention to detail, a focus on processes and systems, and a strong safety orientation.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Paul Duffy on: 08 6380 1036.

GEOLOGIST – ORE DEFINITION LOCATION – WA COMPANY – ROY HILL Description: Together with its partners, the Hancock group of companies is creating Roy Hill Iron Ore (RHIO), a multibillion dollar iron ore mine in Westerns Australia’s Pilbara region. The Mine, located in the Chichester Ranges approximately 277kms south of Port Hedland has 2.4 billion tonnes of iron ore resource. The Project includes state of the art mining techniques as well as construction of heavy haul railway and port facilities. Construction is due to commence mid2011 with first ore planned in early 2014.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Sasha on: 08 6143 2728.

PIT CONTROLLER/TECHNICIAN – AUTONOMOUS MINING LOCATION – PERTH COMPANY – CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING Description: Caterpillar Global Mining is a leader in the development and implementation of autonomous mining solutions that are integrated and deliver improvements to mine safety, productivity and equipment utilization. This role presents an outstanding opportunity to develop your expertise in Caterpillar’s MineStar and Command for hauling systems, which are at the forefront of autonomous mining solutions globally.

Reporting to the Caterpillar AHS Site Manager, you will be responsible for supporting all technical aspects of Caterpillar’s MineStar and Command for hauling systems. You will be required to interact closely with the operating team (equipment operators, maintenance personnel and shift supervisors) on a daily basis, working within the guidelines of the site’s HSE policies.

Your successful application will need to demonstrate an understanding of mining fleet and operational control systems with a strong working knowledge of computers, networks, off board and onboard technologies. You will have excellent communication skills, good attention to detail, a focus on processes and systems, and a strong safety orientation. Formal qualifications/ training in Information Technology will be advantageous.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Paul Duffy on: 08 6380 1036.

SENIOR EXPLORATION GEOLOGIST LOCATION – PERTH COMPANY – HANCOCK PROSPECTING PLY LTD Description: For over 60 years Hancock Prospecting has been engaged in the exploration and development of mineral resources in Western Australia. We hold numerous Iron Ore leases in Central Pilbara which cover over 500 square km.

As a result of planed and calculated growth we are looking to appoint a Senior Geologist on a full time basis. The main purpose of this role is to lead and mentor our team in order to plan and implement Iron Ore exploration programmes on company’s regional tenements.

This is great opportunity to join a company that is expanding with good management and healthy funding stream. You will also play a key role is staff development and mentoring.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs or contact Sasha on: 08 6143 2728.

PACKAGE MANAGER – MECHANICAL LOCATION – PERTH COMPANY – PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF Description: Global multi-disciplinary engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff and parent company Balfour Beatty have joined forces to provide integrated EPCM services to the global mining industry. Pit to port. Concept to Commissioning. Right now we are working on major projects in Western Australia and across the world.

The Global Mining Business is PB’s newest, and most exciting, business unit. We currently require a Package Manager – Mechanical for one of our Pilbara iron ore projects. The role will be part of our construction management team, servicing both internal and external projects and clients.

The Package Manager plays an influential development role by assisting in the coordination of site construction work and inspections, providing site-based and office-based support to Construction Managers and Project Managers as well as liaising with the Client.

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR (EMERALD, QUEENSLAND) LOCATION – BRISBANE COMPANY – PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF Description: Global multi-disciplinary engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff and parent company Balfour Beatty have joined forces to provide integrated EPCM services to the global mining industry. Pit to port. Concept to Commissioning.

The Global Mining Business is PB’s newest, and most exciting, business unit. We currently require a Construction Supervisor with a firm background in Earthworks with experience in structural supervision to work a project in the Emerald (400km from Brisbane).

Experience with working for a consultant in a construction type role would be ideal This role will form part of our Project management team, servicing both internal and external projects and clients, this role will be responsible for driving the discipline and methodologies of construction management within our business. You will play an influential development role in our project management services team, by coordinating site construction work and inspections, delegating work among a site surveillance team, providing site-based and office-based support to Project Managers, and examining our present systems to ensure PB’s overall success in project delivery.

Success in this role demands a proven track record in achieving first-class construction management across a broad range of sectors and projects (including mining, heavy industrial, transport, water, energy and civil infrastructure).

Ideally you will have at least 10 years’ experience working in Construction Management, with at least 5 years’ experience in and on a site construction environment (experience on more complex/demanding projects would be valuable).

To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/jobs

The ultimate seachange, with benefits!

Can you see yourself organising parties on Sydney Harbour? Maybe a Hens party, or a wedding, a work function or maybe showing some overseas tourists the sights of Sydney Harbour, if you think that could be your working day, then THIS IS THE BUSINESS FOR YOU! A fantastic mix of work and play, whether cruising Sydney Harbour or up the coast to Port Stephens.

Your opportunity to purchase a charter boat business, that has been established 15 years, with forward bookings, and regular clients.

Let us show how you could afford this business with its great on board accommodation and remember costs for vessels in survey are tax deductible.

BE QUICK. WE ARE SELLING.

PRICE $695,000 PHONE NOW 0416 252 406 36 December 2011

AustralianMining

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Spherical bearing for spider bearing; The spherical bearing can receive the high load with the wide areas. This has long bearing life as result.

Robust structure design frame; The crushers process various characteristic ore.

The structure of HPC crushers are designed to stand the large fracture loads of hard ore.

Replaceable parts of the main shaft for easy maintenance; “Screw thread collar” and “main shaft sleeve” can be replaced independently.

No thread type on main shaft; No thread on the shaft makes the strength much stronger than conventional design.

Special crushing chamber for high performance crushing

“Flared bottom frame” to avoid wear of bottom frame liner.

Long life roller bearing

No leakage fourfold V-packing Strong and silent spiral bevel gear and pinion.

1500kW, large head diameters exceeding 2700mm

THE MOST ADVANCED HPC RANGE AVAILABLE Remote automation ability, ultra-efficiency, outproduces the rest, most technologically advanced, continual customization… describing the features of Kawasaki’s new HPC crushers range goes on and on . But perhaps the best benefit of all is the legendry Minprovise Site Services team that comes with it. Highest quality installation, maintenance and optimization from a team of highly-trained experts who maintain and optimize over 80 customer’s crushers at various sites. Kawasaki and Minprovise… an unbeatable combination.

www.minprovise.com.au

Call Perth (08) 9470 9180, Brisbane (07) 3255 5919 or Mackay (07) 4952 4272 for more details.

14008 A4+

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars, workshops Event submissions can be emailed to ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Project Engineering – Fundamentals of a project lifecycle 5-7 December 2011 Perth, WA This 2.5 day training course provides an understanding of the project lifecycle from concept, through front end design, detailed design, construction management, commissioning, final handover and plant start up activities. It is designed for young engineers just entering the chemical and process industries and more experienced engineers who have been in technical, operation or other roles who are keen to develop an understanding of the project lifecycle and how different engineering and operational functions need to interact to successfully execute and manage a project. The objective of Project Engineering is to provide step-by-step description and illustration of a project’s lifecycle in the chemical industry.

Beginning with an introduction to the role, it then follows with life in an engineering house, proposals and contract types, greenfield projects, estimating (cost and resource) tools, planning and scheduling, cut and carve projects, construction, commissioning leading to plant start up and operation.

• IChemE 03 9642 4494 austcourses@icheme.org www.icheme.org/projeng

Water Management in Mining 2011 6-8 December 2011 Holiday Inn, Perth, WA Water Management in Mining WA is Australia’s second annual water resource management event that connects water, engineering, operational and environmental specialists who are taking on the water usage and climate change challenges of the future. The Water Management in Mining WA conference will discuss the current projects and guidelines in WA around integrated water management, water quality in mining, groundwater management and water technology strategies to create a sustainable mine water plan. We have created a resource centre with free information on water management in mining as well.

• IQPC 02 9229 1000 registration@iqpc.com.au www.waterinmining.com.au

Queensland Mining Exhibition (QME) 24-26 July 2012 Mackay Showgrounds, QLD This show allows specifiers and industry professionals to come together to catch up on products and technology, industry trends and to network with mining industry colleagues. QME features free entry to all people in the mining, engineering and construction industries.

• QME 02 9422 2955 qme@reedexhibitions.com.au www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au

Mining and Engineering NSW (M&E NSW) 28-30 August 2012 Newcastle, NSW

GIS In Mining and Exploration Online Summut

M&E NSW has become a “must attend” event for all buyers and industry professionals, with over 230* exhibitors in 2009.

Keep abreast of the latest products and technology as well as network with industry colleagues in a vibrant business environment.

• M&E NSW Peter Thompson 02 9422 2472 Peter.thompson@reedexhibitions.com.au www.miningandengineeringnsw.com.au

23 January-6 February 2012 Online

Goldfields Mining Exhibition (GME)

At Mining IQ’s GIS in Mining & Exploration Online Summit, you will have the opportunity to hear successful examples of companies that have implemented GIS and utilised GIS to their advantage. You will also get to hear about the future of the industry and the role GIS will play going forwards, both in terms of exploration and mining. This is an event for the explorer, the geologist, and for practitioners who want to gain further knowledge into the technical aspects, solutions and technologies of the mining geospatial world. Furthermore, this is a gathering of not just managers, but minds, who strive for change and forward-thinking approaches to the application of GIS. • IQPC www.gisinmining-online.com

38 December 2011

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30 October-1 November 2012 Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA GME provides local and international suppliers with a unique opportunity to conduct business face to face with key buyers and decision makers in Western Australia. Staged by Reed Exhibitions, GME provides a valuable opportunity to network and exchange ideas and information with industry colleagues in an interactive business environment.

• GME Chris Ghosh 02 9422 2955 chris.ghosh@reedexhibitions.com.au www.goldfieldsminingexpo.com.au

FIFO checklist With Australia’s resources industry set to recruit tens of thousands of new workers in the next few years, chances are a few FIFO first-timers will be scratching their heads about what to pack for the first roster.

At Mining Family Matters, Australia’s online support network for families in mining and resources, we've taken advice from some experienced old timers and compiled a handy list of essentials...

• Toiletries and medication.

• Tinea cream – sorry, but feet get pretty sweaty in steel caps and even worse in underground rubber boots.

• Good, comfy socks.

• If you have an old, comfy pair of steel capped boots, take them. New ones take a while to wear in and you might want to interchange them with your old faithfuls.

• After-work casual gear relative to climate, including a pair of thongs.

• At some camps you need your own soap.

• A battery-operated or back-up alarm clock.

Power outages are fairly common.

• On the same note, a torch is pretty useful for next to your bed.

• Washing powder for your laundry.

• Laptop – most sites now have wireless internet access.

• A bit of cash for cool drinks at the wet mess, as some don’t have EFTPOS facilities. (Wet mess will generally sell chocolate, chips, cool drinks and offer bar facilities).

• Coat hangers if you like to hang up your work shirts.

• Some like a small mat to put next to the bed.

(Lots of camps are pretty dusty and no matter how great the cleaners are it’s hard to keep the dirt off the floor).

• A sarong to hang over your screen door, to allow in the breeze while maintaining your privacy.

• If you wear glasses, companies will pay for prescription safety glasses. Get them organised with your HR recruiter before you go to site.

• Copies of your personal details (emergency contacts, tax file number, banking details, superannuation numbers, copies of any certificates in first aid, HR licence etc).

• A pen and small pad for your top pocket. They are supplied but it’s great to have one on hand for anything you might need to write down in the first instance.

• Companies will generally provide all linen and towels for your ‘donga’ (that's the mining term for the rooms where you sleep). They'll also provide a water bottle and ‘crib’ (lunch) pack for you to pack your lunch at breakfast time; plus work boots and clothing, hard hat and safety wear.

• If you're doing night shift, take some alfoil to cover your window. Wipe the window with a damp cloth and then apply. It will keep your room dark even when the sun’s out.

• Above all else, go with an open mind and heaps of enthusiasm. Once your foot is in the door, the rest is up to you.

For professional advice and practical ideas on how to survive and thrive in the mining and resources sector, visit www.miningfm.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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REDA

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