Australian Mining November 2012

AM.NOV12.PG001.pdf

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SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

VOLUME 104/11 – NOVEMBER 2012

www.miningaustralia.com.au

NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

The world’s largest underground truck

Wear Resistance

VEHICLE PROTECTION Stopping wear and tear

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Drill & Blast

THE LATEST DRILLS Better blasting

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Motors & Drives

Print Post Approved PP255003/00535

The latest equipment and machinery from MINExpo

9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS EDITION

MOTOR MAINTENANCE Better performance

P.36

Hire & Rental

TO RENT OR OWN? The vehicle for the job

P.54

AD_AMROCNOV_12.pdf

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COMMENT

Mining The rise amongst the fall 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

Associate Publisher – Martin Sinclair Email: martin.sinclair@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 – Tim Richards Tel: (02) 9422 2818 Mob: 0420 550 770 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 WA Representative – Jamie Wade Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au RBI Manufacturing & Electronics Group: Production Co-ordinator – Tracy Engle Tel: (02) 9422 2707 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

Focus on the apparent end of the mining boom has solely been on iron ore and coal, ignoring the rise of other commodities.

J

ob cuts, mine shutdowns, and project deferments.

These past few months have seen more of a shakeup in the industry than the last two years put together.

Many outside of mining are predicting the end of the industry, and the end of its importance in Australia.

Rio Tinto is cutting operations costs by 10 per cent globally, and BHP Billition’s Marius Kloppers recently dropped that it will not open any new mines in Queensland, stating that greenfield projects are essentially impossible for the miner to justify.

“I’m talking about major things,” Kloppers said.

“I’m not talking about what we’re going to do with the Caval Ridge project, which is to add a new 2 million tonnes (of coal per year) then maybe squeeze out another two.

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au “Those sort of things you can make pay.

“What is extraordinarily difficult is to open up brand new greenfield mines, ports, rail and so on.

“It is particularly unfortunate, that these costs are increasing at a time when industry profitability is declining.”

While this is the worst case story, most miners aren’t taking this route globally.

But being completely realistic, it has slowed down in Australia, and prices won’t return to the highs we’ve seen, particularly for iron ore and coal, but the mining industry is far from dead.

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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A D Average _ A MNet K Distribution I NSEP_ 1 2 . p d f Period ending March 2012 7,996

Analysts and many in the media are choosing to focus on the fall of these two commodities, as well as the suffering of the nickel sector, but are conveniently ignoring the wider industry.

While iron ore and coal are hurting from the slump in demand, and the Mineral Resources Rent Tax, at the same time gold is still enjoying its record prices, the demand for phosphate is growing, and tin is making a comeback.

Uranium is also set to take off, as Toro Energy gains its approval in Western Australia, exploration continues in South Australia, and both New South

Wales and Queensland gear up to pass legislation to allow its extraction in their states.

New exploration areas have also opened up in Western Australia.

We can’t pretend that the sector hasn’t slumped, but we also can’t ignore that there are still success stories, and certain sectors of the mining industry are actually seeing growth.

We’ve focused on some of these success stories in our Prospect Awards, which highlight and recognise innovation and excellence in the industry.

While those outside the industry are right in the fact that iron ore and coal have slowed down, we should remember that this isn’t the case for the entire mining sector.

This rollercoaster ride of price cycles isn’t over yet, and it’s time to focus on the good, and not just the bad.

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ON the front cover we have featured Atlas Copco’s latest underground truck, the MT85. This vehicle, unveiled at MINExpo in Las Vegas, is the world’s largest underground mining truck, and was one of a range of new vehicles and mining machinery that was launched at the exhibition. In this edition we’ve featured a number of vehicles, drills, and equipment that was released at the show, including Cat’s new Unit Rig trucks, Sandvik’s latest underground trucks, new drills from Atlas Copco, Cat, and Redpath, as well as the new Ultra Class truck launched by Liebherr, and Joy Global’s new shovels designed to fill them. It’s an action-packed issue filled with 8 : 5 7 AM the latest machinery.

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AustralianMining

November 2012

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Contents Features URANIUM

The Nuclear Debate Uranium and its place in Australia ......... p12-13

November 2012 issue

Change in the air

Is West Africa the new Pilbara?

New drill compressor partnerships….p34

Has the Pilbara lost its number one spot?….p94-95

CONTROVERSIAL

Who are our most controversial miners?

The most divisive miners in the world ... p14-15

MINING ROYALTIES

The true cost of coal Royalty rate rises ....................................... p16

WEAR RESISTANCE

A-Wear of the hurdles Cutting maintenance .................................. p18 Wearing the cost Long life wear plates .................................. p20

WATER MANAGEMENT

Environmentally friendly laundry Using less water.......................................... p22 Life cycle management Open cut pumping systems......................... p23

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Drilling down New Pit Viper rigs ................................. p24-25 Charging safety standards Safer underground ANFO and emulsion .... p26 On track New tracked drills ..................................... p28 A tale of two plants Incitec’s AN plant highs and lows ......... p30-32

MOTORS & DRIVES

Monitoring motors Detecting cracks in shafts ...................... p36-38 Driving down costs Variable speeds drives ................................ p40

MINESITE VEHICLES

A D _ the A MUltra K R CClass J AN_ 1 0 . p d f Pa ge Serving The new class of vehicle ............................. p42

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Clearing the air Mobile DPM monitoring ...........................

A new breed The latest Unit Rig trucks ..........................

Making their mark The largest payload in the industry ............

Driving development Sandvik has more tonnages, more safety ....

World’s largest underground truck Atlas Copco is breaking new ground ..........

p44 p46 p48 p50 p52

HIRE & RENTAL

The end of hire markets?

Are mining equipment rental companies feeling the pinch? ....................................... p54 Cutting emissions, not quality Cleaner rental vehicles ............................... p56

PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

Coal Mine of the Year ...............................

Hard Rock Mine of the Year .....................

Explorer of the Year ..................................

1Excellence 1 2 / 1 in 1 Environmental / 0 9 , 9 : 5Management 4 AM ..

Contractor of the Year ...............................

p64 p66 p68 p70 p72

Excellence in OH&S ..................................

Contribution to Mining .............................

Minerals Processing Plant of the Year ........

Innovative Mining Solutions ......................

Manager of the Year ..................................

Employer of the Year .................................

Mining’s Woman of the Year .....................

Young Achiever of the Year .......................

Community Interaction ..............................

p74 p76 p78 p80 p82 p84 p86 p88 p90

INDONESIA

Jakarta’s about face Compromise abounds ahead of mining tax.. p93

Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT ................................ p6 NEWS .......................................................... p8 MINING FAMILY MATTERS....................... p10 PRODUCT FOCUS: PPVC ..................... p58-60 PRODUCT SHOWCASE ........................ p97-98 JOBS ........................................................ p100 EVENTS ................................................... p102

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMSCASEP_12.pdf

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

Scoring a job in the mining industry: WHAT you know or WHO you know?

The mining boom has brought with it opportunities to make some serious cash and for some years now, people have been falling over themselves trying get a job in the industry.

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he story goes that if you’re a labourer living on the east coast all you have to do is go to WA, get a job on a mine site and watch the money roll in.

Stories abound about how ordinary (mostly males) have packed up shop to strike it rich in the west.

With fly-in-fly-out status, they come home cashed up, ready to buy a house and settle down with the missus who has put up with the inconvenience of long distance for far too long.∑ These stories have reached urban legend status in the country and with them, a notion that getting a job within the sector is easy.

However more recently, many have found this is not the case and we continually hear stories of how skilled, unskilled, the experienced and the unexperienced are finding it harder to crack into the industry.

Here at Australian Mining we have frustrated people write in to say they are experienced, willing to work, have sent out dozens of resumes and are yet to hear back from potential employees.

They say the industry is becoming increasingly ‘cliquey’ and that if you don’t know someone on the inside, it can be almost impossible to find work.

“Good luck getting a dumpy job or any operator position! It’s a fact companies have in place a program called along the lines of father son so unless your father is an operator mate you have slim chance of getting a job,” a user recently commented on Australian Mining’s Facebook page.

Others are in agreement “Very very true, that’s how my hubby got on...” another Facebook user admitted.

Talking to a labourer who has worked in WA’s Pilbara for over five years, the issue surrounding knowing a mate to get you in seems to be a contentious one.

While he admits that’s how he got a start, and how he then subsequently ‘pulled a few strings’ to get others on mining sites, he says not too many people want to admit they got help.

“Heaps of people do it, it’s just 6

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Is mining simply a closed sector, with jobs only going to family and friends? Or is it those with the skills get the jobs?

that no one really wants to admit it,’ he told Australian Mining.

“I reckon 80 per cent of the guys I met over there had a bit of help, but it’s not something you talk about.”

“In saying that, you’ll never get your dream job if you think you can just stay on the east coast and send out resumes. Doesn’t work like that.

You need to be over there ready and willing to give it a go.”

With the reported skills shortage facing the mining industry, companies have been accused of not doing enough to train and help people into mining roles and have come under fire for bringing in foreign workers to fill positions.

A new campaign launched by the CFMEU last month, aims to highlight the issue surrounding work in the industry.

The TV ad tells us that mining resources belong to all Australians and not just the mining companies and that there are ‘two sides to every story’, a tagline aimed at the way in which some people get a lucky break into the industry while others struggle to find work.

CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor has even called into question the much publicised skills shortage, effectively accusing companies of ditching Australian’s for cheaper foreign labour.

“On the evidence that we have from our members who are looking for work, that have skills, that are willing to move or willing to partake in fly-in, fly-put work, often they cannot even get an interview,” he said.

“So there seems to be a disconnect with the claims made by the mining companies about skill shortages, and what unemployed members of ours and people in the community are telling us about trying to get job opportunities.”

However, others say scoring work, although not always easy, is definitely possible through persistence, and that knowing someone has no bearing on the opportunities available.

“I came up to the Pilbara with my only connection being a mate offering to put me up for a while. I went to labour hire companies and

gave them my resume and took the first job that was offered. After 5 months working hard, I got a call from one of the other labour hire mobs offering to give me a job as a trainee operator. It wasn’t through knowing people that I got the job, it was putting the work in and having a good attitude towards shit work that got me the job.”

Others also echo this sentiment “Not true, I got in through Rio Tinto’s vacation program and now I work at North Parkes mines. Didn’t know anyone in mining.”

While two very different sides of the story continue to rage, what becomes clear is that there are many people willing to work and who just can’t seem to find an employer willing to give them a go, and this is where the disconnect between the dream of the west and reality comes from.

With mining companies crying foul that they need experienced workers, it has to be asked: where are people supposed to gain the relevant experience from if no one is willing to give them a shot? www.miningaustralia.com.au

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HOW CAN YOU INCREASE BOTH SAFETY AND YOUR PRODUCTION RATE? THIS WAY!

If you are in the mining business, you know that an improved safety record means a lot to your employees and your entire company.

This safety mind-set is part of everything we do – from research and product development to on-site service.

Join the movement towards The Future of Mining.

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HEADLINES

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

CMFEU and QRC lock heads

independent experts like KPMG (on tax comparisons) and port Jackson Partners (on costs).”

Chief executive of the QRC Michael Roche told a training sector gathering in Yepoon today that mining companies face a “perfect storm of plummeting prices, rising costs and an Australian dollar that remains stubbornly”.

The QRC are pushing for an indexation of the new royalty rates announced by the Queensland government to ensure they are ‘inflation proof.’

CFMEU district president Stephen Smyth has hit out at a recent QRC survey of mining companies, saying that it does not portray ‘the realities’ of company’s investment intentions.

Smyth says mining companies who took part in the survey saying they would cut expenditure and reduce production, made official reports to the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) of their intention to continue investment and increase production into the future despite Contractors will struggle: recent price declines.

CFMEU “Reports of the death of Queensland Australian Mining gets the latest The CFMEU says contract workers mining industry have been greatly news every day, providing up in the Bowen Basin are going to exaggerated,” Smyth said. to the minute information on struggle to find work in the region as “While much has been made by more companies cut jobs. safety, news and technology what mining company bosses have After Ensham Resources announced told the QRC, what those same for the Australian mining and that it was cutting 400 jobs from its bosses have reported to the official resources industry. open-cut coal mine near Emerald, resources bureau paints an entirely CMFEU spokesman Steve Smyth “Companies like Goldings, considering different picture.” says contracting companies would where their other operations are The QRC have hit back and told place Australian stands A D _ Mining A M A“the L EQRC NO V _ 1 2 find . pitdhard f to P a gworkers e 1within 1 6 / 1limited, 0 / they’re 1 2 , going 5 to : struggle,” 1 2 PM the Bowen Basin. he said. by its survey and the analysis of

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“On the back of the Gregory Mine shutting down, that itself, the company will struggle to fill the roles or ensure people that are laid off will have jobs to go to.”

Foreign workers destined for mines “Pit-stop” crews of temporary overseas workers could be the next cost-saving option for mining companies as they look to cut labour expenses.

Mining services group Logicamms said that while overseas workers were already used to service offshore oil and gas facilities, the use of temporary crews instead of permanent ones for onshore projects would start to become more mainstream as companies looked to cut costs.

Russia may quadruple coal output Russia may grow its current coal production levels by five times by 2030, dwarfing Australian production rates which have begun slowing down.

Speaking at a meeting of the development of the coal industry, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev stated that “there is the possibility to increase [current levels] five times by 2030,” adding that it expects to grow its export market, particularly in the Asian sphere.

BHP rules out new mining projects BHP Billiton head Marius Kloppers has essentially ruled out new mining projects in Queensland.

Speaking at the Brisbane Mining Club, Kloppers said BHP believes it would be “extraordinarily difficult” to justify spending the money needed to develop new projects.

“I’m talking about major things, ”Kloppers said.

“I’m not talking about what we’re going to do with the Caval Ridge project, which is to add a new 2 million tonnes (of coal per year) then maybe squeeze out another two.

“Those sort of things you can make pay,” he said.

Increase production Reduce consumption Production quality improvements Improved safety

November 2012

AustralianMining

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMCRKOCT_12.pdf Page AM A D _ A MC R K O C T _ 1 2 . p d f P a g e 18 226/09/12, 4 / 0 9 / 1 2 , 111:43 1 : 1 1 A M

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MINING FAMILY MATTERS

Mining camp ETIQUETTE tips Do the right thing on site.

S

tarting any new job takes you right back to the first day of school – you tend to feel a little lost, self-conscious and totally uncool.

It’s hard enough when your new workplace is just around the corner – never mind the added stress of getting on a plane and flying across the continent for your first shift.

Never fear though, because if you’re about to start FIFO/DIDO on your first mine site, we’ll have you fitting in perfectly in no time.

Mine site etiquette differs slightly from site to site and you won’t be expected to know everything overnight. One rule that’s pretty universal relates to noise. Because two shifts generally run around the clock, half the workforce is always trying to getAsome D _ Asleep.

M P RAs O aJ result, U L _ 1you’ll 2 . pbed expected to keep noise to minimum

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in and around your donga after 9am (for night-shift workers) and 10pm (for day-shift workers). Remember, dongas have thin walls and you can hear your neighbour’s TV pretty easily. If you’re a light sleeper it’s worth investing in some decent earplugs, just in case your neighbour snores.

In rare instances, like if you work also OK to take it out and put it in a lead mine, you’ll get your work on an available, clean space (laungear laundered for you. But generaldry basket, shelf or on top of the ly you’ll be required to do your own dryer). But be courteous, people! washing onsite. Remember: Don’t take washing out of the dry• Bring your own washing powder er unless it’s dry. If it’s still wet, reand do not use anyone else’s withstart the dryer and wait your turn. out permission.

When you’re eating in the com• If someone else’s washing is sitting munal mess: finished in the machine, it’s OK to • Get yourself clean and tidy before put it in an available dryer (start breakfast and dinner. No-one wants the dryer too) in order to free up to sit beside someone with half the the washer for your own use. day’s work still on their overalls. by cleaning up your f • IfPyou a g need e 1to use 1 5 a/ dryer 0 6 / and 1 2 it’s , 2 •: Always 3 5 Pfinish M full of someone else’s washing, it’s table and taking your dirty dishes

to the wash-up area. There’s a container for dirty cutlery and dishes should be stacked.

More often than not, you’ll receive a new starter’s pack outlining general camp rules. Most other issues will be covered at induction. If in doubt, ask.

This article is an excerpt from Mining Families Rock – a new self-help book from the team at Mining Family Matters. For more information on mining life and the book, visit www. miningfm.com.au.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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

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URANIUM

The great

NUCLEAR debate

The debate over mining uranium, and its place as a future power source, is splitting Australia, Vicky Validiakis writes.

T

he issues surrounding coal mining in Australia has once again reignited the uranium debate. But with controversy still surrounding the mineral, we look at the current state of uranium mining in Australia and ask if uranium mining will ever be considered the norm.

With demand falling, prices are falling with it and the once burgeoning coal industry is faltering.

With the drop in coal prices, the closure of coal sites by BHP Billiton along with the QLD Government’s decision to hike coal royalties, speculation is mounting that the industry will remain volatile as Australia’s competitiveness within the industry weakens.

A recent statement by Mitchell Hooke, chief executive of The Minerals Council of Australia highlighted the issue the resources sector is facing.

In what came as a warning to both industry and policy makers alike, Hooke says Australia’s “deteriorating reputation as a place to do business and the threat this poses to our ability to capture market share and future investments” means Australia is losing out to ‘resource rich’ economies.

He goes on to say that minerals resource development is crucial but it will “take hard work from both industry and government to secure the economic opportunity that is currently at risk”.

The issue was again highlighted

by He Fan, adviser to China’s central bank and finance minster, who recently announced that he did not expect the country to embark on a fresh economic stimulus with the country downgrading its growth for the year to eight per cent.

At a conference in Canberra, Han suggested this was bad news for Australia’s coal industry as “strong demand for commodities is not sustainable in the long run”.

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While coal has traditionally been used as an energy source for centuries, many question the sustainability of the resource moving forward.

Mining coal is high cost and labour intensive. This is especially true in Australia which has the highest cash cost of any country, 30 per cent above the global average. Further to this, the environmental impact of burning coal and the emissions created has been attributed to the greenhouse gas effect and rising pollution levels.

In comparison, uranium is a cleaner energy source with less waste output and less is required to create more energy. It has been estimated that Uranium-235 can produce 3.7 million times as much energy as the same amount of coal. However, longterm environmental impacts, safe storage of nuclear material and the concern of weapon production are all reasons why critics of the mineral say it is too dangerous to mine.

With uranium supply struggling to meet overseas demands, analysts say uranium’s low-cost emission profile and its ability to produce low-cost power will ensure nuclear power generation “will continue to play a key role in future global power supply”.

Analysts are also tipping the resurgence of the industry as demand from China and India is set to grow, but say Japan’s decision to close all of its nuclear power stations by 2030 does create uncertainty around how much uranium will be required for the world’s future energy needs. Uranium prices fell to their lowest price since 2010 following the announcement, which uranium sceptics point to as a reason not too get carried away with uranium enrichment in Australia.

While Australia is uranium rich, with over 40 per cent of the world’s recoverable uranium, we currently only export 19 per cent of this to the www.miningaustralia.com.au

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URANIUM

world market. The Australian Uranium Association (AUA) predicts that if the uranium industry was able to reach its full potential, exports would increase from 10 000 tonnes a year to 28 500 tonnes a year. This would equate to between a $14.2 billion to $17.4 billion net value to the Australian GDP. However, with controversy surrounding the mining of uranium in Australia, the industry faces challenges in getting projects off the ground.

Currently the mining of uranium is only allowed in the Northern Territory, South Australia and most recently in Western Australia. It is estimated that $887 million is made by the export of uranium from these projects and with the demand for uranium set to grow, many say we need to step-up activity or risk losing money to other countries.

The issue of uranium mining is heating up in Queensland with a recent push to have the uranium ban overturned, resources minister Andrew Cripps has called for a discussion surrounding the issue.

The AUA along with The Queensland Resource Council (QRC) are lobbying the liberal government to show ‘political courage,’ and put the issue of uranium mining back on the table.

In a statement released by both organisations, aimed at the QLD government, they say “developing Queensland’s uranium deposits will create new jobs, support new business and help to consolidate the state’s reputation as a leading mining investment destination.”

The statement goes on to say that overturning the previous government’s ban will take political courage and that the decision will be ‘in all Queenslander’s best interests’.

With rich uranium potential in QLD and other states, AUA’s communication director, Simon Clarke, believes it is only a matter of time before uranium mining becomes the norm across much of the Australian landscape.

“The AUA is currently pressing the Newman Government in Queensland to permit uranium to be mined there. If exploration in New South Wales discovers commercially-viable amounts of uranium, the AUA will urge that the Government there permit it to be mined. And the AUA believes the Liberal National Party Government in Victoria should consider embarking on the development of uranium exploration and mining. Uranium is well down the path to being acwww.miningaustralia.com.au

cepted throughout Australia as a mainstream mined commodity. Persistent, patient advocacy will get it there,” he told Australian Mining.

The QRC and AUA are now planning to issue a major report on current uranium opportunities in Queensland, which is supported by North Queensland MP Rob Katter.

“This report will of course also address the full range of community concerns around safety and the environment,” Michael Roche, the QRC’s chief, said.

Roche pointed to the monetary benefits already being experienced in WA since the state overturned a uranium exploration ban.

“In the three years since the policy change in Western Australia, exploration for uranium in the state has taken off, totalling some $234m

ling reason that would force QLD to change their mind,” he said.

He went on to say that instead of nuclear energy, the debate should turn to renewable energy as the next big industry in Australia.

“The future energy needs are far better met by renewable energy. We should look at being the smart state as well as the sunshine state with the development, application, and delivery of renewable energy.”

Recent developments in Western Australia means Toro Energy are one step closer to realising their Wiluna Uranium Project which if approved is set to produce 1.8mlbs U3O8 equivalent (1200 tonnes UOC) per annum for a minimum of fourteen years.

In a statement released by the company in mid September, Toro

Rio Tinto subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia runs the Ranger uranium mine.

compared to just $53m in Queensland,” he said.

However, the push has been met with a hostile response by activists who claim that uranium mining is not the answer.

Australian Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney said the QLD government should not forget its election promise of upholding the uranium ban. Sweeney went on to say that the uranium industry is one of ‘headlines and heartaches’ and says the foundation is committed to “highlighting the costs and consequences (of uranium mining) both here and overseas”.

Sweeney told Australian Mining that uranium was ‘a mineral unlike any other.’

“It is highly contested and controversial, and there is no compel-

stated it was waiting on final approval by the states Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, as well as the subsequent decision by Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke, before operations on the project can begin.

Now that it is accepted, Toro expects to make its first uranium sale in 2014, five years after the project was first submitted.

NSW has also jumped into the uranium race with the government announcing it is open to expressions of interest from miners wanting to explore Group 11 minerals, which includes uranium and thorium.

NSW resources minister Chris Hartcher said the exploration of uranium in NSW will ‘give the states economy a real boost.’

“We must look for every opportunity to join the resource boom under way in Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia,” Hartcher said in the statement.

The announcement followed the government’s controversial move to overturn the state’s 26-year ban on uranium exploration.

Legislation overturning the exploration ban passed through the state’s upper house unamended, despite opposition from Greens and Labor MPs, who said the government had no mandate.

If uranium mining becomes a reality in NSW the creation of jobs and economic growth for the state are certainties.

However, the move by the government does not come without controversy. The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has issued a charter which aims to stop the mining of uranium in NSW. The NSW Uranium Free Charter states that “the current push to allow uranium exploration is a direct threat to workers’ safety and the long-term health of our environment and communities”.

“As history shows, uranium mining makes little economic sense and leaves a lasting radioactive legacy.”

But while the uranium debate continues, companies and indeed governments worldwide are still looking for ways to produce and sell baseload electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions and this is where the use of coal as a sustainable source of energy into the future is met with serious doubts and where many believe the discourse surrounding the uranium debate needs to change.

When asked how uranium stacks up when compared to other forms of energy generation, Clarke said that “nuclear energy across its lifecycle (mining, fuel fabrication, electricity generation and decommissioning) emits less carbon than solar energy and about the same as wind power.”

Clarke added that by “continuing good operational performance by uranium miners – in the environment, on safety measures … are having the gradual effect of improving the industry’s reputation and raising its standing in the minds of citizens”.

He goes on to say that the discourse surrounding the uranium debate needed to change and that “the nuclear industry must tell its own story better and explain to people why nuclear energy is a vital contributor to the fights against global warming”.

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CONTROVERSIAL

Who are our most

CONTROVERSIAL MINERS? A new report has highlighted the faults of our biggest miners, and singled out those most divisive companies in the world.

Andrew Duffy writes.

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he mining industry has always been one to attract controversy.

And the last few years, with developments expanding as commodity prices soar, have not been any different.

Most widely targeted for its impact on local communities and the environment, the mining industry in 2011 was not immune from its share of criticism.

After studying the public fallout from the industry’s growth last year, advisory firm Reprisk has put together a comprehensive report highlighting the most controversial mining companies of 2011.

The list is dominated by the usual suspects and mega projects, but also has surprising entries from smaller companies and rarer parts of the world.

And whilst it doesn’t top the list, the sheer number and size of some of the mining developments down under means Australia has attracted its own share of the industry’s controversy.

Close to home

While the Reprisk report singles out companies and projects from most corners of the globe, some Australian sites from our two biggest min14

November 2012

AustralianMining

ers, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, made the most controversial list.

Reprisk said Rio Tinto came under fire in 2011 for health and safety conditions at its Mount Thorley Warkworth and Bengalla coal mines.

Some of those sites, particularly in the Hunter Valley, have also been the subject of recent unfair dismissal cases, which have also tarnished their image.

Rio Tinto was also targeted by environmentalists due to the risk of radioactive water spilling from its Ranger uranium mine in the NT. Still in the Northern Territory, the company also drew criticism in 2011 for spilling 62,000 litres of petrol, leading to soil and groundwater contamination in Arnhem Land.

As a broader issue, Rio’s uranium interests in Western Australia were also unpopular news.

Part of Reprisk’s reason for conducting the study is to guage the health of our mining companies, and while more complex factors are at work than those mentioned above, the controversy did contribute to a significant slide in Rio’s share price over the year.

Starting the year around $85 a share, the company’s performance slid right through 2011, ending on www.miningaustralia.com.au

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CONTROVERSIAL

Many of the major miners featured in the top ten controversial list.

It wasn’t just third world countries, but also first world nations that saw disputes.

$60 dollars, a 25 per cent drop over 12 months.

But Rio wasn’t alone in attracting controversy over 2011.

According to RepRisk BHP Billiton also drew the ire of environmentalists and the public, primarily over health and safety and industrial relations concerns.

Reprisk marked the exposure of workers on a BHP Teekay shipping vessel as a bad moment for the company in 2011.

It also marked the long running industrial dispute between unions and BMA in Queensland as a sore point for BHP. With the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union eager to get the public on side, the BMA battle has at times dominated the media agenda on the east of Australia.

Even 12 months on the CFMEU continues to release media statements and other promotional material to back its claims on the battle.

“Those affected by environmental destruction, health problems, and loss of land and livlihoods have also achieved a media presence, publicising their complaints against the company.”

Elsewhere Reprisk said Glencore International was one of the most controversial companies of 2011, with its “notorious secrecy” and environmental and human rights abuses bringing bad news.

“The company’s activisits continue to be targeted for safety, environmental impact, human rights and tax issues,” Reprisk said.

Still on human rights concerns, Reprisk said Freeport-McMoran Cop∑per & Gold was “highly criticised” throughout 2011 for allegations of misconduct and poor employment conditions.

Along with Anglo American, two lesser known companies, Peruvian miner Compania de Minas Beunaventura and British group Vedanta, rounded out the top ten list.

Of all the global miners, United States-focused Alpha Natural Resources topped the most controversial list after being targeted for the practice of mountaintop removal, a hot issue in the US. The company also drew controversy for safety and pollution problems and allegations of fraud. Second on the list was USbased gold and copper producer Newmont Mining, which drew controversy for its projects in Peru, Indonesia, Ghana, and the US. According to Reprisk, Newmont has been regarded as having a “poor international record on human rights and has been accused of masterminding numerous abductions of activists”.

The company’s developments in Peru and Ghana were both hit with violent demonstrations in 2011, and the company was also accused of significant pollution in the African nation. Newmont rival Barrick Gold wasn’t far behind on the controversy scale, with this bad press also focusing Global focus on projects in the developing world.

While the Australian sites of Rio and “Multiple claims of sexual abuse, BHP drew controversy in 2011, the beatings and murders have been A Dof _ A M Lcriticism I N N O was V _ 1reserved 2 . p d f linked P a gtoe [Barrick’s] 1 8 / 1security 0 / 1 2staff,” , 8 bulk the for projects off Australian soil.

Reprisk said.

Tough times

From all the companies on the top ten

: list, 5 9 theA common M themes pervading

most entries were transgressions on

THE RANKINGS 1) Alpha Natural Resources 2) Newmont Mining 3) Glencore International 4) BHP Billiton 5) Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold 6) Rio Tinto 7) Compania de Minas Buenaventura 7) Barrick Gold (equal ranking) 9) Anglo American 9) Vedanta Resources (equal ranking)

human rights and the environment.

And while sites in Australia and the United States made appearances, the majority of questionable operations were located in the developed and third world, in more riskier places to do business.

Most large miners also made an appearance, proving that such problems weren’t isolated to one company, and weren’t restricted to any operating size.

With the controversy making business harder in an worsening global environment, the controversy ratings will likely come as a wake up call for many of the industry’s leading companies.

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AustralianMining

November 2012

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MINING ROYALTIES

The TRUE COST of coal Recent coal royalty rate rises are precipitating a bitter battle between Federal and State government over mining incomes, Vicky Validakis writes.

S

ince the Queensland Government announced it would raise the amount of money coal companies paid in royalties, the industry has been shaken by more job cuts, the closure of mine sites and the abandonment of coal projects.

Recently BHP Billiton canned plans to build the Red Hill and Saraji East coal developments, and closed its Gregory open cut mine, citing a ‘challenging external environment’ as the reason for the cut backs.

In what can now be seen as a foreshadowing of the move, BHP chairman Jac Nasser attacked the rise calling it “unbelievable,” “disappointing,” and “counter-productive”.

“I would suspect that many coal mines in Queensland today will be cash-flow negative,” he said.

Both mines were expected to produce 14 million tonnes of coal a year and employ around 8000 people during both construction and operational phases.

Job losses across the industry have also been rampant since the hike was announced, as Xstrata slash 600 workers, Rio Tinto announced more job cuts to come at its Clermont mine and BHP blame the rise on 16

November 2012

the cutting of jobs. But while the miners are blaming falling commodity prices and high production costs, others are questioning the cuts.

CFMEU president Steve Smyth says that while he agrees there have been some cost increases made worse by the high Australian dollar, miners had to “review their operations.

“It doesn’t mean you’ve just got to cull and cut your workforce as soon as you’ve got a little bit of a blip or potentially going to lose some of your profits.”

He went on to add that “the companies are using [high production costs and lower commodity prices] as a bit of an excuse to trim the fat and make sure they maintain their bottom line and huge profits,” he said.

With QLD receiving much attention due to the hike, speculation is mounting that other states may follow suite.

Under the federal mining tax legislation, the Commonwealth has agreed to reimburse mining companies for state royalties. This has created a loophole for the states which means they can raise mining royalties in the knowledge that the Federal Government will have to cover the costs. Effectively opening the

AustralianMining

way for other states to follow in QLD’s footsteps.

The Greens have announced plans to introduce a private member’s bill to prevent the Commonwealth from reimbursing companies for state royalties.

Greens leader Christine Milne said the bill would prevent state governments from rorting the mining tax system.

“Until this loophole is closed, Campbell Newman, [WA Premier] Colin Barnett, and Co can lift state mining royalties as high as they like in the full knowledge that it is the Commonwealth Government who will foot the bill,” she said.

A NSW government spokesperson told Australian Mining the state had no plans to follow in QLD’s footsteps, while WA and Tasmania did not respond to questions about royalty hikes in their states. With the issues facing the coal industry becoming increasingly politicised, many are calling for the tug-of-war to end and instead want the focus turned on how to best protect the industry moving forward in what has become a highly competitive global market.

In a recent speech delivered Minerals Council of Australia chief, Mitchell

Hooke, highlighted the issues facing Australia’s coal industry and called for urgent policy reforms which will ensure Australia stays competitive in what he called the ‘global village,’ Pointing to the reforms made by emerging economies which put Australia at a disadvantage, Hooke warned of the risk on losing out on market share.

“There is no salvation in dining out on our natural resources,” he said.

Hooke pointed to higher total cash costs, which are 30 per cent more than the global average, as making Australia an unattractive place to do business for foreign investors.

He went on to say that Australia’s position as a premier global supplier is ‘deteriorating as emerging markets become more competitive.”

Pointing to places like Kazakhstan, India and South America, where costs are lower, Hooke said natural resource companies have no choice but to access future resources elsewhere.

Hooke said that restrictions need to be taken off the economy in order for sustained growth and that we need policy changes which “recharge the batteries of economic reform,” with a sustainable fiscal policy

that will help to restore and maintain economic growth.

The remarks echo warnings from Rio Tinto Australia managing director David Peever who said policies needed to centre around increasing output for a wider national benefit instead of “redistributing the boom”.

With an unstable economic climate and what many call a volatile market, which is predicted to dip even lower, it comes as little surprise that mining executives are calling foul over the rises.

A recent report conducted by Standard & Poor Ratings Services said iron ore prices need to average above $120 a tonne to offset any negative rating pressure.

The agency warned that “for heavily indebted miners, their liquidity levels and discretion in reducing costs would be critical to their credit quality”.

They also warned that if prices remained low, companies who were able to ‘cut operating costs or reduce capital expenses’ were more likely to offset the pressure of lower revenue.

But the industry’s outlook is concerning to not only the companies who are looking out for their bottom line, but the people working within it. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMHENNOV_12.pdf

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AM.NOV12.PG018.pdf

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WEAR RESISTANCE

A-wear of the

HURDLES A wearplate that wears from bottom to top is cutting maintenance and costs.

T

he decision to extend the life of one of the largest copper concentrate and gold mines in Papua New Guinea has come as great news to Australian company Keech Keeplate who have been chosen to line the new 25, 250-tonne dump trucks trays.

Keeplate is corrosion, abrasion resistant steel product used on applications like truck bodies, shuts and bins or anywhere that wear through abrasion is an issue.

Keech Australia’s Michael Scott said the product, which is manufactured from chromium carbide beading welded onto 250 grade steel base, significantly increases the lifespan of the trays, buckets and blades of the mine equipment it is used on.

Available in a range of thicknesses, overall weight of the liner-plates along with the impact conditions

are all taken into consideration when lining the trucks, Scott said.

“You don’t want to add too much weight to the tray, particularly when the trucks are used for downhill loads.

“At the same time, you want the plates to be thick enough to provide maximum protection, so it’s a matter of balancing these two issues to find the right Keeplate for the job,” explained Scott.

Keech are also utilising their Wearpact system in Papua New Guinea which is also proving popular, Scott added.

Manufactured from Keech Australia’s own high impact and wear resistant steel, Wearpact features multiple retentions to prevent castings from coming loose. Ease of installation and removal is ensured thanks to the hammerless easy wedge retainer.

“The Wearpact system

is designed for full bucket nose protection and a clean upper lip plane finish. There is no intrusive casting inside the bucket to hinder loading or dumping operations. The system also provides the option of moving from semispade to full-spade by simply changing the castings,” said Scott.

“It’s been manufactured to wear from the bottom up,

which gives a greater wear away to throw away ratio, thereby reducing the overall cost for the mining operator.

“We’re currently fitting the system to a fleet of underground loaders buckets in a large copper and gold mine in the highlands region of Papua New Guinea following a successful trial of the system on underground loaders,” said Scott.

“Given that the Wearpact system is also suitable for surface loaders, it has huge potential to improve operations at a large number of mines across Papua New Guinea.”

Scott said that with the mining boom continuing across Papua New Guinea, further interest in the range of Keech products is expected in the coming months.

Going the distance in wear resistance REDUCING maintenance costs and increasing production is driving a trend towards tougher wear resistance materials that are lighter and last longer, according to Mike Allen of Perthbased company Crushing & Mining Equipment (CME).

“In the last decade we have seen the requirement for mines to reduce maintenance cost and increase production. This has resulted in the need for wear products to perform for longer periods,” Allen said.

“Simultaneously, the industry has improved health and safety in the workplace with an increased understanding of manual handling issues.” The emergence of lighter and more durable materials such as ceramic is finding increasing favour in mining as a substitute for traditionally heavier materials applied to equipment for longer wear life. “Previously, mines

18

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AustralianMining

Cermaic wear plates are lighter and more durable than traditonal materials. would simply put in heavier metal wear materials to last longer. However, this is not always the best solution option.

This is why there has been growing demand in ceramic wear products over the last 10 years,” Allen told

Australian Mining. “Mine operators are looking to minimise down time caused by maintenance while at the same time looking to have a material which performs consistently. In both gold and iron ore there is a large amount of fines material which results in high abrasion and low impact. This is where ceramic products perform best.”

“In the past ceramic wear products have not handled impact well and were prone to cracking. This has changed with innovations in rubber vulcanising to the ceramic which allows for a degree of cushioning. This has resulted in an increasing the number of applications in which ceramic liners can now be utilised.

“Due to the weight saving offered by ceramics, a 62mm liner can be installed over a 20mm metal wear liners. The 62mm ceramic wear plate has 50mm of useable wear material which gives impressive increases in liner life.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

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WEAR RESISTANCE

Wearing the cost Long life wear plates are cutting the costs of doing business.

A

s the mining boom stutters and begins to slow down, talk of cutting costs becomes more prevalent.

However there is always the problem of companies cutting costs in the wrong places, and when that happens it begins to hurt production.

So looking to equipment which lasts is becoming ever more important.

Particularly for wear plates, which are crucial in protecting equipment from greater damage and wear.

With this need for extended equipment life in mind, Alloy Steel International has created Acroplate, a new wear solution designed to extend equipment’s opera- The wear plates are made from a smooth, dense, chromium carbide overlay. tional life by up to six times.

Already used within the loy Steel’s wear plate “has of traditional wear prodHe went on to say that mining industry in 25 couna proven wear life of up to ucts,” Gene Kostecki, Althe company “is unique in A D _ A MV I B N O V _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 9 / 1 0 / 1 2 , 3 : 0 6 PM tries around the world, Al- six times greater than that loy’s CEO, said. that we partner with our

customers to provide better wear solutions, creating savings and return on investment.

“Arcoplate has been widely adopted by major companies involved in mining and minerals processing, as well as by original equipment manufacturers.”

Kostecki explained that the wearplates have a smooth, dense, chromium-carbide rich overlay that provides a high level of wear life, impact resistance, and overall improved material flow.

“These plates are used in the toughest abrasive environments to protect crusher and bin liners, chutes, and a host of other fixed plant.

“Its smooth surface also greatly reduces material hang-up and carryback in mobile plant such as truck trays and excavator buckets,” he added.

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WATER

Environmentally FRIENDLY laundry The mining community in and around Karratha is set to benefit from an environmentally friendly commercial laundry due to open in November. Jamie Wade writes for Australian Mining.

T

he laundry industry is known for its intense water use, but one company is bucking the trend with a facility that will recycle all its water – making it the most efficient of its kind in Australia.

More than 250,000 litres of water will be recycled weekly thanks to a new initiative set up between MCM Linen’s world first industrial laundry and LandCorp’s Gap Ridge Estate.

Water from the state of the art laundry will be injected into Gap Ridge’s recycled water pipe infrastructure and used to irrigate verges, swales and other landscaping throughout the estate.

The plant has the capability to wash 2.5 tonnes of laundry per hour. This equates to washing almost 1000 sets of bed linen per hour.

The facility will use the most water and energy efficient machines in the world, using just one tenth of the water domestic washers use, according to director Alistair Murchinson.

“Many typical industrial washers in Australia use approximately 25 to 30 litres per kilogram, MCM Linen’s laundry will use around 2 litres. It’s a huge saving,” he said.

22

November 2012

The 2500 square metre concrete slab is now complete as well as the building’s steel structure.

The laundry’s equipment will arrive in October and the facility will be open in November. It will assist with the local council’s vision of creating a population of 50,000 in Karratha.

The laundries water source is Karratha mains water supported by onsite backup ground water.

Water in the facility will be recycled about five times within the design and operation of the industrial equipment.

Waste water will then be used for dust suppression for developments around Karratha.

MCM Linen is working with Landcorp investigating the use of the recycled water for landscaping the estate through their recycled water pipe.

The local mining community, says Murchinson, will benefit from the facility as a cost-effective alternative to freighting linen out of the community for cleaning. This means lower transportation costs and longer life for the linen. The facility is not just about reducing

AustralianMining

water and energy consumption and sewer requirements, says Murchinson. The local mining community will benefit from fresher and longer lasting linen as well as lower transportation and linen costs.

“The reduction in turnaround time from exposure to cooking and rotting during transport means fresher sheets and, therefore, a longer linen lifecycle.”

Sheets and pillow slips are ironed – as opposed to nonironed as currently being provided by some small onsite laundries.

“Having such as local facility also reduces exposure to road flooding and

allows for live stock control at mine camp sites and in the laundry.The facility also supports local indigenous business via the Pilbara Link. Equipment in the facility is highly automated and remotely monitored online from Perth. All linen is tracked through the facility that can launder, steam iron and track work garments.

Benefits to the local environment from the laundry include reduced diesel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions – a saving on trucking of 3200 km based on a weekly round trip to Perth using up to 2800L in diesel for a large mine site.

The facility uses significantly

Recycled water is set to cut down usage levels for Karratha.

less water: 2.3 L/kg of linen versus 30L/kg of linen for traditional laundries. An onsite heat exchanger on site and efficient plant also minimises energy consumption.

The Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation will supply biofuel for the Pilbara Link trucking network that will transport the linen locally.

“This initiative presents an opportunity to the resource community to save money, increase employee onsite experience and be socially and environmentally responsible,” Murchinson said.

“We see a lot of resource companies being proactive about social and environmental responsibility and here is a great opportunity to do just that.

“We expect in the near future the mining industry will follow the trends in Europe where the laundering of all work garments – fluoro shirts and pants – will be outsourced to save natural resources as well as offer more service to the onsite FIFO workers.

“The quantity of onsite water consumed and money that can be saved by outsourcing linen and garment laundering to a professional plant is huge,” Murchinson said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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WATER

Life cycle management In open cut mine water management a well-designed and engineered pump system or solution and consideration of the life time cost will save money now and in future. Jamie Wade writes.

P

umps and pump water management systems form an integral part of the mine set up and life cycle.

An increased investment and focus on training designers, engineers and operators will lead to much improved cost of ownership, according to AllightSykes general manager – engineering Gert Inja. “Greater understanding of pump system design and in particular pump suction set up will result in greater pump reliability and less non-planned maintenance issues,� he told Australian Mining. “Total life cycle pump costs need to be considered when evaluating pump capital equipment not just the initial capital cost.�

Greater importance has been placed on open cut water management in water capacity requirements to wash coal during drought A D _and A Mstricter K E S OEPA, C T _ HSE 1 2 . and company mine site regula-

tions, according to Inja. This has operate, maintain and fix, accordresulted in an increased level of ing to Inja.

HSE and EPA as well as company “Pumps must have the ability mine site regulations features be- to easily upgrade from new and ing incorporated into the speci- in the future to include website fied, designed, and manufactured mobile monitoring integrated into pump sets. customer SCADA system, assoIn addition, as the mine open ciated alarms, diagnostic failure cut pits get deeper pump suppli- and maintenance tools, automatic ers have followed suit to design start up and shutdowns.� and supply pumps with more Some of the latest innovations pressure and flow. and solutions in pumps for minSpecial material – 316 stain- ing, says Inja, include the ability less, CD4MCU super duplex to easily upgrade from new and stainless steel constructed pumps in the future to include website – are being manufactured to suit mobile monitoring integrated into particular site fluid conditions customer SCADA system, assosuch as low or high pH, alkalinity ciated alarms, diagnostic failure and acid conditions. There is also and maintenance tools, automatic an advanced level of mobile pump start up and shutdowns. This remonitoring and remote control sults in greater accessibility to and associated alarms, automatic pump location and associated start up and shutdowns. equipment data and more effecMine operators today are also tive maintenance, service and repdemanding df P a heavy-duty g e 1 2pumps 1 / 0that 9 / 1 pair 2 , planning 1 0A :D 5_and 3A Ma ABreduction M O G N O Vin _ 1 2 . pdf Pa ge 1 4 / 1 0 / 1 2 , are easy to move around, install, pump life cycle costs.

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AM.NOV12.PG024.pdf

Page

24

19/10/12,

11:09

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Drilling DOWN A

tlas Copco Drilling Solutions has extended its blast hole drills range at a fourth straight MINEexpo with the launch of its new rig, the PV-311.

While the new PV-310 drill rig series are conceptually and visually Pit Vipers with the features mining companies have come to know since they originally hit the site, new features mean the range is even more efficient and easy for operators to use.

Designed with a robust frame, tower structural engineering and fabrication, the PV-310 series is similar to the previous models.

The automatic clutch introduced in 2010 for the PV-235 is still available as an option on the PV-310, and the hydraulic system again includes load sensing technology for auxiliary uinctions while an automatically tensioned cable feed, which is much lighter than a chain fed system, is also featured.

The automatically hydraulic clutch has proven very beneficial as it disengages the. enA Dthe _ Aair M compressor P E L M A Yfrom _ 1 2 pd gine when the air ends is switched off.

A new rig, with a larger cabin and improved drilling, is set to hit the site.

The hydraulic system has the The choice of either diesel or same main pump drive set-up as the electric power are also still optional.

PV-351 with P14 closed loop feed According to the company the and rotation and like the PV-235, new model can be used for single it has a load sensing piston pump pass drilling 270 millimetre or 311 depending f serving P a gthe e auxiliary 1 1 8 units / 0 4 which / 1 2 in, 4 millimetre : 2 3 : 2 holes, 7 PM A E S Ton rock crease machine efficiency. conditions.

The PV-311 model is set for singlepass drilling 19.8 metres clean holes, with bit changing above the deck.

Using the carousel’s two 10.67 metre drill pipes, the rig can drill a maximum hole depth of 41.4 metres.

A new design allows replacement of

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AustralianMining

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AM.NOV12.PG025.pdf

Page

25

19/10/12,

11:11

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

a non-drilling end jack cylinder without removing the rest and when the tower is horizontal, a ladder from the deck provides access to decking in the tower above the rod changer.

The tower is an interchangeable unit structurally similar to that on the PV-351, but deeper in order to accommodate larger sheaves and is suitable for use on both the single and multi-pass drilling versions. Improved rotary head guides and rod support is provided when the head is close to the top of the tower.

The carousel works with a “nonbump” rod charger and there is an 3,630 kilogram capacity auxiliary host for the handling of rods.

The PV-316 multi-pass drilling model is well advanced. On this rig the tower will allow drilling to a depth of 90 metres using a five-rod carousel with 12.25 metre drill pipe.

conditioned and FOPS certified with high quality seating, and provides the operator with greater visibility a touch screen and joystick controls. An air conditioning system provides 12 kW of cooling power that includes a hydraulic compressor and a condenser fan that reduces overall machine electrical requirements. A buddy seat has been installed on the front-left side of the cab, and both the buddy seat and the operator’s suspension seat come installed with retractable seatbelts. The cabin is able to host up to ten people. Night operation is made easy with a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting package and a cabin dome light is standard.

The PV-310 offers an optional 306 degrees access decks with standard full deck service Fibergrate catwalks and railings, and there is 20 inches of service room between the power pack and the coolers. The New features fast service system provides ground Atlas explained that the PV-310 se- level, quick connect fitting for filling ries cabin is larger than that used and evacuation of fuel, hydraulic on the PV-351 (or any other Atlas oil, engine oil, engine coolant and Copco Drilling Solution rig). compressor oil. Additions or alterThe elevated cabin features three natives are available to suit differlarge tinted windows, each fitted ent operator’s needs. These include: with windshield wipers, and wash- an engine enclosure, a wrap-around ers, giving excellent visibility from cabin deck, hydraulic boarding ladtheAoperator’s suspension D _ A MN O R S E P _ seat.

1 0 . The p d f ders, P aand g e a fire 1 suppression 2 / 0 9 / 1 system 0 , 1 2 : 1 5 PM cabin is insulated, pressurised, air- that can be mounted on the tower.

The cabin on the new drill rig is able to host up to ten people.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AustralianMining

November 2012

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AM.NOV12.PG026.pdf

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19/10/12,

11:14

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Charging safety standards New charging vehicles are making underground blasting easier.

W

hen considering blasting and shotfiring, most people focus on the blast itself, preparing for everything after the event, but ignoring how to get the shot there in the first place.

Yet transporting the emulsion or ammonium nitrate fuel oil to the site in the first place is just as important.

This is even more important when blasting underground, and the confines of tunnels mean Normet, a company more known for its mining and tunnelling equipment and construction chemicals than blasting, has taken a major step into the arena with the introduction of its new MF series charging equipment, the Charmec MF 605 D. It launched the new charging vehicle at the MINExpo 2012 mining exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, earlier this year.

According to Normet, the Charmec MF 605 comes with a new layout that now allows enough space for either A D _ANFO A M S or WIemulsion O C T _ units 1 2 .inp the center of the machine.

The vehicle’s modular structure allows it to easily switch between ANFO charging and emulsion charging.

The modular structure makes it easy to convert an ANFO charger to emulsion charger and vice versa if needed. It features an operator work stand behind the ANFO vessels that makes filling easy.

An optional vacuum extractor mechanises the ANFO filling can d as f prills Pa g e be1 sucked 2 0 / direct 0 9 / from 1 2 , ANFO bags to the vessels.

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November 2012

AustralianMining

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In the ANFO process, the standard two 500 litre ANFO vessels provide enough explosive capacity to charge most tunnel faces without the need for refill during charging.

It also comes with two optional vessels of 250, 360, 720 litres for different needs. charging opera3 : For 5 6 emulsion PM tions an emulsion unit can be placed on the carrier.

The vehicle has been ready designed with space for stick powder boxes, primers, and detonators which makes it possible to bring all the needed explosives to the workplace at once and eliminates the need for an additional explosive service vehicle.

The MF 605 D also has a new NBB 3XS basket boom with a two man basket, and lifting capacity of 500 kilograms, and is specially designed for charging works in tunnel faces and stopes.

It can also be equipped with a safety bar or with a hydraulic FOPS approved safety canopy to protect the operator.

When working at the face, the basket can be swiveled to access all points of the face providing a safe and ergonomic working position for the operator. With the NBB 3XS basket boom a maximum 8.5 metre high and 8.5 metre wide face can be charged from one set up.

Its new turn-table design has made it possible to make a compact boom structure giving a shorter length in tramming position and better maneuverability in narrow tunnels.

Importantly, the Charmec MF 605 D can turn a 90 degree corner in 4.2 metre wide tunnels, a crucial factor in operating underground.

During tramming, the basket rests on the rear platform, which protects the basket from collision and damage.

As the basket rests on the platform there is also less load on the boom cylinders and pins. Optional installed compressors enable self propelled charging in areas where reticulated air is not available.

The Charmec MF 605 D has a 110 kW Tier 3 diesel engine giving cleaner operation, an increasingly important factor as diesel particle matter and diesel exhaust is labelled carcinogenic.

The vehicle comes with a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour on the flat and eight kilometre per hour up a 1:7 ramp.

The FOPS/ROPS approved safety canopy/cabin with pivotal operator’s seat provides a comfortable compartment for the driver and his assistant.

The optional enclosed cabin reduces the ambient noise level to less than 75 dB.

The vehicle is ROP and FOPS approved. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMDAVMAR_12.pdf

Page

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22/02/12,

8:59

AM

Davey Bickford Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 298, Osborne Park, WA 6917 T 08 9207 1066 E admin@daveybickford.com.au www.daveybickford.com.au

Untitled-5 1

20/02/12 12:50 PM

AM.NOV12.PG028.pdf

Page

28

19/10/12,

11:15

AM

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

On track Caterpillar has used MINExpo to launch a range of new vehicles.

C

aterpillar has released a new track drill designed to reduce cycle

The drill has a heavy duty 2.4 metre boom that extends to 3.3 metres.

“Owners can service the rock drill themselves to reduce downtime and control costs.

“A new automated lube system keeps the rock drill working productively, eliminating the need to stop the machine for manual greasing 1every 0 / 1two 2 , hours,” 1 0 : it0 added.

5 AM The MD5150 also has a

WE WE WE

heavy duty 2.4 metre boom that extends to 3.3 metres for larger pattern coverage times. with fewer setups.

Its newly released Holes can be drilled withMD5150 Track Drill has in 610 millimetres of the high been constructed for faster wall, which is 50 per cent drilling of holes up to 152 closer than with a linear rod millimetres in diameters at changer. depths of up to 31 metres.

The new drill also has According to Cat the increased power and airflow “MD5150 incorporates a for better drilling in hard proven rock drill, patented rock applications. carousel rod changer, new Powered by a Cat C11 cab, and many other fea- engine rated at 287kW at tures that boost productivity 1800 rpm, it meets US Tier and reduce operating costs”. 3 and EU Stage IIIA emisIts carousel rod changer sions standards. It also works holds six rods and accom- with the air compressor to modates multiple lengths optimise air flow, which opand diameters of drill steel. erates at 15.1 cubic metres Dual-rod grippers with a per minute. Machine maintegate design let the rod and nance has also been a focus, the gate move simultane- with Cat stating that it has ously, reducing cycle times. designed the machine to have rod changer AThis D_ A MA C T N OisVsup_ 1 2 less . p than d f half P aasgmany e 1moving 1 7 / ported by a study feed and parts as competitors’ models.

simplified component layout and service access.

“A walk-in service station provides easy access to major service points for the engine, compressor, air conditioner, hydraulic valves and more.

“A boom-mounted camera allows constant visibility to the front of the drill while working inside the service

DRILL. BLAST. DELIVER.

centre,” Cat says.

It also has the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET) that speeds up the troubleshooting process and cuts downtimes.

A Product Link allows for the remote monitoring of machine location, service hours, fuel usage, and other operating factors.

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AustralianMining

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AD_AMTOSNOV_12.pdf

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2:12

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AM.NOV12.PG030.pdf

Page

30

19/10/12,

11:18

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

A tale of two plants Is the decline of the mining boom, or community backlash, the real reason behind Incitec Pivot’s deferral of its Kooragang Island plant?

W

hile the focus has turing plant on Kooragang been on the Island, in Newcastle, while Queensland coal­ at the same time pushed for­ fields slowing down and job ward production at its Mor­ losses, has the Hunter Val­ anbah AN plant. ley slowed down more?

So what does this mean One of the best gauges for the prospects of the min­ for the growth and develop­ ing industry? ment of the mining sector is Is the Hunter in more the demand for ammonium trouble than is recognised? nitrate and explosives, as the Or was Incitec simply more you develop the more hamstrung in its development you need to blast. by local community and envi­ So a slow down in de­ ronmental groups? mand directly translates into From the start Incitec a slow down in mining. faced an uphill battle in the If people aren’t buying development of its Koora­ ammonium nitrate then they gang Island plant. aren’t blasting, it’s simple.

The community had al­ This slow down in de­ ready seen a number of seri­ mand has directly hit Incitec ous incidents occur at Orica’s Pivot. existing ammonium nitrate It recently announced that plant, such as chemical leaks it had deferred the planned and vent flare ups. development A D _ A M CofL its A Nnew O Cam­ _ 1 2 . p In d f October P a g e last 1 year 2 8 / monium nitrate manufac­ Incitec, which manufactures

explosives through its sub­ sidiary Dyno Noble, met with locals to discuss the proposal its planned ammo­ nium nitrate plant.

At the time Incitec said it would carry out an open con­ sultation, with expectations of a year long feasibility study.

It then released its envi­ ronmental impact statement, and opened it up to public comment.

According to the company it was seeking approval for a facility with a production cap­ acity of up to 350 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per month.

Its proposal included a manufacturing plant, chemi­ cal storage tanks, product storage facilities, and associ­ ated infrastructure.

0 9 / 1 2 , 1 1 : 4 8 AM Continued on page 32 Incitec has deferred construction of its $600m plant for two years.

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AustralianMining

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AD_AMGEONOV_12.pdf

Page

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18/10/12,

11:47

AM

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AM.NOV12.PG032.pdf

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Continued from page 30

Soon after the proposal was opened local residents at Mayfield and Stockton came out in arms over the proposed $600 million plant.

Despite environmental studies stating that it will fall well within existing standards, the Stockton Community Action Group believed that it poses a high risk.

“Incitec have blatantly ignored our requests to locate the plant elsewhere,” Group spokesperson Keith Craig said.

“Nowhere in the world will you find two explosives plants, operating side-by-side, less than 800 metres from residents and three kilometres from a central business district. Governments and the Environment Protection Authority should not allow it.”

Within two weeks of these objections, Incitec announced that it was deferring the feasibility studies and construction of the plant.

“The decision on whether to proceed with the development has been deferred

32

November 2012

As the need for ammonium nitrate slows down, and environmental protests abound, Incitec has been forced to defer plant construction.

for at least two years, reflecting the anticipated reduction in demand for ammonium nitrate and the high cost of construction in Australia,” it said in a company statement The question soon arose of whether community or costs were the culprit behind the deferment. Some in the industry pointed to

AustralianMining

the slow down of blasting in the Hunter Valley, compared with the seemingly ever expanding Bowen Basin.

However the explosives manufacturer was quick to state that at this time “the project has not met Incitec’s financial hurdles.

“The $17 million cost of the feasibility study will

[instead] be expensed in the 2012 financial year.”

Yet at the same time its Moranbah facility continues to grow, producing its first ammonium nitrate in July and commencing ammonia production in house in September.

The site is now on track to produce around 250 000

tonnes of ammonium nitrate in its 2012/13 financial year, rising to 330 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate the following financial year.

So the question arises, in the case of its two ammonium nitrate plants, has community anger, or costs associated with the slow down in mining been the real culprit?

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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8/02/12,

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AM.NOV12.PG034.pdf

Page

34

19/10/12,

11:21

AM

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Change in the air A new drill compressor partnership is set to provide greater relability for drillers.

C

ompressed air is literally what is driving the drilling industry.

Ensuring that drillers have a reliable, constant, and easily maintained source of compressed air is a key factor in all operations.

Because if the compressor goes down, then drilling stops, and if drilling stops that costs the miner and the operator thousands of dollars a day in lost revenues.

A new deal between Western Air, one of the major suppliers of drill compressors to mining contractors, and Doosan a compressor manufacturer, is set to ensure that drillers don’t stop.

Speaking to Lance Maizey, Doosan’s DIPP manager for Oceania, he told Australian Mining that Doosan will now be the supplier of high pressure compressors for Western Air’s drill rig packs.

“We will be supplying the compressors, which they will be remanufacturing into rig packs to fit onto trucks,” Maizey said.

“This is a major deal for the company as Western Air are the air supplier to most of Australia’s drilling industry.”

Western Air’s chief Robert Phillips added it made the big shift from its previous supplier of more than 20 years because it wanted to ensure that its products were reliable.

“We also had safety issues with the previous compressors, which were fitted with hoses that weren’t A D _ A MK E R N O V _ 1 2 . p d rated for the job, and then the com-

A push for increased compressor relability in drilling has driven a new deal between Doosan and Western Air.

pany didn’t replace these hoses for quires someone that listens. Doosan months,” Phillips told Australian Portable Power is that someone.”

Mining.

Phillips added that product sup“If the compressors failed on site port has also been a motivator beit could have serious repercussions, as hind the move. they work at high pressure with above “Doosan took us to their facboiling point oil, and there could have tory and through every facet of their also been oil injection injuries, or manufacturing process and quality whipping high pressure hoses. control; the difference between them “They also had some serious and our previous supplier is really parts supply issues, which slowed us chalk and cheese.” down and had a flow on effect with Doosan will be supplying its the clients.”

XHP 1170 WCAT, with enclosed He went on to say that “our silencer, and FCAT with an open customers want compressors with frame, its XXHP1500 and 1270 f Pa ge 1 1 7 / 1 0 / 1 2 , 9 : 2 1 AM proven and simple systems. This re- models, rated at 350 and 500 psi re-

spectively, “as well as drill modules for 750 cfm and 1250 cfm,” Maizey added.

Phillips stated that the company won’t see an immediate upturn, and expects to spend the next year or so educating the industry on increased reliability.

It has also released some demo machines for drillers to try.

“The feedback we’ve had since changing has been very positive,” he added.

Both Maziey and Phillips told Australian Mining that they are “very excited about this partnership”.

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AM.NOV12.PG036.pdf

Page

36

19/10/12,

11:29

AM

MOTORS & DRIVES

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November 2012

AustralianMining

4 : 1 8

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U

nderstanding the basic factors of the machinery vibrational behaviour goes beyond machinery dynamic modelling.

It should involve deep understanding of the machinery’s dynamic behaviour during its operation and any malfunction situation.

The machinery vibration monitoring requires appropriately selected and strategically located vibrational sensors for capturing the machinery vibration.

Users need to clearly and concisely understand the impacts of a cracked shaft on the machinery vibrations.

Vibration monitoring as a critical part of predictive maintenance programs assists in achieving smooth and long-term operation and has proven to be highly cost effective. The cracked rotating component diagnostics using vibration data combined with operational data is discussed.

The advantages of vibration monitoring method as a powerful diagnostic tool are emphasized.

Crack initiation and propagation

A crack initiation could be because of many mechanical or thermal reasons. Afterwards, the crack growth could be driven by a combination

of thermal and mechanical loads, particularly those causing alternate cyclic stress in the shaft.

A crack is likely to be influenced by the various mechanical stresses (particularly bending stresses), the thermal fields and by the fluid pressure in the cracked area.

High thermal stresses arise in geometric transition zone for many turbomachines.

The thermal fatigue is the reason behind many crack initiation incidences. Some cracks are originating from surface micro-cracks (could be result of many manufacturing and operational reasons).

On the shaft surface (where the shaft or sleeve is in contact with the fluid), the maximum stress could be expected because of the maximum thermal gradient and/or the maximum bending effect.

Even if a shaft sleeve is used, a high stress could happen in the shaft surface.

The location of the thermal boundary zone in a shaft is critical.

If the thermal boundary is located above the crack, tensile stresses develop in correspondence with the crack could facilitate its opening.

Continued on page 38 www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMWEGNOV_12.pdf

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AM.NOV12.PG038.pdf

Page

38

23/10/12,

7:51

AM

MOTORS & DRIVES

Continued from page 36

If the thermal boundary is below the crack, compressive stresses arise force could try closing of the crack.

The thermal stresses and bending stresses are usually responsible for the micro-crack generation, the crack initiation and the propagation of the crack.

Generally, the thermal load, the bending stresses, the axial load, the mass unbalances, and the fluid pressure entering between two crack faces can generate a stress distribution within the shaft and help to the propagation of a crack.

The influence of the axial force would keep the crack open and the fluid pressure on the crack faces would act in the same way.

Crack detection and monitoring

A propagating crack generally produces a bow, which can be magnified by mechanical/thermal stresses and by the fluid pressure penetrating between the two crack faces. The bow could generate high amplitude of 1× vibrations. In other words, the 1× vibration components are generated by the crack-related developing bow, as well as by the mechanical, thermal and hydraulic unbalances.

The component A D1× _ Avibration MG L O N O V _ 1 2 in. p creases consistently when the unbal-

The influence of axial forces keep the cracks open.

ance is in-phase with the bow. This situation is probably the most likely to occur, since the crack usually starts from micro-cracks where the maximum stresses are developed.

The 2× analysis is usually the most convenient way to detect a crack.

A cracked rotor presents two events at each rotation.

Any cracked-shaft formulation shows periodically-variable stiffness dwith f Pa aspeed g e two-times 1 2 2 / of1 the 0 / rotor 1 2 , speed. An open crack generates 2×

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November 2012

AustralianMining

vibration components which could mainly be proportional to the depth of the crack, the bending moment and various loads (such as the fluid hydraulic forces). A crack with a small depth would just generate a weak excitation of the 2× component.

It could be difficult to detect a crack from an abnormal evolution of the 2× vibration component.

Sometimes, the 2× component is so small it could be masked by 3 : 4 3 that PM the noises. In such cases, a crack is only recognizable with advanced filtration methods (such as a nonlinear type “Kalman Filter” analysis).

The 2× vibration amplitude can be a highly nonlinear function of the depth. For example, in a case study, only 10-20 per cent increase in the crack depth resulted in a more than 60 per cent increase in the 2× vibration amplitude. The 2× vibration components are also proportional to the fluid radial forces.

The operation of a turbomachine far from the design point can consistently increase the hydraulic load and the 2× vibration.

The combination of crack excitations and 1× excitation generates also the 3× vibration.

The 3× vibration component is usually smaller than the 2× vibration amplitude. However, in some special incidences the 3× vibration could be at the same order or even slightly higher compared to the 2× component.

The dynamic load, stiffness, and (particularly) damping of bearing and seal could show a high sensitivity to small differences in design, manufacturing (manufacturing details and tolerances), assembly (assembling tolerances) and operational effects (such as the degradation) so that the responses of similar turbomachines can be quite different.

A theoretical prediction of exact vibration behaviour (such as vibration amplitude) of a cracked-shaft would not be suitable for the crack detection. The trending can be the best tool for this purpose.

The increases of 1×, 2× and 3× vibration measurement amplitudes from their acceptance regions (established based on the normal operating condition) can help to detect a crack. There are many other vibration indications for a crack.

For example, vibration measurements could be useful at transient conditions (starting and run-down transients are often too fast to allow the collection of significant data).

However, high 1×, and 2× amplitudes (compared to normal levels) are the most significant symptoms of a crack. The vibration measurements could be in position(s) which rather far away from the crack. Usually, the vibration amplitudes will increase in all locations of a shaft as a result of a crack. Most often, the vibrations in various parts of a shaft could be at least 20% of its maximum (located close to the excitation).

In practice

In understanding the effects of these issues, consider a crack initiation and propagation in a centrifugal compressor shaft. In this turbo-compressor, the steady state 1× and 2× vibrations were reported around 25 micron and 6 micron, respectively. In a ten day period, the 1× and 2× vibrations increased to 41 micron and 10 micron, respectively (around 60-70 per cent increase). After another 10 days ( or 20 days in total), the 1× and 2× vibrations reached the 76 micron and 17 micron, respectively (around three times of the established normal operating vibrations). The machine tripped and the was finally shaft inspected. The high vibration was because of a propagating crack on the shaft.

Conclusion

The vibration monitoring is one of most effective and powerful modern condition monitoring methods.

It enhances efficiency, reliability, availability, and safety of rotating machines.

It reduces production losses.

Synchronous and non-synchronous vibration studies (such as 1×, 2×, 3× and others) are used for identification of basic dynamic characteristics of rotors. *Amin Almasi is an engineer at WorleyParsons. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMGRUJUL_12.pdf

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21/06/12,

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With years of experience in water supply and water treatment, Grundfos can provide you with a wide range of quality, value for money pumping solutions for mining applications.

Grundfos NBG/NKG End Suction pumps are the perfect fit for water supply in mining operations and mineral processing. There is a wide range of NBG/NKG pumps to suit your particular application, so visit www.grundfos.com/mining to seek out a perfect fit.

Backed by a National Service Support Network, Grundfos is your perfect partner in mining.

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AM.NOV12.PG040.pdf

Page

40

19/10/12,

11:31

AM

MOTORS & DRIVES

Driving down costs Variable speed drives are helping manufacturers to drive down energy costs.

W

ith the carbon tax biting, many miners are looking at any way they can cut down energy use.

One way to battle rising energy costs is by focusing on industrial motors and drives.

Over the last decade motor and drives technology has made massive bound forward, particularly in regards to efficiency and the day to day costs of doing business.

According to motor and drives manufacturer Bonfiglioli “even straightforward initiatives – such as the adoption of variable speed drivers instead of fixed speed drives – can produce savings that will more than offset the costs of the Carbon Tax currently imposed on Australia”.

However “the biggest problem is that the technology is growing so quickly that it can be hard to keep up with all the changes and understand which is the correct option for individual companies, especially if they haven’t looked their AD _ A MM A T F at EB _ 1 options 2 . pd for a few years”.

Variable speed drives are between 94% and 98% efficient.

It went on to state that “per- versatile VVVF and Vector electronic haps the government has role here in drive technology, including the Vecsponsoring holistic audits of compa- tor Controlled Inverters SYN, SLP, ny energy use which would undoubt- ACT, VCB series”. edly produce major savings through For quick energy savings on site the use of advanced technologies, companies can see if they have any f Pa ge 1 3 1 / 0 1 / 1 2 , 4 : 5 0 PM such as, in our case, advanced and fans or pumps that are not being

controlled by a variable speed drive, where the flow of the pump is usually being controlled by a valve or flow regulator.

“Installation of a variable speed drive on these applications has one of the biggest potentials to save money and supply a quick payback time by reducing motor speed and thus reducing motor current,” Bonfiglioli said.

It added that variable speed drives are generally between 94 and 98 per cent efficient.

In stop-start operations it can chew through power, drawing five to seven times full load current, which can fatigue motor windings, generates high heat in the motor and in some cases causes supply grid voltage dips, which may even lead to penalties.

Variable speed drives however limit the starting current to between 150 per cent and 200 per cent of full motor current, which means users can generate full motor torque down to virtually zero speed, which will reduce high inrush currents and motor fatigues.

MATO Australia Pty Ltd Conveyor Belt Maintenance Equipment PH: +(61) 1300 850 795 FAX: +(61) 2 4936 1388 Email: maus@mato.com.au www.mato.com.au

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40

November 2012

AustralianMining

MATO Lag

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AD_AMHITAUG_12.pdf

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PM

// B E C A U S E Y O U D O N ’ T D O T H I N G S B Y H A LV E S

Hitachi AC Drive dump trucks. Built to match Hitachi excavators.

Our trucks and excavators are brothers. They’re designed by the same engineers, assembled in the same factories, and built to the same quality. If you’re running a Hitachi excavator, then you’ve already experienced half of the Hitachi advantage.

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AM.NOV12.PG042.pdf

Page

A D _ A MI F MN O V _ 1 2 . p d f

42

Pa ge

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11:34

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2 : 2 5

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MINESITE VEHICLES

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November 2012

AustralianMining

ith the constant drive to get more ore for less effort, machinery on site is becoming larger and larger.

In this edition of Australian Mining we’ve seen the world’s largest underground truck launched on to the market, and the second largest one, within the space of a few days. Talk of the world’s largest mining truck – BelAZ’s 400 tonne dump truck – has also begun again with a proposed launch date of March set for next year.

Cat has also released its first Unit Rig truck, and Liebherr has unveiled its Ultra Class dump truck, which has a payload capacity of just over 360 tonnes.

Yet while much of the current focus has been on mining trucks, both rigid body and articulated haul trucks, excavators, rope shovels and electric shovels have also been growing in size.

And now Joy Global have released a new massive electric mining shovel, which is set to drive the continual size expansion of dump trucks even further.

It launched the P&H 4800XPC Shovel, the company’s largest electric shovel to date.

According to the company the P&H 4800XPC features an advanced 122 tonne payload loading system that is designed to allow for threepass load 360 tonne ultra-class haul trucks.

“The P&H 4800XPC is designed to provide up to a 20 per cent increase in production along with a decrease in cost per ton of up to 5 per cent when compared to the P&H 4100XPC AC,” it said.

Despite this increase in payload, Joy says that it will actually be only slightly larger in size than its current P&H 4100XPC electric rope shovel, and that the new shovel’s groundbearing pressure will closely match that of the previous model.

“Built upon the proven foundation of the P&H 4100XPC AC, it leverages technology and intelligent design to raise the bar for electric mining shovel productivity,” Joy stated.

It went on to explain that the shovel’s “new adaptive controls technology suite, along with the design changes which have now optimised the machine’s structure, enables the larger payload and improves overall shovel loading efficiency”.

Joy has not set a date for its release into Australia. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMABLMAR_12.pdf

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1

Tilt cab for easy maintenance access

Quality Isuzu truck with excellent back up

17/02/12,

11:57

AM

Rollover compliant to Australian Design Rules with a Rollover Protection System to Australian Standards 1636.1 and 2294.2

Bus module transferable onto new cab-chassis when required

Australian designed and built air conditioning for rugged and remote conditions

Comfortable coach seats with seatbelts

Industry standards are, well, standard with this 4WD Able Bus & Coach This Able Bus & Coach 4WD 18-seat remote area bus ticks all the boxes for a minesite.

It isn’t over-engineered.

Its simple built-for-purpose design means it gets the job done without overselling itself.

For safety compliance, the vehicle meets strength and design requirements.

All the engineering tests are validated.

Extensive safety features come standard.

These include a built-in Rollover Protection System (ROPS) to Australian Standards 1636.1 and 2294.2

Able-AustralianMining12.indd 1

and Australian Design Rule rollover compliance, full size coach seats with seat belts and driver’s air bag.

Air conditioners designed and built for extreme heat and vibration also come standard.

It’s built on a bigger truck and put less passengers in.

It may cost a little more but it’s better in the long run, giving a stronger, more reliable vehicle.

Another key feature of the vehicles is inter-changeability with passenger modules that can be removed from older cab chassis and placed on a new cab chassis reducing replacement costs for companies.

Testament to the company’s business philosophy of building tough yet safe, reliable and comfortable vehicles that meet the highest standards are customers such as Able Bus & Coach’s vehicle BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and make of choice is Isuzu – NationWide Hire and a repeat business rate of 90 per cent.

and for good reason: Isuzu isn’t just a good make of vehicle; after sales service is unsurpassed.

The tilt cab of the chassis also allows easy maintenance and access to the motor.

A higher ground clearance than a conventional bus chassis is also ideal for mine site and remote areas.

For more information call Able Bus & Coach on 08 9371 7100, info@ablebusandcoach.com.au or visit ablebusandcoach.com.au

A key proposition of the vehicle is robustness.

Supplying Australiawide [Est.1995]

16/02/2012 2:34:12 PM

AM.NOV12.PG044.pdf

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44

19/10/12,

11:36

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MINESITE VEHICLES

Clearing the air New diesel particulate monitors are ensuring safer work environments.

T

he safety of workers on any mine site is a top priority for mining companies. Whether you deal in underground or above ground work, protecting miners and other at-risk workers from harmful chemicals is a crucial step to ensuring safety on work-sites. With a recent study by the World Health Organization reporting that an overexposure to diesel exhaust fumes can cause lung cancer, increasing the safety is essential.

A new product to market, FLIR Airtec is the first commercially-available, wearable monitor which detects and measures diesel particulate material (DPM). By replacing lab tests, which can take days or weeks before results are delivered, Airtec can notably decrease DPM monitoring costs and help miners to implement real-time corrective changes to ventilation effectiveness or workplace procedures that improve breathing conditions. The capability to detect fumes on-the-spot also enables workers A D _ to A modify M V O Lvehicles N O V _rapidly 1 2 . and pd adjust personnel placement.

The monitor is the first wearable one which both detects and measures DPM.

FLIR leverages elemental carThis means that workers have bon measurement technology devel- immediate access to information oped by the diesel particulate group on the conditions in which they are at Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. working, increasing not only the Airtec diesel particulate monitors safety, but productivity of worksites advantage of anytime/anyf precisely P a g ereplicate 1 4 results / 1 0 /from 1 2 labo, 3 : with 1 2 the PM ratory tests. where flexibility.

Generating dozens to thousands of concentration values, the system can also connect to a data network.

This enables companies to monitor DPM levels and put the necessary plans in place ensure risk management is adhered to in every step of the mining process.

Miners can also use the technology to assess which conditions produce the most DPM levels and, if the risk is deemed high, alter the way in which operations are tackled.

With lightweight, wearable monitors that connect to existing work belts, and real-time alarms warning of high DPM levels, mine operators can transform their overexposure monitoring policies to enable a sharp and dedicated approach to reducing DPM. Designed for harsh mining environments, the Airtec diesel particulate monitors are both tough as well as sensitive, and offer the added efficiency of installation not only on a miner’s belt but also on vehicles, mine walls or on ventilation equipment.

VOLGREN Mine Transportation Solutions Volgren Mine Transportation Solutions can provide: A vehicle that is: i Australian Built i Built to Australia’s highest Safety standards i Constructed from Aluminium providing the operator with a vehicle that is Stronger, Lighter & Safer i Corrosion resistant i Low cost of option due to aluminium structure Finance Packages that can: i Provide finance for 1 to 500 buses i Full vehicle leasing i Off balance sheet benefits

The Volgren body can be built on either Australian or the major European chassis models.

Volgren the Company Volgren is Australia’s largest manufacturer of commercial bus bodies. Our bodies are constructed from aluminium which has a natural resistance to corrosion.

This is prevalent to the highly corrosive environment of the mining industry. Our buses also meet the highest safety standards in the ADR’s and roll over.

Volgren have manufacturing facilities across Australia with plants in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Volgren have been manufacturing buses for the Australian market for over 30 years and today has a market share of over 40% of the domestic new bus sales market.

Volgren is proud of their history in the Australian mining sector, providing buses to the industry since 1980 with a delivery of vehicles to Rio Tinto Alcan Gove (formerly Nabalco). These vehicles served the mine for 28 years and only recently were replaced with a fleet of new Volgren buses.

Australian Owned & Manufactured

For more information please contact Sales & Marketing +61 3 9791 4255 www.volgren.com.au

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QUEENSLAND 20 Amy Johnson Place Eagle Farm QLD 4009 20/10/11 3:55 PM www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMNACMAR_12.pdf

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28/02/12,

11:28

AM

Change PZ PUL]P[HISL

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AM.NOV12.PG046.pdf

Page

46

19/10/12,

11:51

AM

MINESITE VEHICLES

A new breed Cat has released the latest Unit Rig truck.

C

aterpillar has an­ nounced it will de­ velop a new Unit Rig mining truck.

Dubbed the Unit Rig MT 5300D AC, it is the lat­ est Unit Rig AC brand truck to hit the market place since the major merger last year.

According to the com­ pany it is part of its ongoing investment in the Unit Rig line following its acquisition of Bucyrus last year.

At the time of the merger Caerpillar’s resources divi­ sion marketing manager Tony Johnson told Australian Mining that despite the merger it would be “keeping the Unit Rig electric drive trucks due to their strong market presence and history in the industry”.

It came after there were concerns that many of the well known Bucyrus brands would potentially disappear after the merger, to be re­ This latest Unit Rig truck is the first to be rolled out since Caterpillar’s acquisition of Bucyrus. placed by Caterpillar trucks or have the design dramatic­ It will also look “to in­ with a proven Cat engine, “It creates operator confi­ ally altered. source as many Cat com­ AC drive and vehicle infor­ dence that leads to produc­ However Caterpillar ponents as possible into the mation management sys­ tive and safe operation.” dismissed these fears, stat­ new products, but we won’t tem,” Caterpillar stated.

Although these new ing that the Unit Rig trucks simply jam a Cat engine into It is also “designed to trucks are a merger of the will remain relatively un­ a Terex machine because offer strong performance, technology, integrating Cat changed, and that Unit Rig it’s there,” he explained, re­ safety, ease of operation C175­16 engines and Cat technology will also find its sponding to concerns. and maintenance, and r re­ 360T AC electric drive sys­ way into Cat trucks as well, “The MT5300D AC lev­ liability. The Cat C175­16 tems within the Unit Rig MT surface mining trucks man­ erages Unit Rig’s millions is proven in Cat large min­ Series trucks, they essentially ager Ed McCord stating: of hours of field experience ing trucks, and the Cat AC are the same, with one miner “the merger of these com­ with the MT Series truck drive system features indus­ telling Australian Mining panies is a two way street, chassis, hydraulics, electri­ try­leading dynamic retard­ that the Unit Rig is still “a _ A capitalise M Q U I Aon U Geach _ 1 2 cal . p system df P and a g esuspension 1 2 0 / 0ing 7 /capacity 1 2 , combined 1 2 : 2 0 with P M Bucyrus, [just] have a look as A weD can other’s knowledge.” and integrates those systems four­corner wet disc brakes. at the cab and everything

46

November 2012

AustralianMining

else on it, the [truck] is just painted yellow”.

These MT5300D AC, Unit Rig trucks fit in the company’s current truck line between the 227 tonne 793 F and the 327 tonne 795F AC. Within the Unit Rig line, the new truck fits in between the MT4400 AC, which as has a payload capacity of 221 tonnes, and the MT5500 AC which has a much higher pay­ load capacity of 326 tonnes.

It has a planned payload of 290 tonnes, and a net power of 2050kW. The machine will weigh in at around 505 tonnes.

It will feature a ROPS cab; wide access stairways; traction control; a quiet ra­ dial retarder grid; as well as wide right­side visibility to both enhance safety and further benefit the operator.

Simple hydraulic sys­ tems, modular components, hydraulic gauge cabinet, grouped service locations, engine bay service walkways and more ground accessible maintenance points will also mean less downtime and en­ hance safety for maintenance technicians.

While Cat has not set a defined date for its launch in Australia, it did state that the vehicle is currently under­ going site testing at Cater­ pillar’s proving grounds in Arizona, U.S., and that “it will be commercially avail­ able in the near future”.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMBRISEP_12.pdf

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15/08/12,

9:03

AM

Fitting giant Off the Road tyres isn’t a job for any ordinary Joe

Joe Ruig has been fitting Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres for over 30 years and like the rest of our 80 plus national tyre fitting team, he has been trained beyond national standards.

Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres staff work on controlling the risks involved in the servicing, maintenance, fitting, inspection and repair of Off the Road tyres and wheel assemblies.

Our safety procedures exceed industry standards and our equipment is modern and developed to ensure fit for purpose.

So when tyre and wheel servicing is required for off the road applications, don’t rely any ordinary “Joe”, rely on the company with the experience and the resource to do it first time every time.

Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres

If you are interested in a career as a tyre fitter with Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres contact careers@BSEM.com.au or freecall 1800 114 040 www.bridgestone-earthmover.com.au

AM.NOV12.PG048.pdf

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48

19/10/12,

11:54

AM

MINESITE VEHICLES

Making their mark Germany’s Liebherr has launched the world’s largest payload truck in the industry.

L

iebherr has unveiled two new mining trucks at MINExpo.

The German company used the exhibition to launch its new T 264 and T 284 Ul­ tra Class mining trucks.

According to the Ger­ man company, the T 284 will have the largest payload in the world.

Liebherr’s newly released T 264 is a return to the 218 tonne class.

It has been designed to match the newly launched R 996B and R 9800 hydraulic excavators, as well as the com­ pany’s existing wheel loaders.

It utilises a Litronic Plus AC drive system and a high power engine, which has an output of between 1864 and 2013 kW and provides high­ er speeds on grades.

The T264 has an ad­ vanced A D _traction A M V Ocontrol L 2 N Osys­ V_ 1 tem with four wheel speed

Liebherr’s T284 is one of a new Ultra Class size of truck slated to be filling global minesites soon.

sensing capability that auto­ matically adjusts torque to the rear wheels to maximise traction.

The truck features a high powered, frictionless dy­ namic braking system, with the AC drive system provid­ ing 3,300 kW of electric dy­ namic braking that aids in reducing engine loading and fuel consumption.

2 . p df Pa ge 1 1 1 According to reports it

is designed to operate for nearly 24 hours without refuelling, depending on its operation.

It weighs in at 385 tonnes.

Liebherr’s massive T 284 Ultra Class mining truck has been built as a forward look­ ing vehicle, according to the company, and “serves as a platform for futre advances /in1mining 0 / 1 truck 2 , technology”.

1 : 4 2 PM It went on to say that

I Am. I Am Bi-turbo power

I Am 8-speed auto

I Am the biggest tray in the class

“the T 284 offers the highest payload in the industry and also features the latest gen­ eration of the Litronic Plus AC drive system”.

Weighing in at 600 tonnes, it has a payload capacity of 363 tonnes, and is almost cap­ able of carrying the newly re­ leased T 264, although it still maintains a low empty vehicle weight, which coupled with the drive and engine power of

3000kW, provides this high payload capability.

It also supports higher capacity tyres.

The German manufac­ turer was able to reduce the overall weight of the truck by using cast components in key areas, as well as internal tubular structures with fully welded stringers.

It has not yet set a date for its Australian release.

I think, therefore I Amarok.

I Am weekends away. I Am tried and tested. I Am here for the long haul. I Am 4x4 Australia Magazine’s Ute of the Year. I Am on the money. I Am smart technology. The ute market is changing. We know you want more than basic.

We know you demand award-winning on and off-road performance, intuitive features, unprecedented fuel efficiencies, low service costs, genuine dealer support and more. With new Amarok Single Cab and new Amarok 8-speed auto now in dealerships, there’s an Amarok to suit every job. And, with their competitive prices, they’ll suit your budget, too. You think, therefore you deserve more from your ute.

To find out more visit www.IAmarok.com.au today.

I Am 5-Star ANCAP safety

48

November 2012

AustralianMining

I Am a beast off-road

I Am saving you money with every tank

www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMMACNOV_12.pdf

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17/10/12,

9:44

AM

Concrete advantages from MacLean

You don’t take risks with underground ground support equipment. This is precisely why you should go with the rugged, proven and reliable MacLean Engineering shotcrete spraying system. Underground certified, diesel or electric spraying. Couple this with our unique Agi/Transmixer and you get optimum reliability with a true 6m3 payload; reverse drum rotation for discharge without tilting; low cost operation yet robust engineering.

Contact the team at MacLean Engineering for experienced advice & comprehensive knowledge about underground mining vehicles and equipment.

Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

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AM.NOV12.PG050.pdf

Page

50

19/10/12,

11:57

AM

MINESITE VEHICLES

Driving development The drive for more tonnages and safer vehicles has seen a new range of trucks hit the site.

A

s more mines go underground, the need to haul more even faster grows.

Responding to this growing demand, Sandvik launched its latest additions to the TH500600 series, the TH551 and TH663 underground trucks at MINExpo in Las Vegas.

According to Sandvik “these new trucks demonstrate the latest innovations in hard rock ramp hauling, and are therefore the clear forerunners of next generation underground trucking”.

The new trucks have been designed to have the largest hauling capacity per envelope size, it added.

These series’ trucks will also be available with low emission Tier 4i -technology These two new trucks also feature Sandvik’s low emissions engine which is designed for safer underground operations. engines that provide high torque characteristics with the machinery company “The TH551 and TH663 also feature anti-slip materials ROPS and FOPS certified low fuel consumption. stated. are probably the safest hoist- on the steps and surfaces as cabin is now 35 per cent Following in the footMark Ryan, Sandvik’s ing trucks ever made,” Ryan well as the safety rails on top larger that its predecessors, steps of the previously re- product manager for trucks, said. of the truck to add to person- offering features such as leased TH550 and TH450, stated that “research in the Regarding maintenance, nel safety even in cases where 4-point retractable safety which cut diesel emissions, complete underground hard particular attention has been climbing is required. belt for the operator seat these new vehicles also have rock hoisting application given to the replacement “When designing the and 3-point safety belt for fewer emissions. and customer feedback have time of large components, TH551 and TH663 we the trainer seat, mp3-player, The TH551 and TH663 played a major role in the such as engine transmission, looked at the situations that cabin refrigerator and easy have also been engineered to design process of these new which in turn results in sig- involve the most downtime to use control system display match Sandvik’s LH517 and trucks”. nificant increases in uptime for our customers. What with colour coded warnings, LH621 loaders.

Safety has also played a hours and the total of tonnes do you do when your fully making it easier for the op“This ‘productivity part- major role in the trucks’ de- per year hoisted. loaded hoisting truck is erator to concentrate on the ners concept’ allows for a velopment.

Daily maintenance of blocking the haulage ramp work at hand – while still fast 3-bucket loading sysAccording to Sandvik the TH551 and TH663 can due to a flat tyre, stopping making sure that warnings tem, which increases the they have more than 60 differ- be done from ground level, your whole hoisting opera- are easily spotted. load and haul cycle efficien- ent safety features to protect minimising the risks related tion?” Ryan asked.

In addition, these trucks D _ A M in SH E Nlevels O V _of 1 2 the . p doperator, f P a g maintenance e 1 1 7 / 1to0climbing / 1 2 , on9 the : 2machine.

3 AM cy,Aresulting high In the case of opera- also feature front frame susoverall cycle productivity,” staff and the truck itself.

These underground trucks tor comfort, the ergonomic pension.

50

November 2012

AustralianMining

002249_SHL2249_LUBWD_AM_HB_60x210_2.1.indd 1

www.miningaustralia.com.au 11/10/12 5:40 PM

AD_AMTYRNOV_12.pdf

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SIZES: 1400R24, 17.5R25, 20.5R25, 23.5R25, 26.5R25, 29.5R25, 35/65R33, 2700R49

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For more information and to ďŹ nd your closest dealer freecall Tyres4U on 1800 788 688 or email Tyres4U OTR Sales Manager - Trent Wallin (trentw@tyres4u.com.au) 100% Australian owned & operated

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MINESITE VEHICLES

World’s largest underground truck Atlas Copco has given a preview of what will become a game changer underground.

A

tlas Copco has unveiled the world’s largest articulated underground mining truck.

The company gave the industry a sneak peak at MINExpo in Las Vegas, where it launched a number of other machines.

According to the company the new MT85 mine truck has been designed for the harsh conditions found underground, with particular focus paid to ergonomic design and operator comfort, as well as maximising productivity through increased haulage.

The underground truck is designed with a maximum payload haulage capacity of approximately 85 tonnes, and has been built to fit the majority of mine ramps and inclines, Atlas Copco says.

Product manager for Atlas Copco’s underground rock excavation division, Ben Thompson, explained that “this truck is designed to fit the same drift dimensions of 50 and 60 tonne A D class _ A Mtrucks M A X with N O Vone _ 1essential 2 . pd difference. It will haul 85 tonnes

The 14 metre long truck can easily fit into six metre by six metre drifts.

which gives a tremendous produc- and 3.5 metres high, easily fitting tivity boost in terms of fewer trucks into typical 6 by 6 metre underand tonnes/kilometers per hour”. ground drifts.

While the Minetruck MT85 has And despite its length of 14 mehigh capacity, it still fits within a tres, it has an impressive turning which is largely f relatively P a g esmall 1 envelope.

1 7 / 1 0 / 1 2 , 1 radius 0 : 1 of 4 44 A degrees M It measures only 3.4 metres wide thanks to its electro-hydraulic steer-

ing of the rear axle which gives maximum manoeuverability.

Thompson went on to emphasise the MT85’s manoeuverability on ramps and inclines.

“This means that fewer cycles need to be made which, in turn, reduces the cost of transport in relation to the amount of material hauled.

“It makes it more attractive to go for deeper ore bodies by ramp instead of sinking a shaft.”

This newly developed truck also offers a high degree of modularity and options.

The dump box can be tipped at the side of the vehicle as well as at the rear.

There are also two tailgate configurations, and it can be either hinged at top or at bottom.

It has three engine power alternatives as well as four wheel or six wheel drive depending on the mine’s requirements.

Its official launch date will be revealed next year.

Employee Benefits Asset Management

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)PX EPFT ZPVS FNQMPZFF CFOFmUT QSPHSBN TUBDL VQ Maxxia works with you to develop and manage specific salary packaging programs for mining and resources industry employers, with benefits including: t 'J'P CFOFmUT t /PWBUFE WFIJDMF MFBTJOH t -"')" t 3FNPUF BSFB IPVTJOH CFOFmUT

Find out more, visit maxxia.com.au, or call us on 1300 728 801 to speak to a Maxxia representative in your state.

Maxxia Pty Limited ABN 39 082 449 036 Authorised Representative (No. 278683) of McMillan Shakespeare Limited (AFSL No. 299054)

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMBOBNOV_12.pdf

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COMPACT LOADERS & EXCAVATORS

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR FREE CALL: 1800 643 853

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HIRE & RENTAL

The end of HIRE A s the mining boom slows, major projects and expansion plans are being put on the backburner as companies continue to reassess their expenditure.

Not only does this mean cutting back on workers and contractors, but with hire and rental companies traditionally providing the equipment companies don’t need to own, many are looking at their future in the industry and if current projects are enough to sustain the industry.

The hire and rental industry in Australia is reportedly worth $4 billion, with rental equipment the most sought after when it comes to the mining sector.

With mining companies after work platforms, cranes, heavy machinery, and cars, the hire and rental industry exploded with the boom as mining companies looked to hire and rental companies for assistance in projects as dealerships and OEMs backlog of orders grew.

However, decisions AD_ AM E L D Nby O major V _ 1 com2 . p panies to shelve projects have sent a

MARKETS?

As the mining boom slows, hire companies will start to feel the pinch.

shock through many hire and rental through to affect the businesses who companies who were banking on be- service them. ing used.

The scrapping of the $20 bilBHP’s decision to shelve plans lion dollar project means that 6,000 for the Olympic Dam expansion is construction jobs along with an eshow d the f largest P a g eexample 1 5 of / 1 0 / a1single 2 , 1 timated 1 : 4 0 15,000 A M indirect jobs that ecision in the mining sector flows were expected to be generated from the project, didn’t eventuate.

With the much publicised boom slowing, it is clear the hire and rentCommercial al sector will suffer.

Hire and Rental Industry Association operations manager, James Oxenham, says the mining slowdown will affect some companies more than others.

“A lot of our members are all across Australia, so some will be more affected than others,” he told Australian Mining.

“If they’ve seen it coming than they’ve probably prepared and diversified .”

Oxenham pointed to other secFOR LEASE - 46 New Queen Road, Charters Towers tors hire and rental companies could Located on the Flinders Highway (New Queens Road) on the eastern side of target and says that the upcoming Charters Towers this development offers potential for any business who is construction industry and infralooking for premium exposure to the West of the State while maintaining close structure projects, particularly off proximity with Townsville. the predicted LNG boom, are likely The property offers the following features: to be the avenues traditionally mining specific companies would take.

• Warehouse of 1,441 square metres square metres with “A Grade” furniture “Some that have good business with five x 6 metre entrance/s.

• Car-parking for 20 vehicles with the mines – if they can see a • Warehouse offers Ground Level • Separate Workshop facility of 120 slow down – will be looking at what accessibility from the West side and square metres (approx.) a full facilitated Loading dock from • B-Double accessibility with 8 metre else they can do. the East side of building. concrete surrounds driveways.

“It’s up to them to figure out • Separate professional offices of 204 • Industrial 3 phase power what equipment they have and choose what projects they can underGlenn Adair 0411 213 880 - glenn.adair@eldersrealestate.com.au For Lease take,” he added.

While it may seem obvious that Elders Townsville Commercial Sales, companies with big machinery go 6/41 Denham Street Townsville QLD 4810, 1300 4 ELDERS after projects within the government

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sector as the mining boom slows, if this happens there is the very likely possibility that companies will all be clambering to secure the same government tenders in what could become a competitive nightmare, not to mention an unsustainable business model.

With the highly targeted products that most hire and rental companies offer, many say that moving to other sectors just won’t work for the companies whose equipment and skills are not immediately transferable, putting them at a disadvantage and potentially, out of business.

Most companies in the sector are working from a backlog and don’t expect the shelving of projects to affect them for the moment but say the slowing pace has definitely become more noticeable.

Mark Webster from hire and rental company RNS OilField Services says that while the industry is ‘still going strong’ he has noticed a slight slowdown.

“We are related to the oil & gas industry and also do some coal seem gas,” he told Australian Mining.

“We are finding we are working through the backlog of projects, which will still sustain our business for a few years to come.”

However, Webster does concede that there has been some slowdown in Victoria where his company predominatly operates.

“The only slowdown has really been in Victoria for us, and (we) can forecast that we will have to travel further afield to go to work.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

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HIRE & RENTAL

Cutting emissions, not quality The battle to fight emissions before vehicles even hit the site is giving rental companies an edge.

W

To drive your dollar further

ith hire and rental companies feeling the pinch of the mining slowdown, many within the industry are looking to diversify their range and offer alternative products with a point of difference which will make them stand out from the crowd.

Couple this with the intention to reduce carbon emissions, become more environmentally friendly and improve on efficiency and we can see how hire and rental companies are looking to acquire products which will appeal to an industry that has decreased capital expenditure costs in recent times.

One hire and rental company operating out of WA’s Pilbara region is doing just that by purchasing vehicles for mining companies to hire that aim to reduce emissions of from the exhaust of diesel vehicles.

Raw Hire has purchased new vehicles, including a six tonne flatbed truck, crane trucks and a 54 seater bus which are all fitted with an AdBlue facility.

AdBlue is the Australian trademark name for Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%, which is used with modern Selective Catalytic Reduction systems (SCR), to reduce emissions.

Adblue is a solution of high purity urea in demineralised water that is clear, non-toxic and safe to touch. But because it is not a fuel or a fuel additive, it needs to be used in a dedicated tank fitted out in heavy duty vehicles.

AAdblue D _ A is Msprayed P R I Minto A R the _ 1exhaust 1 . pd gas between the engine manifold and

Lowering emissions in the Pilbara.

catalytic convertor and works by hydrolysing into ammonia. The ammonia then reacts on the catalyst surface with the nitrus oxide to give off harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

Raw Hire asset and logistic manager, Tom Petrickovic, said making the transition to more environmentally friendly vehicles made sense.

“Being based in the beautiful Pilbara, we are conscious of doing the right thing by the environment and our clients,” he said.

“The benefits of AdBlue are wellknown and we’ve been fully prepared to budget for transitioning our heavy vehicle fleets over a period of time to these purpose built AdBlue/ SCR equipped vehicles to meet future environmental requirements.”

Raw Hire director Sean Clark said the company was proud to be at the forefront of carbon emission reduction and that the move to introduce AdBlue was part of a company f strategy P a g to e reduce 1 4 emissions / 0 2 / 1 1 , 1 1 : 1 8 across the whole business.

Call us on 13 27 27 today.

Budget has a wide range of mine-spec vehicles available in all of Australia’s major mining regions. To discuss your mine-spec fleet requirements, please call your nearest Budget location on 13 27 27 today.

BUDG1102_MM

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PRODUCT FOCUS: PPVC

Flexible and rigid couplings

Made from carbon steel and 316 stainless steel.

Heavy duty mining hose ReCoila has released the heavy duty C Series general purpose hose reel in both hand crank and motor drive options for the mining and quarry industry. This simple and tough hose reel will handles a multitude of hose sizes, lengths and pressures and is ideal for challenging environments. Constructed of carbon steel and stainless steel 316 with galvanized and powder coat finishes, the main axle is supported by ball bearings. its bearings offer a smooth and reliable rotation, while the adjustable friction brake allows operators to add or remove drag to prevent over spooling.

The positive spool-lock holds the spool fixed during transit, preventing overrun and the open spool design allows air flow to help dry out wet areas and allow for easy cleaning. a bolt together frame and spool offers easy access for maintenance and service as and when required. The unique modular design of the C Series also allows the user to add or change drive systems in the field or at a later date with a simple bolt-on feature. The C Series has five drive options and accommodates hose from 6mm to 25mm iD. it can hold hose lengths from 15m up to 300m (dependant on hose iD size). The 38mm hose size can handle up to 1500psi of pressure, and most other sizes up to 5000psi. ReCoila’s range of reels includes composite spring rewind hose and cable reels, fabricated steel reels in powder coated finish, stainless steel and aluminium with hand crank, and motorised versions.

• ReCoila www.recoila.com A D _ A MA L L N O V _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 9 / 1 0 / 1 2 ,

ViCTaUliC has launched QuickVic couplings which feature grooved, installation-ready technology.

The Style 177 and Style 107H couplings are designed to be installed in four easy steps: lubricate, stab, join and drive. They are designed to provide a simple, time efficient solution in flexible and rigid pipe joining environments. Suitable for use in the mining, HVaC and industrial sectors, the couplings are available in various sizes, pressure ranges and temperatures. The Style 177 coupling delivers expansion, contraction and deflection capabilities to suit flexible pipe joining needs. in contrast, the Style 107H coupling provides joint rigidity, meeting industry standards for support and hanging requirements. Both couplings feature the proprietary eHP gasket material, delivering performance from -34°C to 121°C. Style 177 couplings are rated up to 1000 psi/6900 kPa, and Style 107H are rated up to 750 psi/5715 kPa, depending on pipe schedule and size.

• Victaulic 1300 742 842 www.victaulic.com

Oil-free centrifugal compressor CaPS australia now offers the new C1000 Centac centrifugal compressor. The unit incorporates a streamlined design which is intended to simplify installation into any industrial setting. according to the company, the compressor is one of the most efficient in its product range due to its design, use of optimised components and user-friendly operation. The compressor is designed to minimise the overall cost of ownership by reducing energy consumption and operating costs. The unit can supply high volumes of compressed air required for applications such as smelting, mining and food or chemical processing. The latest design comprises the main compressor unit and at least three coolers, all mounted on a cast-iron frame. it also features heavy-duty motors and uniformed hardened components. The unique vertically-split arrangement of the design provides easier access to major components of the compressor which is said to reduce maintenance and servicing time.

• Caps Australia 1300 284 896 www.capsaust.com.au 3 : 5 8 PM

SALE For more information and to see the GVMM MJTU PG QVNQT BWBJMBCMF HP UP www.allightsykes.com/pump-it-sale, QR Scan or call 1300ALLIGHT

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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M i n i n g

S o l u t i o n S

Fast. saFe. RelIable.

A complete line of shouldered couplings, fittings and valves from Victaulic.

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Meet construction deadlines and compress schedules

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Shouldered Installation-Ready couplings eliminate loose parts on the job and install up to 10 times faster than other pipe joining methods.

Victaulic Shouldered Butterfly Valves and HDPE-to-Shouldered Transition Couplings provide a complete system of versatile shouldered products for underground and surface mine piping applications.

Improve jobsite safety Couplings, fittings and valves install easily and quickly without fire hazards and noxious fumes, eliminating the need for costly precautionary measures associated with hot-works.

Contact us today to schedule a hands-on demonstration of Victaulic Shouldered Solutions at your facility! vicaust@victaulic.com +61 39392 4000

www.victaulic.com/mining

Victaulic1029615.indd 1

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Australia’s Mining

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PRODUCT FOCUS: PPVC

PUMPS FOR MINING, PROCESSING & WATER TREATMENT

AUTO PRIMING DIESEL POWERED HIGH HEAD PUMPSETS oĆ? Ć?(MBKTCDRĆ?2TODQĆ?2HKDMSĆ?Ć?

VHSGĆ?6D@SGDQĆ?OQNNEĆ?"@MNOX oĆ? Ć?$MUHQNMLDMS@KKXĆ?%QHDMCKX oĆ? Ć?1DKH@AKDĆ?VHSGĆ?KNVĆ?L@HMSDM@MBDĆ? Ć?

SELF PRIMING MAGNETIC DRIVE PUMPS oĆ? Ć?$MG@MBDCĆ?2@EDSX oĆ? Ć?%NQĆ? BHCR Ć?Ć? Ć? KJ@KHDR Ć?DSB oĆ? Ć?2DKEĆ?/QHLDRĆ? LĆ?VHSGNTSĆ?%NNSĆ?5@KUD oĆ? Ć?ÂĄ1TM #QX¢Ć?OQNSDBSHNM oĆ? Ć?2TBSHNMĆ?2SQ@HMDQĆ?HMĆ?ATHKS oĆ? Ć?%KNVRĆ?SNĆ? Ć?KHSQDR LHMTSD Ć?

HYDRAULIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS oĆ? Ć?-NĆ?$KDBSQHBĆ?'@Y@QCR oĆ? Ć?-NĆ?2TBSHNMĆ?KHÉ–Ć?+HLHS@SHNMR oĆ? Ć?+@QFDĆ?1@MFD Ć?HMBKTCDRĆ?2NKHCRĆ?'@MCKHMF oĆ? /NVDQĆ?/@BJRĆ?SNĆ?RTHS Ć?

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03 8805 0500

E sales@toolkwippumps.com W www.toolkwippumps.com +2.Ć? 5 (+ !+$Ć?ËźĆ? !1 2(.-Ć?1$2(23 -3Ć? ËźĆ?%+.Ëź*6(/Ć? 1Ć?$+$"31("Ć?24!,$12(!+$2Ć? ËźĆ?#.2(-&Ć?/4,/2Ć?ËźĆ?!.1&$1Ć?+.!$Ć?/4,/2Ć?Ć? ËźĆ?4+31 2.-("Ć?%+.6,$3$12...

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Under THE PUMP A distribution deal with Aussie pumps will see Tsurumi submersibles hit Aussie shores.

T

he mining industry is all about confidence. People working in the industry, investing in the industry, and supplying to the industry need to have confidence in the sector.

And this is built by workers being able to do their job because they have confidence in their equipment.

Confidence in its equipment and as a supplier is why Tsurumi has announced that Aussie Pumps will now be its Australian distributor.

Tsurumi has been in Australia for decades, however it has chosen to change its strategy as “we see the Australian mining market as one where we have to address unique challenges and so we’ve partnered with a company that understands these challenges,� Bill Davidson, the president of Tsurumi North America, told Australian Mining. “We’re dealing in a market where reliability is everything.�

Tsurumi is known within the mining industry, particularly the

underground sector, for its submersible pumps, and while not as big as the other large pump players, it is making a major push into market.

Davidson explained that while other pumps on the market work “we are seeking to prove ourselves to the sector as an alternative, a new and better way, and we’re doing this by making our number one focus suitability for purpose [and the Australian market]�.

He said one way it is doing this is by making Australian specific products and standardising its equipment for the mining sector. “Even simple things such as standardising the wiring and colouring of the wires. “Australia has a number of unique operating standards, for instance in this area underground submersible pumps are 1000 volts, while most around the rest of the world are only 600 volts. So it’s critical that a company does R&D to create

products that are suitable for the market,� he told Australian Mining.

Davidson added that this R&D has been a key driver in the development of their submersible pumps. “For instance, we looked at major issues for pumps – running dry, and how this affects mechanical seals. While most use tungsten carbide seals these face the problem of heat checking, even if they run dry for only a few seconds, so instead our pumps use silicon carbide seals to counter this issue.�

Davidson added that these “mechanical seals typically last five to ten years longer than their competitors�. “The true cost of [a malfunctioning pump] is not the cost of repair, it’s the downtimes it causes; it’s the lack of productivity. “Operators should have confidence in their machines, and we have confidence in Aussie to help us provide mining operators with another choice.� www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

The 9th Annual Australian Mining

PROSPECT AWARDS Join us in recognising and celebrating excellence in the industry.

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s it that time of year again, when the industry gathers to recognise, and celebrate, innovation and excellence.

It is pertinent timing, considering the way this past year has battered the industry.

Now more than ever the industry needs to take a step back and focus on the good that it is doing, the achievements it is making, rather than focusing on the myriad of job losses, project deferments, and mine closures.

And looking at the entries for this year it seems as though the apparent halt of the mining boom, the implementation of the Carbon Tax, and the impost of the Mineral Resources Rent Tax is not stopping people from achieving, developing, and being innovative. This year we have again see a huge number of en-

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tries across 15 categories, ranging from the heavily entered Innovation category, the Excellence in Environmental Management award, and the Minerals Processing Plant of the Year award, through to Manager of the Year, the highly popular Mining’s Woman of the Year award, and the Young Achiever award.

The Coal Mine of the Year, Hard Rock Mine of the Year, and prestigious Mine of the Year awards are all highlighting the tremendous work that many miners are doing despite the uncertainty and worry in the industry. In this issue we’ve showcased the finalists and shown that the industry, even amidst a massive shakeup, can and is still excelling. So join us in recognising, and celebrating excellence with the Australian Mining Prospects Awards.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Innovation

through experience Established in 1978, MMD designed and patented the Twin Shaft Mineral Sizer. To complement the robust Twin Shaft Sizer, MMD has also designed and developed a range of heavy duty Apron Plate Feeders, to be used in conjunction with sizers on both static and mobile Installations.

An independent company that focuses on Sizing and developing IPCC sizing solutions, MMD works with customers to develop systems adapted to their needs and has an unmatched record for the development and supply of effective trend setting static, semi and fully mobile sizing systems for mining a wide range of minerals around the world.

An exemplary track record of ‘Innovation through experience’ has led MMD to being an integral part of the global mining industry and a byword for productivity and reliability.

See us at:

MINEXPO 2012 Booth 2603

MMD Australia Pty. Ltd. Brisbane Mackay Singleton

sizers@mmdaus.com.au

THE MMD GROUP OF COMPANIES WWW.MMD SI Z E R S. C OM

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

COAL MINE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by SEW Eurodrive Anglo American’s Capcoal mine For a massive drop in injuries combined with a huge increase in its output, Anglo American’s Capcoal coal mine has been nominated for the Coal Mine of the Year.

Over the last 18 months Capcoal’s surface operations have seen significant lifts in productivity due to improved equipment performance, remote maintenance operations, and an unswerving focus on safety and achieving zero harm. On top of this was the recent upgrade to its coal handling preparation plant (CHPP) which has enabled it to increase throughput to 15 million tonnes of coal per annum. In the last 12 months Capcoal’s surface operations have slashed its TRCFR by 75 per cent, including seeing its electrical maintenance workshop achieve 22 years lost time injury free in July of this year. It has also managed to safely introduce a rope shovel into its operations, and implement a remote monitoring system to identify equipment issues before they become a serious problem. Capcoal increased its conveyor’s weekly throughput by 50 per cent.

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Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine In its drive to become Australia highest producing longwall mine and to minimise injuries, Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine has been recognised as a finalist for the Coal Mine of the Year award.

Last year the mine was New South Wales’ highest producing longwall, and the second best in Australia.

This has been achieved after five years of continuous effort and innovation.

Its projects have included upgrades to its conveyor and coal handling systems, installation of new infrastructure to remove bottlenecks in the system and the construction of a dedicated 3.4 kilometre private haul road to allow its coal to now enter the export market.

Workers at the mine have redesigned its longwall conveyor transfer points to allow for peak tonnage rates of up to 5000 tonnes per hour, installed improved transfer points on trunk conveyors, and managed to cut the duration of longwall relocations.

AustralianMining

Centennial Coal’s Myuna mine Centennial Coal has nominated its Myuna Colliery for Coal Mine of the Year in recognition of its workers’ innovation.

In its drive for safety, Myuna’s miners have developed a new system for towing heavy equipment that allows for movement in three plans, allowing large equipment to easily be towed over the rough undulating ground found in underground mines.

While this has reduced the difficulties of towing operations, it has also eliminated the need for a second operator to steer the equipment, therefore eliminating the risk posed to this additional operator.

The system provides superior control to previous methods and has reduced the risk of collisions underground with people, plant, roof/ribs and services such as high pressure air/water or electrical cables.

This has made towing operations involving large equipment safer for Myuna’s employees and the Colliery The team at Myuna developed the hitch in conjunction with local engineering firm SOTO.

Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine For its multi-pronged approach to innovation, environmental management, safety, and community interaction, Xstrata’s Ravensworth open cut mine has been nominated for the Coal Mine of the Year award. Operating both the Narama and Ravensworth North open cuts near Singleton and Muswellbrook, the mines have jointly been in operation since the early 1990s and will run until 2015. Ravensworth North itself is a new mine that begin operations this year and is currently building to a capacity of more than 14 million tonnes per annum of ROM coal by 2014, and is forecast to run for close to 30 years. Ravensworth as a whole has actively sought to implement real time production and maintenance systems to move the operation forward. These systems include blast and weather monitoring to accurately predict noise and dust conditions following blasts.

Water management has also been a key concern, with Ravensworth developing an adaptive water system.

Xstrata’s Newlands surface mine Innovation on site has seen Xstrata’s Newlands surface operations nominated for the Coal Mine of the Year award.

Workers at the site found that dozer final drives often get covered in mud, allowing the mud to work its way into the final through the duo-cone seal, which causes significant damage.

This damage results in considerable business impact, namely maintenance repair costs, production delays, and exposure of maintenance personnel to unnecessary risk. It developed a solution to design a final drive scraper (wiper arm) which attaches to the final drive and removes mud and build up from accumulating around the duo cone seal area. This initiative is a cheap, simple and feasible engineering solution to a common and expensive business problem.

The innovation was designed and developed by an employee of the Newlands Surface Operations Maintenance Department, Ashley Carvolth, in response to an identified safety and production issue. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Gearmotors \ Industrial Gear Units \ Drive Electronics \ Decentralised Technology \ Drive Automation \ Services

High Torque?

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Atlas Copco Xstrata Zinc Xstrata Zinc has been nominated as Australia’s Hard Rock Mine of the Year Operating since 1920, the mine has seen a number of developments as it works one of the largest zinc deposits in Australia.It has an annual production capacity of 300 000 tonnes of zinc concentrate and 170 000 tonnes of lead, and employs approximately 1160 people.

One of its major focuses is integrating itself within the community and promotion of the Mount Isa region.

One of its major works has been its comprehensive study into promoting the town and bringing Mt Isa closer together with its operations.

Dubbed the My Isa Study, it was an analysis of the needs of the mine’s employees and their families in Mount Isa. Regarding its employees and families as a distinct community it found that by supporting the greater liveability of Mount Isa it would help its employees as well as the broader community.

The outcomes of the study are shaping its current and future strategies in relation to human resources management, community relations, and regional development.

Xstrata Zinc is now focused on increasing the quality of life in the region, promoting its attractiveness, and solving the housing issues that afflict many regional mining towns.

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Newmont’s Boddington mine Newmont’s Boddington gold mine has been nominated for the Hard Rock Mine of the Year award.

While it was closed back in 2003, since its reopening in 2010 the mine was expected to become the nation’s largest gold mine, according to WA premier Colin Barnett.

At the start of last year it had reserves of 20 million ounces of gold and 2.4 billion pounds of copper, and is estimated to produce more than one million ounces of gold annually once production is fully up and running.

The mine has been recognised not only for its production and work practices, but also the work culture that it instills on site. It has been forward in ensuring gender equality on site, and increasing the number of women working across project, and becoming an integral part of the community.

It has implemented a more steady work roster to provide a better work life balance for its miners, and focus promoting the importance of family.

Newmont’s Boddington mine has also achieved this focus on the family through the development of a ‘Long Day Care’, which it identified as part of its feasibility studies in 2005.

It implemented facilities in the community after recognising the area had limited or no family focused facilities or respite care.

CITIC Pacific’s Sino mine For its drive to minimse its impact on the environment and ‘leave no trace’, CITIC Pacific’s Sino iron ore mine has been nominated for the Hard Rock Mine of the Year award.

The mine has the world’s largest grinding mills, and will also be one of the largest iron ore operations in the world.

In May 2010 the mine partnered with ‘Leave No Trace Australia’ to develop a workforce recreation management program with the goal of establishing a sustainable recreational culture and encouraging desired recreational behaviours among CITIC Pacific employees and contractors.

It uses a compulsory training and induction program for those wanting pursue recreational activities off site.

This program is in addition to an education program that works to create a culture of sustainable recreation practices.

CITIC introduced the program in April 2011, and has since set a benchmark in the industry for encouraging and educating miners on sustainable recreation practices (such as fishing, avoiding erosion, enjoying heritage sites, appropriate waste disposal and appropriate use of fire), where no benchmark previously existed within the industry.

The mine, once finished, will be one of the largest iron ore mines in Australia.

Xstrata’s Black Star mine Xstrata’s Black Star open cut mine has been nominated for the Hard Rock Mine of the Year award.

Earlier this year Xstrata announced it carried out studies to dramatically increase the life of the mine, pushing its lifespan beyond 2016.

Xstrata Zinc’s COO Brian Hearne explained that this latest development will increase the depth of the pit 400 metres, an extension of 100 metres from the current design.

It is part of the miner’s $133 million Black Star expansion project it originally announced in 2010, which was dubbed the Black Star Open Cut ‘Deeps’ Project. The BSOC Deeps project will deepen the existing pit and is expected to add approximately 14 million tonnes of ore to the production profile at a rate of up to 4.6 million tonnes per year. It was nominated for its development of a process that it allows it to safely mine previous underground mine workings while cutting the issue of voids that has seen it nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award. Open cut mining through underground workings exposes miners to unstable pit walls and floors.

WIt also developed a new model now as Catastrophic Failure Analysis to determine the stability of crown pillars and had 5 million man hours lost time injury free. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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E-Force Simba now with BUT 45 boom

Proven BUT 45 boom Since its launch in 2005, the BUT 45 heavy duty boom has delivered strength, sturdiness, precision and reach. Now, this boom is available not only on the Boomer range – it is available on the latest Simba and Boltec rigs as well.

15 models in the range Across 15 different models, the BUT 45 boom’s high precision substantially reduces positioning time between holes.

Simba E series For Simba rigs the increased carrying capacity enables use of the RHS 35 rod handling system and the boom to be extended to 1.6m, 1m for heavy loads. It can also carry Atlas Copco’s most powerful rock drills. Find out more go to www.e-forcefamily.com Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Australia, Freecall 1300 366 880, www.atlascopco.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

EXPLORER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by QMW Industries WPG Resources In recognition for the work carried out at its Peculiar Knob project, WPG Resources has been nominated as Explorer of the Year.

After initially acquiring the iron ore assets in South Australia for $4 million in 2006, it spent $43 million to progress the development of its assets and in 2011 sold the project for approximately $320 million, generating a return of more than seven times that invested.

In 2006 WPG acquired the Peculiar Knob and Hawks Nest iron ore assets, which are located in South Australia, around 80 kilometres south of Coober Pedy.

At the time Peculiar Knob was recognised as one of Australia’s highest grade undeveloped iron ore deposits.

It holds a specular hematite deposit with silica gangue; high grade iron ore with virtually no impurities that lies beneath only 15 to 30 metres of cover.

It had a measured resource of 13.6 million tonnes at a grade of 64 per cent iron, and including other indicated and inferred resources had a total of 19.2 million tonnes at the same grade.

WPG delineated this resource after extensive drilling, where it was able to increase the resource from 14 million tonnes identified during its acquisition to the 19.2 million tonne mark.

It was also able to uncover a virgin discovery of a blind orebody at Tui of 4.3 million tonnes as it came to understand the mineralisation of the area.

WPG have also broken new ground in its negotiations with the Department of Defence for exploration within the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA), which provides a precedent for other miners to explore within the previously closed off area.

Following this is has now sold off its Peculiar Knob asset to Arrium, the company formerly known as OneSteel, for $320 million.

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CSIRO The CSIRO, in conjunction with foreign space agencies, has developed a continent wide mineral resource mapping tool that seen it nominated for Explorer of the Year.

Dubbed ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) maps are the world’s first continental scale satellite derived mineral maps and represent more than a decade of planning and development, according to the CSIRO’s CEO Megan Clark and Geoscience Australia chief Chris Pigram.ASTER maps represent a collaboration involving scientists from Japan, the USA, and Australia.

According to the CSIRO “the new suite of mineral maps will enable mining companies to increase the efficiency and viability of their exploration efforts.

The information for these maps “was generated from a ten-year archive of raw Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection data collected by NASA and the Japanese Government’s Japan Space Systems.

“They are already changing the way that geoscientists look for mineral deposits by providing more accurate and detailed information than ever before,” it stated.

They developed the software that changed the data into continent-wide mineral maps which show rock and soil mineral components and provide the ability to view images from thousands of kilometres wide to just a few kilometres.

Until now there have not been global scale mineral maps of the Earth’s surface.

The CSIRO has been working towards “transforming these raw ASTER images into seamless, continent wide mosaics of mineral information, and then making these web available for use in standard GIS systems for explorers”.

Blackthorn Resources For uncovering a massive copper deposit and achieving the best drill intersection for copper drilling in the last 15 years Blackthorn Resources has been nominated for the Explorer of the Year award.

Blackthorn has been exploring its prospects at its Mumbwa project and within a year has also managed to expand its resource at the site by 160 per cent, In April this year, Blackthorn released its world beating result following exploratory drilling which included a 223 metre intercept at 4.67 per cent copper between 188m and 411 metre.

This result was achieved during the Phase 5 drilling program which consisted of approximately 11,000 metres of diamond core drilling.

A review of historical drill intersections world-wide by mining analysts has indicated that this intersection represents the best copper drilling result in the past 15 years.

The same site gave up more high grade results including 282.7m at 1.05 per cent copper between 178.3 metres and 461metres; 60 metres at 2.58 per cent copper between 324 metres and 384 metres, and 272.6 metres at 0.72 per cent copper between 142.4 metres and 415metres.

On the back of this successful drilling program between August 2011 and April 2012 Blackthorn Resources announced a 160 per cent increase in contained copper within the Kitumba Mineral Resource, with inferred and indicated resources of 187 million tonnes at 1.14% copper using a 0.5% cut-off point.

According to Blackthorn this equates to over two million tonnes of contained copper.

The current drilling program is underway, with initial logging and handheld XRF results indicating that this program may be as successful as the last. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Reynolds Soil Technology For the development of dust suppressant technology specifically designed for haul roads throughout Australia, RST has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award.

The newly launched Avenger solution was developed as an additive for water carts, to suppress fugitive dust and prevent road surface damage.

RST’s operations and technical director David Handel said the environmentallyfriendly haul road dust suppressant was developed for sites that could not implement RST’s Haul Road Management System (HRMS).

It incorporates the latest nanotechnology.

Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine

Sponsored by Orica CITIC Pacific’s Sino mine For its drive to minimse its impact on the environment and ‘leave no trace’, CITIC Pacific’s Sino iron ore mine has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award.

In May 2010 the mine partnered with ‘Leave No Trace Australia’ to develop a workforce recreation management program with the goal of establishing a sustainable recreational culture and encouraging desired recreational behaviours among CITIC Pacific employees and contractors.

It uses a compulsory training and induction program.

Bonfiglioli In its efforts to aid the mining industry in cutting energy costs and usage, Bonfiglioli has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management for its variable speed drives.

Variable speed drives can typically reduce the speed required for particular operations by 20 per cent, cutting power bills by more than 30 per cent in common instances and achieving payback in less than a year.

Where supply authorities penalise companies based upon spikes in demand, this can be greatly reduced by installing VSD on motors, cutting usage.

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Emma Hamilton-Foster For her drive to develop an extensive environmental management system which has been implemented on Barrow Island, Chicago Bridge & Iron’s Emma Hamilton-Foster has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award.

Hamilton-Foster is currently the only environmental advisor for CB&I construction projects on Barrow Island, prior to her arrival on Barrow Island, CB&I’s environmental systems, procedures, and performance on the island was non-extensive; now is has been globally recognised.

Downer EDI Mining For integrating environmental sustainability throughout its operations so that it underpins its licence to operate, Downer EDI Mining has been nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management award.

Downer EDI Mining’s environmental sustainability business plan is founded on the three pillars of environmental governance, business improvement and business development. The company strives to identify the environmental risks and opportunities associated with each of the three areas for its projects and across its operations.

Alcoa Alcoa has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award for the development of a program for the long term protection of threatened fauna within its mine leases.

Its Threatened Fauna Species Management Program (TFSMP) involved the development of a process to understand and mitigate mining effects on threatened fauna populations within its leases.

Activities include species specific premine surveys and monitoring programs; procedure for incorporating methods to mange and protect populations.

Proof Engineers For aiding in environmental sustainability and increasing real time monitoring, Proof Engineers have been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award.

It has worked to develop more sustainable and long lived haul roads for the mining industry.

Proof Engineers will go on to an existing mine site and conduct studies into the current road management status, providing detailed reports on road performance and operations, and making recommendations on how to increase fleet performance.

Xstrata’s Ravensworth coal mine has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award for the creation of an adaptive, and automated, water management system.

The system, which includes a trigger action response plan (TARP) ensure that the site automated water management system is effectively managed in order to control water stocks and to minimise the potential for the unlawful discharge of contaminated water off the premises.

The major hazards which triggered this action include inadequate time to prepare for rainfall events; inadequate storage for mine or contaminated water; and uncontrolled release of mine water or contaminated releases.

Reynolds Soil Technology Reynolds Soil Technology’s Total Coal Control (TCC) fines and dust suppressant management system has been nominated for the Excellence in Environmental Management award.

The TCC technology not only offers a dust suppressing formula to stop fugitive dust, but also provides a quality control treatment throughout the material handling process, which in turn increases the calorific value of the coal.

It works by through the wetting of particles, and remains flexible and film forming at low temperatures whilst promoting excellent adhesion to soil and coal particles.

TCC concentrate is a ready to use product diluted with water. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Orica is proud to sponsor the Excellence in Environmental Management Award.

At Orica, we have a proud tradition of leadership, innovation, quality and safety. Founded in 1874, the company was established to supply explosives to the Australian gold fields and we’ve been pioneering new technologies and techniques ever since.

We are proud to sponsor the Excellence in Environmental Management Award at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards for 2012. We thank all participants for their time and effort in submitting their entries and look forward to meeting the finalists.

www.orica.com

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Atlas Copco GW Hyder For its work with Rio Tinto at its Mt Thorley Warkworth coal mine and the development of a safer, more efficient stockpile reclaim structure, GW Hyder has been nominated for Contractor of the Year. Working together, a design was developed that addressed issues of constructability, costs, and most importantly safety. The team delivered a design that provided an innovative solution to increase production capacity by over 2000 tonnes of coal per hour when in operation. The design successfully reincorporated the emergency coal stockpile back into the clean coal stockpile conveyor, eliminating the double handling needed when moving the emergency stockpile back to the two clean coal stockpiles.

This significant increase in output and reduction in trucking from the emergency stockpile directly increases profitability for the mine, as well as cutting its carbon emissions. Safety was a key issue throughout the design process as it is of paramount importance to the mine.

Many dozer operators were concerned of the possibility of the stockpile collapsing while working over the live feeder.

GW Hyder and Rio Tinto implemented a light weight structure of chain and high visibility material suspended above the feeder to stop the operator from driving to close to the danger area.

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Ngarda For its work in ‘closing the gap’ and strong community interaction, Ngarda has been nominated for the Contractor of the Year award.

Ngarda is the largest Indigenous owned and operated company in Australia and continues to expand both its business capabilities and geographic coverage.

Working as a 50 per cent Indigenous owned company with Leighton Contractors, it has focused on benefiting the lives of local Indigenous Australians.

Ngarda retains its traditional links through its shareholders, the Ngarda Ngardi Yardnu Foundation, a Pilbara based community foundation, and Indigenous Business Australia.

It has also developed an initiative, with the Palm Island Council to increase the participation of children at the Island’s schools.

This initiative is directly linked to the Government’s Carbon Tax scheme, where children on the island earn ‘carbon dollars’ for attending school, and can then cash it in for books, bikes, and donations to develop green energy solutions on the Island, such as wind turbines.

It has also developed a social housing program in conjunction with the Palm Island community, which has been supported by the council.

Downer EDI Mining For integrating environmental sustainability throughout its operations so that it underpins its licence to operate, Downer EDI Mining has been nominated as the Contractor of the Year Downer EDI Mining’s environmental sustainability business plan is founded on the three pillars of environmental governance, business improvement and business development. The company strives to identify the environmental risks and opportunities associated with each of the three areas for its projects and across its operations.

Environmental governance leadership and excellence is demonstrated through the robust and efficient systems and expertise in place to sustain effective compliance performance. This includes a strong focus on the company’s environmental management system, including environmental compliance and incident management; setting environmental KPIs and targets; voluntary and statutory reporting; and environmental awareness training.

The Executive Leadership Team demonstrates its support and commitment to the company’s environmental sustainability objectives at the Quarterly CEO Environmental Sustainability Forums.

This commitment is exemplified by ten per cent of Downer Mining’s Short Term Incentive program.

Ausenco For its innovative design and construction of an Australian first at the Cadia gold mine, Ausenco has been nominated for Contractor of the Year.

The group worked with Newcrest at its Cadia East project, which is soon to become the world’s deepest panel cave, as well as Australia’s largest underground mine, to create a new way to process its ore.

As part of the project Ausenco was required to upgrade the existing low grade concentrator at the original Cadia Hill gold project to enhance throughput and recovery, but with only minimal energy consumption.

To do this Ausenco designed a new communition circuit for the existing concentrator which allowed for the treatment of harder and lower grade ores. the contractor says.

It created an innovative circuit incorporating High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) technology situated prior to the Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill which works to improve efficiency of throughput.

This design is the first use of HPGR technology in Australia used to do this, and will not only reduce carbon emissions, but has also increased processing efficiency by around 25 per cent at the site, increased mine life expectancy, and will result in greater profits for the site. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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AEST

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

EXCELLENCE IN MINE OH&S Sponsored by Boom Logistics The ARRB Group For its contribution to mine site road safety and the promotion of the Safe System road philosophy, the ARRB Group has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S award.

With vehicle collisions and incident accounting for more than a quarter of all Australian mining fatalties over the past decade, road safety is increasingly important.

In 2010 ARRB developed a dedicated team of road safety professionals to focus on the specific and unique needs of the mining sector in relation to traffic and road safety. The attitudes and changes ARRB has noticed in the subsequent two years are a testament to the message getting through and a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of the road safety.

Bushies Mining Models For its contribution to aiding hands on safety training, Bushies Mining Models has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S award.

The concept of Bushies Mining Models was born 16 years ago when Bushie saw too many incidents and accidents on the local mine sites.

The first mining training model came about shortly thereafter and since then the business idea has grown.

It provides a hands-on and visual approach to safety and training in the workplace, and targets the ever-growing level of demand for training services.

Catering for all levels of operators and training staff, its models are rented to local and national companies wanting to educate their staff on the areas of zero harm and safety.

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Centennial Coal’s Myuna mine For its focus on developing safer operator practices and equipment, Centennial Coal’s Myuna Colliery has been nominated for Excellence in Mine OH&S. The mine has been recgonised, conjunction with SOTO Mining Technologies for the construction of a system for towing heavy equipment.

The SOTO Tow Hitch is a rigid articulated QDS LHD (Quick Detach System for Load Haul Dump Machine) attachment which operates in three planes. This allows for greater control when towing and has the ability to push or pull the shuttle car. The system includes a QDS LHD hitch with movement in three planes that allows large equipment to be towed through the rough and undulating roadways found in an underground mine.

Chocolate Coded For its contribution in aiding miners in gaining a deeper understanding of safety and the mine site environment, Chocolate Coded has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S award. The company was recognised for its Touch Information Kiosk Solution (TIKS) which is a combination of intuitive hardware and software that allows companies in the mining sector to deliver the latest and most critical information to its employees faster than ever before. It was built to address the needs of employees who do not have computers or have limited access to computers, helping them to access key company information and knowledge.

TIKS ensures that employees can perform their job in the safest, most efficient way.

AustralianMining

Enerpac For removing the operator from potentially risk manual handling operations and addressing ergonomic problems, Enerpac has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S award. At Rio Tinto Alcan’s alumina and bauxite operations, as part of its Manual Handling and Ergonomic (MHE) program, it has replaced impact tools, hammers, and flogging wrenches with Enerpac’s lightweight and compact steel hydraulic torque wrenches.

“QAL is a prime example of a site where major improvements to safety can be made without the need for a huge overall investment,” Enerpac’s national bolting manager Pat Molloy said.

Enerpac is also launching a series of safety audits, correct maintenance programs, and staff training to minimise risk.

FIFO Counselling For the creation of a mental health and wellbeing support net for fly in fly out miners, FIFO Counselling has been nominated for Excellence in Mine OH&S. FIFO Counselling counsels FIFO workers and families through many of the challenges working FIFO. It has provided a safety net for miners to discuss their issues and guidiethem through family mediation, provide FIFO communication tips to keep in contact with families, trauma counselling and reference to other community resources to assist them to overcome these challenges and many others, which has also included cultural acceptance, dietary needs and suicide intervention.

On numerous occasions it has helped FIFO workers experiencing grief.

The Mater Foundation In its drive to raise awareness of prostate cancer amongst miners, the Mater Foundation has been recognised as a finalist for Excellence in Mine OH&S. For the past three year The Mater Foundation worked with and partnered with companies in the mining and resources sector, to increase awareness among employees, their families and the local communities in which they do business through its Talking PC program.

To date it has directly spoken with between 15 000 and 20 000 employees, providing information about what prostate cancer is, who is at risk, why men need to get regular check-ups, why medical research is so important and how they can be part of funding research.

SOS Marine For its innovative development of equipment to aid rescue of workers who fall into the sea at mining ports, SOS Marine has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S. SOS Marine has developed the Sea Scoopa, a device for scooping and lifting a man over-board (MOB) onto a rescue vessel for use on rescue vessels working around mining ports.

The SeasScoopa is designed to pluck an MOB out of the water, especially in difficult sea conditions whilst reducing the incidence of further injury to the man overboard and the rescuers.

It has many advantages over other rescue aids, as it plucks the MOB out of the water whilst the boat is in motion, reducing movements, and maintaining steerage.

Tamec Tamec’s development of the DunnEasy Idler Assembly and OneFits Idler Rolls has seen it nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S. Its safety aspect lies in the cutting of maintenance times and replacing around 80 per cent of inventory, removing the need for constant replacement of differing conveyor systems.

As it is also 70 per cent lighter than standard rolls, weighing only 17 kilograms as opposed to 75 kilograms.

This weight differences between regular and the new developed idler rolls and idler assmeblies removes the risk of potential injury when replacing components, and also allows for quicker change outs.

The assembly also increases maintenance access, removing the risks that arise when the routine is required.

Xstrata Mt Isa Mines For the development of its Manual Task Risk Assessment tool (MTRA), Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has been nominated for the Excellence in Mine OH&S award. The tool can be used to clearly assess the risk of sustaining both acute and cumulative injuries while carrying out manual tasks, and visually illustrates the risk factors that can lead to manual task related injury.

It works as a guide to assess the hazards and to better understand the risks associated, and is capable of being applied to all roles throughout the mine’s operations.

According to Xstrata, since the development of the MRTA is has helped in creating a more self aware workforce with a full developed understanding of potential hazard. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

CONTRIBUTION TO MINING

Sponsored by Siemens John Roberts John Roberts has more than half a century of experience in the mining industry.

In his past 77 years, 57 of which he has spent working in the mining industry, Roberts has travelled the length and breadth of Australia and the U.S. He began his career at Broken Hill South in the mid 1950s, and later moved to the Samin Ltd, where he acted as the director of exploration.

Following this he worked as the chief geologist and director of Posiedon, a period which saw him actively involved in the groundwork for the evaluation and development of remote underground and open cut nickel discoveries Western Australia, as well as an open cut copper operation in South Australia, not to mention guiding the company’s entry into the gold mining space.

A South Australian native, Roberts is currently the head of the South Australian Chamber Mines and Energy, as well as the chair of the Geology and Geophysics Industry Liaison Committee at the University of Adelaide.

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Career Trackers While not a person, the contribution that Career Trackers has made to mining, and the Indigenous community, can not be ignored.

The group is a non-profit organisation that works with indigenous university students and private companies to create career pathways via a structured internship program.

Its goal has been to convert these internships during studies into long term permanent positions upon graduation.

Since its inception, the group has supported close to 300 indigenous university students into professional employment, and seen a 98 per cent retention rate for its interns.

The program workers with both students and employers to ensure a sustainable and personalised career path.

It has developed national partnerships with Leighton Contractors, Orica, Wesfarmers Resources, WorleyParsons, GHD, Macmahon, and DTMT.

AustralianMining

Jane Pemberton and Scott Barrett Focus has often been placed on those stalwarts who have worked within the industry itself. But what about those who had to the sector as a whole, by providing for those outside of mining to be a part of the industry? Scott Barrett and Jane Pemberton have been nominated for the Contribution to Mining award for their services to traditional land owners. Through their company, Heritage Advice Australia, they have provided whole of project strategic Aboriginal heritage advice to land owners, mining companies, government agencies, and traditional owners looking to develop any project which may have an impact on any Aboriginal site.

Both have a strong history in helping mining companies and native title claim groups throughout Western Australia, and have worked directly with Fortescue Metals Group and Hancock Prospecting.

The company is the only one of its kind in Western Australia providing the mining industry with a ‘one stop shop’ option, for managing heritage related matters.

Myne Start For its dedication to training the next generation of underground miners, Myne Start has been nominated for the Contribution to Mining award.

This facility was built to assist the industry in the training and development of core underground skills as well as being able to utilise it to upskill experienced miners from other sectors such as hard rock, tunnel, and international miners into the Queensland and New South Wales underground coal mining sector.

The massive Myne Start Brisbane simulated underground training complex consists of more than 465 linear metres of roadway within the simulated mine area (2800 square metres under roof); four headings of approximately 80 metres in length; and a development panel consisting of working conveyor belt, continuous miner and a shuttle car.

Last year Myne Start was recognised for its contribution to the industry, after winning the Employer of Choice.

Pengfu Tan For his efforts and the role he has played in the growth of Australia’s mining industry, Pengfu Tan has been nominated for the Contribution to Mining Award. Tan is responsible for managing and developing a team of technical staff, overseeing day-to-day process control as well as monitoring the metallurgical performance of our copper smelter.

By improving the ISASMELT temperature, slag chemistry, draft and burner fire rate controls and by establishing an optimised smelting temperature target, Tan was able to decrease the brick wear rate of the copper smelter furnace to only 5 millimetre for the entire 2011 campaign. This is a significant improvement in comparison to the previous 10 ISASMELT campaigns (from 1992 to 2010), which resulted in brick wear of at least 115mm over a 12 month period.

Tan designed and initiated several projects to minimise copper loss in Rotary Holding Furnace (RHF) slag and has developed a set of operational key performance indicators for copper loss control. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Siemens. Your innovative technology partner in mining.

Enabling companies in Australia to improve their productivity through innovative technology for 140 years. www.siemens.com.au/mining

Siemens has been partnering with mining companies in Australia to deliver technology solutions that help solve some of the industry’s greatest challenges. Harsh climates, remote sites, safety and environmental issues, the rising costs of energy and the scarcity of water are just some of the challenges that we help our customers turn into opportunities.

Our extensive installed base of mining technology throughout Australia means that Siemens technology is helping almost every mine site and mining company to deliver valuable resources in ways that are more efficient and productive, safer and more reliable.

For more information please visit www.siemens.com.au/mining or email mining.au@siemens.com

Answers for Mining.

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

MINERALS PROCESSING PLANT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Schenck Process Anglo American’s Moranbah North CHPP For the amazing achievement of operating for five years Lost Time Injury (LTI) free, Anglo American’s Moranbah North coal handling preparation plant has been nominated for the Minerals Processing Plant of the Year award.

Part of the Moranbah North underground longwall, it processes around 4.5 million tonnes of coking coal annually.

In early July this year, the CHPP crew celebrated the milestone of five years LTI free.

CHPP manager Clinton Vanderkruk, general manager Glen Britton, and CHPP electrician Carl Brown explained that this achievement was not simply luck, but a result of effective communication, team work, and a focus on working to get the job done safely.

“The CHPP team keeps the plant operating at its best, fixes issues as soon as they arise, follows the correct processes before carrying out any task, and most importantly, looks out for each other every day,” Vanderkruk said.

The site “really believes if you get safety right, production will follow.

“My advice is always double check.

When we walk around we ask people about their Job Safety Analysis, their SLAMs (Stop, Look, Assess, Manage) and why they’re carrying out a task in a particular way,” CHPP process engineer Sam Spear said.

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Anglo American’s Capcoal CHPP As a part of its wider push to be recognised as Coal Mine of the Year, Anglo American’s Capcoal mine has also seen its coal handling preparation plant nominated for Minerals Processing Plant of the Year.

At the Capcoal site there has been a drive to rapidly expand operations and its coal handling preparation plant has played a major part in this.

It recently saw the installation of a new CHPP module with a five million tonne capacity, added product stockpiling and train loading capacity, and managed to increase the coal types and improve blending capability to meet demand - including hard coking coal, PCI, and thermal coal, Anglo American says.

Since 2009 it has increased throughput year on year.

In a single month the coal handling preparation plant was able to achieve almost 1.5 million tonnes of coal processed in a single month.

Capcoal’s coal handling preparation plant manager Luke Dimech said “a huge amount of effort, focus, and defect elimination had been put in by the whole CHPP team to achieve these results.

“The team has taken a significant step towards fully realising the total capacity of the Capcoal CHPP, achieving continual success in 2012.”

Xstrata’s Newlands CHPP For its innovation in safety and work to mitigate risk, Xstrata Coal’s Newlands’ surface operation’s coal handling preparation plant has been nominated for Minerals Processing Plant of the Year.

It began in 2008, following a fatality at the site when a bin discharged its load while the cabin of a vehicle was in the drop zone.

In an effort to eliminate the chance of this happening again and remove the risk of a potentially fatal hazard of a serious crush injury Xstrata’s Newlands surface operations began reviewing a number of different solutions.

It focuse don minimising risk, as well as minimising the change to the coal handling preparation plant’s infrastructure.

It eventually chose a tag reader system, which is able to determine when it was safe for the reject truck to proceed under the rejects bin.

Working closely with Logicamms, an extensive testing and commissioning process has now proven that if a trailer is not detected then the system will now not allow the bin to discharge, totally eliminating the prior hazard.

Importantly the system does not use optics or radar that may be affected by the environmental conditions, and automatically disarms the reject dump bin control the moment the truck leaves the drop zone.

Ausenco & Newcrest’s Cadia East SAG Mill For innovation and Australian first technology implementation at a semi autonomous grinding mill, Ausenco and Newcrest’s Cadia’s processing team have been nominated for the Minerals Processing Plant of the Year award.

The two are working together at the Cadia East project, which will be the world’s deepest panel cave and Australia’s largest underground mine.

As part of the project Ausenco was required to upgrade the existing low grade concentrator at the original Cadia Hill project to enhance throughput and recovery of the plant, but with minimal energy consumption from its operation.

To do this Ausenco designed a new communition circuit for the existing concentrator which allowed for the treatment of the harder ores forecast to come from the new site.

It created an innovative circuit incorporating High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) technology prior to the Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill to improve efficiency of throughput.

This design is the first use of high pressure grinding roll technology used to do this, and will not only reduce carbon emissions, but has increased efficiency by around 25 per cent, according to Ausenco.

The changes are set to increase mine life expectancy, and will result in greater profits for the site. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Schenck decks out Australia’s best screens with our very own Screenex modular systems

weighing

feeding

screening

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Schenck Process Australia Pty Ltd Ground Floor 65 Epping Road North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia T 1300 551 645 Australia wide T + 61 2 9886 6800 outside of Australia sales@schenckprocess.com.au www.schenckprocess.com.au

Do you prefer Australian made screens, decking or both?

With Screenex now firmly embedded in the Schenck Process range of quality products, the partnership between vibrating screens and screening media has never been better. Manufactured to suit your requirements in our Melbourne and Perth factories, we know that our screens and media will stand tall in Australia’s demanding environments - it’s where we live and work too.

Craig (pictured above) and our Screenex team have a combined 47 years experience in the Australian mining market.

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTIONS Sponsored by BASF Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine Anglo American’s Moranbah North coal mine has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award for its new technology that is making underground mining safer.

The mine developed a new underground shotcrete pumping solution as well as a mobile conveyor bolting platform.

It is using robotic arms to inject the shotcrete mixture behind the standing arches, solving the issue of pumping and shotcrete concrete underground.

Boart Longyear Boart Longyear’s latest Ultramatrix (UMX) diamond coring bit – the 10UMX – has seen it nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.The UMX uses advanced metallurgical formulas with larger, synthetic diamonds to provide increased penetration capabilities, turning easily from one ground formation to another.

These bits are engineered to drill faster, last longer and outperform existing bit technology in a wide range of drilling conditions.

Bramco Electronics Bramco Electronics has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award for its Integrated Control Management System (ICMS).

According to the company it is the only system that provides a single control unit for the interrogation of all monitoring points along the conveyors belts.

ICMS version 5, the longest single system conveyor protection unit in the world. The technology is a microprocessor controlled system which can be used to either control or monitor the status of conveyor belts.

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ICM Group For the creation of a remote conveyor isolation system, the ICM Group has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

Its REMSAFE technology is a remote isolation system that isolates all high voltage drives in three minutes or less, and low voltage equipment in twenty seconds.

REMSAFE is a programmable remote isolation system for fixed plant, automation, control and communications.

Invensys Invensys’ M3 Dynamic Simulation Solution has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

It is a single integrated software platform for engineers involved in different aspects of the mining industry.

The core of the software is a simulation executive that manages and co-ordinates the peripheral plug in applications that bring value to different end-users. The simulation executive has an open Application Protocol interface.

Mineral Engineering Technical Services For its hydrometallurgical recovery process, Mineral Engineering Technical Services has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

Its TIVAN process recovers vanadium, iron, and titanium.

There are currently no operating process plants which utilise a commercially viable route for extracting vanadium through a combination of leaching and solvent extraction stages.

Pilot test work has indicated recoveries up to 90 per cent.

AustralianMining

Orica Orica’s latest safety focused initiating accessory has made blasting safer, and seen it nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

The technology, PrimeSafe is a patented safety innovation which retains and makes Initiating System components on the bench as visible, and therefore avoidable, as possible.

Along with offering high visibility, the device stores up to three boosters and three detonators at the blast hole.

Reynolds Soil Technology Small Australian company Reynolds Soil Technology’s RT5 Superskin dust suppression technology has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution.

It is an emulsion of cross linked polyemer for ‘non trafficked’ areas which is sprayed onto exposed stockpiles, ground, tailings, and the like to create a flexible veneer which binds up fines.

It is 100 per cent environmentally safe and poses zero harm to machinery.

Solve IT For the development of artificially intelligent supply chain and planning and scheduling software, SolveIT has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

The company has created the Supply Chain Network Optimiser (SCNO) and Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) software.

According to the company SCNO and APS provide an exact model of the users’ real world supply chain with its non-linearity, dynamic business rules and constraints and such, and solve the issues in minutes.

Xstrata’s Oaky No.1 mine For eliminating the issue of double handling during longwall installation, Xstrata’s Oaky No.1 coal mine has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

Oaky created a structure cassette, which is used on a trailer where it restrained from movement.

Side fork pockets are used for loading and unloading the cassette pod.

Since its implementation there have been no injuries.

Xstrata’s Newlands North mine For cutting the dangers associated with working with auxiliaries, Xstrata’s Newlands North underground mine’s development has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

It has now created a modified QDS pod that is designed to disperse stone dust, dubbed the Trickle Duster.

Not only has this removed all the risks previously associated with the task.

It has also dramatically cut installation times.

Xstrata’s Black Star mine Xstrata’s Black Star open cut mine has developed a process that it allows it to safely mine previous underground mine workings while cutting the issue of voids that has seen it nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.

Black Star has developed a new void management procedures as well as tools to overcome these open cut mining issues.

It also developed a new model now as Catastrophic Failure Analysis to determine the stability of crown pillars.

Caterpillar For the development of a revolutionary geared offset prototype, Caterpillar’s underground mining unit has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award.According to the company it is an innovative solution for tightening fasteners in previously inaccessible locations, and reduces the risk of a gearbox failure which is not only timely and costly to repair, but could halt the entire production of an underground coal mine.The Geared Offset provides the mine operator with access to all eight nuts, as well as ensuring adequate and consistent torque on all fasteners. The geared offset is a spur gear train, designed to transmit torque along a distance.

The input torque is supplied by an existing torque wrench.

Optalert For its revolutionary fatigue management system Optalert has been nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award. Optalert accurately and constantly measures the operator’s level of alertness via patented operator glasses.

The glasses work by measuring the velocity of the operator’s eyelid 500 times a second using a tiny invisible LED built into the frame of the glasses.

In large easy to read numbers on the Optalert Dashboard Indicator, operators can see at a glance their own fluctuating alertness level displayed as a score from 0 to 10.

The higher this Johns Drowsiness Score or JDS (named after its Optalert inventor) the drowsier and less alert the operator is.

The JDS displays this via LOW, MED or HIGH Risk visual and auditory alarms. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Caltex John Turner For his tireless efforts in leading the team at Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine and driving its performance, John Turner has been nominated for Manager of the Year. Mandalong Mine is Centennial Coal’s most successful underground mining operation. With more than 380 people working around the clock, seven days a week, Mandalong Mine requires a strong leader to ensure its operations run smoothly.

A qualified mining engineer and mine manager with extensive underground coal mining experience, Turner leads what he believes are one of the best senior management teams in the mining industry to drive the successful performance of Mandalong.

Since 2006 Turner has managed the mine and has helped it grow from an operation producing 3.5 million tonnes of coal in 2007 to 5.5 million tonnes in 2011. This increase of 2 million tonnes made Mandalong the highest producing underground longwall mine in NSW and the second highest in Australia during that year.

As one of the highest producing underground coal operations in Australia, Turner is particularly proud of Mandalong’s mine design.

The mine design addresses environmental concerns regarding subsidence while allowing Mandalong to maximise the available resource.

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Andrea Rutley For her leadership as exploration manager for Anglo American’s metallurgical coal business, Andrea Rutley has been nominated as the Manager of the Year.

Rutley is responsible for 60 miners working across 89 different exploration sites, as well as a team of 200 contractors from between ten to 15 contracting firms.

Andrea Rutley is a founding member of Anglo American’s Diversity Council.

The Diversity Council is responsible for setting an agenda for ensuring the company provides working conditions and opportunities right for people.

In 2011, as well as taking over the role of Exploration Manager, she was the co-chair for the 22nd International Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, which was held in Brisbane in 2012.

This is the premier geophysical event for the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG) and is held in different cities every 18 months.

In her role as co-chair, Andrea was not only a role model for the rest of industry, promoting resource exploration and women working in senior non-traditional roles, she also used the opportunity to help position Anglo American as an industry major and to provide the opportunity for further promotion of the company across technical frontiers.

Anthony Ward For his dedication to the mental health and wellbeing of fly in fly out miners, Anthony Ward has been nominated for Manager of the Year.

Ward works as both a relief mine camp manager and heads FIFO Counselling.

FIFO Counselling counsels fly in fly out workers and families through many of the challenges working a fly in fly out roster Through his work Ward has provided a safety net for miners to discuss their issues and guidiethem through family mediation, provide FIFO communication tips to keep in contact with families, trauma counselling and reference to other community resources to assist them to overcome these challenges and many others, which has also included cultural acceptance, dietary needs and suicide intervention.

On numerous occasions Ward has helped FIFO workers who are experiencing grief because the death of a workmate, a family member or just found out that their wife has left them and struggled to know what to say.

Ward was recently invited to travel to The Cabin in Chiang Mai-Thailand, a drug & alcohol rehabilitation resort, to observe D&A therapy for serious D&A addictions. Ward see’s a lack of support for workers that have serious D&A addictions and therefore unable to comply with site D&A policy.

Pengfu Tan For leading his team to dramatically increase production while cutting wear at a processing plant, Pengfu Tan has been nominated for the Manager of the Year Award.

Tan is responsible for managing and developing a team of technical staff, overseeing day-to-day process control as well as monitoring the metallurgical performance of our copper smelter.

By improving the ISASMELT temperature, slag chemistry, draft and burner fire rate controls and by establishing an optimised smelting temperature target, Tan was able to decrease the brick wear rate of the copper smelter furnace to only 5 millimetre for the entire 2011 campaign.

This is a significant improvement in comparison to the previous 10 ISASMELT campaigns (from 1992 to 2010), which resulted in brick wear of at least 115mm over a 12 month period.

Tan designed and initiated several projects to minimise copper loss in Rotary Holding Furnace (RHF) slag and has developed a set of operational key performance indicators for copper loss control, which formed the basis of a paper presented to the Minerals Metals and Materials Society in 2011.

This improvement is worth more than $12 million in additional profit per year. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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CALTEX KEEPS YOUR BUSINESS RUNNING SMOOTHLY. CAL0553/FPC/AMM

Caltex Australia’s complete range of lubricants and unrivalled service team meets the demands of Australia’s largest mining and quarrying operations. Caltex Engineering Solutions (CES) is our specialist technical service team available for businesses looking for a fully integrated lubricant solution. Caltex provides all your lubricant needs with technical service and support to help you keep your business running smoothly.

See how Delo can help your business: Visit delo.com.au/mining | Search ‘Delo’ | For technical advice call 1300 364 169

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Prospect Consulting Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine Through its ability to not only retain staff during one of mining’s historic downturns, but also increase its worker level, Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine has been nominated for the Employer of the Year award.

According to Centennial, it has one of the highest employee retention rates within the industry, and managed to increase its personnel levels by 12 per cent over the last year. During its recent recruit drive for its fourth development unit, the mine had 40 position available, but received more than 250 applications.

While many prospective applicants listed the location as a reason to apply, most stated that ‘word of mouth’ within the industry had impelled them to apply.

Its work ethic and culture was also listed as one of the things that attracted applicants.

Mandalong a history A D _ A has M WA D S EofPsupporting _ 1 2 . pitsd workers’ f Pa ge education and encourages them to develop new skills.

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Rio Tinto Iron Ore Rio Tinto Iron Ore has been nominated for the Employer of the Year award for its commitment to indigenous training and employment through its Work Ready program. The single largest private employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, Rio Tinto has had a long running success with its Aboriginal pre-employment training programmes, which are more commonly known as work-ready or work start. The courses are a local initiative, from the communities near its Pilbara mines. It actively provides education, usually a government funded college, to Indigenous people, offering of literacy, numeracy, driving, health and safety training to Aboriginal people looking for employment. While it admits the training is tailored to 1its business 2 2 / 0 needs, 8 / 1 graduates 2 , 1 0are : welcomed 0 6 A Mto take jobs with contractors or outside the mining industry.

Goodline In its commitment to local communities and its workers, Goodline has been recognised with a nomination for the Employer of the Year.

A small privately owned Australian company specialising in the civil, mining, and construction industry, it operates in Weipa, Port Hedland, and Darwin.

Goodline, through experience has seen the benefits of investing in people and local communities.

One of its major social projects has been its work at the Weipa campus of the Western Cap College.

Its work included landscaped gardens in the junior school, kitchen facilities in the special needs area, and shaded structure over the basketball courts.

Goodline supports and sponsors all community events and organisations including the Weipa fishing challenge, Weipa Bull Ride, Weipa Fun Day, Croc Festival and organisations such as Weipa VMRS.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Prospect Consulting provides outstanding Recruitment and Operations Consulting services to the resources and energy sectors nationally. Our experience gives us knowledge of the real issues facing organisations, allowing us to focus on developing solutions that are relevant, pragmatic and cost-effective.

Whether it has been providing Recruitment Process Outsourcing services to meet bulk recruitment needs, delivering tailored safety programs or implementing a global management operating system on behalf of a client, we are a trusted partner to leading industry players through all phases of the boom and bust cycle.

Since 1993 we have been helping organisations maximise their people and business performance. Our approach is simple:

Prospect Consulting Group Pty Ltd Brisbane Office PO Box 5794, West End QLD 4101 Australia T +61 7 3004 7000 F +61 7 3255 2669 Newcastle Office PO Box 725,The Junction NSW 2291 Australia T +61 2 4921 8500 F +61 2 4969 5490 info@prospectconsulting.com.au www.prospectconsulting.com.au

Proud sponsors of the

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

MINING’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Natasha Cann

Sponsored by Orica Mining Services Allison Deadman For her tireless efforts to improve safety across underground mines, Allison Deadman has been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year award. Deadman is the public face behind Safescape, which is recognised for its Laddertube safe escapeway development.

Under her guidance the product has been embraced by some of the industry’s biggest and most influential players including Barrick, the world’s largest gold producer.

Her boss Steve Durkin stated that “Allison is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. With this incredible work ethic alongside her ability to operate at all levels of an organisation from the highest level long term strategic thinking to detailed process management.

Emma Hamilton-Foster For her drive to develop an extensive environmental management system which has been implemented on Barrow Island, Chicago Bridge & Iron’s Emma Hamilton-Foster has been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year award Hamilton-Foster is currently the only environmental advisor for CB&I construction projects on Barrow Island, prior to her arrival on Barrow Island, CB&I’s environmental systems, procedures, and performance on the island was non-extensive; now is has been globally recognised.

She was chosen as a Future Leader in Sustainability as part of the 2010 NSW CSL Fellowship Program and is pushing to incorporate the strong environmental values and management systems.

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Dannielle Bancroft For setting an example for all workers on site and mentoring many green workers, Dannielle Bancroft has been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year award. At 34, Bancroft has worked in gold, diamonds and iron ore from the Eastern Goldfields, through to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA. Her various roles in the blue collar sector of mining include process technician, ERT member, safety representative, trainer and assessor, and contact officer through to middle management leadership roles of second in charge, and shift supervisor.

She has mentored many “green” female operators during their daunting new start; and successfully petitioned for camp facilities.

Andrea Rutley For her leadership as exploration manager for Anglo American’s metallurgical coal business, Andrea Rutley has been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year. Rutley is responsible for 60 miners working across 89 different exploration sites, as well as a team of 200 contractors from between ten to 15 contracting firms. Andrea Rutley is a founding member of Anglo American’s Diversity Council.

The Diversity Council is responsible for setting an agenda for ensuring the company provides working conditions and opportunities right for people.

In 2011, as well as taking over the role of Exploration Manager, she was the cochair for the Geophysical Conference and Exhibition.

AustralianMining

Elizabeth Watts For the rapid development of career in a short time, Elizabeth Watts have been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year.

Watts was the first female to sit in front of the New South Wales Coal Competency Board and achieve the Mine Manager Certificate of Competency - at the age 25 years old, a remarkable achievement regardless of gender.

Not long after this Watts was accepted as the first female member of the Mine Managers Association of Australia.

In 2007, she left Coal and Allied and joined Xstrata Coal as the technical services superintendent at Bugla Mine, and was promoted into the position of mining manager at the Bulga coal mine. During her time at Bulga, she implemented many safe changes.

Joanne Farrell In recognition of her achievements in a career spanning a number of years and continents, Joanne Farrell has been nominated as Mining’s Woman of the Year.

Farrell’s career in mining spans four decades, during which time she has held a number of senior human resources roles in both Rio Tinto and the broader mining industry, paving the way for a new generation of female leaders in a male dominated field.

Her approach to leading edge recruitment and retention strategies has directly contributed to the growth of the iron ore group’s workforce in Western Australia from 3000 to almost 15,000 employees and is shaping the way the miner builds new workforces in developing regions.

Caris House For the remarkably rapid development of her career and her contributions to safety on site, Caris House has been nominated as Mining’s Woman of the Year.

Since beginning her career with Rio Tinto in 2009 in the Resource Development division, House has risen to become the health and safety superintendent of Technical Assurance, with six direct reports, by the age of 23.

Starting as a graduate, she was transitioned after six months into an advisor role, and was soon recognised with two Sam Walsh Safety Finalist awards for “thinking outside the ‘normal’ stream of health and safety delivery”.

House wants people to have the positive career experience that she has had.

Jane Pemberton For the development of a business that helps both miners and traditional land owners, Jane Pemberton has been nominated for Mining’s Woman of the Year award.

At just 34, Jane Pemberton has been instrumental in developing a business concept that has helped improve the services of one of the essential aspects of any mining project: Aboriginal heritage advice.

Heritage Advice Australia (HAA) is currently the only company in existence in Western Australia that provides a “one stop shop” for all Aboriginal heritage related matters.

It provides whole-of-project strategic heritage advice for projects that may have impact on any Aboriginal sites.

Natasha Cann, a fourth generation miner, has been nominated as Mining’s Woman of the Year for her contribution to the industry.

With more than a decade of service in mining, Cann has provided not only contract mining and engineering services, but has also been actively mentoring younger miners throughout the workforce.

She established her own company, and operates as a maintenance planner, provides work management coaching, and IT implementation services.

Paula West For leading development of the industry and demonstrating innovation, Paula West has been nominated as Mining’s Woman of the Year.

Paula West counts one of the highlights of her career so far working as the construction of HIsmelt following the completion of her degree.

West’s role was to develop the lubrication schedule for the entire plant ready for start up which was vital to the future reliability of the plant.

West’s first real engineering role was as the Port Engineer at Dampier.

Margaret Wartroba For bringing significant positive change to the mining industry, Margaret Wartroba has been nominated as Mining’s Woman of the Year.

Wartroba has diverse experience in the electrical field of engineering having worked for consultants, power utilities and the mining industry, often as the only female engineer in her group.

For example her work in the area of power generation and supply identified synergies which changed her company’s approach to its projects and improved performance by encouraging the combination of resources across sites. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Orica is proud to sponsor Mining’s Female of the Year Award.

Orica is the world’s leading supplier of commercial explosives and blasting systems to the mining and infrastructure markets, the global leader in the provision of ground support in mining and tunnelling, and the leading supplier of sodium cyanide for gold extraction.

Orica offers a dynamic, diverse and progressive work environment and we are proud to sponsor Mining’s Female of the Year Award at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards for 2012.

We thank all participants for their time and effort in submitting their entries.

We look forward to meeting the finalists and celebrating women’s success in the mining industry.

www.orica.com

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by ABB Australia Emma Hamilton-Foster For her drive to develop an extensive environmental management system which has been implemented on Barrow Island, Chicago Bridge & Iron’s Emma Hamilton-Foster has been nominated for the Young Achiever award.

Hamilton-Foster is currently the only environmental advisor for CB&I construction projects on Barrow Island, prior to her arrival on Barrow Island, CB&I’s environmental systems, procedures, and performance on the island was non-extensive; now is has been globally recognised.

Hamilton-Foster has written and presented a number of white papers on Environmental construction within the Resources Industry, even flying to Helsinki last year to present a paper at the World Sustainable Building Conference. She was chosen as a Future Leader in Sustainability as part of the 2010 NSW CSL Fellowship Program and is pushing to incorporate the strong environmental values and management systems she works with on Barrow Island on future projects within the industry. Hamilton-Foster has dedicated her life to changing the industry into an environmental focused industry, where projects leave a positive impact on an environment prior to, throughout and following demobilisation.

She has volunteered in areas all around the world building schools.

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Elizabeth Watts For the rapid development of career which has seen her break new ground in a relatively short time, Elizabeth Watts have been nominated for the Young Achiever award.

Watts was the first female to sit in front of the New South Wales Coal Competency Board and achieve the Mine Manager Certificate of Competency – at the age 25 years old, a remarkable achievement regardless of gender.

Not long after this Watts was accepted as the first female member of the Mine Managers Association of Australia.

In 2007, she left Coal and Allied and joined Xstrata Coal as the technical services superintendent at Bugla Mine.

In 2008 she was promoted into the position of mining manager at the Bulga coal mine. During her time at Bulga, she oversaw and implemented many changes that yielded improvements in safety, productivities and production capability (increasing coal output by more than three million tonnes per annum).

This occurred while more than doubling the workforce of the mining team, recruiting more than 200 people over this time.

Watts led a team that contributed to the Bulga site total recordable injury rate reduction of 15 back in 2008 down to less than three by the end of 2011.

Caris House For the remarkably rapid development of her career and her contributions to safety on site, Caris House has been nominated as Young Achiever of the Year. Since beginning her career with Rio Tinto in 2009 in the Resource Development division, House has risen to become the health and safety superintendent of Technical Assurance, with six direct reports, by the age of 23.

Starting as a graduate, she was transitioned after six months into an advisor role, and was soon recognised with two Sam Walsh Safety Finalist awards for “thinking outside the ‘normal’ stream of health and safety delivery”.

One was as a result of partnering with a mentor for delivery of the HSE carnival which saw over 400 people on the Supreme Court gardens interactively learning about HSE. In 2010 House was successfully nominated for two Terry Palmer Innovation awards. The submission of the food hygiene and safety awareness package has shown promise for international adoption and execution. During this time House became known as the ‘energetic’ person who co-ordinated all of the community fundraisers for the division.

Soon after this, in December 2010 she was requested to transition into a senior role with international Development and Expansions, which is the current role she holds at only 23.

Richard Gelson For a career that has taken him from a graduate to a technical services manager, and seen numerous accolades, in an extremely short time, Richard Gelson has been nominated for the Young Achiever award.

At the age of 26, Gelson’s career has already seen him progress up the ladder at Centennial Coal’s Springvale colliery.

He began at the site as a graduate engineer, then a mining engineer, a longwall co-ordinator (after only nine months on the job), a ventilation officer, a shift undermanager, and is now the site’s technical services manager.Even prior to starting his career in mining Gelson had been awarded AusIMM’s Sir Frank Epsie/Rio Tinto Scholarship, the Barrick Gold of Australia Prize, and the Mitsubishi Prize for best coal mine design project. Terry O’Brien, the Springvale’s former mine manager, stated that “Richard joined Springvale mine as a mining engineer graduate and he quickly became an integral part of the Technical Services and Management Teams. Richard was required at times to perform multiple and unfamiliar roles which he learnt quickly and managed these situations well. During his time at Springvale he created a new mining planning tool, increased mine air quantity by 70 per cent, and helped to develop a new safe longwall face bolt-up procedure. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

COMMUNITY INTERACTION

Ngarda Corporation For its work in ‘closing the gap’ and strong community interaction, Ngarda has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. Ngarda is the largest Indigenous owned and operated company in Australia and continues to expand both its business capabilities and geographic coverage. Working as a 50 per cent Indigenous owned company with Leighton Contractors, it has focused on benefiting the lives of local Indigenous Australians.

Ngarda retains its traditional links through its shareholders, the Ngarda Ngardi Yardnu Foundation.

Xstrata Mt Isa Mines

Sponsored by Xstrata Coal QLD The Mater Foundation In its drive to raise awareness of prostate cancer amongst miners and the wider community, the Mater Foundation has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. For the past three year The Mater Foundation worked with and partnered with companies in the mining and resources sector, to increase awareness among employees, their families and the local communities in which they do business through its Talking PC program. To date it has directly spoken with between 15 000 and 20 000 employees, providing information about what prostate cancer is, who is at risk, why men need to get regular check-ups, why medical research is so important and how they can be part of funding research and maybe one day finding a cure. It has also raised nearly half a million dollars to help find a cure.

“We know from staying on site and talking casually with employees after a presentation, that the message is getting through. But there is still a lot to do. And mining companies are playing a pivotal role.”

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FIFO Counselling For the creation of a mental health and wellbeing support net for fly in fly out miners, FIFO Counselling has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. FIFO Counselling counsels FIFO workers, families, and the wider community through many of the challenges working FIFO. It has provided a safety net for miners to discuss their issues and guide them through family mediation, provide FIFO communication tips to keep in contact with families, trauma counselling and reference to other community resources to assist them to overcome these challenges and many others, which has also included cultural acceptance, dietary needs and suicide intervention. On numerous occasions the group’s head Anthony Ward has helped FIFO workers who are experiencing grief because the death of a workmate, a family member or just found out that their wife has left them and struggled to know what to say.

It embraces FIFO workers and their challenges.

AustralianMining

The Resource Channel For the development of a regional Fly In Fly Out hub, The Resource Channel has been nominated for the Community Interaction award.

In June this year the group partnered with the District Council of Grant, in South Australia, to explore options to provide FIFO workforce from Mount Gambier for mining regions.

It was driven by the downturn in the local economy and worries about the region’s future job stability, as well as the potential to connect skilled pools of regional labour with growing industry demand.

The group carried out a total of 13 one hour sessions for locals to provide them with an overview of the industry, how the industry is structured, what it’s like to work remotely on a FIFO roster, the minimum requirements for the industry, how it impacts families, as well as the opportunities available.

The Resources Channel then carried out a survey on the regional workers to discover if they had transferable skills, and their willingness to work on remote sites.

Mining Oil & Gas Jobs Mining Oil and Gas Jobs has been nominated for the Community Interaction award for providing a hub for those outside of the industry to learn more about mining, and helping to tackle the jobs crisis.

The group says its aim is to inform, educate and even entertain where it can.

In the process, it attracts jobseekers from every corner of the globe and connect them directly with employers, while at the same time informing them of the realities of the industry and dismissing many preconceived stereotypes about mining.

It uses a sophisticated content marketing strategy to attract jobseekers and help people plan long-term careers in the Australian resources industry.

Our content strategy is hinged on two main things, a Careers and Industry Guide and using social platforms to directly interact with people interested in the mining industry.

The resource industry employer group AMMA has backed it from the beginning by forming a professional alliance with it.

For its constant commitment to the city of Mount Isa, and engaging with the community, Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has been nominated for the Community Interaction award.

Since 2004, it has committed $25 million to supporting its local community through the Xstrata Community Program North Queensland. Last year is spent more than $3 million, including sponsorship of community events, donations to local not-for-profit groups, and in-kind support, According to Xstrata Mt Isa Mines, its goal is “to add value to life in ‘the Isa’ while building initiatives”.

Xstrata Zinc Xstrata Zinc has been nominated for the Community Interaction award for its comprehensive study into promoting the town and bringing Mt Isa closer together with its operations. Dubbed the My Isa Study, it was an analysis of the needs of the mine’s employees and their families in Mt Isa. Regarding its employees and families as a distinct community it found that by supporting the greater liveability of Mt Isa it would help its employees as well as the broader community. The outcomes of the study are shaping its strategies. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Xstrata Coal We are the world’s largest exporter of seaborne thermal coal used to generate electricity and one of the largest producers of metallurgical coal used to make steel.

Australian mining Advert_297x235_FINAL.indd 1

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, our business is world-scale with interests in over 30 operating coal mines throughout Australia, South Africa and Colombia, producing 100.5 million tonnes (managed) in 2011, about 85% of which was exported.

With an unmatched pipeline of competitive coal projects in various stages of development, we have the potential to expand current production by more than 50 million tonnes per annum by 2016.

We employ more than 17,000 people (including contractors) across our underground and open cut mines, the majority working out of the New South Wales Hunter Valley and Queensland’s Bowen Basin, and the Witbank area of South Africa.

For career opportunities with us, please visit www.xstratacareers.com.

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INDONESIA

Jakarta’s ABOUT FACE As the new mining tax deadlines count down, there is still a spirit of compromise.

Juff Hutton writes from Jakarta.

T

he new head of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board says a ten year deadline given to foreign owners of resource projects in February to sell a majority stake to domestic investors may be dramatically extended.

Speaking in a interview in Jakarta this month, Chatib Basri, 46, who was appointed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the position in June, told Australian Mining industry ministry officials were directed to develop a “roadmap” toward extending the current ten year deadline to sell at least 51 per cent of a foreign owned project to domestic investors.

“If you have to divest your investment there is no point in investment,” Basri said.

“How about something that makes sense for the investor what about a time horizon of 20 or 30 years? It builds confidence.”

The comments suggest a face saving solution for hardliners in the government who, in the run up to the presidential election in 2014, advocate more national control of the country’s resources.

Earlier this year the government imposed export bans of some metals by 2014 to encourage a domestic process industry.

“The spirit (of compromise) is there.”

For Basri, who is charged not only with the promoting the investment case for Indonesia abroad but with improving the environment for foreign capital once it arrives, the challenge is to get results fast withwww.miningaustralia.com.au

out picking fights with powerful ministries in the two years he will likely have the job before term limits forces his boss from office in 2014.

Basri says the onslaught of proposed regulations have rattled investors.

“People are now questioning our credibility,” Basri said.

“Given the decree, the question is how do you deal with that? I try to work within constraints.”

Basri says other compromises may be in the offing such as excusing foreign investors from selling down stakes in smelters and other facilities that would promote domestic processing of raw materials.

The suggestions follow meetings between Basri and key ministers shortly after he took over as chairman. The officials include Hatta Rajasa, the country’s chief economics minister, minister of energy and mineral resources Jero Wacik, Gita Wirjawan -- trade minister, and industry minister Mohamad S. Hidayat, who has routinely called for steep export taxes on resources to boost the government’s share of resource earnings.

Hidayat must report back with detail on a plan to develop a smelting industry and say whether the 2014 deadline is practical, Basri said.

“I understand this process (of establishing a smelting industry) is not easy. You need capability. Maybe we can discuss the timing,” he stated.

A spokesman at the trade ministry did not return phone calls or emails regarding comment.

If Indonesian officials dramati-

cally extend the deadline for divestment and make other exclusions it would fit a broader trend.

Officials jockeying for political advantage can issue sweeping edicts or proposals only to backpeddle when it comes time to implement them.

Ahead of the 2009 presidential election, proposed mining laws threatened to ban overseas mining service providers.

But after the re-election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that year the restriction was watered down.

Instead, foreign operators can assess the skills of domestic providers and opt for foreign ones what’s on offer at home was found lacking.

Peter Lynch, who up until two years ago ran Clive Palmer’s Waratah Coal, says that trend is all part of doing business in Indonesia.

“It doesn’t do them much of a service,” Lynch said.

“They come up with the idea and then after the feedback they make it more palatable.”

A softly-softly approach to the prospect of sudden policy shifts can pay dividends in Indonesia where the cost of operation can be a fraction of what it might be in Australia, Lynch told Australian Mining.

Drilling, for example costs a third what it does in Australia.

Lynch now heads start up Cokal, which is aiming to seize on Indonesia’s cheaper cost of production by exporting coking coal from a remote part of Indonesia’s Kalimantan’s province and hopefully undercut his old boss.

The company is putting the finishing touches on a pre-feasibility study and expects to unveil it in early October Cokal will likely produce coking coal at a cost of $US110 a tonne at the start of production, Lynch says.

As scale and operations improve that cost of production will fall to as low as $US70 a tonne.

That’s roughly half what it costs BHP Billiton to produce coking coal in Queensland, analysts say.

Lynch likens Australia’s carbon tax, and the Mineral Resources Rent Tax as proof sudden changes in government policy are not limited to Indonesia.

Basri’s ability to prod high level ministers into seeking a compromise within months of the proposed changes underscores his own influence and reputation in government.

In June President Yudhoyono reached Basri on his mobile phone to personally offer him the job while he was attending a conference at Harvard University.

Indonesia’s resource sector, its growing numbers of middle class consumers and rising cost of manufacturing abroad is also playing into Basri’s hand.

Realised investment will likely top $US20 billion this year, beating the forecast for $18 billion, Basri says.

By focusing on reforms that can be realised immediately, Basri’s aim is show investors that problems can be worked out when they emerge.

“In the cause of reform you have to continue to provide progress.”

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AFRICA

A

s the resources boom slows down in Australia and iron ore prices tumble, West Africa’s untapped resources are drawing eyes away from the Pilbara.

With troubled times in the Pilbara as Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine defers construction, BHP cuts its With the mining and carbon taxes biting, is focus shifting workforce and expansion from the Pilbara to a new iron ore heartland? plans, and Fortescue slashes costs and workers, many Cole Latimer writes. major miners are looking to the next hot iron ore region.

It comes as iron ore exports from Port Hedland to China slip 9% this month.

Some majors have already begun operations in the region, with Rio Tinto running the Simandou mine in Guinea, Vale in Liberia and Guinea, Arcelormittal and BHP Billiton in Guinea at the Nimba project, as well as BHP’s interest in a mineral development agreement with are considered to be “one of Australia and the relatively Resources, a junior which the Liberian government, the best underdeveloped iron high cost of doing business to runs Badondo and Mayokoand Xstrata carrying out fea- ore deposits in the world in these new resources that are Moussondji projects in the lower cost to operate.

Republic of Congo, said that sibility studies at its El Aouj, terms of size and quality”.

Speaking at the 2012 Af- a major part of the Chinese Askaf, and Lebtheinia iron The Asian century rica Down Under Conference move is due to the fact that it ore projects in Mauritania.

The Chinese have also been According to Vale the A D _ A MH Y T N O V _ 1 2 . p d f P a g e 1 1 9 / 1earlier 0 / 1 this 2 , year, 1 0 John : 1 5WelA M is looking for alternate supiron ore projects in Guinea shifting their focus away from born, the chief of Equatorial plies of iron ore.

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Is West Africa the

NEW PILBARA?

AustralianMining

He explained that more than 75% of its seaborne iron ore comes from Australia, Brazil, and India, adding that it is suffering from the high costs and low profitability of buying from foreign miners.

This was supported by

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the Wu Xichun China Iron & Steel Association which stated that “by 2015 China wants to import 50% of its iron ore from Chinese owned mines elsewhere in the world”.

Welborn asked that if world demand doubles by 2030, where will the extra production come from?

It is unlikely that Aus­ tralia and Brazil alone will be able to fulfill this massive demand.

“This has caused a race to production along the West Africa coastline, with com­ panies worldwide aiming to develop iron­ore projects,” said Welborn.

The new iron ore west

West Africa, or the ‘new Pil­ bara’ as some have called it, looks capable of filling this shortfall.

Particularly for Chinese companies looking to own and develop their own mines.

This was supported by Anglo Gold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani.

Speaking at the Sydney Mining Club earlier this year, he said that the next century will see China turn away from Australia and Brazil, and focus on the under de­ veloped resources that Africa has to offer.

“Everyone is predicting that this century will be the Asian century, the Chinese century, but to achieve this it will need a steady supply of materials, and this need will be met by Africa.

“I predict that this coming century will not be the Chin­ ese century, but the Chinese/ African century,” he said.

West Africa’s high grade deposits of gold, iron ore, and other metals are drawing increased interest from foreign operators.

“Brazil’s Vale SA and China’s Minmetals Resourc­ es Ltd. are among the major players from the develop­ ing world who are trying to make serious inroads into the African mining sector.”

With the spiraling costs, threat of union unrest, and unsupportive government, it is little wonder that many min­ ers are now eyeing these de­ posits which are comparable to Brazil’s iron ore mines.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Geoff Breen told Australian Mining the wider perspective for West Afri­ can­focused companies was generally positive.

But he said market insta­ bility led by the crisis in Eu­ rope was making life hard

for emerging miners and had caused an overall de­ rating in the market. Breen said while such uncertainty would normally boost confi­ dence, it had impacted costs and “squeezed margins” for mining companies.

“That’s part of the de­rat­ ing of the sector,” he said.

A bump in the road

However, it will not be all smooth sailing, particularly for the Chinese.

Increased worker unrest and rioting has begun to hit Africa, with miners demand­ ing higher wages and greater safety on site. Aside from the major worker unrest in South Africa, Chinese owned mines have seen seri­

ous riots, with the Chinese manager murdered at one Chinese run mine in Zam­ bia, on the opposite side of the continent. Workers at the Collum coal mine were pro­ testing over the company’s failure to increase the mini­ mum wage to the previously agreed upon $320 a month.

Miners killed Chinese mine manager Wu Shengzai and injured another company representative, Zambian po­ lice said at the time. Wu was killed when he attempted to escape the miners by enter­ ing into the underground mine and rioters crushed him by shoving a coal trolley into him. Eleven Zambians were injured during the riot.

This is not the first time the

Counting the costs

Tax regimes have also pushed the Chinese, and others, off­ shore to look at Africa. Australian Mining has previously reported that “African coun­ tries are now in an advanta­ geous position as more min­ ers from developing countries like China, India and Brazil, have started to look at the underexplored opportunities in a continent whose mining sector was earlier dominated by mining concerns from the developed world, such as the U.S.A., Britain, Europe, and Australia. www.miningaustralia.com.au

mine has seen violent indus­ trial action between workers and the Chinese run manage­ ment. Last year management fired upon the workers, and although they were charged with attempted murder, these charges were dropped.

Chinese owned compa­ nies have come under attack from Human Rights Watch over their actions in their state owned copper mines.

In a report entitled “You’ll be fired if you refuse” the group outlines the conditions faced by Zambian miners. stating that “miners from the Chinese­ owned companies described consistently poor health and safety standards, including inadequate ventilation that can lead to serious lung dis­ eases, the failure to replace workers’ damaged protec­ tive equipment, and routine threats to fire workers who refuse to work in unsafe places underground”.

The African century

Iron ore miners, including Australians, have seen the value of shifting to a relatively low cost country.

With this increasing demand, West Africa will draw more miners, and more invest­ ment. Despite many issues with infrastructure, the in­ creased development of mines will see the parallel de­ velopment or road and rail.

A resources boom in the na­ tion will truly see the growth of West Africa as the new Pilbara, and the dawn of the African century.

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Bigger Stronger Tougher /`Z[LY )PN ;Y\JRZ IYPUN HU` QVI KV^U [V ZPaL ;OLZL ^VYR OVYZLZ [OYP]L PU [OL TVZ[ KLTHUKPUN JVUKP[PVUZ [HJRSPUN [OL TVZ[ TVU\TLU[HS SVHKZ ^P[O LHZL >P[O H IYVHK JHWHJP[` YHUNL MYVT ¶ [VUULZ ÄUKPUN H /`Z[LY )PN ;Y\JR [V Z\P[ `V\Y ULLKZ PZ ZPTWSL THRPUN [VKH`»Z [V\NO JOHSSLUNLZ `LZ[LYKH`»Z WYVISLTZ

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Dual axis inclinometer BeSteCH australia have introduced their new Sensorex SX41600 dual axis submersible inclinometer.

Built for precision performance in rugged and demanding sites, the product offers pitch and roll measurement along with gas turbine positioning.

Protected by a stainless steel iP67 enclosure, the dual axis inclinometer’s longevity and effective performance is assured, even when submerged. the inclinometer is ateX certified for use in permanent explosive atmospheres, either gas or dust (Zone 0), and in the presence of gas types listed in subdivisions iia, iiB and iiC. With a operating temperature range of -40 to 85 degrees celcius and a output signal of 4 to 20 ma, the the Sensorex SX41600 was purpose built to suit any condition.

• Bestech www.bestech.com.au The weighing deck can be packed up, moved, and reassembled in a matter of hours.

Portable weighbridge Mettler toledo have developed a completely portable weighbridge which can be easily dismantled and transported from one location to another without the need to use concrete foundations or large cranes. the weighbridge is made up of a strong, light-weight othrotropic steel deck which can be dismantled in under an hour and packed onto a truck, transported and reassembled within hours. the process can be carried out by the company’s staff rather than using a specialist which has been the only option in the past standard weighbridges. to eliminate unplanned service costs the portable weighbridge includes Mettler tOleDO POWerCell® PDX® load cells which keep the operator continuously informed about the weighbridge’s performance and alert them to errors before they occur.

• Mettler Toledo www.mt.com

Fuel consumption is reduced by 10%, while torque is increased at low speeds.

Wheel loader

Features a heavy duty drive rod for high quality splices, and pneumatic driving power.

Single rivet driver FleXCO australia have released their Pneumatic Single rivet Driver which when used in conjunction with Flexo Sr fasteners and installation bases, increases installation speed by up to 33 per cent. the driver features a heavy-duty drive rod for high-quality splices, dual handles for balance and pneumatic driving power for a robust installation.

Featuring a single pull per rivet, collated rivets with washers and a specially designed steel guide block ensures that each trigger pull contributes to a consistent splice, saving time and reducing worker fatigue. a portable carrying case makes it easy for the driver to transport while heavy-duty manufacturing assures the products longevity in the most difficult conditions.

• Flexco 02 8818 2000 www.flexco.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

CaterPillar have released new design refinements for the 993K wheel loader which are aimed at better serving mining and quarry customers worldwide.

Now available with either a tier 4 Final or tier 2 equivalent Cat C32 engine, the 993K incorporates new engine control and power train features that boost performance and reduce fuel consumption delivering reliable, low-cost production with durability and safety.

With the updated 993K, fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 10 per cent. this is achieved in two ways. Firstly the auto idle Kickdown reduces throttle-lock speed after a set idling interval. and second, the engine idle Shutdown stops the engine after extended periods of idling. in addition, a new toque converter has been designed to work with the reduced engine speed, while the Powertain torque Strategy system ensures optimum output at reduced speed, offering greater fuel savings. the system also reduces engine speed for directional shifts made at high ground speeds.

New touch-pad switches and indicator lights allow users to check all fluid levels while also allowing the draining and filling of fluid compartments from the ground. the 993K Vital information System (ViMS 3G) now includes a Cycle timer feature that tracks and stores all aspects of the truck loading cycle in an eight-segment format. Cycle timer promotes efficient operation by providing detailed information (such as average cycle time, wait time, fuel consumed, and tons produced per unit of fuel) which can be used in management reports. in-cab sound levels for the 993K have been reduced from 72 to 70 dB(a), due in part to new cab mounts that also reduce vibration, while new controls for the HVaC system allow more precise temperature control, and back-lighted switches are more easily identified.

For enhanced safety, a powered access system provides a self-storing set of stairs that can be lowered and raised from ground level or from anywhere just outside the cab. this system, which interlocks with the neutral safety switch and parking brake, allows threepoint contact when accessing the machine.

• Caterpillar http://australia.cat.com/home AustralianMining

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Raisebore drills

The new longwall shearer can mine seams 2.7 to 5.4 metres in height.

Longwall shearer CateRpIllaR has introduced its Cat el3000 longwall shearer which incorporates an advanced control system with ethernet communication to suit automation and monitoring. the pMC evo-S control system with state-of-the-art ethernet communication and backup functionality allows the shearer to be operated even if the overall control system is not functioning. Remote control and diagnosis are possible for all components. Commissioning, maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting are much easier and faster, and equipment is self-configuring. the few cables that are used are standard ethernet cables rather than application-specific cables. Flameproof housings are no longer required, simplifying installation and speeding up maintenance. el3000 also features a robust one-piece mainframe that ensures durable performance while providing maximum protection for the modular components. With an innovative two-piece trapping shoe, the Jumbotruck haulage system also delivers high performance and longer service by allowing for easy wear replacement at any location along the face. the el3000 shearer mines seams 2.7 to 5.4 m in height and cuts power by as much as 860 kW. • Caterpillar Australia www.au.cat.com

Constructed from a black synthetic leather base, and neoprene padded palm.

Work gloves BOC has released the new Umatta Mechanics Skeleton gloves. the gloves are constructed of 0.8 mm black synthetic leather base, neoprene padded palm reinforcement and black nylon/lycra foam back with neoprene knuckle bar, with adjustable wrist straps with velcro fasteners. applications include the auto industry, refining, shipping, mining, diving and general handling. the gloves satisfy Ce eN 388 3131, and offer a snug fit, padding and reinforcement, as well as a design that prevents particles from entering the glove, catering to both safety and fun considerations. Sizes range from S to 2Xl. • BOC Australia 131 262 www.bocworldofwelding.com.au

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Redpath has developed the lightest, most compact raise drill to ever hit the australian market. Its Redbore 30 is the 7th drill in its Redpath fleet, and is designed to fit the current gap in the box hole drilling market; the need for increased mobility and low clearance heights, The smallest raisebore drills in Australia. and the ability to easily move between sites. the Redbore 30 has been developed specifically for block-cave operations but can be used on any box holes, and measures just 3.9 metres in height, 1.4 metres wide with a total weight of only 4.1 tonnes for the actual rig, while the drill’s hydraulic motor produces 133 kN of force for pilot hole drilling and 444 kNfor reaming. While the size of the Redbore 30 contributes to improved set up times, another innovation is the new base, called the ‘Octopus’, that allows the drill to be locked into the side walls, removing the need to first pour a concrete slab as a foundation. another new safety feature of the Redbore 30 is the scissor-styled deflector plate which is stronger and can take more weight, increasing the safety for the operator of the drill by providing greater protection from falling rubble, while it also folds flat when not in use so it is easy to transport.

• Redpath www.redpathmining.com

Mine survey tOpCON has released a new suite of survey products for the mine site. the new topcon survey suite includes the pS robotic total station series; a hiper SR RtK receiver; a tesla handheld controller; and Magnet Field software. the topcon pS high performance robotic total station is available in 1- and 3- arc second models, the pS utilises topcon’s new powertrac technology to increase the prism tracking power up to an industry-leading 6 km range. It uses new optics, laser system and advanced algorithms, powertrac provides the pS with the ability to keep tracking a moving prism even under the toughest environmental conditions. the pS employs a new edM that has a smaller beam width and reduces the “noise” traditionally associated with reflectorless New site surveying equipment. measurements, providing an accurate result even to dark or wet surfaces up to a 1 km non-prism range. It hiper SR is an advanced GNSS RtK receiver supporting all constellations and providing automatic signal tracking across 226 channels. the new topcon tesla tablet is designed to incorporate the readability of a larger tablet, but still be easy to hold with one hand, and is a handheld tablet with a large 5.7-inch colour touch screen that is easy to read and operate even in bright sunlight, with direct touch access to all controls. the tesla has been designed to be extremely durable, with an Ip67 environmental rating meaning it can be submerged in water, exposed to dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, humidity and altitude, or dropped from 1.2 m and still function perfectly. all models come with WiFi and Bluetooth technology and 3.2 megapixel camera, with 16 hours operating time and hot-swappable batteries. topcon’s new Magnet Field software is a new in-field package that enables cloud-connected data exchange and backup for data • Position Partners www.positionpartners.com.au www.miningaustralia.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.

Planner Maintenance Processing coMPany: BHP Billiton location: BrisBane Description: BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is Austra­ lia’s largest metallurgical coal miner and exporter.

We are seeking a Planner/Maintenance Processing with a strong background in Coal Processing or Fixed Plant to assist in the execution of the Greenfield Daunia Mine Project.

The successful candidate will be passionate about construc­ tively setting up processes and systems to drive accountability and performance throughout a new Operation.

To be successful, you will be highly organised and thrive in an autonomous position but also enjoy working within a positive team environment. You will have the capability and experience to develop and communicate schedules and plans, anticipate and eliminate potential delays, ensure compliance to work plans and 1SAP work management processes, and control relevant work planning documentation. In addition, you will have a me­ chanical trade qualification or equivalent industry experience.

The size and magnitude of our business provides significant opportunity for professional development with attractive salary packages. to apply, send your cV to jobs@bhpbilliton.com

Mine ProDUction engineer coMPany: MMg location: tasMania Description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver.

The key challenge you will face in this role will be to provide drill and blast designs and production schedules that will achieve production targets within agreed timeframes and budgets with­ out comprising safety for underground operations employees. An additional challenge will be to meet forecasted production targets with significant changes to grade and increasing depth of the Rosebery Mine.

You will be tasked with providing timely, safe, efficient, cost­ef­ fective mine designs for production stoping operations, including production drilling designs, raisebore drilling designs and firing plans and assisting with and completing production schedules to identify the bottlenecks, major constraints and possible solutions.

Tertiary qualifications in Mining Engineering are essential. Any exposure to stope design would be desirable as would working knowledge of Mine24D, iRing and EPS software. submit your application online at http://careers.mmg.com/ jobsearch.asp?stp=aW&slanguage=en.

Mes sPecialist – Plant anD asset Utilisation coMPany: Minerals anD Metals groUP (MMg) location: MelBoUrne Description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver.

The key purpose of this role is to drive the optimal implementation and continued usage of the relevant mine operations systems ap­ plications and to support MMG’s push to improve Asset Utilisation (AU) and plant operations. This will be achieved by maintaining thorough knowledge of the products, the processes they support, A challenge will be to facilitate the translation of plant operations and asset utilisation business requirements into tangible results through improved systems performance and reporting.

The scope of the role will include evaluating current business practices, identifying opportunities, and making recommenda­ tions for how software systems will best support and improve AU related business activities. You will be actively contributing to the design processes, through participation in project design workshops and providing design assurance and ensuring that proposed software implementations are fit­for purpose. submit your application online at http://careers.mmg.com/ jobsearch.asp?stp=aW&slanguage=en.

concentrator reliaBility engineer coMPany: MMg location: tasMania Description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver.

The purpose of this role is to improve the performance of fixed plant assets by increasing the availability, reducing failure fre­ quencies, increasing reliability and developing maintenance strategies to optimise work performance.

The challenges you will face in this role will be to ensure a con­ sistent and sustainable rate of utilisation from the concentrator assets ensuring that you meet agreed budgeting and timelines.

You will be tasked with maximising the availability of the sites assets to operate in line with bottleneck operating strategies and reliability performance measures, and ensuring all site assets are effectively and efficiently managed consistent with MMG standards and statutory requirements and support the MMG Rosebery strategic business plan.

We will require you to be an experienced reliability/maintenance engineer with a background in heavy industry. submit your application online at http://careers.mmg. com/jobsearch.asp?stp=aW&slanguage=en.

Plant Manager (refinery) coMPany: interoil corPoration location: PaPUa neW gUinea Description: InterOil’s assets consist of petroleum licences covering about 3.9 million acres, an oil refinery, and retail and commercial distribution facilities, all located in Papua New Guinea.

In this vital second­in­charge role, you’ll be responsible for su­ pervising the day­to­day operations of the refinery to provide safe, environmentally sound and compliant practices whilst ensuring maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness across refinery operations.

In return for your hard work, you’ll receive an extremely attrac­ tive remuneration package (based on your qualifications and experience.)

In addition you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of the following benefits: Relocation assistance; Accommodation pro­ vided; Use of a company vehicle; 6 weeks annual leave; Boat or bus transport to work provided; Return flights home each year! to apply, please visit: http://applynow.net.au/job38499

Maintenance sUPerVisor (Diggers anD Drills) coMPany: tHeiss location: BrisBane Description: As one of Australia’s largest mining and construction groups, we manage sites through Australia and South East Asia.

This role is based at our Lake Vermont Coal Project near Dysart.

You will be accountable for the maintenance of all the relevant equipment on site to OEM specifications, ensuring the equipment fleet achieves maximum availability for minimal cost. You will provide leadership and direction to all maintenance personnel, including sub­contractors.

Initially this role will be part of the Lake Vermont transition team on a Monday to Friday roster supervising the new 9400, 9800 T282 Liebherr builds until early in 2013, then joined by a second incumbent and rotate on an even time dayshift roster.

Excellence in maintenance of heavy equipment is needed in this role. Experience on Liebherr diggers is essential and will compli­ ment you as will computer proficiency and knowledge of JDE. contact shaun geoghegan on 07 3037 5151 or apply at miningjobs@thiess.com.au

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senior exPloration geologist coMPany: MicHael Page Mining & resoUrces location: BrisBane Description: The mine has an outstanding work philosophy that promotes and protects the safety and wellbeing of its employ­ ees. The community is active and there are exceptional lifestyle benefits that Queensland can offer with excellent education, health and sporting facilities.

You will lead the exploration geology department to implement the sites Discovery strategy and deliver exploration programs efficiently and effectively. This role will be accountable and re­ sponsible for target generation, design, budgeting and manage­ ment of exploration drilling and all related exploration programs.

The role is responsible for managing and mentoring a team of staff exploration geologists and field assistants to deliver posi­ tive outcomes and an environment of technical excellence.

You must have Tertiary qualifications in Geology or similar and preferably 10 years experience in geology, of which at least 5 years must be in exploration. apply online at http://www.michaelpage.com.au/controller quoting reference number a107262038 senior reliaBility officer coMPany: anglogolD asHanti (aga) location: PertH Description: AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is the world’s third­largest gold producer with 20 operations in 10 countries on four continents.

We are now seeking an experienced Senior Reliability Engineer to join our Operations team for the Tropicana Gold Mine. This role is responsible for supporting operations by assisting with profes­ sional quality, cost effective and efficient scheduled maintenance, and leadership of reliability improvement of the processing fixed­ plant.

The main tasks of the role include supporting the development and implementation of appropriate asset management strategies for all equipment and associated systems in the gold process­ ing plant – these strategies should reinforce the build­in reliability and maintainability in the design and to lead the development of maintenance strategy for critical equipment using the RCM and risk based inspections.

The ideal candidate will possess a Degree in mechanical or elec­ trical engineering with least 5 years’ experience as a reliability engineer in a metals processing environment and a WA C Class driver’s licence.

Please apply online at http://careers.anglogoldashanti.com/ Diesel fitters/Plant MecHanic coMPany: KoMatsU location: syDney Description: Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd has an excellent reputa­ tion in the mining and construction industries for providing ro­ bust utility construction and heavy mining equipment .

This position will be responsible for the repair and maintenance Komatsu Utility, Construction and Mining Equipment. Your duties will include actively engaging in all aspects of safety and per­ formance, reporting hazards, incidents and accidents to relevant site personnel and to assist the project team in daily, weekly and long term planning of the maintenance schedules and workload reactively engaging in positive two way communication. You will supply technical expertise and assistance to minimise equipment down time as well as assist in the ordering/dispatching of parts.

You will be a trade qualified Diesel Fitter/Plant Mechanic. Pre­ vious experience working on construction, utility and mining equipment is essential along with comprehensive knowledge of hydraulic systems and have highly developed diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. apply by sending your cV to ndehen@komatsu.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Goldfields Mining Exhibition (GME)

Social Licence & Stakeholder Engagement

30 October-1 November Kalgoorlie Boulder Racing Club, Kalgoorlie

3 December-5 December Royal on the Park Hotel, Brisbane

An integral feature of the mining calendar for the past 27 years, the Goldfields Mining Expo (GME) is a dynamic biennial event which provides opportunities to meet, network and do business in the heart of Western Australia’s booming mining sector. A range of mining community-focused events and information sessions, along with specific programs aimed at “frontline” miners – operators, maintenance crews, foremen, supervisors, leading hands, shift managers and labourers – will be key elements of this year’s exhibition.

• GME Chris Ghosh 02 9422 2955 www.goldfieldsminingexpo.com.au

Feedback from heads of exploration and projects from mining, and land based oil and gas companies, has shown that social impact issues and stakeholder engagement are significant matters. This conference will address the main issues around social impact, social impact assessment, social licence and stakeholder/community engagement in depth, with presentations and case studies from respected industry professionals.

• Resourceful Events 02 9279 2222 www.sociallicenceinresources.com

for Southern and West African countries. But, to Management and Leadership capitalise on this incredible opportunity, it is vital Training that commodities are moved from pit-to-port as 12-27 November quickly and efficiently as possible and current As resources sector projects are rapidly railway infrastructure deficiencies are rectified. developing, new managers are also being Heavy Haul Rail Africa 2012 will be a two-day promoted – often without the training and event which will bring together resource sector support to ensure success in the role. This representative, engineering and construction training provides essential support and tools for firms, rail operators and suppliers, government new managers, and those who could benefit Heavy Haul Rail Africa officials and financers to examine the mining from a refresher. Join this highly interactive The emerging vibrancy of Africa’s mineral and projects in the pipeline, and the subsequent essential training which features regular resources sector has sparked a renewed interest opportunities for the rail sector. participant activity, along with mini-case from the international mining community in • Informa studies. opportunities to develop and export Africa’s 0410 689 401 • Resourceful Events ultra-rich A D _mineral A M Kendowment.

O P N O Multi-billion V _ 1 2 . p d f sarah.cullen@informa.com.au Pa ge 1 1 7 / 1 0 / 1 2 , 9 02 : 9279 3 2 2222 AM dollar mining developments are in the pipeline www.informa.com.au www.sociallicenceinresources.com

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Certified Profibus Training 29 October-2 November Stamford Plaza Hotel, Adelaide This hands-on course is internationally accredited and covers the layout, installation and testing of Profibus DP and PA networks.

• Profibus Australia 02 9555 7899 www.profibusaustralia.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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UNM13793