Australian Mining August 2013

VOLUME 105/8 – AUGUST 2013

SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

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NSW Spotlight

big boom?

Coal and more

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Metals and minerals

Contract

Services & Engineering

P.48

Contracting’s future

Accommodation

Should we peg our futures on copper?

Mine camps Camp design

P.118

FIFO Focus

AIMEX 2013

Australia’s Mining Exhibition

Fly in fly out The FIFO lifestyle

P.122

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COMMENT

Mining The hype and hysteria Australian

Cirrus Media Manufacturing & Electronics Group: Associate Publisher – Martin Sinclair Email: martin.sinclair@cirrusmedia.com.au Editor – Cole Latimer Tel: (02) 8484 0652 Email: ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au Journalists – Vicky Validakis Tel: (02) 8484 0964 Email: vicky.validakis@cirrusmedia.com.au Brent Balinski Tel: (02) 8484 0680 Email: brent.balinski@cirrusmedia.com.au Alex Heber Tel: (02) 8484 0884 Email: alexandra.heber@cirrusmedia.com.au QLD and SA Sales Manager – Sharon Amos Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 Mob: 0417 072 625 Email: sharon.amos@cirrusmedia.com.au WA Representative – Jamie Wade Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au South Africa – Bob Stephen Stephen Marketing PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA – Jonathan Sismey Cirrus Media 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com Larry Arthur Cirrus Media Suite 203, 3700 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel: (1) 949 756 1057 Fax: (1) 949 756 2514 Email: lharthur@ix.netcom.com Graphic Designer – Dave Ashley Production Co-ordinator – Tracy Engle Tel: (02) 8484 0707 Fax: (02) 8484 0966 Subscription Rates – Australia (surface mail) $140.00 (incl GST) New Zealand A$148.00 Overseas A$156.00 Reader Services – 1300 360 126

We’re finally seeing some of the media hyperbole die down, allow the industry to refocus on what it does best.

F

or an industry that has been struggling as much as mining over the last 12 months, it is good to see it finally taking a backseat in terms of media coverage.

While we don’t always claim to be experts, working alongside the industry has allowed the team here to develop a greater understanding of the industry, its needs, how it operates, and its goals, as compared to much of the mainstream generalist media which often has a shallow knowledge of the industry and how it operates at best.

And while there are a few standout names amongst those in the industry (we’d like to name them one by one but they know who they are), we are often as exasperated as you by some of the misinforCirrus Media mation, lack of understandTower 2, Level 3, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia ing, or complete skewing of Locked Bag 4700, Chatswood Delivery Centre, the facts that gets published NSW 2067, Australia Tel: (02) 8484 0888 Fax: (02) 8484 0633 sometimes.

ABN 80 132 719 861 ISSN 0004-976X No, you aren’t imagining www.cirrusmedia.com.au © Copyright Cirrus Media, 2013 it – there is a hostility against All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be the industry. reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

So having the media pull back as it focuses on more current game is likely to be good news for mining.

Average Net Distribution As seeing the daily proPeriod ending March 2013 8,038 nouncements of your demise Printed by Bluestar Print can’t do much for morale.

83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Tel: (02) 9748 3411 It has allowed the indusPublished 12 issues a year try to focus on what is important – mining safely, mining A M 0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ . p d smartly, f P a gand e doing 1 8 the / 0 best 5 / 1 it can in a poor environment.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au So yes, while jobs are being slashed from the mining sector, media hype and numbers that are being pulled out of thin air does a hell of a lot more damage.

Last month one news outlet claimed 55,000 coal mining jobs were at risk.

The Australian coal industry directly employs 55,000 people, although based on the 2006 census the figure was just short of 27,000 people.

Short of quoting a figure of 9000 jobs already being slashed from the coal industry, which originally came

from the Australian Coal Association, and stating that all 1300 of Rio Tinto’s employees at the Mt Thorley Warkworth mine risk losing their jobs if the mine’s expansion plans don’t get the green light, the story in question didn’t add much else.

It’s hyped up, headline grabbing stories like this that give the media a bad name, and only make our jobs harder, fostering scepticism within the industry and driving uncertainty in the community and the market.

Especially for those who don’t understand the con-

text behind the coal sector at the moment.

In short Australia’s coal sector is facing tougher times, it is operating on thinner margins, and there has been – and will continue to be – layoffs.

But let’s be realistic and credible shall we? Claiming the whole sector risks losing its jobs is crazy.

The fact of the matter is coal will still be dug out of the ground, it is a vital resource that drives economies around the globe and Australia is blessed with high quality seams.

With August being the month for key industry events including AIMEX in Sydney and the ever colourful Diggers and Dealers in Kalgoorlie it’s a good time to regroup, catch up, and begin to think long term.

FRONT COVER

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ON the front cover of this, our 2013 AIMEX edition, we’ve featured the Ernest Henry mine.

We’ve focused on this mine as this edition delves into the current state of copper, and its future as the world sees massive population growth and increased demand for the metal for infrastructure. This issue also provides a wrap of National Minerals Week in Canberra, highlighting who said what, and why. We also look into what the upcoming Federal election will do to miners, and which party promises what.

AustralianMining

August 2013

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Contents

August 2013 issue

Federal Election

Mangoola coal mine

An in-depth look….p24-28

Copper

What’s in it for miners….p10-12

The metal that will build our future?….p32-36

Features Australian opportunity at risk The industry coming together to halt the slowdown .............................................. p14 A social licence to mine An insight into Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani’s speech ............................... p16 Controlling carbon with more coal A radical energy plan proposed by Peabody Energy......................................p18-22

NSW SPOTLIGHT

FATIGUE MANAGEMENT

Q&A

MINESITE VEHICLES

CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

R U OK? An innovative community initiative............. p38 Mining manufacturer meets milestone GE Mining delivers 500th minecruiser ........ p40

FINANCE

Six EOFY tips for miners Six tips to help you with your money .......... p42

MANUFACTURING FOR MINING

New forA NSW A Msilver 0 7 1mine 3 _ slated 0 0 0 _ DE 1 2 0 1 3 - 0Keech 6 - 1casts 8 T 1its6lot : 1in3mining : 2 7 + 1 0 : 0 0 More metals to mine ................................... p30 Growing in the downturn............................ p44

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

CHPP Operator A day in the life of a CHPP operator ........... p46

Contractors on the chopping block Contractors are cut amidst cost savings..p48-50 METS to make up the difference Services companies still thriving in the downturn ...............................................p52-54 A good decline Fighting the downturn by turning open cuts into underground mines ..................p56-58

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Contents

August 2013 issue

Deep-sea mining

AIMEX 2013

Deep-sea tailings placement….p60-62

What’s happening at this year’s show….p76-116

INDONESIA/PNG SPOTLIGHT

Picking up the pieces The Indonesian Freeport mine collapse...p64-66

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Minerals processing going green More sustainable processing........................ p68 New uses for old coal Slagging coal is becoming more useful......... p69

URANIUM

Grabbing the bull by the horns An insight into Toro Energy’s Wiluna operation................................................p70-72

What’s in a camp The modern mining camp..........................p120

FIFO IN FOCUS

FIFO AND DIDO Understanding the risks of the lifestyle ......p122

DUST & VENTILATION

Breathing easy on site Understanding the right ducting ................p124 Dealing with dust in the workshop Hazardous fumes and dust ........................p126

OIL & GAS

Making oil splash in the Browse Basin The next resources opportunity .................p142

AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY

Has the mining boom triggered an economic plague?

Is Dutch disease on Australia’s doorstep? .......................................... p144-146

MATERIALS HANDLING

Regulars

What women wear Hi-vis developed for women........................ p74

From pit to port Innovation in bulk materials handling in the Pilbara ..................................... p128-132

MINING ACCOMMODATION

MERGERS & ACQUISTIONS

NEWS.................................................................p8 PRODUCT SHOWCASE ......................p136-138 PROSPECT AWARDS .................................p140 JOBS .............................................................p148 EVENTS ........................................................p150

MINING WORKWEAR

Community A D _ A M camp A B L crisis OCT _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge The story of the Gulgong mine camp.........p118

Rio1sells off its last Australian copper mine 3 / 0 9 / 1 2 , 1 0 : 4 4 AM The sell off of the Northparkes mine .........p134

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HEADLINES

The latest mining news and safety Australian Mining presents the latest news and safety affecting you from the boardroom to the mine and everywhere in between. Visit www.miningaustralia.com.au to keep up to date with what is happening. $1 million worth of mining equipment stolen More than $1 million worth of mining equipment has been stolen from a storage facility in Rutherford, NSW. Police said a company had relocated the equipment, including specialised tools and machinery, to a storage site at Rutherford.

Employees first reported a break in on a Friday.

However since then the company has found more equipment missing over the last few nights, including several copper beryllium tools valued at $400,000 each.

The total value of equipment stolen has reached $1.3million.

Rum Jungle mine gets rehabilitation funding

The Rum Jungle Mine, south of Darwin, was closed in 1971.

The federal government at the time decided not to carry out site rehabilitation.

This had significant impact on the environment as sulphides oxidised and acid and metals discharged into the East Finniss River.

The first rehabilitation effort was carried out in 1977, and another $16.2 million Commonwealthfunded program was executed in 1983-88.

An additional $1.8 million program was implemented in 1990-91 to upgrade Rum Jungle Creek South waste dumps.

Gray said the government aims to make the site safe for people and wildlife and reduce contaminant loads downstream of the site.

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

widely hoped that BHP would source the 1000 employees needed for the project from the surrounding areas of Moranbah, Dysart, Mackay and Rockhampton.

Instead the miner has opted for a 100% FIFO workforce, with employees flown in from Brisbane and Cairns, a move which means local members of the community have missed out on crucial jobs.

CFMEU Mining Division Queensland president Stephen Smyth said it was outrageous that major miners in the Bowen Basin were refusing to employ local workers.

Emeco CEO stepping down

Mining equipment hire and rental company Emeco has announced its managing director and CEO Keith The Australian Government Gordon will step down from his role announced a $14.5 million funding job in our town? That’s not fair. I later this year. allocation for rehabilitation of the Billboards target big want to work where I live�

The company’s chairman former Rum Jungle uranium mine in miners’ 100% FIFO While the other says: “We want to Alec Brennan said in an ASX Northern Territory. workforce work where we live. Not 100% FIFO announcement Gordon told the board Federal Resources and Energy Two major billboards demanding to our own town. BHP must create he will take a break from corporate Minister Gary Gray, and the Northern an end to the use of a 100% FIFO jobs for locals�. life before weighing his options for Territory’s Mines and Energy workforces in the Bowen Basin have BHP’s decision to use a 100 per cent the future.

Minister Willem Westra van Holthe been erected on highways around FIFO workforce instead of hiring from Gordon will remain in his role until announced the funding in Darwin Mackay. inside the local Central Queensland the company appoints a new CEO late last month.

The billboards – part of the CFMEU’s community, enraged locals, the to ensure a smooth transition, the The Federal Government will provide ‘Let’s spread it Around� campaign unions as well as the wider mining announcement said. the funding over the next three years – have been installed on the Bruce community at large earlier this year.

Brennan thanked Gordon for his for site rehabilitation.

Highway at Farleigh and the Peak With two coal mines in Bowen Basin contribution to the company since The federal government allocated Downs Highway at Nebo.

A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ S E I 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 0 9 T1 0 : 4 7 : 3 0 + 1 0 : 0 0 starting production this year, it was his appointment in December 2009. $8.3 million in 2009 for rehabilitation. One sign reads: “100% FIFO for a

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“Keith has overseen a period of significant transformation at Emeco. We thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his future endeavours,� he said.

FMG to build Pilbara gas pipeline Fortescue Metals Group are planning on cutting operational costs in the Pilbara by building a gas pipeline to link its Solomon and Chichester iron ore mines. FMG have undertaken early studies into the building the pipeline which would run from Port Hedland to its Solomon mine hub.

The project has been dubbed ‘Pilbara Gas Pipeline’, although the timeline and cost of the project remain unclear, as does the proposed route the pipe would take.

FMG are reportedly looking to power its yet-to-be constructed Nyidinghu mine from the pipe as it will host its own gas-fired power station, while the pipe will also supply the nearby Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek mines.

It is expected the project will require a utility or gas operator in order to finance the plan.

Last year FMG sold the power station at its Solomon mine to a subsidiary of TransAlta for $US300 million, fuelling speculation the Canadian utility could play a role in the gas plan.

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FEDERAL ELECTION

What’s in it for miners?

#election2013 With the election looming later this year, Australian Mining looks at what both parties have on the cards to get you out and voting. Alex Heber reports.

W

hether you’re an avid Labor supporter, a loyal blue ribbon Liberal voter, a ‘swinger’ or a minority party advocate, as Australians get ready to go to the polls its important for miners to consider what the industry will look like under a Coalition or a Labor led government.

One thing is for sure miners will be carefully watching to see how each side of politics values the sector.

And as an industry credited with protecting the country from the depths of the Global Financial Crisis, the demands are loud and the list is long.

The Minerals Council of Australia recently highlighted policy that has the capacity to impact the sectors capacity to grow and create jobs includes budget policy and tax, energy and climate change, land access and environmental approvals, and infrastructure policy.

“As Australia’s most export orientated, globalised industry, we simply cannot continue to bear the unproductive burden of a progressive shift of economic policy from the productive to the distributive side of the economy,” former Minerals Council chairman Peter Johnston said.

In other words, as former resources minister Martin Ferguson has told parliament you’ve got to build the economic pie before you can distribute it.

“Those charged with policy need to have a clear understanding of what’s at stake if they continue along the path of high cost, low productivity and more regulation,” Johnston said.

In short, government needs to create the conditions for business to be successful and Australia needs to have a conversation about what it needs to be done to regain its competitive edge so the nation continues to be regarded as not only the lucky country but also the land of opportunity.

Industry man and Labor’s mining minister Gary Gray Current mining minister and former Woodside executive Gary Gray rec10

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ognises the importance of the mining sector, declaring at last month’s MCA Minerals Week that it is “integral to the development of Australia’s hinterland, our communities, our people and our settlement patterns” but being careful to highlight that the industry “is not a meal ticket”.

In his address to the Minerals Week delegation he outlined how mining has evolved over the past decade.

“In 2003 commodity prices were low and committed investment in the sector was around $20 billion,” he said.

“Today prices are much higher, so investment has multiplied too.

“High commodity prices have driven mining investment on a scale the world has not previously seen, and a scale that Australia may never see again.

“Committed resource sector investment today stands at $268 billion.”

Gray explained that focussing on increasing volume is not enough.

“The resources sector needs to better manage those things that it has the power to control; mastering the new ways our commodities are traded; smart allocation and discipline with capital, improving productivity, and management of shareholder expectations,” he said.

In a bid to take advantage of high commodity prices miners have undergone rapid expansion efforts but this has come at the cost of productivity.

“It is time now to renew our focus on productivity, at mine, business and government levels,” he said.

He hit back at commentators who he says have “unfairly described Australia as being hostile to investment due to high wages, taxation, overregulation and sovereignty concerns”.

“This criticism is plainly wrong,” Gray said.

Instead he pointed to the recent Behre Dolbear report and the 201212 Fraser Institute reports which rank Australia as one of the safest countries for mining investment.

“The reality is a combination of

factors influence the decision to invest, and when all of those factors are weighed up, on any objective assessment, Australia remains at the top of the list of attractive investment destinations,” he said.

Speaking to Australian mining’s top tier representatives Gray didn’t say anything the room didn’t already know, he didn’t make election promises, nor did he outline a plan for the sector amidst challenging times.

He did however explain that the role of government is to provide “the best possible outcomes for the community – from employment, to tax, to the environment”.

Long-time Liberal Ian Macfarlane

Shadow mining minister Ian Macfarlane used his address to the Minerals Week cohort to outline the Coalition’s plan for energy and resources.

MacFarlane said under a Coalition Government the mining tax would be repealed as a priority and the country could expect a return to the Howard years with less sudden change.

He too recognised just how important the sector is to the national economy and took aim at the Labor government’s recent policy initiatives saying the resources industry “can’t continue to bear the brunt of a Government that sees it as a quick source of cash”.

“Government policy should not hinder the process of extracting those (natural) resources, or burden the industry with new costs,” Macfarlane said.

“Both the carbon tax and the Minerals Resource Rent Tax are a drag on the Australian energy sector and make investments less attractive than in other countries where these taxes don’t apply.”

He said changing the rules for investment have jeopardised Australia’s sovereign risk profile and undercut resource companies’ competitiveness.

“Australian energy and resources companies, who now have to compete with international competitors who don’t face this tax burden,” Macfarlane said.

The shadow minister also recognised current approvals processes are strangled by duplication and bureaucracy and said the Coalition “wants to work with State Governments to remove much of the red and green tape that bogs down project applications and development”.

“There’s too much duplication in this area and that has the effect of driving up costs and causing extensive delays, in some cases adding months and years to project development,” he said.

He said the Coalition would launch a “one-stop-shop” for mining approvals; yet many in the room were sceptical.

Getting local, state, and federal government aligned without risking social and environmental aspects of the approvals process is not an easy feat to tackle.

Continued on page 12 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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FEDERAL ELECTION

The current Federal resources mininster Gary Gray.

Continued from page 10

Mining’s policy wish list

The mining sectors message to its representatives in government is nothing if not clear.

To win over the mining vote the industry is calling for a stable taxation regime, clear-cut approvals processes, improved minerals education, and employment arrangements that recognise and reward improvements in productivity.

“Prime Minister Rudd (or if there is a change of Government, Prime Minister Tony Abbott) and our state leaders have a long to-do list, but, as unsexy as it sounds, reform of green tape must be near the top,” Minerals Council chief Mitch Hooke recently said.

So what does that all mean?

• Stable and competitive tax and royalty arrangements The implementation of the mining tax has caused some bad blood within the sector, with mining’s leaders calling for a dose of realism.

“Capital and operating costs are soaring while new taxes in a range of forms skim whatever margins may be left to developers,” Anglo American chief executive Mark Cutifani said at the recent MCA event.

“Australia’s mining productivity and costs have borne the brunt of regressive industrial taxation policies.”

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Cutifani called for policy stability and predictability, saying they are the “pre-requisites for our long term investment decisions”.

“As a country we’ve got it badly wrong and we have created substantial uncertainty and investment barriers that were not here ten years ago,” Cutifani said.

He called for the planning and regulatory environment to be reshaped to better support investment.

A spokesperson for the MCA said the industry wants a stable, predictable, efficient and internationally competitive taxation system.

“Notwithstanding significant reforms to Australia’s taxation system over several decades, it remains complex, economically inefficient and administratively complex across all aspects,” the spokesperson said.

• Streamlining approval processes Prolonged, duplicated, and costly approvals processes pushes development costs up, delay prospective projects, and has long been a bugbear of the sector.

“Resource developments are being strangled by duplicated bureaucratic processes and red tape.”

Instead Cutifani suggested the planning and approval process requires clear rules and “no shifting of the goal post half way through the game”.

He explained that current approvals systems at a state and fed-

The Coalition’s Ian Macfarlane.

eral level “needlessly delay projects, costs companies millions and threaten job losses”.

Cutifani called for the “turf wars” between federal, state, and local governments to be ended.

“We can no longer handle having three levels of government telling us what to do or banning things from us in way of federal taxes that devalue Australia’s mineral assets or regulatory regimes that suffocate investment,” Cutifani said.

Hooke recently weighed into the approvals debate saying the process has moved on from a “major issue to a full blown crisis”.

“Every Australian mining company has a list of projects beset by unnecessary regulatory delay; bound-up in state and federal green tape,” he said.

“Much of the delay can be attributed to the duplication of state and federal approvals processes. This is not only creating significant and unnecessary delays but also adding massive extra costs.”

Hooke called for a single assessment and approvals process which covers both State and Commonwealth environmental matters that is bound to statutory timeframes.

• Workplace arrangements that reward for higher productivity Union involvement, high labour costs, and falling productivity are all

making Australia’s mining sector a tough one for human resource managers to navigate.

Some sites even list industrial relations issues as a higher business risk than safety.

Many miners are also calling for co-operative and industrial structures which provide flexibility to scale up and down workforces.

“Regulation, red tape, and workplace flexibility are all factors in the success of what is an embryonic industry with huge potential to advantage the nation,” Chapman said.

The MCA is calling for workplace arrangements that are flexible for both employers and employees and have criticised the Federal Government’s Fair Work Act which it says contains “substantial flaws” including restrictive individual agreements, covers matter beyond what is directly relevant to employment arrangements, affords unions expanded right of entry “that goes beyond worker interest to union claims of coverage”, and “broader than necessary” good faith bargaining rules.

In terms of mining’s contribution to the economy Cutifani said Australia’s political leadership either didn’t care or didn’t understand.

“Our relationship with our political leaders is even more disconnected,” Cutifani said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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NATIONAL MINERALS WEEK WRAP

Australian OPPORTUNITY at risk Canberra’s National Minerals Week saw the industry create a united front, against the backdrop of a crumbling caucus, to halt its slowdown. Alex Heber reports.

I

n the midst of what was a lively week in the nation’s capital, the Minerals Council of Australia has hosted its National Minerals Week.

It was graced with the presence of mining and political royalty, including Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh, Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani, former Queensland premier Peter Beattie, opposition leader Tony Abbott, resources minister Gary Gray, and shadow minister Ian Macfarlane just to drop a few names.

Between the rumblings of a spill and State of Origin playing out it was difficult for many in the crowd to remain focussed on the networking and lobbying opportunity the dinner was billed to be.

But Sam Walsh did attempt to align the crowd and return the focus to the mining business.

“I’m in business not politics, so I’ll leave others to comment on that,” Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh said.

“Talking about business I’d be surprised to learn that anyone in this room tonight is unaware how quickly the operating landscape has changed and how much belt tightening is taking place in our industry.”

Mining is currently experiencing first hand the cyclical nature of the commodity market and the challenges of cost, productivity and competitiveness.

“While prices for com-

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AustralianMining

modities may rise and fall, the demand for our commodities that we produce is certain to grow over time,” Walsh said.

He explained that while Chinese growth has slowed when compared to recent years, it is coming back off a larger base.

“In an economy the size of China’s, even if growth remains in the seven to eight per cent range for some time, that rate still requires faster growing inputs of resources,” Walsh said.

Recently at a China development forum Walsh was told over the next five years China will require $10 trillion of raw materials.

Walsh warned that taking advantage of such opportunities will depend on how ready the Australian mining

sector is and how competitive it becomes.

“New technology and innovation play a key role here, driving productivity improvements by developing and deploying cutting edge technologies will be a key part of the competitive agenda going forward,” he said.

“Let me not play down the challenges that we’re all facing, productivity constraints, demands on business, cost, these will impact the abilities of Australian companies in taking advantage of opportunities as they present,” Walsh said.

Walsh urged the industry to imagine what would happen to Australia without a strong mining sector saying “the only thing that’s worse for the country than a mining boom is no mining boom”.

Giving his final address to the Minerals Council, former chairman Peter Johnston said the mining sector has and will continue to deliver a significant amount to Australia.

Since the year 2000 mining has paid over $130 billion in taxes, or enough to fund the defence force for five years, Johnston explained.

But he warned the industry is at a cross roads, with over $150 billion worth of projects being shelved in the last 12 months it is imperative to become more productive and cost competitive.

“We are seeing companies take difficult decisions every day to reduce their costs structures,” he said.

Johnston said Australia has been identified as a high cost destination with declining productivity, and a deteriorating sovereign risk reputation, while higher taxes destroy value and investor confidence, increasing red and green tape delays projects.

“These impediments are no longer sustainable if Australia is to remain a world class minerals producer.”

Miners are finding themselves having to cope with a vastly different operating environment to what was ap-

parent merely 12 months ago.

“2013 already counts as a year of far reaching change in the industry,” Johnston said.

“We have clearly entered a more demanding phase, commodity prices and profits are down and it’s having an impact right across the industry, companies are cutting costs.”

There is an increasing focus on capital discipline and returns to shareholders, which is an area Johnston suspects miners may have taken their eyes off the ball.

“We cannot simply take our eye off the big policy issues that will determine our competitiveness, growth, and national prosperity,” he said.

The Minerals Council highlighted policy that has the capacity to impact the sectors capacity to grow and create jobs including budgetary policy and tax, energy and climate change, land access and environmental approvals, and infrastructure policy.

“As Australia’s most export orientated, globalised industry, we simply cannot continue to bear the unproductive burden of a progressive shift of economic policy from the productive to the distributive side of the economy,” he said.

In other words, as former resources minister Martin Ferguson has previously told parliament you’ve got to build the economic pie before you can distribute it.

“Those charged with policy need to have a clear understanding of what’s at stake if they continue along the path of high cost, low productivity and more regulation,” Johnston said.

He warned that now isn’t the time for mining to retreat back into its shell, rather it is the time “to reinforce our claim as a pillar of Australia’s economy and as a partner for all Australians to grow”. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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NATIONAL MINERALS WEEK WRAP

A social licence to mine An insight into Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani’s speech at National Minerals Week. Alex Heber writes.

G

oing back to basics, mining produces materials that make the industrial world as we know it, spin.

Mining is the starting point for modern technology and has been the starting point for products like mobile phones, electricity, computers, and fertilisers.

“We need to think about mining in a much broader context, we produce products that make the world work; fuel for energy generation, products that support construction and industrial processes, and most other value creating activities,” Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani said.

Recently addressing a resources industry event in Canberra, Cutifani claimed Australia wouldn’t have an agriculture sector without mining.

“To put it frankly, the Australian country would not have an agricultural sector without the products of mining,” he said.

At first thought such a statement seems counter-intuitive as mining in many cases takes up otherwise vital agricultural land parcels and is often billed as jeopardising Australia’s – and the world’s – food bowl.

Putting aside competition for land use, mining has had another profound impact on agriculture; a majority of modern day farming methods, including growing efficiencies and machinery advancements, have all emerged out of the mining sector.

The use of phosphate rock as a fertiliser has significantly boosted crop yields in the past 50 years but according to research conducted by

Cutifani called on mining to be though in a much broader, global context.

the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with increasing consumption rates global supplies of phosphate could peak in as little as 20 years.

“Without phosphorous, animals can’t be fed, food can’t be produced and life on earth can’t survive,” the university stated.

UTS researcher Dana Cordell said Australia is the fifth largest phosphate fertiliser consumer in the world.

“While we have naturally phosphorus-deficient soils, the food we grow and export is phosphorus-intensive and feeds about 60 to 70 million people, mostly in the Asia Pacific region,” she said.

“What that means is we need a lot of phosphorus. Even if we recy-

Cutifani stated that resource developments are being strangled by red tape.

16

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AustralianMining

cle 100 per cent of it, it would nowhere near meet our demand.

“We might need to rethink the profiles of our agriculture and export industries in the future, which is not an easy thing to do.”

Cutifani put it quite simply: “Mining is the world’s most important industrial activity”.

And as the mining boom tapers off it too needs to rethink its export, impact and operational profiles.

“It’s through partnerships, across industries such as mining and agriculture that we build the next phase of Australia’s prosperity,” Cutifani said.

“Along the way working together to address some of the challenges that pit us against each other from time-to-time.

“Our role in society is far more important than the products we produce, it’s about what those products are used for in broader society,” he said.

He used his address to highlight cost, land, and regulatory issues mining is facing.

“Access to grounds for exploration is being constrained,” Cutifani said.

“Resource developments are being strangled by duplicated bureaucratic processes and red tape.

“Capital and operating costs are soaring while new taxes in a range of forms skim whatever margins may be left to developers.

“Local communities are being

deprived of a piece of the new low fat pie that they helped create.”

In a world that is in fact not short of resources Cutifani said shortsighted and opportunistic public policy puts the sector at risk.

Mining has forged and powered Australia, coming a long way from the gold rush era to become a dynamic and export orientated sector encompassing iron ore, copper, gas, coal, gold, and uranium.

As an industry it has helped the nation side step the GFC, the worst recession since the Great Depression.

“Australians are wealthier, healthier and better educated than any [other] time in our history,” Cutifani said.

“The simple fact is in today’s world if we don’t bring people with us and if the majority of those living in host communities don’t benefit from our presence we won’t be allowed to mine.

“The perennial challenge we face as an industry is how to reconcile the greater good we create with the inevitable local disruptions mining sometimes brings to those local communities.”

Cutifani recognised that mining’s legacy needs to be more than a hole in the ground.

“The lifetime of a mine should be a window for community and infrastructure developments,” he said.

Around the world agriculture and mining are often in disagreement over land use, access to water, and environmental impacts.

A prime example is the New South Wales Hunter Valley, where competition for land use and access to water is rife, with a major coal mining sector, the largest thoroughbred breeding region outside of Kentucky, a world renowned wine producing industry, and graziers all vying for land parcels.

“Agriculture, livestock and mining are all fundamental to Australia’s future prosperity and we need each other,” Cutifani said.

“We should be working together to leverage the hundreds of millions of dollars spent of infrastructure, roads, rail, dams, water management, to transport agricultural produce to market more efficiently, to improve soil fertility and water use.

“We need each other and so we must learn how to accommodate each other in the broader sense,” he said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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NATIONAL MINERALS WEEK WRAP

Controlling carbon with

MORE COAL

An energy plan from Peabody Energy proposes the smarter use of coal. Alex Heber explains.

M

ajor coal miner Peabody Energy has a plan for

Australia.

A plan which it says will slice Australia’s emissions profile, control carbon, and provide affordable electricity to the masses.

Its plan involves decreasing emissions and electricity costs with high tech coal fired power stations.

Peabody chief executive officer Gregory Boyce said Australia can achieve its energy, economic and environmental goals by embracing coal, saying new coal technologies would make a significant difference to the country’s emissions profile.

“Coal has a long history of advancing Australia’s energy and economic goals and can also help Australia meet its environmental objectives,” he stated.

“Supercritical coal plants are highly efficient, and their carbon emissions rate is as 18

August 2013

AustralianMining

much as 40 per cent below the oldest plants.”

“Peabody is investing in and advancing clean coal technologies and solutions which will help coal achieve our longer term goals of near zero emissions.

He explained that Australia could reduce its emissions by as much as 10 to 15 per cent if it migrates existing coal plants to the new cleaner technology.

“The plan calls for ensuring half of new generation globally comes from advanced supercritical coal plants.

“Commercialising carbon capture use and storage methods that prevent carbon from being released into the atmosphere, and deploying coal conversion technologies that produce liquid fuels and synthetic gas.”

But for this to work he said the nation needs a strong economy.

Boyce used his address to call on Australia’s incoming

government to implement comprehensive policy reform aimed at returning the nation’s coal sector to international competitiveness.

“Granting this [coal] technology the same status as renewables would be a leap in the right direction for a forward-thinking nation,” he said.

Despite current market headwinds, Boyce explained the long-term fundamentals for coal remained strong and Australia’s coal exports would have a critical part to play in shaping the AsiaPacific region’s future.

“Coal remains the fuel that can advance Australia’s energy, economic and environmental goals, but recent policies have eroded competitiveness and jeopardised economic growth,” he said.

Employing the nation

Peabody Energy employs more than 3000 workers across 11 mines in Australia;

it is heavily invested in the coal sector and has been duly affected by rising operational costs and falling commodity prices.

The day before Boyce addressed the Minerals Council of Australia’s Minerals Week Australian Mining revealed his company slashed about 450 contractor positions across its Queensland and New South Wales coal mines in response to current market conditions.

He said in the last five years labour costs have spiralled, saying that by 2012 labour represented up to 50 per cent of the total cost of a new project.

“Recent industry cut backs are in stark contrast with the skills shortage that caused labour costs to skyrocket in recent years,” Boyce said.

Coal jump

A recent Wood Mackenzie report found that the average

unit cash cost per tonne of Australian thermal coal has risen 72 per cent since 2009.

By April of this year almost 70 per cent of Australian thermal coal export production and more than 50 per cent of MET coal export production was earning an operating margin of less than $10 a tonne.

The same report also found about 20 per cent of MET export production and 54 per cent of thermal export production coal had negative margins.

Another Wood Mackenzie report found lower commodity prices, increased operating costs and ‘take-orpay’ contracts are to blame for margin squeeze.

But Australia’s coal production has continued to grow, despite lower coal prices in 2013.

It has been estimated by 2030 there will be a 14 bilContinued on page 20 www.miningaustralia.com.au

NATIONAL MINERALS WEEK WRAP

Continued from page 18

lion tonne shortfall on the global seaborne coal market.

“That is a huge and significant opportunity for the Australian coal sector,” Boyce said.

“Traditionally Australian coal mines have occupied a place near the lower end of the cost curve, ensuring their competitiveness in the global seaborne markets.

“But as prices in the Australian coal sector have mounted new competitors have emerged to vie for this growing demand.”

Vying for Australia’s precious market share are low cost countries like Indonesia, Mozambique, and Mongolia.

But there is hope, the United States which was previously classed as a high cost producer, has undertaken massive productivity and export focus shifts, transforming its coal sector to enhance its ability to serve the growing Asian market.

Australia can learn from this, rather than repeat other’s policy mistakes, Boyce explained.

“There are decades of opportunity ahead in the Asia-Pacific region, but Australia’s competitors recognise this, and all of Australia faces a steep cost if its policymakers get it wrong,” he said.

Boyce outlined Australia’s continued economic and power generation reliance on coal.

position of a resource sector that has delivered a decade of economic growth that made Australia the envy of the developed world.

“Affordable, reliable electricity benefits both households and businesses and is the backbone of economic growth.”

He used the examples of Europe and California saying their carbon policies should serve as a warning of “the catastrophic effects ill-advised carbon policies have had on other developed economies”, sending energy costs soaring

and threatening competitive advantages.

“Europe is now turning back to coal,” he said.

“The US state of California mandated that 33 per cent of energy must come from renewables by the year 2020.

“The cost of incentives provided for renewables has ultimately been passed on to rate payers, electricity prices are now more than 40 per cent higher [in California] than the US national average, and that has led to a flight of manufacturing from the state which lost 700,000

manufacturing jobs since 2000, and about $127billion of lost net worth in 2013.

Back here in Australia, the cost of both the carbon tax and the renewable energy targets will ultimately be borne by Australian households, businesses and places an additional burden on the resources sector.

“Businesses will be doubly impacted paying emissions taxes as well as the resulting higher electricity prices,” he said.

“The effects are already being felt, the introduction of

Losing the edge

Recognising growing coal demand coming out of India and China, Australia is in an enviable position with good quality coal reserves and geographical proximity on its side.

“The long term fundamentals for coal remain strong, and Australia has both the national assets and the geographic advantage to leverage the opportunities that lay ahead,” he explained.

But Boyce said the coal sector is at a crossroads, with mining and carbon taxes risking Australia’s global economic reputation.

“Australia’s recent policies have put at risk two pillars of the economy: affordable electricity and the leading 20

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AustralianMining

“Coal is at a crossroads, with the mining and carbon tax risking Australia’s reputation,” Boyce said.

the carbon tax increased energy prices by 10 per cent in just three months, the largest price increase ever recorded in Australia for energy and gas.”

Australia has one of the highest average household electricity rates in the developed world.

“Australia’s household electricity prices have risen more than 40 per cent since 2007, and are projected to rise another 30 per cent by the end of next year,” he said.

“By the end of 2014 Australia’s electricity prices are estimated to be almost double that of all other developed nations.

“There will be no direct reduction in emissions as a result of the carbon tax.

“For a coal rich country that has traditionally had electricity costs among the lowest in the developed world this simply defies belief.”

Coal power

Coal is a critical input which fuels the industrialised world.

Growing populations and urbanisation continue to drive the demand for steel and electricity and since 1970 Boyce estimates coal’s use has increased about 300 per cent, claiming there is a “strong correlation between expanding coal use and growing economies”.

“Coal mining is the first link in the global supply chain, it fuels economies and improves quality of life,” Boyce said.

“A rapid rise in coal fuelled electricity mirrors the global rise in GDP. “As emerging Asia Pacific nations continue their extraordinary development, coal is the commodity that will provide both the energy needed to power new cities and the steel used to build them.”

He hit back at those who claim coal has no future saying “despite the many inches of column space devoted to debating the future of coal, global demand for coal continues to grow”.

He explained that coal now accounts for nearly 30 per cent of global energy conContinued on page 22 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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NATIONAL MINERALS WEEK WRAP

Continued from page 20

sumption and expects it will overtake oil as the world’s largest energy source in the “not to distant future”.

“Coal has been the fastest growing fuel for the past decade,” he said.

“Over the next five years we project global coal demand will grow by about 1.4 billion tonnes.”

China and India are the world’s fastest growing economies and Boyce explained their thirst for coal will continue to drive demand because domestic production in both countries falls well short, with India last year plunging into darkness with the largest blackout in modern history.

Australia’s geographical proximity to China and India puts the coal sector in “an enviable position”, Boyce said.

“Australia continues to be a leader in the global coal sector at a time when two of its nearest neighbours are projected to drive sustained growth in global seaborne demand for coal,” he said.

He explained that Australia hasn’t fallen into this position by accident.

“In recent years the Australia’s economy has shown remarkable growth, the so called ‘resources boom’ is credited for Australia’s economic resilience during a period of uncertainty that challenged most of the world’s

Over the next five years global coal demand will grow by around 1.4 billion tonnes, with Australia focusing on exporting its resources.

developed countries,” Boyce said.

“It took until 2003 for Australia to export more than $5 billion in minerals in one year, but by 2009 Australia was shipping $50 billion.

“Australia holds about 9 per cent of the world’s total coal reserves, ranking fourth globally behind the US, Russia and China.

“With the nation’s bounty of coal Australian households and businesses have unfettered access to an abundance of low cost energy far into the foreseeable future.”

Disapproving approvals

Complicated and lengthy project approvals processes have long been a thorn in the mining sector’s side.

“Project delays contribute to cost pressures while eroding productivity,” Boyce explained.

He described Australia’s approval process as a “maze” with “substantial duplication” of Federal and State governmental requirements.

He called for stronger and simpler co-ordination of the approvals process to improve efficiencies, transpar-

ency, and competitiveness.

“Mining projects [in Australia] have faced lengthy and expensive permitting and environmental delays, while new global competitors have been working to fast track the development of their own coal sectors,” he said.

Investment levels are the ultimate litmus test of competitiveness and according to a recent BREE report in the last 12 months $150 billion of Australian resource sector projects have been delayed or cancelled.

The need for coal for power generation in Australia and other developed/developing nations remains strong.

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AustralianMining

Boyce said to encourage mining investment Australia needs “a national, coordinated approach to regulation and project permitting; this would reduce duplication, boost productivity, minimise delays”.

“Commodity prices, productivity and the cost of construction of operations and government policy all play a key role in how much of this possible invest we’re able to bring back to Australia,” Boyce explained.

Policy must serve the nations long term prospects, “it must be bipartisan, it must recognise both state and federal interests”, it must work in partnership with the private sector, not against it.

“The first job must be to repeal the carbon tax, Australia cannot afford not to,” he said.

Boyce explained that no matter who takes power at the next election it’s imperative a new strategy is implemented for the coal sector to regain ground and drive economic growth.

“It’s now up to Australia’s leaders to implement the policy reforms that will ensure coal can continue to drive the economy and enhance Australia’s position as a global leader in the decades ahead,” he said. www.miningaustralia.com.au

australian owned

NSW SPOTLIGHT

Mangoola coal mine: IN FOCUS

Australian Mining’s Alex Heber and Vicky Validakis recently paid GlencoreXstrata’s mine a visit. They look in-depth at how the mine operates, and its position within the community.

D

espite the downturn in coal, are flying at the local pubs and in Employing about 300 people, not every mine is shutting regional media. the mine is a major source of local up shop.

Australian Mining recently visit- employment and any change to opWith expansion plans in the ed the site located about 20 kilo- erations is sure to have a flow on efworks, GlencoreXstrata’s open cut metres west of the Hunter Valley fect for residents.

Mangoola coal mine is a hot topic town of Muswellbrook to find out The mine’s expansion plans A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ L I N 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 1 T1 5 : 1 0 : 5 9 + 1 0 : 0 0 with locals, rumours and opinions 1 what’s going on. which are currently under review,

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AustralianMining

propose to ramp up production by almost 30 per cent to 13.5 million tonnes of coal a year; a move it estimates will create 150 new jobs.

Australian Mining looks at the many facets of this mine and how it is preparing for the future.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

NSW SPOTLIGHT

Water management

Originally called Anvil Hill and owned by Centennial Coal, Mangoola was approved by the NSW State Government in 2008 under the proviso it did “not discharge any saline water from the site’’.

But the project modification includes installing a water discharge point, not for everyday use but to mitigate water management risks by providing the ability to manage water issues in prolonged wet periods, an issue highlighted by the flooded Queensland coal mines two years ago.

The site is already a net water user and remains a zero release site, Mangoola Coal operations manager Tony Israel explained the mine has already pumped in 3000 mega litres from the Hunter River this year.

“We need more water than we’ve got,” he said.

“Because we’re going to be producing more we’re actually going to need more water.”

The mine has looked at implementing a number of risk management strategies on site to minimise environmental impacts.

Israel explained that the discharge While the mine has received critipoint is purely a “risk management under very controlled conditions to having a discharge point is a fundacism for dust levels by some members strategy” for “peace of mind” to limit minimise the environmental impact. mental strategy to manage risk.” of the local community, Israel says the instance of dams overflowing.

“I don’t want us to have detriMangoola is operating under best “Every mine has a discharge mental affects on the environment, Air and dust management An increasingly important aspect of practice standards to mitigate conpoint, we want to have the reassur- we need a balance. ance that we can discharge,” he said.

“I don’t want to have an uncon- the mines social licence to operate is cerns and said it is working closely is maintained to with the community on ways to minA“It’s M 0 7a 1very 3 _ 0regulated 0 0 _ T Eprocess, C 1 trolled 2 0 1overflow.

3 - 0 6 - 1 8 T 1 6 : 1 5 : 3 ensuring 1 + 1 0 :air0 quality 0 when you do discharge water it’s “We need the plans in place, community and regulatory standards. imise potential impacts.

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August 2013

25

NSW SPOTLIGHT

Mangoola has installed real time, 24 hour air quality monitors.

Continued from page 25

The mine has implemented monitors on site that record air quality and dust levels in real time 24 hours a day so the mine has more control over how operations affect local areas and can change tact accordingly on any given day.

“We are part of this community too,” Israel said.

“We don’t want to impact on the environment.

The company is also tailoring

W S NE UCT D RO

P

mining activities around weather patterns to minimise dust levels emanating from the mine, and use an agricultural wetting agent on stockpiles.

A predictive system based off the Bureau of Meteorology’s projections combined with air quality models to predict air quality emissions not only allow the mine to react, but to also look forward in an attempt to mitigate any potential issues before they arise.

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Mangoola equipped its dozers with equipment to cancel track slap noise.

lation of the first flush system on residential water tanks to include landowners within six kilometres of the disturbance boundary, while residential rainwater tanks will be cleaned out once a year.

Noise management

The location of the mine in the Wybong valley opens it up to temperature aversions causing noise to carry, bouncing off higher atmospheric temperatures.

Recognising this, operations are altered when the temperature dips at night in an attempt to keep ambient noise in the area low, accommodating the requests of nearby residents.

“We are operating below compliance,” Israel said.

But the mine was still receiving complaints from neighbours.

Taking the feedback on board, Mangoola recently took another look at its operations and has now developed customised noise attenuated equipment.

“Our people aren’t dumb equipment operators; they know the impacts the mine has and are aware of noise, dust, and vibration impacts,” he said.

The mine determined the complaints centred around track slap noise which occurs when dozers are reversing.

With this in mind the mine enlisted the help of a Mickala Mining Services who customised a steel structure dubbed the Armadillo, to fully enclose the dozer’s drive areas which muffles track slap noise.

Since the Armadillo has been fitted and the implementation of a first gear only rule for dozers operating at night, noise complaints have dropped off.

Community engagement

Maintaining a social licence to mine is increasingly important for miners.

But what this entails is not clear Continued on page 28

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NSW SPOTLIGHT

Continued from page 26

cut, no longer is it about throwing money into communities and sponsoring the local rugby team, rather the concept has evolved to creating meaningful and engaging community spaces, events, or projects.

Recognising this, the Mangoola operation runs a number of community outreach programs which are transforming the face of surrounding towns.

Located about 20 kilometres from the mine’s entrance, Sandy Hollow used to be a drive through town with a school, a pub, and a service station.

However local artist David Mahoney, with the help of the mine, has established a vibrant gallery and art park which serves great coffee and has become a draw card with Mangoola has looked towards the community to employ staff. locals and tourists alike.

The mine donated a number of “Men’s Shed” to build 300 bird try, employing from within the local community is now more important sizeable rocks to create the art park, nesting boxes for the site. organising a local transport company Promoting community engage- than ever.

Mangoola say they are committo move them into place, creating a ment is a fundamental exercise for space where sculptors now come to the mine, especially as a majority of ted to hiring locals where possible, with career progression a central try their hand at creating something its workforce live locally. theme at the mine. out of the formations.

To this end, Israel said experiRecognising that the mine’s Employment opportunities legacy needs to be more than a With the current spate of job cuts ence was not necessarily the most hole in the ground or rehabilitated seen across the Hunter Valley region important mark the company look months with the comhills, enA MGlencoreXstrata 0 8WA_AM_ad_final.pdf 1 3 _ 0 0 0 have _ WEalso S 19/07/13 1 in 2recent 0 1 3AM - 0 7 - as3 prices 0 T 1 0continue : 5 3 : 3 for 6 +when 1 0 : recruiting, 0 0 1 11:50 listed the help of local organisation to weigh down on the coal indus- pany running a ‘clean skin’ program

28

August 2013

AustralianMining

to help people with little or no mine site experience to gain work.

The first intake saw 57 per cent of people hired new to the industry, with the mine also boasting an industry-high level of women working at the site at 21 per cent.

“Character, chemistry and competence are the traits we look for when recruiting,” Israel said.

“Are they going to fit in? Will they work well in a team? These are the questions we ask.”

And once people get a foot in there are no barriers to promotion, with the company rewarding hard work with training and development.

“We create a career path for people,” Israel said.

This includes training on diversified equipment for those who have shown their worth, to step up supervisor roles aimed at skilling up employees up so they can take the next step in their career.

“There should be no barriers.”

Israel said.

And with a further 150 jobs up for grabs if the expansion is approved, including 90 contractor roles, the company said the benefits to the local community were substantial with people proud to say they work at the mine.

“We work with our people’s needs,” Israel said.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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NSW SPOTLIGHT

New silver mine slated for NSW Despite being ‘coal country’ NSW has more metals to mine.

K

ingsgate Consolidated are moving to develop a new silver mine in New South Wales and plan to deliver an environmental assessment for the project as early as 2014.

Presenting at the 2013 NSW Minerals Exploration and Investment Conference, the company said the Kingsgate said it has a resource estimate of 182 million ounces.

Bowdens silver project was a Silver makes the modern world possible. priority development.

Kingsgate said it received Purchased in 2011 for tral West NSW, Bowdens is is now below the cost of proHistory has proven the the Director General’s Re- $75 million, the Bowden an epithermal silver deposit duction for many miners – an silver market is more volaquirements for the project in Silver project will have a 10 which the company says has unsustainable situation. tile than the likes of gold; it February this year and was year mine life producing an a low strip ratio and has the The price of silver was is smaller market and can be working through these to estimated 46 million tonnes potential to be developed as up by almost 5 per cent at highly sensitive to external complete all the assessment of silver, zinc and lead. an open pit operation. $20.42 per ounce on July price movements as the metal and modelling work required Kingsgate said the curThe company said the 22, after hitting a recent low is often mined alongside other for the EIS. The conference rent resource estimate is 182 availability of infrastructure of $18.22 on June 28. Since commodities including zinc heard Kingsgate were also million ounces of silver with with access to water, proxim- spiking in April 2011 at and lead which are usually taking into account recent an in ground value of $5 bil- ity to grid power and a skilled about $US43 an ounce, sil- found in the same ore bodies. rulings at the Land and En- lion and recent metallurgical workforce were key attrib- ver has predominately been Silver is historically more vironment Court as part of tests show 82 per cent silver utes of the mine’s profile. heading south, although it is vulnerable to global economtheir assessment, as well as recovery.

But with a soft silver yet hit the depths of Novem- ic weaknesses than gold becontinuing kilomeprice, A M 0 8 1community 3 _ 0 0 0 _conEFI - Located 1 2 about 0 1 3 25 - 0 7 - 3 0 T 1 0 :a 5number 4 : 5 1of + 1analysts 0 : 0 0 ber 2008 when it was trad- cause of its increased indussultation. tres east of Mudgee in Cen- agree the current silver price ing at about $US9.80. trial applications.

“ EFIC DID MORE THAN PROVIDE

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EFIC works with growing Australian mining services businesses in the supply chain for resource projects. We provide financial support to supplement bank finance.

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Overcoming financial barriers for SMEs 30

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

COPPER

Copper: The metal that will

BUILD OUR FUTURE? As many base metals decline, one, copper, has a brighter future than others.

Cole Latimer reports.

A

s we slowly come off the back of the mining boom, a number of questions are starting to be asked.

Has the boom been played out, where to next, what will happen to iron ore?

But what all are asking is what will be the metal of the future?

What should we be digging that will provide the greatest return?

Perhaps the future is a metal which is a major part of humanity’s past – copper.

Iron ore has been the metal that really drove Australia’s mining boom.

It was the hero of the hour.

On the back of seemingly unending demand from Asia to fuel the growth of China we saw commodity prices skyrocket and essentially drag our nation out of the Global Financial Crisis.

Coal was also surging head, as both China and India required the energy needed to turn them into first world nations.

As a background to this gold prices also spiked, reaching never before seen heights.

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But now the good times are over for these metals and the prices have steadily dropped, stabilising at more reasonable levels, or in some cases plummeting to just above cost levels.

Instead focus is turning to construction, and powering this new world that the mining boom has created, and in turn we are likely to see a steadily increasing demand for copper that, at current levels, the global industry is not able to fulfill.

Why copper?

IBISWorld explains that “many of the products manufactured from copper are associated with infrastructure development. For example, copper is used in electrical cabling, either insulated or uninsulated, for high-, medium- and low-voltage applications due to its electrical conductivity. Copper and its alloys are also extensively used in piping, valves and in decorative architectural applications (such as door furniture, building facades and roofing)”.

“Copper is also used in the manufacture of industrial equipment, such as heat exchangers, pressure vessels

and vats, due to its superior heat transfer capabilities and ability to withstand extreme environments.”

All major forms of transportation depend on copper such as the hulls of boats and ships to reduce drag and improving fuel consumption.

Cars and trucks rely on copper motors, wiring, radiators, and more; the average automobile contains two kilometres of copper and alloy cables, while the quantity of copper in cars can range from 20 kilograms for smaller cars to 45 kilograms for luxury and hybrid vehicles.

“Copper is critical to power supply, telecommunications and electronic devices, and is directly linked to economic development. For example, six years ago China consumed about 25 per cent of global copper, today it consumes more than 40 per cent,” BHP chairman Jac Nasser said.

Copper is one the major arms of BHP, and was initially developed in the 1980s through the acquisition of Utah International from GE for $2.4 billion, today it makes up about 15 per cent of BHP’s profit.

The coming consumption

According to a BHP Billiton presentation and recent United Nations data, demand for the metal will increase as many third and second world nations develop, creating long term drivers with increased consumption as they build their infrastructure.

This in part is due to the massive shift humanity is seeing, precipitate a decline in rural populations to greater urbanisation and in turn economic development.

With the global population currently standing at more than 7.1 billion it is almost evenly split 50/50, however “the urban population is expected to grow globally from 3.6 billion (as of 2010) to 4.3 billion (in 2020) and to 5 billion in 2030,” the UN data stated, eventually accounting for 60 per cent of the world’s total population.

Unicef reports that by 2050 around 70 per cent of the world will live in cities.

Australia will also be one of the most urban nations in the world, with Continued on page 34 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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COPPER

Continued from page 32

94 per cent of people living in cities or metropolitan areas.

China and India alone will have cities with more than a billion people living in them.

In the mean time the rural population is predicted to remain flat at around 3.5 billion for the next three decades.

As part of this massive shift towards urban centres commodity demand is forecast to grow in line.

Because these people will need to build, power, and run their cities, and copper will be the metal that will allow them to do so.

According to BHP “Chinese copper intensity doubles from rural (less than 500 000 people) to smallest urban centres; and more than triples from rural to large urban centres”.

It is proven that demand evolves with economic development, although “copper [does] plateau later in the industrialisation cycle” both “China and India are still in the early stages of development”.

In explicit terms, the total demand for semi fabricated products is expected to grow at three per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) A D _ Aover M E Nthe E Fcoming E B _ 1 decade, 3 . pd with the primary drivers China and

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Increased infrastructure will see a spiking demand for copper worldwide.

asking is, can we keep up with this need?

Apparently we can, but the industry needs to start exploring.

At his recent presentation, BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie explained that in 1900 the world’s copper reCan we supply demand serves sat at only 25 million tonnes, There is no doubt that there will be a and today they are more than 500 but f massive P a gdemand, e 1 2 3 the / 0 major 1 / 1 ques3 , 9 million : 1 0 tonnes.

AM tion that many miners need to be Yet this is a double edged sword.

India sitting at five and ten per cent CAGR respectively.

The hungry beast is literally at our doorstep, and many are wondering whether the world has the supply to fill its demand.

While the tonnage has increased dramatically, the grades have actually slumped, making it a case of quantity over quality.

While average industry copper grade percentages remained fairly consist in process feed from 1980 to 1998, they have been on a sharp downward slope that looks to get only worse.

High grades, high quantity mines such as Escondida, Grasberg, Bingham, Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, Northpakes, Cadia or Ernest Henry are unlikely to be on the cards again.

“Due to these declining grades the average run of mine (ROM) grades for copper have actually fallen by three quarters to less than one per cent, yet at the same time annual supply increased from under one million tonnes to more than 16 million tonnes,” Mackenzie said.

According to a Wood Mackenzie report from 2012 “copper grades have declined at an average rate of 2.8 per cent per annum over the last decade”.

It went on to state that at current production rates the quality will continue to decline due to the depletion of existing resources and these lower grade ores.

There needs to be a massive shift

www.miningaustralia.com.au

A M 0 6 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ WA D . p d f

Pa ge

1

1 6 / 0 5 / 1 3 ,

COPPER

in the way that these lower grades are processed, in particular more energy efficient methods.

Some newer operations are also using heap leaching and electrowinning methods to produce copper in cathode form, according to IBISWorld.

Communition, which is already being put in place at a number of mines globally and Newcrest’s Cadia East extension, is one way that these lower grade ores can be more productive with less costs.

It only becomes more difficult from an Australian perspective as we begin to outsource our copper smelting activities to China, or close what are considered unproductive mines – such as in the case of Aditya Birla’s Mt Gordon mine.

In 2011 Xstrata, now GlencoreXstrata, announced it was planning to phase out copper smelting and refining operations in Townsville by the end of 2016.

Instead it would focus on copper concentrate, and ship it overseas for processing.

This is because China still remains the lowest cost region for smelting, even if it does continue to rely on approximately three million tonnes of copper cathode.

This leaves Australia in a potentially precarious position if more copper deposits aren’t found.

Even so, miners are still increasing output and in turn costs.

The price of the future

Industry performance in Australia, according to IBISWorld, is expected to expand by an annualised rate of 7.5 per cent over the next five years.

In the 2016/17 period alone industry revenues are forecast to total $10.2 billion.

As it is a much more mature industry compared to others such as rare

earth or uranium mining it can be expected that revenues will grow at the same pace as the economy, while there is likely to be more mergers and acquisitions in the offing as businesses seek to rationalise their operations, such as combining tenements into large, single operations instead of multiple small low grade mines with the costs spread out amongst a number of companies.

In the case of Australia around two thirds of all copper mined is exported (as of 2011/12), and the $7.1 billion it generated over that period played a significant part of the nation’s GDP. But what can not be forgotten is that there are only a handful of copper miners in the country and the majority of this figure is generated by only four players – GlencoreXstrata (which generates nearly one third of all Australian copper output), BHP Billiton, OZ Minerals, and Newcrest.

In terms of costs, most of the revenues generated by copper miners goes straight back into wages, and even as mines attempt to fight the legacy wage costs that the mining boom left it, this will remain a major drain on mining companies.

Depreciation costs are also a significant factor in copper mining.

Copper faces a greater hurdle than some other metals as it is extremely capital intensive.

Peaking too soon?

With the spike in tonnages and copper mined coupled with these declining grades, many are left wondering whether there will be enough quality copper left in the ground.

As Wood Mackenzie points out: “New discoveries have not been able to reverse the long term trend [of decline]”.

Continued on page 36

Massive open pits such as Chiquicamata are experiencing lower grade ores. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AustralianMining

August 2013

35

1 0

COPPER

Continued from page 35

This, coupled with BHP’s Andrew Mackenzie’s comments on grades, projects a bleak future.

And while there is likely to be a short term spike as long awaited projects come online, in the longer term the forecast resource depletion means that a new, an currently unknown supply is needed.

However some are saying existing copper resources can sustain increasing global demand for at least another century.

The finding, emerging out of Monash University, means social and environmental concerns could be the biggest restrictions on future copper production.

“Workers’ rights, mining impacts on cultural lands, issues of benefit sharing and the potential for environmental degradation are already affecting the viability of copper production and will increasingly come into play,” Monash researcher Dr. Gavin Mudd said.

Yet contrary to predictions, which estimated that copper supplies would run out in about 30 years and painted a dire picture for the support of economic development, the new research has revealed technological advancements means there are plenty of viable resources remaining.

“Although our estimates are much larger than any previously available, they’re a minimum. In fact, figures for resources at some mining projects have already doubled or more since we completed the database,” Monash researcher Dr Simon Jowitt said.

Jowitt expects the database to change the sector’s understanding of copper availability and will likely improve industry practice with respect to mineral resource reporting and exploration.

Mudd said the sizeable volumes of available copper means the mining picture is far more complex than merely stating there are ‘x’ years of supply left.

The researchers are now attempting to model the life cycles and greenhouse gas impacts of potential copper production, giving a better assessment of the future environmental impacts of copper mining.

“Pressingly, we need to acknowledge that with existing copper resources we’re not just going to be dealing with the production of a few million tonnes of tailings from mining a century ago; we are now dealing with a few billion tonnes or tens of billions of tonnes of mine waste produced during modern mining,” Mudd said.

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BHP’s Olympic Dam mine is likely to play a major part in the development of the world copper markets.

The future: Going underground?

This greater drive for more copper will eventually mean the end of the open cut mine.

Already in Australia more than 90 per cent of copper mining is carried out underground, with only about seven per cent open pit, however globally this ratio is not the average.

Due to declining grades and the increasing costs associated with open pit mining, many mines are going underground to unlock the high grade ores available below the pit, with the costs associated with trucks and haulage.

In Australia we are already seeing Ernest Henry mine move from an open pit operation to an under-

ground mine – breathing an additional 12 years into it, while in Chile the world famous Chiquicamata mine, which has been operating as an open pit for around 500 years, is also moving underground.

According to Coldeco, which operates the mine, Chuquicamata still has the ability to produce around 308 000 tonnes of copper annually.

It has already started digging more than 1000 kilometres, sinking US $3.8 billion into the development.

The mine will also replace its trucks with an in-pit crushing and conveying system.

In both cases this decision was made as an alternative to shutting the mine.

The massive Freeport McMoRan

Mines such as Ernest Henry are developing underground for higher grade ores.

Grasberg mine in Indonesia is heading down the same route, looking to move underground and potentially add another 50 years on to its operation life.

But even with these actions, the future of copper will remain placed on its traditional location – South America.

To put it in perspective, Chile alone produces around a third of the world’s copper.

With global base supplies predicted to sharply decline from 2015 onwards, the only region that has invested significantly into the future of its copper production is South and Latin America.

Its mined copper supply is forecast to actually increase from current levels of about 6000 kilotonnes to around 16 000 kilotonnes, compared to Australasia’s 9000KT forecasts.

As Australian opportunities dry up, and Indian and Chinese demand unlikely to be sated, it may pay off for those experienced in the metal to make a cross Pacific voyage.

Increased long term demand for copper means the metal will have a bright future, although short term volatility will continue.

However if miners are not prepared now for this increased demand, and begin to put a focus on exploration and greenfield plays, they may miss out on what is likely to be the next significant play as mining moves out of its current trough onto the next cycle peak.

Only time will tell. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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FATIGUE MANAGEMENT

R U OK? A community initiative is helping to fight miner fatigue.

I

n the small Hunter Valley township of Broke, at about 4.30am a group of about six mining stalwarts are making an effort to combat the ill effects mining has had on the region’s tired employees.

Setting up beside the local church, which the men and one lady are quick to point out that they are not affiliated with, saying this is neutral ground, they’re stoking up a 44 gallon drum fire to ward off the frost and cooking up bacon and eggs.

As the clock ticks over past 6.30am utes start appearing along Broke Road, night shift has ended and the weary eyed men and women are heading home.

For some home is about A M0 8 1 3 _a 0long 0 0 _ J WI 3 hours away, drive to begin with, but add to

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that a 12 hour shift through “There’s a sense when the wee hours and it is a rec- you arrive this will give the ipe for disaster. guys enough charge to get The local volunteers home safely,” one local Broke launched the R U OK? Break- resident explained. fast about six months ago, Broke is surrounded by with no funding or connec- four different mines, including tion with any mines, recog- Bulga and Blakefield and the nising fatigue and depression road side breaky is attracting was ripping holes through a broad range of people from their tight knit community. the sector, including mine A local father and son managers and operators. were killed as a result of a Under a blue gazebo, the fatigue accident, the divorce volunteers cook up breakrate is up and so are long fast once a week, alternatneck sales at the local store, ing Monday and Friday so one volunteer explained. miners on different rotations “You can see the fatigue have the opportunity to have on the guy’s faces,” a volun- a break and get home safely. teer said.

“The more they use this The volunteers said the facility, the more we’ll do initiative has evolved, start- it,” one volunteer said. ing off slowly to now averJohn Hannemann, a local age between 30 and 50 mine mineworker and volunteer at 1 stopping 2 0 1 3 for - 0 a7 free - 1 1 T 6 : 2 1 : 5explained 4 + 1 0 :the 0 0 workers the1 breakfasts breakfast and a chat. ramifications of prolonged

night shifts, saying for many it plays havoc on the body and mind.

“It’s horrific what those shifts can do,” he said.

“The money is good.

“But the amount of divorces, it’s sad.”

Hannemann said the downturn in the local coal sector has sent stress levels spiking.

“The downturn is causing pressure,” he said.

“The older guys see it coming but for those who don’t have the experience [of the downturn] it’s a rude shock.”

A spokesperson from mental health organisation R U OK? told Australian Mining that local initiatives like this are invaluable and encourage workmates to look out for each other.

“We’ll never know if we’ve helped anyone, it’s not something you can measure,” Mark Jolly a volunteer and founder of the initiative told Australian Mining.

“But I’m confident if we’ve helped someone get home safely we’ve done our jobs.”

With 24/7 operations, heavy machinery, demanding rosters, intensive commutes, and disruptive sleep environments fatigue is a serious risk in mining.

Chief executive of fatigue management firm TMS Consulting, Helen Wood explained that Australia’s mining sector is one of the safest in the world, the fact that fatigue has actually been acknowledged as a real and present safety issue is a big step towards greater safety compliance in the industry.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

MINESITE VEHICLES

Mining manufacturer meets MILESTONE A

s the number of Aus- mechanically injected diesel capacity is 80kW at 2400rpm tralian mines slow- engine technology with in- while the torque is 360Nm at ing their production creased power output to en- 1600 rpm. rates and cutting back on sure greater safety whilst unIt comes with a 4.3 litre staff numbers increases, the derground, exposing fewer capacity and the exhaust is outlook for the resources in- miners to diesel particulate a wet bath conditioner with dustry seems grim. matter – which was last year particulate filter.

Many pundits are already recognised as a carcinogenic Its axle type is planetary pointing to the end of the substance. steer at the front and planetboom as the industry’s last Standard features includ- ary rigid at the back. great hurrah. ed a mechanical machine The Minecruiser was Mining manufacturers safety and engine shutdown originally brought in by Inhave been hit the hardest in system, a heavy duty power dustrea, a company GE Minthis downturn, as demand train, a heavy duty A-frame ing acquired in November drops for new equipment. suspension, ergonomic pas- 2012 for $700 million, as However not every com- senger seating, an improved part of GE’s expansion of its pany is taking the slump lay- particulate filter life, and hy- newly formed underground ing down. draulically driven alternator. mining focused division.

Equipment manufacIt also comes with opAt the time of the deal’s fiturer GE Transportation tional features including nalisation GE transportation has just rolled out its 500th electronic methane monitor- president and CEO, Lorenzo Minecruiser. The milestone ing system – an extremely Simonelli said the company vehicle was a Mk7.0 TIER important piece of equipment aimed to grow its global min3 Minecruiser, the latest ver- for underground coal mines, ing business to around $5 bilsion of the underground coal a passenger restraint sys- lion over the next few years. mining transporter, which tem, fire suspension systems, “This acquisition marks will be delivered to Centen- lockable storage compart- the largest addition to the nial Coal, to already fields 24 ments, reversing lights, wheel GE industrial portfolio in of the vehicles. chocks, and additional safety Australia and will play a key Designed to transport 14 circuit interlocks. role in the company’s stratcoal mining personnel underThe Mk7.0 TIER 3 Mi- egy to grow manufacturing, ground, these new minecruis- necruiser is powered by a services and skills,” Australia ers provide increased safety Tier 3 Diesel Engine System, and New Zealand GE CEO and reliability through its ad- which is a four-cylinder die- Steve Sargent said. vanced explosion-protection sel that is turbo changed “Through our acquisition system. The new vehicle uses while the model is the MWM of Industrea, we are making a M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ A L E 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 6 T1 5 : 2 5 : 1 8 + 1 0 : 0 0 theA latest in low-emissions 4.1OTCA Series 10. Its power strategic investment in estab-

Despite the downturn, GE Mining has managed to hit a minecruiser milestone. lishing our first manufacturing footprint in Australia and increasing our high-end engineering base in this region by 50 per cent,” Sargent said.

The acquisition included equipment manufacturing and servicing operations in Australia and China.

The deal was preceded by GE launch of the global mining unit three months prior.

As well as underground mining, GE also announced it would continue to increase its presence in resources power distribution, water and wastewater management, and materials handling and monitoring systems.

“The continuing urbanisation and growth in energy demand in the emerging economies bodes well for the long-term future of the global mining industry,” GE Mining CEO Jeff Knox Knox said.

“With mine operators rebalancing their investments to get more out of their existing assets, GE’s global mining business is well positioned to add value.”

Mark Vachon, GE ecomagination vice president, added that “in this current global context the need for mineral resources across a diversified set of industries will continue to grow”.

X X X X X X X

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

FINANCE

Six End of Financial Year tips for miners I

t is well known tha finances put a huge amount of stress on people.

It is recommended miners plan financial matters because “when you’re in control you know what’s happening, you can do something about it; it’s when it gets out of control that it becomes a problem”.

With this in mind, Chris Morcom, director and private client adviser at Hewison Private Wealth, has come up with his top tips for miners as they enter the 2013/14 financial year.

The new financial year has rolled in fast which means now is the time for mining engineers to assess finances and review opportunities to expand and protect financial wellbeing.

Alex Heber writes.

1. Cash flow plan

Strong cash flow needs a regular plan to make the most of high earning capacities.

“Everyone should have a financial plan, because if you don’t have a plan you don’t know if you’re going to reach your goals,” Morcom explained.

To devise a plan the first thing that needs to be done is goal setting.

“All of us work for a reason, for some of us it is money,” Morcom said.

“We all earn money because some day we would like to stop working and not have to worry about money any more.”

The contract based system many miners are employed under can make access to finance difficult and planning ahead tough.

A cash flow plan shows you where you’re money goes, what’s coming in and what’s going out.

“You can’t make any plans if you don’t know where your money is going,” he said.

Morcom explained that a cash flow plan is not as rigid and negative as a budget.

“We all know that blow-outs occur, it’s being able to cope with those blow-outs,” he said.

The Australian Government’s Money Smart website also has some useful tools to get money matters sorted.

2. Set savings and investment goals around contract length

Limited contract length can make it difficult to plan for the longer term.

Morcom instead advises miners to set savings and investment goals around the contract tenures, while still having regard to your overall long term plan.

Goals depend on what you want to achieve, and Morcom said it can have a lot to do with age.

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“It’s not about being rigid because life changes,” he said.

3. Slow and steady wins the financial race

Don’t be tempted to punt on something you think might be a good thing.

Slow and steady is the way to build long term wealth, Morcom said.

“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is,” he said.

“If it sounds unrealistic it probably is.”

Morcom stressed that qualified financial advice can be invaluable.

The Financial Planning Association of Australia explains that the initial meeting with a financial planner is very important.

“A sure sign of a good financial planner is that they don’t rush you, they carefully listen to you and clearly explain where they can add value and where they can’t,” FPA states.

Morcom explained that developing a relationship with your financial advisor is fundamental because the advice they give you must be tailored to you.

“They need to understand what sorts of risks you’re prepared to take,” he said.

Remember you’re employing this person to help you look after your money.

“You’ve got to make sure they’re the right people to look after your money,” he said.

4. Avoid making investments purely for their tax benefits

Investments must have a purpose in your overall wealth creation plan, and just minimising tax is not good enough a reason to invest.

“The reason you invest money is to grow your wealth,” he said.

Morcom’s advice is to “invest in assets that will compound your wealth”.

“If there are tax benefits to that investment that might be good but the reason you’re investing is to grow your wealth not get the tax benefit,” he said.

5. Flexibility makes sense

With fly in fly out being a common occurrence, sometimes flexibility in your affairs makes sense.

From that perspective, building a diverse portfolio of investments, rather than just focussing on one sector, such as property, can be beneficial.

Building flexibility into your plan and being careful with investment choices are the two take-home points here.

“Match the types of investments you build into your plan with the risks of not having work over a certain period of time,” he said.

6. Beware of locking in high levels of debt if you are on contract

There is never a guarantee that con-

tracts are renewable, and you don’t want to be forced to sell assets to repay debt.

When you’re buying property Morcom said a 20 per cent deposit is a good start, it also eliminates lenders mortgage insurance.

“Be careful about the amount of risk you take on if your cash flow is uncertain some time in the future,” he said.

“If you are on a limited term contract you’ve got to be really careful about how much debt you take on unless you have an exit strategy in place.

“Exit strategies are important if you’re buying assets that are large and illiquid.”

THE STAGES OF SAVING 20s-30s • Cash behind you • Saving for a property 30s-40s • Traditionally families start to come along so goals tend to become more orientated around the family unit, including paying off a mortgage or saving for school fees.

40s-50s • Traditionally it is a higher spending time in terms of family spending, putting money away for retirement. www.miningaustralia.com.au

MANUFACTURING FOR MINING

Keech CASTS “W

e’re spending more than seven and a half per cent of our revenue on R&D; this includes a strong commitment to process improvement,” explained Herbert Hermens, CEO since 2008 at Bendigo’s Keech Australia.

Keech is a third-generation Australian maker of castings.

Most of these are wear parts such as ground-engaging tools used in the mining sector, where durability and effectiveness mean big loads of earth and big bucks for the user.

“We know what to do, that improves process, develop new products and leverage our patents. We need to add value for our customers,” said Hermens.

“So the products we produce here have got to be able to be demonstrably value adding. How’s that possible? by making them more efficient, more competitive and simpler.

The company operates two foundries producing heavy metal products designed to burrow into the earth, an exercise with a lot more science and research behind it than the average person might guess.

The last few years have seen Keech outlay millions

upgrading its No. 2 Foundry – with advancements it hopes to bring to the main foundry – as well as open a whollyowned Chilean subsidiary and launch an Innovation and Quality centre. Business Review Weekly last year named Keech regional Australia’s “Most Successful Privately Owned Business”, and described the company as pursuing an “aggressive strategy of innovation, global growth and investment” under Hermens. It exports around 20 per cent of what it makes to markets including Canada, Kazakhstan, Japan, the Middle East and elsewhere.

“Our focus is to build a world-class, world-competitive and sustainable production process here,” Hermens told Australian Mining.

“That’s our absolute commitment to sustain a manufacturing business here in regional Victoria.”

Part of what’s been the result of all these improvements and investment will be available in “the next few months” for those in mining and construction, this has been engineered in response to client-led problems.

From 2 to 1

Hermens described how their foundries have responded to

With both Australian manufacturing and mining taking a hit, how does a mining industry manufacturer grow?

Brent Balinski investigates. demands. “Our No. 2 foundry is a small foundry and it was designed for specialised

The company focuses on producing ground engaging tools and wear parts.

44

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AustralianMining

ITS LOT in mining

products,” Hermens said.

“We’re able to invest close to $4 million in that. In that, it started off with much less, but our ambitions were able to grow.”

The company is able to trial processes at the small foundry before bringing them to the larger one, where better processes that have been trialled can really start to pay off.

“Our No. 2 Foundry has moved from a production of 250 kilograms a day to potentially seven tonnes a day, so the multiple is fantastic and we’re talking about the same type of multiple happening but on a higher scale in our number 1 foundry,” said Hermens.

Chief operating officer Cameron Watts also mentioned the importance of up-

grades – which have included a complete overhaul of what’s done at No. 2, including cooling, moulding and shakeout systems, and enabling workers to recycle almost all of the sand used in production – to the business’s efficiency.

“It was single-cavity, one casting per mould,” he told Australian Mining of the way things have been done.

“Now in the new development of our main foundry we’re talking multi-cavity, and anywhere from four up to eight castings within the one mould as he pointed out, takes the same amount of time to process, so the return on that investment – you need to have the handling equipment to do that at that scale and obviously there’s a lot more output with the same sort of energy.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

Australia

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Q&A

Q and A: CHPP Operator 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 Aaron Breiner, a Coal Handling Preparation Plant Operator on GlencoreXstrata’s Mangoola mine.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What are your primary roles and responsibilities in your job? Give us a day in your working life.

AARON BREINER: I work at the coal

handling and preparation plant at Mangoola. Mainly focused on stockpile dozing and management, as well as control room operations.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What training/

education did you need for your job?

AARON BREINER: I have been work-

ing in and around various CHPP’s for about seven years. GlencoreXstrata’s Mangoola mine provided all of my additional training taht was required for safe operations; such as stockpile dozer training, CHPP process training, and control room training, as well as training in the site’s rules and procedures.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: How did you get

work. I just started working at the Mangoola on the 6th June, earlier this year.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What tools and/ or sofware do you use on a daily basis?

AARON BREINER: I use a number of tools, although the ones I use most are the Leica GPS on stockpile dozers, as well as various hand tools, air tools, and hoses. I typically use Cytec systems program on control room computers.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What is the one thing that you are most proud of in your professional life?

AARON BREINER: Starting work at the

CHPP here at Mangoola.

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What is your

biggest daily challenge?

AARON BREINER: Just working out

where everything goes in the plant.

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

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What is your

AARON BREINER: I spent eight years

AARON BREINER: Getting out of the

working as a contractor throughout the Hunter Valley, mostly in coal handling and preparation plant

biggest career challenge to date?

contractor side of things and that cycle, and getting a full time job with GlencoreXstrata.

Monitoring and surveying the stockpiles are a major part of Breiner’s role.

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AUSTRALIAN MINING: What is your

AUSTRALIAN MINING: What is the big-

AARON BREINER: There are no major frustrations, you just work through it.

downturn.

biggest frustration in your job?

gest challenge facing your business?

AARON BREINER: The coal industry

He had worked at a number of CHPP’s as a contractor prior to his Mangoola position. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

Contractors on the

CHOPPING BLOCK? As companies look for cost savings, high priced labour and contractors are first on the chopping block.

Vicky Validakis reports.

T

he downturn in mining is claiming more victims, and as the boom shrinks, mining service companies continue to bear the brunt of cost-cutting measures across the board.

Earlier this year FTI Consulting warned mining service firms would be hardest hit by the downturn, and even predicted many companies could go under.

“Insolvencies in the mining services sector can be expected to increase due to risk in the coming year,” the report said.

“Although the mining sector is not a large overall employer in Australia, early signs of the mining investment boom drawing to a close can be seen in the dramatic rise in the unemployment rate in Western Australia, from 3.9 per cent in March 2012 to 4.7 per cent in March 2013, or a 20.5 per cent rise.”

The firm’s warning came in the wake of a number of profit downgrades in the mining services sector in the recent past.

This includes UGL, Boart Longyear and Worley Parsons, among others. Ausdrill shares dipped in April after the contractor said profits would fall.

More recently Mackay-based Mastermyne have cut executive wages by a tenth, while two key managerial positions, including its CEO, were cut from the business.

FTI senior managing director Michael Ryan said smaller companies would be affected as it is not as easy for them to diversify their business.

“In Western Australia and Queensland the contraction and slowdown is evident in the mining space and this is flowing on to the mining services guys.

“Unless things improve in terms of commodity prices or sentiment in the mining sector, you could see a fair bit of fallout.”

As miners shift focus from construction to production phases a total of $12 billion has been wiped off the value of Australian listed mining service companies in six months.

According to research conducted 48

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AustralianMining

by Ernst and Young the shake out in the mining services sector will continue over the next 6-12 months as companies adjust to the mining investment slowdown, and miners attempt to improve productivity.

“There have been few receiverships or distressed sales at this point, but we expect this to change in the absence of proactive consolidation and rationalisation across the sector,” EY Oceania corporate restructuring leader Vince Smith said.

The total market capitalisation of the 84 listed mining services companies has declined 16 per cent from December 31 to June 13.

“The reasons behind the downgrades come as no surprise, with the most cited primary reason being deteriorating market conditions, followed by impairment of assets and deferral of projects,” Smith said.

And while we have not yet seen a raft of mining service companies closing down, it is clear that if current trends by the large miners continue, their bottom line will suffer and more jobs will be lost.

Owner-operator models

Various large miners have this year announced plans to move their

Can contractors shore up the industry?

mines away from contractors into owner-operator models.

Analysts say miners are seeing the move as a way to reign in costs, change mine plans at their will, and establish a workforce on their own terms; all moves to increase productivity and keep operations viable.

Giving a speech in Mackay recently BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance asset president Stephen Dumble said the high-cost environment during the peak was not sustainable in the current market, stating the industry mishandled those trying to cash in on the boom.

“We have seen the cost inflate significantly across the entire industry, particularly in the labour and the mining services industry,” Dumble said.

“We have seen our industry overrun by people who all want to chase higher wages, people who were trying to cash in on the boom.

“That is the sort of behaviour that has been created. As an industry, I don’t think that we particularly handled it well.”

Dumble said BMA was looking to take more over-burden work inhouse as a way to curb costs.

“We are looking to increase the productivity of our own truck and shovel fleets so we can displace the need for others to move our dirt,” Dumble said.

“We are establishing very clear performance benchmarks with the productivity.

“We are also moving increasingly towards larger trucks; larger trucks obviously increase the human productivity.”

A spokesperson for the company said BMA was focused on ‘reducing its overheads and operating costs across the business’ which included ‘reviewing contractor arrangements

and making the necessary adjustments to ensure operations can remain cost competitive’.

In early July Downer EDI cut 185 jobs from BMA’s Goonyella Riverside coal mine in Moranbah after BMA advised it will be transitioning a portion of pre-strip activity at Goonyella from contractor to owner-operator.

While eighty workers were cut from Crinum underground coal mine in April after mining contractor Redpath reduced its crew numbers.

A number of contractors were also cut from the company’s Saraji and Blackwater coal mines.

The foray into in-sourcing is also apparent at BHP’s iron ore operations in Western Australia where talks are reportedly underway with contractors at Mt Whaleback and other operations in the Pilbara in order to retake control of the contract workforce.

The move to change its WA iron ore business from contractor mined to owner-operator mining became apparent in 2011 when BHP acquired Leighton Holdings’ HWE Mining, taking 2500 staff and plant and equipment back to its books.

And similar moves continue to take place across the country, further depressing the mining services sector.

GlencoreXstrata have announced they will take control of the Collinsville Coal Mine away from Thiess as it pushes for the project to turn a profit.

By taking over the mine, Xstrata said it hoped to “restore the mine’s viability”.

Only a day later Peabody and Yancoal also reached a joint venture agreement to take control of Middlemount mine away from service contractor NRW. In a statement released last month, Continued on page 50 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Continued from page 48

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During the boom, many say contractors were able to charge pretty much what they wanted, which led to exorbitant costs for labour and equipment hire. But with the all eyes turned on doing more while spending less, those who can undercut in price are winning out, effectively changing the way mining service companies do business.

Leighton were booted off the Peak Down coal mine in Queensland two years earlier than expected as BHP replaced them with HSE Mining.

The company expects to lose more than $260 million of work over the next two years as a result of the decision and said it would be entitled to compensation for the early termination.

In further bad news the contractor also lost out to continue work at the Challenger gold mine, a project worth an estimated $275 million.

New Macmahon Holdings chief executive Ross Carroll said profit margins were getting tighter.

“We are already feeling it through some of our contract extensions – it’s something we’re prepared for and we’ll have to manage,” he said.

“Certain pockets of the industry make high margins, but I think even in a good year for us we would make a 4 per cent after-tax margin,” he said.

“Some of the smaller niche players have been getting very high margins.

“But if you look at Leighton, Downer and ourselves the margins are very slim. We haven’t been reaping all these benefits through the boom, it tends to be the owners that do that.”

Job losses

The human face of the downturn is huge, and the fallout is seemingly endless.

By our count, close to 1500 contract workers across the country have been affected by decisions to shelve projects or move to owner-operator models.

This has created more people out of work than the industry is looking for at the moment, making it increasingly hard for people to access work, especially in condensed mining communities.

CFMEU spokesperson Steve Pierce said communities were struggling with job losses and accused both miners and contract service companies of overstating the downturn as an excuse to cut workers. Pierce said while the mining industry was keen to cut workers at early signs of volatility, it could also be caught “whinging and moaning” about the lack of skilled labour.

“These people are taxpayers, they’ve got children, they’ve got families to support – they are hit with the higher cost of living, living in the mining community,” he said.

Looking ahead

While the EY report suggests the downturn will continue to affect mining service companies for the next 12 months, it’s not all doom and gloom for the companies who are able to diversify.

Tim Miles, chairman of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce, said mining businesses “need to look at reducing labour costs and that actually means reducing wages”.

Once mining services and miners can begin to run more efficiently, they will make attractive investment opportunities when the commodity prices return. Many will look to concentrate on growing in Asia for their future progress. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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METS to make up the difference In the face of the downturn, mining services companies are still managing to grow. Alex Heber writes.

W

hile miners duck for cover, cut costs, shed employees and shelve projects, Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services sector is growing and going global.

The METS sector is estimated to be worth over $90 billion dollars and directly employs more people than the mining sector; with the last count coming in at 386,000 people.

“The METS sector represents the mining jobs of the future,” METS advocate and former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said at a recent industry event.

“This sector will create the dynamic, high tech, highly innovative jobs that are needed to engage those young people and ensure continued employment growth for generations to come.”

As an industry it is estimated there are between There are between 1200 and 1500 METS companies servicing the Australian mining sector.

1200 and 1500 METS companies which produce tech- tor are small to medium en- the resources sector is impor- tor is bubbling with ideas and nologically advanced, glob- terprises, employing fewer tant, Austmine advisor on forging ahead it is facing a ally competitive products than 100 workers; the ma- strategy and policy Christine number of concerning hurand services for the mining jority have an agile structure Gibbs Stewart told Austral- dles. sector. with 46 per cent working in ian Mining.

“The Australian dollar A recent report on the more than one phase of the “While there’s been cut and the cost of doing busiMETS sector conducted by its mining lifecycle, covering back in the mining sector, ness is eating into the profits peak body Austmine found operations, design and con- there’s still opportunities,” of some companies and de84 per cent of METS com- struction, exploration, reme- she said. creasing cash flow,” Austpanies are Australian owned, diation, and feasibility.

Especially as miners move mine explained. with the majority located in Working across a mine’s away from focussing on ex“Cheap imports are New South Wales, Western lifecycle mitigates the risk of ploration and construction, causing competitive tensions Australia and Queensland. market fluctuations, which moving towards operations and making it difficult not AThe M 0 8survey 1 3 _ 0reports 0 0 _ Eal-A S in - the1 highly 2 0 1cyclical 3 - 0 7 and - 1 1 T 1 5production : 5 3 : 0activities.

1 + 1 0 : 0 0 just to compete, but remain and most two thirds of the sec- sometimes volatile nature of Although the METS sec- in business.”

52

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But Gibbs Stewart said the recent drop of the Australian dollar, falling below parity with the US dollar, will also make exporting easier and provide some relief for Australian METS companies.

Dreaming up solutions for the mining sector, METS companies span manufacturing, engineering and consulting services and the majority are advocates for sourcing local content, the survey reports 78 per cent of firms’ suppliers are located in Australia.

But according to Austmine’s survey METS companies are globally focussed with over 55 per cent currently exporting their wares to world, totalling $27 billion in exports, and of those who don’t export 18 per cent said it’s on the cards in the next two years.

As miners move out of the construction phase and into the production phase and commodity prices soften, productivity and efficiency gains are crucial for a plump bottom line.

The METS sector develops products that cuts costs and lifts productivity but as it stands today it faces a number of barriers.

“Australia lacks the industry structure to allow the solutions sitting with METS Continued on page 54

www.miningaustralia.com.au

CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

Continued from page 52

companies who tend to be small, they’re SMEs, to feed into the enterprise level operations of your mines,” Beattie explained.

As asset owners miners have a role to play in removing the obstacles facing METS companies so they may provide the mining sector with the solutions it needs.

“This role involves collaborating with innovative METS providers, and sharing risks in a different way,” he said.

It is estimated only 53 per cent of METS collaborate with mining companies.

“Growing trends show increased aggregation of supply chains and an increasing desire to reduce supplier numbers in an attempt to reduce costs, and of course risks,” he said.

“In a traditional boom/ bust cycle this works, however in the current environment this approach can’t work because you need innovation in your supply chains and aggressive collaboration is the key to that.”

Beattie explained for miners and METS to collaborate the innovation capacity of the mining sector needs to be mapped out.

He said this requires strong and open dialogue to understand the issues miners currently face and expect to face in the future.

The second thing Beattie says needs happen in order to improve METS prospects is miners need to increase the opportunities for “more field trials”.

“Again solution providers need to work directly with you, and be able to have direct support to prove their technology with your assets,” he said.

“The only way you can do that is in the field.”

And it doesn’t stop there; Beattie called for heightened innovation around procurement and contractor relationships.

“We need tier one suppliers to move beyond the use of procurement templates, and share risks with supplier firms to encourage 54

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AustralianMining

More than half of all METS companies collaborate directly with mining companies.

rapid innovation adoption,” he said.

“This will require very strong collaboration and new engagement models between mining customers, key suppliers, SME innovators and research providers.”

In short for METS to continue on its growth trajectory it needs miners to become early adopters and trial Australian innovations.

“This will require taking a different approach to risk, but there is more at risk for the mining industry if it doesn’t act in this way now,” Beattie said.

He explained that the current rate of innovation adoption is approximately 15 years which he said “is too long”.

Jokingly exclaiming on the morning before the La-

bor party ousted former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, that by the time today’s innovations are implemented “we’re going to have Kevin Rudd’s great grandson running the country”.

He explained that “METS companies and government need to work together to accelerate this to something like five years which is reasonable”.

A major focus has been on increasing the levels of local content and services found on mine sites.

“Surely we can get it down from 15, that’s just crazy.”

Establishing a unified front and embarking on aggressive collaboration is necessary for the relatively young METS sector.

“We spend about $4 billion on R&D but frankly government needs to put in more, in partnership with mining, to help you [mining companies] deliver what you want in terms of cost cuts,” Beattie said.

But Beattie conceded METS is “an industry that needs to be better understood in public life”.

Investment in innovation and entrepreneurial skills can help Australia regain its competitive edge and unshackle the economy, Austmine says the METS sector realises this, spending over $1.6 billion in R&D in the 2012 financial year.

Beattie estimates about 50 per cent of global economic growth will come from knowledge.

“That’s why an industry like METS is going to be an industry of the future,” he said.

Australia’s coal sector has recently accused uncertain government policy, complicated and duplicated regulatory approvals processes, and the high Aussie dollar of diminishing the sector’s global competitiveness.

Beattie said for miners to maintain a strong competitive edge METS companies need to continue to flourish, developing technically advanced solutions for Australian operations.

Mine owners need to play a “strong role in collaborating with METS and government and the supply communities to progress the structural issues inhibiting cost reductions, productivity increases, and innovation,” Beattie said.

“We can’t expect to maintain this position without continuing to identify and address issues as we grow, and the economic environment changes,” he said.

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CONTRACT MINING, ENGINEERING & SERVICES

A good DECLINE One contractor is fighting against the downturn, by helping mines transform from open cuts into underground operations. Cole Latimer reports.

A

ustralian mining contractors a great success at Dugald, and set a have been hit particularly new development record and brohard in the last six months. ken our own records in the proJob cuts across the board, mas- cess”. sive redundancies, and work awards It first started in July 2011, under have been reduced.

Barminco’s joint venture with AusYet despite this overhanging drill – African Underground Mining cloud of gloom amidst an ever in- Services (AUMS). creasing body count, one Australian Typically crews operating a jumunderground contractor is still seeing bo underground advance between Moving underground It’s figures like these that provide the upsides in the face of the down- 200 and 300 metres a month. turn.

However three crews working on Stokes’ belief in contractors on site, Barminco, an underground hard a single jumbo managed to achieve which may become a rarer thing as rock focused company, is not only 603 metres advance in a single more mines look towards the ownsurging ahead during this time but month, fully bolted and meshed as er/operator model to cut costs and bring more profits within their own has still managed to set records. per Australian standards.

Operating at MMG’s Dugald Now it has smashed its own re- business.

As it stands only around half of River mine, the contractor managed cord. to once again raise the bar and even “We did 700 metres advance with Australian mines outsource their acsurpass the previous operational re- a single jumbo in one month,” Stokes tual mining work.

This gets even smaller when takcord it set in Africa. told Australian Mining.

Peter Stokes, Barminco’s newly “The best part is that we deliv- ing into account Barminco’s singuinstalled these A M 0 8 managing 1 3 _ 0 0 0director, _ P I L told 1 ered 2 0 1 3 production - 0 7 - 1 2numbers T 1 0 : with1 0 : 2 lar 1 +focus 1 0 : on 0 0the underground hard rock sector.

Australian Mining that “we’ve had out sacrificing on safety.”

“It’s a relatively tight market,” stokes explained, “while there are only eight underground focused contractors, there are only really three in our space – us, Pybar, and Byrnecut”.

Yet despite this Stokes is positive about contractors’ future in Australia.

He went on to say that “we are seeing a great trend towards underground contracting, and the fact that our techniques are getting better is only helping this”.

Continued on page 58

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sidered carrying out another IPO, after the previous $600 million listing failed in 2011 due to “unfavourable and volatile market conditions”, Stokes dismissed the idea for now.

While Barminco “have the ability to [carry out a listing] now, and the first [IPO] fell around the time of the Greek crisis, we would still be a few years out looking at the current climate”.

It is also looking overseas for other growth opportunities.

While it already has the joint venture AUMS business in Africa, Stokes stated that “our next step outside Australia will be into Asia, although part of our two year plan also includes looking at Latin American,” he added.

Acquisitions could also be in the pipeline for the contractor.

“Our first thought would be partner for work in South America, in a similar fashion to Ausdrill in Africa, as going into Latin America brings a number of new challenges, and whether we partner up or buy a local company to get a foot in the market.”

Bringing the focus back to Australia, Stokes said the company could look towards consolidation in the underground market to expand its current services, “potentially into raise boring”.

Continued from page 56

“In Australia we are still growing our portfolio, and the future is looking good as we are seeing more massive open cut mines move to underground operations,” he said.

Part of this is the current quest to reduce costs, and as a response the declining ore grades.

In fact in the last year in Australia Xstrata’s enormous Ernest Henry pit made the move to underground, while Chile’s famed Chiquicamata – an operation that has been mined as an open cut for more than 500 years and even appears on the currency, is even moving underground.

“Tropicana is also a surface mine that will likely go underground to access higher grades, and even long term mines such as the Freeport-Grasberg mine in Indonesia is shifting; they spent 25 years doing surface mining and will now last another 40 to 50 years as an underground operation – these are massive operations making the move to underground and it bodes well for companies like us,” Stokes said.

Closer to home Barminco has been working at AngloGold’s Sunrise Dam for the past five years to help it move underground.

Importantly, he added, Australians also have the skills to make this shift, as they have the experience in creating decline mines, which are cheaper to develop than conveyor or shaft mines.

“Decline mining is definitely an Australian capability which is being pushed out (particularly in Africa), as declines are more cost and infrastructure advantageous compared to shaft mining,” Stokes said.

In making the shift underground “it’s all about how deep you go, and decline mining makes more sense going around one to two kilometres underground, A M 0 8 1 3 however _ 0 0 0 _anything M A C 1 be-low that you’d look at conveyor or

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The future Barminco set another new drilling record at Dugald River.

Barminco recently carried out a five year high yield bond in the US which extended its loan facility by six months.

It looked to the US as “Australian banks are more conservative than US banks due to sovereign risk, and UK bonds get Africa more, which is Growth on the horizon why we went to a high yield bond While there is growth in Australia, which can allow us to refocus on many contractors have had to look our business, and it was very sucoverseas open 1 2 0 1to3regions - 0 7 -more 3 0 T 1 0 to : 3fi-5 : cessful,” 2 8 + 1 0he: told 0 0 Australian Mining. nancial investment in mining.

When asked if the company con-

shaft operations,” he told Australian Mining.

He went on to say that “we are seeing a great trend towards underground contracting, and the fact that our techniques are getting better is only helping this”.

The contractor is marching out of time with the rest of the market, and being successful because of it.

“There are these opportunities to grow that we are seeing in greenfields, and convincing owner operators to let us do [the mining],” Stokes explained.

With the ability to continually raise the bar and set new benchmarks, while at the same time aiding the greater shift into underground mining, it will likely be an easier job convincing these mine owners as time rolls on.

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DEEP-SEA MINING

AN ALTERNATIVE:

Deep-sea tailings placement

Terrestrial mining, particularly in congested locations or on islands, does not leave much room for tailings management.

However there could be an alternative.

D

eep-sea mine tailings place- are to sink to the seabed and remain disputes, which are prevalent in some ment (DSTP) is an alternative there. countries. to land-based mine-waste Although not always appropridisposal, whereby mineral ore is con- ate, when compared to the capital The DSTP method verted into slurry and transported and operational costs of on-land Submarine tailings disposal (STD) has via a pipeline to processing plants impoundments, this type of tailings been utilised at over 13 coastal minlocated at the coast, with the result- disposal can be very economical. ing sites around the world to date ant waste being discharged into very DSTP is therefore gaining favour in (some have now ceased operations). deep water offshore. Specific topo- the light of catastrophic dam failures However, most of these have involved graphical and hydrodynamic condi- and in the face of land-availability, disposal into shallow or coastal waMA 0 8 1 3 _ 0 4 2 _ F E R 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 8 T1 5 : 1 6 : 0 9 + 1 0 : 0 0 tions must exist if the mine tailings 1 land-use value and land-ownership ters, resulting in severe environmental

damage and tarnishing the reputation of STD as environmentally viable waste management option. ‘Deep’ STP should be distinguished by the discharge of tailings slurry into deeper waters, – well below the mixed layer and the reach of sunlight in the water column (the so-called ‘euphotic zone’), with tailings settling below a depth of 1000m or more.

Mines that have, or are still uti-

P Find

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Evaluate

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DEEP-SEA MINING

lising DSTP include Island Copper and Kitsault Mines in Canada, Black Angel in Greenland, Cayeli Bakir in Turkey, Batu Hijau in Indonesia, and Misima, Lihir and Ramu mines in Papua New Guinea.

If DSTP methodology is engineered correctly, tailings slurry should form a turbidity current which flows coherently, with minimal dispersion, until it reaches the edge of a steepening, or more ideally an underwater ‘drop-off’. From here, the mixture continues in a gravity-assisted descent along the seafloor for as long as it remains denser than the surrounding water. The slope of the seabed must be steep enough to maintain the flow of tailings down the slope, allowing the tailings to move to deeper areas rather than accumulating at the outfall site.

As the tailings slurry descends, it becomes diluted and dissipates with increasing distance from the pipeline due to entrainment of seawater and frictional losses.

For DSTP to be successful there should be very little or no risk at the deposition site of hazardous amounts of tailings ‘upwelling’ back into shallow waters, where toxic components may enter the food chain. For this reason, feasibility studies and site selection require a detailed knowledge of both the seafloor topography and the regional hydrography. The need for robust environmental baselines to be conducted early, as part of feasibility studies is of paramount importance to both risk-assessment and site-selection exercises, which must be conducted by mining companies as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.

be greater than the maximum depth of the surface mixed layer, euphotic zone, and the upwelling zone to maximise stable deposition on the seafloor.

• Absence of upwelling or seasonal overturning: to prevent tailings resuspension into surface waters.

• Siting in a low energy environment: to reduce the likelihood of pipe breaks and reduce the formation of subsurface tailings plumes and re-suspension of deposited tailings.

• Deep water receiving environment: should be a soft bottom depositional area.

• Low productivity environment: to reduce the potential impact on marine resources, such as fisheries/ shellfish.

Given the above criteria, suitable sites for DSTP exist principally on oceanic islands and archipelagos where very deep water occurs close to shore, such as mine sites in Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. However, suitable sites also exist off several mainland coastlines worldwide, including Australia.

International Protocol and National Policy Development As the tailings descend they become diluted and dissipate.

DSTP centers on appropriate sitethe topography is suitable (in some selection for tailings discharge. Coninstances tailings are piped up to sideration of the following environ150km). mental attributes can help to de-risk • Suitable bathymetry and physical the process of deep-sea tailings placeoceanography: steep-sided submament for mines where DSTP is a virine slopes, canyons, or naturallyable option: excised deep-water channels near Best practice for DSTP • Accessibility to the coast: tailings to the coast.

M A 0 8 1Best 3 _ practice 0 4 3 _ F R application 2 2 0 of 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 8 T1 5 : 1 6 : 4 6 + 1 0 : 0 0 inEthe can be piped overland providing • The pipeline discharge depth: should

Australia regulates the disposal of waste at sea under the Environment Protection Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act) by: • Prohibiting ocean disposal of waste considered too harmful to be released in the marine environment, and • Regulating permitted waste disposal to ensure environmental impacts are minimised.

Continued on page 62

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DEEP-SEA MINING

Continued from page 61

The Sea Dumping Act also fulfils Australia’s international obligations under the London Convention and Protocol: The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution

by Dumping of Waste and Other Matter, 1972 (London Convention) and its updated version, the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Waste and Other Matter, (London Protocol) are the primary international instruments to protect the world’s oceans from pollution. There are currently 42 parties to the London Protocol. This includes Australia, New Zealand and in 2012 the Philippines, but not yet Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG is a signatory of the London Convention however).

Unlike the London Convention, which lists materials that may not be dumped, the London Protocol prohibits all dumping, except for certain wastes named on a “reverse list”.

The Protocol does allow for marine disposal of ‘inert, inorganic geological material,’ but this does not include mine waste, as tailings have not been shown to be ‘inert’.

Technically however, neither the London Convention nor Protocol deals with discharges from land, only with ‘dumping’ at sea.

For this reason, government authorities must themselves evaluate tailings management alternatives, setting-out the terms of any permits to discharge tailings into the marine environment. Since environmental legislation, regulations, and permitting processes vary from country to country, this means that different decision-making processes, reviewing different levels of scientific evidence exist across the permitting process worldwide.

SRSL has undertaken a number of environmental impact studies of DSTP, which include Misima (now closed) and Lihir (operational) mines in Papua New Guinea (20072010), as well as several environmental baseline surveys of Basamuk (2008-2012), the site of the now operational Ramu Nickel mine processing plant.

The aim of these projects has been to investigate the effects of DSTP in a bid to sustain PNG’s economic performance through mineral production and exports, alleviate poverty, increase employment opportunities and mitigate mine-induced environmental impacts.

In so doing, SRSL was funded by the European Commission (8th Euro62

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The impacts of DSTP is extremely site dependent.

pean Development Fund, 2007-2010) to produce ‘best-practice’ guidelines for DSTP on behalf of the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Mineral Resource Authority in PNG. The general guidelines that were produced by SRSL in 2010 have since been accepted by the PNG government and are presently being included as regulation within PNG’s legislation. The International Marine Organisation (IMO) and the Scientific Group of the London Protocol have also ‘acknowledged’ the guidelines.

Environmental Impacts and SiteSpecific Guidelines

The potential environmental impacts of DSTP are irrefutably significant but at the same time extremely sitedependent; the result of complex and interacting biogeochemical, ecological, topographical and oceanographic conditions. Under some of these conditions, DSTP may be the waste management option with the

least impact out of several alternative tailings placement strategies available. In other situations DSTP would be environmentally irresponsible. For example, DSTP operations in areas experiencing oceanographic upwelling have the potential to impact shallow coastal waters, reefs and fisheries.

As with land-based tailings storage, the principal environmental impact of deep-sea tailings discharge is the alteration of the physical environment at the location where the tailings are deposited (smothering organisms residing within the trajectory of the tailings density plume and inhabiting the final deposition area). In the deep sea, secondary effects relate to the toxicity of metals and process chemicals for deep-sea organisms, and the progressive concentration of these toxins up foodchain. For this reason, chemical and biological characterisation of sample mine tailings and their potential

impacts on water, sediment quality, biological resources and ecosystems are fundamental aspects of the environmental impact assessment process for DSTP. Independent scientific studies of current DSTP practices play an important role in supporting regulatory authorities in the production of site-specific guidelines, to be imposed upon DSTP operations at the time of permitting. In recent years, SRSL has authored independent sitespecific guidelines relating to a number of mines. These guidelines have enabled regulatory bodies to tailor their permitting processes to the unique character of a proposed site and its specific marine environment, through stipulating the most relevant Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) requirements.

As DSTP continues to be practiced, a growing body of scientific knowledge on the physical and biogeochemical effects of tailings in the marine environment is emerging.

Several long-term monitoring studies, including those undertaken by SRSL, reveal recolonisation of mine tailings deposits on the ocean floor in relatively short timescales after mine closure (one to ten years, depending upon local conditions). Full ‘recovery’ however, has not been demonstrated, even after 10 years. This is largely due to different species and community structures in re-colonised areas compared to un-impacted sites.

Marine scientists at SRSL continue to analyse the substantial data set resulting from surveys conducted in PNG and are set to publish new findings later this year addressing long-term environmental impacts of DSTP; information which is expected to be of significant interest to the mining industry.

Conclusions

The fundamental objective of any waste management strategy should be the safe, stable, and economical storage of tailings, while presenting negligible public health, safety and social impacts, and minimal environmental damage.

The case for DSTP as a disposal option can only be justified following full analysis and risk-assessment of all disposal options available.

Nevertheless, greater awareness of potential environmental impacts and better informed site-selection by mining companies can help reduce risk.

Combining this best practice approach with implementation of sitespecific guidelines by regulatory authorities should drive improvements in DSTP standards worldwide. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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INDONESIA/PNG SPOTLIGHT

PICKING UP THE PIECES: Indonesian mine collapse Malavika Santhebennur investigates the aftermath of a tunnel collapse at one of the world’s largest mines.

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reeport McMoRan’s Grasberg mine is both the biggest gold mine and the third largest copper mine in the world. Located in the remote highlands of the Sudirman Mountain range in Papua, Indonesia, the minerals region includes open pit and underground mines.

According to Freeport, prediction is to accelerate over the years to around 240 000 tonnes of ore a day after the expected underground transition from the Grasberg open pit in 2017, and a bright future is forecast.

But the copper gold mine has been plagued with problems over the past couple of years. In October 2011 workers went on strike demanding increase in pay.

Seventy per cent of the workforce went on strike for three months, blocking roads, fighting police and cutting pipelines at several locations.

They only agreed to return to work once the wage dispute was settled.

Around 1100 workers again went on strike over wage disputes earlier this year. The workers, mainly subcontractors, put down tools and demanded better pay.

But the most recent incident to befall Grasberg mine was the worst, and something from which it is still attempting to recover. A tunnel col-

lapsed on May 14, instantly killing two workers and trapping another 31, with the final death toll climbing to 28.

The group were training in a classroom at the Big Gossan underground training facility when the tunnel caved in.

Falling rocks hampered the rescue process, as teams attempted to stabilise the ground and roof in the tunnel. Rescuers could see people amongst the rubble but could not reach them due to the mine instability and danger of further collapse.

While ten injured workers were initially saved, nine others were still missing or feared dead.

All operations stopped the day after the collapse in solidarity with the victims and to focus on rescue work.

Around 1000 workers barricaded a main road about three kilometres away from the mine site to show support for the victims.

They also wanted increased safety in the underground facility.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered Freeport and government agencies to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the accident.

Indonesian government officials Continued on page 66 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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INDONESIA/PNG SPOTLIGHT

Minister Jero Wacik recently told The Jakarta Post that despite concerns, the mine is ‘safe enough’.

He said while the hillside site needs ‘close attention’, its open-pit mine is still safe for operations.

Wacik said Freeport wrote a letter to the Indonesian government asking for permission to resume open-pit mining.

Continued from page 64

and a Freeport spokesman said the company cannot resume production at the copper mine until investigations are completed.

“The investigations team formed by the government arrived in Tembagapura yesterday morning [May 30] and I hear reports from the site that they have started by going to ground zero and doing investigations there,” Freeport Indonesia corporate communications chief Daisy Primayanti said.

“They are indicating to us that they will be completing the investigation in two months.”

Following investigation the company suspended four senior employees, including three foreigners, after employees blamed them for the tunnel collapse.

Moving on

The collapsed tunnel trapped miners in Grasberg’s underground training facility/

contractual responsibilities due to “The resumption of production acevents beyond its control. tivities is being conducted in a phased Prior to the collapse another mine Freeport estimates impact on pro- approach,” the company explained. worker died early June after a safety duction between May 15 and June 21 “Open-pit and milling operations violation, leading a union head to tell was around 115 million pounds of have commenced initially and underits members to stop work at the cop- copper and 115,000 ounces of gold. ground operations are expected to be per mine.

That amounts to 3 million pounds of ramped up upon further approvals Freeport union official Virgo So- copper and 3000 ounces of gold a day and inspections from the Department lossa demanded all activity be sus- for the 38-day period. of Energy and Mineral Resources.” pended at the site and called for an “PT-FI is actively working with The company said it has carried investigation into safety systems. government authorities on a return out safety inspections in its operaThis incident was under investi- to full operations and will update tions and is working with governgation at the same time. its production outlook as additional ment authorities to begin operations “(Freeport must) stop all produc- information becomes available,” the as soon as possible. tion activities except for maintenance company said in a statement.

“At the beginning of course, there until the results of the independent Further suspension of under- will only be a very, very small amount investigation are completed,” Energy ground operations would have cost the of production because we have to preand Mineral Resources Ministry di- company one million pounds of cop- pare everything and gradually increase rector minerals Dede Suhendra said per and 1,000 ounces of gold a day. production,” Freeport Indonesian in a text message.

But the Indonesian government al- president director Rozik Soetjipto said.

The company called for force lowed Freeport to resume operations Freeport is starting underground majeure on shipments from Grasberg once state officials completed their operations on July 10, after receiving in June under its concentrate sales investigation a month after the tunnel permission from the energy ministry.

A D _ A MI E C A P R _ 1 3 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 1 / 0 3 / 1 3 , 1 0 : 0 7 : 0 8 AM AEDT agreements, saying it could not meet collapse.

Energy and Mineral Resources

Safety compromised

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Meanwhile contract renegotiations between Freeport Indonesia and the government are back on the table after being suspended following the tunnel collapse.

Trade minister Gita Wirjawan is one of the members of the negotiating group, led by chief economics minister Hatta Rajasa.

Wirjawan is looking to wrap up discussions as quickly as possible, and hopes “that there will be a meeting of minds between both sides”.

However the Indonesian government wants a larger share of royalty payments, a pledge on domestic processing, and more divestment by foreign miners as part of its new mining negotiations. These requirements have delayed contract renegotiations. Now on the back foot, Freeport does not wish to invest in a new underground mine unless it has a new contract with Indonesia after 2021. Open-pit mining at Grasberg will finish in 2016, five years before its current mining contract expires, leaving both the company and the government empty handed. Recalling the collapse Wirjawan said: “It is tragic what happened, but Indonesia needs to be cognizant of where it needs to be going forward as an economic relevance to the world.”

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Minerals processing GOING GREEN A new, sustainable processing treatment is helping miners to become more environmentally friendly.

C

SIRO has come up with a minium concentrations. This means new, sustainable treatment that we can create hydrotalcites utifor removing contaminants lising common contaminants that are from mining wastewater. already present in the wastewater, by The treatment solution uses hy- simply adjusting their concentrations drotalcites to overcome complexi- and adding alkaline compounds to ties of lime-based methods and of- rapidly increase the pH level.� fers a more water smart process.

The process initially focused on CSIRO senior principal research treating wastewater from mining and scientist Dr Grant Douglas said the extraction of uranium. It has removed team found hydrotalcites, which are contaminants such as uranium, rare so it does not have the same level of layered minerals that have alumini- earth elements, transition metals, met- handling and final disposal problems. um, and magnesium-rich layers, can alloids and anions (negatively charged Water consumption can also be simultaneously remove contaminants molecules such as arsenate). lowered through this process. Dougin wastewater in a single step. “This process purifies the waste- las said the hydrotalcites-treated wa“We realised that hydrotalcites be- water from mines in a faster, more ef- ter can be recycled back into the plant gin to form when aluminium and mag- fective way that does not require large to reduce water cost used in mining nesium are present at an ideal ratio amounts of infrastructure or difficult operations. and under conditions during neutrali- chemistry to achieve it,� Douglas said.

This also means less water will be sation of acidic waters. As hydrotalCentrifugation is used to remove drawn from the environment such as cites form, the contaminants become the hydrotalcites, leaving behind a from the groundwater near the mine. trapped and are easily removed from cleaner sludge and a lot less of it. Ini“Around the world the minerals the wastewater as a solid,� he said. tial tests revealed the treatment pro- industry is keen to find more efficient often A“Mining M 0 8 1 3wastewater _ 0 0 0 _ Q M W con1 duces 2 0 around 1 3 - 080 7 -to1 90 9 Tper 1 5cent : 0 less 5 : 1 ways 3 + 1to 0 :treat 0 0 their wastewater and tains substantial magnesium and alu- sludge than lime-based treatments – reduce their environmental footprint.

“With the inherent technical advantages and added benefits of using hydrotalcites, there’s a high likelihood of the mining industry adopting this technology globally,�

Douglas said.

Commercialisation of the technology is under way with Australian company Virtual Curtain.

The treatment can also reprocess and recover commodities and produce ore-grade material out of the contaminants. The material can be fed back into the recovery process to recover more metals.

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

New use for old coal Previously useless coal may be the key to our energy future.

C

oal seam gas is often touted as the energy source of the future, And as the coal gasification market grows, coal deposits previously ranked of low value can become a marketable resource.

But the question remains, how do we know whether a previously ‘useless’ source of coal may be perfect for coal gasification?

CSIRO has developed an experimental database and modelling toolkit for making assessments of the suitability of coals for gasification technologies.

“Traditionally, coals have been selected for their tendency to not slag or foul boiler tubes in combustion power stations,” senior research scientist at CSIRO Dr Alexander Ilyushechkin explained.

“However, with the gasification market, which relies heavily on a slagging coal, set to increase in the coming years, significant coal deposits are likely to become more marketable.”

He said there are more than 130 gasification installations around the world using over 50 million tonnes of coal each year.

He cited the US Gasification Technologies Council and said this will climb by more than 70 per cent in the next three years.

“This provides a growing export potential for Australian coals, which will increase the value of the coal resource and extend the life of the mine.”

Recent study by CSIRO for the Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development agency showed slags produced from gasification are apt for product manufacturing such as concrete production.

It also showed their environmental impact in terms of leaching of heavy metals is miniscule.

Using its database of coal slag viscosity, CSIRO can analyse and assess coal in terms of its slagging behaviour and assist coal producers in valuing their resources by matching them to different gasification technologies.

It is based on measurements of slag viscosity behaviour for hundreds of different coals and artificial ashes. It can be used to gauge the behaviour of a particular fuel’s mineral matter under conditions relevant to the leading gasification technologies.

CSIRO can directly measure the viscosity of slags at temperatures up to 1600°C, giving an insight into how the slag will behave in a gasifier and pinpointing the cause of any problematic behaviour.

This is the best way for typifying slag flow behaviour and for determining optimum amount of flux that could be added to improve perforSlagging coal is now becoming more useful. mance. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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2 :

URANIUM

Grabbing the bull

BY THE HORNS

In a historic move, WA has granted final approvals for its first uranium mine. Vicky Validakis speaks with Toro Energy and uncovers the state of Australian uranium.

T

oro Energy’s Wiluna mine is set to become Western Australia’s first ever uranium producer after the federal government approved final environmental grants in April 2013.

Toro is in a bid for partners to help fund the $269 million Wiluna project and have previously stated if financing arrangements go to plan the mine will be in production by the end of 2015.

The Wiluna resource holds 54 million pounds of uranium, with Toro planning to mine the Lake Way and Centipede deposits over a 14 year life span.

The mine will process 1.3 million tonnes of ore annually, and produce around 820 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate.

Demand

While the spot price of uranium has been sluggish in recent months, Toro’s managing director Dr. Vanessa Guthrie believes the sector is on the edge of an uptrend which will see demand rise along with longterm prices.

“The uranium price in the mar70

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ket is positioned on the cusp of a growth spurt and is on the edge of something that’s very exciting,” Guthrie told Australian Mining.

“There are some clear signals right now that we think will shift sentiment.”

One of those signals is the number of nuclear power plants being built around the world. The World Nuclear Association said there are 28 plants being in built in China with a further 266 planned or proposed plants around the globe.

While the other signal centres around the Japanese reactor restart program which is expected to be open for business in twelve months.

“This will shift sentiment towards the back end of this year towards a more positive one,” Guthrie said.

She predicts the market will rebound by 2016-2017 and with no new mines set to come into production before then, Wiluna is wellplaced to supply the shortfall expected around the globe.

“Because there’s no new production you get to 2016-2017 and you see this increase in demand but

no new supply available that is not already committed,” Guthrie explained.

And while much has been made of the lagging spot prices, Guthrie said Toro are more interested in long-term contract prices which are currently closing in on $60/lb.

Guthrie said nuclear energy has an important role to play in the energy needs of the emerging economies like China and India, and it was the needs of these countries which means uranium production in Australia needs to ramp up.

In a speech last month Resource Minister Gary Gray said as world energy demands increase, Australia is in the perfect position to supply more uranium.

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

The Australian Uranium Association predicts that if the uranium industry is able to reach its full potential, exports will increase from 9,000 tonnes a year to 28, 500 tonnes a year.

“Nuclear [capabilities] has a significant role to play in shifting those emerging economies from a high carbon emission base load to a lower one,” Guthrie said.

“Their base load energy requirements cannot be met in the climate change world by renewables alone: it has to be combined with a sustainable long-term base load and if you are in a carbon constrained world the best of those choices is nuclear from a carbon emissions point of view.

“The contribution even a small mine like Wiluna can make is a signal that Australia has an opportunity to not only maintain uranium production but to grow it and when you put that into the world of global climate change concerns I think that’s the really exciting part about addressing world energy needs that Wiluna provides.”

Working with the local community

While the proposed mine has seen protests from a small group of antinuclear activists, Guthrie said that Continued on page 72 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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URANIUM

Continued from page 70

discussion with local community groups and Traditional Owners had been well received.

“We have been talking to the Traditional Owners for about four years,” Guthrie said.

Part of the talks centre around direct employment at the mine through a cleanskin program, employment with contractors, and also the establishment of new businesses in the area which will be able to provide services during operation.

“Other benefits that we would like to generate are more around community development which will be established by what the Traditional Owners particularly want for themselves.”

Toro have faced consistent opposition from a small group of antiuranium activists who do not want to see the metal extracted.

The offices of the company have been the target of vandals, while protests often occur outside.

Late last year, around seven protestors were allowed into the company’s reception area where they emptied three bags of dyed yellow sand onto the floor and spread it throughout the office, emulating yellow cake.

Protesters were also at the company’s annual general meeting in Adelaide to try and change the mind of shareholders regarding uranium mining.

Guthrie said the company had been open in sharing information with anti-nuclear groups and called on the groups to let Toro get on with its business.

“We have a view that we respect

The mine is located extremely close to transportation, in WA’s Goldfields region.

their right to a voice; I don’t believe that they are respecting our right to peacefully get on with our business when they come and threaten and intimidate our staff,” Guthrie said.

“I believe that we should also be respected in that we have been through a very rigorous government assessment process at both a state and federal level.”

Guthrie said nuclear energy was still largely misunderstood in Australia and this led to misinformation and fear.

“The nuclear fuel cycle is not well understood because we don’t have nuclear power in Australia and uranium itself and its properties are not well understood so it’s easy to create fear when there is not good information out there,” she stated.

Guthrie pointed to BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia and ERA’s Ranger mine in the Northern Territory as examples of how attitudes around the sector are changing as the companies get on with the business of producing uranium without incident.

“If you go into South Australia and go look back thirty or forty years when Olympic Dam was commencing, you saw the same sentiment, but in fact in South Australia today, while there are still some opponents to nuclear power, the community at large respects the mine and BHP’s right to get on with business.”

an old river system at depths of 10 metres at or below the water table.

Guthrie said that because the ore was so close to the surface and is freely won, traditional drill and blast methods would not be required and Toro would instead be using surface mining, similar to Fortescue in the Pilbara.

“Someone once told me it’s gardening, not mining,” she said.

The method also helps with rehabilitation as it will not leave behind a waste rock dump, a huge tailings dam or a big hole in the ground.

“At the end of mined life we have taken the ore out, extracted the uranium, and put the remainder back where it came from with a floor of clay, a wall of clay and a clay cap,” Guthrie explained.

“We’re only going down 15

metres and we are putting everything back in the hole we took out, minus the uranium.”

Guthrie said the way the uranium will be processed on site also has advantages.

Toro will use an alkaline heapleach application, which means the uranium oxide can be precipitated without purification. But it’s the steps inside the processing train which help reduce impacts.

“We use waste heat recovery and power station off-gas recovery, so effectively the processing plant is almost zero emission process because we don’t discharge any water,” Guthrie explained.

Under Toro’s plans uranium oxide will be transported from Wiluna through the outskirts of Kalgoorlie and over the border into South Australia.

Toro plans to co-ship the uranium with other producers, and Guthrie said the product is destined for China, Korea and Japan, with some off-take to be sent to the United States.

Looking ahead

“An investment decision is really based on seeing an improvement in the uranium market and also on securing a project financing partner and of course those two things are linked,” Guthrie said.

But with a bullish outlook on the future of the market Guthrie sees uranium as the next big export resource to come out of Western Australia.

“We see Wiluna as the first of a number of new emerging mines in WA and we think it’s a fabulous opportunity for WA to get on the map as a uranium exporter,” she said.

Producing U380

ERA’s Ranger uranium mine in the NT.

72

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AustralianMining

Guthrie said the geology of Wiluna represented an advantage in its development.

The Centipede and Lake Way deposits are found close to the surface in shallow sediments typical of

Toro is helping Australia take a major step forward as a global uranium hub. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Adelaide 31 West Thebarton Rd Thebarton, 5031 (08) 8340 8060

MINING WORKWEAR

What women wear New hi-vis clothing has been developed specifically for women on site.

Alex Heber reports.

A

n Australian first line of often work upwards of 50 hours range which fits nicely over a growworkwear developed specifi- a week. Women deserve to wear a ing baby bump. cally for women, including well-fitted uniform just like those in The 100 per cent stretch cotton pregnant women, in mining is al- any other industry,” she said. fabric is strong but not harsh, feels ready being taken up on site.

Anglo American is already pro- comfortable against the skin and The line, called Kym by She’s viding workers with the clothing allows for the full range of moveEmpowered, provides hi-vis every- option. ment. day safety workwear and maternity Anglo’s metallurgical coal diverThe entire range is Australian uniforms for the growing number of sity and inclusion specialist, Rebec- Standard compliant, and even the women in the mining and resources ca Capper, said the miner is embrac- buttons are enclosed – making industry. ing the line’s approach to women’s ironing much easier!

In 2011, women represented personal protective apparel.

“Personal protective clothnearly one in five workers in the “As a company that values diver- ing is part of the industry and resources industry, a jump from 15 sity and inclusion in our workforce, having clothing that fits and per cent in 2006. we are delighted to offer women a flatters the female body is vital Founder Kym Clark, a 27-year- choice in workwear that aligns with in helping women feel comfortable old who was working as an account- our safety requirements while keep- and confident in their work environant at Anglo American’s Middle- ing them comfortable during their ment,” Clark said. mount coal mine, was inspired to pregnancy,” Capper said. design a female specific workwear Clark told Australian Mining line after she saw her pregnant man- She’s Empowered is all about givager had to wear a hi-vis shirt in a ing women a choice so they can be corporate meeting, which was worn confident and comfortable at work. unbuttoned over a singlet to fit.

“Being comfortable improves “I could not believe the lack of working conditions,” she said. workwear options for women in “Mining is a great industry for mining,” Clark said. women; it just needs a little tweak “Until my business was devel- to make it work better for women.” oped, there were no maternity workClark’s goal is to help women wear options for industrial workers. want to wear workwear.

I knew I had the ability and drive to With this in mind she has taken change that. a proactive approach to create well “Women work in all areas of the fitted shirts in sizes ranging from 6 industry from administration to un- to 16 and has also designed a douA M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ MI N 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 6 T1 5 : 0 9 : 5 4 + 1 0 : 0 0 derground and open cut roles, and 1 ble2box pleat front in the pregnancy

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One line has been designed for pregnant workers.

www.miningaustralia.com.au

2013

AIMEX 2013: Australia’s Mining Exhibition This year’s AIMEX is on, and promises to provide miners with the latest in the industry.

T

he Australian mining indus“In the two years since our last try’s largest exhibition is on AIMEX, the industry has also really once more. focused on productivity and effiThe event, now held every two ciency, particularly with the recent years, gathers together the largest volatility in resources prices globnumber of exhibitors and visitors ally, and the need to reduce costs. in the resources industry to see the “In response to this, the emphalatest technology, equipment, and sis among exhibitors and displays at techniques developed for miners.

AIMEX 2013 will be all about in- mation management solutions”.

According to Paul Baker, exhibi- novation; how the very latest proHowever, it will also focus on tion director at AIMEX’s organiser cesses, systems, services and prod- the people of mining, with a number Reed Mining Events, this year’s ex- ucts can meet miners’ demands for of hosted theme days covering issues hibition will have a greater focus on productivity and efficiency gains.” such as women in mining, mine site products and services, showcasing He went on to state that some safety, and ways in which to increase the latest mining technology innova- of those exhibiting at the event in- industry productivity in this current tions aimed at increasing productiv- clude “suppliers of large items of age of mining boom slow down. ity and reducing mining costs. capital equipment, such as ultraThe AIMEX 2013 Women in “The mining industry is going class dump trucks, underground Mining Day will take place on Wedthrough a very rapid rate of change, loaders and trucks, longwall equip- nesday August 21, the Mining Safety and is seeking innovative products ment and drill rigs, through to pro- Day will be on Thursday August 22, andA solutions the0 :Industry Productivity Day M 0 7 1 3 that _ 0 0will 0 _enhance P J L op1 cessing 2 0 1 equipment 3 - 0 6 - 2and 5 T systems, 1 2 : 1 1as: 5 and 1 + 1 0 0 erations,” Baker said. well as training, safety and infor- will be on Friday August 23.

THE NEW LEADER IN MINESITE LIGHTING

“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 on-going productivity improvements.”

Australian Mining will be at the exhibition for the entire event, drop by our stand and say hi to the team.

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76

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 Thermal Management  All Tight Bolt System  IP69K

CALL NOW 1800 814 332 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Floorplan correct at time of printing

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AustralianMining

August 2013

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Leading the way.

EXHIBITOR LIST Trading Name

Stand

1-11 Pty Ltd 5211 3M Australia 5211 4cRisk Pty Ltd H1204 4P System H1055 5DT (Fifth Dimension Technologies) 3916 A Noble & Son Ltd H1030 A T Hydraulics Pty Ltd 2816 ABSS Pty Ltd/Air & Blast Technologies R102 Accutron Instruments Inc 3920-06 Adroit Piping Systems Pty Ltd H1051 Advanced Chain Technologies 2505 Aerison Pty Ltd 6407 AGCOS Inc. 3920-02 Aggreko Pty Ltd 6420 Agru Australia SL510 AirEng Industrial Fans & Blowers SL520 Airspeed Aviation R184 Aker Wirth GmbH 5207 Alemlube Pty Ltd 6625 Alfabs Group SL260 Alfabs Group SL270 All Terrain Warriors SL330 AllightSykes 2220 Alminco 0920 Altra Industrial Motion 6916 American Augers/Trencor 3107 Ammesa Pty Ltd t/as ROTAINER R130 Ampcontrol 0916 Amphenol Australia H1154 Anchoring Rope & Rigging S112 Andritz Pty Ltd B1034 Andy’s Earthmovers (Asia Pacific) Pty Ltd SL440 Anhui Sinow Rubber Products Co Ltd S129-03 Anping County Anpeng Wire Mesh Filter Equipment Co Ltd 6911-11 Ansell Healthcare 5211 Ansell Industrial H1011 Antec Engineering Pty Ltd 0907 Antraquip Corporation 2811-01 ANZ Stadium 4612 APB Britco R160 APC Technology H1119 APEG 0105 Apex Tool Group 5211 Appalachia USA 3107 Applied Concrete Solutions (ACS) – A Division of River Sands P/L 5025 Applied Research of Australia Ltd B1007 APS Lighting & Safety 3005 ARA Group 5716 Argentina Mining H1198 ART Australian Radio Towers R094 ARVA Industries 3920-02 ASGCO – Complete Conveyor Solutions 2811-07 Ashdown-Ingram 0605 Asociación de Industriales de Antofagasta 5721 Asset Fire Security & Mechanical Services 5716 Astec Australia 6120 Atlas Copco Tools Australia 5211 ATSH Steel Structures H1163 Austdac Pty Ltd 1720 Austedan Fabrications Pty Ltd 8016 Austrade (Australian Trade Commission) S117 Australasian Mining Review & Mine Safety Journal H1010 Australia GRT Darso Industry Development Pty Ltd B1033 Australian Belt Cleaning Pty Ltd H1057 Australian Fire Enterprises H1205 Australian Mining 7412 Australian Urethane Systems H1158 Australia’s Mining Monthly H1104 Austwide Tooling Services R150 Automated Positioning Systems H1140 Automatic Fire Protection Design 5716 AVH Electrical Engineering H1182 Avis Australia SL100 B&D Manufacturing 3920-02 BAC Systems Pty Limited 5525 Baker & Provan – China Special Metal SL245 Baldwin Filters Australia 4611 Band-it-clamps.com 5211 Banlaw H1152 Baoding huayue Rubber Belt Co., Ltd 4916-04

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Trading Name

Stand

Baseplan Software Pty Ltd S152 Bass Electrical Engineering 5716 Bauer Equipment Australia Pty. Ltd. 3422 Bauer Trader Media H1037 Baxters Pty Ltd B1084 Bearcat Tyres R098 Becker Mining Systems 4605 Becker Mining Systems AG 4307-02 Betterwear New Material Co. Ltd 4920-08 Bisalloy Steels Pty Ltd 4225 Blackwoods 5211 Blue Heeler Mining B1046 Blue Wren Marketing & Communications Pty Ltd H1194 BlueScope Steel Ltd B1004 Bluestream H1186 Blygold Oceania S110 BMT WBM Pty Ltd 5825 BOC Limited 5216 BOMO (Beijing) Environment Protection Technology Ltd. 6911-14 Bonfiglioli Transmission (Aust) Pty Ltd 2007 Bosbox 2825B Bosch Rexroth Pty Ltd 6122 Boscotek Industrial Storage 7417 Bradken Limited 2011 Bramco Electronics 7405 Branach Manufacturing Pty Ltd H1097 Brautigam Gear & Mining Tech GmbH & Co. KG 3411-06 Brevini Australia Pty Ltd 2520 Bridon International 2822 Budget Car and Truck Rental SL100 C.R. Kennedy & Co Pty Ltd B1097 CAB Products 2811-05 Cadgroup Australia Pty Ltd B1029 Caltex Australia 0200 Caltex Australia R103 CamelBak H1210 CAMESE 3920-04 CAMESE 3920-04 Cavotec Australia Pty Ltd 5409 CBC Ceramics S129-08 CCCME (China Chamber of Commerce for I/E of Machinery & Electronic Products 4916 CCG Cable Terminations Pty Ltd 8012 CFT GmbH Compact Filter Technic 3411-04 Changsha Heijingang Industrial Co., Ltd 4920-07 Changsha Tianhe Drilling Tools and Machinery Co Ltd 4616-02 Changshu Yahgee Modular Building Co., Ltd 4916-03 Chatoyer Environmental B1030 Chengdu Dahongli Machinery Manufacturing Co. Ltd 6907-01 China Construction Machinery Co Ltd 6911-05 CHINA ECOTEK (Taiwan) H1075 China National Coal Mining Equipment Co Ltd 0216 Chint Electric Co Ltd 6911-07 Cincinnati Mine Australia SL645 CIS Quality Parts 3107 CLGC Pty Ltd H1161 Clipsal & Schneider Electric 5211 Clorox Australia Pty Limited 5211 CMEC International Exhibition Co., Ltd 6911 CMP Products H1197 Coba Tyre Pty Ltd 2016 COBO Oceania Pty Ltd (3B6 Australasia) SL465 Coletanche 5720 Colterlec R162 Conbelts Bytom S.A. 4609 Consolidated Plastics B1107 Continental Water B1047 Control Devices Australia Pty Ltd 3125 Control Systems Technology Pty Ltd 6107 Conveyor & Piping Systems Pty Ltd H1082 CoolDrive Distribution H1114 Cooper Fluid Systems R166 Cooper Split Bearings & Kaydon Slew Ring Bearings 4405 Cortland Jeyco H1079 CQMS Razer 0305 Crusader Hose Pty Ltd R158 Crusher Rentals Pty Ltd B1106

Trading Name

Stand

Crushing & Mining Equipment Pty Ltd 3416 CSE-Uniserve Pty Limited 5225 Dalian Dituo Heavy Industry Co Ltd S155 Dangdong Dongfang Measurement & Control Technology 4920-05 Datatech Australia 5716 Davey Bickford Australia 2425 Davies Wear Plate Systems SL630 Davis & Spence Pty Ltd R182 Deanquip Powertrans Hydraulics & Tools Pty Ltd 3907-01 Deltamation Pty Ltd H1201 Deltawater Solutions B1085 Diplomat Blades 8014 Dixon (Asia Pacific) Pty Ltd 5211 Donaghys Pty Ltd 5211 Dotmar Engineering Plastic Products H1150 Downer Blasting Services SL300 Downer Mining Services SL300 Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd 2522 DT HiLoad Australia Pty Ltd H1006 DTE Group Pty Ltd B1036 Düchting Pumpen Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG 4311-05 DuPont Australia Pty Ltd B1008 Dura-Metal (Australia) Pty Ltd B1040 Durapac 0905 Duratray International Pty Ltd 8112 Dust-A-Side Australia SL300 Dy-Mark (Aust) Pty Ltd S147 EA Technology Australia B1066 Eaton (Cooper Industries) 2005 Eaton Industries S140 Ebsray Pumps Pty Ltd 4525 Elastotec Pty Ltd H1141 Ellton Group 0116 Enerpac H1079 Enersys Australia Pty Ltd SL250 Envirolet Eco Sanitation/Sancor Industries Ltd 3920-02 Environmental Water Services H1012 Equipment Placement 0122 ESS Engineering Services & Supplies Pty Ltd 1716 Estry Trading Company Pty Ltd B1002 Everdigm Corp 6920 Excellence Pump Industry Co., Ltd. 4620-01 Eximo Speedlock 5211 Express Hydraulics Australia H1207 FAE Australia Pacific Pty Ltd S142 Fagerman Technologies Inc. 3107 Falk Australia 3116 Fein Power Tools B1006 Fenghua Hengye Casting Co Ltd 6911-16 Fenner Dunlop Australia 0616 Field Machine Tools Pty Ltd 5405 Filter Technology Australia Pty Ltd 0122 Finlease Pty Ltd H1096 Fire & Safety Industries Pty Ltd 7425 Flanders of Australia H1121 Fleetwash Industrial Systems SL545 Fletcher Mining Equipment Pty Ltd 2811-03 Flexco Australia Pty Ltd 2516 Flexible Drive Agencies H1157 Fluid Transfer Management 0122 FluidSafe – TTAAS H1191 Fogmaker Fire Systems B1012 Ford Motor Company R105 Fourthane Ltda 5721 Foxtel for Business H1136 Fujian Hua Cheng Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd/DrillPower Prospecting Equipment Co., Ltd 4616-03 Fusion Plast Australia SL620 G Corp International H1047 Galahad Group R155 Gates Australia Pty Ltd H1088 GE Mining 0210 Gemu Australia Pty Ltd H1166 Germany – Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMW) 3411-01 Get Smart Promotional Products Pty Ltd 2625 GHH Australia Pty Ltd S137 Gina’s Flags Pty Ltd B1065 Girbau Australia Pty Limited H1060 Global Pumps 0310

Trading Name

Stand

Goldhofer AG 4311-04 Gonar Australia PTY LTD 4608 Government of Quebec 3920-09 Graco Australia Pty Ltd B1042 Guilin Star Diamond Superhard Material Co Ltd S129-06 Haggie Reid Pty Ltd R186 Halbach & Braun Industrieanlagen GmbH & Co 3907-03 Handheld APAC 8110 Hard Metal Industries Pty Ltd 6805 Hard Metals Australia 1320 Haulmax (Aust) Pty Ltd R117 HAVER AUSTRALIA B1111 Hawe Hydraulics Australia S108 H-E Parts Birrana 3416 H-E Parts International 3416 Hebei Haode Rubber & Plastics Co Ltd 4620-07 Hebei Huanqiu Rubber Products Co., Ltd 4620-02 Hebei Juxin Conveyor Engineering Co Ltd S121-02 Hedweld Engineering Pty Ltd 0416 Heintzmann Australia SL430 Hella Australia 5707 Henan Goldenbird Crane Machinery Co Ltd 6911-09 Henan Liming Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co Ltd S162 Henan Major Trading Co Ltd 6911-04 Hengshui Haijiang Filter Press Group Co Ltd 6911-12 Herrenknecht AG 3411-02 Hertz Australia Pty Ltd SL410 Hitachi Power Tools Australia Pty Ltd 5211 HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc 3920-02 HMS Group of Companies Australia SL600 Höganäs H1189 Housing Concepts Pty Ltd R136 HPL Group – Fuel Tax Credits 8114 Hummingbird Electronics, distributed by New England Instrument Co SL405 Hunan Kingcera Engineering Co., Ltd 4616-04 Hunan New Diamond Construction Machinery Co., Ltd 4316-05 Hunter Net Co-operative 0625 HW Buckets SL610 Hydac International 3407 Hydraulic Controls H1103 Hydraulic Specialists Australia Pty Ltd 7409 Hytorc South Pacific R169 I S Systems Pty Limited H1131 ICN S104 IDEMIN E.I.R.L. 5721 ifm efector Pty Ltd B1087 IFS Australia B1043 Immersive Technologies 3120 Impact Tools Pty Ltd H1098 Imtec B1045 indurad GmbH 4311-01 Industrial Info Resources Pty Ltd H1111 Industrial Plant & Service Australia Pty Ltd 3907-03 Infomine Inc H1014 Inoxihp Australia Pty Ltd 8120 Integrated Emergency & Industrial Equipment B1068 Intercomp 3111-03 International Magnetic Solutions H1026 IntierraRMG 8100 Invensys H1187 Invision Sales Pty Ltd 4913 ISCS 5716 Ishigaki Oceania SL640 ITT Blakers H1137 IVECO Trucks Australia R090 JAS Oceania Pty Ltd H1145 Java Rino B1027 Jennmar Australia Pty Ltd 0620 Jiangxi Aili Casting Co Ltd 4320-05 Jim Way H1075 Jonson Rubber Indutries Ltd 4018 Joy Global 0110 JSG Industrial Systems B1005 Jubilee Spring Co. B1083 JUNJIN CSM S134 JW Industrial Instruments H1208 KAB Seating Pty Ltd B1070

Trading Name

Stand

Kali BMH Systems (P) Ltd 4610 Kallman Worldwide Inc 2811 KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG 3411-05 KAMAT Pumpen GmbH & Co. KG 4307-01 Kemet Australia Pty Ltd H1172 Kemtek Imaging Systems H1203 Klausen Pty Ltd B1073 Koehler Lighting Products 2807-03 Kopex Group 0222 KTR Kupplungstechnik GmbH 3907-01 Laird Technologies 2807-06 Larzep Australia Pty Ltd 1305 LaserBond Limited H1034 LC Engineering B1067 Leadsun Australia SL650 Leica Geosystems Pty Ltd 1307 Leussink Engineering Pty Ltd H1007 Lianyungang Huanghai Machinery Co Ltd 4620-03 Lifestyle Australia H1162 LINAK Australia Pty Ltd H1052 Lincoln Electric Company R168 Lingona Pty Ltd SL500 LOADRITE S150 Longen Power (Australia) Pty Ltd R190 Longi Magnet Co., Ltd 4320-06 Longwall Chain Australia 3425 Longwall Hydraulics 4307-01 Ludowici Sealing Solutions H1070 Machinery Automation & Robotics 6116 Mackay Consolidated Industries Pty Ltd H1048 Macnaught Pty Ltd 6422 Magaldi Power Pty Ltd H1066 Manitou Australia R178 Mantek Australia H1171 Marathon Tyres 5711 marco Systemanalyse und Entwicklung GmbH 3911-03 Marcotte Mining Machinery Services 3920-02 Marine Equipment International H1041 Materials Handling Pty Ltd B1035 Maxam Tire International SARL 0100 METS Mineral Engineering Technical Services Pty Ltd B1057 Minebug Australia Pty Ltd SL515 MineSight Applications H1028 Minetec Communications R156 Mining and Port Equipment Australia S133 Mining Argentina H1200 Mining Family Matters 8106 Mining Industry Resources 4016 Mining Media International B1064 Mining Vision Pty Ltd SL240 Minprovise Pty Ltd H1126 MinVu Pty Ltd B1050 MLT Belt Fasteners H1057 Mobil Oil Australia 6918 Mobile Energy Australia 8004 Modular Mining Systems S135 Monarch Renlita Overhead Doors 5716 Mono Pumps (Australia) Pty Ltd 5713 Morley Electric Motors Australia Pty Ltd 2025 Motion Computing 8020 Motion Metrics International Corp 3920-01 Motium 8102 mRisk 5721 MSA Australia Pty Ltd H1074 MTG 6909 MTU Detroit Diesel Australia 0611 MTW-Blades Mechanical Equipment (Suzhou) Co Ltd 4320-02 Multi-Wing Australia P/L B1016 Mumme Tools Pty Ltd 5211 Naismith Engineering & Manufacturing Co P/L H1031 Narva & Projecta S148 National Instruments Australia Corp H1159 NationWide H1188 Nautitech Mining Systems Pty Ltd 2511 NCS Technology Inc H1072 NEPEAN Mining 0205 Nepean Rubber Mouldings B1053 Netzsch Australia S102 NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd 2020 NICOLAS Industrie S.A.S. 3411-05 NINGBO ROCK MACHINERY MANUFACTURE CO LTD S129-01 www.miningaustralia.com.au

EXHIBITOR LIST Trading Name

Stand

Trading Name

Stand

Trading Name

Stand

Ningbo Zhedong Precision Casting Radical Torque Solutions Pty Ltd 4613 Shandong Techgong Geotechnical Co Ltd S129-07 Recon Industries Australia B1088 Engineering Equipment 4920-02 NLT Australia H1069 Redox Pty Ltd B1038 Shandong Xiangtong Rubber Norbar Torque Tools (Aust) Pty Ltd 2513 Redpath Australia Pty Ltd H1250 Group Co Ltd 6907-02 Nord Drivesystems AU 1711 Redstar Equipment Pty Ltd B1074 Shanghai Industrial Development Normet Asia Pacific Pty Ltd H1175 Regal – Beloit Australia Pty Ltd 6416 Co Ltd S121-01 North Star Drilling Tools 4620-06 ReGen SL300 Shanghai Mackorn Machinery Co NSW Minerals Council S113 Reymat Australasia R165 Ltd 6911-10 Oli Vibrators Pty Ltd H1173 RGN Mining Services SL430 Shanxi Minhua Industry Co., Ltd B1018 Ontario-Canada Exhibitors 3920-02 Rhino Water Tanks H1008 Shaw Almex Industries 6411 Ontrak Engineering Pty Ltd 0116 Richmond Wheel and Castors H1056 Shell Australia 5211 Oreflow Australia Pty Ltd H1015 Ridge Tool Australia 5211 Shenzhen Verypower New Ore-Max 2807-04 Rimtec SL300 Energy Co Ltd R170-03 OTR Wheel Engineering Inc. 3107 RMC China Quality Machine Parts Shijiazhuang Xiaojin Machinery Otraco SL300 Inc. 4320-01 Manufacturing Science and OZLED QLD Pty Ltd S144 Robert Bosch Australia Pty Ltd 5211 Technology Co Ltd 4316-04 Pacific Data Systems Pty Ltd S141 Rockwell Automation Australia Ltd B1000 Showa Best Glove Co. 3107 Pacific Hoists Pty Ltd 5211 ROC-SOLID Technologies H1029 SICK Pty Ltd SL550 Palazzi Trading Pty Ltd B1093 Roll-A-Pipe Pty Ltd R151 SIEMAG TECBERG GmbH 3911-05 Pall Australia 2507 Roobuck H1185 Siemens Ltd H1134 Panduit International Ltd H1115 Rose Enclosures H1199 Sigma Air Conditioning H1118 Parker Hannifin (Australia) Pty. Royal Purple Synthetic Lubricants 8000 Signarama Wollongong B1082 Limited 3622 Rubb Pty Ltd 8118 Silveranne Pty Ltd S114 PBE Australia Pty Ltd B1102 RUS Mining SL350 Simple Green Australia H1025 PCA Piping 0122 Ruukki Australia SL535 Simulation Modelling Services Pty Pedders Suspension S138 RYCO 1707 Ltd 1825 Pelican Products B1031 S.F.K. Components GmbH Sino Mec Inc 4620-08 Pennsylvania Mining Industrial Marketingabteilung 4311-03 Sinopec B1017 Group 2811-02 Safemate Anti-slip Pty Ltd H1040 Skala Australia Pty Ltd B1076 Pentair Southern Cross 0607 Safemine Technology Aust P/L H1092 SKF Australia Pty Ltd 2820 Performance On Hand Pty Ltd H1000 Safescape H1164 SKYLOTEC B1056 Petro Industrial Pty Ltd R100 Safety MITS H1202 Smith Systems Inc. 3107 Phil Doring Insurance Brokers R188 Saint-Gobain Abrasives 5211 Solar Hire Pty Ltd H1003 Phillips Machine Service, Inc. 3107 Samson 2807-05 Solmax 3920-03 Philmac Pty Ltd H1142 Sanhe Great Wall Rubber Co Ltd S159-02 Somi Conveyor Beltings Ltd 5208 Phoenix Products Company, Inc. SL615 Sargent Rental and Maintenance SL200 SOS Tools H1169 PIHA Pty Ltd SL220 Scania Australia 5220 Southcott Hydraulics & Control Pilz Safe Automation S143 SCHAEFER STORE P/L B1035 Systems B1075 Pipe & Buoy Australia Pty Ltd 8104 SCHEUERLE Fahrzeugfabrik Southern Engineering Services/ PJL Diesel Electric Pty Ltd 0925 GmbH 3411-05 Hauhinco Maschinenfabrik GmbH & PlantMiner.com.au H1206 Schneider Electric (Australia) Pty Co Kg/Thiele GmbH & Co KG 1316 Plastral Pty Ltd B1020 Ltd 0911 SpaceMax Australia Pty Ltd SL450 Polyworld R115 SCHOPF Maschinenbau GmbH 4311-04 Specsavers Pty Ltd H1013 Position Partners B1105 Schrader SAS H1190 Spinefex Pty Ltd R180 Powerco Crimping Australasia Pty SCHWING GmbH 3907-02 Spraying Systems Co Pty Ltd 4725 Ltd H1022 Sealeck 5716 SSAB 5722 Powerlite Generators (Aust) Pty senseFly Ltd H1165 Standard Industrial Inc 4620-05 Limited B1021 Servicios de Ingeniería Bertech Ltda. 5721 Stanley Black & Decker 5211 PPG Industries Australia Pty Limited H1050 Setco Australia Pty Ltd SL420 Stanley Engineered Fastening 8116 Premron EBS R157 SEW-Eurodrive Pty Ltd 1311 STAR Kunststoffverarbeitungs Pro Air Solutions Pty Ltd B1069 Shandong Hanbang Rubber Belt GmbH 3911-02 Prochem Pipeline Products H1019 Co Ltd R170-02 Startco Pty Ltd B1062 ProChile 5721 Shandong Huamin Steel Ball State of Georgia, USA 3107 Prolec Electrical Services R162 Joint-Stock Co Ltd 6911-02 Stateside Distributors Pty Ltd H1046 Prominent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd H1124 Shandong Huate Magnet STOTKO Engineering (Pty) Ltd S119 Pronto Software Limited H1064 Technology Co Ltd 4920-01 Strata Worldwide Pty Ltd 6111 Prysmian Power Cables & Systems Shandong Huitong Rubber Co., Stratacrete S106 Australia Pty Ltd 5209 Ltd 6911-15 Streamlight Inc. 3111-05 PT Hydraulics Australia P/L H1108 Shandong Longyuan Rubber Co Sulzer Pumps (ANZ) Pty Ltd B1091 Putzmeister Iberica S.A. 3911-04 Ltd R170-01 Sundrive H1132 Putzmeister Sunlec A M 0 Solid 7 1Pumps 3 _ GmbH 0 0 0 3911-04 _ S P R Shandong 1Mingde 2 Machinery 0 1 3 -Co., 0 6 - 2 5 T 1 2International : 3 5 : 3 3 + 1 0 2825A : 0 0 AMining 20/6/13 3:40 PM Page 1 QMW Industries 80x21w Pty Ltd SL660 Ltd S159-01 Super Seals Australia Pty Ltd H1049

Trading Name

Stand

Superior SL460 Support Vehicles Australia R161 Supreme Steel Products Ltd B1071 Svendborg Brakes 8008 Sympatec GmbH – System | Partikel | Technik 3911-01 Synergy Resource Management Pty Limited R120 T F Hudgins 7414 Taizhou Changlong Fasteners Co Ltd S129-05 Takraf Australia H1176 Tangyin Wanxiang Plasticizing Co Ltd 6907-03 TC CHINA Limited 6911-01 Tecpro Australia R176 Telstra & Navman Wireless Australia H1016 Tempo (Ningbo) International Inc. 6911-03 Tennant Australia H1193 TFI Earthmover H1084 TFP Engineering Pty Ltd R167 The Daniels Company 3107 The Exsto Group R109 The Hiflex Australia Group R153 The Rigging Shop SL560 The Workwear Group SL540 ThoroughTec Simulation 0623 ThreeDify Inc 3920-02 Thyssenkrupp Materials Handling Pty Ltd H1192 Tianjin Lixinsheng Advanced Casting Co. Ltd. 6907-06 Tianjin Shinway Transmissions Co. Ltd 3111-02 Tidal Fluid Power 5911 TK Distributors B1023 TOMRA Sorting Solutions 3420 TOTAL Oil Australia Pty Ltd 4606 Total Steel of Australia Pty Ltd 7105 Tourism Holdings Australia Pty Ltd – Britz & Maui Campervans and Cars R154 Trachte 3107 Transelect 5716 Transformers Manufacturing Co. Pty Ltd SL400 Treotham Automation Pty Ltd B1019 Tribco Inc 2807-02 TRIDON Australia Pty Ltd 5211 TSB – Trade Service Bodies R174 Tuxco Corporation/HEMS Limited 2807-01 Tyco Fire Protection Products H1042 UBIFRANCE 5720 Ugly Fish Safety Eyewear B1028 Ultra-Dynamics Pty Ltd H1167 Ultraspin Technology Pty Ltd H1174 Ultratrex Machinery Sdn. Bhd. S136 UNE Partnerships H1035 Unibridge Australasia Pty Ltd H1093 Universal Wire Rope Co Ltd 6907-04 Valspar Australia – Wattyl Industrial 6925

Trading Name

Stand

Valspar Automotive Australia Pty Ltd 7125 Vantaz Group Australia 5721 Vermeer 0300 Vibration Solutions Pty Ltd H1049 VingCard Elsafe & Lockwood H1155 Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG 3411-03 Volgren Australia R146 Volz Australia Pty Ltd H1101 W.Win Engineering Pty. Ltd B1094 Watson Specialised Tooling Pty Ltd 3111-01 Watson-Marlow Bredel Pumps 4905 Webforge (NSW) B1108 WEG Australia Pty Ltd B1044 Weihai Hard Rock Engineering Co Ltd (China) 4920-04 Western Drilling Tools Inc. 3920-07 Western Union Business Solutions S120 Wet Earth Pty Ltd B1061 White International P/L 5211 WIDOS AUS NZ Pty.Ltd. 4311-02 Wiring Harnesses Australia R164 Worldpoly Pty Ltd SL530 Wozom Mechanical Industry Co. Ltd 4320-01 Wright Tool Company 3111-06 Wrightway Eco Products R096 Wuxi Rolling Bearing Co., Ltd. 4316-02 WuxiI Drilling Tools Factory 4320-03 Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Group Heavy-Duty Equipment Co Ltd 4616-05 Xuzhou Jiulong Seal Technology Co., Ltd 4920-06 Xuzhou L&Y Mine Equipment Manufacturing Co.Ltd. 6907-05 Xuzhou Shengpu Engineering Machinery Manufacturing Co Ltd 4916-01 YangGu HaoQuan Rock Tools Co., Ltd 4316-01 Yantai Xinhai Mining Machinery Co Ltd 4620-04 Yoke Industrial Corp 8108 Yongcheng Group 4316-03 Yongzhou Yixiang Machinery & Equipment Ltd 4316-06 Zen Imports 5211 Zhangqiu Heavy Forging Co Ltd S129-04 Zhejiang Sanwei Rubber Item Co Ltd S159-03 Zhejiang Yongcheng Machinery 4316-03 ZhengZhou Kefid Machinery Co Ltd 4916-02 Zhongda Bright Filter Press Co Ltd 4916-05 Zhuzhou Sunshine Cemented Carbide Tools Co Ltd 4616-01 Zonfa Electric (Tongling) Heart Precision Industry Co Ltd 6911-13

List correct at time of printing

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August 2013

83

PREVIEW

Fluid coupling systems

Designed for land clearing operations.

Land reclamation FAE Australia will be showing its range of mining land reclamation prime movers on Stand S142 from August 20-23, 2013. The company’s prime movers range from 180 HP up to 600 HP and are designed for land clearing operations around mines – including tree-felling and mulching, rock crushing and soil stabilisation using various attachments.

On show at AIMEX will be FAE’s recently released PT600, the largest in its range, with a power output of 600 hp (450 kW).

According to company managing director Diego Facchinetti, the range incorporates various attachments driven by a purpose-designed transmission system allowing the speed of the rotor to be easily adjusted during operations.

The transmission incorporates automatic variable displacement piston motors to ensure a seamless transition between high and low speed.

“Each machine is equipped with separate hydraulic systems to power the various functions in order to maximise performance in every situation,” Facchinetti said.

Also on show will be its new 500U-275 crushing and mulching attachment, which incorporates FAE’s A S/R hammer design for longer life in contaminated areas.

Other features include a 2.75 m wide mulching head; an 830 litre fuel tank, enabling the operator to work approximately 12 hours a day without refueling; joystick controls; a large ergonomic cab, giving the highest levels of visibility and comfort; and an 800 mm wide track shoes giving just 39 kPa ground pressure. Safety features include Lexan Margard cabin windows, a FOPS/ROPS cabin structure, a roll bar on the engine cab and three emergency exits, including a manhole in the cabin roof with an external handle.

• FAE Australia Diego Facchinetti 03 9706 4088 info@fae-ap.com.au www.fae-ap.com.au

Safety management MODULAR Mining Systems will highlight its new MineAlert safety management tools on Stand 135S. According to Modular Mining’s William Nassauer, product Manager, machine guidance and safety systems, its MineAlert technology detects hazards and informs mine personnel, in real time, so immediate action can be taken.

“MineAlert, along with our other IntelliMine products, addresses five key safety areas: individual competency, ability and performance; fitness (with an emphasis on fatigue management); situational awareness; procedural compliance; and equipment performance,” Nassauer said.

“It also provides mines with the reports and analysis tools necessary for proactive safety policies and procedures to be established.”

Nassauer said that Modular Mining’s IntelliMine mine management suite followed a multilayered approach, which relied on integrated solutions to empower mine personnel.

“When operators are alert and informed of how to best operate their equipment, they are better equipped to achieve safe operation and zero incidents,” he added.

Also included in the IntelliMine suite are Modular Mining’s DISPATCH fleet management, ProVision machine guidance, and MineCare maintenance management systems.

• Modular Mining Systems 02 4352 5711 media@mmsi.com www.modularmining.com

84

August 2013

AustralianMining

NAISMITH Engineering will be giving demonstrations of its Fluidomat scoop control fluid coupling system on Stand H1031 at AIMEX. Indian manufactured and designed Fluidomat fluid couplings, which have been selling around the world since 1971, were introduced to Australia in 2007, marketing manager Jaffer Tambuwala stated.

“We currently have virtually every size of fixed speed Fluidomat fluid coupling in our warehouse, including shaft mounted, radially displaceable, pulley design and steel bodied for underground mining requirements,” Tambuwala said.

“We will also be displaying models of Steel Bodied couplings for underground mining,” he said.

“With our in-house workshop in Melbourne, we have the capability to manufacture and fit custom-required pulleys to Fluidomat fluid couplings, as well as bore and key to specific shaft sizes.

“We can also carry out assembly and testing to standards laid down by Fluidomat India, an ISO 9000-certified company.”

Fluidomat fluid couplings include Fixed Speed/Constant Fill fluid couplings; Variable Speed/ Scoop Controlled fluid couplings; and custom built for both the above types.

• Naismith Engineering Jaffer Tambuwala 03 9489 9811 sales@naismith.com.au www.naismith.com.au

Generators and power distribution REDSTAR Equipment will showcase a new Australian-designed Sumo Jumbo electrical distribution board on Stand B1074. A new Denyo generator for prime fixed and prime mobile applications will be another highlight of the Redstar stand.

Redstar says its Sumo range of distribution For prime fixed and mobile applications. boards are designed to provide mine spec electrical distribution capability in a compact, lightweight design. They can be run from mains or generator power and can be cascaded or daisy-chained together if required.

“The Sumo Jumbo model includes both three-phase and single-phase outlets, all individually RCD and MCB protected with a main isolating switch for overall protection,” said Redstar national sales manager, Paul Sass.

Sumo Boards also include lightweight alloy tie-off rails that double as convenient, certified lift points, enabling the units to be moved around a site with ease and safely by hand, forklift or crane. Portability was further enhanced by a briefcase-style design.

Redstar will also use AIMEX to promote its range of generators, welders, compressors and fuel tanks, including new Denyo Series II machines. Denyo’s new series II generators, designed with input from Redstar engineers, offer significant cost and efficiency benefits for prime power applications such as remote mines and remote accommodation facilities, said Sass.

“Denyo and Redstar have built a 10-year association resulting in a generator product that is famous for its reliability, efficiency and ability to withstand the harshest conditions of the Australian environment.

“We have deployed Denyo generators running 24-7 over multi-year periods in weather extremes ranging from the 50° Pilbara to the snow country in NSW, Tasmania and Victoria,” he said.

• Redstar Equipment Paul Sass 07 3339 8505 paul.sass@redstarequipment.com.au www.redstarequipment.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PREVIEW

Parts reclamation

Slide and tilt drawers INTEGRATED Emergency & Industrial Equipment Solutions will be showing its new slide and tilt drawer systems as part of a comprehensive line-up of Chambrelan products on Stand B1068 at AIMEX. “As the Australian/New Zealand agent for Chambrelan, we specialise in equipment and hardware supply,” company owner Bruce Elliott said.

The extended product range includes telescopic slides, liner rails, the new slide and tilt drawer systems, slam locks and The slides are treated for corrosion resistance. handles.

“Chambrelan’s heavy-duty sliding systems are renowned for their range, consisting of more than 30 types, with load capacities from 5 kg to more than1000 kg,” Elliot said.

Available in partial, full and over extensions, all slides are treated for improved corrosion resistance and the range is available in steel, aluminium or stainless steel.

Most slides are reinforced for greater load capacity and to reduce extension and retraction problems, and all feature end stops.

Open or closed locking options are available on most slides and all are designed to operate with minimum maintenance.

“They are easy to install and the operating temperature ranges from the standard 80ºC to the options of -65ºC to 250ºC,” he said.

• Integrated Emergency & Industrial Equipment Solutions Bruce Elliott 03 5367 3513 bruceelliott@integratedequipment.com.au www.integratedequipment.com.au A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ B I S 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 1 T1 4 : 5 3 : 4 1 + 1 0 : 0 0

Need more out of your equipment?

LASERBOND will promote technology for reclaiming industrial components on Stand H1034 at AIMEX. Examples of laser cladding technology and thermal metal spraying will feature on the stand.

“Our portfolio of technologies allows us reclaim almost any industrial component, often improving its inherent properties,” Francis Bonomini, LaserBond’s national sales manager said.

“Alternatively we can manufacture new components incorporating surface-enhancing technologies where appropriate.”

Bonomini said that with more than 20 years’ experience in reclamation and surface engineering, LaserBond could reclaim fatigued and worn industrial parts at a fraction of the cost and usually in much less time than it took to source replacement parts.

“Due to the many and varied applications and materials processed by our workshops, we have an in-house laboratory to carry out testing and examination,” he said.

Laboratory services include metallographic characterisation; hardness testing; and chemical analysis.

The laboratory uses a Scanning Electron Microscope to investigate coatings and metallurgy down to the Nano scale, Bonomini said.

The advantages of this included the optimisation of coatings and overlays, quality control of incoming materials, reports for clients on new applications and materials, and failure analysis as required.

• LaserBond Francis Bonomini 02 4631 4500 info@laserbond.com.au www.laserbond.com.au

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We back our products with outstanding technical support, flexible service and a national distribution network.

So when you need to get more out of your equipment, choose BISPLATE® – it’s built to last.

www.bisalloy.com.au

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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OTR tyres TFI Earthmover, a sector-specific division of Tradefaire International, will show a range of OTR radial, bias and resilient tyres for mining applications on Stand H1084 at AIMEX TFI Earthmover was set up to supply the Australian mining, construction and quarry sector by Tradefaire International – the Australian importer for India-based tyre specialist BKT. It distributes tyres from both BKT and Taiwanbased TY Cushion Tyre.

James Saunders, Tradefaire International’s managing director, said the company worked closely with its suppliers, from concept and Provides greater cost per hour manufacturing through to distribution and fitting to usage. ensure it delivers tyres that meet the needs of the market and are competitively priced.

BKT, which has designed and manufactured tyres for more than 17 years, releases more than 150 new sizes every year.

“Even though BKT is still a new player in this market, machine owners and operators are already starting to specify its tyres ahead of more well known brands, as they’re finding that the cost-per-hour is exceptional.

TY Cushion supplies resilient (solid) tyres for underground mining applications, including personnel carriers and coal trams.

Tradefaire International Sales Manager Steve Ryan said one customer has been achieving very good results with TY tyres for coal trams at Xstrata’s Tahmoor mine.

“At 70 per cent of tyre wear, the tyres have lasted 3500 hours,” he said.

“This equates to the tyre lasting more than three years, compared with conventional pneumatic tyres which last just six to nine months.

• TFI Earthmover Steve Ryan 0457 937 776 info@tfiearthmover.com.au www.tfiearthmover.com.au

Logic blocks and valves HYDRAULIC Controls will show its newest manually operated roof bolter and rib bolter logic blocks, Trouble Shooting Kits, hydraulic integrated circuits and a stainless-steel water valve for mining applications on Stand H1103.

The logic blocks, which are designed to work with various drill rigs that install roof and rib support bolts, are manufactured to Mining Design Guideline (MDG) specifications covering bolting and drilling equipment in underground mines.

The Sydney-based company will also feature its locally made hydraulic integrated circuits (HICs), which can be manufactured to specifications as required by the customer.

Another feature of the company’s AIMEX stand will be its stainless-steel water valves, designed to control the flow of cooling or flushing water in hostile mining environments.

The valves were developed to meet demand for normally open and normally closed valves that can work at water pressures of 240 bar and flows of 120 lit/min.

The valves can pilot operate to start or stop water flow and are also fitted with a bypass valve for manual operation.

Designed in Australia, they were manufactured from high-grade stainless steel with internal components designed for reliability and durability in the harsh water environments of mine sites as well as in other hazardous areas, Hydraulic Controls’ Paul Flint said.

Hydraulic Controls has been designing and manufacturing hydraulic valves, high-pressure water valves and hydraulic integrated circuits for all types of machines for 40 years.

All of its HICs can be made from steel, aluminium or stainless steel.

The company’s services include hydraulic circuit design, manifold layout and cartridge valve selection as well as CAD with 3D modeling for customised products, offering fast turnaround for all prototype work.

• Hydraulic Controls Paul Flint 02 9938 5400 paul@hydrauliccontrols.com.au www.hydrauliccontrols.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

“ We’ve made radar level measurement even easier for you.”

New from VEGA: Radar level measurement with still more precision and certainty.

From standard measurement to the most difficult measuring task – the new application oriented instrument parameterisation makes using VEGAPULS radar sensors even simpler. Intelligent software and cutting-edge electronics technologies make it possible. www.vega.com/au/innovation Phone: 1800 817 135

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PREVIEW

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Rugged tagging systems APC Technology will be exhibiting a range of rugged computing solutions designed to survive in the harshest locations, whether above Incorporates duct protection. or below ground, on Stand H119. A feature product will be a customised tagging system, which has been designed and manufactured at the Adelaide factory for a large Australian mining company.

“This tagging solution met a range of requirements, as specified by the client,” regional sales manager Ken Duldig said.

These included the incorporation of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) card reader system; connectivity and integration from the unit to existing systems on location; plus meeting the budget and additional scope of work as set by the company.

“Key features include stainless steel construction to maximise durability, dual sealing to prevent dust and liquid getting in, and customised metal work and electrical control panel wiring,” Duldig said.

“The success of stage one production led to an expansion of the initial order.”

Australian owned and operated, APC Technology has more than 30 years’ experience of manufacturing for harsh and hazardous environments.

At AIMEX it will also be demonstrating some of its latest rugged mobile solutions and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certified solutions, including input devices, touchscreen displays and panel PCs. • APC Technology Ken Duldig 08 8363 0400 sales@apctechnology.com.au www.apctechnology.com

Pipeline welding WORLDPOLY will show the latest release of its Australian-made PolyRover630 polyethylene pipeline welding machine on Stand SL530 during Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, to be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from August 20-23, 2013.

“This is the first time the PolyRover630 has Designed for use in rugged terrain. been displayed at AIMEX,” sales manager Nikita Hall said. The latest updates to the welding machine range, which is specifically designed for use in rugged and remote terrain, will all be demonstrated.

“Decreased overall welding time by the use of high-force welding, reducing workload and the need for extra support equipment on remote sites allows for faster, more efficient welding of PE and PP pipelines,” Hall said. “The PolyRover’s practical design includes a hydraulically lifted facing tool and heating plate, hydraulic pipe lifters left and right, hydraulic pump and controls all on-board the main frame.”

For trench welding, PolyRover630s’ complete welding unit – including controls, all four clamps, facing tool, heating plate and hydraulic unit – can be easily removed from the chassis.

“The hydraulics are from Bosch Rexroth and internationally serviceable, and the machines are easily operated and pre-wired for the attachment of Worldpoly or other data loggers,” Hall stated.

Worldpoly is an Australian owned and based company that has been involved in the polyethylene pipe and fittings industry for more than 50 years.

• Worldpoly Nikita Hall 03 8795 3888 sales@worldpoly.com www.worldpoly.com www.miningaustralia.com.au

PREVIEW

Mine site lighting EXSTO Group will launch a new light, with a minimum 40,000 lumens output, designed to provide permanent light for night work, area illumination or remote site exploration on Stand R109 at AIMEX. The Exsto Cube combines a 24 V electrical system and high output LED lights with an automatic stop/start system and industrial-grade light sensor, which means users can simply “set and forget”, said Exsto spokesman Wayne Panther.

Optional extras include 12 V and 24 V charge outputs for phones and workshop tools, CCTV with built-in video recorder, communications aerials, and remote monitoring that can include engine condition information and weather analysis.

Designed for exploration.

Exsto also offers a Cube “Master and Slave” system where a second Cube slave light, with no engine or generator pack, can be connected by a high current lead to the master unit up to 50 m away. “This saves on fuel and capital costs, while doubling light output,” Panther said.

Queensland-based Exsto Group (formerly i-eco) will also use AIMEX to showcase its other services and products for the mining and civil construction industries.

“Our tough-build approach means our lighting towers will offer many years of trouble-free service in the worst of conditions, while our LED lighting technology has the added bonus of 50,000 hours of service life,” Panther said.

Other benefits included air-cooled engines that used just 0.9 litres of diesel an hour and could operate for 250 hours before refuelling, he said.

• Exsto Group Wayne Panther 0409 734 673 wpanther@exstogroup.com.au www.exstogroup.com.au

Trailer mounted radio towers AUSTRALIAN Radio Towers (ART) will launch a trailer-mounted mast specifically designed for rapid-deploy communications within the mining industry on Stand R094.

Built for rapid development.

“The mast can be used in any location where short-term and temporary communications structures are required,” managing director Andrew Price said.

With a height of up to 30 m – or custom-designed to be taller if required – the system can be erected within a few hours and can be removed in a similar timeframe.

“Mounted on a dual-wheel 2.4 x 5 m trailer bed, with mast options available from 120 to 550 mm and manual or hydraulic hoisting options, this product is unlike any on the market today,” Price said.

“Coupled with an ART complete communications system, this package will almost instantly provide a solution for mine site communications requirements.”

ART was established in 1973 by Rick McKiernan – and remains in family hands under Price, who is McKiernan’s nephew– offering a range of communications solutions from inception to installation including structure manufacture, supply and installation; communications system design, supply and installation; and structure and system maintenance, inspection and decommission.

• Australian Radio Towers 02 6672 6200 sales@australianradiotowers.com www.australianradiotowers.com

Industrial gears Instantly alerts users of steel cord damage or splice damage.

24/7 conveyor alarm systems FENNER Dunlop Australia will unveil a new 24/7 conveyor diagnostic and alert system on Stand 0616 at AIMEX. The round-the-clock alarm system is designed to alert users the instant any significant steel cord damage or splice damage is detected – and the nature of the problem. It also incorporates a splice monitoring system for the remote measurement of splice elongation.

“This can help prevent a common form of splice failure in fabric and solid woven belting,” said the company’s sales and marketing representative, Alana Beaton.

Other new Fenner Dunlop products on display at AIMEX will be its Ultra Tuff belting for high wear applications; high impact utility belting; a mine approved fire-resistant and anti-static (FRAS) heavy duty, lightweight nylon roller; and hi-Integrity Splicing (HIS) technology which Fenner Dunlop has introduced into Australian mining operations for rubber-plied belts.

Beaton said Fenner Dunlop aimed to provide innovative, value-adding conveyor system solutions with measurable, sustainable results and an emphasis on safety.

In Australia, the Fenner Dunlop Group consists of Fenner Dunlop, Australian Conveyor Engineering (ACE) (acquired in October 2012), Leading Edge Conveyor Services (LECS) and Statewide Belting.

• Fenner Dunlop Australia Alana Beaton 02 4370 9500 alana@conveyor.net.au www.fennerdunlop.com.au

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NORD Drivesystems will spotlight its newest range of compact NORD Industrial Gear Units (IGU) on Stand 1711 at AIMEX. On show will be one of four new gear case sizes with an output Has output torque between 25.3 and torque range between 25.3 kNm and 51.3kNm. 51.3 kNm. Craig Robinson, engineering manager and industrial gear unit product manager for NORD Drivesystems Australia, said a larger NORD Industrial Gear Unit mounted on a baseplate would also be on display.

“The display assembly includes a NORD SK13407 Industrial Gear Unit complete with an integral backstop, brake disc coupling and caliper hydraulic disc brake assembly and driven by a 400 kW electric motor.

The NORD IGU assembly on display produces continuous torque of 104 kNm, with 208 kNm peak torque, and features a bearing life of over 72,000 hours based on the installed power of 400kW. “The specification of this complete drive assembly is based on a braked belt conveyor which is a popular specification for many mining applications.”

Also at AIMEX, NORD Drivesystems will feature helical geared motors, electrical motors and frequency inverters, including cabinet-mounted and de-centralised. NORD Drivesystems Australia was established in 2009 as a fully owned subsidiary of Getriebebau NORD GmbH. • NORD 1300 006 673 au-sales@nord.com www.nord.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PREVIEW

Anti-static mining jackets

Switchgears and transformers

HUSKI will show a new cotton anti-static mining jacket described as the first such industry-specific jacket to be developed in Australia on Stand H18 at AIMEX. The Current 918176 has a carbon fibre configuration woven into its fabric.

“This reduces and dissipates electrical charge, providing maximum protection in the event of sparks or ignition” explained Mark Kessel, marketing manager for Huski.

“We have developed a truly anti-static 100 per cent cotton fabric.

“It meets an industry need for an all-round, The first industry specific jacket to be developed in warm winter weight jacket suited to the specific Australia. requirements of the mining industry.

“By weaving carbon fibre through the cotton fabric we have been able to create a garment that exceeds Australian, European and British standards for anti-static.

“This is a genuine breakthrough for the Australian mining and safety industries.”

Kessel said the newly developed fabric is anti-static, high visibility day/night compliant, “so all the boxes for worker protection are ticked”.

The Current also featured warm cotton lining and 3M 8910 reflective tap. It complies with Australian Standards 1906.4:2010 and 4602.1:2011 class D/N, anti-static – EN 1149-1.

• Huski - Palazzi Mark Kessel 0418 379 227 markk@palazzi.com.au www.huski.net A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ E N E 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 3 0 T1 0 : 4 8 : 0 1 + 1 0 : 0 0

NHP Electrical Engineering Products will show a recently released range of medium voltage products, from switchgear components to transformers, including substation automation solutions, on Stand 2020.

According to the company, its new products can be customised to suit specific design performance criteria, are reliable and built to last and have been designed for Australasian medium voltage (above 1 kV to 36 kV) requirements.

NHP’s exclusive medium voltage product ranges include SwitchGear Company (SGC) switchgear and Trafo Elettro cast resin transformers.

Tailored automation solutions from Rockwell Automation as well as Cortem and Mofash hazardous area products will be another feature of NHP’s AIMEX stand.

“NHP is solely committed to serving the needs of customers in the mining industry and is aware of the critical challenges faced by the industry,” Vince Grillinzoni, NHP’s manager- medium voltage solutions, explained.

“We specialise in motor control, power distribution and automation systems and can offer the Australian mining industry a complete industrial electrical and automation solutions package.”

The result, Grillinzoni said, was that NHP incorporated the world’s best and most extensive range of low and medium voltage Ex and non-Ex products into tailored, mine-focused application solutions.

“And they are designed to suit specific operational needs and ensure efficient and reliable operation across the board on time and within budget.”

• NHP Electrical Engineering Products: 03 9420 4547 www.nhp.com.au

POWERFUL SOLUTIONS. GLOBAL FORCE.

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AUS 1800 225 084 info@enerpac.com.au www.enerpac.com.au

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PREVIEW

High output LED floodlights

Dragline and hoist ropes

HELLA Australia will be unveiling its new HypaLUME LED floodlight on Stand 5707 at AIMEX. According to General Manager Stuart Ellacott, the lights are suitable for both DC and AC applications and have been designed to withstand demanding outdoor and industrial requirements.

“Producing more than 20,000 Lumens by using 56 high-power colourmatched LEDs coupled with three specialised optical distributions, Designed to withstand the demanding the HELLA HypaLUME consumes far less power compared with mining environment. conventional industrial lighting,” Ellacott said.

“It uses 240 W at 24 VDC, translating to a luminous efficiency close to 100 Lumens per Watt, which means it provides similar light levels to a 400 W metal halide light fitting while using far less power.”

According to the company, which has a design and manufacturing plant in Mentone, Victoria and has been operating for more than 50 years, the units not only save money but also reduce CO2 emissions.

“The LEDs operate at a colour temperature of 5700 K to provide a near daylight environment and a comfortable work area wherever they are used,” he said.

“They are also protected from reverse polarity and short-circuit faults, and the light produced remains consistent across a wide range of voltage applications.”

The unit’s driver board and housing have been specially designed to use advanced thermal management which draws heat away from the LEDs to ensure long operating life – with HELLA offering a five-year LED light output warranty.

The lights are also designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40C to 50C with no decrease in output, while the high-impact lens is chemical resistant.

“The HELLA HypaLUME, designed and manufactured in Australia, represents the next generation of highly efficient, yet economic industrial area lighting products,” Ellacott said.

“The quality produced simply cannot be compared with conventional lighting based on operating costs, service life and light output quality throughout each unit’s service life.”

Typical applications for the floodlights include loading bays, tunnels, warehouses and wharves.

“We have taken into account feedback from many sites and operators, equipment manufacturers and lighting users to produce a floodlight that combines real world performance with energy efficiency,” said Ellacott.

• HELLA Australia Melanie Parsonage 03 9581 9299 mining@ha.hella.com www.hellamining.com

THIS year at AIMEX 2013, Bridon International is exhibiting its latest technological innovations in dragline and hoist ropes including the Bridon Big T Bristar dragline rope, the Tiger 24 LS for underground shaft hoist applications, and the company’s shovel rope products; the Zebra, DuraCore and Tiger Blue ranges.

Following Bridon’s recent launches of the state-of-theart manufacturing facility; Bridon Neptune Quay, and the world-leading Bridon Technology Centre, the products that Bridon is exhibiting at AIMEX 2013 will demonstrate the company’s position as global technology leader in the manufacture of rope solutions.

Bridon’s recently unveiled dragline rope, the Big T Bristar, has been engineered to withstand the most challenging of dragline applications in open-pit mining and deliver dramatic improvements in productivity for end-users. The Big T Bristar benefits from a unique fluted shape plastic encapsulated core, high breaking load due to Dyformed outer strands, elimination of grit and dirt, reduced internal friction, increased bend fatigue, delivering operators excellent resistant to wear and exceptional service life.

Bridon’s Tiger 24 LS hoist rope has been developed to deliver the lowest possible cost per tonne hoisted. The linear contact between wires in the rope’s inner and outer strands reduces internal nicking and minimises torque values, delivering high flexibility, reduced internal fretting and superior cycle count.

For more information about Bridon International and its mining product range visit stand 2822 in Hall 1-4.

It now has 120 overseas dealers in 80 countries as well as a new R&D Centre which opened in 2011.

• Bridon International www.bridon.com

Presenting drill rigs, top hammer drills and rock tools on stand.

Diamond core drill rigs EVERDIGM will be presenting its diamond core drill rig, top hammer drill and rock tools on Stand 6920 at AIMEX. On show at AIMEX will be the Korean-based company’s ECR 18 core drill rig, which boasts a small footprint given its drilling power, according to the company’s Angelica Yoon.

“It can drill 1800 mm with NQ but weighs only 9 tonnes,” Yoon said.

“Other machines with similar drilling capacities are much heavier, so it can make significant savings on transportation.”

Everdigm (short for “Everlasting Paradigm”) makes a wide range of drills, rock tools and excavator attachments for applications in building construction, road construction, mining, dam, quarrying, demolition and many other industry sectors.

It now has 120 overseas dealers in 80 countries as well as a new R&D Centre which opened in 2011.

• Everdigm Angelica Yoon (+82) 1588 0758 angelica@evedigm.com www.everdigm.com

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Light vehicle suspension 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, mine-specific shock absorbers, spring kits, and ancillary suspension parts,” Mayon said. It now has 120 overseas dealers in 80 countries as well as a new R&D Centre which opened in 2011.

• Pedders Suspension Peter Mayon 0418 463 081 pmayon@bigpond.com www.pedders.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PREVIEW

Fire retardant clothing THE Workwear Group will showcase a new range of fire retardant workwear that offers mine, oil, gas and electrical workers protection from arc flash, flash fire and heat stress on Stand SL540 at AIMEX. The Hard Yakka Protect garments feature Tecgen Select inherent fire retardant (FR) fabric technology that results in what the group says is the lightest, most breathable FR work clothes available in Australia. The range include high visibility shirts, coveralls and pants.

“Hard Yakka Protect is an Australian first in fire retardant workwear, coupling the best available protection from arc flash and flash fire with the lightest, most breathable and moisture wicking fabric for the reduction of heat stress,” Hard Yakka’s senior product manager, Brenna Mathews, said. She said traditional FR workwear was typically heavy and thick and could get very hot, which meant that in hot climates or while undertaking labour intensive work, some tradespeople opted for cotton-based workwear with no FR qualities in order to stay cool and comfortable.

“Now Hard Yakka has significantly stepped up the level of protection workers can get, without comprising the comfort and breathability that Hard Yakka is known for.” And while cotton-based Provides protection from arc flash, flash workwear could ignite and continue burning during an arc flash or fire, and heat stress. flash fire, Hard Yakka Protect garments were self-extinguishing, Mathews said. Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select was the lightest weight FR workwear available in Australia to meet NFPA Hazard Risk Category 2 (HRC 2) requirements of Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) 8 cal/cm2 or above. This rating is based on the primary navy fabric; other colours may vary against this. Independent laboratory testing found Hard Yakka Protect shirts were, on average, 25 per cent lighter and pants were 14 per cent lighter than competitive FR fabrics that also met HRC 2 requirements. Tests showed the range to be 63-68 per cent more breathable than competitors and wicks sweat, on average, 15 per cent better.

• The Workwear Group www.hardyakka.com.au A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ R C R 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 3 0 T1 0 : 4 3 : 1 2 + 1 0 : 0 0

Mine planning and scheduling MINESIGHT Applications will be displaying its new MineSight Atlas multiple-activity, mine planning and scheduling technology on Stand H1028 at AIMEX. MineSight Applications is the Perth-based branch of Mintec, the Arizona-based software developer founded in 1970, and which has now has grown into a network of mining professionals providing global technology, service, and support.

According to the company, MineSight is a comprehensive modelling and mine planning software platform, offering integrated solutions for exploration, modelling, design, scheduling and production. Its latest MineSight Atlas product has been specifically designed to reshape the world of mine planning.

“No one knows the pressure to produce better than a mine planning engineer,” Mintec vice president-technical, Glenn Wylde said.

“Mine planning is a highly demanding environment, fraught with complex needs. With a resource-based, true calendar approach to multiple-activity scheduling, MineSight Atlas quickly manages all material movement and reclaim. It works with multiple block models and makes areas for open pit and underground mining easy to manage.”

Applications for MineSight Atlas can be used for manual scheduling for short to long-term schedules; resource-based scheduling; multiple activity types; calendar-based schedule with Gantt representation; and direct 3D design of polygons and solids.

• MineSight Applications Cassandra McCredden 08 9436 0700 cassandra.mccredden@minesightapps.com.au www.minesight.com

We’ve got you covered above and below ground RCR and KOPEX have entered into a technology partnership to deliver a unique and comprehensive range of materials handling and mining equipment.

RCR and KOPEX will provide the mining industry with an integrated innovative solution base, fully supported with design, manufacture, installation and commissioning.

All of our solutions will be complemented with a professional and extensive support network extending to the regions near your sites.

Above Ground, RCR’s core materials handling equipment is now extended with the KOPEX Stockyard equipment including Bucket Wheel Reclaimers, Stackers, Mobile Mining, IPCC, Spreaders and continuous mining solutions.

Below Ground, KOPEX Waratah will deliver the full range of KOPEX mining products including: Long Wall Systems, Roof Supports, Shuttle Cars, Road Headers, Feeder Breakers and Scraper Conveyors.

Visit us at AIMEX 20th-23rd August 2013 at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park.

To find out more, visit www.rcrkopex.com.au

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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$85M Stockholding

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Alloys & Duplex

Automation Solutions

www.mrcglobal.com

PREVIEW

Massive mining dump trucks AustrAlAsiAn Pacific Engineering Group (APEG), will launch officially Belaz, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of mining dump trucks, onto the Australian market on stand r090. Belaz recently started offering its trucks in Australia, with the opening of a new distribution and support facility near newcastle.

Based in Belarus, it has supplied more than 130,000 trucks to markets including the former soviet union, the Cis, and other regions, including Eastern Europe, south America Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China totalling 33 countries around the world. it manufactures the largest mining trucks outside of the us, and this year plans to release a 450 tonne capacity truck – which will be the world’s largest. in Australia, Belaz has recently appointed the Australasian Pacific Engineering Group (APEG) as its distribution and support partner.

“We see this as a big development for the Australian resources sector,” shane Halliwell, APEG Director said.

Entered the Australian market earlier this year.

“Belaz views the Australian market as being very solid in the medium to long term and this move is a key part of a global expansion program by the company.”

With over 14,000 employees in operations covering 33 countries, Halliwell said Belaz is one of the world’s largest producers of dump trucks.

“Around the globe, one in three operating dump trucks is manufactured by Belaz – giving an idea of the size and reach of the company.”

Belaz trucks are designed and built in a modern manufacturing centre in Zhodino, Belarus, which is currently producing 2000 units a year.

Halliwell said the Belaz range offered mining companies and contractors a number of benefits. APEG has recently supplied Belaz dump trucks to one of Australia’s leading mining houses, and since April 2013 has had five units operating on a ‘hire-to-buy’ basis while being evaluated against its existing fleet. Halliwell said that initially APEG will be supplying two models in Australia, the 240 tonne and 360 tonne capacity trucks. “these are all built to isO standards and specced to meet the stringent mine site requirements of our client,” said Halliwell.

“Due to our flexible production line, the factory is capable of making changes to the trucks as required to ensure they meet Australian mining spec standards. this ensures there is no need for re-engineering when the unit gets here, something which is both costly for the client and can dramatically affects delivery times.”

Belaz trucks will be sold and supported in Australia through APEG, working in conjunction with sharps Heavy Equipment repairs to provide service and repairs. sharps Heavy Equipment repairs has facilities in Mackay and Dalby in central Queensland, and has recently opened a new facility in rutherford, in the upper Hunter Valley.

Key specs of the Belaz mining trucks on offer in Australia are: 75315: Payload, 240 tonnes; powered by Cummins QsK60-C/Mtu DD16V4000 both rated at 1864 kW; heaped capacity, 141 cu m; maximum speed, 64 km/h; turning radius, 15 m; length, 13.39 m; width, 8.06 m; height, 6.72 m.

75602: Payload, 320-360 tonnes; powered by Cummins QsK78-C/Mtu DD20V400 rated at 2610/2800 kW; heaped capacity, 199 cu m; maximum speed, 64 km/h; turning radius, 17.2 m; length, 14.9 m; width, 9.45 m; height, 7.32 m.

• APEG/BELAZ 02 4933 1894 sales@apeg.net.au www.apeg.net.au A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ B L U 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 6 T1 5 : 1 2 : 4 0 + 1 0 : 0 0

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

www.ruukki.com

Ruukki at AIMEX 2013 Stand: SL535

TAKING EVERY MEASURE

RUUKKI SPECIAL STEELS. THE NEW DEFINITION FOR PREMIUM.

The full Raex range is now direct quenched.

From 2 mm 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 can 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.

WEAR RESISTANT STEEL

Ryan Sanders Country Manager, Ruukki Australia M: +61 499 711 700 E: ryan.sanders@ruukki.com

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: 13 72 82 bluescopedistribution.com.au

PREVIEW

Prime mover and rigid trucks SCANIA has commissioned several prime movers and rigid trucks with Australian mine operators to show how well suited they are for the country’s mining conditions. The first to be demonstrated was the R 620 V8-powered prime mover. The demonstration on Australian mine sites not only had to win over operators and their balance sheet guardians, but also drivers accustomed to American trucks. But in its first month of operation on a gold mine in Kalgoorlie, the experienced driver who drove Scania has launched a number of new trucks developed for mining. the R 620 along a 40km haul road of hard packed clay up to five times a day was an early convert.

Never having driven a cab-over European truck before, the driver fell for the comfort and quietness of the cab. It is rated at 200-tonnes GCM. This gives a 140-tonne payload potential when pulling four side-tipping trailers. The V8 engine produces 620 hp and 3,000 Nm of torque. It comes with powerful pulling performance and economical fuel consumption even when running fully loaded. The first test it went through was quite simple: pulling a water cart along the haul road. Then came the tough part: hauling 140-tonnes of ore. But the vehicle managed it and the driver had the added benefit of a retarder, which allows the vehicle to be decelerated almost to a standstill without using the service breaks. This keeps them cold for emergency operation as well as reducing wear and tear, promoting improved uptime. The vehicle drives through a three-pedal Scania Opticruise automated shifting GRSO925R overdrive transmission. This allows automatic gear selection by the Opticruise system, but allows manual override by the driver at the pull of the Opticruise lever. Testing feedback revealed the system works more smoothly than other mounts. The bogie drive axles use hub reduction, and an axle ratio of 4.71:1. The wheelbase stands at 4500 millimetres and Scania fitted super-single steer tyres on the front axle while under test in WA. With a total technical weight of 40,500 kilograms, it was equipped with 1400 litres of fuel split between two tanks, one on either side of the chassis, along with a suitable capacity of AdBlue. It comes with several mine-friendly features including rotating beacons, reflective stripes, a bull bar with extra driving lights and a heavy-duty fifth wheel for the tests. Of the four trailers, three B-trailers had a capacity of 40-tonnes each.

The company has a range of heavy-duty trucks apt for mining operators. It includes the P 360 4x4 tray top truck for light delivery work, G 360 dumper truck that arrives from Europe with the body attached so it is immediately ready for work. The range also includes an 8x4 G 400 flat top complete with HIAB lifting arm that makes it easier to move machinery from site to site and can be hitched to a dog trailer for extra capacity.

The company has also added an 8x4 G 400 Tilt Tray to the range, with a large capacity load bed and hydraulic arm. It also has been successful supplying mine-specification crew transport buses in the form of the Scania-Higer A30 mining bus which can seat up to 60 work crew and is equipped with full mine-specification safety equipment. It is extremely reliable, has economic fuel consumption and uptime. One operator has more than 30 of these vehicles already in service. Scania will have a display of vehicles and services at AIMEX and will be available to discuss mining operators’ needs in detail on the stand or after the show.

• Scania www.scania.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ N O R _ 2 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 3 0 T1 0 : 3 4 : 4 0 + 1 0 : 0 0

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Process control solution architecture SCHNEIDER Electric, a global specialist in energy management, has today announced that it will demonstrate its EcoStruxure solution architecture at AIMEX. The EcoStruxure solution architecture combines the five key business domains of power, process & machine, IT room, building and security management. It also incorporates StruxureWare software applications and suites, which unify the above domains so that users can see, measure and manage efficiency across entire processes, at the enterprise, operations and control levels.

Vinod Kandoi, National Segment Manager, Mining, Minerals & Metals said: “At AIMEX 2013, Schneider Electric is showcasing solutions that make mining operations more efficient, productive, safe and sustainable.”

Given the challenges in the current economic and regulatory environment, technologically advanced and efficient operations are no more an optional add-on to mining businesses, they’re now a necessity.

Therefore, the showcase will include a special focus on a few key operational efficiency solutions such as operational Intelligence to optimise a mine’s performance, looking at how a mine execution system (MES) can continuously monitor asset performance in real-time, identify opportunities to optimise production output, reduce operating costs, and decrease waste.

It will also focus on Mine-to-Port logistics, in particular its Integrated Planning and Optimisation System which has specific functionality for a range of mining environments.

These include stockpile management, advanced blending, transport scheduling, demand and supply planning, maintenance planning, scenario management and intelligent reporting.

It is a “cross-silo” optimisation system that provides a “One-Version-of-the-Truth” view of a given supply chain and optimises all known variables to provide a business best outcome, rather than a silo optimised result.

• Schneider Electric www.schneider-electric.com

www.miningaustralia.com.au

Lighting The Way Through Technology & Innovative Solutions

“The NEW STANDARD in Mine Ventilation Monitoring SOLUTIONS!”

Accutron INSTRUMENTS

INC.

Mine ventilation is a critical and major cost component in operating any underground mine. Ventilation can account for over 30% of the total operational cost. Regardless of the size of your mine reducing operating cost and increased productivity requires real-time continuous measurement and control.

Trust Accutron Instruments for your “Vent On Demand” Solutions.

Accutron Instruments Inc. are international leaders in the mine ventilation industry with ultrasonic airflow metering technology such as; • Mine Drift Monitors • Mine Intake/Exhaust fan monitors • Aux/Industrial Fan Monitors • Integral Mine Air Quality Stations (MAQS) • Intrinsically Safe products

• • • • • • • • •

VoIP Telephony Systems Integration Network Solutions Research & Development Environmental & Airflow Monitoring Cap lamps Software Messaging Network Access Points

NLT Australia Pty Ltd

+61 7 5495 2944

info@nltinc.com.au www.nltinc.com.au Units 1-2, 22-26 Cessna Drive, Caboolture QLD 4510

PREVIEW

Safer bolting and lifting ENERPAC will unveil what it describes as some of the world’s most advanced portable, powerful and safe bolting and hydraulic pumping technology, along with high-precision heavy lifting equipment on Stand H1079.

New products on show will include the compact Ultima hand pumps, offering reduced handle effort and two-speed operation with the second stage (700-2800 bar) suited to rugged applications and able to handle cylinders of 5-25 tonnes.

They also include a new XC battery-operated cordless pump with attachments such as a bead breaker, spreader, nut splitter and pull cylinders; square drive and hexagonal torque wrench cassettes complemented by tensioners, torque multipliers and a torque wrench Built to be portable and for rugged applications. pump, the TQ700E-K-100, which incorporates ultrasonic technology to help ensure safe joints; and RC Duo high-pressure (700 bar) compact, hydraulic lifting cylinders with lifting capacities from a few hundred kilograms to individual cylinders that can lift up to 1000 tonnes each.

Enerpac will also focus on hydraulic and mechanical equipment it says is lighter, quieter, safe, more powerful and more efficient including new generation hydraulic pumps, including the TQ-7000E Classic 700 bar electric pump, featuring a brushless motor designed for continuous usage and simplified maintenance in high cycle applications and demanding environments, including mobile plant workshops on mine and resources sites, and field maintenance for dragline, shovel and heavy plant repair; and Z series pumps engineered to save time and labour on repetitive tasks, improve operator safety, generate less friction and use less energy.

Non-impact bolting technology will be another highlight of Enerpac’s AIMEX stand.

“These tools are designed to streamline many common, time-consuming and potentially hazardous maintenance and fabrication tasks,” Enerpac spokesman Brent Whyte said.

They include W series torque wrenches weighing from 1.4 kg to 12 kg and with precisely repeatable torque from 2712 Nm to 47450 Nm, and S series double-acting square drive wrenches, extending from 2.7 kg to 31 kg with outputs of 1898 Nm to 34,079 Nm. • Enerpac Australia 02 9743 8988 info@enerpac.com.au www.enerpac.com.au A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ F L E 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 6 - 2 7 T1 6 : 0 5 : 1 1 + 1 0 : 0 0

Protect the Tail Pulley,

Protect the Belt.

The Heavy-Duty Floating Blade V-Plough is ideal for wide and high speed belt applications where belt damage can be critical to your operation. The twin poles prevent bouncing and keep rogue materials from rebounding over the plough and lodging between the return belt and the tail pulley resulting in damage to your conveyor belt.

Stainless Steel model available with FRAS approved blade for use in underground mines.

Phone: 1300 098 435 Email: salesau@flexco.com

GIRBAU Australia will show its range of industry-specific laundry equipment on Stand H1060 at AIMEX – Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, to be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from August 20-23, 2013.

With more than 50 years of experience, Girbau’s design, build and maintenance capabilities for commercial and industrial laundries as well as permanent and portable mining camps are regarded as the best in the industry, according to the company.

In designing laundries for mining camps, Girbau takes into account the type of mine, location, number of workers, water and energy constraints – recognising that every mine is different and requires different solutions.

The company also offers comprehensive service and maintenance for each piece of equipment, no matter where it is located.

• Girbau Australia 02 9894 0399 sales@girbau.com.au www.girbau.com.au

Fail Safe Fixed Frame* prevents frame from potentially damaging belt – even as blades wear. * Patent pending

www.flexco.com 102 August 2013 AustralianMining 0213_AUSmng_hpHorz_Vplg.indd 1

Mining laundry equipment

Visit us at AIMEX booth 2516 www.miningaustralia.com.au 2/14/13 9:13 AM

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

GET and undercarriage systems

New conveyors launched

BRADKEN will unveil a new ground engaging tool (GET) system as well as a new Ultiroller range designed to maximise excavator undercarriage life on Stand 2011.

Details of the new GET system, the second such system to be released by Bradken this year, are being kept under wraps until AIMEX opens.

However, sales and marketing manager for Bradken’s GET New additions to the cast-lip GET system, Penetratormax. & Buckets business, Jason Lunn, said it was designed to enable mines to make significant safety improvements in managing and handling GET, while increasing production and reducing downtime.

“Our new GET system will have its first public showing at AIMEX, so we are not letting anything out at the moment as to what it is,” he said.

As well, Bradken will be showing the latest additions in its recently expanded cast-lip GET system, Penetratormax. The new additions fit onto Bradken’s Penetrator nose or an OEM nose, using a Bradken-designed and manufactured adapter, point and hammerless locking pin system, which is designed to reduce the risk of injury.

Fraser Batts, BDM for Bradken’s Crawler Systems Business was more forthcoming about Bradken’s UltiRoller excavator undercarriage load roller range, which is designed for use on Caterpillar excavators, with operating weights from 285 tonnes to 1080 tonnes.

“This has been designed to help excavators attain maximum undercarriage life with lower operating temperatures; it features a self-contained assembly with the roller shell split into two standalone (shell and axle) pieces,” he said.

An optional automatic lubrication system made use of the carrier machine’s auto-lubrication system, feeding lubricant through the end block into a specially designed axle so it was supplied directly to the area of contact, Batts said.

“Contact between the bush and axle occurs at the base and this area is permanently submerged in lubricant, which aids in decreasing wear rates.”

Batts said, when under loads, the Ultiroller’s design meant less bending occurred in the axle, resulting in a uniform area of contact.

In addition, the range incorporated a single-plated, two-bolt retention system developed to simplify the fitment process and remove reliance on using the side frame to set the assembly float.

The design also maximised the clearance between the end block and the crawler shoe, Batts said.

Other innovations on show at AIMEX from Bradken, designed to reduce mine operators’ total cost of ownership, will include ground engaging tool, dragline rigging and wear technology aimed at reducing inventory while providing safety and production advantages; a fixed plant skirt liner system designed to promote quick and safe change out without the need to work in a confined space; a web-based fixed plant wear liner monitoring system that supplies email alerts such as recommended liner replacement data; an Evolution shoe for use on Caterpillar excavator models 6030, 6040, 6050 and 6060 with a patented continuous roller path designed to achieve superior service life compared with alternative products; and advances in mineral processing grinding mill liner technology to help promote operational efficiency and reduce costs.

• Bradken Tim McGilchrist 02 4926 8437 tmcgilchrist@bradken.com www.bradken.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ MA C 2 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 3 0 T1 0 : 3 6 : 4 9 + 1 0 : 0 0

MINPROVISE will introduce a new range of conveyor rollers and idlers on Stand H1126.

The Daeyang Rollent range includes steel and HDPE carrier rollers, impact rollers and return rollers.

“Rollent’s patented, unique carrier roller has a triple sealing system for water-proof and dust-proof sealing and a round processing tip to prevent damage to a rubber conveyor belt,” Peter Cook, Minprovise’s mineral processing manager said.

“Its functions accommodate misalignment and assist in absorbing impact, providing value TIR (total indicated runout) and durability.”

A troughing idler, an impact idler, a transition idler, a troughing training idler, a return training idler and a return idler are other components in the Rollent range.

“Renowned for their durability and innovation, Rollent’s award-winning conveyor components can be used in a wide variety of industries, including mining, construction, cement, thermal power plants and factories,” Cook said.

He said that as Australia’s number one mining industry exhibition, AIMEX represented an exciting opportunity for WA-based Minprovise to showcase the new Rollent range.

Other mining products supplied by Minprovise include Kawasaki and Kobe Steel crushing equipment, Araldite crusher backing, EziTite hydraulic bolt tensioning devices and the Dugless 900 mini loader.

“Minprovise also specialises in servicing crushing and conveyor systems and late last year acquired new workshop premises to allow for continued growth while expanding its capabilities with off-site repairs and engineering projects,” Cook said.

• Minprovise Julie Morandini 0400 197 410 julie.morandini@minprovise.com.au www.minprovise.com

• Exporting to over 60 countries worldwide • Market focus innovations • Premium customer service

An Australian Manufacturer since 1948 Lubrication Equipment and Flow Meters Macnaught Head Office is certified to ISO 9001 Quality Standard and ISO 14001 Environmental Standard.

www.macnaught.com.au 1800 185 102 104 2013 AustralianMining AAMAugust Ad resize _1.indd 2

Environment ISO 14001

Quality ISO 9001

www.miningaustralia.com.au 24/07/13 5:25 PM

Are you using the best testing devices at your site?

Pathtech are the leading supplier of the highest quality drug and alcohol testing devices, working with mine sites right across Australia for their workplace drug and alcohol testing.

The Pathtech team can assist with:

As used by all Australian Police Jurisdictions for roadside screening

• Saliva and urine based testing devices • Full device training and support • Recommending the very best testing device based on your site Or recommending an Onsite Testing Provider who test using Pathtech devices.

FREE Sample Would you like to trial the Securetec DrugWipe 6S? Contact the Pathtech Team and mention “Australian Mining Sample” for your free sample.

Limit one per customer – conditions may apply.

For further information, contact the Pathtech team phone 1800 069 161 email drugwipe@pathtech.com.au

pathtech.com.au

Securetec

Alco-Sensor

ProScreen™

DrugWipe® 6S*

Intoximeter Breath Alcohol Testers

Urine (Drugs of Abuse) Test Cups

An easy to use, reliable test for the detection of drugs in saliva which provides rapid results – within 8 minutes. No handling of saliva required.

Light weight and easy to use. Enables simple breath alcohol testing, providing precise, accurate and repeatable results.

Simple and easy to use. Enables detection of multiple drugs and drug metabolites with a built in validity test. Designed as a screening test only.

PREVIEW

Mobile solar lighting towers Improves ingress protection.

Underground coal mine gas sensors NAUTITECH Mining Systems will be unveiling a new high-precision underground gas sensor among a range of specialist electronics products on Stand 2511.

According to Nautitech representative Nick Smith, its Ex ia rated sensor has been purpose-built for coal mines and is currently undergoing the final stages of its formal certification process.

“Compared to its predecessor, it has significantly improved ingress protection, a higher rate of precision and faster warm-up and response times,” Smith said.

“It will be available for use with new shutdown systems or as a retrofit kit for existing systems.”

A new product from Nautitech at AIMEX will be its new Spitfire power-line modem, which takes data from underground machines, such as shearers and continuous miners, and transfers it to the surface via the trailing cable – allowing improved system control and productivity analysis.

“Underground testing on multiple longwall shearers in Australia has shown a link capacity that ranges from 110 Mbps for a 450 m trailing cable, up to 160 Mbps for 280 m,” he said.

“During six months of testing, there were no communications outages; we believe this is a breakthrough in power line modem performance for mining.”

Also featured will be the company’s Extreme cam – Ex d-rated infrared camera kit, which is designed to give operators of machines, such as LHDs and shuttle cars, more warning of nearby personnel.

“Contrast settings can be adjusted so that, when a person is nearby, their body heat shows brightly against a dark background, immediately catching the operator’s attention,” said Smith.

• Nautitech Mining Systems Nick Smith 02 9899 6857 nick.smith@ntms.com www.ntms.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ P E L 1 2 0 1 3 - 0

Featured Product Pelican 9435 RALS Portable

SOLAR Hire will display the latest models in its range of mobile solar lighting towers on Stand H1003.

“We have newly designed lighting towers ready for use in the field, and which have been developed to provide significant economic advantages over diesel-powered units,” sales manager Tyron Paul said.

The towers use SunPower E20 solar panels to draw energy and can be operated manually or set to automatically power up and shut down on a daily basis.

The lights are powered by a 24v 750Ah battery system, and also feature a 240 V 34 A on-board battery charger, with each fitting producing 5000 effective lumens – equivalent to a 250W metal halide floodlight.

“Fully charged by the system’s solar panels, the 24V batteries can run the lights for 70-plus hours without input for the solar panels,” Ryan said.

Built to mine specifications.

Solar Hire’s latest-design towers are significantly smaller than previous models – at only 2.5 m by 1.8 m – to enable single-operator operation.

All are built to mine spec requirements, as well as being MDG15-compliant, in line with state government guidelines for mobile and transportable equipment on mine sites. The mast can be set at any working height and the lights have 360° pan/tilt adjustment, all controlled through a hand-held controller.

“With these lighting towers, there are no on-going diesel fuel costs, no fumes, noise or servicing.

“Our units are ideal for shutdowns, go-lines, intersections and car parks, in and around crib huts and amenities, rail works, road works, as well as for residential areas,” Ryan said.

• Solar Hire Tyron Paul 1300 895 544 sales@solarhire.com.au www.solarhire.com.au

Transmission, motion control ALTRA Industrial Motion brands Wichita Clutch, Twiflex Ltd., Stieber Clutch, Formsprag Clutch, Marland Clutch, Industrial Clutch, TB Wood’s and Bauer Gear Motor are exhibiting their latest product lines at this year’s AIMEX in Sydney, Australia.

Visitors will be able to learn about Altra’s broad offering of products which meet the specific power transmission and motion control requirements of all types of mining, quarry and material handling equipment.

Stieber Clutch will be featuring their new compact, load sharing, high speed releasable RDBK backstop. Twiflex Ltd. will be displaying a number of new products to complement its modular brake range, including the VBS, VCSD and VKSD-VR. Clutches and brakes in focus.

Formsprag, Stieber and Marland Clutch have the widest range of backstops, including over 30 low speed designs with torque capacities up to 1626000 NM (1,200,000 lb. ft.), and will be showcasing products from this line at the Altra stand 6916. Altra brands will also be highlighting the product solutions that can be applied to improve efficiency, productivity and safety in the mining operations. From heavy-duty brakes for draglines and electric rope shovels to caliper brakes and disc couplings on winders and ventilation fans, a wide array of Altra products keep mining operations running smoothly worldwide.

• Altra Industrial Motion 7www.altramining.com - 1 6 T1 5 : 1 4 : 3 4 + 1 0 : 0 0

INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION

Rechargeable Safety Approved: (IECEx)

See us at AIMEX 2013 Stand #B1031

Mast Extends to 82 cm Light Output: 1500 Lumens (High) 750 Lumens (Low) Battery Runtime: 5h (High), 10h (Low)

TRANSPORT CASES

PROTECTIVE CASES

SAFETY APPROVED TORCHES

REMOTE AREA LIGHTS

> OVER 90 SIZES > MODULAR, STACKABLE > INTERLOCKING DESIGN

> WHEELED > WATERTIGHT > CRUSHPROOF

> LED TECHNOLOGY > WATERPROOF > OVER 39 MODELS

> PORTABLE > BATTERY OPERATED > RECHARGEABLE

Pelican Products Pty Ltd • Suite 2.33 West Wing, Platinum Building • 4 Ilya Avenue, Erina NSW 2250 Tel: +612 4367 7022 • Fax: +612 4367 7066 • www.pelicanaustralia.com infoAustralia@pelican.com All trademarks are registered and/or unregistered trademarks of Pelican Products, Inc., its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

Gearmotors \ Heavy Industrial Solutions \ Electronics \ Decentralised Systems \ Services

Stand 1311 Sydney, Australia 20-23 August, 2013

No Matter What You Move: We Drive It As a key supplier to the Australian mining industry, SEW-EURODRIVE believes in quality and efficiency when it comes to drive technology. Supplying a range of industrial gear units, motors and drives for especially large torque requirements, SEW delivers more than just products to heavy industry. A team of talented engineers develop effective and timely solutions based on customers’ drive specifications, which are backed by after-sales commissioning & product support. SEW-EURODRIVE also understands that time is money, so units may be delivered within a matter of weeks from local assembly plants, rather than waiting months for items to be shipped from overseas.

SEW-EURODRIVE – Driving Australian Industry

www.sew-eurodrive.com.au 1300 SEW AUS (1300 739 287) to be directed to your nearest office Melbourne (Head Office) I Sydney I Brisbane I Townsville I Perth I Adelaide

X Series • Robust gear housing • Flexible mounting capability • Worldwide service • Local stock holding and assembly • Thermal housing “Mining Drive” option • Torque range 58-475 kNm

PREVIEW

Onboard weighing systems LOADRITE will show a new onboard weighing system for large mining excavators and shovels, on Stand S150 at AIMEX. The new Loadrite X2650 is designed to ensure accurate and instant haul truck payload weight data, helping mining operations increase productivity while reducing operational costs.

Designed for excavators ranging from 200 to 800 tonnes, it will have its official launch at AIMEX on August 20, following a successful trial of the system at a large mine in NSW. The X2650’s ability to deliver accurate weight information for every bucket of material loaded makes it stand out from other products, said Loadrite Product Manager, Excavator Series, Gordon Hain.

“Until now, most mining operations have relied on payload systems on haul trucks to measure payload weight. However, on haul trucks the data is not provided until after the bucket has been dumped into the truck, so accurate data is only available after the truck has left the load out location,” he said.

The result is a flat payload distribution curve for the fleet, with the mean not matched with the target payload.

“By then, precious time has been wasted if you discover the truck is over- or under-loaded,” said Hain.

The X2650 was a dynamic in-motion weighing system, meaning it measured the payload during the loading procedure – thereby having no impact on the loading time.

Following the success of the initial trial at the NSW mine, it is now fitting the X2650 across its excavator fleet – a total of six machines– with the goal of maximising the potential cost savings the system can deliver.

Designed for large mining excavators and shovels.

The X2650 also makes it easy for mine operators to comply with the commonly accepted “10-10-20” OEM load policy, which can result in the warranty being voided if the haul truck is 20 per cent overloaded.

“To comply with the 10-10-20 policy, all loads must be below 110% of the target payload with only 10% of all loads between 110 and 120%,” he said.

“The bucket-by-bucket accuracy delivered by the X2650 takes the guesswork out of the process, enabling excavator operators to meet these load requirements and protecting the investment made in equipment.”

Accuracy is assured to within ±3% in a wide range of demanding operating conditions, adding to overall system benefits.

“In comparison, the dynamic payload information provided in haul trucks is generally only accurate to within 5% – and that’s only after the truck is a few hundred metres down the road from the loading site location.”

• Loadrite Australia Rob Collier 02 8008 8680 rob.collier@actronic.com www.loadritescales.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ N O R 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 6 T1 5 : 1 5 : 4 8 + 1 0 : 0 0

ITH W T C E CONN E BEST TH

NORDEN HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS

X

QUIK CHANGE Couplings

• WORK TOOL CHANGES IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES • AUTO SHUT OFF AVOIDS SPILLS

2 SIZES

Phone: 03 9793 1066 email: hydraulics@norden.com.au www.norden.com.au

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Safer bin tippers WRIGHTWAY Products will be featuring its recently released Wrightway2MT Bin Tipper on Stand R096 at AIMEX. “The new tipper provides all the additional safety and maintenance features that workers and OH&S officers have been requesting as standard inclusions,” Wrightway’s national sales and marketing manager Christopher Tasker said.

“New safety benefits, include safety guarding for all moving parts and the relocation of castor brakes, with independent engagement.”

The Wrightway2MT features a double roller lift and tip mechanism, allowing two outside arms to travel within covered and shielded channels Provides guarding for all moving parts. during the lift, empty and lower cycle, eliminating potential pinch/amputation points while the machine is in operation. “All our products are independently certified to meet Australian Safety Standards,” he said.

• Wrightway Products Christopher Tasker 02 6622 7111 sales@wrightway.com.au www.wrightwayproducts.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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For more information on the Littelfuse Startco Protection Relays, visit www.littelfuse.com/relayscontrols or contact Startco Pty Ltd, our National Distributor and centre for technical support in Australia, at (61) 754 56 4554 or visit www.startco.com.au.

PREVIEW

Electric torque wrenches NORBAR Torque Tools will be launching its new Evotorque electric torque wrench on Stand 2513 at AIMEX. According to Norbar’s managing director Unprecedented joint control.

Matt Packer, the Evotorque makes use of patent-pending motor technology and shut-off control software to give unprecedented joint control. “We are the world’s leading torque specialist, with one of the most modern factories devoted exclusively to the design, development and production of torque tightening and measuring equipment,” Packer said.

“There is no external control box with the Evotorque; you input all values directly on the tool,” Alex Bence, Norbar’s sales manager added.

Other features include the ability to correct torque output from hard through to soft joints; the fact it can safely be used on pre-tightened bolts as part of a joint verification process; a quiet operation of only 72.3 dBA coupled with smooth operation with low vibration level (0.304 m/s²); a water and dust sealed construction; and its maintenance-free motor (with no brushes).

In addition to the new Evotorque, visitors to Norbar’s stand will be able to see working demonstrations of tools and testing equipment and try out a variety of hand torque wrenches, pneumatic and hydraulic torque multipliers, as well as testing equipment.

• Norbar Torque Tools Alex Bence 08 8292 9777 norbar@norbar.com.au www.norbar.com.au A D _ A MA L B MA R _ 1 3 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 2 / 0 2 / 1 3 ,

Racking and shelving BAC Systems will be unveiling its latest racking and shelving concept on Stand 5525 at AIMEX. Its new BAC Series 77 concept supersedes the company’s design award-winning BAC Rack, sales and marketing manager Robert Griffin said.

Offers high density storage.

“At AIMEX 2013, the mining industry will get its first look at our new BAC Series 77 which in addition to catering for general pallet racking requirements, now also includes our dedicated Long Span Shelving system. With this system, customers can also incorporate BAC’s High Density Drawer system into the same structure as the pallet racking, providing an efficient hybrid storage solution to suit requirements from a two-bay parts store all the way up to a large distribution warehouse,” he said.

“In addition, we will also be promoting solutions that offer high density storage using our market-leading BAC Drawer Storage Modules, as well as lean manufacturing through our customiseable range of BAC Workbenches and Workstations.”

Griffin said BAC Systems solutions offered efficiency, cleanliness and innovative approaches to storage.

“For example, we believe our special integrated dust control feature will be a major talking point for our High Density Drawer Storage Modules.

With dust causing millions of dollars of damage each year to machinery, companies are investing heavily in developing new systems to purge it from parts,” he said.

• BAC Systems Robert Griffin 02 9832 2777 robert.griffin@bacsystems.com.au 3www.bacsystems.com.au : 5 4 : 1 9 PM AEDT

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VLI is a market leader in the supply of specialized equipment and allied services to the coal mining and bulk materials handling industries.

VLI provide a comprehensive and diverse range of technology including diesel vehicles, drilling rigs and bulk materials handling systems, which are designed and manufactured by our specialist teams with access to world best technologies.

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PREVIEW

Increasing mine site visibility

PHOSPHORESCENT

TRUE GLOW SAFETY FEATURE

SELF CHARGING REQUIRES NO ELECTRICITY

PJL Diesel will show off its new Vision X specialist MXL Mining Series LED lights, featuring phosphorescent-based lighting, on Stand 0925 at AIMEX. Makes machinery more visible.

According to PJL Diesel Electric’s operations and marketing manager, Scott Montgomery, this technology is playing a vital role in increasing mine safety.

“Visibility of machinery at a mine site is a critical safety issue, particularly at night when machines are powered down.

“An ideal solution is when the equipment can emit light without any power draw required.”

The Vision X MXL Mining Series achieves this through the new phosphorescent True Glow Safety technology on its specialist Mining Xtreme (MXL) PitMaster, Ripper, Explorer and MML series of LED lights.

The lights emit a self-charging phosphorescent glow at night – generated from its own light source and from sunlight stored during the day – that requires no electricity, but still clearly identifies the equipment in the dark, said Montgomery.

“Theft of machine lighting from mine sites has also been an issue in the past, but with our distinctive yellow bezel it really stand outs on a private vehicle, while the power requirement of 18V-65V is not compatible with light vehicles – further making a strong deterrent to theft,” he said.

Standard features include a 302 stainless forward rake bracket; a “feather start” technology, to reduce battery load when starting; yellow bevel to aid identification and reduce theft; a radius bend bracket and rubber isolated bracket; spray clean coating; 1865V input ; the capacity for reverse polarity operation; and being Cispr 25 EMC/EMI rated.

• PJL Diesel Electric Scott Montgomery 08 9258 7555 smontgomery@pjldiesel.com.au A D _ A MS U P A P R _ 1 3 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 3 - 1 1 T1 8 : 2 8 : 0 4 + 1 1 : 0 0 www.pjldiesel.com.au

Atomised water cannons PRO Air Solutions will unveil its new V22 atomised water cannon on Stand B1069.

According to Pro Air managing director Thomas Peinter, what he describes as “state-of-the-art equipment” is designed to enable mining companies to significantly reduce their impact on the environment by reducing both dust and excess water.

“Costing less than comparable equipment, the V series atomised water cannons have been purposely developed for dust suppression, with the V22 also designed to manage excess site water,” he said.

The V22 hydro jet cannon radically lowers the amount of dust in the air by creating a very fine and efficient water mist that can cover a large area without soaking the environment.

“In tests it reduces dust emissions by up to 90 per cent,” Peintner said.

The cannon, which can be either controlled remotely or fully automated, includes an 18.5 kW turbine with a 70 m throw, patented nozzle technology to manage droplet size and direct flow more accurately, 360° rotation with 0-43° elevation, plus a range from 200 lit/min to 900 lit/min output from 10-30 bar.

“It can capture fine and harmful 2.5 µm particles, reduce downtime and maintenance due to dust, manage water volumes onsite, and utilise and manage a wide range of water qualities,” he said.

• Pro Air Solutions Thomas Peintner 07 3348 9570 info@proairsolutions.com.au www.proairsolutions.com.au

High tech pipes PIPE & Buoy Australia will be displaying the latest ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) pipes from China on Stand 8104 at AIMEX. UHMWPE is a new technology in engineering thermoplastics, with up to 5.5 million viscosity-average molecular weight.

According to Pipe & Buoy’s Technical Manager Reduced surface friction.

Eugene Lakous, UHMWPE has significant advantages over other pipe materials. “It boasts reduced surface friction – it is so smooth that even barnacles won’t grow on it, hence its use in the navigational buoys and beacons industry. Selflubrication, corrosion resistivity, wear resistivity, temperature capacity, anti-aging, and UV degradation resistivity are just a few other hallmarks of this material. Basically it is better than HDPE – it’s nearest plastic pipe competitor – in every possible way,” Lakous said. “The only reason someone isn’t considering using UHMWPE for a piping process should be because they haven’t heard of it. Even pricing isn’t an issue as it is cost competitive against HDPE.” Pipe & Buoy Australia is the exclusive distributor of UHMWPE Pipe and Navigational Aids manufactured by Shandong Buoy & Pipe in China.

“Our sister dredging and civil contracting company, Giles Group, came across the pipe while needing to find a solution to large scaling and wear problems at a New Caledonian mine. This product came up trumps,” Lakous said. “UHMWPE is completely new to the Australian market and has only been around worldwide for six or seven years.”

• Pipe & Buoy Australia Eugene Lakous 07 4955 4644 eugene@pipeandbuoy.com.au www.pipeandbuoy.com.au

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PREVIEW

Fully enclosed conveyor belts

Industrial coatings

MAGALDI Power will feature an enclosed conveyor belt designed to handle high temperature toxic and/or dusty materials on Stand H1066 at AIMEX. The belt is completely encolsed in a The Magaldi Ecobelt is a design extension steel casing for controlled handling. of the Magaldi Superbelt and completely encloses the conveyor in a steel casing for safe and controlled handling, Domenico Antonelli, Magaldi Power’s director, said.

“This provides significant health and safety advantages to workers and communities and benefits to the environment,” he said.

“A simple, mechanical self-cleaning device manages the dust by removing fine residuals from the bottom of the casing.

“The Magaldi O-chain, a chain conveyor enclosed in an independent casing that is tailored around the Ecobelt tail section, then receives the residuals and reloads them onto the Superbelt.”

The Superbelt, a steel pan plated conveyor, is one of Magaldi’s key products and is described as capable of conveying abrasive, corrosive and heavy materials or those at temperatures up to and exceeding 1000°C. “Other advantages over rubber belts, conventional drag chain conveyors and vibrating conveyors include low power usage and an operational life that can exceed ten years,” Antonelli said.

• Magaldi Power Domenico Antonelli 0427 994 926 domenico.antonelli@magaldi.com www.magaldi.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ S E M 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 3 0 T1 0 : 5 2 : 4 2

VALSPAR Automotive Australia will launch its new Valspar Industrial Mix Protects from abrasion, corrosion, and coating system on Stand 7125 at AIMEX. weather.

According to national marketing manager Richelle Ellis, the Valspar Industrial Mix (VIM) product line offers high-performance coatings to provide protection from abrasion, corrosion and weather.

“Direct-to-Metal technology and accelerated cure-through helps get the job completed faster and more cost-effectively,” she said.

“Readily formulated colour ranges and Valspar’s Colour Retrieval software gives people easy access to a wide range of accurate colours from around the world.” Valspar’s broad offering of binder technologies are used across a wide range of industries globally.

“Our direct-to-metal properties enable some binders to be used without primers and sealers, which can sometimes amount to 30 per cent of the total paint cost of a project,” Ellis said. However the greatest saving is found in the reduced labour costs – which is one of the greatest costs in painting. By reducing the processes involved, time is saved, increasing productivity and reducing downtime.”

The company is encouraging AIMEX visitors to bring their corporate colour swatches with them to the exhibition.

“There will be samples of VIM coatings to test for durability and strength and we will formulate a colour match on the stand using our Valspar Spectrophotometer,” said Ellis. The Valspar Corporation, based in Minneapolis, USA, has been operating since 1806 and is one of the largest global coatings manufacturers in the world. It has more than 80 production sites in 25 countries with 9500 employees.

Valspar Automotive Australia is based in Kincumber, NSW. • Valspar Automotive Australia Richelle + 1 0 :Ellis 0 0 02 4368 4054 autoinfo@valspar.com www.valsparindustrialmix.com.au

Multi-functional safety glasses

Designed for comfort.

UGLY Fish Eyewear will launch its new multifunctional range of safety glasses on Stand B1028 at AIMEX. Ugly Fish’s “Bullet” safety glasses features a detachable positive seal designed to shelter eyes from wind and dust, plus an adjustable elastic strap that can replace the arms for a more secure fit – essentially turning the glasses into a pair of goggles.

An adjustable nose pad is designed to increase wearer comfort and enable the glasses to fit multiple head shapes and sizes, Ugly Fish’s head of sales and marketing, Mick Donohoe said. “The Bullet also features high quality, lightweight TR-90 frames for maximum impact resistance combined with shatterproof and highly scratch resistant polycarbonate decentred safety (PC-DS) lenses with maximum UV protection and anti-fog coating.”

Donohoe said the new glasses met a growing need for multi-functional safety eyewear suited to a mass group of workers. “With a matt black frame, the Bullet is available in a clear or smoke lens colour, as well as a polarised version which is ideal for workers who spend all day outdoors.”

To celebrate the launch of the Bullet, there’ll be prizes to be won for individual who visit the Ugly Fish stand during AIMEX and enters the company’s “Ugly Challenge”.

• Piranha Eyewear Lisa Teixeira 02 4284 7888 lisat@piranhaeyewear.com www.uglyfisheyewear.com

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PREVIEW

Low voltage LED light towers PROMAC will be showing its range of Greenlite low voltage LED lighting towers as well as metal halide light towers and diesel generators on Stand 0122 at AIMEX. According to general manager Andrew McAdam, the low voltage Greenlite range is one of the “safest, cleanest and greenest” range of lighting towers on the market and is designed to address the increasing cost challenges being faced by mining companies.

“The low voltage and cost-saving aspects of these new LED towers is the big breakthrough in terms of safety and financial performance that mines have been looking for in lighting towers,” McAdam said.

“Greenlite has been proven to save thousands of dollars in operating expenses and delivers faster returns on investment.

“And by using 48 V power, the safety issues associated with high-voltage metal halide lighting towers are completely eliminated,” he said.

“Tests have also shown that Greenlite delivers more light on the ground than our competitors.”

In addition to the safety benefits of using 48 V power, McAdam said the Greenlite range offered reduced maintenance and servicing costs with fuel savings of up to 12,000 litres per machine annually compared with a 6000 W metal halide tower.

“It is also environmentally and wildlife friendly, with reduced CO2 emissions and fewer on-board chemicals.”

Promac will also be using AIMEX 2013 to show its Prolite series of metal halide lighting towers.

The Prolite 75 Series II can be configured for varied light outputs from 4000 W to 9000 W with the same trailer and power plant, making it highly versatile.

“With class-leading standard features allowing for immediate use, we can also fit them with a number of optional extras, including mobile phone connectivity, allowing supervisors to start and stop towers via SMS commands; a remote control system for adjusting the position of light heads and masts; and surveillance camera systems, which broadcast live footage over the internet.”

In addition, models from Promac’s range of Nugen generators, offering outputs from 10 to 500 kVA, will be on show at AIMEX. “Nugen is our name for a new generation of generator power products and a new, more flexible approach to developing the best solutions for our clients,” he said.

• Promac Andrew McAdam 08 6254 1800 andrew.mcadam@promac.net.au www.promac.net 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 + 1 0 : 0 0

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ACCOMMODATION

Community camp

CRISIS

A community is up in arms over the construction of a mining camp on its outskirts.

G

ulgong residents on the western edge of Hunter Valley have opposed proposals

by The Mac Group to erect a 400bed temporary worker facility in the town.

They join Singleton residents who have also been fighting against a FIFO mining camp on the town’s outer edge.

The Land and Environment Court is set to pass a verdict on the issue after proceedings began last month.

Mac Services Group launched an appeal against the decision to reject Gulgong miners’ camp after the Mid-Western Regional Council and the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel rejected the camp on the basis land is zoned for purposes other than workers’ accommodation.

Gulgong’s camp would be next to local Paul Kreuzen’s home, and he worries A D _ AitMwill S WInegative O C T _impacts 1 2 . p on the township.

“These were designed for the places where there are no towns.

We’re going completely the wrong direction in Australia to address this.

“It’s not against the miners, it’s against the processes that are being put in play for them and they are being forced to go into these FIFO situations.”

Kreuzen is calling on the government to better listen to people in regional communities.

“It is virtually up to the government to do something because the voice, the democratic process, is not working at the moment.”

More than 80 local community members met in Gulgong last month to discuss concerns about the development, and are vowing to keep their fight going until the decision is overturned. aree backed d f They Pa g 1 2by 0 council / 0 9 / mem1 2 , bers who also oppose the camp, and

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Image: ConnollyB, Wikimedia Commons.

unions who have started a petition against the development.

Council representative Gary Bruce said the mining camp will put unnecessary pressure on infrastructure 3 : in 5 the 6 region P M and said water and sewerage systems in the town would not cope if the project went ahead.

CFMEU NSW South Western District President, Andy Honeysett, said that the union was “getting into the fight” because they don’t want Gulgong adversely affected by the camp.

“This region is a growth area for the mining industry, the mining industry is good for communities but these mining camps aren’t good for the community,” he said.

The CFMEU have even taken the extraordinary step of circulating a petition against temporary workers’ camps which is available at the Gulgong Post Office.

It called on residents to come out in force for the court hearing to make it clear that the camp was not wanted.

Honeysett also claims locals will lose out on jobs if the permanent miners’ accommodation is built.

“There’ll be no local jobs,” he said.

“For every one bed that’s filled there, that’s a drive-in, drive-out, flyin, fly-out job.

“So a local misses out on a job.”

Honeysett is also concerned the camp would create social issues in the town, and said issues have been rampant in other parts of Australia where camps exist.

“All the studies we’ve done on the camps in Queensland and WA show there’s increased alcohol use, and social drug use, fights in the camps and fights with the locals in the area where the camps area.”

Honeysett is calling on better policies from the government to ensure small towns are better protected from the unwanted influx of miners and related accommodation.

“There’s no actually policies for legislation around these camps,” he said.

“They just pop up.

“It’s left to local government to assets if they go in or not.

“If the government did something, put some protections in place for communities, that’d be great.”

However others say the camp is necessary to accommodate for the growing future needs of Gulgong.

A MAC spokesperson told Australian Mining would be an asset for the local community.

“We have undertaken comprehensive consultation and extensive assessment of the proposed village as required under planning legislation and believe the village would prove to be a benefit for both guests and the community,” he said.

We recognise the importance of undertaking full and thorough assessment of such proposals and the need for the views of all stakeholders and the community to be heard and await the outcome of the current Land and Environment Court process”.

At the time of publication, the matter was still before the court. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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ACCOMMODATION

What’s in a camp?

Camp layout is now becoming a precise operation.

I

f you’re currently sitting in or working from a fly in fly out operation, there is little chance that you’ve given mind to your accommodation.

The same old camps, the same old dongas filling out the site, with a few facilities thrown in the mix.

But what is the logic behind laying out the camp in that way that it has been?

Previously not much thought was given to how a camp was laid out, often placing accommodation into an area that was relatively close to the mine while at the same time keeping them all far enough away More focus is being paid to the design of remote accommodation and FIFO camps. from the mining operation itself.

But what effect did this have on the workers? not operating and working on site TMS Consulting’s CEO Helen Not a positive one. as well as they could.

Wood stated that “there are a range Being housed almost haphazardPut simply, poor layout led di- of factors influencing this however ly across the site, with no heed paid rectly to sleepier miners. the key things that need to be conto how it affected workers, impacted Speaking to TMS Consulting, sidered are: having sleeping quarters more than just the miners, it also hit they explained to Australian Mining situated away from food and leisure the mining companies’ bottom line. that “FIFO camps are not conducive zones, positioning of generators, healthy and ambient noise and AWorkers M 0 8 1 3were _ 0 more 0 0 _ likely L A Nto -be 1 to 2 0 1 3 sleep - 0 7 hygiene,” - 3 0 T 1 which 0 : 5 re8 : 1 roads, 2 + 1 0 : 0other 0 fatigued – which means they were sults on fatigue for workers on site. the choice of building materials”.

“There are also key design issues that factor in the effectiveness of sleep accommodation (i.e. noise insulation, light control, temperature control and standard of bedding).

“Furthermore, there must be great efforts to separate the sleeping locations of day shift and night workers to avoid sleep disruption, and also educating staff on the link between fatigue and blue light exposure (televisions, computer and mobile devices) before sleep.”

Taking this on board, many mine sites are now going down into the smallest detail in the design of their camps – from the overall layout right down to the linens that they choose, according to Gina Rinehart.

It’s now a precise operation.

As the standard of mining accommodation lifts, and a greater focus is paid to ensuring that mining camps are not only a place for miners to sleep and eat, but to actually live, it can only be a positive for miners.

Experience. Innovation. Flexibility. Value.

www.landsurveys.net.au PERTH + KARRATHA + PORT HEDLAND + DARWIN + MACKAY 120

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FIFO IN FOCUS

FIFO and DIDO: Understand the risks

While Fly In Fly Out provides a lot of financial rewards, it also creates a number of issues.

Michele Grow* writes.

T

he opportunity to work in a FIFO or DIDO role is an exciting prospect for many. Unfortunately the nature of this type of work also presents a number of psychological issues and risks for employees and their families.

In most cases the work is in remote areas and, as a result, requires periods away from home. Frequent absence from home places pressure on relationships, isolation from the broad range of support that most of us have in place presents social connection issues, and frequently ‘missing out’ on events for family and friends takes a toll. Many of these employees also have family responsibilities that further compound the issues.

The work itself often involves long shift hours with two or three weeks on/ one week off a common pattern. Extended days, long work patterns and rosters, harsh climate conditions and regular travel all contribute to physical and psychological fatigue. Add to this the need for sustained concentration in high-pressure work environments, and it is not difficult to understand the challenges that are present.

The financial incentive that this type of work provides can be highly appealing, however the price it may extract is often much higher than anyone anticipates.

While the industry has been proactive in minimising employees’ physical risks, the widely acknowledged psychological risks have not yet been adequately addressed.

The most obvious concern and risk relates to the fatigue that regularly accompanies this work. Changing shifts, irregular or long work hours, and stressful conditions not only disrupt 122

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While there are a significant number of psychological safety and wellbeing risks, there are a number of actions that can be taken to improve the experience for the FIFO/DIDO workforce. Some of the most effective measures include: 1. Ensure information is provided to these employees and their family members on the known challenges of the work experience and provide practical strategies to assist. These may include introduction to support networks and providing practical information on the key risk areas 2. Run awareness and education programs for employees and their family members on topics such as safe alcohol use, sleep management, and managing relationships from a distance 3. Provide a specific focus on the issues of stress, mental health and suicide. At a minimum this should include awareness sessions for all employees on mental health issues and direct activities to remove the stigma related to mental health in the workplace. Participating in national events such as R U OK? Day, Mental Health Month, Stress Down Day, and Movember all assist in improving the ‘safety’ to talk about the issues 4. Provide direct training for managers and HR specialists on how to recognise and effectively deal with mental health issues in the workplace 5. Consider investing in resilience programs for your workplace to better equip your employees to deal with the changing demands this work and the related family impact involves 6. Provide employee assistance support (in addition to face-to-face, telephone, video and online access leading industry employers are increasingly bringing this service directly to employees on site).

normal sleep patterns but they can lead to chronic fatigue issues. Fatigue impairs our judgement and reduces our ability to function in daily life. For DIDO workers this significantly increases their risk of being involved in an accident while commuting to and from work. It also negatively impacts the amount of energy the employee is able to invest with family and friends when they are at home.

Fatigue is a contributing factor to relationship strain, which is compounded by extended periods apart, and not being able to be involved in day to day events and decision making. While most families enjoy the time the employee is home, there is a constant adjustment and re-adjustment process that needs

to occur. This in itself is difficult and creates additional tension, anxiety and emotion. For the FIFO worker, this often translates to sadness and withdrawal before they leave for their next roster, and a feeling of helplessness to assist and contribute while they are away. For their family, it places additional responsibility and pressure on those at home and creates loneliness and fatigue.

One of the most significant and concerning issues is the increased prevalence of mental health issues across the industry. The predominantly male population and the level of fatigue, isolation, anxiety and stress involved in FIFO work significantly increase the risk of mental health issues.

Over the past two years there has

been a marked increased in the instances of suicide, attempted suicide and self harm. The stigma related to mental health issues often inhibits employees seeking help, and the lack of awareness and confidence of managers means the issues are often left unattended.

As well as these, there are added risks relating to the use and misuse of alcohol both onsite and during time off work. The degree of alcohol used is concerning and creates risks for employees and their family.

Many employees drink in response to the loneliness, stress and anxiety they are experiencing. Drinking at harmful levels contributes to the pattern of stress, anxiety, depression and combined with alcohol often leading to deliberate self-harm and further increasing the suicide risk.

Alcohol, coupled with the relationship challenges of missing family celebrations, being away from children and being absent from the day to day decision making can leave employees feeling lonely, out of control and of diminished importance in their home. Over the past year there is a disturbing trend of domestic violence emerging from this combination.

The most important thing you can do is to recognise the risks and start to address them. Assuming that your employees and are not impacted by the key issues of fatigue, stress, alcohol, mental health and relationship strain is a dangerous mindset that will further increase the risk for your employees and your organisation. *Grow is the CEO of Davidson Trahaire Corpsych (DTC), a provider of employee assistance programs and critical incident management. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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PRODUCT FOCUS: DUST & VENTILATION

BREATHING EASY on site Understanding the right ducting for your workshops is critical.

W

ith the constant grinding, cutting and welding and movement of heavy machinery carried out in most mine’s workshops, it’s no surprise that air quality is a major issue for all operators.

Areas where maintenance and welding activities are carried out have an unsurprisingly high number of inherent issues when it comes to airborne dust and fume control.

According to Eximo’s founder and managing director Roger Marriott, a focus on workers’ safety coupled with investing heavily into research and developing has been key in ensuring Australian workers have access to the very latest and best ducting technology to avoid issues such as these.

Marriott went on to state that Eximo has been playing a major part in this and “as a company, we are continually coming up with new products to ensure that as manufacturing techniques advance, we have the exact waste disposal system to meet any specific requirements”.

In Australia, the two 124

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that most common varieties of ducting are flexible ducting and modular ducting.

Flexible ducting is usually made from various grades and weights of PVC, Polyurethane or rubber – the higher the grade and weight, the tougher the flexible ducting; while modular is typically steel ducting.

According to Eximo “since [our] speedLOCK Modular Steel Ducting is manufactured using only smooth bore technology, it greatly minimises the risk of wood waste settlement and system clogging”.

“Moreover for applications where some clogging is unavoidable, the system’s easy access makes cleaning and maintenance literally a breeze.”

However it’s not just maintenance where there are WHS concerns about the large amounts of airborne waste; applications where welding is a daily task also sees the output of many volumes of what are known to be very toxic fumes.

The dangers of welding fumes have long been known.

For example, according to Safe Work Australia: “Many cases of acute poisoning due to excess exposure or severe short term exposure to one or more welding fume or gas have been documented…

Due to the presence of chromium, nickel and aluminium, there is concern about the effects of chronic exposure on special groups such as welders of stainless steel and aluminium”.

Australian Mining has investigated the dangers of welding fumes.

It found that the substances in the fumes change depending on what is in the electrode and the base metal including any coatings.

The most common compounds in fumes when welding mild steel, for example, are complex oxides of iron, manganese and silicon.

The short term effects of these compounds, if inhaled, are temporary and include burning eyes and skin, dizziness, nausea and fever.

However long term exposure to these fumes can lead to silicosis (iron deposits of the lungs), bronchitis,

and even lung fibrosis has been reported.

And if the compounds found in the welding fumes include Barium, symptoms may include severe stomach pains, slow pulse rate, convulsions, muscular spasms and even death.

Welding professionals should understand that it all depends on the base material and the consumable the welder is using and if the metal is coated. It is not uncommon for welders to be overcome with paint fumes when welding painted metal.

Thankfully, most welders are aware of the dangers of welding fumes, and the short term and long term respiratory problems they can cause.

For example the vast majority of welding machines and consumables in Australia have warning labels on them regarding welding fumes.

However, welders should be especially aware of working with exotic materials such as cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorides, manganese, nickel, silica and zinc, even stainless steel.

To help keep the work-

place free of toxic welding fumes, Eximo has a developed number of solutions, one of which is a flexible ducting product called WeldFlex – a lightweight PVC ducting material that is flame retardant according to DIN 4102 and a temperature resistance of up to 100° C. WeldFlex has a number of highly unique attributes including being self-extinguishing, high flexibility, extreme helix-like PVC structure and is available from 52 mm to 505 mm in diameter and is designed for use in a variety of industries including those where explosion issues and safety are paramount.

On the point of these qualities, Roger Marriot also says apart from staying well within the myriad of worker safety laws and other health parameters, any ducting, flexible or modular also needs to be able to be future-proofed.

“Whether you are doing heavy lifting or welding, as a company we are determined to stay one step ahead of whatever dust extraction problem you may have today or in the near future”. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Expert Discusses Dust Collection for Mining

PRODUCT FOCUS: DUST & VENTILATION

Dealing with dust in the workshop New dust and fume collectors are built to withstand the rigours of mining.

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hile dust in the menu of options to ensure a ware, and a single flat mine is seen as an clean workplace in all types inside panel which creever present prob- of industrial environments”. ates a much smoother, lem, dust around other areas Camfil’s president, Lee airtight gasketed seal”. of the site can often been ig- Morgan, stated that “we’ve A taller inlet colnored. made these changes to up- lar now accommodates In the quest to minimise hold our mission statement larger fans with a better dust rising from haul roads, – to supply the best dust col- clearance level, while the open pits, and transported lector from an end-user and fans themselves are built with loads, areas such as the maintenance standpoint”. a damper actuator handle workshop and maintenance The new upgrades to the that allows the users to see, facilities may be neglected.

Farr Gold series have seen from ground level, whether Although these areas the cartridge dust and fume the damper is in an open or don’t suffer from dust to the collectors built with a rugged closed position. same degree as an open pit, modular construction for a Inside of the collector the workshops have the added higher performance, as well gaskets have been moved to bonus of dealing with chem- as ease of maintenance. the edges of the pan so that ical and oil fumes within an They have also been re- dust is unable to build up on enclosed space. designed to meet the higher top of the vertically mounted With these issues in mind, emission standards demand- filters inside during operaCamfil Air Pollution Control ed by mines more focused on tion. has updated its line of Farr reducing their carbon footThe filters cartridges Gold series cartridge dust and print. have a longer life, new touch fume collectors.

The company says that screen controls, and enAccording to the compa- “the Gold series collector hanced filter cleaning as well ny, this revamped line fea- now has a reinforced door as a diaphragm silencer that tures 0 d 8 f1 3 design _ a 0 g 0 e 0chang_ 1 NO3 R with 4 / 0 - double 2 ,0thick 1 1 3 :- hinges, 0 0 7 - P 3 M 0reduces T 1 2 noise : 1 1 levels : 4 3 by + 1up0 to : 0 0 rA .Mintrinsic p P 0 4 /1 1 0 3 es as well as “an expanded much easier to operate hard- eight decibels.

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MATERIALS HANDLING

From PIT to PORT Innovation in bulk materials handling is helping Fortescue to reach its planned 155 mtpa goals.

I

n keeping with its growth strategy, Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has successfully completed a massive upgrade to its bulk material handling facilities at Port Hedland that will pave the way to the company’s target export capacity of 155 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

From humble beginnings in 2003 Fortescue has grown into the world’s fourth-largest iron ore producer. Its first mining operations started at the Cloudbreak mine in August 2007 with the construction of all mine, rail and port infrastructure reaching completion in 2008.

A critical part of the port infrastructure was the company’s train unloader, which was put into operation in April 2008 when Fortescue unloaded its first train at the Herb Elliott Port, near Port Hedland in North Western Australia.

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Since then, the company has fast-tracked its growth by steadily increasing production from its Cloudbreak mine and then bringing the Christmas Creek mine online in 2009.

Recalling that time, Fortescue’s general manager – port, Gerhard Veldsman said, “At that stage, the mines were running at about 70-75mtpa; car dumper one was running really well,

matching the capacity of our mines.

“Even now, I don’t think that anyone in the Pilbara is able to unload at that rate.

The problem was that we had more mining capacity

The new train unloaders are allowing the miner to speed up the entire transport process.

and shipping capacity than dumping capacity,” he said.

In 2010, Fortescue approved an ambitious expansion to triple production to 155mtpa. The US$9 billion project not only includes an expansion of mining operations at the Chichester Hub and a greenfield development at Solomon but an expansion of the company’s port, train unloading capacity and main rail network as well as a new line to Solomon.

Over the last few years Fortescue port shutdowns supervisor, Brad Stillman has been involved in all aspects of the company’s first train unloader’s maintenance. This has ranged from basic weekly inspections to major change outs. During that time, he has worked closely with Metso’s Service team on the procurement of spare parts, equipment enhancements and services.

Continued on page 130 www.miningaustralia.com.au

MATERIALS HANDLING

Continued from page 128

For Stillman, TU601 is at home in the harsh conditions of the Pilbara due to its sturdy construction and reliability.

“We’re not in a pharmaceutical lab – it’s a really rugged environment out here. But even so, the unloader is like a Swiss watch – everything just works.

That’s why it’s my favourite piece of the plant. It is a big, heavy, powerful piece of gear that needs to be treated with respect,” he said.

On the back of the reliable performance of their first Metso twin cell, tandem train unloader commissioned in 2008, Fortescue awarded Metso Mining and Construction a contract to supply two more identical systems.

The first of the two new unloaders (TU602) was commissioned ahead of schedule in mid-September and the second (TU603) in November 2012.

Veldsman says it was crucial that TU602 was delivered on or ahead of schedule and that the ramp up had to go well, because the business was experiencing a “real bottleneck” when it came to unloading trains.

“It was delivered two weeks early, which was fantastic. The original ramp-up

The extra capacity the unloaders allow can be monitored and analysed.

schedule was meant to be eight weeks, but we shortened that to six and we did it in four,” he said.

The early delivery of the second train unloader resulted in Fortescue being able to dump 580,000 tonnes of unbudgeted ore in September, Veldsman explained.

“At $100 a tonne, that’s $58 million in extra revenue that we hadn’t counted on. So the early delivery helped cover our capital investment.”

According to operational readiness and commissioning manager, Mark Shirley, the company is clearly benefitting from the additional capacity of TU602. Even though it is

not yet needed for full time use, TU603 is already playing an important role. As well as catering for future expansion of the company’s production capacity, TU603 provides overall system redundancy in case of any problems occurring with the other unloaders.

“Train unloader two is hugely important to the business, taking us to between 110 and 115 million tonnes capacity. TU603 is also one of the critical parts in our supply chain; if you’ve only got two train unloaders and you lose one, you’ve lost 50% of your capability,” Shirley stated.

Veldsman agreed, add-

The unloaders can empty two wagons simultaneously every 90 seconds.

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ing that the installation of the two new train unloaders represents a significant part of the company’s move to expand their Herb Elliott Port facility.

Delivering ore from mine to Port

Fortescue’s railway is the heaviest haul line in the world, with a 40 tonne axle load capacity.

The company’s rail infrastructure operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days-aweek. Each train is around 2.7km long and carries up to 32,800 tonnes of iron ore in 240 freight cars.

Trains arriving from the mine sites are moved through one of the unloaders.

During unloading, two wagons are simultaneously unloaded every 90 seconds.

The unloader clamps and then inverts the wagons, rotating them through 150 degrees. This is done without uncoupling the wagons as each pair of wagons has a swivel coupling at either end.

Prior to each operation, the wheels of the train are locked in place to prevent the train moving during the rotation cycle.

The contents of the wagons are dumped into a chute that feeds an apron feeder which transports the ore onto a conveyor feeding one of the facility’s stackers. The stackers create the port’s stockpiles which are

later consumed by reclaimers that feed the company’s ship loaders.

Unloader composition and functionality

Each unloader consists of three main parts; the indexer, the tippler and the train holding devices.

The indexer is a railmounted vehicle which is dedicated to advancing the train through the unloader, two wagons at a time.

This heavy-duty workhorse moves back and forth along a short, straight rail track, located at the entry to the unloader.

It is moved by 13 vertically mounted drive units, each powered by a 90kW, three-phase motor that turns a pinion via a gearbox.

These pinions engage in the indexer’s rack which is mounted down the middle of the rail section along which the indexer moves.

Each pinion is around 400mm in diameter and over 200mm in height.

The indexer also incorporates a retractable hydraulic arm that is inserted between the wagons.

The arm pushes the train along by two wagons for each cycle, and is retracted at the end of the indexer’s forward travel.

Photoelectric laser sensors are used to locate the gap between wagons, allowContinued on page 132 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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MATERIALS HANDLING

Continued from page 130

ing the indexer arm to be precisely positioned before it is extended.

The position of the indexer is monitored by a rotary encoder as well as inductive proximity travel limit sensors.

This is backed-up by mechanical over travel limit switches which trigger an indexer ‘fast stop’ in case the travel limit sensors fail.

The indexer’s drive motors are controlled by variable speed drives that deliver an amazing combined power of 1.1MW to move the train.

The tippler or freight car tipping and emptying device is a rotary machine which is made up of two unloading cells.

Each cell comprises the main cell structure, a drive unit and support roller assemblies, as well as a braking and lubrication system.

The tipplers are located in an enclosure which is part of a pressurisation and dust extraction system.

Each cell is equipped with train rail sections and on-board hydraulic clamps that hold the wagon in place as the cell rotates during the unloading cycle.

The clamping system consists of four hooked arms that have three positions: fully raised to allow a locomotive to pass; intermediate position allowing wagons to pass; and engaged position where the wagons are held. The intermediate position is the normal retracted position during unloading, allowing a gap of just 20mm between an ore car and the bottom of the clamp, greatly reducing engagement/retraction time compared to the fully-raised position, thus allowing for optimal unloading times.

Each tippler cell has its own drive unit to rotate it.

When the train unloader is tipping, the drive units of both cells are connected together via a cardan shaft to make sure that they are perfectly co-ordinated. The position of each cell is also monitored by its own en132

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coder and fed back to the system’s PLC. Both drive units comprise a three-phase 200kW electric motor which drives a pinion in either direction via a gearbox.

The pinions act on geared drive racks that are mounted on the outer diameter of the cell end rings. The motors are controlled via variablevoltage variable-frequency (VVVF) drive units that incorporate closed-loop speed control, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

Finally, each cell drive has a disc brake with two pairs of brake callipers. Each calli-

staff as well as guarding against downtime and production loss.

“It’s certainly very easy to utilise the redundancy that’s provided by the new train unloaders by simply switching from one to another. Each train unloader is able to link with at least two stackers, providing operational flexibility. This is one advantage of having the three up and running,” he said.

“What we want to do is keep train unloader three in a ready state so that within 24 hours we can fire up and run it if we need to. So cer-

power packs off the tipplers and we’ve just got hoses running to them now.

“This means the maintenance technicians no longer have to go on the tippler itself, meaning a couple of the major hazards we had identified in our business are completely removed. With safety our number-one priority, the associated safety benefits are significant.”

System automation and control

Co-ordinating the three parts of the train unloader with their myriad of sensors, motors and hydraulics has

Due in part to the faster unloading, Fortescue is closer to its 155 million tonne per annum target.

per has a dedicated hydraulic power pack to operate it independently of the other, providing redundancy in case of brake failure.

Hydraulically-powered train holding devices are located at both the inbound and outbound sections of the unloader. Four sets of wheel locks are located before the tippler entry and six sets of wheel grippers are located after the tippler exit to prevent movement of the two ore cars being unloaded.

Each set of holding devices is powered by its own hydraulic power pack.

According to Fortescue’s Shirley, the system provides lots of flexibility, along with failsafe measures to protect

tainly the arrangement that we have provides a lot of flexibility.”

Safety is a top priority for Fortescue, and the team has worked with Metso to ensure maintenance personnel are kept out of harm’s way.

“Our scheduled shutdown happens every 12 weeks where we’ll go in and do work, which is mainly driven around the conveyor belt maintenance and chutes,” Shirley explained.

“We have trialled a new idea with TU602 & 3 where we’ve located the hydraulic power units off-board – on TU601 they’re actually on the tippler cell itself which creates a few maintenance issues. So we’ve taken the

been accomplished through the use of a GE Fanuc RX3i PLC. The motor starters, VVVF equipment and associated I/O are located in the switch room.

The field I/O located around the plant is connected back to the PLC by Profibus fibre optic. A GE Fanuc Cimplicity SCADA terminal in the unloader’s control room provides SCADA displays of plant status.

While the automation of each train unloader is rather complex and is managed by a standalone system, each train unloader also has to co-ordinate with the control of the other port equipment such as apron feeders, conveyors and stackers.

“Our process has to be highly automated because we run very lean structures.

The more we can automate the better. We’re certainly on the bleeding edge of that technology. The automation platform is GE and it’s all Ethernet connected, so there’s massive capability there; we can set-up remote condition monitoring at these locations and have it all reporting to a central data centre,” Shirley stated.

On-site, Fortescue employs a process control team resourced with a lead, process control engineers, and on-shift technicians. One operator and one electrician together run an entire train unloader asset, while the train circuit itself is controlled from an integrated operations centre in Perth.

Two operators are responsible for inload and outload duties at the operations centre in Perth; this includes managing the activities of the on-site operators, such as directing who attends issues as they arise on the circuit.

“Two operators and two electrical technicians are onsite on a 24-hour basis. But essentially the system is all controlled out of Perth, so the role of our site staff is to do inspections and to provide rapid response if there is an issue. We can direct them very quickly and they can attend to the issue and get it resolved in the shortest possible time.”

Fortescue director of development Peter Meurs said the commissioning of TU602 was a major milestone for the company as it continues its expansion to 155mtpa.

“The second train unloader takes our unloading capacity to 120mtpa, which gives us the capacity to reach a run rate of 115mtpa by the end of the March 2013 quarter, comprised of 95mtpa from the Chichester mines and 20mtpa from Firetail,” Meurs said.

“The third train unloader will give us inloading capacity well in excess of the 155mtpa we need for our current expansion project.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Rio sells off its last Australian

COPPER MINE

Rio Tinto has sold off its majority stake in Northparkes, and stepped out of copper in Australia. Alex Heber writes.

R

io Tinto has sold its capital across the group.” more profitable assets like 80 per cent stake in Japanese based Sumito- Rio Tinto’s iron ore operathe Northparkes cop- mo Metal Mining holds a 20 tions in Western Australia’s per mine to China Molybde- per cent interest in the New Pilbara region. num for $US820 million South Wales operation; the The miner is also report($AUD892.37 million). sale remains subject to the edly looking to sell its stake in In a statement Rio ex- company waiving or failing several of its Australian coal plained the mine was not big to exercise their pre-emption mines including Clermont, enough to be a good fit with rights under a Joint Venture Blair Athol, and Coal & Althe company going forward. Agreement. lied.

“Northparkes is a sucThe transaction is expectBut the move to sell off cessful business but is not of ed to be finalised by the end copper and coal assets has the sufficient size to be a good fit of 2013. potential to leave Rio even with our strategy,” Rio Tinto In April Australian Min- more exposed to the volatilichief financial officer Chris ing reported the mine was ties of iron ore fluctuations.

Lynch said. on the chopping block, when The mine last year proLynch explained the Rio hired Macquarie Group duced 53,800 metric tons of move was made to improve to find a buyer. copper and 72,000 troy ouncshareholder returns.

Junior copper-gold miner es of gold in 2012.

“Any decision to sell is Sandfire Resources last week Australian Mining redriven by our focus on de- revealed it made an oppor- cently visited the Northlivering the best value to our tunistic $400 million bid for parkes site, speaking to manshareholders,” he said. the Central West mine. aging director Stef Loader “The sale of Northparkes The sale of the mine is she said at the time that Rio’s represents great value for our in line with newly appointed recent $3 billion loss, and shareholders and demonstrates CEO Sam Walsh’s regime of subsequent radical cost cutourAcontinued M 0 5 1 3focus _ 0 0and 0 _disciE N Wcost - cutting 1 2 and 0 1 3turning - 0 4 -the 1 0 T 0 9regime : 4 3 will : 4 affect 6 + 1 every0 : 0 0 ting pline in the way we allocate company’s focus towards one at Rio in some way.

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Northparkes employs about 350 local people from the Parkes, Peak Hill and Forbes areas, only bringing in people from further afield when specialised expertise is required.

Northparkes has two ore bodies; E26 was a smaller but higher grade deposit and when completed delivered about $2 billion in value.

The second ore body, E48 is larger but of lower ore grade, it is about 280 metres in diameter and about one kilometre deep.

Currently about 6 million tonnes comes out from the underground mine every year.

Rio Tinto acquired the asset as part of the $3.5 acquisition of North Ltd. in 2000, outbidding Anglo American.

The mine exports most of the copper concentrate it produces to Japan, China and India.

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“It will affect us all across the board, the context for us is we are a good operation and we’re in a healthy financial state at the moment and we’re also in pretty good times,” she said.

“Internally over the past couple of weeks we’ve been talking about what we need to do to prepare ourselves to be just as successful in five or ten years time.

“Currently we’re looking at another 20 years mine life, our published mine life is 2024 and we’re working pretty hard to get that through to 2032 and beyond.

“We’re in a great state and we’re a well run business.”

Loader said that Northparkes has the resources and the know-how to determine what needs to be done over the next two to three years to ensure the site receives future investment.

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Boxhole boring machines

Mining materials handling

TASMANIAN raise drill and tunnel boring machine manufacturer Terratec has added a new rig to its raise boring product range.

The Universal Boxhole Boring Machine, the UB1000, can boxhole sections up to 1.06 Can cut boxholes up to 1.06 metres in metres in diameter and 100 metres in length. diameter and 100 metres in length.

It reams conventional raises nominally at 1.8 metres diameter and 200 metre depth.

The UB1000 comes with the derrick assembly, including the gearbox, which comes with floating drive box. It is ideal for a 10 in diameter by 48 in long drill string. The gear box is conceived so it can be placed with the drive box pointing up for box holes, or down for conventional raising. The machine has a gearbox turning cradle that enables quick and easy index from box hole mode to raise-bore mode in less than one shift. The integrated torque column/thrust cylinders offer balanced thrust and clear access from all sides. The rig can operate at up to a 45 degree dip, either side of centre-line, in a “cross-drift” orientation, with no need to turn the rig first, or alternation to switch from left hand to right hand dip.

No human access it needed at height with the powered overhead worktable doors, which has a combined powered wrenching system.

It also comes with an extendable muck chute for boxholing, with a door to allow 1.06 metre diameter drill string components past.

It also comes with integrated ‘stinger’ cylinders and adjustable ‘spears’ to restrain vibration. The machine also has an all-purpose ground-loading rod handler, which handles all drilling consumables including the reamer and non-rotating stabilisers.

The sled-mounted crane/conveyor with integrated operator station moves the muck to a skip bin location beyond the pipe loading area, and allows easy positioning of the reamer, non-rotating stabilisers and other things around the drill.

Drill rod feed cassettes are given and each holds ten rods. The cassettes are designed to feed one rod at a time to the rod handler, or take on one rod at a time from the pipe loader when removing rods from the machine. The feed cassette runs on the hydraulic power unit. The hydraulic power unit and electrical cabinet are installed on twin stackable sleds, with fire suspension fixed to both sleds.

Full pressure and return filtration for each pump. It comes with a stainless steel operator control console with radio remote for certain functions. It also comes with ceramic-coated thrust cylinder rods for corrosion resistance.

The machine can be hauled via a radio-remote controlled transporter/ erector crawler with 104kW diesel motor and hydraulic system plus fire suppression system.

• Terratec 03 6223 3282 www.terratec.com.au

MATERIALS handling specialist, Manitou Australia has launched a new mining microsite The new site is aimed at miners and dedicated to mining and quarry applications. quarries.

The new website, www.gehlmining.com.au covers Gehl skid steer loaders and attachments for the mining and quarry industries, focusing on three key areas of unique production specifications of the Gehl range: the FOPS II cab for extra safety, Powerview lift arm for greater visibility, and attachment solutions such as the under conveyor cleaner.

Andrew Wilder, Gehl product manager at Manitou Australia explains that the Gehl range of skid steer loaders stands apart in the market by delivering a high level of operational protection. All Gehl skid loaders are fitted with FOPS II (Falling Object Protective Structure II) operator compartment that offers 8.5 times greater protection from falling objects such as rocks.The microsite also covers the Gehl Powerview loader arm, featuring loader and chassis design for optimum visibility and strength.There is also an area dedicated to Gehl attachment solutions specific to mining and quarries.

• Gehl www.gehlmining.com.au

Self contained breathing apparatus LEADING fire protection specialist Wormald has supplied a range of life safety products and systems at the Ravensworth Underground Mine in New South Wales. Managed by Glencore Xstrata, the Ravensworth Underground Mine is located in the Hunter Valley Coalfields of New South Wales and employs approximately 280 staff. Wormald has supplied over 250 Scott Safety Contour 100 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with 6.8-litre carbon fibre cylinders. Particularly suitable for use in the mining industry, the Contour 100 SCBA is a lightweight, high performance breathing apparatus featuring a shoulder-mounted pressure gauge, a high pressure cylinder connector and a Vision 3 facemask.

The SCBAs are stored in moveable storage pods located at work sites within the mine and are easily accessible to work groups in the event of an emergency. Each pod holds up to 21 compressed air sets. Safety systems supplied to the Ravensworth Underground Mine also included 40 auto-cascade fast fill stations at the site. Containing banks of compressed air cylinders that operate in an automatic cascade system based on the pressure in the cylinders, these stations enable users to easily refill their breathing apparatus during an escape, without having to remove the cylinder. The stations allow four users to connect at any one time, ensuring quick and easy refills.

• Wormald www.wormald.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Cone crusher TELSMITH ’s new T300 Cone Crusher has been rated the largest in-class clearing stroke and the highest in class crushing force. It is designed with the goal of lowering operating costs and increasing safety. It is engineered for maximum uptime and productivity while delivering 300-HP performance and a crushing capacity output range from 125 to 400 tonne/hour in tough or abrasive mining and quarrying conditions. It has a large clearing circuit for uncrushable materials to pass swiftly and safely.

Delivers 300HP performance for The T300 comes with six cylinders, which is fewer 400 tonne/hr. in number than other units for lower maintenance time and costs. Yet it gives the largest crushing force availability. The unit also comes with a new and enhanced patentpending anti-spin component that stops head spin to prolong manganese life. Like other features, it is installed on top of the machine for topservice access. It is also designed to run with pressure lubrication oil, while removing the use of a gear box and a separate hydraulic circuit.

The T300 has the biggest in-class, patent-pending hybrid bearings. They have both a static and dynamic – which means there is better lift to effectively carry the crushing forces. Instead of the usual socket, socket liner, and head ball, hybrid bearings have a washer and ramp design to avoid time-consuming removal when servicing the machine.

The crusher is nitrogen-free and comes with a patented release system, which means high-maintenance hydraulic accumulators are not required.

Its patent-pending concave (bowl liner) retention system has a speciallydesigned and positioned lip ring that centres the bowl and accomplishes retention without the need of hammers and other hand tools. This results in further operational costs. The ability to use a single bowl for all liners over its range of operation means there is minimal downtime • Telsmith www.telsmith.com A M0 8 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ R E C 1 2 0 1 3 - 0 7 - 1 8 T1 4 : 5 4 : 3 5

Crush- and dustproof cases PELICAN Products Australia will present its latest virtually indestructible water tight, crushproof and Resistant to dust, water, dustproof cases and advanced RALS (remote area lighting) systems at AIMEX. Headlining the display chemicals and oil. will be Pelican’s Spacecase modular transit and storage containers, which are built from a UV-stabilised polyethylene plastic and designed with interlocking ribs for secure stacking.

“These military tough, lightweight and lockable cases are resistant to dust, water, chemicals and oil and are available in over 90 sizes,” said Irina Obrzhutovich, Pelican’s international marketing manager.

Also featuring on the stand will be its newly released rolling office or tool/photography equipment caddy, the iM2435 Pelican storm case.

Obrzhutovich said the case fitted in most overhead plane compartments and could be configured to accommodate files and a 40 cm (15.6”) laptop. Among them will be the 3765 LED rechargeable flashlight designed for “worst-case scenarios”, Obrzhutovich said.

A lightweight and rugged tool, it features a downcast lighting mode of 32 lumens and was designed to help first responders navigate through dark and smoky situations, she said. Three other light modes are also offered: high (172 lumens), low (94 lumens) and signalling (140) lumens. Running times range from three hours and 15 minutes on high to 14 hours and 30 minutes in downcast mode. Pelican’s 2740 and 2750 LED headlights, designed to provide bright, reliable light in harsh conditions, will also be shown at AIMEX. Providing up to 35 lumens and 100 lumens respectively, these headlights featured weather-resistant casings that allowed for a fast and easy battery change with the 2750 preserving night vision with a red LED light, Obrzhutovich said.

• Pelican Products Australia 02 4367 7022 www.pelicanaustralia.com + 1 0 : 0 0

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BONFIGLIOLI Transmission will be demonstrating some of its most versatile and powerful gear drive combinations on Stand 2007 at AIMEX. The company’s modular Trasmital 300 multipurpose planetary drives are being The 323 planetary drive produces coupled with the latest HDO Bevel Helical 890 000Nm. units to produce combinations offering up to approximately 1,300,000 Nm capacity.

“One star of the show is likely to be our 323 planetary drive, which produces 890,000Nm, coupled with a HDO heavy-duty helical drive,” said Bonfiglioli Managing Director Malcolm Lewis. “Our drives are renowned for their torque density and compactness and this is a lownoise, low-vibration drive that is assembled in Australia and offers the best in advanced technology.”

According to the company, its HDO helical drives, with torque ranges up to 194,050 Nm in the case of its HDO180 gearboxes – which will be on show at AIMEX 2013 – produce outstanding reliability and torque densities. When combined with Bonfiglioli’s 300 series Trasmital planetary HDO, its helical drives can be used in many slow-moving applications where high output torque is required.

“The advantage of the combination drives over traditional gearboxes is most evident in their low weight, higher output and highly competitive price,” said Lewis.

“Using the new HDO also means we can install much larger electric motors, such as those found in applications such as chain conveyors, shuttle drives, belt filter presses and apron feeders.”

• Bonfiglioli 02 8811 8000 www.bonfiglioli.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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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

OIL & GAS

Making oil SPLASH in the Browse Basin As the mining boom slows Australia needs to look to it’s next resource opportunity. Vicky Validakis writes.

A

junior oil exploration company’s hard work is set to pay off with predictions they are sitting on close to 1 billion barrels of oil.

IPB Petroleum explained their stratigraphic play, and what it means for oil production in Australia.

The Melbourne-based company was formed in 2009 by former BHP technical engineer Brendan Brown, who is now managing director of IPB. Brown said the development of a number of oil fields off the northwest coast of Australia is the focus of IPB, with drilling planned for the fourth quarter of this year.

The company have three offshore permits in the Browse Basin which total 14,000 square kilometres in acreage position.

In the first permit, WA242-P, there is an oil discovery called Gwydion, which was first drilled by BHP in 1995, where they discovered oil on the surface.

Through the use of 3D seismic surveying Brown said the company was able to fully realise the potential of the region.

“There was estimated to be 6 million barrels recoverable there which is sub-economic, but what we did is acquire a 3D seismic survey over Gwydion,” Brown explained.

“Gwydion was intriguing because there was oil along that near-shore margin of the Browse Basin and what we’ve learned through 3D is that a large stratigraphic graph exists called Pryderi.”

Brown said the 3D surveying provided the company with their big discovery moment and heralded the technology as a de-risking tool.

“Obviously it’s standard technology, particularly in the deeper part of the basin where you’ve got the world class projects where they will have applied 3D, but along 142

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The Browse Basin, where IPB’s project are located, is one of Australia’s largest oil plays.

that whole fairway we were the first company to acquire 3DF along this play,” Brown explained.

“Importantly that’s why we have a big position because if we de-risk it we want to actually have the option over the upside so we’ve got a pretty good position.

“If it works we will have the bulk of the play locked up within our company.”

Pryderi is in the same permit area as Gwydion and Brown said it has an order of magnitude bigger than the Cooper Basin channels.

An independent assessment of the oil channel plays

by ISIS has predicted huge numbers.

WA-424-P is estimated to contain 679 million barrels of mean prospective oil resources while WA-485-P have been given another 166 million barrels.

“It’s fairly substantial if we are successful in turning that into contingent resources,” Brown said.

Drilling Pryderi is the next step for the company who are aiming to spud the well in the fourth quarter of this year, at an estimated cost of around $15 million.

In 2012 IPB signed an agreement with CalEnergy

which puts the junior explorer in a great commercial position.

As part of the deal CalEnergy is the operator of WA-424-P, and holds a 25% interest in the whole permit as well as a 60% interest

IPB’s projects are located in relatively shallow water.

in the Gwydion discovery.

Within three months of drilling at Pryderi, CalEnergy can increase its stake to 60% by funding additional work up to a total of $32.4 million.

“We would then have a discovery and an appraised discovery with a residual 40% interest in the permit so it puts us in a good position because it de-risks the play and we get our prospect drilled which is pretty important because we’re not just testing a prospect, we’re testing a play so there’s a lot of other on-trend leads interpretively at the same reservoir level,” Brown explained.

If the planned drill goes well later this year, Brown said a quick turn-around was possible, with first oil produced as early as 2017.

Brown said there has been strong interest in the project from overseas players as well as locally as the massive potential of the play becomes more apparent. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY

Has the mining boom triggered an

ECONOMIC PLAGUE? Is Dutch disease almost on Australia’s doorstep?

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www.miningaustralia.com.au 18/07/2013 3:56:54 p.m.

AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY

T

he mining industry sits in a league of its own, chest puffed, looking out at Australia’s rich soil like the predator eagle scouring for its next meal- or in Gina Rinehart’s case, the next jackpot.

Known as the ‘lucky country’, Australia has a lot to be thankful for; good weather, fertile land and of course it’s natural resources.

The phrase, muttered by Donald Horne in his 1964 book was an indictment of 1960’s Australia, intended to claim that Australia’s economic prosperity was not down to clever enterprise, but rather an economy held together by its good fortune at stumbling upon its natuIn tying itself too closely to the mining boom, has Australia’s economy dealt itself a major blow? ral resources.

Recently, the Financial Review reported on a speech tion of an oncoming plague, in 1959. Now a common ing agricultural industry. given by Professor Ross Gar- historically titled the ‘Dutch economical phrase, Dutch Such a dramatic increase naut of Victoria University disease’. disease is used worldwide in wealth tends to have a which outlined that AustralDutch Disease, a term as a way to describe the ap- paradoxically adverse conia’s economy, carried by the coined in 1977 by London’s parent relationship between sequence further down the mining boom, will sooner or The Economist Newspa- the increase in exploitation line as currency strengthens later experience a deep eco- per, was used to describe of natural resources and the and other exports become nomic recession. the situation in the Neth- decline in manufacturing too expensive for other resomuch like AAn D _observation A M F L E that FEB _ 1 3 erlands . p d f after P a gitse discovery 1 2 3 / 0and 1 /other 1 3 ,sectors, 9 : 3 1 A M countries to buy. In Australnates high following specula- of a large natural gas field Australia’s previously thriv- ia’s case, it is no secret that BB-0402 LoosenMaterial_Layout 1 1/18/13 2:52 PM Page 1

the manufacturing, agricultural and retail industries are all suffering.

In what was described by Paul Howes, National Secretary of The Australian Workers’ Union, as the “making or breaking year for the future of Australian manufacturing”, 2013 has brought more disappointment with the recent announcement that at least 1200 workers will be made redundant following the news that Ford are to cease operations in Australia. Another blow to an industry that employs five times as many workers as the mining sector.

As it stands, the mining industry’s contribution to the Australian economy is now $121 billion a year with its export income generating $138 billion per annum, half of total goods and services and a huge part of Australia’s success.

So what’s the problem?

Some economists believe that if a country’s high inflows are to be permanent, Continued on page 146

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AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMY

Continued from page 145

it becomes a trade evolution or a “self-correcting mechanism” as Christine Ebrahimzadeh refers to it in an International Monetary Fund article, “a way for the economy to adapt to an increase in domestic demand.”

However you look at it, evolution or not, the Australian economy will suffer. If the mining industry continues to grow and other sectors like manufacturing are forced to shut down, people will lose jobs, consumer spending will drop and there is the potential to bring down yet another already struggling industry – retail, which is losing out to com- The over reliance on coal has already seen the mining tax fail to raise its planned revenues. petitive overseas imports.

Another worry is that long-term productivity and out of high grade ore and cost of doing business here commented that the soften- in Australia. Given volatile a shift in resources away growth. ing of expenditure in this area market dynamics, capital from manufacturing, which “is reflected in the difficulty and labour productivity facilitates enterprise and in- The future of the junior explorers are having in have become a vital element novation, might jeopardise a economy country’s long term growth A statement from the Depart- attracting investment to sup- in maintaining WA resource potential by killing off an ment of mines and petroleum port their projects”. project competitiveness.

Further questions into important source of human (DMP) Deputy Director “When combined with capital development. Argu- General Tim Griffin said that the future of the Austral- decreasing ore grades and ably the number of trainees recent figures according to ian economy in relation to new minerals and energy rich and apprentices in Aus- the Australian Bureau of Sta- its natural resources were regions emerging around the tralia is rising significantly tistics “showed investment answered by the Chamber world, the level of competieach year, with the min- in committed projects across of Minerals and Energy of tion in the global resources Western Australia, Chief Ex- sector is increasing for Westing industry investing mil- WA remained strong”.

“However, early indi- ecutive Reg Howard-Smith, ern Australia” he said. lions of dollars in education and training and billions cations are that a previous who suggested that it is not Despite the economic into research and develop- high level of high-risk ex- just manufacturing and the plague that has blackened ment. This critical funding ploration expenditure ... is like that are suffering from other countries, it seems Austhe high Australian dollar tralia is for now, immune to will see the level of skilled softening” he said.

Griffin described expend- created by the boom. professionals entering the the virus. With the WA re“The sectors current source sector entering the workforce increase and Aus- iture on exploration as “critiH P 2 8 7 2 _ Mo b i l e _ H P - 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 2 3 0 / 0 7 / 1 3 , 3 : 5 9 : 4 8 PM AEST run challenge is on the high tralia will be ensured of its cal” as the current mines transition from a construc-

tion phase into production, it is likely that we will see the economic contribution significantly increase, despite the anticipated deceleration in mining investment.

“It is our clear view that the resource sector will continue to be a significant contributor to the national economy for many years into the future,” says Howard-Smith.

A view that is supported by a wealth of government approved projects under construction totalling an estimated $177 billion in WA, with a further $120 billion ear-marked for major future projects.

As for manufacturing, its future seems dependent on government intervention, a view that some are opposed to because of the costs of doing so. Manufacturing Australia Chair Sue Morphet responding to the current gas crisis that could see a further 200,000 jobs lost and up to $28 billion in economic value wiped out said that “Rather than asking what the cost of intervention is, governments should be asking what is the cost to the nation of doing nothing”.

“It is not good enough for poor planning and bad policy to turn one of Australia’s greatest strategic assets – our abundant energy resources – into a liability. No other gas-rich country lets this happen. Why should we let it happen in Australia?”

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@ozmining

Australia’s most trusted and respected source of mining news since 1908 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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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.

PROGRAM MANAGER MMG is currently recruiting for the newly created role of Program Manager for our Sepon operation.

Our Sepon operation is an open pit copper and gold mining operation in south Laos. This position will be responsible for developing a program execution strategy and execution of nominated projects for the Sepon operation. Some of these include an acid plant, water treatment plant, lime kiln, new accommodation and an airport. The Program Manager will be responsible for the efficient and successful execution of these projects for our operation and more.

We are seeking a professional with tertiary qualification in mining, engineering or project management with a successful career in mining projects. You have a proven track record in project delivery of hard rock underground developments and solid exposure to field and office project management in the construction and commissioning of a range of large scale mining, industrial and process plant facilities.

To be considered, we are seeking a person who has management experience on the Owner’s side, mining project experience and practical expertise managing a multidiscipline project team on complex large scale projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a large high profile project within our organisation with a variety of challenges.

This position is a fixed term role for 3-6 months and is based in our Melbourne office. Regular travel to Sepon for periods of 1 to 2 weeks duration will be required for the success of this position.

This role will operate on a 8/6 roster, FIFO from Mount Isa, Cairns or Townsville.

To start your career journey with MMG, submit your application online in either Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) format by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button or visiting the job search page of our website – http:// careers.mmg.com/jobSearch.asp?stp=AW&sLanguage=en SITE NURSE MMG is now recruiting a Registered Nurse on limited tenure for 12 months to join our Safety and Health Team on-site at Lawn Hill, Century Mine. Reporting to the Health & Hygiene Coordinator, you will provide support to all employees at Century mine in relation to first aid, emergency care and health and wellbeing issues. You will be proactive in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and fitness for work program encompassing – health surveillance, bio monitoring, fatigue awareness, workplace rehabilitation and drug and alcohol testing.

This role operates as a sole practitioner and requires exceptional skills in first aid, emergency response, workplace rehabilitation programs and medical procedures including: intravenous cannulation, cardiac monitoring, audiometry, spirometry and suturing.

You’ll be familiar with a patient information management system such as Medical Director and be literate in the MS Office Suite. Qualifications as a Workplace Rehabilitation Coordinator, Remote Area Nurse and Immunisation Endorsement will be highly regarded.

Onsite accommodation at Century’s Darimah Village is fully air-conditioned and includes room cleaning service. Village features include meal services and access to a site personal trainer, gym facilities communal computer/media facilities including 3G coverage, onsite convenience store, onsite Medical Centre, state of the art sporting and gym facilities, and 25 metre swimming pool. The remuneration package includes an attractive base salary, site allowance and a range of salary sacrifice options.

To join the next generations’ global mining company, please submit your application online in either Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) format by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button or visiting the job search page of our website – http://careers.mmg.com/jobSearch.asp?stp=AW&sLanguage=en.

All applicants must apply directly to MMG to be considered – in this instance, we will not be accepting any submissions from recruitment agencies.

MINE SURVEYOR Minerals and Metals Group (MMG) is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver. MMG’s Century operation, located in North-west Queensland, is Australia’s largest open pit zinc mine. In production since 2000, Century comprises an open pit mine and concentrator at Lawn Hill, connected by a pipeline to the Karumba dewatering and shipping facilities.

A number of projects are currently underway to extend the life of the Century assets beyond the current completion of large open pit production in 2016.

MMG’s Century’s Mine Technical Services Department is now seeking an experienced and professional Mine Surveyor to join their team at Century Mine, Lawn Hill. Reporting to the Senior Mine Surveyor, you will be primarily responsible for recognising and developing surveying techniques to assist in operations optimisation and advising the Senior Surveyor of any technical or administrative matters of note.

ACOUSTIC ENGINEER Further responsibilities will include assistance in the following: Hushpak Engineering is seeking an acoustic engineer with strong technical skills and practical experience • Collection of survey data for use in geological modelling and monitoring, mine planning, grade control, in noise attenuation and design who wants to develop their career within a small but rapidly growing production reconciliation and environmental management; organisation. The successful candidate will work with our strong and diverse client portfolio and capitalise • End of month survey pickup and reporting volumes; on new business opportunities in mining, manufacturing and other industries. This role will suit someone • Provision of drafting and cartographic services; who is keen to move into a senior role and pursue a potential management opportunity.

• Set-up and checking of high precision GPS Guidance systems, and; The role will involve the following key activities: • Charting and recording of land use in terms of the overall lease and mining requirements.

• Noise measurements and reporting As the successful incumbent you will have both well-developed technical skills and personal attributes, a • Developing solutions to challenging noise and vibration problems in an industrial or mining context certificate MSdOffice SAPg knowledge, L aqualification n e Wo inr Surveying k S a for ae related _ Q Pfield, . p f and Pa e 1 experience 2 9 / 0 in7Surpac / 1 3 , • Interacting 1 2 : 2with 4 customers P M to assess and understand their needs, resulting in successful project delivery mining software, RiscanPRO, Softrock Solutions and report writing skills.

• 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 Selected and • Current drivers licence used by Stat e The position will be a permanent full time reportin to the technical director.

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TRAINING ADVISOR MMG’s inaugural mine development project, Dugald River, is a world-class zinc-lead-silver deposit located in north-west Queensland. With a development capital expenditure in excess of AUD1,400M, the scope of the project includes a two million tonne per year underground mine with twin decline access and conventional long hole and bench stoping; fine grinding and flotation circuits and a combination of existing and developed rail, storage and ship loading facilities.

A unique opportunity exists for an experienced Training Advisor – Surface Operations based at our Dugald River Mine. Reporting to the Human Resources Superintendent, you will be responsible for the development of the training strategy which will be the foundation of a training function for the Dugald River Mine. The strategy will include the development of site wide training and skills matrices, and the training processes necessary to support a world class mine.

As a successful incumbent, you will have had previous experience in the development of training strategies and systems associated with the set up of a new business entity, preferrable in the mining industry. You will also be experienced in the provision of training and assessement services, to ensure business and legislative needs continue to be met for the Dugald River Mine. A key responsibility will be the supervision of the assessment and training undertaken by consultants used by MMG on the mine site.

Important to the role you will be your strong demonstrated experience within a similar role and have a Diploma in Management to enable delivery of Supervisory and Frontline management courses. To further your success to the role, you will have a high level communication, interpersonal, influencing and presenting skills, successfully managing cross cultural relationships, driving performance with a strong consultative approach.

This role will operate on an 8/6 FIFO roster from Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane or Mount Isa. To start your career journey with MMG, submit your application online in either Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) format by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button or visiting the job search page of our websitehttp://careers.mmg.com/jobSearch.asp?stp=AW&sLanguage=en www.miningaustralia.com.au

in the world, for

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to editor@miningaustralia.com.au Diggers and Dealers 5-7 August Kalgoorlie

Rapid Development Conference 2013 – Enabling the Future Mine

and joint OEM/mining group papers.

• International Mining Paul Moore paul@immining.com www.corporate.im-mining.com/ imevents

AIMEX

14-16 August The annual Diggers and Dealers mining forum will be held in Marriott Hotel, Sydney Kalgoorlied will feature a jammed From new approaches to shaft packed schedule of speakers and sinking; faster raise boring and workshops. This year’s key note downreaming; advances in hard rock Practical Belt Conveying 19-22 August speaker is economic commentator cutting technology and continuous and former chief economic advisor to mining for hard rock; rapid decline Brisbane President Obama, Austan Goolsbee. development; and the use of new Four day training course with a Goolsbee will speak on August 5 mobile miner and TBM technology strong practical bias for engineers and is expected to provide an insight to tackle mine access tunnels and involved with the design or into international economic activity block cave development – interest maintenance of high capacity belt and an overview of how this will in this area of the industry is at an conveyor systems for the mining impact demand for commodities as all time high. If your group has an or related industries. Over 1200 well as the positives and risks that interest in offering a presentation engineers have now attended one of are currently affecting the market. (speakers attend for free), or these courses. The event is typically Diggers and Dealers runs for three sponsoring the event, please held with a small class size, while a days and attracts delegates from feel free to contact the Rapid 300 page manual is provided. mining and exploration companies, Development 2013 Conference The event will be held on: brokers, bankers, investors, Director, Paul Moore with a paper 19-22 August, at the Hotel Grand financiers and mining service summary/synopsis for consideration Chancellor, Brisbane industries. There is also a large or in the case of sponsorship 4-7 November, at the Hotel Grand exhibition area housing exhibitors interest, an indication of how you Chancellor, Brisbane from the mining, exploration and would like to be involved.

• Tech Training Paper preference will be given to service sectors. ann.odonovan@techtraining. and6 - 1 8 T • Diggers com.au A M 0 &8 Dealers 1 3 _ 0 0 0 _ C E M those - covering 1 2real 0 1current 3 - 0 1 6 : 2 4 : 0 2 + 1 0 : 0 0 ongoing projects, new technology, www.diggersndealers.com.au www.techtraining.com.au

20-23 August Sydney Showground, Sydney 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

The Australian National Conference on Resources and Energy

(ANCRE) 2013: The Insider’s Story 3-4 October Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra The Australian National Conference on Resources and Energy (ANCRE) 2013, is the pre-eminent conference for policy makers, industry leaders, academics and international experts to canvass the issues facing this important sector. Hosted by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE), the leading agency providing economic analysis on the resources and energy sectors to Government, attendance at the conference is a must for those that want to help shape the resources and energy agenda now and into the future. ANCRE 2013, held at the Canberra Theatre Centre, is the only national conference that provides independent and impartial analysis on the global and Australian perspective on resources and energy.

• Key Conference Solutions www.ancre.com.au

MINING TECHNOLOGY WORLDWIDE BALL / ROD / SAG / AG MILLS DRYERS MIXERS SCRUBBERS PELLETIZERS Whether for grinding or beneficiation, CEMTEC provides the right solution for customers in the mining industry. Whether for wet or dry applications, CEMTEC will meet customers’ requirements regardless.

Projects undertaken at CEMTEC range from single machines to turnkey plants, from engineering to commissioning and after-sales service.

Competent employees and professional facilities, such as the workshop and the laboratory which enable appropriate product investigations and test runs, ensure successful fulfillment of the relevant assignment.

Interested in hearing more about CEMTEC? Please contact us!

CEMTEC Cement and Mining Technology GmbH, Ennshafenstraße 40, 4470 Enns, Austria  +43/7223/83620-0,  info@cemtec.at 150 August 2013 AustralianMining RZ_Cemtec_Inserat_Mining_II_210x122mm_MiningMagazine.indd

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www.miningaustralia.com.au 05.12.12 15:58

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