Australian Mining July 2013

VOLUME 105/7 – JULY 2013

SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

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NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

Drilling down

Exploring the issues affecting our juniors

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COMMENT

Mining What’s on the table?

Australian

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A little good news goes a long way in the current economic environment.

A

re you excited? The team at Australian Mining certainly are.

It’s only a month (give or take a week) away until AIMEX. Looking to be as big as the last one in 2011, we’ll be interested to see what the industry has on show (although you can get a sneak peek further along in this magazine) and the issues that everyone will be talking about.

Because, to be honest, we are in need of a release and some good news.

June and May were not good months for the mining industry, almost every single week we heard of one mine or another cutting back its workforce, or of contractors losing work or being forced to pare back their operations as well.

In one week there was news of almost 500 miners, across a number of different

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au sites, being cut – Peabody, GlencoreXstrata, Anglo American, Aquila and Vale, all of them cut back on their operations within a single gloomy fortnight.

No, it has not been a good time in the industry.

But it wasn’t just miners at the coal face.

Globally we’ve seen Barrick take the axe to its administration, while Newcrest did the same in Australia.

Rio Tinto is also still on its drive to cut back 10 per cent of costs, with the focus on the administration and head offices.

Miners are even selling

off stakes in an effort to ride out the turbulence.

In one of the most surprising moves, BHP offloaded its stake in its up and coming Jimblebar iron ore operations, handing its part of the mine to Japanese buyers.

One of the few good news stories was the announcement that Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine would now not need the predicted influx of foreign workers, and instead was going to hire more Australians – a move which will somewhat ease this current round of cuts, although not for the coal miners who are bearing the brunt of the layoffs.

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So why now? Why are we seeing all these job cuts?

The continuing decline in commodities.

Mines aren’t able to operate on the newly razor thin margins, where they are getting just above cost price for their metals or minerals.

Coal has been worst hit out of all, with the price spiralling quickly in months.

We’ve seen much the same starting to happen in the gold sector – with the most recent the worst performing for the metal since the 1920s.

Which makes us think.

Is this a new mining depression, are we going to once again experience the depths of the industry that we did in the 90s?

Probably not, but things aren’t exactly rosy.

So with AIMEX on the horizon, a little good news goes a long way.

Pa ge

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AEST

ON the front cover of the July 2013 edition of Australian Mining, we’ve focused on drilling. In particular exploration drilling.

Whilst the focus from outside the industry has been on the affect the downturn has had on the majors, junior miners are the ones that are hurting most as investment dries up and the appetite for exploration fades.

In some goods news, this edition gives readers a sneak peek at AIMEX, and who will be showcasing or launching new equipment at the exhibition.

AustralianMining

July 2013

3

Contents Q&A Underground Emergency Response Co-ordinator .............................................. p10

Surviving the downturn: A guide

QUEENSLAND SPOTLIGHT We need to talk about Kevin Kevin’s Corner and Alpha coal in focus .. p16-18 Queensland explores surveying Encouraging exploration ............................ p20 Coal mine closures in the Bowen Layoffs in the coalfields......................... p22-24

Aiding automation….p40-42

Future proofing drilling

EXPLORATION Juniors at risk of collapse Hundreds of juniors may not make out the year ............................................................ p34 MAPPING & SURVEYING Measuring mines in minutes Better underground mapping and design .... p28 Bulk material lasers Material measurement – faster and safer .... p29 Mapping your assets Your machinery in 3D................................ p30 URANIUM Exploring Australia’s energy opportunities As demand increase for energy, can Australia fulfill it ................................... p32-33 TECHNICAL WRITING The art of reporting writing How to make your reports better ............... p34

World first truck turntable

Some do’s and don’ts for working through the downturn….p12-14

MINESITE CONSTRUCTION Starting out on the right foot Building your mine from the ground up.. p48-49 NORTHERN TERRITORY SPOTLIGHT An old style discovery in a new era Gold paying from the first shovel load .. p50-51 DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS An easy step change Moving from ANFO to emulsion at Rasp .. p54 Sandvik celebrates 100th DR500 Manufacturer reaches milestone ................. p56 The world’s most powerful raise bore New drills to hit Australia ..................... p58-59 Tracking blast performance Understanding your patterns ...................... p60

MINESITE VEHICLES Going greener Hitachi releases hybrid excavators ............. p36 Cat launches new longwall miner SAFETY Opening up small to medium seams ........... p38 of+a 1button Lifting A M 0the 7 1game 3 _ 0 0 0 _ ADE 1 2 0 1 3 - 0Saving 6 - 1 lives 8 T 1with 6 : the 1 3push : 2 7 0 : 0 0 Automatic, safer CPR................................. p62 New industrial forklifts ......................... p44-46

Drug and alcohol compliance Training delivered on-site at your workplace

Planning for the downturn….p52

Zeroing in on compliance Ensuring electrical safety ............................ p63 MOTORS & DRIVES Meeting mining motor demands A Q&A with Rockwell’s drives product manager ..................................................... p64 Getting the most out of your piston type compressors Managing your drives ........................... p66-69 AIMEX PREVIEW What’s on show .................................... p72-89

Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT.................................. p6 PRODUCT SHOWCASE..........................p90-94 PROSPECT AWARDS..................................p98 JOBS..........................................................p100 EVENTS.....................................................p102

AMINING 07/08/09 2013

Features

July 2013 issue

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

The breakdown of the Australian junior mining markets Denham Capital’s Bert Koth explained how juniors got into their current financial position.

F

inally, the funding crisis affecting the junior mining sector worldwide has arrived in Australia.

While the mood and markets in Australia remained fairly upbeat, the A D _ A MA B L O C T _ 1 2 . p d atmosphere in Vancouver and To-

ronto has been depressed for nearly reeling from the GFC and its cona year. sequences, Australia’s economy had That is until the realization that been cushioned by China’s massive China’s growth rates, while high by RMB4 trillion (US$586 billion) all standards, would be significantly stimulus package announced in Nolower going forward. vember 2008. f Pa ge 1 1 3 / 0 9 / 1 2 , 4 4 AM As the rest of the world was 1 0 : This held iron ore and coal pric-

es at high levels and bolstered the equity story for many Australian mining juniors. Yet now, with the Chinese growth outlook more subdued the optimism has vanished.

Continued on page 8

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

Continued from page 6

However, the moderated growth outlook in China and a debt crisis in the developed world are not the only reasons why the junior mining markets have dried up. There are two other important forces at work here: A crisis of confidence in the junior mining sector: Caused by the over-promotion of junior mining stocks by bankers and management teams, this has led to unrealistic expectations in investors’ minds. As these expectations were not fulfilled and investors suffered financially, their willingness to risk further capital diminished to a trickle. 75 percent of mining IPOs over last five years are trading below their issue price and investors have lost on average of 30 percent of their money in mining IPOs over last that same time. Additionally, IPOs in 2010 and 2011 are trading more than 50 percent below their listing price.

A generational change in the junior mining investor base: A significant number of the high net wealth retail investors who constituted a significant part of the early stage investor pool have retired from investing. It is unclear who is goingA D to_ provide the A ML A N A Preplacement R_ 1 3 . p capital. Younger generations have

less money (partly due to the introduction of superannuation) and do not have the skills and experience to genuinely evaluate the risks of investing in the entrepreneurial mining space. Over many years, the so-called commodities experts have forecasted commodity prices that do not reflect the views of the markets.

As shown below, brokers and banks have consistently provided forecasts which are either too low, in the case of gold, or too high, in the case of nickel.

Apart from inaccurate forecasting of commodity prices, the junior mining sector has a long track record of not delivering on its promises and of providing (whether intentionally or not) misleading information to investors on occasion. Examples of this include: Capex: The average capex overrun in the mining industry over the last two years is 56 percent. It is not uncommon for capex overruns to be in excess of 100 percent when markets were running and input factor inflation was strong.

These capex overruns occur after the successful completion of bankable feasibility studies that typically state a 10 percent margin of error. d f Anecdotally, P a g e 1 in1West 1 / 0Australia, 3 / 1 3 , there was one mining project that

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came in on budget during the last eight years.

Either the bankable feasibility studies are misstating the capex or the execution of the mining projects is flawed.

While there might be a bias or pressure to report unrealistically low capex numbers in a BFS to demonstrate attractive returns for fund raising purposes, the issue mostly lies in execution. There simply aren’t enough top teams available to execute the large number of mining projects currently under development. In Australia, for example, one could argue that most or all of the top engineering teams are tied up with LNG projects or mining majors.

Therefore other mining projects are forced to make do with teams that are available. It is no surprise that junior mining stocks with high capex intensity are particularly bad-

ly hit. A capex overrun of more than 50 percent can substantially wipe out equity returns.

Opex: Investor presentations often proudly point to the C1 (cash) cost curve positions of their projects.

The C1 opex however isn’t a reliable guidance to the money a project makes. One has to add G&A, maintenance capex, amortization (since over time, equipment has to be replaced) to calculate all-in costs.

Often, much less cash flow is generated than suggested by the C1 opex numbers. Gold developers recently have come under strong criticism for opaque cost reporting.

Markets can, and do, turn around very quickly, but there are no positive indications that could dispel the negative sentiment in the junior mining markets.

It should not be a surprise that there is a crisis in the funding markets. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Q&A

Q and A: Underground Emergency

Response Co-ordinator

As part of our new Q&A series we interview you, and find out what your job is day to day. In this edition we speak to David Gurr, an underground emergency response co-ordinator for Mincor Resources.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What are

AM: Biggest daily challenge?

your primary roles and responsibilities in your job?

Give us a day in your working life.

DG: Trying to get everyone on board the safety train.

Some people think that they are exempt from safety because they have never hurt themselves underground.

DAVID GURR: Checking the

readiness of the Mines Rescue equipment, checking the site first aid rooms and ambulances and also the underground refuge chambers and fresh air bases; and dealing with any injuries that may arise during shift.

Biggest career challenge?

AM:

DG: Making the change from being a member of the mines rescue team to actually running the department, things like the training days and ensuring everything is always 100% ready to roll.

AM: What training/educa-

tion did you need for your job?

AM: What is your biggest

DG: I was a member of the mines rescue team and showed a real keen interest in this line of work, and Mincor like to promote from within the company so they offered me the job and provided the courses that I needed. I am now currently studying a Cert IV Health Care (Ambulance).

DG: Trying to promote safety in the underground work environment by giving toolbox talks, then later in the day seeing someone doing the exact opposite of what you talked about at the start of shift.

AM: How did you get to

AM: What is the biggest chal-

frustration in your job?

where you are today? Give us a bullet point career path.

DG: I joined the Royal Australian Navy after high school at 18 years old and served for 12 years. I learnt a lot about team work and working in different environments. I then had a job working for a mining contractor in the open cut mines around the Hunter Valley operating excavators and bobcats. I then applied with Mincor as I wanted to get into underground mining and they gave me a start as an underground truck driver and I worked my way up from there.

AM: What tools and/or soft-

10

July 2013

AustralianMining

lenge facing your business?

DG: The current state of the nickel price.

AM: Is there anything else

about your job you want Australia to know?

Gurr says the biggest frustration is people ignoring what they learned at toolbox talks earlier that day.

ware do you use on a daily basis?

DG: In the office it’s all excel and word, but underground is where I get to play with

all the good stuff like rope gear, breathing apparatus, fire equipment and the like.

AM: What is the one thing

that you are most proud of

in your professional life?

DG: Getting to the position I

am in today from working hard and putting my hand up to give things a go.

DG: Emergency Response is a great thing to be part of.

If your keen to get into it try and become part of your sites Mines Rescue operations. It really is a rewarding job. Even when your mates pay you out saying you don’t really work.

This article is part of Australian Mining’s new industry map, where we try to build a picture of the mining industry job by job. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

SURVIVING the downturn: A guide A

How small to medium miners can make it through this slump. Alex Heber writes.

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2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 0 6 T1 3 : 4 2 : 5 8 + 1 0 : 0 0

t first glance, there are not many positives coming out of the coal sector, with dropping commodity prices, miners operating on thinner margins, deferred projects and investment, and job losses.

Add to this the myriad of smaller mining service companies that popped up mid boom and the challenges they are now facing as the industry backs off the boiler and the landscape gets darker.

But in every moment of darkness there are a few persistent fighters that will figure out how to tread the mining waters smarter, doing business differently and survive the downward trending cycle.

HunterNet chief executive officer Tony Cade told Australian Mining the small to medium mining service and supplier companies have been hit hard by the downturn in the Hunter Valley coal sector.

“If we had iron ore in the Valley, we’d be OK,” he said.

He added that there is future

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AustralianMining

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CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

hope for the sector with a growing global demand for energy coming out of Asia, a relatively strong Aussie dollar and China’s decreasing stock levels all due to weigh in on the sector.

But for now the current state of the market is rife with uncertainty; there’s a looming federal election with no strong contender, legislation changes, and global growth statistics and sentiment not in the positive realm.

“Once the federal election is over we’ll see some changes,” Cade said.

However the current uncertainty, which Cade explained, is still seeing miners tighten belts after a period of extraordinary growth.

“Our members are looking at emerging markets like clean technologies,” he said.

“They’re focussing on internal efficiencies, and the reality is job losses.”

Cade said there’s a trend of “downproofing” amongst smaller suppliers as they position for the next stage of growth.

He said diversification is the key to downproofing business models.

Engineering and fabrication company T.W. Woods is a third generation, family owned business that has already set about repositioning its model and entered into new markets, Cade explained.

“A lot of these companies were all about the mining sector,” he said.

“They’ve had to look at how they can manufacture leaner.”

Capturing energy efficiencies and exploring clean technologies is one way these local manufacturers are surviving, but with the market turning so quickly they’ve had to adapt fast.

“The more agile these companies are, the better off they’ll be,” Cade said.

Experiencing a plateau in the mining sector has made the smaller suppliers, particularly in the Hunter region, “aware they need to take a longer term perspective to business,” Cade stated.

“They’re really challenging times for people in the market place,” HunterNet business development manager Karl Putnis added.

“It’s now a period of business rationalisation.”

No matter what you call it, be it rebalancing, plateauing, cyclical change, or rationalisation, the truth of the matter is times aren’t as rosy as they were but the base is still better then pre-boom.

“Business needs to stop and take www.miningaustralia.com.au

Miners are now forced to tighten their belts after a period of extraordinary growth, a move many aren’t ready for.

check of where they can sharpen up,” Cade said.

Essentially the small to medium mine suppliers have two options exit or increase efficiencies, Cade warned.

“There’s now a lot of pressure on price which wasn’t experienced in the good times,” he said.

“Margin squeeze goes down the line.”

And while these suppliers on a whole haven’t hit the panic button yet, they are concerned, Cade explained companies which are

focussed on efficiencies and are accountable will fare the tougher times better.

“Companies that have this focus will benefit when recovery comes, and there will be a recovery,” he said.

Manufacturing makes up about 11 per cent of the Hunter region’s employment, it’s an industry which is driving innovative process change.

“A lot of difficulties in manufacturing can be linked back to difficulties in mining sectors,” he said.

“It’s a double edged sword be-

cause they’re so interconnected in this region.

“But companies are stretching traditional boundaries, going towards more high technological manufacturing processes.”

As the coal sector comes to grips with the downturn, it’s the mining service and manufacturers that have ridden the booming wave who are now contending with the possibility of a crash.

Downproofing companies that Continued on page 14 AustralianMining

July 2013

13

CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

Continued from page 13

popped up when capital expenditure seemed like a blank cheque is no easy feat, especially when Australia has been dealt a pretty good hand over the past decade.

But as the adage goes the bigger the boom, the bigger the bust.

Whole down-and upstream industries that emerged out of the sector are now having to not only ensure their companies survive but continue to grow sustainably in a tougher economic climate.

The answer these smaller mining service companies are coming up with is three-fold: Get rid of any fat: Companies which employ thousands of people in regional Australian mining towns are laying off staff.

Diversify into other sectors: Mix up the offering and expand the businesses’ capabilities.

Look for efficiencies: Move into clean technologies; make the offering more efficient and cost effective.

Family owned, Hunter Valleybased mining manufacturer and engineering company Tefol is one company that is having to contend with these issues.

Tefol general manager Simon Montgomery told Australian Mining that the company has been one of the lucky ones, after having to make the decision to lay off 20 workers in its labour hire division the company set about diversifying its capabilities.

At the peak the company had nine line boring systems, competition went through the roof, and a wage war broke out as mining companies employed many of the local skilled tradespeople.

Competition pushed up wages, making it difficult for the smaller mining service companies, but now with an estimated 9000 jobs gone from Queensland and New South Wales coal sectors in the last 15 months the wage issue is now not as big a deal, Montgomery explained.

The focus now is on keeping employees working and managing the company through tougher times.

“We’re trying hard to work with industry to save mining costs,” Montgomery said.

“One Hunter Valley miner came to us and said ‘we need to cut costs, how can you help?’ We cut our costs as much as we could without going broke.”

He explained that with lower commodity prices the coal sector is parking up machines, and stretching out service intervals.

14

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AustralianMining

The answer to downproofing mining manufacturers is three-fold: Cut the fat; diversify; and look for efficiencies.

But with a full transport service offering, components division, line boring trucks, and equipment manufacturing Montgomery said “not all our eggs are in one basket”.

“We built this business on the coal sector and we’ve now had to diversify,” he said.

“Transport has been our cushion.”

Montgomery explained that this has been the biggest hit since 2004, but the company is mindful that with hard work and focussed plays it will be around for a while to come.

“There’s a lot of rumours about mines and companies, we want to focus on ourselves and move ahead on our own steam,” he said.

It is that very ethos that is seeing Tefol prepare to launch into South America with its Australian made hydraulic access ladder systems.

Looking to Latin America is becoming an increasingly popular move for Australia’s mining suppliers.

Austin Engineering was in 2011 awarded a lucrative contract supplying dump truck bodies in Chile, and since then has expanded into Bolivia.

Austin managing director Michael Buckland at the time said “these contracts are another important step in the positioning of Aus-

tin into the South American mining market”.

The company also saw an opportunity to diversify its offering, a move which would see its workshops continue to buzz, keeping employees working.

“Instead of putting people off we’ve come up with a project to keep people onsite,” he said.

According to Austrade, South America is now providing increased opportunities for Australian miners and mining services firms.

“Australians are recognised as being great at bulk mining and transportation, as well as supplying remote mines, due to their experience in the harsh Australian mining industry,” Dan Sullivan, the trade commissioner at the Australian embassy in Peru, told Australian Mining.

“Our engineers are so used to doing bulk mining projects for demanding clients in rough conditions that they often bring their own technology and innovations with them.”

Mining equipment built in Australia, while not the cheapest in the market, has a reputation as hard wearing and reliable, he added.

“There’s a lot of potential for suppliers to take advantage of this reputation and the growing market, in fact mining equipment companies are actually ahead of the miners in

moving into the region, with around 70 to 80 suppliers already set up in Chile, so there is already a small Australian support base,” Sullivan said.

Investing capital and capturing in-house engineering talent Tefol has developed two new products, telemetric trailers and portable high wall lighting.

The low voltage LED light plants are designed and built onsite by the company’s engineers and are safe and environmentally friendly for operation on open-cut sites.

The TefLites are generator powered and come on a swivel base rather than being rigid mounted, they can run on low light mode and also have individual circuit breakers for each light to increase electrical protection.

Tefol has also geared up its operations to roll out 25 to 30 telescopic trailers a year.

Solar powered, the trailers can be utilised as mobile repeater stations, dust and air monitoring hubs, or remote surveillance systems.

It’s the relaxed but determinate culture that has seen Tefol continue to grow sustainably.

“Times are tough, but let’s focus on the efficiencies we can implement to move forward and recession or downproof businesses,” Cade said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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QLD SPOTLIGHT

We need to TALK ABOUT Kevin A ustralia’s coal sector is facing tougher times; it is operating on thinner margins, and there has been – and will continue to be – layoffs.

But there is still strong development on the cards with the Queensland State Government approving the Indian-owned Kevin’s Corner project in Central Queensland.

The project located in the state’s Galilee Basin, is run by GVK Hancock Coal which is also developing the Alpha Coal project, rail infrastructure and a shipping terminal in the region.

“Gina Rinehart who is still a large minority investor has had a very strategic long term view of the development of the Galilee Basin,” GVK Hancock group managing director Paul Mulder told Australian Mining.

Employment opportunities

GVK has estimated about 1800 workers will be needed to kick start the $4.5 billion project and 1600 staffers when mining begins, the company said recruitment is expected to begin next year.

The total workforce is expected to peak at 2500 workers during construction but Mulder said that number could blow out to between 4000 and 6000 workers.

“The Galilee Basin presents a huge employment opportunity not just in Queensland but in Victoria and New South Wales, there’s a massive amount of flow on jobs,” he said.

Mulder said the company’s recruitment drive will focus on diversity, honing in on cleanskins, women and indigenous candidates.

In terms of the site’s ongoing operational workforce Mulder said creating a highly productive culture is the priority.

“We aren’t going to simply try and recruit workers from other basins and plonk them into Alpha and say ‘start mining’,” he said.

“We’re very particular about creating an extremely productive culture, and to that end we are going to conduct a significant amount of training where we have a huge amount of skilled and semi-skilled labour.”

The company will also utilise a fly-in, fly-out workforce.

“We’re interested in regions such as the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Townsville,” Mulder said.

16

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AustralianMining

Coal prospects in Galilee Basin and providing an upside to the apparent coal downturn.

Alex Heber reports.

“There’s a great opportunity to take people that are very willing, very keen to be productive and don’t want to be involved in any unproductive operations to be retrained, we will be recruiting the elite out of the industry.”

company expect to be delivered next month.

“The process has been a very detailed one, but milestones have been consistently achieved along the way irrespective of the economic climate,” Mulder said.

Construction

Cautious coal

Kevin’s Corner will supply 30 million tonnes a year of thermal coal to Asian markets, utilising the T3 terminal at Abbot Point port near Bowen.

Both Kevin’s Corner and Alpha have a similar construction time frame of between two-and-a-half to three years.

Mulder said the Alpha project will come online first, with first coal production expected in 2017, and Kevin’s Corner will come online 6 to 9 months after.

GVK Hancock secured Federal Government approval for the shipping terminal in October 2012.

With state approval under GVK’s belt the Kevin’s Corner project now needs to be approved by the federal environment minister, which the

Kevin’s Corner will operate two longwalls.

Dropping commodity prices and rising labour and operational costs has seen Australia’s coal sector shed almost 9000 jobs in Queensland and New South Wales over the past 18 months, sparking concerns around high cost investments.

“If you have a look at productivity in Australia compared to five years ago we’ve gone backwards,” Mulder said.

“We’re becoming a high cost destination, we can’t compete, and if we can’t sell our product there will be no job creation and no revenue delivered to the State.”

With increasingly mobile capital, investors have the freedom to analyse investments on a global scale.

“When people start looking at

the cost to start building in Australia, and see the labour costs that one has to pay to build in Australia, we are an extremely high cost destination,” he said.

Mulder added that the coal sector is going to go through a period of optimisation and rationalisation and deposits that are long term, stable, and profitable will continue to be developed.

But lower cost countries like Indonesia continue to steal Australia’s coal market share.

“Over the last five to ten years Indonesia has consistently continued to steal our market share,” Mulder said.

“If we can become more productive and lower costs customers will buy from us, we need to improve our productivity.

“In the mining boom cost was not an issue, it was tonnes.

“When the commodity prices drop to where they are today your cost profile doesn’t drop, so you’re stuck with a legacy cost and a lower price, so miners have no margin.”

After years of a persistently high Australian dollar, recent relief is going to help Aussie coal producers but intensity of labour, lack of efficiency, and utilisation of equipment all add up on a mine’s cost profile.

“We’re not going to be swayed by the high commodity prices that continue to come and go, we want to be economic no matter the commodity cycle up and down,” he said.

“Therefore we’ve been positioning this operation to be the most cost effective even in today’s environment and it’s still very robust.”

Free on board costs for both AlContinued on page 18 www.miningaustralia.com.au

QLD SPOTLIGHT

Continued from page 16

pha and Kevin’s Corner sit around the $US55 a tonne mark.

“The mine sits in the low part of the Australian and global cost curve, so even in economic times, such as today when commodity prices are where they are, we still have a very robust and economic project,” Mulder explained.

With this in mind GVK’s Kevin’s Corner and Alpha projects will be enlisting world’s best practice to ensure high productivity, low cost mines are developed.

“We will not be adopting Queensland and the Bowen Basin’s practices cost profiles in the development of the Galilee basin,” Mulder said.

“If you have a look at the cost profiles of those miners versus the commodity prices, they are being squeezed and making losses.

“When you look at our deposit geology we’re presented with a unique opportunity to move away from traditional mining methods that are conducted in Australia.”

GVK will be using surface miners to mine the coal, rather than the truck shovel method in a similar fashion to Fortescue at its iron ore operations.

A D _ A MS P I MA R _ 1 3 . p d The site’s primary overburden

18

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AustralianMining

It will be a predominantly FIFO workforce.

waste removal equipment includes ing regime costs upwards of $2.5 a six draglines and at least three com- tonne whereas using a dragline and pact bucket wheel excavators. shovel costs between .80cents and Mulder’s team has scoured min- $1.20 a tonne, Mulder explained. ing operations around the world to source best practices; he said GVK Trial mining and coal demand Under the guise of Hancock Prospectwill not accept “mediocrity”.

Mulder explained that tradition- ing the company has already conal truck and shovel operations are ducted a trial mine of 125,000 tonnes labour intensive but by using bucket of coal to ensure the cost profile is wheel excavators and draglines, and correct and best in class. With order keeping operating staff on the ma- books already filling up, GVK’s coal chines for the full duration of their will be shipped into 19 different f shifts P aproductivity g e 1 1 can 9 / be 0 2improved. / 1 3 , 1 companies 0 : 3 9 AinM nine different counOn average a truck shovel min- tries including Japan and China,

“We’ve got a good sense for the demand for this coal,” he said.

China’s recent draft policy restricting low coal quality imports will also work in the company’s favour– Galilee Basin coal is high quality, low in ash, is low gas and is low in sulphur which is far cleaner burning then a lot of the coal going into India and China from Indonesia.

“China’s making moves to ensure they do get a cleaner burning, lower ash, lower sulphur higher energy coal, which is what the Galilee has,” he said.

Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney said last month’s project approval demonstrates the government’s determination to enhance the state’s economy. Not only will there be significant jobs, and local development, there will also be additional revenues earned with both Alpha and Kevin’s Corner estimated to inject approximately $40 billion into the region over the life of projects.

The Kevin’s Corner development will include two open-cut and three underground mines, a workers camp which will accommodate up to 2000 workers, and an airport with a 2.5 kilometre run way.

Once online Kevin’s Corner has an estimated mine life of more than 30 years.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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QLD SPOTLIGHT

Queensland explores surveying As the downturn bites, and lay offs abound, taking our eyes of the juniors now is likely to have wide ranging future consequences. Malavika Santhebennur reports.

T

he mining industry is doing it tough. With unstable commodity prices and higher costs, major and minor companies are feeling the pinch.

As the Federal budget this year pulled exploration deductions and thin capitalisation rules, industry leaders warned it could accelerate the mining investment downturn, junior miners and explorers to feel the brunt.

The federal government overturned a 2001 budget decision that allowed major miners to write off the cost of purchasing smaller companies that have carried out exploration activities.

Minerals Council of Australia acting chief John Kunkel said changes to thin capitalisation rules and exploration tax arrangements will dent Australia’s reputation as a steady place for business, potentially increasing sovereign risk.

As the industry comes to grips with the downturn, the Queensland government is providing $30 million for the Future Resources Program over three years.

The new exploration funding will help the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) search for new mineral deposits across the state over the next three years and secure the future of the industry.

Queensland mines minister Andrew Cripps outlined the funding at the annual Queensland Exploration Council breakfast in Brisbane in June. He said the industry itself would decide where almost a quarter of the funding would be allocated.

Queensland Exploration Council chairman Dr Geoff Dickie said the funding indicates the government recognises that exploration needs a boost in Queensland.

“It’s quite a substantial allocation in a time when the overall budget rhetoric is that the state is short of money,” he told Australian Mining.

20

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AustralianMining

Explorers are likely to feel the brunt of Federal budget funding deductions.

“The government, with the consultation of the industry will be able to bring forward some better prospects for exploration to define areas where people have a better chance of finding mineral deposits. This will increase the take up of land for exploration.

“The involvement of industry in determining what projects go is innovative and a very welcome initiative.”

Seven GSQ initiatives will be funded in the next three years. These include the Mount Isa geophysics, with seismic and crustal conductivity surveys in the Clon-

curry, Julia Creek and Dajarra-Boulia areas to boost greenfields exploration in the region.

“It’s going to give a better definition of the mineralised areas underneath the cover rocks that are hidden now,” Dickie said.

Dickie believes it could be two to three years before new maps and interpretations of the geology in Mount Isa are created.

A mineral resource assessment initiative is also planned, with geological mapping and sampling to re-examine mineral potential in the region, such as rare earths.

Queensland is competing against foreign nations’ exploration support.

The geochemical data extraction initiative involves extracting geochemical data from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines’ company report archive for searchable access to the industry, government and the public.

“The survey will collate soil, stream and rock geochemical sampling company reports into a database accessible to the public so people will be able see what geochemical results they are interested in rather than having to go through a whole lot of reports,” Dickie said.

He added this will quickly define where there could be some mineralisation.

Dickie emphasised the importance of exploration for Queensland, highlighting how the state was reaping benefits of coal and the coal seam gas industry.

“That was started by junior companies 10-15 years ago and that has now turned into an investment of $56 billion in Queensland with the LNG industry.”

He said early stage exploration is vital to realise where new deposits might be, where explorers can then follow up

by proving its existence.

Western Areas finance director David Southam agreed and said policy and regulation changes that hamper overseas investment and exploration spending was not good for the industry.

“Exploration companies are the lifeblood of the mining industry, and if you look at the statistics it’s been steadily declining over the last few years,” he said.

“So anything that hinders (exploration) is not good. It’s the nursery of the industry and the nursery is getting hit. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of argybargy during consultation.”

Dickie said in a time of downturn, it is important to invest in the smaller companies in the exploration phase with the belief that it will yield returns.

There has been a period where investors have put their money into blue chip stocks such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. However, investing in some of the higher risk, cheaper stocks will keep the industry going in the long term, he said.

His other recommendation during a downturn?

“Making a big discovery would help.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

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QLD SPOTLIGHT

Coal mine closures in the Bowen As two QLD coal mines enter care and maintenance, fears rise on whether they are merely the first in series of dominoes.

Q

ueensland’s coal sector troubles have once again reared their ugly head with Anglo American announcing its Aquila coal mine will go into care and maintenance mode from July 30.

The company announced the Bowen Basin operation is not viable at current coal price forecasts.

“Based on the current outlook with low coal prices forecast for the remainder of the year, Anglo American has taken the decision to place the Aquila mine under care and maintenance,” CEO of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Seamus French said.

“We continuously review our operational margins and since early last year we have taken out two million tonnes of high cost production capacity as part of this review.”

The bord and pillar operation produces around half a million tonnes of premium hard coking coal per year.

A“Operations M 0 6 1 3 _ will 0 0 0begin _ P AtoT ramp . pd down and work will be carried out

The industry is keeping watch as coal mining slows.

to place Aquila mine under care and Late last year the company anmaintenance from late July, in ac- nounced it would cut coking coal weakenf cordance P a g ewith 1 mine 1 6 /safety 0 5 / require1 3 , 1 production 1 : 0 3 : 0in7 response A M Ato ES T ments,” French said. ing demand.

“We are going through a planning process where we will adjust to the market conditions and, in the short term, we will cut back,” French said at the time.

The company laid off a number of workers late last year, axing 35 full time jobs at its Grasstree coal mine, 50 positions from its Moranbah North mine, when it reduced operations down to a single longwall, and it was reported another 40 jobs were cut from its Dawson coal mine.

Aquila employs 80 people, 19 of which are Anglo American staff.

The remainder are employed by contractor Bounty Mining, which confirmed its contract will not be extended past the end of July.

“Unfortunately, the outlook remains difficult for the foreseeable future and as a result, Bounty Mining’s contract will not be extended at the expiry of its term,” the company said in an ASX release.

Continued on page 24

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AustralianMining

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A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ B E U . p d f

Pa ge

1

1 5 / 0 5 / 1 3 ,

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QLD SPOTLIGHT

Coal is taking a tumble nationally, with Queensland particularly hard hit.

Continued from page 22

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Anglo has committed to working with all affected personnel at Aquila but said redundancies and redeployment will be two options to be discussed with staff.

Bounty said it is also “reviewing its operations for alternate work”.

This mine was merely the first to cut jobs last month.

It was quickly followed by Vale and Aquila Resources joint venture operation Eagle Downs coal mine.

Last month Australian Mining broke the story that it was cutting jobs and putting the mine into care and maintenance.

Speaking to a source close to the issue, they told Australian Mining that workers were unceremoniously told they will be losing their jobs.

“We arrived at the site in the morning and went into a teleconference with Brisbane where we were given a two minute explanation of what was happening, and then walked off site,” the source stated.

This was followed by comments on our site: : “After two years, a two minute meeting ends it all”.

The announcement came as the coal mine looked to move into its next development stage.

Eagle Downs itself is planned as an underground multi-seam longwall operation, with an onsite coal handling and preparation plant with a throughput of 1200 tonnes per hour Run of Mine (ROM) to a standard consistent with a 50 year life of mine operation.

Workers have reportedly just finished the boxcut, and were now working towards driving the arches, as the mine entered financial trouble.

The source explained that “we were told that there is no money left to develop the operation right now, and that the mine has six months left to find funding or else it will move from care and maintenance and just shut down”.

The mine was slated to have a 47 year mine life.

Bounty, Vale and Aquila have all been contacted for further comment, but were unavailable at the time of publication.

The Australian Coal Association estimates about 9000 jobs have been slashed from the Queensland and New South Wales coal sectors in the last 15 months.

Workers were informed of the cutbacks with little warning, sources say.

24

July 2013

AustralianMining

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Juniors at risk of

COLLAPSE Hundreds of mining juniors and explorers are at risk of going under before the year’s end, a new report has warned.

E

rnst & Young’s annual report Business Risks Facing Mining and Metals 2013-14 says juniors and explorers are cash poor and are facing tough times as the mining sector slows down.

The report outlines capital allocation and access to finance as the biggest strategic risks facing miners.

Some smaller explorers reportedly have just thousands of dollars left in the kitty.

But it isn’t unusual for juniors to be lacking cash; in fact it is a common trend that comes with the territory or costly exploration and feasibility work.

Mike Elliott, Ernst & Young’s global mining and metals leader, said the major issue for junior miners is raising finance.

He explained a number of junior explorers are risking collapse in the second half of the year because they are struggling to attract investment through capital raisings.

Elliott said while Canadian explorers were at the highest risk of collapse, Australia’s situation isn’t much better.

“There are a preponderance of those in Western Australia, particularly in the West Perth area, which

are really desperate for their next line of financing,” he said.

“We talking dozens, if not hundreds, in Australia as well that would be in a critical situation,” he said.

“Now, that doesn’t mean to say that all of those will go into administration but in many instances they may be required to sell off their family jewels, through their best properties, in order to keep their heads above water.”

Elliott said the next six to nine months are going to be critical for smaller miners unless investor confidence improves.

Analysing 350 small mining companies with a market value of $500 million or less, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, the report found the combined market value dropped one quarter in the year to March.

But it’s the even smaller miners, worth less than $50 million who were hit the hardest, falling 43 per cent over the year.

Ernst and Young said many of these companies have less than six months operating cash left.

Globally, attracting investment was highlighted as a key issue with 60 per cent of equity issues raising less than $1 million.

Smaller miners, under $50 million, fell 43 per cent in value over the last year.

26

July 2013

AustralianMining

Junior miners are in a dire financial position without further government assistance.

Junior funding initiatives

Increasing exploration funding from government bodies is one initiative that assists juniors struggling for investment.

This week the Western Australian government announced new funding to support mineral and petroleum exploration in the state.

The latest round of Co-funded Exploration Drilling subsidies allocates almost $7.2million to more than 60 mineral and petroleum projects in WA’s underexplored regions.

The subsidies are part of WA’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), which was established four years ago to support resources exploration in the state.

“The co-funded drilling program provides incentives to drill in underexplored areas to ensure the continued economic prosperity of the State’s resources industry, particularly in the current financial environment,” Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said.

The likes of junior superstar Sirius Resources has previously benefitted from the scheme, which contributed to the discovery of the Nova deposit.

The program provides co-funding of up to 50 per cent of direct drilling costs with caps of $150,000 for a multi-hole project, $200,000

or $400,000 for a single deep hole (depending on the target commodity), and $30,000 for prospecting projects.

Association of Mining & Exploration Companies chief executive Simon Bennison said the exploration investment is a much needed boost for the industry.

“The announcement today of new State Government funding to support the search for minerals and petroleum across Western Australia is a much needed stimulus for investment in exploration in Western Australia,” Bennison said.

He explained juniors and explorers are continuing to struggle to secure cash.

“The industry has seen a lack of investor confidence in exploration companies that has made access to equity finance almost impossible,” he said.

Australia’s exploration activity has been in continuous decline, which Bennison said is of most concern, with Greenfield exploration falling 28 per cent in the December 2012 quarter.

“This decrease in greenfield exploration has serious consequences for future Governments given greenfield exploration is responsible for finding the mines of tomorrow,” he said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MAPPING

Measuring mines in S

MINUTES

aving time, simplifying The look-ahead feature ers can rename rings with a workflow and increas- with the centre line tool configurable naming system ing productivity are means users can see designs and improved ring reserving what every miner aims for as they evolve without need- tools are available. at a mine site from the time ing to switch in and out of the Maptek has also released they start work to site reme- tool panel. The panels have the latest I-Site 8200 and the diation. To this end, Maptek also got a makeover. More latest I-Site tools for modelling is about to release the Vulcan modernised, it is easier to use stopes, headings and tunnels.

9, to aid better mine design, and requires less training.

The I-Site Studio and Iwith enhancements to existStart and end gradient Site Void 4.1 have a spherical ing underground tools. definition permits designing close solid tool which builds The Vulcan 9 can pro- centre line segments with and calculates a solid model duce and edit underground smoothly changing grade. in minutes. designs much quicker than Changes to related functionThe tools are a safe and its previous versions. Object ality such as the corner peel effective way of surveying attributes are user-defined in tool will improve workflow. and capturing detail for calthe Vulcan 9 and calculated The underground ring culating accurate volumes. attributes can be derived ‘on- design has been simplified for With the new edit close the-fly’ using the object itself quicker setup and processing. function, joining multiple or other object attributes. At- Upgrades have been made surfaces together and closing tributes can also access block to sectioning triangulations. them into a valid solid is now model and raw information This means it can section sol- simpler. The outcome is safer, for auto-reserve. ids using a ring section value proficient survey and precise With the improved at- meaning users do not have to results. tribute editor, users can now manually create stope shapes.

The I-Site Studio and Iedit user-defined attributes, Improvements in graph- Site Void 4.1 allows safe sursaving time with visibility ic loading times now mean vey of voids with precise reoptions datasets sults A M 0 linked 7 1 3 _to0 expanded 0 0 _ L A N large - ring 1 2 0 1 3 -will 0 6load - 2 6 T 1 0 for : 5volume 3 : 4 6calculation, + 1 0 : 0 0 object attributes. in seconds, not minutes. Us- quick pickup of development

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AustralianMining

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MAPPING

Bulk material lasers Measuring material faster and safer.

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utomation and power technology group ABB has launched the VM3D Volumetric Laser Scanner, designed to measure the volume of bulk material stockpiles stored in the open or in large silos, bunkers, domes and sheds.

The system combines high accuracy laser sensors with remote monitoring and data processing services for measurement of all visible surfaces of any texture, granularity, slope and/or colour.

It also delivers confident stock management and accurate auditing of mineral ores and synthetic materials, whether it is gold, metal ores, coal, or fertiliser, regardless of the material’s texture, granularity, slope or colour.

Its sensor auto-ranges to measure points from 0.5 metres to 93 metres.

The on-board microprocessor calculates distance by multiplying the speed of light by the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel from the instrument to a target and back.

AThe M 0 measuring 7 1 3 _ 0 0laser 0 _ uses T E Cinvisible, 1 infrared light.

There is a second, visible aiming laser to help with the alignment of the measuring laser.

The laser beams have very little divergence so that accurate targeting is easy even in silos or vessels that have internal structures.

building blueprints to find a baseline and inventory depth.

The analysis removes artefacts from the volume estimates like machinery and building structures.

The volume estimates have less than two per cent error for volumes greater than 100m³.

The end product is an image of It provides accurate auditing of the stockpile and an accurate estiminerals and metals, and coal, mate of the volume and mass that are securely transmitted back to the regardless of material texture, user. granularity, slope, or colour.

The scanner hardware comprises of a monthly scan for three years.

The narrow beam divergence of Weekly, daily and on-demand scans the laser combines with precise, me- are available if required. chanical scanning to cover a whole According to ABB “the long hemisphere. range, wide angle sweep, and Multiple scanners can be combined ability to function as a scanto determine the shape and volume of ner network make the the biggest stockpiles. Dust tubes keep VM3D the most acculenses clean and heated optics stop rate and reliable condensation. automated The VM3D system sends raw data s t o c k p i l e over 3G phone networks to the ABB management data Able to measure points from 0.5 metres 2 0 1centre.

3 - 0 6 - 1 8 T 1 6 : 1 5 : 3 1 + 1solution 0 : 0 0 on The data is then examined using the market”. to 93 metres.

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July 2013

29

MAPPING

Mapping your assets Technology used in the mining industry to create accurate 3D virtual representations of assets is increasingly being adopted by the oil and gas sector for major time and cost savings.

3

D laser scanning is the bridge for transitioning high quality, accurate information from the real world into a virtual CAD environment.

3D laser scanning enables inter-operability across multiple engineering disciplines. It challenges traditional paradigms of moving “people to site” and instead delivers “the site” to every desktop and eliminates geographic barriers.

In the spirit of this collaborative project approach, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) The scanners create a virtual CAD environment of their workplace and assets. works closely with client designers and engineers to hours, and huge increases in lisation to site. Quality assur- before leaving the shop floor. understand the constraints project costs. ance throughout all aspects of It reduces time on site, around project timeline, strucUsing 3D laser scanning a project enables the highest and is a valuable health, safetures and any other informa- (3DLS) can help identify these degree of confidence to be ty and environmental tool as tion that may be relevant. problems. achieved in the construction fabricated plant only needs In Engineering, ProcureThe 3DLS can monitor of plant as design and fabri- to be lifted into position and ment, and Construction Man- fabricated plant before mobi- cated plant can be compared fixed once. agement (EPCM) works that involve offshore fabrication of plant components, significant problems can arise when fabricated parts arrive at site.

Problems at interface points include module base plates and bolthole alignments not lining up and needing to be rectified on site.

These problems can mean A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ L I N 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 1 9 T1 2 : 1 2 : 1 4 + 1 0 : 0 0 uses 360 degrees of vision to give merged point cloud data sets of miner’s assets. weeks of delay, wasted man The scanner

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To acquire 3D point cloud data SKM currently uses a laser scanner that produces results better than 3-5 mm for horizontal and level positions.

The 3D scanner can be positioned anywhere adjacent to or within a site to gain a full 360-degree field of operation in the horizontal plane and 310-degree field of view in the vertical. This enables the operator to be specific in determining the limits of the scan and the density (resolution) of the 3D point cloud that is about to be observed.

SKM uses common features within individual scans as part of the registration process to give a more robust solution to the merged data set.

The 3D software can then process the scans to link the point cloud to the control network. Each of the millions of points observed in the scan has an individual xyz coordinate.

The end product is a series of seamless, merged point cloud data sets of the structures that have been scanned, i.e. one point cloud per structure.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

URANIUM

EXPLORING Australia’s uranium opportunities With world energy demands increasing, Resource Minister Gary Gray said the Australian uranium industry needs to ramp up. But some say restrictive policies may hamper the development of projects. Vicky Validakis reports.

A

ustralia is in the perfect position to supply the world’s growing demand for uranium, according to Federal resources minister Gary Gray.

“This year these power generators will need more than 66,000 tonnes of uranium but current global mine production is at only 55,000 tonnes,” Gray said.

Sixty six nuclear power generators are under construction – two-thirds in Asia and many more are planned or proposed over the next 15 years with China and India eyeing a total 226 potential nuclear generators.

“The significance of China and India cannot be overlooked,” Gray stated.

“As an example, by 2034 demand for power in China will have grown by more than the current demand of the United States and Japan combined.”

Gray also spoke of the emissions benefits associated with using uranium as a power source. “…the Australian Academy of Science estimated that 10,000 tonnes of exported Australian uranium replaces other power sources generating 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide,” Gray said.

“To put this in perspective, Australia’s total CO2 emissions in 2012 were roughly 550 million tonnes.”

Gray said Australia’s stringent

bilateral safeguards agreements with other countries meant that Australian uranium, and nuclear material derived from it, must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

“These agreements ensure that countries to which Australia sells uranium are committed to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards and international nuclear security standards,” he said.

“Under these agreements, countries receiving uranium must also report on their use of Australian nuclear material, and seek Australian consent for any enrichment, reprocessing, or third-party transfer.”

Australia has the world’s largest uranium reserves, with 33 per cent

of the world’s recoverable uranium resources.

In 2012 production from Australian mines rose more than 17 per cent to top 8000 tonnes. However, the level is well below the period between 2003 and 2009 when it was 9000 to 11,000 tonnes.

The AUA predicts that if the uranium industry can reach its full potential, exports would increase from 9,000 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 a spokesman for the AUA said with other countries also vying to develop their own uranium

Can the issue of fear of uranium in the community be outweighed by the growing demand and Australia’s ability to supply this need? Image: Green Prophet.

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

URANIUM

The Northern Territory’s Ranger mine supplies the majority of Australia’s uranium production, and has plans to expand its current output rates.

industries Australia could face competition.

“Countries like Namibia, Sweden and Greenland have massive undeveloped uranium resources with projects that could come onstream within a few years. Some of the larger resources are owned by ASX listed companies and they may be able to be in production before our Australian-based uranium resource greenfield players,” he told Australian Mining.

“The question is will the supply response come from Australia or our competition.”

Currently the mining of uranium is only allowed in the Northern Territory, South Australia and more recently in Western Australia.

AUA chief executive Michael Angwin said policies around the extraction of uranium needed to be streamlined if Australia want to benefit from increased world-wide demand.

“There is no point signing international treaties if domestic uranium policies hamper Australia actually fulfilling its treaty obligations,” Angwin said.

“And while we need to align these policies, we should use that impetus to also reform the overweight regulation of and the approvals process for new uranium mines in Australia.

“We have a track record now in the Australian uranium industry which justifies uranium being treated the same as other mining projects,” Angwin said.

“There is a case for better ports www.miningaustralia.com.au

access, a removal of duplication between State and Federal Governments in the assessment processes and some reform is needed for the EPBC act.

“In short, we have entered the political end-game for uranium and any remnant political fears about the industry cannot be justified against the sector’s 40 year track record.”

Angwin said Australians were becoming less fearful as the industry better told its story, adding that best practice regulatory framework meant the industry had proved its ability to satisfy the most rigorous environmental assessments.

Angwin also pointed out public misperceptions regarding radiation incidents – saying that over 2009, 2010 and 2011, there had not been a singular reportable radiation incident at any Australian uranium mine yet there had been more than 100 such incidents each year in the areas of diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.

“Australian opinion on uranium mining shows a halving in opposition to it in the past six years with only a small impact from Fukushima but new support coming from the realisation of its jobs, export, and clean energy credentials,” Angwin said.

But with uranium prices falling to $39.87 a pound last month, a drop not seen since 2009, some analysts say new projects may struggle to get off the ground.

The AUA predicts the price will

rise over the next few years and “If it is a rapid, substantial, rise questioned if attitude towards the then some of our onshore Australian industry, and not price, would affect projects may get going but I suspect new projects in Australia. that given the current Australian at“We are likely to see prices rise A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ B O G 1 titude, 2 0 1the 3 - overseas 0 6 - 1 8players T 0 9 : might 0 7 : 1 2 + over the next few years,” he said. give investors a better/faster return.”

est f erman ngineering

FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER VISIT www.boge.net.au OR CONTACT 03 5940 3266 AustralianMining

July 2013

33

TECHNICAL WRITING

The art of

REPORT WRITING Mining engineer and consultant Jack Caldwell* runs through some hints and tips on how to write a better report.

R

ecently I had to read a large number of reports written over many years by an assortment of consultants to mining companies.

Some were well written.

Many were terrible.

Here are a few of the most common errors and lapse from grace that I noted in the reports I read. Hope these ideas help you in writing your own reports. Let me know if you have other guidelines.

All. Do not use – ever.

Also avoid words like every, totally, wholly, completely.

There is no need to say: “All piezometers were installed.”

Sufficient to say: “The piezometers were installed.” Better still to use the active voice: “XYZ installed the piezometers.”

I, We, Us. Do not use.

The report is from XYZ. Therefore do not say: “We examined the reports and recommend as follows:” Say: “XYZ reviewed the 34

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AustralianMining

reports and recommends:” As follows. Marginally acceptable, but usually avoidable. It is tempting to write: “XYZ recommends as follows:” It is more elegant and faster to read: “XYZ recommends:” Follows adds no information; the reader can see that a bullet list follows.

25 m vs 25-m. Treat as we used to treat ground water vs ground-water. Thus: “The cliff is 25 m high.” But: “The 25-m high cliff is unstable.” Use the hyphen only when the dimension is used as an adjective.

Lists. Use a bullet list whenever possible. If the items in the list are trivial or not significant, put them in the sentence thus: “The trench dimensions are: depth 12 m; width 1 m; and length 100 m.” A bullet list of nouns needs no period at the end of each item. If the bullets include a verb, put a period (.) at the end of each bullet.

However. Avoid as you will probably use it incorrectly. However may mean but, regardless, notwithstanding, no matter how, depending on how it is used.

We do not use it in common talk – there is no need to use it to dress up written prose. If you insist on using however, do not start the sentence with however when is means but. Thus write: “XYZ tried, however, they did not succeed.” Compare this to the meaning of: “However hard XYZ tried, they failed.”

Sentence length. Make sentences as short as possible. Long sentence are reserved for German philosophers, those who do not know what they are writing about, those who seek to make an undeserved impression , and writers too lazy to think and edit.

Active voice. Use the active voice in preference to the passive. Thus write: “XYZ installed the piezo-

meters.” Avoid: “The piezometers were installed by XYZ.” Numbers and dimensions. If a number or dimension is in a figure or table, do not repeat it in the text.

If you change the dimension on the figure, you are sure to forget to change it in the text. Write: “The dimensions of the trench (Figure 5) provide for performance as modelled.”

Reference to tables and figures. Do not waste words writing: “Table 4 list the following dimensions, which were selected for the following reasons:” Rather write: “The dimensions of the trench (Table 4) were selected for these reasons:” Repetition. There is an erroneous impression that repetition adds gravity to a fact or opinion. This is not true; repetition dulls the reader and leaves the impression that you are too lazy or proud to edit and cut. Say it once: not two or

three times. Organize the report so that it is not necessary to repeat facts, figures, opinions, or conclusions.

Punctuation. The only rule of punctuation is this: make it easy for the reader to read and understand what you write. Compare: “Eats shoots & leaves,” to “Eats, shoots, and leaves.” The first is clearly gastronomic; the second fatal. Use commas frequently; use semicolons to separate ideas; and use colons to introduce connected, yet new ideas.

Located. Too often we read: “The site is located in the park that is located in BC.” It is not necessary to use located at all. The following is far more elegant and easier to read: “The site is in the park in BC.” *This article appeared courtesy of Jack Caldwell’s blog, I Think Mining. To read more mining opinions and tips go to www.ithinkmining.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

MINESITE VEHICLES

Going GREENER “I

s it environmentally friendly?” A question that is becoming more and more common on Australian mine sites.

With a push to be seen as a more environmentally friendly industry, and reacting to the impost of the carbon tax, many miners are looking for ways to cut their carbon footprint.

This is also driven to a degree by the planned reduction of the diesel fuel rebate tax scheme, which will see industry pay more for diesel fuel for both its on- and off-road vehicles and machines.

One way miners are addressing these issues is by utilising hybrid vehicles on site, which use less fuel and produce a smaller carbon output when operating; encouraging machinery manufacturers to look further down this route.

Hitachi explained that “an increase demand exists for earthmoving equipment manufacturers to design this more environmentally sustainable technology”.

Komatsu made the first steps into

Hybrid excavators are allowing miners to cut their carbon footprint on site.

Australia, two years ago launching its hybrid excavator. At the launch Australian Mining was told that these new breed of excavators could cut

It uses swing momentum to regenerate energy for the electric mode.

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AustralianMining

carbon emissions by a quarter during operations.

Now Hitachi is making waves in the market by releasing the first of its own hybrid excavators into Australia.

It has released the Hitachi ZH210A and ZH210LC-A hybrid hydraulic excavators into the country.

According to the company “these new hybrid excavators represent decades of innovation, research and development in hydraulic, electric, and battery-powered excavator technologies”.

The shift towards hybrid technology has been seen for years in the automotive sector, and over the last five years has become increasingly popular within the earthmoving sector.

The two new excavators are equipped with a TRIAS-HX hybrid system that combines Hitachi’s newly developed large capacity tri-pump control valve hydraulic and hybrid systems.

In a similar fashion to Komatsu’s hybrid excavator, Hitachi’s vehicles use the electric hybrid technology in conjunction with swing momentum to regenerate energy, which aids in cutting fuel consumption.

However “this combination of regenerated electric power and hydraulic power to the swing motor is an exclusive feature to Hitachi,” it stated. In comparison to its standard ZX200-3 excavator, which features

two pumps and two control valves, the new TRIAS-HX hybrid system provides increased performance, responsive operation and energy savings. Generating 165 horsepower, the ZH210-A and ZH210LC-A models both utilise a four cylinder Isuzu diesel engine to provide more fuel reductions and higher productivity to miners in the 20 tonne excavator class.

According to Hitachi, this cut in fuel usage represents and annual reduction in CO2 emissions of nearly ten tonnes compared to its nonhybrid ZX200-3.

It added that by selecting the excavator’s eco-mode the engine speed can be decreased to provide even more fuel savings.

A monitoring system supports maintenance and operation by highlighting fuel usage data on an average hourly and daily basis.

In addition to this, an automatic idling stop function cuts the engine during machine idling, limiting unnecessary fuel consumption, as well as minimising exhaust emissions, noise levels, and overall engine wear.

Yusuke Kajita, Hitachi’s general manager of the Construction Equipment Development Centre, explained that “when fossil fuels are in short supply and become more expensive, electrical technology will be the key to the future and we will be in an excellent position to capitalise on this”. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MINESITE VEHICLES

Cat launches new longwall miner Caterpillar is launching a new shearer for small to medium seams.

C

aterpillar has launched a new longwall shearer for smaller coal seams.

According to the company its new shearer model, the EL1000, is designed specifically for low and medium height seams.

Currently in development, the EL1000 has a precisely designed system with the power, production potential, controllability and safety features to meet fu- The longwall miner can be operated in an automated or manual mode. ture demands and different geological conditions. exchangeable modular comIt also comes integrated The model will cover seam ponents and advanced auto- with the Cat PMC-R electroheights ranging from 1.6 to mation. hydraulic roof-support con3.2 metres, has an estimated The shearer operation, trol system, which is built to cutting power of 1,600 horse- production levels and com- reliably identify the presence power (1000kW) and provide ponent condition can be of personnel in longwall haulage power of around 2 x monitored on site and from faces through RFID (Radio 134 horsepower (2 x 100kW). the surface.

Frequency Identification), Like other longwall Importantly, it will fea- the Detect Personnel system shearer models, the EL 1000 ture enhanced safety, com- is designed to avoid contact willA M have huge between 0 7 a1 3 _ 0 one-piece 0 0 _ B E N ing- with 1 the 2 new 0 1 3Detect - 0 6 Per- 2 5 T 1 2 : 1personnel 0 : 2 6 +and 1 0mov: 0 0 mainframe construction, sonnel system. ing equipment by monitor-

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It can be operated in automated mode in consistent geological conditions, keeping personnel and pro-

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ductivity in the ‘safe zone’.

The new two-piece trapping shoe design, with separate structural and wear elements, cuts the weight so it can be handled during replacement from more than 500 kilograms for the normal trapping shoe to less than 50 kilograms per insert.

This allows for greater flexibility as change-out can be performed anywhere along the face since heavy lifting equipment, typically located only at the gate ends, is not required.

The result: easier, safer handling.

The EL 1000 also comes with high quality product support from Cat dealers – replacement parts, competent timely service and industry expertise.

Caterpillar will display it at Longwall, USA.

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July 2013

AustralianMining

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SXHS SLURRY PUMPS Southern Cross SXHS horizontal slurry pumps are designed to transfer high density, abraisive slurries in a wide range of mining and mineral processing applications. With a tough cast iron construction, the pumps feature replaceable wear liners and impellers which are available in 27% chrome white iron, rubber or urethane. SXHS pumps are fully interchangeable with the most popular slurry pump design in use throughout the Australian mining industry and are available in sizes ranging from 25mm (1�) to 450mm (18�) discharge.

For more than 140 years, Southern Cross has been providing reliable pumping and water management solutions to industry. The same performance and dependability which has become the hallmark of Southern Cross is now available from the SXHS horizontal slurry pumps.

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MINESITE VEHICLES

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World first truck turntable New ground is being broken in vehicle movement on site.

A

s the weeks counts down to AIMEX, many miners are looking to what companies will reveal as the next major development within the industry.

Equipment Placement is one company that will be breaking new ground.

It is showing a new world-first mining truck turntable plus other innovations at AIMEX 2013.

In addition to its mining truck turntable, Equipment Placement will use AIMEX to launch the Sleipner transport system for more efficiently moving excavators and shovels, from 30 tonnes to 560 tonnes, around mine sites and civil projects while also reducing undercarriage wear.

It will also release the Hoist-rope Impact Reduction Box (HIRB), designed to minimise rope slap when the boom of a large rope shovel or dragline is jacked into the ground.

According to Equipment Placement its new releases are all firmly aimed at increasing productivity and reducing costs.

The Mining Truck Turntable is designed to improve the dump cycle times of a truck fleet by rotating an ultra class dump truck – up to 360 tonnes capacity – at a dump station within 15 seconds.

Developed by the Australian Turntable Company, the MTT can be relocated for ever-expanding mine sites making it ideal for in-pit crushing.

“Given that it only takes up 100 square metres, it also acts as a space saver and a traffic organiser,” Equipment Placement representative, Mike Crockett said.

Backed by three years of research, the Mining Truck Turntable also means that reversing into a hopper is unnecessary and traffic management can be optimised and consistent, he added.

“In addition, the hopper is fully utilised due to table overhang, while an integrated weigh station means real time data retrieval and production is increased to the point that fleet size can be reduced or production tonnes increased.

“In this economic climate, that is a win-win situation.”

Other benefits included reduced tyre wear, as loaded trucks did not need to make hard turns when fully loaded, and reduced fuel consumption.

The Sleipner transport system, which Equipment Placement has recently introduced into Australia, is described as an innovative, fast, costeffective and safe way of transporting large shovels and excavators about on site.

The system’s use of rubber floats eliminated undercarriage wear, resulting in massive savings on maintenance costs, Crockett said.

Continued on page 42

Budget has a wide range of mine-spec vehicles available in all of Australia’s major mining regions.

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The turntable aids the development of in-pit crushing and conveying as a concept.

40

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AustralianMining

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MINESITE VEHICLES

Continued from page 40

There is also no chance of an excavator slipping from the floats.

“A huge increase in production is also possible due to a digger arriving at a destination 75 per cent faster.

“As a result, miners can now mine where they want to, not where they have to.”

The system has proven itself in harsh Australian conditions and companies are achieving benefits and payback in months, not years, Crockett said.

Equipment Placement has also worked with an overseas manufacturer over the past 18 months to develop its Hoist-rope Impact Reduction Box (HIRB) which reduces “rope bounce” on draglines and rope shovels.

The HIRB’s robust design reportedly reduces the vibration effects on components such as hoist drum motors and gearboxes, and The excavator float is able to move shovels ranging from 30 to 560 tonnes. shovel structures.

It helps to eliminate rope align- HIRB manages rope bounce and The HIRB is designed for easy ment issues and ropes whipping over slack ropes, so operators feel a sig- installation and maintenance access the point sheave, leading to more up- nificant increase in production, es- with all parts accessible and easy to time. pecially in hard digging conditions. change when required.

“And by reducing rope bounce, “In addition, the HIRB creates “And the return on investment the operator maintains better con- a more comfortable working envi- is evaluated by increased efficientrolA of M 0the 7 shovel,” 1 3 _ 0 0he0 said. _ HAU 1 ronment 2 0 1 3for - 0the 6 - shovel 1 1 T 1operator,” 6 : 5 9 : 0 cies, 2 + 1shorter 0 : 0 0cycle times, decreased “When digging into the face the Crockett stated. problems with rope and by extend-

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ing the lifespan of the shovel.”

HIRBs can be designed and manufactured to fit any rope shovel.

Head quartered in Perth, Equipment Placement was established in 2002 to provide high quality products, parts and services to the mining and construction industries.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

MINESITE VEHICLES

Lifting the game Manitou is launching new a industrial forklift range into Australia.

M

ining is focused on achieving efficiencies like never

floor as they have a greater chance of tipping on uneven surfaces – a danger which is heavily multiplied when taking into account the rough mine site.

Seeing the gap in the market, Manitou is launching its new series of semi industrial forklift trucks – the MI range.

The company is more known for its telescopic handlers, and its innovative, intrinsically safe, underground coal mine telehandler, which provided new capabilities for underground miners.

before.

Finding new uses for existing technology, and smarter ways to do business.

Miners are now looking to use single machines for multiple applications, able to service the workshops and warehouses as well as outside of these areas.

While rough terrain forklifts have been working on mines, both above and underground for some time, they have not been able to be used inside many workContinued on page 46 shops as they are simply too wide to be useful.

On the other hand, warehouse based forklifts become A Ma0 potential 7 1 3 _ 0hazard 4 4 _ J OH2 3 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 1 8 T1 5 : 5 9 : 0 1 + 1 0 : 0 0 as soon as they leave the It is launching new vertical lift diesel and gas industrial forklifts into Australia.

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See your local John Deere dealer for more information.

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AustralianMining

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MINESITE VEHICLES

Continued from page 44

environment, the tracking of the fleet, and the many different needs.�

It has taken a two pronged approach to the new vehicles, offering both a gas and diesel powered variant (dubbed the MI-G or MI-D respectively) which are available in a 1.5T, 1.8T, 2T, 2.5T, 3T, and 3.5T version, providing 12 different models in the range.

Having been focused on rough terrain forklifts since the creation of its first vertical mast RTH forklift in the 1950s, and with 70 per cent of its business still focused on the space, Manitou is now making greater inroads into the industrial material handling space in Australia.

The company launched its new range into Australia last month.

Speaking to Jean-Pierre GuĂŠrand, the global vice president of marketing for Manitou, at the launch at its warehouse, he told Australian Mining that this MI range was developed “as our aim is to get There will be 12 models in the series, ranging from 1.5T through to 3.5T in both gas and diesel varieties. more into the industrial materials handling sectorâ€?. went into the new MI range. in terms of production and GuĂŠrand explained that However it was not a “The ease of operation logisticsâ€?, Stuart Walker, “after looking at the needs spur of the moment deci- has been a major focus in its managing director at Mani- of operators, buyers, techsion, with GuĂŠrand stating design. tou Australia added. nicians and maintenance that it “was developed after “Nowadays, custom“We intend to address teams, as well as the dealwe received customer feed- ers expect more than just a particular client request ers, we have redesigned the back and saw the existing a machine. This is why we that can also be broken frame, counterweights, and market demandâ€?. are offering a material han- down into various further increased safetyâ€?. “Around 5800 hours of demands, The diesel variant will A M 0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ Q M Wdling - solution 1 2 0 tailored 1 3 - 0 to 6 -the 2 5 T 1 2 : 2 9like : 3 the 0 + level 1 0 : of 0 0 research and development constraints of our clients commitment, the complex be powered by a Yanmar

engine, while the gas powered forklifts will use a Nissan engine, both of which have high level air intakes, air filter safety cartridges, and vertical exhaust for the operators’ health.

Regarding operator comfort, GuĂŠrand told Australian Mining that “we are also looking at potentially increasing the seat weight handling, from its current level of 120 kilograms, up to 150 kilogramsâ€?.

All of the forklifts in the MI range come with an Okamura transmission, which Manitou says aids the inching function and ensure a jerk-free approach.

They have a wide mast opening, an open work roof for increase vision.

All the models will be available in Australia in both gas and diesel variants, expect for the 1.8T machines gas version as they currently have the global standard sizing for gas bottles and will need to be adapted to the Australian market due to Australia’s differing standards.

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CONSTRUCTION

Starting out on the RIGHT P ipe work is a critical part of any resource or civil project or operation construction, so when it comes to choosing a contractor it is important to look for a specialist well rounded in its disciWhen starting work on pline and with plenty of knowledge and experience. your mine, bigger is not However, the biggest contracalways better when tor is not always best when it comes to pipe work, according to Garreth it comes to pipes.

Higgins of Offaly Civil Engineering Jamie Wade writes.

– a small but experienced contractor specialising in pipeline installation and associated infrastructure work.

“Unlike large contractors with massive overheads, smaller contractors can keep management staff to a minimum. Efficient streamlining of project delivery offers competitive solutions as a direct by-product of ultra-light overhead burdens,” Higgins said.

With a strong mining infrastructure and heavy civil background jor projects including current par“We believe there is a need for in Australia’s North West, Offaly ticipation in Phase Two of the Ord a smaller sized contractor to offer is forging a 3strong A M0 6 1 _ 0 0 track 0 _ Srecord P L -in 1 Irrigation 2 0 1 3 -Expansion 0 5 - 2 8 Project T 1 4 : 3near 9 : 2 cost 5 + 1effective 0 : 0 0 one-stop shop soluthe successful delivery of some ma- Kununurra. tions to clients who may have small

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FOOT

to mid-sized project packages they want efficiently carried out,” Garreth added.

Technological advances in pipe

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CONSTRUCTION

such as improvements in Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE) and Ductile Iron Pipe (DICL) pipes have increased pipe strength, resistance to chemical attack and allowed greater ease of installation. However, it takes more than just the best materials to successfully install pipe work, according to Garreth.

“Often contractors that specialise in trunk drainage and service reticulation don’t have the expertise to execute the scope of works included in, for example, the mechanical fit-out of associated pump station infrastructure,” he said.

“The mechanical fit-out of pump station components such as pumps, pipes and pedestals often involves components that require on-site fabrication or modification.

“Often in remote regions synonymous with mine site locations in the North West, it is not a viable option to send such ‘make-up’ pieces off site for fabrication. This process often involves large costs associated with logistics the flow on effects of program delay.”

In fluid reticulation infrastructure including the on-site fabrication of make-up spool pieces – mild and stainless steel – says Garreth, a pipeline contractor should be a ‘one stop shop’ to efficiently complete the pump station fit-out and avoid delays.

“Working with pipe can be challenging,” Garreth said. “Given the linear nature of service reticulation and pipeline infrastructure there is typically a limited number of work faces reasonable accessible at any one time. It’s important that a contractor can work with these challenges to minimize delays.”

“Management and engineering

teams that have developed skills almost exclusively through the mining infrastructure and heavy civil background in Australia’s North West makes a big difference. It carries with it an intrinsic understanding of the high safety and environmental standards that need to be met.”

End users and project managers, says Garreth, can choose the right provider of services pipe work and associated infrastructure by partnering with a company that is well rounded within its discipline.

“A pipe work contractor should be able to handle all aspects of the pipe work; there should be no need for that contractor to outsource pipework to another service provider.”

“Choosing a contractor with an experienced management team in the mining and civil infrastructure industry will also streamline the interface with either mine operations and other contractors.”

Offaly is icurrently nvolved in a $1.9 million contract with Phase Two of the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project in Kununurra, Western Australia.

The scope of work includes bulk excavation of about 20,000m³; installation of reinforced concrete pipes from 750mm diameter up to 1800mm diameter siphon pipes; bulk backfilling of structures and pipelines; construction of metered outlet riser outlets; and detail earthworks including trimming for reinforced concrete structures.

Originally based on the east coast of Australia, Offaly has mainly specialised in trunk drainage, service reticulation and mechanical fit-out of both sewer and potable water pump stations and other associated infrastructure.

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AustralianMining

July 2013

49

NORTHERN TERRITORY SPOTLIGHT

An OLD STYLE discovery in a new era A new gold discovery in the midst of Australia’s interior is opening up new possibilities. Vicki Validakis reports.

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coarse gold deposit where the first shovel pays is an ore body discovery that most juniors can only dream about. But Perth based company ABM Resources have found that just in the Northern Territory desert.

The company acquired the tenement, 700 km north west of Alice Springs, from Newmont in 2010 and have been pushing to develop a mine there ever since with a bulk trial set to start in July.

With no debt and little capital expenditure required to move the project into development, managing director of ABM, Darren Holden, said the company was in a great position.

Holden said the current downturn in the gold market, which has seen jobs lost and projects being scaled back, would not affect Old Pirate in the same way it had crippled other projects.

“We remain resilient,” he said.

“Investment in the gold sector in general in Australia is pretty ordi-

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NORTHERN TERRITORY SPOTLIGHT

nary at the moment,” Holden said.

“You don’t want to be carrying debt around in these markets.”

But Holden said the high-grade ore body was what set ABM apart from its competitors.

“We have a high-grade system and a high-grade open-cut system should be able to survive the troughs and ride the highs of the gold market.”

With a high grade deposit, an open pit with no pre-strip, and gold that liberates easily via gravity methods, Holden said the Old Pirate had key engineering advantages that give it a leg up on other gold development ABM’s operations in the Tanami desert are proving prospective. plays.

“Because we have coarse gold it trial mining process to increase confi“People have a sense of reliabilrecovers very well on gravity sepa- dence and understanding around ge- ity to feasibility studies which aren’t ration which means we won’t need ology, thickness, grade distribution actually true.” additional capital expenditure on and metallurgical characteristics.

Holden said producing results via cyanide or treatment plants so we Holden is confident that the com- a bulk trial was a better fit for the ore can essentially have a modular based pletion of the 10,000 tonne bulk sam- body at Old Pirate. system there,” Holden explained to ple will produce 3000 ounces of gold.

“It’s basically responding to the Australian Mining.

Holden said this new approach style of the system and the fact that And because the ore is so close was not asking investors to take a we have relatively low engineering to the surface, it puts ABM in an leap of faith. risk with it being right there at sureven better position.

“We argue that investors take a face and low expenditure on that,” “We get to mine ore before we leap of faith with a bankable feasi- he said. mine waste which is unusual in the bility study anyway,” Holden said.

“It’s far cheaper to do a bulk modern era.”

“Whilst they may like to see things sample and we’ll produce far more What is also different about this written down in black and white, information than we would to doing discovery is that the company has rarely, around 25-30 per cent of the a full feasibility study” opted A M to 0 7not 1 3undertake _ 0 0 0 _ aP full U Mfeasi1 time 2 0that 1 3those - 0 6numbers - 1 9 Tare 1 4achieved : 2 1 : 5 1 +Following 1 0 : 0 0 the completion of the bility study and will rely on the bulk anyway.” trial bulk sample, ABM will look to

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move to open pit mining using the same plant, albeit scaled up.

“Stage two is essentially continuing mining for up to a 2- 3 year period with the same plant that we use for the trial,” said Holden.

“There will be some mining modifications and some continual upgrades and we’ll have to expand the plant.

“But it’s not like we are getting rid of the trial plant and brining in something new, we’ll just be continuing on with that and it’s scoped at around 100-150 thousand tonne plant.

“The only difference between stage one and stage two is the mineral licence.”

And with no strategic partner need to scale up to stage two, ABM is promising to be one of the good news stories of juniors operators in Australia. “We’ll be producing money right away and we don’t carry any debt,” he explained.

“We can fund stage two from the proceeds.”

Holden said that while the tenement was in a remote area, infrastructure constrains would not hamstring the development of the mine.

“Gold is a perfect product for this remoteness,” he said.

“It’s isolated and remote which causes challenges but none of which are insurmountable,” he said.

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

FUTURE PROOFING drilling A

s the downturn bites many mining contractors and services companies, businesses are left scrambling to ensure their company’s survival.

When innovative Perthbased drilling contractor, SBD Drilling, was established in 2005, its relationship with a local manufacturer of RC drills set the fledgling company on a track that would future-proof it against downturns in the market, at the same time bringing an innovative approach to the business of exploration drilling.

While SBD was planning its fleet acquisition, the company was approached

by Metzke Engineering, who were building the first of a revolutionary new type of RC drill designed by Atlas Copco – the Explorac.

SBD were invited to trial the prototype drill and play an active role in its future development.

“We examined the rig’s specs, and were immediately attracted by the low fuel consumption provided by the CAT 16 engine,” founding director Graham Keys said.

“In our business plan we had identified rising fuel costs as a major threat, and we figured that a fleet of more fuel-efficient rigs would give us a competitive edge that could only grow with time,” he said.

Overall industry feedback suggested that the relatively small engine would not provide the grunt to drill to the depths required by Australian explorers in hard rock conditions. SBD took the ‘glass is half full’ approach, focused on the unit’s low fuel consumption, believing that the lack of engine power would be offset by the rig’s higher compressor capacity.

It had entered the industry determined that one of its points of difference would revolve around raising the bar on HSE, an area that at that time was not as sophisticated in the exploration drill52

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ing sector as in other parts of the mining industry.

This raised the first issue with the Explorac rig, which had been designed for international markets, which mostly had lower safety standards than Australia. Atlas Copco were receptive to SBD’s input, and modifications were introduced that would meet the requirements of the industry’s most demanding mining companies.

SBD had identified as a major safety feature the unit’s unique remote control facility, which enabled the operator to work eight to ten metres away from the rig, out of the immediate danger area, and with a better overview of the tool handling processes. Because it also took the operator out of the high-vibration environment of the rig itself, and also placed him in a lower frequency area for sound, SBD correctly assessed that this would provide an addition bonus in terms of improved productivity.

SBD’s chief operating officer, Nathan Steiner, said the close working relationship with Atlas Copco and Metzke had been maintained over the years, as SBD built its Explorac fleet.

Planning drilling capabilities well ahead has paid off for one contractor.

“Their people are always responsive to our input, regularly visit sites where our rigs are working, and even call us direct from Sweden from time to time for our input on specific issues. As a result I believe we have jointly developed a genuine ‘niche’ product – a powerful rig that is fast on its feet, flexible in operation and punches well

SBD won a contract in Africa off the back of its work in WA, and airlifted the rigs to West Africa.

above its engine capacity,” said Mr Steiner.

“Importantly, their light weight means these rigs are road registered – they can get to site fast and hit the ground running, yet still match the performance of heavier rigs that have to be transported to site,” he said.

As market conditions continue to tighten, as foreseen by Graham Keys eight years earlier, the miserly fuel consumption of the Explorac rigs is giving SDB a real edge in tendering.

“One recommendation SBD made to Atlas was to upgrade the engine to a CAT C18, which provides extra punch while still delivering outstanding fuel economy,” Steiner said.

“We estimate our rigs use around 30% less fuel than most others offering comparable performance, and that translates into real cost savings over time,” he added.

“Compared to a rig powered by V12 CAT C27, our rigs will burn around 35 litres of fuel an hour less. Throw in a 25 litre-an-hour saving on the auxiliary compressor

compared to a conventional unit and the savings can add up to something in excess of $20,000 a month. As clients are really sharpening their pencils these days, that’s a very significant figure.”

An early – and ongoing – client for SBD was Rio Tinto, who selected the contractor to handle iron ore exploration at their West Angelas project, north west of Newman in WA’s Pilbara region.

Rio Tinto were keen to explore the potential of the new rig, and were impressed how comprehensively SBD met their very stringent HSE requirements.

“Exploration drilling is one area where size definitely isn’t the main criterion,” said Mr. Steiner.

“We have a Schramm rig for particularly heavyweight situations, but most of the demand is for our Explorac units. We’ve really created a new class of exploration drilling operation, where the emphasis is on speed, flexibility and economy. In the process we’ve also raised the bar on safety standards in our sector,” he said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

An easy step change One engineer took a step backwards, by retrofitting, to take two steps forward for a miner’s blasting needs.

T

echnology is always marching forward, particularly in mining, and this can leave a mine with expensive and newly redundant machinery.

CBH Resources faced this problem at its Rasp underground zinc, lead, and silver mine in Broken Hill as it moved to a new blasting standard, however a clever piece of engineering saved the miner a huge headache.

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil has been the charging standard of underground hard rock miners for a number of years.

But since the new alternative, emulsion, was introduced more hard rock operators have made the switch as it provides them with better blast accuracy, increased safety benefits, and importantly reduced costs due to faster loading and application.

Emulsion explosives are specifically formulated for us in underground mining for long up-hole applications where uniform density and sensitivity throughout the explosive column is critical.

It’s particularly suitable where pre-condition blasting of the ground is required to allow for optimal cave propagation.

On top of this emulsion explosives are not affected by static head pressures or dead pressing, which makes it ideal for use in long up-hole applications.

Which is why it was chosen as the new standard material for CBH’s Rasp mine.

The move from ANFO to emulsion forced a miner to review its equipment on site.

However it soon faced a new problem due to the change.

It had previously purchased Maclean Engineering’s Mine-Mate AC-3 bulk ANFO charger for underground trackless mines earlier this year.

Suprahbhat Sarkar, CBH Resources Broken Hill Operations act-

The engineer retrofitted an emulsion charger, replacing the ANFO kettles.

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ing mine manager, explained that they initially purchased the AC-3 for development heading and long hole charging with ANFO. The machine itself comes with a 1360 kilogram ANFO carrying capacity in single or dual tank configurations, has a compact multi-stage extension boom, room for blasting accessories, two stabilising jacks, and has rapid tramming from site to site.

It is designed for production hole charging, development drifting and breasting, bulk ANFO transport, and accurate explosives charging for precision blasting.

“It was originally bought as a standard AC-3 fitted with twin 750 ANFA kettles,” Sarkar said.

“While the machine is versatile and can do development as well as long hole charging - it needed some modification for emulsion.”

So the miner went back to the manufacturer Maclean Engineering.

With assistance from Maclean CBH’s standard twin kettle ANFO rig was converted to emulsion, in a relatively painless, quick, and straightforward operation.

Maclean Engineering designed a fit for purpose base plat that enabled an Orica 2t emulsion package UG3008, for long hole open stopes, to be retrofitted.

The rig’s original twin kettles and base are stored for future ANFO development.

Sarkar added that “rig availability is very good, maintenance is low and simple for fault finding, and common parts in are in-line with normal Australian market expectations – the spare parts are easily obtainable, with great follow up product support from Maclean Engineering”.

He stated that their “customer care feedback before and after sales is excellent, and cost was also minimal”.

The Rasp mine officially opened mid-last year, with annual production slated for around 34 000 tonnes of zinc metal concentrate, 28 000 tonnes of lead concentrate, and 1.1 million ounces of silver in the lead concentrate.

It employs 160 people and has a mine life of more than 15 years. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Sandvik celebrates 100th DR500 Despite a downturn in mining activity, Sandvik recently celebrated reaching a drill rig milestone.

S

andvik Mining threw open the doors to its customers at its Perth facility last month as the company celebrated the sale of its 100th DR500 series drill rig to Macmahon.

The DR500 series consists of the Sandvik DR540, DR560, and DR580 drill rigs, and with thirty two units sold in the Asia Pacific region and one hundred around the world, Sandvik said the success of the product shows how well it works in the field. Sandvik has sold the 100th rig from the DR500 series.

“They work in all kinds of conditions; at altitude, in tion is located on the carrier “The drills perform to heat, cold, for different met- behind the cabin, allowing expectations,” he said. als and in different applica- for tramming, and feed opSandvik Mining bought tions,” said Mark Clifford, eration of the boom for po- the rights to the DR500 series vice president of APC sales sitioning and drilling func- surface drills from Cubex in for underground hard rock tions.

2010. Since the company beand surface mining.

It also means the rig can gan manufacturing the drills, Sandvik said the DR500 be controlled from the cab in they have produced them at series offers surface mining emergency cases or for spe- a record rate of around one customers the only boom- cial applications. machine a week, closing the mounted, high pressure While the series offers gap in their product offerdown-the-hole drills that are operating pressures of up to ings by providing the first designed and manufactured 500 psi, turbo charged after HP DTH product family. for mining operations. cooled diesel engines and “Adding the DR500 seThe series also features fully independent track oscil- ries to our offering was key many specialised additives lation for high mobility. to meetings our customers which Sandvik said make “The success shows our needs,” said Ken Stapylton, the rigs superior in manoeu- customers see the machine vice president of rotary and vrability and fault finding, as a mining dedicated drill,” DTH drilling. making them highly produc- said Michael Forrest, product “Having a drill designed tive and reliable. An external line support manager, surface specifically for these tough A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ MI N 1 6 : 1 6 : 4 2 + 1 0 : 0 0 auxiliary maintenance sta- drilling.1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 1 8 Tmining environments means

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The group sold the rig to mining contractor Macmahon.

we can provide the level of safety, durability, and productivity that surface mining customers need.

“At the end of the day, that means a better peace of mind.”

The 100th rig was purchased by Macmahon and is set to go to work at the Tropicana Gold mine near Kalgoorlie.

Macmahon’s general plant manager, Peter Truscott, said the drill was chosen after thorough technical reviews.

“The purchase of the DR500 series drill represents a change in procurement strategy for small track drills within Macmahon,” he said.

“The selection was completed after extensive technical and peer reviews with the rig satisfying the demand for pre-split drilling and backup to the large rotary drills.”

Mark Clifford, vice president of APC sales for underground hard rock and surface mining said Sandvik invested heavily in R&D to better support its customers needs and supply equipment that does the job better.

“Our engineers continually improve and look at ways to enhance the reliability of the machines,” he said.

“What we rely on is factbases performance information from the end-users.”

www.miningaustralia.com.au

© Copyright 2013 Boart Longyear. All rights reserved.

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

The world’s most powerful raise bore After a false start, the world’s most powerful raisebore will start work in Australia. Malavika Santhebennur reports.

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A D _ A MT R E F E B _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 The raisebore is capable of 3.5 million pounds of thrust.

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aisebore operator and manufacturer Redpath first brought over the world’s most powerful raise drill to Perth last year.

But not a single hole was drilled as the company’s contract with its client fell through.

Now, the raise drill package has been placed in an underground mining site in South Australia to begin work on its first job in Australia.

Redpath’s general manager of Raiseboring, Allan Brady refused to divulge details of the mine or the company that is looking after it, saying he is locked into confidentiality agreements, only saying it is a huge underground mine in 5 / 0 South 1 / 1 Australia.

2 , 3 : 2 9 PM The raise drill is best suit1:15:13 AM

ed for underground and civil projects where underground access is available.

The Redbore 100, designed by mining contractor Redpath, boasts of being the most powerful, proven raise bore package. Featuring the latest drill rod technology, it is capable of 3.5 million pounds of thrust and up to 750,000 foot pounds of rotational torque.

“The thrust is like a million pounds more than the next competitor,” Brady told Australian Mining.

“With the package comes the state-of-the-art drill strength and the state-of-theart raise bore head.”

In the right conditions, this means it can drill an eight metre diameter raise

and up to a depth of 1000 metres, more than any other tested raise drill.

Brady said Macmahon has a bigger rig. The RBR 900VF from Macmahon is capable of five million pounds of thrust, with the ability to drill an eight metre diameter raise up to a depth of 2000 metres.

Macmahon has been working with German manufacturer Herrenknecht over a two-year period to develop the RBR 900VF. But Brady said it is still untested and unproven.

The Rebore 100 is a proven package as it has worked in Canada, he added.

The raise drill uses mounted cameras or webcams, and diagnostic equipment that constantly monitor the drill’s

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

performance. A raisebore technician in Canada can see the diagnostics of a working drill anywhere in the world via Internet, in real time.

According to Brady the equipment has its own IP address, which means technicians can access the program in the rig and pinpoint the problems. They can assist technicians on the ground from their seats in Canada.

“It saves money and it saves down time as well as they can see it live, because they’ve got webcams on the machine as well,” Brady said.

“So they’re able to look at the computer diagnostics, Realtime diagnostics allow for continual monitoring and maintenance assistance anyhwere in the world. they’re able to look at the rig and they’re able to see how while designing the Redbore built the raise drill package. South Australia in the midit’s going. So I can log on and 100. The raise drill operates While Redpath designed and dle of May this year. MovI can have a look to see what on a third of the power of built the rig, Mining Technol- ing the 80-tonne rig from the rig is doing right now.” smaller raise drills. ogy International built the Perth to South Australia This eliminates the need Its variable speed drive drill string and Atlas Copco was a mammoth task that to fly out technicians to re- computer-aided drilling sys- built the raise bore head. required 60 trailers and the mote mine sites for techni- tem lets each drill rod be Redpath built the rig in closure of the Great Eastern cal difficulties. While oil rigs torqued to the exact amount. North Bay, Canada. The Highway. have this feature, Brady said This allows for smoother package was shipped to AusThe company also had to the Redbore 100 is the only operation. It prevents over tralia in September last year get Western Power involved raise drill to have this remote torque to the drill pipe and using more than 50 shipping to lift some power lines to monitoring technology. means expensive reaming containers to carry the rig transport the rig.

The company has also “It took quite in-depth AD_ _ 1 0 . p d f P a g heads e 1 are1 not 6 / lost.

0 3 / 1 0 , 3 :and 1 4the drill P M rods. looked at power efficiency Three companies jointly It was transported to consultation with both the

www.miningaustralia.com.au

WA Main Roads Department and Western Power, because the Redbore 100 took up the whole road,” Brady said.

“It’s not every day a major highway has to be closed – it was a mammoth operation by all involved.”

The rig was hauled as a single entity and a single unit for speedy transportation.

“There was a mile of traffic behind it while the rig took up the highway,” Brady said.

“We then had to move the auxiliary equipment, rods and everything.”

This is the tenth raise bore to be brought into Australia, Brady said. The company intends to grow gradually and bring in another five over the next three years.

“You’ll definitely see more raise bores,” he said.

“I don’t think you’ll see the size of these machines.

So it’s pretty specialised in the size of the holes it can do. It’s a lot of mobilisation to bring a rig this size into the country.”

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59

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

Tracking blast performance New software is allowing for better tracking and planning of your blasts.

F

or a mine to run smoothly, quality control is a must at every step – whether it is blast grade control, mining or blending – if the mine is to be efficient and cost-effective.

As the first process, blasting can be one of the most expensive processes. With so many variables involved in this stage, no software algorithm can precisely foresee the material size, despite well designed shots.

BlastLogic from Maptek offers miners a tool to guarantee the most effective use of equipment for processing ore, and ensuring that the blast has been fired properly.

If impurities are noticed in the ore at the smelter stage, this can mean additional processing, which Blastlogic is standardised with repeatable and scalable systems across operations. means more energy is expended.

And oversize material at the crusher the teeth of the shovel, and the truck mine site over a time period and nomeans more electricity costs. load and haul expenses. tice a sharp rise, they can see what Miners can avoid high costs if BlastLogic also allows miners to caused it. they track the history of blasting at a recollect historical blasts that correThe program also has a searchamine site and correlate it to process- spond with the material being proc- ble data repository, which links drill ingAoutcomes.

For operations dipping backfill, M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0instance, 0 _ B A miners U 1 essed.

2 0 If 1 3an- 0 6 - 1 8 T manager 1 6 : 2 1is: 1design, 0 + 1 0as-drilled, : 0 0 can see how material size impacts examining energy consumption of a charge plan, as-loaded and observed

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blast performance data with videos, third-party reports and laser surveys to every blast.

Miners can access drill and blast data instantly, which means they can pinpoint problems quickly and prevent downstream impact. They can also implement measures for improvement at every stage.

The BlastLogic includes 3D spatial location of drill patterns, surfaces and changing drillhole features. It also has an interface with supported third party drill navigation systems, and applies a charge rule across a pattern and refines hole-by-hole.

It also has improved allocation of assets, which allows for instant identification of short holes after drill validation.

This means less tramming of rigs over long distances to redrill.

Improved wall control means more precision of drill angle and bearing, particularly on pre-splits.

This means accurate placing and separation of holes and drilling on the right plane.

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SAFETY

Saving lives with the

PUSH OF THE BUTTON Automated portable CPR machines are making mine sites safer.

M

ining is an unhealthy industry.

Despite the physicality of some parts of it, many miners spend the day sitting behind the controls of one type of a machine or another.

This inactivity, coupled with a fairly unhealthy diet, puts miners at a higher risk of heart attacks.

In fact according to health experts around three in four miners are overweight.

Last year a number of miners were stood down from operations until they brought their weight under 120 kilograms.

There are even stories floating around of a certain mine that had chairs rated to more than a 100kg for their pre-start meetings, 62

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and that in the first meeting On top of this, many gun selling the Lucas 2 ausome of those chairs broke workers aren’t trained in tomated chest compression due to the shear weight of CPR, and for those that are, system, which is designed the miners. and the emergency para- to provide constant CPR to The weight of these min- medics on site, they can only a miner who has suffered a ers puts themselves and oth- perform CPR for so long be- heart attack. ers at risk. fore fatigue sets in.

The machine uses suction In October last year A trained paramedic cups to stick to a person’s a 163 kilogram morbidly can keep up 100 compres- chest by creating a negative obese miner, who had a pressure, and provides ‘malignant’ BMI of 50.8 The machine has been five centimeters of comand a neck circumference with the suction successfully used on a man pression, of 52 centimetres, was cup pulling the chest up stood down as he was weighing 162 kilograms. as well to allow for chest “unfit to operate due to expansion and decoma significant and foreseeable sions for sometime, however pression. risk of sudden incapacity”, many of these are working It also lessens the risk of in essence a heart attack. alone on site and can only accidentally breaking a If miners have a heart at- carry out CPR, and are unPhysio-Control’s Nick tack while they are operat- able to attend to any other Jones told Australian Mining machinery, they not only issues such as injuries. ing that it has been used sucput themselves at risk, they Now a new invention is cessfully on a man weighing can also endanger other, es- hitting minesites to help save 162 kilograms. pecially those that are trying miners lives.

“This was the largest to resuscitate them.

Physio-Control has be- man that Lucas 2 has been

used on and that has been successfully resuscitated,” he said.

It has a three button operation system, and runs off lithium batteries that provide 45 minutes of continuous power.

Lucas can also run off mains power, a car charger, or through a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft’s power supplies.

“Essentially it can be powered indefinitely,” Jones said.

It is transported in a backpack, and in trained hands can be taken out of the bag and in operation within 15 seconds, according to Jones.

Lucas 2 has already been sold to three miners, he added. www.miningaustralia.com.au

SAFETY

Zeroing in on compliance A new electrical product initiative is aiming to make the workplace safer.

H

ow well do you know your electrical products? Without pulling it apart, how well do you know the components that make up your equipment?

With injuries from electrical issues a prevalent problem on mine sites, companies are looking at how they can make their sites safer.

Compliance, and ensuring that all electrical products are not only up to grade, by are also maintained, has been the focus of a recent safety initiative.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) and Voltimum recently launched the “Does it comply?” initiative at the offices of Standards Australia, in Sydney as part of a wider cross industry effort to increase electrical Ensuring compliance can help to ensure safety. safety amongst workers.

Voltimum is an internet portal stamping out non-compliant prod“Electrical contractors that knowfor the Australian electrical industry. ucts was Wes McKnight – NECA’s ingly purchase and install non-comThe event was attended by 40 National Chairman. pliant goods are putting their customsenior executives from the electrical “There is no place for non-com- ers and their business at risk. and communications AM 0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 industry, _ H E L and 1 pliant 2 0 products 1 3 - 0 6in- any 1 9area T 0 of 9 :our 5 in0 : 2 4 +“As 1 0 the : 0 0new regulations come the first person to sign the pledge to dustry today,” said Wes McKnight. into effect contractors need to un-

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derstand the consequences as this behaviour will no longer be tolerated,” he added.

Colin Blair – Standards Australia CEO, opened the proceedings, James Tinslay – NECA CEO welcomed the guests, Kim Craig – Voltimum Australia Chairman, previewed the website and to underline the importance of getting the industry on side, Neil Fraser – Energy Safe Victoria Executive Manager, updated guests on the progress being made by the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).

The next step in this process – which kicks off today, is to get contractors in the electrical and communications industry to ‘sign the pledge’.

Contractors do this by watching a webinar on the ‘Does it Comply?’ website and then testing their knowledge with 10 simple questions.

The organisers hope this will be the beginning of groundswell response to the industry only accepting compliant products across Australia.

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63 AustralianMining12/06/13 July 2013 1:24 PM

PRODUCT FOCUS: MOTORS & DRIVES

Meeting mining motor and drive DEMANDS Australian Mining speaks to Rockwell Automation’s drives product manager Andrew Hoch about how motors and drives are meeting mining’s demands.

AM: As mining expands to deeper

and more extreme locations, what is required from motors and drives to meet these demands?

AH: A trend in the mining industry that is becoming increasingly apparent is the role of drives in mining operations. Drives are becoming much more common across a variety of mining disciplines as they provide the benefits of improving process control and energy savings.

AM: What are the biggest develop-

ments in mining technology?

AH: As a result of challenging mar-

ket conditions, higher production requirements and increasingly stringent environmental standards we are seeing mining companies placing enormous emphasis on optimising their operations.

Leading companies are investing in technology to improve automation, safety and productivity of their operations. Customers are realising the benefits that an integrated drive and control system can provide.

Complete integration and interoperability between the control system, drives, motors and HMIs deliver A D _ A MI E C A P R _ 1 3 . p d increased uptime by simplifying the

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design and commissioning process, assisting with maintenance and troubleshooting whilst also providing increased data from the field to improve visibility of machine operation.

The integrated architecture platform from Rockwell Automation enables optimisation of site operations. The platform promotes agility through connectivity between the HMI, controller and drive systems; productivity improvements through the ability to see and act on critical machine parameters and sustainable production for mining applications.

AM: Have there been any advances in

allows the use of offsite skill sets during commissioning and fault finding.

Key to the success of this philosophy is the power of Ethernet/IP connected drive and control systems.

Ethernet/IP also allows for the automatic configuration of drives that have been replaced. This can greatly increase the time to get a drive system operational in a breakdown situation.

Once a maintenance issue is determined utilising modular products that are easy to repair and diagnose uptime can be improved by reducing the mean time to repair which is the ideal outcome for mining operations.

the reliability of motors and drives in mining?

AH: While the reliability of motor and drive technologies are improving, it is inevitable that there will come a time when they will fail or require maintenance.

Drives can provide information AM: Can an integrated system provide to help predict when there may be improved safety for mining operaa problem, before it escalates and tions? results in significant downtime. We AH: Mining operations are large are seeing mining operations increas- scale production facilities with a vaingly utilising remote diagnostics riety of processes occurring simultato identify, isolate and then fix the neously over a large and potentially f Pa ge 1 1 1 / 0 3 / 1 3 , 0 : 0 7 : 0 8 AM AEDT area. Having an integratproblem to minimise downtime. This 1 multi-site

ed system provides many benefits throughout the lifecycle of a project.

Productivity can be increased through integrating information, automation and power systems with an Integrated Architecture platform.

Safety is an important consideration in mines and integration allows for the coordination of discrete motion, process and safety control.

With regards to safety, we are also seeing an increased movement towards utilising Category 3 Safe Torque Off for stopping of drive/ motor systems.

AM: What do you think will be the

trends of the future in mining technology?

AH: The mining industry is moving very much towards requiring real time data and insight into production dynamics so there is no doubt that mining will continue to become more data intensive.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PRODUCT FOCUS: MOTORS & DRIVES

Getting the most out of your

PISTON TYPE COMPRESSORS Reciprocating compressors offer efficient and flexible operation, so how can you get your compressor drives to be more efficient? Amin Almasi* writes.

R

eciprocating compressors (known also as “piston-type” compressors) are the best compressors for any service that the capacity is relatively low and the differential pressure is relatively high.

Maintenance costs of reciprocating compressors are approximately 2-3 times greater than those for centrifugal compressors. This shows the importance of proper condition monitoring and automation for the reciprocating compressors.

Cylinder valve selection

Cylinder valves are the most critical components of reciprocating compressors and strongly influence reliability, operation, performance and efficiency of these machines.

Cylinder valve defects are obviously responsible for most of unscheduled maintenance events of reciprocating compressors. Valve components should be operated (opened and closed) several billions of times during their operating life without being affected by fatigue or other degradation mechanisms.

The correct material selection and proper component design are keys to achieve a successful valve

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ECL No. EC003345 www.miningaustralia.com.au

PRODUCT FOCUS: MOTORS & DRIVES

operation. Reciprocating compressor valves should be supplied from a reputable valve manufacturer with proper references and a long-term successful production history. Some compressor manufacturers are also active in the cylinder valve business.

Usually, cylinder valves manufactured by compressor vendors should be dealt with great care. The valve design and manufacturing should be considered as very delicate tasks.

This is only performed successfully by a few professional manufacturers. Sometimes, for special applications, there are only three qualified cylinder valve suppliers with satisfactory references.

Advanced polymers have excellent mechanical properties and are capable of working at hostile cylinder valve conditions which also include extreme mechanical stresses and relatively high temperatures. In most cases, modern, sophisticated, low mass polymer sealing elements can vastly increase the valve life (could reduce energy consumptions and maintenance costs). The main advantages of modern polymers over old-fashion metallic valve parts are: improved heat resistance, high fatigue life, high tolerance to dirt and corrosive chemiA M 0 7 traces 1 3 _ 0(liquids 6 7 _ JorO H 1 cals) particularly those in dirty gases,

reduced wear and improved sealing flow (higher velocity, less reliability capabilities. and reduced capacity).

Main valve types are: Traditionally, “poppet valves” 1 – Ring type valve. were popular many years ago. Pre2 – Plate type valve. vious generations of poppet valves 3 – Poppet valve. have left service because of poor For large compressors (generally performance, low reliability and low speeds and high pressure ratios) operational problems. Today, some and small machines (relatively high compressor manufacturers offer new speeds) the “ring type valve” and versions of specially-designed poppet the “plate type valve” are the best valves with great promises. The peroption, respectively. formance and long-term references The best valve size should be of these valves should be considered selected with respect to efficiency, carefully. Sophisticated evaluations reliability and performance require- are required to highlighting clearly ments considering many operational advantages and disadvantages comand machine design factors such pared to commonly-used valves as the minimum clearance volume. (such as the “ring type valve”) for The valve “lift” is the distance trav- each application. elled by valve moving elements. The higher the lift, the higher the valve Capacity control – Conventional flow area, the lower the valve pres- vs. Step-less sure drop, the less consumed power, One of new technologies presented the higher moving elements impact for reciprocating compressors is the velocities and the lower valve dura- step-less capacity control system. A bility. An optimum valve size and an step-less capacity control system uses acceptable valve lift should be found the finger type unloader and unloads for each application. The optimum the suction valve for only a portion valve spring stiffness is also impor- of each compression cycle to achieve tant. Too stiff springs can lead to an adjusted capacity. This is a hythe valve flutter (more compressor draulically actuated system with a power and considerable wear rate) very complex mechanism and a very or early closing of valve (reduce the sophisticated control which is offered capacity).

1 2 0 1 3Too - 0 light 6 - 1springs 8 T 1 5 cause : 5 7 : by 1 1very + 1 limited 0 : 0 0 manufacturers. The valve late closing and the reverse selected step-less capacity control de-

vice should only be used with a valve from the same manufacturer.

The finger type unloaders have potential for damaging valve sealing elements and require more care for maintenance. Valves and unloaders cause around 44% of unscheduled reciprocating compressor shutdown.

The selection of capacity control method (the unloader system, valve types/details, and others) can affect the reciprocating compressor reliability and maintenance. In addition, the unloader selection has strong effect on performance, operational flexibility, start-up and shut-down of a reciprocating compressor. The “plug type” or the “port type” unloaders can offer better reliability and performance compared to the “finger type” unloaders. However, “plug type” unloaders (or “port type” unloaders) are not available for small sizes.

Great care should be taken for the unloader selection of a small reciprocating compressor. The “finger type” unloaders are only available option for some small reciprocating compressors. For some tiny machines (say below 100 kW), even a 100% spillback (the recycle loop) may seem an acceptable capacity control soluContinued from page 68

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PRODUCT FOCUS: MOTORS & DRIVES

A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ F R A 2 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 1 8 T1 5 : 2 3 : 4 3 + 1 0 : 0 0 Consistent operational flexibility is more important than a small increase in added reliability, Almasi says.

tion, because the wasted power is low. However, the “operational flexibility” generally is considered more important than around 10% added reliability and the “finger type” unloaders are provided (usually in addition of a 100% spillback loop) for small machines in critical applications such as refinery, petrochemical or gas processing plants.

For medium size machines (from 300kW to 1.4 MW), the best capacity control configuration is the selection of part-load steps based on plug/ port unloader, and if necessary the clearance pocket. Clearance pockets should also be dealt with care since they could offer some reliability and operational issues.

New technologies (such as stepless capacity control systems) are not suitable for all applications. Step-less capacity control devices are only recommended for large machines (say above 1.5 MW) with great durations of part-load operation.

The step-less capacity control system is a fast-acting, accurately controlled arrangement for the energy-saving operation and the rapid control of reciprocating compressors. The step-less capacity control system allows an operator to com-

20/3/12 6:28:02 PM

Continued from page 67

IRRIGATION & INDUSTRIAL

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press only the required amount of gas in a very dynamic fashion. However, this system uses special instruments and actuators and nearly always brings a long list of deviations (to compressor manufacturers and project specifications) and special requirements in design, installation and operation. Of course proper manufacturer guarantees can be offered by its manufacturer and satisfactory assistances in all levels could be received. Overall, this is a modern and special-purpose system that should only be employed when really necessary. Only for large machines with long durations of part-loads and requirements for fast follow-up, this special system is recommended.

Theoretically, when using the step-less capacity control system, the bypass loop could be eliminated.

However, this is just theory and the best recommendation is to provide a 100% recycle loop (a 100% bypass loop) for the operational flexibility and continued operation if the automatic step-less capacity control system shows a problem. A modern step-less system is only expected in critical applications and a 100% recycle system could be justified for such critical services. Modern stepless capacity control systems are relatively reliable devices and their record of reliability is not worse than conventional unloader systems.

On the other hand, these complex systems include various mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and control subsystems and their reliability could not be higher than a certain limit.

An important issue could be this system cannot hold its position in case of a problem. In other words, the system should be set to the “100% load” or the “100% unload” in case of a failure or a problem (such as a hardware/software issue, an actuator problem, a hydraulic system issue, an instrument failure, or another operational problem). The full-load option (the “100%-load” in case of a failure) plus a 100% bypass can offer a good operational flexibility up to the shutdown of machine in the first possible opportunity.

Modern condition monitoring

Condition monitoring systems should be particularly cost effective; at the same time they should include all necessary items to identify malfunctions at an early stage. The result of an optimum condition monitoring system should be a relatively low maintenance cost and the lowest risk. An advanced vibration monitoring system includes: www.miningaustralia.com.au

• The continuous vibration monitoring of the compressor and the driver. Velocity-transducers are preferred over accelerometers because of a better signal to noise ratio. For relatively large machines (>0.7MW), both (velocity-transducers and accelerometers) should be employed. An advanced configuration is the vibration monitoring at each end of the crankcase about halfway up from the base-plate in line with main bearings.

• The accelerometer at each crosshead.

An advanced monitoring should include: 1 – The gas discharge temperature, pressure and flow for each cylinder.

2 – The pressure packing case – piston rod temperature.

3 – The crosshead pin temperature.

4 – Driver strategic temperatures, particularly the driver bearing temperature.

5 – The valve temperature.

6 – The oil temperature, flow and pressure.

7 – The jacket water temperature for each cylinder.

Proximity probes should be located under the piston rods and used to measure the rod position (the rod run-out) and determine malfunctions such as wear of piston, rider band problems, a crack in the piston rod (or a crack in any piston rod attachment), a broken crosshead shoe, or even the liquid carryover to a cylinder. The latest recommendation is to use rod runout measurements just for monitoring and alarm (not for trip). Recommended limits for the cold run-out and the normal operation (hot) run-out are 60 microns and 170 microns (peak to peak), respectively.

All shutdown functions should be 2 out of 3 voting to avoid unnecessary trip. Generally minimum numbers of shutdowns should be assigned for a reciprocating compressor in critical services such as hydrogen units in a refinery, gas processing crucial roles, important refrigeration modules and so on.

The low pressure trip of the lubrication oil system is considered an essential shutdown case. Operators always encourage a very high vibration level for a shutdown (even sometimes 6-8 times than normal).

There are always discussions about the high discharge temperature shutdowns. Many experienced operators argue that they prefer to tolerate relatively high discharge temperatures (and high temperatures of the cylinder valves, which could result in the valve and all wearing parts life re-

duction), compared to an unscheduled trip of a machine that can result in a critical refinery/process unit shutdown with production losses of an around 0.5 million dollar per day.

Of course safety risks should always be assessed in these situations. The author’s recommendation is to consider a high discharge temperature trip (since this is a code mandatory requirement and constantly insisted by safety teams). However, the trip level should be set properly high (based on accurate simulations and realistic thermal/safety evaluations) to avoid unnecessary shutdown.

movable piston assembly by a flexible member and on the other hand to the stationary compressor casing using auxiliary mechanical springs.

Masses, dimensions and stiffness are optimally calculated to offer the minimum operating vibration.

Irregularity setting

For all reciprocating compressors, the flywheel is mandatory to regulate variable reciprocating torques.

The irregularity degree for the mechanical component reliable operation is around “2%”. This value can be considered as the minimum requirement for all reciprocating comAdvanced passive vibration pressors. Generally in accordance control with specific requirements of driver Usually, the preferred design of re- (especially the current pulsation of ciprocating compressor for small electric motors), torsional vibration and medium sizes is a two-cylinder considerations, and other operationmachine. For large machines, four- al issues, a lower irregularity value cylinders and six-cylinders are com- is specified. Reliability studies have monly used. Sometimes, odd number indicated an irregularity value beof cylinders is unavoidable. In these tween 1-1.5%. It is strongly recomcases, a dummy crosshead should be mended to obtain 1% irregularity used to reduce the operating vibra- (if practically possible) for specialtion. The state-of-art spring-mass- purpose reciprocating units for a spring systems can be studied for smooth and trouble free operation. the passive vibration control (more For very large machines (>6 MW), reduction in the vibration). This is there are sometimes manufacturing a new technology. In this innova- limits, for example, extremely large tiveA D system, _ A M Pthe R Idummy M A R _crosshead 1 3 . p d f flywheels P a g e could 1 not 7 / be 0 2 supplied / 1 3 , or1 1 : 4 on the one hand is attached to a integrated.

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PREVIEW

Australia’s MINING exhibition

There’s just over a month to go until AIMEX begins, and more than 600 companies will show what’s new in the industry.

T

he countdown to AIMEX 2013 has kicked off with key speakers and exhibitor lists already announced ahead of the event.

AIMEX is the Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition; it’s a four day event that kicks off on August 20, 2013.

It’s a gathering of key mining players, with over 600 companies showcasing the latest technologies and innovations.

At a time when mining companies are cutting costs, discovering how productivity can be improved onsite is more important than ever.

But it’s more than just another exhibition; this year AIMEX will cover key issues of women in mining, mine

site safety and new ways to increase industry productivity.

With industry rockstars such as the Australian Coal Association’s chief executive Nikki Williams, and Beaconsfield mine tragedy survivor Brant Webb booked to address the delegation its set to be a key date on the industry’s calendar.

“They draw a great deal of visitor interest, and provide numerous networking and discussion opportunities,” Exhibition Director Paul Baker said.

The AIMEX 2013 Women in Mining Day will take place on Wednesday August 21, the Mining Safety Day will be on Thursday August 22, and the Industry Productivity Day will be on Friday August 23.

“Across these three days, we will be providing information and knowledge-sharing opportunities covering some of the major issues and challenges facing the industry,” Baker said.

“Increasing female participation in mining is a key issue for both the industry and governments; safety is a major on-going concern for the mining sector, and ongoing productivity improvements are essential for its ongoing success.”

Women in Mining Day

Headed up by Williams day one of the event is all about mining’s girls, celebrating the increasingly important role women play in the sector and highlighting the ongoing challenges females face in the mining world.

Incorporating panel discussion and networking opportunities, other speakers will include Anglo American’s regional manager supply chain Margaret Davies, Xstrata Coal operations manager Elizabeth Watts, and Anglo American apprentice auto electrician at Dayton mine Gabrielle Horn.

entation from Brant Webb, survivor of the Beaconsfield Mining tragedy in 2006, on the agenda.

Webb will share his experiences of being trapped underground for 13 days before being rescued, as well as talking about the impact of such an event on himself, his family and his community after he was rescued.

Also speaking will be Dean McSporran from Safety or Sorrow, who lost his arm in a mining accident and is now an industry consultant on safety issues.

McSporran speaks with passion from his own personal experiences about the importance of safe mining practices.

In the afternoon, Webb and McSporran will join a

mine safety manager and a government agency representative for a panel session on mine safety issues and challenges.

Productivity day

As capital expenditure and exploration budgets are slashed across the mining sector it is becoming increasingly important for miners to understand how to improve mine site productivity.

Speakers and sessions are still being confirmed for day three but it’s sure to be one to watch.

Visitor registration for AIMEX 2013 is now open online.

Come visit Australian Mining’s stand at the show and say hi to the team.

Safety in Mining Day The event in 2011 drew more than 10 000 visitors.

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Mining’s elusive zero harm goal is behind day two of AIMEX with a poignant pres-

Heavy machinery and new technology will be on show. www.miningaustralia.com.au

Resourcefulness.

Just one of the attributes BOC provides to the Australian mining industry

At BOC, we understand the knowledge, expertise and process needed to succeed in the mining industry, and we’re proud to play an important role.

Whether you’re talking about Oxygen, Nitrogen, specialist gases or LPG and LNG in bulk, onsite or compressed supply; our patented gas processes designed to enhance extraction, production as well as reduce the use of reagents; or welding and safety equipment and training programs — we’re there.

You can count on our reputation and commitment to service and safety because your business is important to both of us.

To find out more, call 131 262, visit your local Gas & GearTM or go to boc.com.au.

BOC will be exhibiting at Diggers & Dealers 2013. Please visit us at stand 58.

BOC Limited

Riverside Corporate Park, 10 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW 2113 Australia contact@boc.com BOC is a trading name of BOC Limited, a Member of The Linde Group. © BOC Limited 2013. MP12-0874-4|MA|AM|0713

A Member of The Linde Group

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Handling Bulk Powders and Granules?

We are System Designers, Suppliers and Integrators for heavy duty mining work.

Dense Phase Pneumatic Conveying

for very efficient powder transfer Microveyor shown under a bulkbag discharge station

low-rate economical MicroveyorTM models 100kg to 10 tonne/hr

high-rate ‘KT’ series, for 5 to 500 tonne/hr

HVAC corrosion BLYGOLD Oceania will feature anti-corrosion products designed to double the lifespan of HVAC coils and machinery radiators on Stand S110.

According to Blygold managing director, Ray Van Haven, coil and radiator corrosion in heating, ventilation, airconditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems and machinery leads to limited lifespans, expensive repairs and replacements, and disrupts activities.

“However, we can stop corrosion occurring by cleaning and coating both new and existing heat exchangers with our unique anti-corrosion products,” he said.

This resulted in substantial savings in operational expenses and capital costs.

Blygold also offers anti-corrosion treatments for air handling units (AHUs) and the casings of chillers, a service Van Haven says is “especially valuable in the highly corrosive mining industry environment”.

Blygold anti-corrosion treatments also ensured the highest level of performance, increased reliability and could deliver a return on investment within 12 months, he said.

• Blygold Oceania Ray Van Haven 0447 167 200 admin@blygold.com.au www.blygold.com.au

Discharge of powder products to silos from containers.

We offer a range of solutions, and rates of transfer.

The ‘Original’...

For Handling Powders - Very heavy duty -

Valve Closed

BulkafilTM Fill and empty Bulk Bags and Automated packaging systems.

Recent products handled: Magnesia, Lime, Zn oxide, Flocculents, Ni concentrate, Cement, Rutile, Alumina, Sand, Perlite, Ti02, Barytes, Flyash, Bentonite, Limestone.

The autoinflating seal.

Models to 7 bar pressure, and to 480oC.

Valve Open

To Fast-track a project, our engineers offer front-end consulting; and we have the experience and costings at our finger tips.

Single Products .. to total Turn-key Installations.

The Professionals in Powder Handling Systems and Ma1112c

CONTROL AUTOMATION

Head Office Victoria - Tel: (03) 9457 8277

Enquiries: sales@kockumsbulk.com.au

www.kockumsbulk.com.au

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Designed for harsh mining conditions.

Split bearings COOPER Split Bearings and Kaydon Bearings will debut an increased range of new specialist bearings for mining applications on Stand 2005 at AIMEX. New at AIMEX will be its 01E and O2E enhanced bearings series which, according to the company, combine a greater load capacity than any split-to-the-shaft roller bearings of similar size with up to 135 per cent longer life, making them ideal for harsh mining conditions; and split double-row tapered (DTR) bearings, described as the first of their kind and designed for high-thrust applications such as ventilation fans and blowers and marine prop shafts.

New Kaydon mining excavator slewing ring bearings will be another feature of the companies’ display.

They include 4-point contact ball, 8-point contact ball, cross-roller, and 3-row roller designs.

Available in diameters from 50.8 mm to 6.1m, they can be ordered with no gearing, internal gearing or external gearing.

All feature a triple labyrinth seal that stays concentric with the shaft, maintaining sealing integrity even when the shaft is misaligned.

• Cooper Bearings Group Stuart Goates 0488 093 966 info@hmbe.com.au www.hmbe.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Mining pumps

Provides payload increase of 10 to 15%.

Dump truck bodies DT Australia will promote the curved-style Hercules dump truck bodies on Stand H1006 at AIMEX. According to Steve Turner, sales and marketing manager with DT Australia, Hercules bodies can give a payload increase of 10 to 15 per cent, resulting in substantial economic benefits for mining and contracting operations through increased productivity and haulage cost reductions.

“Based on a site running 10 trucks for 10 hours a day with three cycles an hour, a Hercules body would increase payload by nearly 14,000 extra tonnes a day, without increasing production costs,” he said.

The payback period on the investment in one Hercules body was “very short, sometimes several months and usually less than a year”.

Turner said that apart from extra capacity, key features of the Hercules included lower body weight, reduced wear, reduced maintenance and increased durability and reliability.

“It also enhances truck stability, dumping and has a simplified single shovel target area for loading.”

Optimal axle weight distribution and reduced rock spillage means tyre wear was also substantially reduced, Turner said.

“We also offer a unique wear management strategy to ensure body weight does not increase over the life of the body, while maintenance downtime is reduced through the Hercules body’s design.”

A further advantage of the Hercules body was its lower environmental impact through reduced fuel consumption.

• DT Australia Steve Turner 08 9365 6888 sturner@dthiload.com www.dthiload.com

Tilt switches HUMMINGBIRD Electronics will release new vibration-immune tilt switches for mobile machinery on Stand SL405 at AIMEX .

The company says it has produced a tilt switch that produces stable pitch and roll readings in high vibration environments and while cornering.

The switches integrate gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers in a small, rugged enclosure.

AIMEX will also see Hummingbird Electronics, together with one of its distributors, New England Instruments, present a colour inclinometer that allows event logging to a Secure Digital (SD) card; updated GPS speedometers with integrated over-speed output; rugged GPS data-loggers for monitoring and accident reconstruction; new cabin air-pressure monitors that warn operators about possible dust ingress; and accident and driver behaviour monitors that are compatible with most vehicle monitoring systems.

An Australian company, Hummingbird Electronics designs and manufactures electronic products for the mining industry at premises in the NSW Hunter region.

• Hummingbird Electronics Norman Ballard 1300 155 541 info@hmbe.com.au www.hmbe.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

ITT Blakers will launch the award-winning new Goulds XHD mining pump on Stand H1137 at AIMEX. The winner of the British Pump Manufacturers’ Association’s 2012 pump industry awards, the Goulds XHD is described as an extra heavy-duty, lined slurry pump with capacity up to 2950 cubic metres.

According to Goulds, it has been engineered to maximise up-time, while delivering heads to 85 metres and pressures to 17 bar.

ITT Blakers will also exhibit a complete range of mining pumps, including centrifugalprocess (Goulds 3196) and positive displacement pumps (Seepex and Feluwa) at AIMEX, along with PumpSmart and ProSmart pump process monitoring equipment.

“All of the products that will be on display have been recognised with international awards,” ITT Blakers’ NSW manager, Anna Czlonka said.

“They will be of interest to companies keen to lower their pumping equipment life cycle costs, learn how to gain significant energy savings or use the industry’s latest developments to optimise their existing pumping systems.”

• ITT Blakers Anna Czlonka 02 9987 1422 anna.czlonka@itt.com www.ittblakers.com

Synchronised hydraulic lifting.

Heavy vehicle jacks LARZEP Australia will showcase five heavy-tonnage air hydraulic mobile jacks on Stand 1305 at AIMEX from August 20-23, 2013. The Mammut jacks can lift 60 to 150 tonnes and are purpose-built for lifting heavy mining and off-road vehicles.

“Since its introduction in 2010, the Mammut range has established a reputation for being a durable and versatile solution for negotiating Australia’s unique and challenging conditions,” Larzep representative Richard Parkyn said.

Another highlight of Larzep’s display will be demonstrations of the company’s remotecontrolled Synchronised Lift System, which was developed to perform a 6400-tonne dragline lift at an RCR Resources-Eagle mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

“Larzep supplied the seven 500-tonne lifting cylinders for the tub lift-and-split, along with an electric power pump incorporating valving controlled electronically via a PLC, with all controlled from a laptop,” Parkyn said. A further 22 100-tonne capacity cylinders, also supplied by Larzep, complemented the mine’s existing 100-tonne cylinders and were used to unload the dragline’s left-hand-side propel walking arm for later removal.

Larzep will also use AIMEX to show its 700 Bar Porta-Power Kits that combine a hydraulic pump, high-pressure hose and hydraulic cylinder for readily portable and heavy duty lifting.

• Larzep Australia Richard Parkyn 03 9796 3744 info@larzep.com.au www.larzep.com.au AustralianMining

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High hardness steel

Idler change outs

AERISON will demonstrate technology designed to easily and safely change an idler frame and roller on an operating conveyor on Stand 6407 during AIMEX from BISALLOY Steels will unveil what it describes as August 20-23. the hardest quenched and tempered steel made A working, full-size conveyor will be central to the in Australia on Stand 4225 at AIMEX. company’s display.

According to Bisalloy Steels’ business Perth-headquartered Aerison offers engineering services development and strategy manager, Tom to the mining, mineral processing, oil and gas, power Matinca, Bisplate 600 was developed in generation and manufacturing industries in Australia and response to requests from Australian mining South-East Asia. companies focused on reducing operational As well as its idler frame conveyor innovation, its costs. customised services include noise abatement for gas Bisplate 600, along with the company’s full compression and generation systems; solutions designed range of high tensile and abrasion-resistant to deal safely with ventilation air methane; dust control It will also display a new low friction Bisplate for wet, sticky ores. quenched and tempered steel, is manufactured using baghouses, wet scrubbers or cyclones; and in an efficient continuous-flow process. commissioning and compliance audits for all pollution Bisalloy’s AIMEX display will also include a new low-friction Bisplate option that can control systems. handle wet and sticky ore types while offering a very low friction service, as well as a Aerison also engineers odour control systems using very high tensile strength steel in structural applications. regenerative thermal oxidisers for volatile organic According to Bisalloy’s product applications engineer, Justin Suwart, the company’s compound (VOC) odours and chemical-packed towers for customers no longer want to just purchase ‘any wear material at any cost as long as it soluble-type odorous compounds. is available’.

Installation and project management services are “They are looking for a fit-for-purpose wear product that provides the best return over available as well, along with maintenance and service for the life of the equipment,” he said. all equipment provided by the company.

Bisalloy Steel’s main production facility and sales headquarters are in Wollongong, Its portfolio ranges from compressor noise abatement NSW, with stock facilities and sales offices in Perth and Brisbane and a sales office in solutions near local residents in NSW to dust control Melbourne. systems for some of Australia’s largest iron ore mines.

• Bisalloy Steels • Aerison Justin Suwart Brian Hooker 02 4272 0444 1300 590 000 justin.suwart@bisalloy.com.au bhooker@aerison.com www.bisalloy.com.au A M0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ F L I . p d f Pa ge 1 8 / 0 5 / 1 3 , 1 0 : 5 0 : 5 7 A M A E S T www.aerison.com

FLIR GF-Series Thermal imaging cameras for gas detection and industrial applications Conventional leak detection equipment such as a Volatile Organic Compound meters (or sniffers) mean that the operator must visit and test each potential leak site.

Using a FLIR GF-Series thermal imaging camera you get a complete picture and can immediately exclude areas that do not need any action. This means you can achieve enormous savings in terms of time and personnel.

Another advantage is that systems do not have to be shut down during the inspection.

Depending on the model, a wide variety of gas can be detected.

All FLIR GF-Series thermal imaging cameras are dual-use systems. They not only allow the user to detect gases, they can also be used for industrial maintenance inspections.

www.flir.com FLIR Systems Pty Ltd. VIC: 03 9550 2800 NSW: 02 8853 7870 WA: 08 6263 4438 Free Call AU: 1300 729 987 NZ: 0800 785 492 Email: info@flir.com.au

Captured gas leak

Electrical inspection

Gas leak

Disclaimer: Images for illustrative purposes only, subject to change. ISO No. FLIR20870

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Hand protection DIPLOMAT Blades will exhibit its newest protective glove, which is designed to offer cut and impact protection while preventing overheating, on Stand 8014 at AIMEX. The HexArmor Chrome Oasis 4030 is a mechanics’ style glove featuring HexVent technology.

“It offers the highest level of Protects from metal burrs, wires, or slivers. cut and impact protection on the market while its advanced breathable technology ensures wearers won’t overheat due to their PPE (personal protective equipment),” Diplomat marketing manager, Matt Russell, said.

The new design was especially suited for protection from hazards such as metal burrs, wires or slivers in oil and gas production environments, he said.

“And the combination of HexVent, HexArmor’s standard pre-curve design and double-stitched seams provide extra dexterity and durability.”

HexArmor gloves exceeded the mining industry’s highest testing standards (ISEA and CE Level 5), Russell said – with the full range to be on display at AIMEX. • Diplomat Blades Matt Russell 03 9562 0777 matt@diplomatblades.com.au www.diplomatblades.com.au

Service and training courses METS (Mineral Engineering Technical Services) will feature an expanded range of engineering services and training courses for the mining and oil and gas industries on Stand B1057 at the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition Its mineral processing engineering expertise has been expanded following the recent acquisition of CDMS Consulting Engineers, a provider of mechanical design, structural design and design verification with the following services mechanical and structural engineering design, and engineering design verification; fitness-for-service assessments; product development; project management; the design of fabrication and construction aids; and expert witness assistance.

These complement the company’s established mineral processing testing and interpretation, civil and structural engineering design services, as well as its People for Plants labour hire service.

Established in 1988, METS describes itself as an independent consulting group with a reputation for providing quality service to the global mining industry.

“Pooling our expertise has meant a wider range of service offerings,” said METS’ Director Damian Connelly.

“Visitors to our AIMEX stand can find out about our comprehensive range of engineering services that can add value at any stage of a mining operation’s lifecycle,” he said.

Mineral processing, mineral project economics, water management, and metallurgy for non-metallurgists are also part of the Perth company’s training program.

Its new half-day courses and training packages cover subjects ranging from process plan design to gold extraction.

• Mineral Engineering Technical Services (METS) Tina Mucha 08 9421 9000 tina.mucha@metsengingeering.com A D _ A Mwww.metsengineering.com SUPAPR_ 1 3 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 3 - 1 1 T1 8 : 2 8 : 0 4 + 1

AIMEX Exhibition Director, Paul Baker, leads pursuit for improved efficiencies in global mining sector.

Despite continued growth in the mining industry over the past few decades, mining companies know they are not immune to the volatile global financial climate. The push for increased mining productivity, improved efficiencies and reduction of operating costs has gained considerable momentum in recent years, led in part by Australia’s premier mining exhibition, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition – AIMEX. AIMEX brings together a guild of 600 leading suppliers across 45,000 sqm and will set the tone to boost productivity and introduce the latest innovations and improvements to optimise mining operations and eliminate inefficiencies. In just four days, companies will be armed with big ideas, sophisticated strategies and explore new frontiers of the mining industry to help stay competitive in the current marketplace.

Core to the 2013 program is an integrated strategy which focuses on production innovation, equipment management, IT and engineering services. The event provides a full-circuited opportunity for companies to explore a suite of low-cost optimisation strategies and procure services which, in turn, will increase efficiency and deliver greater productivity. AIMEX is the place to conduct your business.

Heralded as the premier national networking forum for the mining sector, AIMEX is instrumental in helping the industry keep up to date with the latest technologies and advancements, and is a key fixture in the diaries of industry leaders.

In the spirit of efficiency, visitors are invited to pre-register and take advantage of express entry.

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Web-based management

Complete mine operator training systems.

Training simulators IMMERSIVE Technologies will display what it describes simulator data analysis and scenario configuration tools as the world’s first complete mine operator training SimMentor facilities for briefing before simulation training system on Stand 3120. Features of the new system, sessions, and debriefing afterwards to help increase which incorporates the company’s advanced equipment training effectiveness and free up simulator time. simulators, include a training model blending eLearning, “AIMEX attendees will be able to experience the results instructor-led training, and medium and high fidelity of years of dedicated R&D, collaboration with hundreds of simulators with a customised content and curriculum users of the industry’s largest installed fleet of advanced – designed to ensure high levels of staff readiness, equipment simulators, and exclusive partnerships with operational improvement and trainee output in a costleading OEMs, including Caterpillar, Hitachi, Komatsu, effective manner; SimCloud technology offering mining Liebherr and P&H Mining.” operations complete visibility of local or global simulation The new systems is supported by Immersive training programs via a secure website; global operator Technologies’ training consultants, backed by a mining benchmarking tools so mining operations can benchmark operator development best practice R&D team. their equipment operators against global norms based on • Immersive Technologies data captured from more than 23,000 operators; and a Ashley Mullaney trainer productivity station.

08 9347 9011 SimDesktop, allowing trainers and managers to use, amullaney@immersivetechnologies.com anywhere and anytime, their Immersive Technologies’ www.immersivetechnologies.com A D _ A MC A V MA R _ 1 3 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 2 / 0 2 / 1 3 , 3 : 4 3 : 5 7 PM

THE Bullion Group introducing new web-based business management software system at AIMEX 2013.

The Bullion Group will release a web-based software system designed to help small to medium businesses manage their people, plant, processes and procedures on Stand H1055 at AIMEX – Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, to be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from August 20-23, 2013.

The 4P System has four modules: People – for HR management such as employee records, qualifications, inductions and training matrix.

Plant – for maintenance scheduling, equipment registers and plant compliance management.

Process – for records management such as incident reports, toolbox meetings, audits and inspections.

Procedures – for quality management of policies, procedures and forms.

“The first module, People, has been successfully trialled by a number of businesses and is available for a free six-week trial,” Liz Bickford, a TBG representative said.

The next module, Plant, is in testing and expected to be released by the end of 2013.

“The licence for the software system is very affordable, with users able to purchase an annual licence for just the modules they require,” Bickford said.

Mackay-based TBG, specialising in workplace OHS and project management across Australia, engaged a software architect to develop the 4P System after its business had grown to the point where issues developed with the management of staff training.

“Employees’ qualifications/inductions were expiring and we didn’t have an easy way to keep track of them.”

For example, Bickford said, the system issues notifications prior to the expiry of qualifications, so businesses can be certain all staff qualifications are up-to-date. It can also generate a training matrix as evidence of compliance and a training gap analysis.

• The Bullion Group Liz Bickford 07 4944 1272 4ps@thebulliongroup.com.au www.thebulliongroup.com.au AEDT

Four decades of innovation and efficiency.

Cavotec Micro-control is a leading supplier of radio remote control systems for the oil and gas sector. With a well-established presence in the North Sea market, we are expanding our offering to become a global player. Cavotec Micro-control is now represented in more than 40 offices around the world including in Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle and Melbourne.

We have focused increasingly on offshore EX applications since 1998, when DNV granted our first EX approval. Cavotec Micro-control products are fully compliant with IECEx and ATEX certifications for the Australian offshore market.

Cavotec Australia (Perth) 24 Garnet Way, Maddington, WA 6109, Australia – Telephone: +61 (0) 8 9452 0044 – E-mail: info.au@cavotec.com www.cavotec.com

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Inspired Engineering

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No weld piping systems mEI will feature their No Weld SS316, press-fitpiping system for small bore service piping such as compressed air, water and chemicals on Stand H1041 at aImEX. according to the company, the advantages of the No Weld SS316L Press Fit Piping System over galvanised threaded steel pipes and fittings include faster installation, higher corrosion resistance and lower maintenance costs for coal preparation plants and other mining and port infrastructure projects, with similar cost. “ongoing maintenance requirements, along with corrosion, both internally and externally, of galvanised steel systems can impact upon the effectiveness of a plant and overall costs of operation,” adrian Peck, mEI’s director business development said. “replacing these systems involves not only new material and labour costs, but also the cost of labour to remove existing systems and downtime,” he said. “a wide range of designers, contractors and installers agree that when labour and materials are considered, the total cost to install the mEI No Weld SS316L Press Fit system is very similar to common threaded galvanised steel.

Benefits of No Weld SS316L systems includes customers commonly reporting cost savings of more than 30% compared with welded stainless steel; similar total costs to threadedstyle products when both labour and materials were considered; installation 10 times faster than a welded system and much faster than threaded; no welding, hence no requirement for hot work certificates and no fire risk; and importantly lower corrosion rates.

Peck said in-situ installation also meant all piping could be site run, reducing or eliminating the need for detailed workshop manufacturing drawings or workshop spools. The mEI No Weld SS316L Press Fit system is pressure and temperature rated and fire rated to australian Standards. It is also fire, shock and vibration rated to military specifications. The system comes with a 30-year warranty, he said. The system is compliant and commonly used for potable water, hot water (temperatures up to 200°c) Process water, harsh operating environments (such as mining and coastal infrastructure), inert gases, fuel and petroleum based products, oil reticulation, chemicals, sanitary conduit, fire systems, and wet and dry sprinkler systems.

• MEI Adrian Peck 0418 497 508 adrian.peck@meiaust.com.au www.meiaust.com.au A D _ A MH Y D MA Y _ 1 1 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 8 / 0 4 / 1 1 ,

Suited to extreme mining environments.

Next gen electronics Bramco Electronics will highlight its b3 range of electronic products for the mining industry on Stand 7405 at aImEX. Described as Bramco’s “next generation of products”, the b3 range includes earth continuity relays; earth leakage relays (fascia and DIN mount); neutral link monitors; module remote interfaces with flameproof buttons; isolation barriers; and combination relays. according to the company, the b3 range features innovative technologies, compliance with current industry standards, and assembly via surface mount technology and automated process machinery. australian-owned Bramco, which has supplied products to the mining industry since 1945, says its products are ideally suited to extreme environments and exposure to mining applications for commodities such as coal, copper, gold and manganese.

The company’s services cover energy distribution, electric power systems (including switchgear), short-haulage and long-distance conveyor controls, industrial communications, and tailored and engineered electronic solutions.

“Bramco products are also suited to heavy and general industries where monitoring, protection and safety services are paramount,” said Leigh Kenny, the company’s technical 1 0writer. : 0 0 AM • Bramco Electronics 02 4014 4444 sales@bramco.com.au www.bramco.com.au

Fluid transfer technology FLuID Transfer management will promote effective fluid delivery, sampling, measuring, filtration and decontamination on Stand 0122 at aImEX .

The FTm product range, which focuses on fuel and oil management, including oil skimmer systems designed to remove from 1000 to 5000 litres a day, depending on contaminant viscosity, and featuring round-the-clock operation, high-grade materials for all significant components and minimal maintenance; live remote sampling systems for monitoring fluid quality in the field at any time, suitable for most medium to large machines, and able to take accurate samples efficiently and safely without machine downtime; banlaw colourcoded flush-face fittings, designed to minimise contamination and reduce wear on mating seals and other components and featuring a push-to-connect system eliminating the need to retract the actuator collar during connection, making it suitable for tight situations; Graco LD hose reels for light duty applications and which include easy-to-adjust spring tension, strong reaction string, a composite enclosure and large fluid porting; also on show will be Graco SD and XD hose reels for heavy-duty use; and checkfluid sampling valves for clean, fast, safe and accurate oil sampling, at very reasonable cost, in mining, industrial, construction, transport, marine and agricultural plants and machinery applications.

FTm was established in July 2003 as a specialist in total hydrocarbon management for a variety of fluid transfer operations.

Its products and services are aimed at ensuring cleaner running engines and machinery, extending the safe use of expensive oils, promoting contaminant-free fluid transfer and simplifying fluid sampling with less wastage.

• Fluid Transfer Management Herman Prinsloo 0400 099 654 herman@fluidtransfer.com www.fluidtransfer.com

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THERE IS NOTHING IN THE AIR TONIGHT.

From power generation and cement production to waste treatment and the distribution of natural gas – the more complex a plant, the greater the demands on systems engineering and services. When it comes to monitoring emissions, evaluating gases for optimal process control and ascertaining custody transfer measurements for pipelines, SICK is a step ahead in every segment of the industry. With complete solutions for gas analysis, dust measurement and flow measurement that are perfectly tailored for each process environment. With superior equipment availability, easy operation, certified explosion protection and robust measurement technology with long maintenance cycles. When it comes to finding a clean solution, the whole world takes measurements with SICK. We think that’s intelligent. For more information please visit www.sick.com.au or call 1300 405 807.

PREVIEW

Work lighting

Magnetic innovations

APS Lighting & Safety will unveil new LED work lighting products on Stand 3005 at AIMEX. “We will be showing new and innovative mine lighting and safety products that offer vast improvements in safety and productivity at a reduced cost,” Rick Meehan, regional sales manager of the WA-based company stated.

“LED lighting has overtaken HID work lights both in terms of durability and output and we will show AMEX visitors the difference.”

APS’s 2013 LED range is spearheaded by the ABL 3000 and 5000 mining series, JW Speaker XL new high output mining series, Phoenix Sturdilite LED range and Vision X’s Durable lighting for minesites. new MXL mining series.

“Each brand offers its own unique features and is well known for durability, quality and acceptance in the mining industry,” Meehan said.

He said the new models offered complete AC and DC voltage lighting solutions for heavy equipment and hazardous locations. Key Models included the ABL LED5000, Speaker XL-7150, VisionX MXL-540 and Phoenix ModCom Hi 300W LED fixture.

APS’s safety division will also launch a new Preview Plus integrated blindspot safety system at AIMEX. This used pulsed radar technology to overlay a proximity alert on an in-cab monitor, resulting in less clutter and more safety, Meehan said.

New Preco SRS multi-frequency 102db and 107db multi-frequency alarms will also be shown at AIMEX, along with a white noise alarm addition to the Preco alarm and LED beacon range (MF107 and MF102).

It is an authorised wholesale distributor and importer for JW Speaker, ABL, Phoenix Products, Vision X, Preco, Preview and True North Gear.

• APS Lighting and Safety Rick Meehan 0417 001 229 rmeehan@aps-supply.com www.aps-supply.com A M0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ S T A 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 5 - 3 0 T1 2 : 5 2 : 4 1 + 1 0

INTERNATIONAL Magnetic Solutions will showcase innovative magnetic technology for mining and industrial applications on Stand H1026 at AIMEX. The Newcastle company’s ABM 25 Miner Magnetic Mesh Locator includes a magnetic roof mesh locator and retainer magnet system designed support the cantilever weight of mesh grating as it sits in place in readiness to be bolted to a mine roof.

“The system is designed to apply a substantial holding to mesh, making installation easier, faster and safer,” Victor Cassar, International Magnetic Solutions’ managing director said.

The system was commended at the NSW Minerals Council OHS Innovations Awards in 2009 following successful trials at Centennial Coal mines in the Hunter Valley and Mandalong. Components are encased in mining grade yellow urethane and structurally reinforced with steel.

International Magnetic Solutions will also show its Scale Busta Magnetic Scale Eliminator at AIMEX. The Eliminator, designed to remove scale from pipes in underground mines, focuses an intense magnetic field through a pipe wall into the water to be treated. Cassar said this softened and removed concrete-hard scale from pipes with the scale simply washing out with the water.

The Australian-made Scale Busta did not require chemicals, while it also prevented further scale build-up and kept new installations free from scale, Cassar said.

The company will also show a purpose-built diagnostic procedure for determining if magnetic wet drum separators are faulty. Cassar said that when, for example, a plant was known to be wasting magnetite, the diagnostic tool could help to identify irregularities such as magnets moving within a drum assembly, magnetite ingress or magnet damage. “The IMS test results will confirm if the condition of the magnet wet drum separators is a contributing factor and that information can be used to decide whether they simply need to be adjusted or if it’s necessary to go to the significant expense of pulling them out of service for repairs.”

• International Magnetic Solutions Victor Cassar 02 4987 3912 victor@magneticsolutions.com.au www.imsolution.com.au : 0 0

AS2081-2011 compliant product that solves low-level VFD earth faults Minimize the risk of arc flash and protect your investment

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See our Advanced Equipment Simulators at AIMEX 20-23 AUGUST 2013 | SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDS, BOOTH 3120

PREVIEW

Hoses and crimping machines Gates Australia will unveil both a new 413 bar high-pressure 2-inch hose with a onepiece, non-skive coupling and a new 2-inch crimping machine on Stand H1088 at AIMEX. The new 32EFG6K hose, an addition to Gates MegaSpiral range, is described as suited to high pressure, high impulse applications which would have previously required 2-inch High power density industrial gears. rigid pipe.

“Equipment used in the mining industry Hoses have been tested to one million is pushing the limits of hydraulic design impulse cycles. with the need for more power and greater FOLLOWING the opening of its Melbourne-based Heavy Industrial Solutions division, SEWspeeds,” Stephanie Papathanasiou, the Eurodrive plans to make a powerful impression at the AIMEX, showcasing its extensive company’s marketing services co-ordinator, explained. range of locally assembled and serviced heavy-duty technologies. The company will “Gates MegaSpiral hoses can handle this, having been tested to 1 exhibit elements from its innovative range of gear units, geared motors and complete drive million impulse cycles which is twice the SAE requirement and they assemblies – all specifically designed for heavy duty applications with high transmitted have up to only one third the minimum SAE bend radius.” loads, making them ideal for the needs of mining, mineral processing and quarrying Gates’ new GC32-TSi crimping machine being launched at AIMEX processes. was distinguished by unique features such as an indexing head that According to SEW-Eurodrive national products manager for Industrial Gears, Ian Tribe, the rotated slightly on every crimp to ensure a consistent application of modularity and high power-density of the company’s industrial gear unit range make them grease, Papathanasiou said. an effective and versatile solution for the diverse range of mining applications.

This prolonged the life and accuracy of the crimper and increased “Our heavy industrial solutions range delivers extremely compact and versatile drive options maintenance intervals, she said. for Australia’s natural resources and heavy engineering industries,” he said.

The crimper also features a touch-pad Android tablet as the controller “Additionally, their ability to withstand harsh operating environments make our motor and and user interface, using data from the Gates eCrimp website to drive solutions suitable for all of Australia’s mineral/ore bulk-handling and processing advise the correct dies to load and automatically crimping to the operations.” correct crimp settings.

A particular point of interest at SEW-Eurodrive’s AIMEX stand will be their complete drive “The crimper can even dynamically measure and validate the final assemblies for heavy industry. Comprising of a gear unit, motor, drive base and guardings, crimp dimension, with the technology helping to minimise operator all components are closely matched to deliver maximum performance and efficiency. error for safer, more reliable hose assemblies,” Papathanasiou said.

“We engineer and assemble complete drive assemblies locally, providing our customers MegaSys hydraulic hose and coupling systems, described as ideal for with ease-of-ordering, quick turn-around times, local servicing and an efficient end mining applications, will be another highlight of the Gates display. system.”

“They have FRAS and MSHA approval, constant pressure ranges up Along with the drive packages, SEW will also display units from its standalone gear range, to 550 bar, colour-coded laylines and comprise both spiral-wire and including the ground-breaking X series gear unit. braid-wire hose assemblies designed and tested to 1 million and “This series boasts the finest torque gradation on the market, allowing users to closely 600,000 impulse cycles respectively,” Papathanasiou said. match an X series gear unit to their application.

Gates will also display lifeguard sleeves designed to offer line-ofThis provides unrivalled gear unit choice and flexibility for the mining industry,” said Tribe. sight protection against hose failure, and comprehensive power “When it comes to helical and bevel-helical gear units nearly any mounting position or shaft transmission belts, including synchronous belt drives that can replace arrangement can be implemented. The X series is ideally suited to applications ranging roller chain drives and industrial v-belts constructed from high-tech from conveyor systems, to ball mills and agitators.” materials such as EPDM. The entire X series range is offered in a choice of 23 sizes with torque ratings ranging from • Gates Australia 58 to 475 kNm. It will be showing its motors and gears on stand 1311.

Stephanie Papathanasiou • SEW Eurodrive 03 9797 9600 www.sew-eurodrive.com.au A M0 5 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ E N W 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 4 - 1 0 T 0 9 : 4 3 : 4 6 +spapathanasiou@gates.com 1 0 : 0 0

Gears and drive units

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TAKING EVERY MEASURE

RUUKKI SPECIAL STEELS. THE NEW DEFINITION FOR PREMIUM. The full Raex range is now direct quenched.

From 2mm up to 80 mm.

Working conditions in mines are extreme. That’s why the equipment must stand strong against hard wear and tear. Working machines mean profit, so breakdowns are expensive.

The strength and toughness of direct-quenched Raex® wear-resistant steel ensure a longer lifetime and less downtime for mining machinery and equipment. The Raex family is now even more complete with plate thicknesses ranging from 2 mm up to 80 mm, thus providing a solution for all wear-resistance needs. Ruukki’s special steels get the job done right, every single day.

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Ruukki products now proudly distributed through the BlueScope Distribution network. With over 50 processing and distribution centres across Australia, BlueScope Distribution has the experience and expertise to supply the complete steel and service package to suit any project.

BlueScope Distribution National Number: 137 282 bluescopedistribution.com.au

PREVIEW

Mobile filtration units FILTER Technology Australia will feature fixed and mobile filtration units and systems with patented technology designed to remove particulate contamination down to 2 microns on Stand 0122.

According to the company, this results in dramatically increased equipment component life, oil life and, in the case of diesel-powered units, reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide and particulate emissions.

The systems are designed to filter lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, solvents or fuel “to remarkable cleanliness ratings for prolonged periods and could be a user’s best-ever bottom line decision,” FTA representative Chris Wells said.

Filtration units and systems on show at AIMEX will include the FM50462 Mobile Filter Buggy for small hydraulic reservoirs such as those on heavy equipment, gear boxes, final drives, and blow and injection moulders; the FM71012 Mechanical Drive Filtration Unit which uses a kidney loop filtration process to filter the existing oil in mechanical drive trucks differential and final drives; the

FM40446 Fixed Filtration System, a self-contained unit with an electric driven pump and motor designed for large gearboxes and hydraulic systems on large trucks and excavators; and the FM40325 Fixed Diff Filtration System, designed for the on-board filtration of mechanical drive truck differentials.

All FTA products are built under ISO 9002 License 12989 Standards Australia.

“In this world of high component cost and expensive downtime, maintaining diesel fuel and oil cleanliness is the key to improved plant and equipment efficiency.”

FTA products are used in coal and minerals mining equipment such as earth moving, drilling, conveying, coal washing and loading facilities, and light vehicle fleets.

• Filter Technology Australia Chris Wells 02 4966 1833 info@filtertechnology.com.au www.filtertechnology.com.au

The agent is oxygen reduced air, with no chemicals.

Fire protection ARA Group will focus on what it describes as unmatched fire safety technology for fire prevention on Stand 5716 at AIMEX. “Our FirePass Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection systems achieve the ultimate goal in fire protection: fire prevention,” Janelle Mattila, marketing manager with the ARA Group, explained.

“They produce and use breathable air for fire prevention in protected rooms, preventing any hazard to human occupants and any damage to protected rooms and their contents,” Mattila said.

“The FirePass agent is simply oxygen-reduced air with no chemicals or gases involved so the systems are also environmentally friendly.”

• ARA Group Janelle Mattila 0434 077 231 janelle@aragroup.com.au www.aragroup.com.au A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ S P R 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 AMining 80x21w 20/6/13 3:40 PM Page 1

Self bunded storage tanks DTE Group will put the spotlight on its Australian designed and manufactured self-bunded double-wall fluid storage wraptanks on Stand B1036 during Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition.

They are designed for combustible, flammable, petrochemical and chemical applications and include double wall storage tanks in 2,000 litres to 200,000 litre sizes for diesel, petroleum, aviation fuel, lubricant, coolant and waste oil storage; and minor storage wraptanks in 1000, 2000 and 4500 litre models for diesel, petroleum, transport and power generation needs.

The DTE (Diverse Tank Engineering) tanks are designed to meet or exceed industry and statutory requirements covering flammable and combustible liquids and/or corrosive and toxic substances.

Its double-wall wraptanks eliminate the need for complex bunding requirements, are cost-effective and versatile.

The tanks are also skid mounted, include over-fill and 2 5 T1 2 : 3 5 : 3 3 + 1 0 : 0 0

anti-siphon protection, can be manufactured to specific customer requirements, and can incorporate multiple compartments.

The full DTE range also includes single-wall above-ground tanks, vertical tanks, ADBLUE equipment, dangerous goods containers, intermediate bulk containers, grease bins and Plasteel Elutron underground tanks.

“We also provide fuel installations, maintenance and service plans for new or existing installations and retail fuel management systems, including National Measurement Institute-approved systems, fuel filtration systems and design and licensing for new fuel installations,” explained Diverse Tank Engineering general manager, Paul Kelly.

• DTE Group Paul Kelly 0401 004 909 pkelly@dtegroup.com.au www.dtegroup.com.au

It’s OK to call us a “know-it-all” Because Spraying Systems knows everything about dust control in mining applications Spraying Systems’ highly-qualified engineers have been working with mining companies for decades providing expertise in dust prevention and dust suppression solutions for:

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July 2013

AustralianMining

Ore Washing Ore Conditioning Belt Cleaning Stockpiling Transporting ROM Bin Transfer Points

Call Today for Engineering Support or Free Site Audit and Report on your dust issues. sales@spray.com.au • www.spray.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

MMD Sizers

breaking coal

Established in 1978 to design and manufacture equipment for the UK underground coal mining industry, MMD patented the Twin Shaft Mineral Sizer. Since 1978, the company has refined and improved the Sizer design and today MMD size over 70 different minerals, in over 50 countries worldwide.

However, coal remains at the core of the company’s business, with a wide range of machines available for this industry. From the original pick and scroll machines; usually positioned close to the coal face, that accept high tonnages and reduce ROM to a conveyable size, whilst eliminating “surf-boards”, to maximise the efficiency of outboard conveyor systems, to segmented tooth machines designed for a specific product size in the coal preparation plant.

MMD’s experience, together with a close working relationship with

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MMD Australia Pty. Ltd. Brisbane Mackay Singleton

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THE MMD GROUP OF COMPANIES W W W. M M D S I Z E R S . C O M

PREVIEW

Safety ladders

Light vehicle suspension

BRANACH Manufacturing will exhibit the latest developments in its safety step platforms and single ladders for hazardous, caustic and corrosive mining applications on Stand H1097 at AIMEX. Branach FPS CorrosionMaster safety step platforms use 316 stainless-steel components and fibreglass rungs and stiles as well as a retractable stainless-steel rear safety rail designed to allow users to work hands-free.

“This puts the platforms in the same category as scaffolding, scissor lifts and elevated working platforms,” the company’s major project manager, Mike Jones, explained.

Additionally, he said, the lightweight platforms could be folded to a width of 200 mm, came in platform heights from 0.6 m to 3.6 m, were easily transported and were electrically safe.

Harsh, hazardous and corrosive mining environments, including BHP and Rio Tinto Use 316 stainless steel components mines and refineries, were among the and fibreglass rungs. platforms’ users. The CorrosionMaster range also includes extension ladders. As well as the CorrosionMaster range Branach FNF all-fibreglass ladders, ranging from 2.4 m to 6 m in length, will also feature at AIMEX. “The Gove alumina refinery has replaced wooden ladders with 600 FNF CorrosionMaster single ladders because of their durability, light weight and ease of maintenance and inspection,” Jones said.

• Branach Manufacturing Mike Jones 0459 026 306 mikejones@branach.com.au www.branach.com.au A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ V A L 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 2 5 T1 2 : 1 9 : 5

PEDDERS Suspension will be showing its new GVM upgrade kits for the Toyota Landcruiser VDJ79 series ute and the Ford Ranger PX model on Stand S138.

Also on show for the first time will be its Asfir Underbody Skid Plates.

“Quality alloy plates are essential equipment for severe off road conditions,” mining manager Peter Mayon said. “Our mining products have evolved by hands-on preparation of light commercial four-wheel drive vehicles both locally and overseas.”

The company will have experienced personnel on hand at AIMEX to advise fleet managers on vehicle suspension upgrades, how to rectify suspension problems and correct upgrades for all popular makes and model of four-wheel drive and light commercial vehicles.

“We’ll also have actual product displays to inspect, including GVM upgrade kits, minespecific shock absorbers, spring kits, and ancillary suspension parts,” Mayon said.

• Pedders Suspension Peter Mayon 0418 463 081 pmayon@bigpond.com www.pedders.com.au

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High strength, abrasion resistant belts.

Belts and rollers FLEXCO will showcase a wide range of new conveyor belt technology on Stand 3116 at the Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition. The company will also use AIMEX’s Women in Mining Day (Wednesday, August 21) to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Flexco’s new product releases will include CoreTech heavy-duty nylon conveyor rollers; Australian-made impact and slider beds; a heavy-duty floating blade belt plough; the MHCP heavy-duty cartridge primary cleaner; and a pneumatic single rivet driver. Flexco’s CoreTech heavy-duty nylon conveyor rollers are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant, abrasion-resistant composite materials.

According to Flexco’s national marketing manager, Mark Colbourn, these fire-resistant antistatic (FRAS) rollers are suitable for use in harsh underground environments, were durable and emitted less noise than their steel counterparts.

“In addition, as they are up to 60% lighter than equivalent steel rollers, installation is quicker and less costly and the risk of worker injury is reduced,” he said.

Its heavy-duty floating blade belt plough features a patent-pending fail-safe fixed frame and what Flexco describes as unique self-adjusting floating blades.

Meanwhile, the fail-safe fixed frame never touches the belt as the blades wear, minimising conveyor belt damage, he said.

Flexco’s MHCP heavy-duty cartridge primary cleaner was developed for tough mining environments and features FRAS-approved SuperShear self-adjusting blades, quick and simple blade replacement and is available in sizes to take belt widths from 600 mm to 2400 mm. Its pneumatic single-rivet driver, designed for use with Flexco SR fasteners and installation bases, is said to speed installations by up to 33 per cent.

• Flexco Jessica Berger 02 8818 2000 jberger@flexco.com www.flexco.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

Digging Deep, all in a day’s work.

When the going gets tough it’s important that our fleet of Komatsu HD465, HD605 and CAT 775F dump trucks are up to the task of meeting our demanding production schedule. That’s why we rely on BKT Tyres. They’ve proved to provide greater levels of grip than some of the more well known brands and that helps my team stay safe and achieve high utilisation of our mobile equipment. In the end the buck stops with me and it’s my job to keep production costs under control without sacrificing quality and safety. That’s why I choose BKT tyres.

Tim Morrissey, Quarry Manager, MOUNTAIN VIEW QUARRIES

We Go The Distance

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For further information on BKT contact TFI Earthmover on 1300 916 556 or visit tfiearthmover.com.au

PREVIEW

Personal protection equipment DUPONT will focus on an expanded range of product and service offerings for the mining industry on Stand B1008 at AIMEX. Headlining the stand will be new personal protective equipment (PPE), a safety program for frontline employees and dust management innovations. DuPont’s newly launched Tyvek Classic Xpert coveralls will be featured at AIMEX. “Our PPE brands represent some of the most trusted personal protection in the industry and the Tyvek coveralls are setting new standards for hazardous fine particulate and non-hazardous liquid protection in a Type 5&6 category,” Michael Dwyer, national sales manager for DuPont Protection Technologies, said.

The DuPont PPE range, designed to keep mineworkers safe from on-the-job hazards, also includes Kevlar aramid fibre for cut and abrasion protection, Nomex fibre for flame hazards, Tychem C, Tychem E and Tychem TK coveralls for liquid and gas chemical hazards, and Tyvek garments for dry particulate hazards.

Another DuPont development to be exhibited at AIMEX will be its “Switch On Safety Program ” for frontline employees.

“The program is based on cognitive behavioural principles and aims to achieve a positive change in the safety mindset and behaviour of frontline staff and their supervisors,” Fiona Murfitt, business director for DuPont is releasing its new PPE range, designed to keep miners safe.

DuPont’s consulting arm, DuPont Sustainable Solutions said. “It uses an innovative approach and tools to aid implementation and sustainability in the everyday workplace with minimum disruption and maximum traction.”

Murfitt said a dust management approach that combined management and technical solutions as well as dust suppression products into award-winning solutions, would be another feature of DuPont’s stand.

“It’s an integrated and holistic approach that provides effective and sustainable dust management solutions that will enable clients to reduce their health, safety, environment and community impacts, operating costs and business risks due to fugitive dust emissions,” Murfitt said.

The company says its latest developments can be attributed to global collaboration and scientific innovation resulting in products, from specialist chemicals and polymers to protective garments and consulting services, specifically for the mining industry.

“At AIMEX, DuPont will showcase its capabilities and practices.

“We offer collaborative consulting and technologies to solve challenges facing the mining industry for improved people and process safety, more efficient capital project effectiveness, asset productivity and energy use, and better environmental sustainability,” Murfitt said.

The company would also display a full range of award-winning workforce training products and services with topics ranging from safety, human resources, maintenance and reliability to healthcare and financial components.

• DuPont Sustainable Solutions Francisca Yosaatmadja 0405 903 916 francisca.yosaatmadja@dupont.com www.dupont.com A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ P J L 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 2 5 T1 2 : 1 1 : 5 1 + 1 0 : 0 0

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PREVIEW

Wear protection HARD Metal Industries will showcase technology for wear protection on ground-engaging equipment and continuous mining machines on Stand 6805 at AIMEX. “When it comes to mining, inadequate protection from wear can lead to reduced operating times, high repair costs and expensive shut downs,” Andrew Dry, Hard Metal Industries (HMI) representative, said.

Betek tungsten carbide TungStuds and TungChip overlay, designed to counter Longwall and continuous miner tungsten such issues, will headline the company’s tipped tools will be on show.

AIMEX display.

“TungStuds are a cost-effective, low maintenance system for extending the life of equipment. Live demonstrations of TungStud welding, to show how easy and quickly this breakthrough system is applied, will feature on our stand,” Andrew said.

The HMI display will also include longwall/continuous miner radial and conical tungsten-tipped tools and tool holder systems as well as the latest additions to HMI’s product range, Robit canopy tube systems and top hammer tools.

• Hard Metal Industries Andrew Dry 07 3714 5700 andrew.dry@hardmetalindustries.com.au www.hardmetalindustries.com.au A M0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ D U P 3 2 0 1 3 - 0 5 - 2 7 T1 1 : 1 9 : 0 5

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Hydraulics and valves HAWE Hydraulics Australia will showcase an extensive range of valves for mining, industrial and lubrication applications on Stand S108.

The display will centre on directional control seated and spool valves, available with maximum pressures to 700 bar and flows to 300 litres per min, with applications including mining equipment, as well as cranes, lifting and lowering devices; Pressures of up to 700 bar and flows of 300 pressure relief/limiting (safety) valves litres per minute. offer pressures to 700 bar and flows up to 160 litres per min, for general hydraulic, test bench and hydraulic drive tool applications; flow control valves with pressures to 315 bar and flows to 120 litres per min, for general hydraulic and machine tool applications; pressure switches able to handle pressures to 700 bar, for general hydraulic and machine tool applications; load holding valves, with pressures to 400 bar and flows to 120 litres per min, and designed for use on cranes, construction equipment and lifting devices; and fixed and variable displacement pumps designed for use on a wide range of equipment.

• Hawe Hydraulics Australia Herbert Hirning 02 4225 7255 hhirning@hawe.com.au www.hawe.de + 1 0 : 0 0

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Multi-purpose drill

Valve plug cordsets

AS costs bite and miners focus on getting more out of their machines, one drill manufacturer has released a rig designed to provide miners with more options. Set to be launched at AIMEX, Bauer’s new compact hydraulic drilling rig is hitting a number of marks.

According to Bauer, the Klemm KR802-3 drilling rig is an all-purpose drill rig with extensive kinematic mast movements, making it suited to Compact hydraulic drilling rigs. most light to medium sized applications.

“The standard boom with its 6x90° swivel head allows the highest possible flexibility and sufficient carrying capacity to operate the medium to heavy rotary heads of the Klemm KH and KD series at a maximum usable rod length of 4000 millimetres,” Bauer’s Franz Fink explained. KR802-3 options included a strengthened boom for double-head drilling applications and an extended reach boom for soil nailing and dewatering applications, Fink added.

• Bauer Equipment Australia Franz Fink 02 9838 3151 info@bauerequipment.com.au www.bauerequipment.com.au

TURCK’S new overmoulded valve plug cordsets come with a unique design offers a full cordset alternative to traditional field wireable connectors.

Do not need assembly or hand wiring Traditional field wireable connectors increase before use. the chance of mis-wiring and labour costs are high.

Unlike traditional field wireable connectors, the new overmoulded valve plug cordsets do not need assembling or hand wiring before use.

The cordsets provide a completely assembled solution that is 100 per cent factory tested and ready to use for fast, easy implementation.

The cordsets include a translucent moulding material with embedded, bright LEDs for superior visibility for power indication from any angle with black, grey, yellow and clear colouring options for diverse applications.

Overmoulded valve plug cordsets conform to the new EN 17 5301-803 standard for electrical connectors, replacing DIN 43650.

They also service hydraulic and pneumatic solenoid valves as well as pressure sensors.

They also meet NEMA 1, 3, 4, 6P and IEC IP67 standards. Solenoid valves control the flow of gas or liquid in cylinders, fluid power motors or larger industrial valves.

Uses for this new product include oil and gas refineries, water treatment facilities, chemical and petro chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical.

• Turck Australia www.turck.com.au

Serial modbud gateways TURCK has expanded its BL20 I/O system with a new gateway for serial Modbus communication. It combines multiple series Combines multiple series Modbus Modbus standards in one gateway. BL20 is a standards in one gateway. new system for remotely collecting I/O signals.

While I/O signals used to be brought back to a single large cabinet, modern distributed I/O approach is to use multiple cabinets placed near the I/O that they control. The BL20 is designed for this approach. It has three parts: the gateway, the base and the electronic module. The gateway is the connection to the I/O network and is available in DeviceNet, Profibus-DP, CANopen and Ethernet.

The electronic modules are available in a variety of I/O signal types and counts while the bases provide a complete set of connections for field devices. They also distribute, fuse and monitor local power distribution to save time, space and money compared to traditional PLC I/O. They are available in screw terminal or cage clamps.

The gateway supports both the Modbus RTU and the ASCII protocol.

The user can also choose between either RS485 or RS232 for the physical interface. Push-in terminals for connecting the fieldbus and power supply cables directly eliminate the need for any timeconsuming preparation of the typical 9-pin SUB-D connectors.

The baud rate, address assignment, bus termination, and RS 232/ RS485 can be set on the gateway using the DIP switches. Other functions such as ASCII mode and other baud rates can be configured using FDT/DTM with Pactware. A mini-USB port can be used as a service interface. Embedded in the Banner DX80 wireless system from the TURCK portfolio, the new gateway makes it possible to implement cable-free Modbus RTU communication. The extended temperature range from -25 to 60ºC allows the gateway to be used in outdoor control cabinets. The electronics are coated with a protective lacquer to provide protection from condensation. Up to 32 I/O modules can be connected to the compact IP20 gateways, and the BL modules can be used for connecting RFID read/write heads.

• Turck Australia www.turck.com.au

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Low level access platform FOR those maintenance tasks and finishing trades, BetaGuard has come up Designed as a complete unit. with DeltaDeck 250, a low level access work platform.

BetaGuard specialises in providing collective protection for safe working at low level heights limiting the risk of fall while working a at a maximum working reach of three metres.

The DeltaDeck 250 low level access work platform is one complete unit that can be assembles and dismantled in less than one minute by one person, allowing easy transportation and storage. It fits into a car boot.

It is ideal for those wanting flexibility when working at lower heights.

With multiple working heights (with a maximum of 870mm) to choose from, it is suitable for many finishing trades and maintenance tasks as it offers a fully integrated guard rail system.

It is light weight and is a mobile piece of equipment, and offers a safer alternative to ladders. Weighing 25 kilograms, it stretches to a height of 310mm, width of 730mm and length of 1,120mm. It has a safe working load of 200 kilograms and stretches to variable platform heights including 450mm, 530mm, 600mm, 730mm and a maximum of 870mm.

The DeltaDeck250 is manufactured under a BS ISO 9001 approved Quality System and complies with the stringent load safety factor requirements of BS EN 1004.

• Betaguard Australia 02 6676 1287 www.betaguardaus.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

Redefining Coarse Coal Centrifuges for ease of maintenance and plant design

weighing

feeding

screening

automation

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

Reliable and Robust Shaft Assembly: The shaft assembly was developed to be run without requiring forced oil recirculation in most applications, maximising the service life of the bearings using our patented twin preload system.

Compact Preparation Plants: With less mass and a smaller installed envelope, the Schenck Vibrating Centrifuge (SVC) range allows for increased versatility in the wash plant design.

The multiple centrate discharge chutes from several machines can be joined together to reduce overall installation size.

Easy Maintenance and Reduced Downtime: With easier access to allow straight forward exchange of parts, the SVC allows site staff the ability to independently manage service and maintenance, minimising external service support. The split feed inlet chute allows direct access to replace baskets without removing plant pipework, and the shaft assembly extraction system enables quick removal of the bearing housing.

With the seal maintenance kit, the shaft oil lip seals can be changed on site quickly and easily.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Blasthole RC drill kits ATLAS Copco has expanded its blasthole product range with the introduction of the reverse circulation (RC) kit for the DM45/50 mid-range blasthole drill. The RC kit comes with an in-pit grade control to keep up with the expanding mining market. A number of other components are available with the optional kit, which can also be retrofitted on drills currently in use. The cyclone arm has a vertical raise and lowering function, enabling sampling Comes with an in-pit grade from the ground or platform level. The cyclone rotates control.

160 degrees, allowing for safe access for cleaning, maintenance, and attaching new sample hoses from ground level. The cyclone features include a hydraulic upper knife valve and pneumatic lower knife valve for collecting and isolating the sample, a hydraulic hinge between the dump box and cone splitter for easy cleaning, and a fixed cone splitter with primary and duplicate sample chutes.

All cyclone and sample functions can be controlled from the operator’s cab.

The sample collection has a 66-litre dump box, with a steep cone for limiting sample hang up. The primary and duplicate ports can be adjusted from four to 15 per cent.

The Reverse Circulation Carousel has four 11cm rod cups and offers a 44 metre maximum on-board capacity.

The RC drills offer hole diameters ranging between 114mm and 146 mm.

The RC kit also has a blast box/discharge and a blow-down valve with internal valving that does not need any external three-way valving or unnecessary hosing above or around the rotation head.

It also has an above head dual swivel which means a below head swivel is not needed. It comes with a fully integrated sample hose management system for safety and practicality.

• Atlas Copco www.atlascopco.com.au A M0 7 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ F R A 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 1 8 T1 5 : 2 2 : 3 1

Hardbanding drill pipe wires WEAR and fusion technology specialist Castolin Eutectic has released a new range of OTW hardbanding products to increase drilling production and make drilling more efficient.

A gas shielded, flux-cored alloy wire Castolin Eutectic designed OTW Hardbanding designed for drilling pipe tool-joints. wires using its expertise in welding and wear protection to meet the requirements of the industry while focusing on taking hardbanding to the next level in Standard Operations, Extended Reach, TTRD and Managed Pressure drilling applications. The wires are manufactured in-house.

While developing the OTW range, Castolin Eutectic constructed its own, unique hardbanding C-Wear testing machines.

The Castolin Eutectic OTW products all have NS1 certification due to its rigorous testing procedure and high quality manufacturing processes. The OTW range includes the 10SS, a new standard for Sour Gas, casing friendly wire that is easy to weld.

The 16XS is casing friendly leader in ‘all-purpose’, non-cracking design wires that is perfect for advance drilling operations.

The titanium-carbide 12Ti is the best in its class with tough all-round hardness, where combined open and case hole wear performance counts.

OTW-12Ti is a gas shielded, flux-cored alloy wire designed especially for handbanding of drilling pipe tool-joints. The high quality protective alloy weld deposit is designed to give a smooth surfaced with low friction properties and no cracks.

Finally, the 13CF is crack-free, and has outstanding casing wear resistance against present industry standards with exceptional tool performance.

• Castolin Eutectic OTW Hardbanding +www.otw-hardbanding.com 1 0 : 0 0

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You’ll find everything you need with SubDrive Solar.

Trailed and tested for Australian conditions.

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www.franklinwater.com/au

1300 FRANKLIN (372 655)

www.miningaustralia.com.au

SIEMAG TECBERG (Australia) Pty Ltd has been operating in Australia since 2011, however SIEMAG TECBERG through company acquisitions has a history in Australia dating back to the early 1970’s with references in Mt Isa, Mt Lyell, various NSW Collieries, Northparkes (3 MW Friction Winder) and Olympic Dam (6 MW Integrated Friction Winder). SIEMAG TECBERG has a long and successful history in the Mining Industry for over 140 years and more importantly in the field of Mine Winders and complete hoisting systems.

SIEMAG TECBERG has achieved this by ensuring that we are at the forefront of technological improvements and making sure we move with the times regarding compliance to the latest Standards, Regulations, Guidelines and Industry Best Practice.

SIEMAG TECBERG has over 400 employees worldwide and offices and facilities in Australia, Germany, South Africa, United States, China, Poland and Switzerland.

SIEMAG TECBERG has acquired the following Winder and Hoisting system companies over time.

• Winder Controls • MAN GHH (Winders and Hoisting systems) • Nordberg (Winders and Hoisting systems) • Blanes SIEMAG TECBERG is the OEM for any Winders or Hoisting systems that have been designed and or manufactured by these companies and we own all of their winder related Intellectual Property making for a truly integrated and effective platform that can only benefit our customers.

SIEMAG TECBERG (Australia) Pty Ltd currently offers the following Goods, Products and Services.

Goods/Product Supply • New Friction (Koepe ) Winders for Men and or Materials.

• New Drum Winders for Vertical Shaft – Single Drum, Double Drum and MultiRope Blair • New Drift Winders.

• Upgrade of existing winders to meet current standards and regulations which includes Mechanical, Structural, Hydraulic and Electrical/Automation.

• Retrofit of new Braking Systems to existing Winders (either Koepe or Drum) • Spring applied hydraulic release Brake Calipers.

• Electro/Hydraulic Brake Power units with controlled brake retardation.

• Headsheaves.

• Clamping and Lifting Devices for multiple head rope arrangements.

• Mobile Shaft Winches for Emergency egress of men.

• Safety Arrestor systems for shaft conveyances.

• Skips and Bridle arrangement for hoisting ore.

• Flasks and Loading Stations.

• Man Cages.

• Specialised Rope handling equipment.

Services • Winder and Hoisting system periodic inspections.

• Winder and Hoisting system 5 Yearly Audits.

• Engineering Assessments on Winders and Hoisting systems.

• Service exchange Brake Callipers and inspect, report and overhaul of brake calipers that are not under a service exchange arrangement.

• Winder Compliance Audits relating to the NSW Guidelines, MDG33, MDG2005, relevant associated Australian Standards and Industry Best Practice.

• Project Management.

• Workshop Surveillance.

The SIEMAG TECBERG Australian team consists of qualified and experienced personnel who have worked in the mining industry for over 35 years, particularly on Winders and Hoisting Systems including direct involvement in the Northparkes and Olympic Dam projects, to name a few, since their inception.

Our team has experience in Friction Winders and Drum Winders and complete Hoisting Systems from the Loading Station to the Surface Storage Bin and Overland Conveyors.

We understand and listen to the industry and believe we know what our clients want and/or expect from us and set about delivering what others cannot.

Gary Schembri: Business Development Manager 0400 448 597

(ADVERTORIAL)

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Unmanned aerial vehicles LEHMANN Aviation’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is now coming with a touch screen tablet functioning under Windows 8 Operating Now with touchscreen tablets.

System.

The touch screen function on the Operation Centre v2.00 is a new software that immediately processes all flight data on a touch screen tablet, laptop or desktop PC. The software makes it easier to take mission and control and geotag images to survey mining sites. All the user has to do to organise the flight is draw on a touch screen tablet on the area of interest, enter the waypoints and the operation centre will automatically produce missions and program the drone.

The user can then save the missions for future reference.

It will come with an advanced autopilot and navigation systems.

At the end of the mission, the user can process all the images in the orthomosaic/DEM software to produce professional maps, orthomosaics and 3D models.

You can then replay the entire flight to analyse the flight path, log the flight time and other relevant information in an electronic logbook.

The Operation Centre is a software upgrade to LP960, a professional micro civil drone or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The model is designed for a variety of civil applications including mining, geosciences, volume calculation, construction, mapping and agriculture.

The LP960 is professional unmanned aerial platform for generating geo-referenced orthomosaics and digital elevation models (DEM), along with high-resolution images (16Mp on a large APS-C sensor) and live video.

It can fly at speeds of 20 to 80 kilometres an hour at a range of up to five kilometres. It flies in winds of up to 45 kilometres and in temperatures from -25°C to 60°C. Its wingspan is 92 centimetres for a weight of 1,250 grams, including the payload of 350 grams (mounted camera).

The box includes two aircraft airframes, two electronic flying platform, one ground control system, one aircraft power system including three batteries and charger, and a set of accessories. All parts of the drone are interchangeable.

Optional equipment includes the Sony Nex5R camera, which the company recommends for use together with the drone. Also included is a spare aircraft airframe, additional batteries and rugged pelicase or soft bag for transportation.

• Lehmann Aviation www.lehmannaviation.com

Industrial Ethernet switches THE Allen-Bradley Stratix 5700 managed industrial Ethernet switch is designed to ease the integration of multiple machines onto a single network.

It includes an optional integrated Network Address Translation (NAT) feature which allows for high performance and simplified integration of IP-address mapping from a set of local, machine-level IP addresses to the end user’s broader plant-process network.

This can benefit manufacturers who are integrating identical machines into a production line, especially when multiple equipment builders are being integrated into a common production line. The NAT feature allows OEMs to deliver their standard machines to customers without having to program unique IP addresses into them.

The industrial Ethernet switch also allows users to have the flexibility to segment or isolate network traffic by determining which devices are exposed to the larger network.

By limiting access to certain devices, they can be isolated from broader network traffic, which can help optimise the network performance at the local level.

This line of switches is currently available with six, 10 and 20 fixed-port configurations.

• Rockwell Automation 1300 319 741 www.rockwellautomation.com.au

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Slurry pump seals THE demand for sealing for heavy duty slurry pumps is rising, with customers asking for a seal that will reduce water consumption. Customers are requesting for installation of mechanical seals into tougher applications for environmental reasons. To meet this demand Metso is launching the new ESF mechanical slurry seal for heavy duty slurry pumps with just this in mind.

The company has focused on offering a sealing solution that curtails dilution of sealing water into the product, eliminates leakage to atmosphere, boosts lifetime of the Comes with a tungsten seal by preventing slurry from entering the seal chamber carbide seal face. and allows easy conversion from box packing solutions to mechanical seal solutions. The new ESF design seals meets the needs of advanced and reliable sealing solutions on even the heaviest of slurry applications usually found on mining sites.

The slurry pumps are designed for easy installation and maintenance and have a long life. They have high operational performance using minimum power. They have total ease of service. The slurry seal ESF is made to fit into the standard Orion Series pump flushed gland housing. A convenient seal adaptor is used for the VASA HD. The cartridge design makes for easy installation. The retrofit installations are quick and easy when converting a packed seal pump. It comes with tungsten carbide seal faces as standard and gives longer life for the tougher applications. The flushed gland port with the internal chamber produces a barrier of clean continuously replenished fluid to prevent slurry material from spreading to the seal faces. This also increases the life of the seal. It comes with radial lip seal to ensure the seal runs in a clean water environment. Centring clips are self-storing and are used to keep the seal faces in position when impeller to casing clearance is adjusted. The company has also found a way to reduce repair costs on the ESF by creating O-ring mounted seal faces that can be replaced in the field without special tools.

• Metso www.metso.com

Portable bunding solutions CONSTRUCTED using highly chemical resistant materials including X-R5, the Quickbund portable bunding systems Designed for exploration activities. are designed for use in mining exploration and bulk liquid transfer activities. Spill Station’s portable bunding solutions incorporate a fold down wall making access for trucks, forklifts and pallet jacks easier.

Unlike PVC, X-R5 doesn’t become brittle and crack when exposed to oils and fuels. The bunding system range comes in ten sizes, the standard 1000 litre model folds down to a compact 500 x 500 x 100mm size and weighs 10 kilograms.

With high-frequency welded seams to prevent leaking and delamination, the standard sizes range from 1,000 to 24,700 litres.

But the Australian made Quickbund can also be custom made to any required size.

Designed to be fully functional in seconds, the Quickbund simply unfolds to create a secure bunded area.

Built for demanding environments, anti-vibration nitrile pads and puncture resistant underblankets extend the applications and durability.

• Spill Station 1300 66 42 66 www.spillstation.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MINERALS PROCESSING

The

TAIL END of tailings

One company operating out of Bendigo say they have developed an Australian first machine that will transform old unused tailing heaps from an unwanted nuisance to a cash cow for companies.

Vicky Validakis reports.

W

ith the price of gold slipping, high yields and lowcost productivity is on every gold miner’s wish list.

But despite their best processing, some of this gold ends up slipping through the net, but a new Australian invention is set to aid miners in getting more gold.

Enviro-Gold was the brain child of Tim Sayle, a former mine worker with over 25 years experience in the industry.

After attending a mining exhibition in the United States where he saw a hand-held static gold filter, Sayle came back to Australia on a mission to develop a machine that would be scalable to process hundreds of tonnes worth of tailings The end result was a portable machine that uses ambient air to dry out the gold tailings in order to run them over screens.

Using mass air channelled through a pipe, moist sand is introduced to the airstream in a mixing chamber. The air moving through the sand particles removes a high percentage of moisture.

The mixture is then separated in a cyclone where larger material falls to the bottom, moist air exits through the top of the machine and fine dust or slime, is collected through a bag house after processing.

After the product is classified, it enters large hoppers according to size and is fed over the patented filters at a precise flow rate.

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dia and the heavies such as gold, silver and platinum fall to the bottom.

“What we ended up with is getting gold down to about 20-30 micron particles,” Sayle explained.

Sayle says while similar methods have been used, they are not up to the same scale as the machine he has developed.

“I’ve developed a larger filter on a commercial scale and set forty of them up in a shipping container so they are able to handle around fifty tonnes an hour,” he said.

And with no water, cyanide or zinc needed to process the tailings, the machine is proving to be environmentally friendly.

“You’re only passing air through these filters and drying it out,” he said.

“There are no consumables apart from diesel to run the engines and

there are no other consumables like cyanide, water, or zinc.”

“I wanted to provide a service to people who may not have any water or who are in an environmentally sensitive area where the EPA frowns upon a CPI or CPL plant there.

Sayle said the machines would have a minimal impact on the environment, and even help remove contaminants like Mercury from the tailings.

“We’re also removing the mercury which sticks to the filters if detected,” he explained.

“A lot of the dumps around here are sub-economic “We can go to a previously used tailings dam, take it out, process it and put in straight back in.

“My fifty tonne plant can run efficiently with only three workers, an excavator and a loader and could run

It processes gold without the use of cyanide or harmful chemicals.

efficiently down to about between .2 to .3 of a gram per tonne at $1000.”

Enviro-gold has created a buzz around the Bendigo area, with companies signing on to have their tailings processed.

“We’ve got a contract to process over 300, 000 cubic metres of material for a company in the Bendigo area,” Sayle said.

Sayle said the company were originally planning on washing the tailings and selling it as a sand product but after seeing the gold Enviro-Gold could extract, they said they wanted to do more material.

“They were most excited about the small pilot plant they saw at work on their site and commissioned us to go ahead with the bigger project.”

The company has also recently signed another contract to process a similar amount of tailings at a property in the region after the saw the success of the plant. And word is spreading fast.

“We’ve already had a man contact us from Tennant Creek who can’t get water, and can’t dam up enough to keep his processing plant going so our system would be perfect for him.”

Sayle said with a fully mobile plant, the options are endless, but for now the company was keen to concentrate on kicking goals in the Bendigo region.

“Bendigo has produced around 22 million ounces of gold and the tailings are alike a Bendigo icon, if you drive around there are piles of grey sand everywhere,” he said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

RECRUITMENT

The price of A

MINING JOB

Desperate jobseekers are adding cash incentives to their resumes as mining jobs dry up. Alex Heber reports.

A

s miners move to layoff workers and job prospects in the sector tighten, desperate jobseekers are offering thousands of dollars in cash to anyone who can help them get a mining job.

One labourer Patrick Johnston, 28, has placed an online advertisement offering $5000 as well as his 1994 Ford Falcon valued at $1500, in return for an entry-level mine job.

Johnston, a university graduate who recently moved to Australia from Ireland said it is rumoured applicants need to know someone in the company to be even considered for a position.

He added that some recruiters had told him personal contacts are of greater value than worksite experience and safety training.

Johnston explained his deal sweetener was not a corporate bribe but rather a ‘spotter’s fee’ similar to the type recruitment agencies are paid.

“I’ve come to WA because it’s one of the only places in the world that is not in a recession,” he said.

“I would consider $5000 a cheap price to pay for the brilliant opportunity to work on the mines.”

Johnston is one of many who are willing to pay for their break into the sector.

Online classified Gumtree is currently hosting a number of similar wanted job adverts with cash incentives attached.

Australian Mining spoke to job seeker Corey Matthews, 23, who after applying for almost 30 roles out of sheer desperation posted an advert on Gumtree offering $1000 cash in return for an operational role in the sector.

Matthews moved to Western Australia and has www.miningaustralia.com.au

mine site experience as well as his White Card, heavy rigid licence, and first aid certificates but is yet to secure his dream dump truck driving job.

“The advert hasn’t paid off yet,” he said.

He explained that he has been approached by a number of scammers who have asked for upfront payment, and warned others in his position need to be vigilant.

Another jobseeker advertising his skill set online and making the move to the West is 50-year-old Tony Walker.

“I don’t get any positive replies from people wanting to hire, they say ‘unfortunately you’ve been unsuccessful’,” he told Australian Mining.

Walker is seeking an entry level position, and since moving to Western Australia he said he’s met a lot of exminers who have more experience then himself and are struggling to get jobs.

“Unless you know someone you can’t get in,” he told Australian Mining.

The incentives appear to

be a sign of the times, especially in mining heavy state Western Australia which has seen the unemployment rate jump from 3.5 to 5.2 per cent, or an extra 21,000 people looking for work in the year to May. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics mining employment peaked in August with 114,300 jobs, dropping to 108,500 in February.

And as mining pulls its foot off the accelerator and more projects get shelved, including Woodside’s Browse LNG hub at James Price

Point, Western Australia’s construction job numbers are also falling from a peak in February 2011 of 118,000 to 116,600 in February 2013.

There is a belief that it isn’t what you know it’s who you know when it comes to breaking into the mining sector.

But one mining recruitment site FIFObids director Michael Haywood said this belief is wrong, explaining that prospective employees are more concerned about skill level and experience.

Haywood said unskilled workers are finding it harder

Younger workers are finding it harder to get a foot in the door in the mining industry.

to get mining jobs because increasingly qualified trades workers are looking to labouring roles as sites layoff staff.

A sentiment recruitment company Resource Channel’s Jodie Elliott agrees with, saying there is a misconception in the sector that mining will hire anyone.

She corrected the misconception saying it is certain skills that are in high demand, not people, “if it was a people problem we’d be able to fill the gap”.

“If you don’t have the skills in the sector you are going to struggle getting a mining job now because you are competing with experienced mine workers,” Elliott said.

Speaking about the incentivised wanted job adverts Elliott explained that it is illegal for any company to take a cash incentive in return for hiring a candidate so the move is “counterintuitive”.

Elliott said to secure a position in the mining sector today jobseekers need to get out of capital cities and live where the mines are.

She added that those looking for mining employment also need to leverage the skills they have.

“You’ve got to go your research and match the skills you’ve got with the jobs that are there.”

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10th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards In this issue we have a brief word from some of the sponsors about their companies and why they choose to sponsor the Prospect Awards.

SEW-EURODRIVE

Boom Logistics

SEW-EURODRIVE is proud to be sponsoring the coal mine of the year award at the 2013 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

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

Supplying a range of industrial gear units, motors and drives for especially large movements, we deliver more than just products to heavy industry. A team of talented engineers develop effective and timely solutions based on customers’ motion requirements, which are backed by after-sales commissioning & product support that is second to none.

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

The coal mining industry is one of Australia’s strongest assets – as the world’s greatest exporter of coal, we can be thankful for an industry that has given us global recognition. SEW-EURODRIVE takes great pride in sponsoring the coal mine of the year award, which we hope in turn encourages the organisations in an industry which has greatly supported our company over time.

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

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

Safety Always is a core value at BOOM; caring for the health and safety of our customers, people, environment and community drives all of our activities and decisions.

BOOM recognises the Australian Mining Prospect Awards as a prestigious event in the mining industry, and we are proud to sponsor the Excellence in Mine OH&S Award again in 2013, and to support businesses in this sector that reflect the same safety values held by BOOM. As Australia’s leading provider of innovative lifting solutions, BOOM combines expertise and experience with the largest fleet of cranes, including travel towers, access equipment and specialty engineering resources, to help solve your lifting challenges.

BOOM serves a diverse customer base, including the mining and resources sector, and is relied upon by some of Australia’s largest blue-chip companies. We help our customers to develop and execute the right lifting solution with a focus on safety, productivity, efficiency and customer service. BOOM seeks to be recognised as the safest and leading lifting solutions company in Australia.

Atlas Copco For over 130 years Atlas Copco has supplied the world with mining equipment, making it one of the most experienced suppliers in the industry. Since setting up shop in Kalgoorlie in the 1950s, Atlas Copco has learned from the very specific and in many ways original Australian mining methods, which differ from the rest of the world.

On top of higher demands on people and equipment, conditions faced in Australia (especially water) are very often tougher than most. One of Atlas Copco’s highest priorities is reducing people’s exposure to the drilling process and to the hostile environment often found in underground mines.

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

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

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

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BASF BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.

Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

BASF has been active in Australia for more than 90 years and about 60 years in New Zealand. In 2012, BASF posted sales of €540 million in Australia and New Zealand and had 507 employees. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.au.

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

www.miningaustralia.com.au

The 10th annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards will be held at the IVY in Sydney on Thursday 31 October 2013.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE 23 AUGUST 2013.

A total of 16 awards will be up for grabs on the night. Each award will celebrate the achievements of the people behind some of the country’s most innovative mining projects.

• • • • • • •

Australian Mine of the Year Coal Mine of the Year Community Interaction Contract Miner of the Year Contribution to Mining Employer of Choice Award Excellence in Environmental Management • Excellence in Mine Safety, OH&S

• • • • • • • •

Explorer of the Year Hard Rock Mine of the Year Innovative Mining Solution Mine Manager of the Year Minerals Processing Plant of the Year Mining’s Woman of the Year Peoples’ Choice Award Young Achiever

All finalists will be profiled in the Australian Mining magazine and on the website. They will also be given two free tickets to the gala dinner where the winners will be announced.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.miningaustralia.com.au/awards

NOMINATIONS

CLOSING SOON 23 AUGUST 2013

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

MINING JOBS

To advertise a new job contact Hussein Azzan at 02 8484 0852

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

AAPF – APSG MINING GOVERNANCE CONSULTANCY (COMPANY) PANEL The Australian Government, through AusAID, is committed to broadening and deepening its engagement with African countries and institutions. The Australia Africa Partnerships Facility (AAPF) is one of the mechanisms used to achieve the second objective of Australia’s strategic approach to aid to Africa 2011-2015, which is ‘to help build the human resources capacity of African countries, particularly in areas and ways where Australia has recognised strengths and expertise’. The goal of the AAPF is to develop partnerships between Australia and African countries that contribute to achieving African countries’ development priorities.

The AAPF is managed on behalf of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) by Cardno Emerging Markets (Australia) Pty Ltd (Cardno). The AAPF’s head office is in Pretoria, South Africa.

The AAPF is now seeking highly qualified and experienced companies to be part of the Africa Program Support Group (APSG) – Panel of Experts in the area of Mining Governance Consultancy (Company) Panel.

The APSG Panel of Experts – Mining Governance Consultancy (Company) is a panel of pre-qualified companies that Cardno can engage quickly to deploy consultants to meet the needs of AusAID’s program in Africa. The APSG Panel of Experts will be used for a number of tasks within their technical area, including provision of advice, project/activity design, scoping missions, project review and monitoring, representation on AusAID’s behalf at conferences etc., and report writing.

The full Request for Tender documents, including the Terms of Reference can be downloaded here: http://www.aa-partnerships.org or http://www.cardno.com/ en-au/Careers/Pages/MiningGovernance-Consultancy(Company)-Panel.aspx The terms and conditions of any positions under the Panel are determined by AusAID’s policies and procedures as set out in the ‘Adviser Remuneration Framework’ (ARF). Full details of the ARF are available at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/ pages/3994_1809_6357_1618_6763.aspx To successfully apply for any one or more of these opportunities, organisations must provide all documentation as outlined in the Request for Tenders to procurement@ aa-partnerships.org SUPPLY MANAGER MMG’s Kinsevere operation is a high-grade copper mine located in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 26km NE of Lubumbash, Africa. The mine commenced production in 2007, initially processing copper concentrates through a heavy media separation (HMS) plant. Kinsevere’s process plant, commissioned in 2011 has been built to international standards, with a nameplate production capacity of 60,000 tonnes of copper cathode per annum.

We are now recruiting an experienced Supply Manager to ensure the effective operation of Kinsevere’s Supply and Logistics department.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you are responsible for the coordination and allocation of daily tasks throughout your team to ensure the site has an adequate stock of materials when and where they are needed. From a leadership perspective, you will provide daily coaching and guideance to your team enabling them to effectively deliver results. You will also partner with other departments onsite to identify and prioritise inventory requirements for the site.

Your success in this role will be measured by the best practice systems and processes you introduce, your ability to keep abreast of any changes to local regulations and adapt accordingly, and the effectiveness of the leadership and development your team.

Having worked in a comparable developing country environment, you’ll bring a wealth of experience in implementing best practice purchasing, supply and logistics initiatives. You possess relevant

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AustralianMining

qualifications and a thorough understanding of import and export procedures in Africa for the mining industry. You are an experienced user of Pronto, and can easily manage Excel spreadsheets. You also have a desire to coach and develop others to enhance the team’s capability by sharing your skills and knowledge. Fluency in French is highly desirable.

This is a challenging and professionally rewarding opportunity that will allow you to really make your mark. You will have the support you need from your Commercial Manager and the Corporate Supply team in Australia to achieve what needs to be done. This is a twoyear fixed term position, offering a competitive commute roster of 6 weeks on/3 weeks off with fully subsidised return flights to your permanent place of residence. Features of Kinsevere’s village facilities include fully serviced air-conditioned rooms, laundry service, wet mess, sporting facilities (gym, tennis, volleyball, squash, basketball and pool tables) and Wi-Fi access. Remuneration includes attractive salary and performance based incentive payment.

for a number of tasks within their technical area, including provision of advice, project/ activity design, scoping missions, project review and monitoring, representation on AusAID’s behalf at conferences etc., and report writing.

The full Call for Application documents, including the Terms of Reference can be downloaded at http://www.cardno.com/enau/Careers/Pages/Jobs-at-Cardno.aspx searching for the job reference number mentioned above.

The terms and conditions of this position are determined by AusAID’s policies and procedures as set out in the ‘Adviser Remuneration Framework’ (ARF). Full details of the ARF are available at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pages/ 3994_1809_6357_1618_6763.aspx To successfully apply for any one or more of these applicants must submit a CV and fully completed Application Forms (see Call for Application documents) quoting the position you are applying for to procurement@aa-partnerships.org

ACOUSTIC ENGINEER Hushpak Engineering is seeking an acoustic engineer with strong technical skills and practical experience in noise attenuation and design who wants to develop their career within a small but rapidly growing organisation. The successful candidate will work with our strong and diverse client portfolio and capitalise on new business opportunities in mining, manufacturing and other industries. This role will suit someone who is keen to move into a senior role and pursue a potential management opportunity.

The role will involve the following key activities: • Noise measurements and reporting • Developing solutions to challenging noise and vibration problems in an industrial or mining context • Interacting with customers to assess and understand their needs, resulting in successful project delivery • Practical, hands on involvement in design and application • Proactively seeking new business opportunities • Management of acoustic projects • Preparation of high quality tenders and technical reports To be successful, you will possess the following: • 5 years of experience, preferably in practical attenuation design and application • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline together with experience as an Acoustic Consultant or post graduate education in Acoustics • Solid skills in engineering investigation and problem resolution • Demonstrated practical background in engineering • Demonstrated experience in management of design budgets • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to develop new business and manage customer relationships • Current driver’s licence The position will be a permanent full time reporting to the technical director.

For more information call Michael Neville on 02 4924 5400, or submit your application to recruitment@advitech.com.au

SAFETY HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGER MMG’s Sepon mine in southern Lao PDR is currently recruiting an experienced Safety, Health and Environment Manager to lead Sepon’s SHE Department and really drive behavioural safety on site to the next level.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this is a pivotal senior management position within the MMG LXML operation and a member of the Site Leadership Team. The incumbent will provide leadership to the operation in health & safety management as well as environmental control and compliance. You will also be accountable for the development of an integrated SHE management system, including development of SHE strategies and supporting SHE programs to manage key risks and improve SHE performance. Your key areas of focus will be on emergency response processes, risk management, the management of hazardous substances, contractor management processes and procedures, occupational hygiene, and environmental risk management in the areas of mineral waste, water, biodiversity and mine closure planning.

You will actively work with the site management team to lead, promote and improve SHE performance and develop strategies that fully consider life of asset requirements. You will also work collaboratively with the site based Community and Security teams to ensure synergies across initiatives and programs.

Your success in this role will be measured by the best practice systems and processes you introduce and your ability to garner commitment from the workforce to consider health, safety and environment as issues for concern.

Ideally having worked in the mining or heavy manufacturing industries in a comparable developing country environment, you’ll bring a wealth of experience in implementing integrated health, safety and environmental systems and programs. You possess relevant tertiary qualifications and a thorough understanding of hazard identification, risk management and life of asset planning.

You are collaborative by nature and can successfully engage and influence key stakeholders. You also have a desire to coach and develop others to enhance locatisation of the SHE team by sharing your skills and knowledge.

This is a challenging and professionally rewarding opportunity for an experienced HSE Manager to put their stamp on Sepon and really drive the culture on site. You will have the support you need from the Operations Manager and the Corporate SHEC team in Australia to achieve what needs to be done. This is a three-year fixed term position based out of Vientiane, offering a commute roster of 5 day on/2 days off x2; 4 days on/3 days off x 2 FIFO roster to site. Onsite accommodation facilities are provided, including a gym and sporting facilities. Remuneration includes attractive salary and performance based incentive payment, and relocation assistance will be provided.

MINING SECTOR GOVERNANCE SPECIALISTS & MINERALS SKILLS DEVELOPMENTS SPECIALISTS The AAPF is now seeking highly qualified and motivated candidates to be part of the Africa Program Support Group (APSG) – Panel of Experts for the short term technical positions: • Mineral Skills Development Specialists (job reference number EMR/ACNP/AAPF/APSG05) • Mining Sector Governance Specialists (job reference number EMR/ACNP/AAPF/APSG06) The APSG Panel of Experts is a panel of pre-qualified individual consultants that Cardno can engage quickly to meet the needs of AusAID’s program in Africa. The APSG Panel of Experts will be used

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to editor@miningaustralia.com.au Diggers and Dealers 2013 5-7 August Kalgoorlie The annual Diggers and Dealers mining forum will be held in Kalgoorlie between August 5 and 7 and will feature a jammed packed schedule of speakers and workshops.

This year’s key note speaker is economic commentator and former chief economic advisor to President Obama, Austan Goolsbee.

Goolsbee will speak on Monday August 5 and is expected to provide an insight into international economic activity and an overview of how this will impact demand for commodities as well as the positives and risks that are currently affecting the market.

Diggers and Dealers runs for three days and attracts delegates from mining and exploration companies, brokers, bankers, investors, financiers and mining service industries.

There is also a large exhibition area A M 0exhibitors 7 1 3 _from 0 0the 0 mining, _ PI L housing exploration and service sectors.

• Diggers & Dealers www.diggersndealers.com.au

Chancellor, Brisbane • Tech Training ann.odonovan@techtraining.com.au www.techtraining.com.au

Rapid Development Conference 2013 – Enabling the Future Mine

AIMEX 20-23 August Sydney Showground, Sydney

14-16 August Marriott Hotel, Sydney From new approaches to shaft sinking; faster raise boring and downreaming; advances in hard rock cutting technology and continuous mining for hard rock; rapid decline would like to be involved. development; and the use of new Paper preference will be given to mobile miner and TBM technology those covering real current and to tackle mine access tunnels and ongoing projects, new technology, block cave development – interest in and joint OEM/mining group papers. this area of the industry is at an all Sponsorship opportunities include time high. conference lunches/receptions, If your group has an interest in lanyards, delegate bags, pens/pads, offering a presentation (speakers the program and other areas. A small attend for free), or sponsoring the number of exhibition booths will also event, please feel free to contact be available. the Rapid Development 2013 • International Mining Conference Director, Paul Moore at Paul Moore paul@immining.com with a paper paul@immining.com summary/synopsis for consideration 1 case 2 of 0 sponsorship 1 3 - 0 6 - 2 1 T www.corporate.im-mining.com/ 0 8 : 5 9 : 3 1 + 1 0 : 0 0 or- in the interest, an indication of how you imevents

Practical Belt Conveying 19-22 August Brisbane Four day training course with a strong practical bias for engineers involved with the design or maintenance of high capacity belt conveyor systems for the mining or related industries. Over 1200 engineers have now attended one of these courses. The event is typically held with a small class size, while a 300 page manual is provided.

The event will be held on: 19-22 August, at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Brisbane 4-7 November, at the Hotel Grand

Now held once every two years and firmly established on the international mining calendar, AIMEX is the flagship event within the portfolio of established industrial trade fairs staged by Reed Exhibitions. AIMEX is where Australian and international suppliers of mining technology, equipment and services come together with mining industry buyers and specifiers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region to network and explore business opportunities, and exchange technical information.

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

Advanced Rock Drilling Technology The ExcaDrill (by Junttan) is an innovative, versatile, excavator-mounted drilling concept.

With unique AutoDrill function (operated from within the excavator cab), the ExcaDrill achieves highest possible drilling speed and automatically reacts to changes in rock conditions to ensure straighter drill holes, reduced tool wear, anti-jamming, and automatic cutoff at desired toe level.

Contact us +61 (0)2 9838 3144 info@pilequip.com.au pilequip.com.au

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AustralianMining

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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