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TECHNOLOGY MINING SERVICES VOLUME 113/07 | AUGUST 2021

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TECHNOLOGY MINING SERVICES VOLUME 113/07 | AUGUST 2021

WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

DRILLING DOWN TECHNOLOGY DRIVES DRILL & BLAST SECTOR

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COMMENT

OVERCOMING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE CHALLENGE WHAT CAN THE MINING INDUSTRY DO TO STRENGTHEN FUTURE WORKFORCES AND REDUCE THE THREAT OF SKILLS SHORTAGES?

BEN CREAGH

Ben.Creagh@primecreative.com.au

S

kills shortages are not new in the Australian mining industry. But what is new is the combination of factors driving the current shortages.

Back in 2019, talk about an emerging skills shortage was already rife. By mid-2020, the closure of state borders to curb the spread of COVID-19 had exacerbated this shortage.

In unison, Australia’s mining industry was attracting a sharp rise in investment and activity increased to capitalise on strong commodity prices.

Mining also found itself competing with an infrastructure boom in Sydney and Melbourne which was luring skills away from mining regions into metropolitan areas.

It’s a mix of factors that has remained relatively consistent in the 12 to 18 months since, as Australia stutters its way out of a COVID-19 lockdown environment.

The full impact of the skills shortage was clear to see as ASX-listed companies revealed their full-year results after the 2020-21 financial year finished.

Company after company, particularly in the mid-tier and contractor ranks, pointed to labour shortages as a challenge they faced.

Despite moves by companies to improve their working environments, with increased flexibility, attractive salaries and favourable rosters, it has not been enough.

Mining companies, industry associations and governments are doing their best to tackle this concern, but it’s evident that more needs to be done.

As interstate workers turn their backs on opportunities in a state like Western Australia, the Australian Government has opened the door to international workers.

In June, the government added several mining occupations to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to address the skills shortage.

Even though it’s a polarising decision, it is also a necessary one. Industry associations across the country lauded the announcement, with some calling it a turning point in the skills crisis. The response wasn’t as positive from workers themselves, with many on Australian Mining’s social media platforms expressing fears they would be replaced by foreign workers.

This attitude stems from the legacy of the 457 visa, which was widely used to source workers during the mining construction boom a decade ago.

The 457 program was scrapped in 2017. By then, it was almost irrelevant in the mining industry after development had plummeted as commodity prices fell away.

Four years on and the upturn in activity, in addition to the aforementioned factors, has revived the need for international workers.

The program will not make an immediate impact, however, and the industry needs to continue its focus on sourcing and developing skills.

Attracting the next generation with apprenticeship and university programs, upskilling existing workers and securing government backing remain critical for the industry to capitalise on today’s buoyant conditions.

FRONT COVER

In this edition, we include a special focus on the drill and blast sector by highlighting products and technologies in this area.

We put the spotlight on the mining industry in the Northern Territory, with focus on the government’s plans to grow the sector.

This issue also explores the escalating mining skills shortage across Australia and how the industry plans to combat this concern.

Australian Mining also previews several events that are scheduled around the country in the coming months.

And as usual, we cover the latest mining equipment and technology in our products section.

Cover image: Sandvik.

Ben Creagh Managing Editor

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IN INTHIS THISISSUE ISSUE 26

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WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

23

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

26

Bridging the skills gap Skills shortages threaten Australian mining industry Finding new mining treasures Northern Territory sets sights on becoming a top mining jurisdiction

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

30

DRILL & BLAST

34 TECHNOLOGY

Campaigning for mining’s contribution Enhancing mining’s public image for a stronger outlook Technology moves sector into the future Drilling solutions enhance accuracy and performance

MINING EQUIPMENT

Second-hand machinery solutions Reliable and value-oriented used equipment Foundation of the future Amped up technology brings productivity and efficiency gains

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46

MINING SERVICES

Maintaining optimum mine performance Service providers highlight their solutions to assist operators

INDUSTRY COMMENT

An innovative approach Breaking down interactions between people and technology

48 MANUFACTURING

Local manufacturing’s multiplier effect Crusader Hose puts the spotlight on industry-leading product

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

The latest events in the industry Previewing and reviewing mining’s biggest shows

REGULARS 5 COMMENT

48 AUSTRALIANMINING AUSTRALIANMINING

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OCTOBER AUGUST 2021 2020

8 NEWS 56 PRODUCTS 58 EVENTS

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NEWS

THE LATEST MINING AND SAFETY NEWS AUSTRALIAN MINING PRESENTS THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE MINE AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN. VISIT WWW.AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING. INVISIBLE GOLD SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME A Curtin University research team in Western Australia has uncovered the nature of invisible gold trapped in pyrite and developed an ecofriendlier way to extract it.

The phenomenon of gold trapped in pyrite has been commonly known as ‘fool’s gold’ but remained unrecognised at this depth until the

research took place.

Lead researcher Denis Fougerouse said the research was increasingly important as global gold was consumed and new methods were called upon.

“The discovery rate of new gold deposits is in decline worldwide with the quality of ore degrading, parallel

THE RESEARCH COULD UNLOCK A NEW SOURCE OF GOLD.

to the value of precious metal increasing,” Fougerouse said.

“Previously gold extractors have been able to find gold in pyrite either as nanoparticles or as a pyrite-gold alloy, but what we have discovered is that gold can also be hosted in nanoscale crystal defects, representing a new kind of ‘invisible’ gold.”

Fougerouse detailed the research methods further, saying the more deformed the crystal is, the more gold there is locked up in defects.

“The gold is hosted in nanoscale defects called dislocations – 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair – so a special technique called atom probe tomography is needed to observe it,” he said.

A significant goal of the research was to conserve energy, as previous methods involved with ‘fool’s gold’ extraction had proven costly.

“Generally, gold is extracted using pressure techniques (similar to cooking), but this process is energy hungry. We wanted to look into an eco-friendlier way of extraction,” Fougerouse said.

“We looked into an extraction process called selective leaching,

AUSTRALIAN MINING GETS THE LATEST NEWS EVERY DAY, PROVIDING MINING PROFESSIONALS WITH UP-TOTHE-MINUTE INFORMATION ON SAFETY, NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MINING AND RESOURCES INDUSTRY.

using a fluid to selectively dissolve the gold from the pyrite.

“Not only do the dislocations trap the gold, but they also behave as fluid pathways that enable the gold to be leached without affecting the entire pyrite.”

The paper was titled, A new kind of invisible gold in pyrite hosted in deformation–related dislocations, and was published in the journal, Geology by researchers from Curtin University, the University of Western Australia and the China University of Geoscience.

PILBARA MINERALS TO ACCELERATE PILGANGOORA PRODUCTION Pilbara Minerals will be shifting up a gear over the next 12 months, as operations at the Ngungaju plant at its Pilgangoora lithium mine in Western Australia ramp up.

A $39 million restart of the Ngungaju facility during the December quarter of 2021 is expected to allow the operation’s second plant to reach full capacity of up to 200,000 dry metric tonnes by the middle of 2022.

In conjunction with the operation’s Pilgan plant, Pilbara Minerals is targeting 560,000 to 580,000 dry metric tonnes per

annum from Pilgangoora.

The Ngungaju restart will entail plant modifications and operational readiness activities.

Pilbara Minerals managing director and chief executive officer Ken Brinsden said the operation had aligned well with market demands and the company’s capabilities.

“The well-timed acquisition of the Altura lithium operations provides Pilbara Minerals with available spodumene concentrate at the same time the market is expecting to grow rapidly to deal with the

AUSTRALIANMINING

mass global adoption of lithium-ion battery technology for use in clean energy applications,” Brinsden said.

Pilbara Minerals finalised its $201 million acquisition of Altura in April and has since secured offtake agreements and development contracts to reinforce its position as one of Australia’s leaders in lithium concentrate production.

Brinsden said the coming years showed a lot of promise for Pilbara Minerals.

“While production costs will likely be slightly elevated during financial year 2022, we remain confident

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in both Pilgangoora’s pre-eminent position as an important global lithium raw materials supply base and the trend towards lower costs in the coming years as the Ngungaju plant restarts, normalises and production settles at a higher rate,” he said.

The company also completed a drilling program in June where it hit grades of up to 1.84 per cent lithium oxide.

Brinsden added that the exploration program complemented the company’s operational developments well.

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NEWS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SLOWLY CONVERTS FIFO WORKERS Western Australia’s push to permanently welcome fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers has started strong, as the state’s net interstate migration rate turned positive for the first time since 2013.

Western Australia holds Australia’s lowest unemployment and underemployment rates – 4.7 and 7.2 per cent, respectively – according to the May edition of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Labour Force Survey.

State Premier Mark McGowan said the figures represented a well utilised workforce.

“(The) labour force data again highlights the ongoing strength of the Western Australian economy, with the unemployment rate the lowest of the states for a third consecutive month,” McGowan said.

“It is also a sign that the state government’s encouragement for eastern states’ FIFO workers to shift west is succeeding, helping to ensure the benefits of the high incomes generated from the mining sector stay in WA.” The national unemployment rate was reported as 5.1 per cent.

Western Australia’s population also

grew by 1.3 per cent in 2020, which was second across the country behind Queensland.

McGowan attributed the strong growth levels to an enticing economy and excellent COVID-19 management.

“More people are moving to Western Australia from the eastern states to take advantage of the economic opportunities that our great state has to offer and our strong handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,” McGowan said.

“We are also investing heavily to keep TAFE fees low to give Western

Australians, particularly younger people, the skills they need to meet local job opportunities.”

The Western Australian Government has been working with the state’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) to support FIFO workers from eastern states who are interested in relocating their home base into the west with a $20,000 building bonus grant.

Prior to COVID-19’s travel restrictions, around 5000–6000 FIFO workers from eastern states travelled to Western Australia to work at mining, oil and gas sites.

WA HOLDS AUSTRALIA’S LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES.

THIESS CONTRACT AT MOUNT PLEASANT NEARS $1BN MACH Energy has selected Thiess as the preferred contractor for mining services at the Mount Pleasant thermal coal project in New South Wales.

The $925 million contract will begin in April 2022 and extend until late 2026.

Thiess executive general manager for Australia Shaun Newberry said the partnership had shown great signs so far.

“We are pleased to continue building on our strong relationship with MACH

Energy and on positively contributing to the local economy,” Newberry said.

“We look forward to enabling the long-term success of the Mount Pleasant operation and its surrounding communities.”

More than 80 per cent of the workforce at the Mount Pleasant operation lives locally, which Thiess has previously advocated for.

“Subject to execution, Thiess will continue to draw on local businesses for the provision of goods and services to support the mine and is committed AUSTRALIANMINING

to attracting and retaining a diverse, local workforce,” Thiess stated.

Pending confirmation of the contract, Thiess will provide drill and blast, load and haul, mining and run-of-mine rehandling services, equipment maintenance and progressive rehabilitation.

Thiess has worked at the site since it was a greenfield project in 2017, including the rehabilitation of Mount Pleasant for the first two months before first coal was mined.

MACH Energy was formed to acquire

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Mount Pleasant from Rio Tinto in 2015.

Thiess planned to ramp up operations to 10.5 million tonnes per annum, as Mount Pleasant’s 474 million tonne reserve is mined.

In February, MACH submitted an environmental impact statement (EIS) to the New South Wales Government to boost the mine’s output and mine life.

Expansion approval would increase run-of-mine production to 21 million tonnes per year.

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NEWS

AUSTRALIA IN BOX SEAT FOR RARE EARTHS Australia is well positioned to benefit from the rise of critical minerals, according to the Australian Government’s Outlook for Selected Critical Minerals Australia 2021 report.

Released by the Office of the Chief Economist in the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the report detailed the prospect for market growth in metals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, vanadium, and rare earth elements like neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said Australia must take advantage of its privileged position in the market.

“Australia is blessed with abundant resources and a highly-skilled workforce which is ready to transform these minerals and elements into the kinds of products the world needs,” Pitt said.

The report credited Lynas Rare Earths – an Australian mid-tier mining company – for being the largest non-Chinese supplier of rare earth products.

“Australia’s mined production of rare earths is forecast to grow by 9.1 per cent per annum over the outlook period (2020-2030), largely as a result of investment by Lynas at their Mount Weld operation,” the report stated.

The report highly considered the

market conditions surrounding electric vehicles and associated battery storage technology. The global fleet size of electric vehicles is expected to grow by 30 per cent by 2050, leaving the battery storage market to lag behind.

This has occurred due to heightened investment by auto manufacturers, according to the report.

“Auto manufacturers have invested heavily in the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV), and therefore it is in their interests to recoup their investment as quickly as possible,” the report stated.

“Currently, auto manufacturers’ planned capacity increases to

2025 exceed the requirements of announced government policies.”

Pitt said the Australian Government supported the development of the necessary minerals for electrification.

“Australia is already the world’s top producer of lithium, and the Government’s Critical Minerals Facilitation Office is supporting the development of other resources, downstream processing, and helping to diversify global supply chains,” Pitt said.

“Australia also has a stable investment environment and stable governance arrangements that make Australia an attractive location for critical minerals investment and development.”

RIO TINTO DEPLOYS WORLD-FIRST INNOVATION AT PILBARA SITE

THE GUDAI-DARRI PROJECT SITE IN THE PILBARA. IMAGE: RIO TINTO.

Rio Tinto has pioneered Caterpillar’s autonomous water trucks at the Gudai-Darri iron ore project in Western Australia.

While Rio has already deployed autonomous haul trucks and drill rigs at Gudai-Darri, productivity will be further enhanced by three water trucks at the highly-automated operation.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said the deployment had been a highly collaborative process with Caterpillar, a partner of more than 50 years.

“We have worked closely with

Caterpillar to safely and successfully deploy the world’s first fully autonomous water truck,” Trott said.

“Water spraying is a vital part of mining operations and this new technology will improve productivity and reduce water usage across our operations.”

The vehicles can automatically detect dry and dusty conditions to be watered, while refilling the 160,000-litre tank is also an automated process.

Trott said the implementation of autonomous technology at GudaiDarri is always evolving, as is the

AUSTRALIANMINING

technology.

“The continued expansion of our autonomous fleet helps improve safety and continues Rio Tinto’s efforts to adopt world-leading technology to enhance our operations and realise our vision of making Gudai-Darri, one of the world’s most technologically advanced mines,” Trott said.

Caterpillar resource industries group president Denise Johnson said Rio Tinto was one of Cat’s most innovative partners.

“Rio continues to pioneer technology advancements and the

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water truck, working in conjunction with the autonomous hauling trucks and drills, will further accelerate Rio Tinto’s site performance,” Johnson said.

“This is another important step in our continual journey in autonomous solutions for our customers.

“We are pleased to work with Rio Tinto to introduce the next innovation in mining automation.”

Ramp-up at Gudai-Darri has continued on track thanks to the autonomous technology, with peak production at a 43-million-tonne-ayear rate expected by early 2022.

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NEWS

BRAVUS BREAKS FIRST COAL AT CARMICHAEL Bravus Mining and Resources has struck first coal at the Carmichael project in Queensland, with the company on track for its first export later this year.

According to Bravus chief executive officer David Boshoff, the milestone follows more than a decade-long effort to get mining operations up and running at the site.

“Throughout the last two years of construction and during the many years when we fought to secure our

approvals, our people have put their hearts and souls into this project – it is wonderful that we have now struck coal,” he said.

“Nearly two years ago today we received our final approvals to develop the Carmichael mine and rail project. We have faced many hurdles along the way, but thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our team, we have now reached the coal seams.”

Bravus will produce 10 million

tonnes of thermal coal per annum at the Carmichael mine.

India will be considered a foundation customer of Carmichael’s coal, with the country being the fourth largest electricity user in the world.

“The coal will be sold at index pricing and we will not be engaging in transfer pricing practices, which means that all of our taxes and royalties will be paid here in Australia.

India gets the energy they need and

Australia gets the jobs and economic benefits in the process,” Boshoff said.

Bravus has awarded more than $1.5 billion in contracts for the construction of the project, which is in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.

The project has directly employed more than 2000 people with more than 9000 indirect jobs created.

It is expected to generate billions of dollars for the Queensland Government in its first 30 years of operation.

ABB, HITACHI TO DESIGN ELECTRIC DUMP TRUCK THE COLLABORATION IS A FIRST BETWEEN HITACHI AND ABB.

ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery have teamed up to develop a zero-emission battery-electric rigid dump truck that features in-motion charging.

The dump truck will draw power needed from overhead catenary, while also charging through the on-board energy storage system.

It will feature ABB’s energy storage systems to reduce its curb weight and lifecycle costs, and its in-motion charging is expected to ramp up productivity and efficiency for the

electric vehicle.

The truck’s regenerative braking capabilities can convert mechanical energy into usable electric energy to recharge its batteries.

According to ABB motion traction division president Edgar Keller, the new truck will allow mining companies to reach their sustainability targets.

“We are honoured to collaborate with Hitachi Construction Machinery combining extensive industry expertise and innovative technologies to improve efficiency and accelerate the transition AUSTRALIANMINING

to all-electric mine operations,” Keller said. “By co-creating solutions, we can help mine operators achieve their production and sustainability goals.”

The electric dump truck marks the first collaboration between Hitachi and ABB after the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2021.

“The strengths and knowledge of both companies will be utilised to realise the early development of battery electric rigid dump trucks,” Hitachi Construction Machinery senior

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vice president and executive officer Sonosuke Ishii said.

“In addition, ABB’s energy storage solutions can also be used for static charging dump trucks and the technology is ready for future fuel cell electric vehicles.

“Both companies will continue with the development while looking ahead to the future.”

The companies hope to electrify mining machinery to reduce carbon emissions while retaining the performance of its machines.

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WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP AUSTRALIA’S MINING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW, BUT THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED WORKERS TO SUPPORT THIS EXPANSION MAY SOON REACH DIRE LEVELS. NICKOLAS ZAKHARIA WRITES.

D

emand for mining jobs has this year reached levels not seen since the mining boom of a decade ago The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) quarterly data on labour forces up to the end of May showed that mining in Australia directly employed a record 278,800 people (seasonally adjusted).

And employment needs in the industry are only expected to rise, as Australia’s mining sector continues to ride a wave of high commodity prices and demand. More skilled workers will be required to produce these minerals, as well as develop the next phase of projects.

In June, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) Western Australia commissioned a report by Pit Crew Consulting that analyses the mining

and resources sector’s workforce requirements through to 2025.

The report expects that 40,000 extra workers will be required in the state’s labour market between 2021 and 2023, including occupations such as technicians, trades workers, machinery operators and drivers.

Pit Crew sees the resources sector suffering a peak shortage of 33,000 workers in the third quarter of 2023.

According to the report, factors such as competition for labour in eastern states, internal competition between projects, decline in interstate migration, overseas migration restrictions and changes in attitudes towards fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) travel as key factors that will influence the skills shortage.

CME chief executive Paul Everingham says that hiring skilled workers from outside of Australia

was common practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has certainly impacted the current skills situation, with international migration effectively stopping, interstate migration being limited and shutdown work being held over from 2020,” Everingham tells Australian Mining.

“But the scale of demand for ongoing operational and construction workforces is such that there would inevitably have been some element of tightening of the skilled worker pool over the next few years.

“The West Australian mining and resources sector has traditionally been able to draw upon an international pool of skilled workers, particularly to address highly specialised positions/ trades that might be subject to acute shortages.

“Being unable to access this pool

MORE SKILLED WORKERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR AUSTRALIA’S GROWING RESOURCES SECTOR.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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in the next few years would mean potential peak shortages identified in the report would be more likely to become a reality.”

This sentiment is also echoed by mining companies, including Western Australian-based gold producer Ramelius Resources.

The company operates the Mt Magnet, Vivien, Edna May, Marda and Tampia mines across the state, and while gold prices have been high, labour shortages have proven to be challenging.

“We try to be attentive to employees needs and look to ensure we are competitive in the current market,” Ramelius managing director Mark Zeptner tells Australian Mining.

“We like to think that Ramelius is a good place to work with a variety of different sites that allow for differing experiences and career progression.

WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

“The skills/labour shortage is real and every resource company in WA will be dealing with this issue now and at least for the next six to 12 months.”

Everingham says COVID-19 has created a backlog of mine shutdown and maintenance work.

He explains that the high level of demand for shutdown and maintenance workers in the short term is largely the result of operators postponing this work during the early stages of COVID-19.

“During that time, operations only undertook essential production work using workers necessary to do so,” Everingham says.

“As such, there is a backlog of shutdown and maintenance work to be addressed over the next two years, with strong competition to secure the skilled workforce required to undertake it.”

Hard border closures and snap lockdowns are also causing local impacts. Perth’s snap lockdown from late June to early July barred FIFO workers from travelling, forcing them to either remain on site or at home.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has been encouraging FIFO workers to relocate to the west permanently, with migration to the state turning positive for the first time since 2013.

However, the competition between states for skilled workers remains high.

“Economic conditions in the eastern states are very different now to when the WA mining and resources sector last had a period of accelerated growth from 2009-2013,” Everingham says.

“Currently, there is significant nationwide competition for skilled labour on the back of large-scale, government-backed infrastructure and construction projects being undertaken around the country.

“While CME and its member companies understand the strong focus on community safety in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased certainty and confidence around the status of state borders is one factor that could help encourage increased workforce mobility and interstate migration.”

According to Everingham, Western Australia’s mining sector alone has a $140 billion project pipeline.

“If the skills challenge is left unaddressed, there is a significant risk that not all opportunities will be able to be fully realised, in an environment where key commodity prices are forecast to remain strong into the immediate future,” he says.

The threat of a skills shortage has rung its way through federal parliament, with the Australian Government lifting the ban on international workers applying for certain mining occupations days after the Pit Crew report was released.

Mining, geotechnical and structural engineer roles were added as part of the revised list of jobs eligible for the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

The PMSOL was announced in September 2020 last year to ensure critical occupations have their roles filled during the COVID-19 recovery, which has caused an ongoing ban for

THE SKILLS/LABOUR SHORTAGE IS REAL AND EVERY RESOURCE COMPANY IN WA WILL BE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE NOW AND AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT SIX TO 12 MONTHS.” most international travel.

“The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was introduced in September 2020 and provides for priority processing of employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on this list,” a Department of Home Affairs spokesperson explains.

“This priority processing applies to existing and future applications and allows businesses and migrants to have certainty that eligible nominations and applications will be assessed ahead of other applications.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pit says the Australian Government is increasing the skills to match a large pipeline of resources sector projects through initiatives, including the $1 billion JobTrainer fund that puts Australians in short courses in priority areas.

“With the inclusion of occupations like petroleum, mining and geotechnical engineers on the PMSOL, industry will be able to fill critical skills needed to support Australia’s

economic recovery from COVID-19,” Pitt says.

“The Coalition Government is acting to provide industry with an increased pool of skills to match the workforce required to build and operate the massive new projects coming on in the resources sector.

“The industry has committed to 53 major resource projects worth a combined $44 billion, with billions at earlier stages already in the pipeline.”

Pitt says the government is also aiming to fill mining positions with local workers, while the PMSOL provides relevant skilled workers needed in the short-term.

“Post-COVID, the resources sector will continue to create opportunities and jobs across Australia, particularly in regional areas,” he says.

“The government is working to provide skills and education to Australian workers so that these jobs can be filled by local workers and the greatest possible benefits from resources projects flow through to communities.

“Today, roughly half of all workers in the sector live in regional Australia.

The government is committed to training more regional Australians for the mining jobs of tomorrow, including with our $30 million investment in a new School of Mining and Manufacturing at the Central Queensland University.”

As mining companies battle to meet demand amid the COVID-climate, a strong force of skilled workers in Australia will be on the minds of the mining industry going forward. AM

LOCKDOWNS HAVE STOPPED FIFO WORKERS FROM FLYING TO SITES.

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AUGUST 2021

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY IS AIMING TO CREATE MORE LOCAL JOBS FOR PEOPLE IN DARWIN AND REGIONAL AREAS.

FINDING NEW TREASURES IN THE TERRITORY AS MINING ACTIVITY PICKS UP IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY, THE NEXT WAVE OF PRODUCERS WILL PROVE TO BE CRITICAL IN PUTTING THE REGION ON THE MAP AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP MINING JURISDICTIONS. NICKOLAS ZAKHARIA WRITES.

I

n November 2020, the Northern Territory Government released its 10-year roadmap to grow the state into a $40 billion economy by 2030.

The report, commissioned by the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC), focused on unlocking regional opportunities, attracting private investment, supporting industries and creating more jobs in the Northern Territory.

According to the report, the mining and energy sector is a key area driving economic growth in the NT, currently contributing 27.5 per cent of its economic activity.

Northern Territory Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison says the government is headstrong on developing more economic opportunities in the Territory by advancing mining projects.

“The Territory Labor Government is focused on securing investment opportunities for the Territory and creating more local jobs,” Manison tells Australian Mining.

“We are serious about getting on with the job of growing our economy to $40 billion by 2030.

“There are 20 mining projects currently working towards a final investment decision (FID) in the Territory with a combined value of $6.2 billion and potential to create 5700 construction jobs and 3400 ongoing jobs.”

Within two years, TERC plans to lift the Territory into the top 10 mining jurisdictions for investment in the

NT BULLION PLANS TO RETURN TO OPEN PIT MINING AT FRANCES CREEK IN THE FUTURE.

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Fraser Institute International Survey of Mining Companies and to a top five ranking within five years.

The Territory currently sits in 19th spot for investment attractiveness, behind Western Australia (4th), South Australia (7th) and Queensland (16th), according to the Fraser Institute’s survey results for 2020.

TERC stated that there had been no major new mines developed in the Northern Territory since 2005, with its existing operations also approaching the end of their life.

Future projects are slated to produce critical minerals including copper, lithium, vanadium, rare earths, tungsten, cobalt and magnesium, along with more familiar commodities for the Northern Territory, such as gold, uranium and iron ore.

To grow the sector, the commission has proposed a Territory Mineral Development taskforce to accelerate mine development, increase exploration activity, work with the mining industry to grow its METS (mining equipment, technology and services) sector and adopt advanced technology, and assess and develop low-emission minerals processing opportunities.

“In April, we announced record funding of $9.5 million for more mineral exploration to drive more mining development and create more jobs across the Territory, with the funding to be ongoing,” Manison says.

“Our message is clear, if you are looking for the next resource or mining investment, come to the Territory.”

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Out with the old

With a plan in place, the approvals needed by mining companies are starting to trickle through.

One company already benefitting from this is Vista Gold Australia, which owns the Mt Todd gold mine.

The historic site is considered the largest undeveloped gold mine in the Northern Territory.

The mine’s Batman deposit was discovered in 1988, which led to commercial production starting in 1993.

Mt Todd was then put on care and maintenance in 1997 due to low gold

prices. It was briefly operated under a joint venture between Multiplex Resources and General Gold Resources from 1999, before being placed on care and maintenance again in 2000.

The Mt Todd mine, which contains a 7.8-million-ounce gold resource in the measured and indicated categories, was acquired by Vista Gold in 2006 and the company has since spent more than $US100 million ($133 million) to develop the site.

Those years of hard work paid off in June, with the Northern Territory Government approving Vista’s mine management plan, giving it the green

Keep it steady

light to restart operations.

According to Manison, the project will focus on delivering local employment to the areas of Catherine, Pine Creek and Darwin.

“Vista are very committed to having a localised workforce. They have worked very carefully through their mine management plan so that they can get this gold mine up and running again,” Manison says.

Job creation is a major focus for the Northern Territory’s plan for mining and old mines are rising from the dead in the process.

The Frances Creek iron ore mine,

which was shut down in 2015 due to low iron ore prices, started shipping ore again from Darwin Port in June under new owner NT Bullion, which acquired the site from Gold Valley Holdings in 2020.

“The mine had been closed for a number of years and there’s a huge amount of waste material that we thought had prospect of being rehabilitated,” NT Bullion head of strategy Deane Russell tells Australian Mining.

The company is using x-ray technology from German company Steinert to crush, grade and scan

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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

ELEVATE URANIUM IS ASSESSING TENEMENTS ACROSS THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

individual waste rock to create exportquality lump iron ore.

Russell says converting the waste rock into iron ore has a significant cost advantage.

“By going through the waste in any mine and taking an additional 40 per cent of that waste into lump iron ore, it can range up to 62 per cent, then you’re going to increase your return on investment,” he says.

“Instead of throwing that iron ore or waste away, you’re actually getting another 40 per cent from your hard mining.

“We think it’s the way to go and that other miners will realise that they can take the initial iron ore off and then process their waste and get an additional return on their investment.”

A 30,000-tonne shipment was exported by NT Bullion after a year of testing the iron lump ore, with the company now planning to convert all low-grade product at the site into an exportable product.

Russell says the company will follow these activities by applying to the Northern Territory Government to restart open cut mining at the site.

“We gave approval from the government to process the waste and we now have to apply to the government for restarting the open cut mining,” Russell says.

“There’s parts of that mine site that have not been mined since Cyclone Tracy in the 1970s, so there’s quite a large deposit that’s still there.”

NT Bullion is 30 per cent Indigenous owned and 65 per cent Territory owned, which has resulted in the company having a focus on local employment.

“We’ve been very strong since the early days in wanting to grow a company that is local, employs local, trains local and spend our money locally,” Russell says.

“We find that local employees understand how much of a challenge working in the NT outback heat is.”

Russell says the company has

maintained a relationship with each of the three Indigenous communities in the Frances Creek region.

“A lot of the Indigenous known artefacts and areas have been GPS’d and we have a separate storage for our communities to which they only have access,” he says.

“When we rehabilitate the mine, those artefacts and items will be placed back in the same spots.”

For Russell, Indigenous communities are a key part of NT Bullion’s development.

“We want to employ and train as many traditional owners as we can, we want to train – certainly with the new ore sorting technology – and just not see them as something companies in the past saw as an add on,” he says.

“We see a longer-term benefit for the Northern Territory is being actively involved to participate with and share with Indigenous communities.”

NT Bullion’s medium-term strategy is to produce 1.1 to 1.2 million tonnes of iron ore per year, but Russell says the company does not want to overextend itself because of the recent record iron ore prices.

It also plans to explore gold tenements in the Northern Territory, with Russell hoping more attention is given to the potential of the region.

“The Northern Territory presents a huge opportunity,” Russell says.

“People from down south really should look at the Northern Territory like the Californian gold rush days and land rush in America.

“Investors and would-be investors looking at the Northern Territory probably don’t understand really the vastness with the small population and the opportunity.

“There are challenges as well, but the Northern Territory with the successive governments supporting mining, etc, does provide opportunities.”

Elevate Uranium (formerly Marenica Energy) holds a number of uranium

AUSTRALIANMINING

projects in the Northern Territory that it is actively assessing.

Managing director and chief executive officer Murray Hill says the Northern Territory is an attractive jurisdiction for uranium miners and investors.

“The Northern Territory is a uranium friendly mining jurisdiction, unlike some other states of Australia,” Hill says.

The company’s patented U-pgrade beneficiation process cuts uranium processing costs by 50 per cent compared with conventional processing.

At the company’s Angela deposit in the Northern Territory, U-pgrade has the potential to reduce acid consumption by nearly 80 per cent,

potentially demonstrating significant cost savings.

Hill says the company believes in employing local where possible.

“If we develop Angela, we would be looking at Alice Springs as a potential source of employees and services,” Hill says.

“The Angela project is only 25 kilometres from Alice Springs and supporting the local economy by looking local is a no brainer from my point of view.”

With 2030 less than 10 years away, the Northern Territory is shaping up to become a premier Australian mining destination, with the industry’s eyes on its commitment to improve the country’s economy and local employment in the process. AM

NT BULLION USES X-RAY TECHNOLOGY FROM GERMAN COMPANY STEINERT TO CREATE LUMP IRON ORE FROM WASTE ROCK.

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AUGUST 2021

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

CAMPAIGNING FOR MINING’S CLEAR CONTRIBUTION WITH A VOLATILE REPUTATION FOR ITS EFFORTS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS, THE MINING INDUSTRY’S PUBLIC IMAGE COULD ALWAYS DO WITH SOME MAINTENANCE. JUST HOW THE SECTOR WILL SELL ITSELF OVER THE COMING DECADE REMAINS UNCLEAR. HENRY BALLARD WRITES.

T

o continue framing Australia’s mining industry in a positive light, its true worth must be showcased for young and old to see.

The sector contributed more than 10 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the 2018-19 financial year, with exports from iron ore and coal alone worth almost $140 billion.

While these figures look great, the problem lies in their ambiguity for a proportion of the population.

Allon Brent is the principal of Global

Minerals Marketing and has enjoyed a 35-year career in the international minerals and metallurgical industries.

He spent 11 years developing marketing strategies for BHP’s iron ore growth projects and believes the onus is on mining businesses to inform Australians about the industry’s contribution.

“We need to get the message across that the average Australian’s standard of living would be materially lower without that contribution and most teenagers don’t relate to GDP or export figures,” Brent tells Australian Mining.

“Many teenagers have no idea how mining and the end products from mining impact their lives. For example, microwaves, fridges, iPhones, copper in houses and electronics. I’m thinking

we should use ads which are far more illustrative of this point.”

Brent envisions advertisements on television where these everyday products are seen disappearing from

GLOBAL MINERALS MARKETING PRINCIPAL ALLON BRENT.

IMAGE CREDIT: BHP.

IN SELLING THIS MESSAGE, THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN A BIT FRAGMENTED. I THINK THEY NEED TO COORDINATE A CAMPAIGN, PARTICULARLY TARGETING THE YOUNGER GENERATION WHO SEEM TO BE THE MOST VOCAL AND OFTEN, UNFORTUNATELY, MISINFORMED ABOUT MINING AND THE RESOURCES INDUSTRY IN GENERAL.”

BHP HAS BEEN A LEADING SUPPLIER TO AUSTRALIA’S IRON ORE EXPORT MARKETS.

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

DELOITTE AUSTRALIA MINING AND METALS LEADER IAN SANDERS

the lives of Australians, emphasising the material need for mining, now and into the future.

“The other point to make in the sales pitch is there is no substitute for these metals – their structural, electrical and thermal properties cannot be duplicated by other materials,” he says.

“In selling this message, the industry has been a bit fragmented.

I think they need to coordinate a campaign, particularly targeting the younger generation who seem to be the most vocal and often, unfortunately, misinformed about mining and the resources industry in general.”

Deloitte Australia’s mining and metals leader Ian Sanders agrees that the industry requires a united effort in advocating for its continued investment and support.

“It would be great for the mining industry to join forces and, as a collective, describe what we believe that journey could look like; describe the advantages within the sector; describe the opportunities that exist for employment within the sector; and also, to shout from the rooftops some of the things that the sector is doing,” Sanders says.

And those employment opportunities are growing, for better or worse, as a skills shortage looms over the Australian mining industry, predominantly in Western Australia.

For this reason, the need to encourage people towards the mining industry is as important as ever.

“You’ve only got to look at the number of enrolments in mining engineering courses over the last five years to say that there is a significant need,” Sanders adds.

“There are some organisations who are doing good things promoting that and doing a good job, but I think we could do more.

“Mining is absolutely critical and getting behind that and telling the good stories that go well in a succinct

TONY LE BAS IS A SPECIALIST ON THE COKING COAL MARKET.

and sophisticated way as a sector could really benefit us.”

The good stories Sanders refers to include major leaps in electrification and automation, plus the fact Australia’s mining industry is among the most environmentally friendly in the world.

Tony Le Bas also had an extensive career with BHP spanning more than 30 years as a metallurgist-comemarketer for coking coal. He wrote a report on metallurgical coal for the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) as part of its series, Best in Class: Australia’s Bulk Commodity Giants.

He believes coal has copped an unfair share of criticism over his career.

“The industry needs to respond to some of the falsehoods that are out there. Coal is definitely demonised at the moment, and I think the industry needs to hit back from time to time and state some of these facts,” Le Bas says.

“For example, coking coal will be needed for at least the next few decades and we produce the best in the world. By using our coking coal, blast furnace coke rates around the world are reduced, hence reducing their CO2 emissions.

“For those worried about CO2 emissions, they should be advocating for Australian coking coal.”

This is like iron ore from Western Australia’s Pilbara region, which is recognised by export markets as the top product they can buy.

Brent has more than BHP in common with Le Bas, as he was also an author for the MCA’s Best in Class series – his report focusing on iron ore.

Australia’s iron ore lump is the highest quality in the world, going almost directly from mine to blast furnace with minimal processing.

In 2019, Australia exported 174 million tonnes of lump ore, which helped to avoid around 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Brent says unprecedented demand

AUSTRALIANMINING

in China, India and South-East Asia won’t let up any time soon, so Australia’s best bet is to optimise its ability to produce iron ore.

“At the end of the day, the demand for resources will not diminish. If anything, it will continue to increase as countries around the world continue to develop,” Brent says.

“If our environmentally sustainable, low-carbon, Australian supply of these resources is reduced or removed from the equation entirely, the market gap is just filled by the significantly higher carbon emitters in other jurisdictions, which are not as well regulated.”

Sanders and Le Bas both agree there is merit in reflecting on the greater good that the mining industry has created for Australians since they began their careers.

For Le Bas, at the literal coalface of the industry, he has witnessed decades of improvement in blast furnace technology and coke quality, enabling blast furnaces to operate at high productivity levels.

“From time to time, things haven’t gone right. But I think when we reflect on the decade ending 2020, there’s a lot of things that went really well,” Sanders says.

“When you compare mining today to what it was 50 years ago, they’re very different. We’re so innovative, so connected into the communities and focused on things that matter like climate change, innovation, automation and improving operational performance.

“These are magnificent traits of a sector that’s doing wonderful things.

What I certainly hope continues to happen is all of the goodness significantly and materially outweighs those things that do go wrong from time to time.”

All three experts predict a very positive outlook for Australia’s mining industry, owing to more efficient processes, technologies, workplace standards, and hopefully better industry marketing campaigns.

As long as there’s a demand for

IT WOULD BE GREAT FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY TO JOIN FORCES AND, AS A COLLECTIVE, DESCRIBE WHAT WE BELIEVE THAT JOURNEY COULD LOOK LIKE; DESCRIBE THE ADVANTAGES WITHIN THE SECTOR; DESCRIBE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXIST FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE SECTOR; AND ALSO, TO SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THE SECTOR IS DOING.” “Since the early 70s, coke quality has improved due to the availability of high-quality Australian coking coal and consequently blast furnace performance has gone ahead in leaps and bounds,” Le Bas says.

“When I started, a lot of people were saying alternative iron-making processes would take over and that blast furnaces would be phased out, but they have proved to be resilient.

In fact, they have become increasingly efficient and currently 70 per cent of the world’s steel production relies on the blast furnace.

“If you look at overall steel production, analysts are predicting by 2040 there will be more steel produced by electric arc furnaces – which don’t require coking coal. But it is likely that there will still be well over one billion tonnes of steel produced by the blast furnace route each year. So, over the next 20 years, I can still envisage strong demand for coking coal.”

Sanders acknowledges that it’s not a perfect industry but appreciates mining’s ability to transform and reinvent itself as technology and regulation evolves.

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AUGUST 2021

people to maintain or improve their standard of living, Brent says there will be demand for Australia’s premium mining resources.

“The future is bright for Australia and it cannot be replaced easily. Even with the tensions with China, they cannot replace the Pilbara, and that’s one of the reasons they haven’t acted against iron ore,” Brent says.

“There is room to improve environmentally but getting to zero carbon is extremely difficult, if not physically impossible because steel, by definition, has to contain some carbon.”

Sanders speculates the coming decade will again be very positive for the mining sector.

“I continue to see the image of mining improving. If there were a perception index, we would have seen it improve markedly over the decade to 2020,” Sanders says.

“I know in the next decade, we will witness a continued positive and transformative impact with respect to matters such as climate change, innovation, technology, ways of working and safety improvements.” AM

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DRILL & BLAST

SANDVIK’S UNDERGROUND DRILLS BLAST OFF SANDVIK MINING AND ROCK SOLUTIONS’ LINE OF UNDERGROUND DRILLS HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY THIS YEAR WITH TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED OPTIONS HEADING TO AUSTRALIA.

O

riginal equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Sandvik are focused on removing the guesswork and human error out of drilling applications by developing autonomous solutions.

As automation technology advances, user-friendly machines that reduce manual labour are in high demand for the industry, delivering more efficient, safer and reliable operations for mining companies.

Sandvik prioritises operator acceptance in this way when designing and selling new products.

Simple controls and aftersales support are at the crux of what makes the OEM’s products so appealing, not only to mining companies but to the operators themselves.

“Operator acceptance in Australia is a really big thing for drill owners and us,” Sandvik business line manager underground drills Patrick Mckenna tells Australian Mining.

“It encompasses ease of operation, familiarity – anything to make the operator’s life a bit easier.”

The ethos behind Sandvik’s

consideration for the operator stems across its entire product line of underground drills, including development, tunnelling jumbo, top hammer longhole, rock support, in-thehole longhole, low profile, narrow vein and secondary breaking drill rigs.

Sandvik is releasing new products to the Australian market this year, including the DD422i drill control unit, DL422iE Battery longhole drill rig, DD212 narrow vein drill, DU412i in-the-hole hammer drill and DT923i tunnelling jumbo.

Products like the DL422iE are designed for fully automated, batterypowered drilling and can drill vertical and inclined fans, and single or parallel 89- to 127-millimetre longholes at 54 metres depth with Sandviks ST58 and ST68 tube rods.

Automation is also prevalent in the DT923i jumbo, which was unveiled in April 2021.

The DT923i is kitted with two electro-hydraulic booms and features computer-controlled automatic drilling functions for fully automated face drilling.

“The DT923i is the replacement for the DT922i – it is the next series in

that size tunnelling machine and can drill full face automatically,” Mckenna says. “Automatic functions such as boom positioning makes it ideal for face drilling.

“It also features remote access through wireless LAN data transfer and machine monitoring.

“The feedback that we get from customers is all fed back to our factories and design engineers and then taken into consideration. The DT923i, which supersedes the DT922i, has taken that feedback into account and built it into this model.”

For Mckenna, automation brings several advantages to underground drilling. Aside from safety, he says the big advantage is that it allows the operator to own the shift change.

“It gives the operator the ability to drill from the surface during a shift change, which basically gives you more time drilling and that equals more metres,” Mckenna says.

“The automation function gives you a better-quality hole and straighter hole with less overbreak or underbreak in the tunnel.”

Sandvik has been an integral player in the market for autonomous

THE SANDVIK DD422I DEVELOPMENT DRILL. AUSTRALIANMINING

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AUGUST 2021

equipment as interest in the technology has increased.

Mckenna says several customers in Australia are now using DD422i drills, which incorporate autonomous functions and are returning a better tunnel profile with less underbreak or overbreak.

Sandvik’s drilling technology enables these functions, including the iSure8 rock excavation software.

The excavation process control is also designed to work with Sandvik’s iSERIES drills to improve functionality while unlocking computer-optimised drill and blast capabilities. “iSURE8 adds inbuilt training tutorials, cloud-based storage and licensing and continues to evolve plans for drill face design,” Mckenna says. “It also simplifies controls to choose where your next hole is going to be.”

When an updated solution is released, Sandvik ensures that it remains familiar to the market to avoid re-learning the entire process of operating a machine.

Mckenna says the company prides itself on exceeding safety standards

DRILL & BLAST

SANDVIK IS EQUIPPING ITS DRILLS WITH NEXT LEVEL AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGY.

through state-of-the-art design and engineering.

“We manufacture to the highest of standards. Feedback and customer suggestions are fed back to us to deliver continuous improvements to our line-up,” Mckenna says.

Sandvik drills also undergo extensive testing at the OEM’s underground test site in Tampere, Finland.

For Mckenna, the most common demands from customers are related to safety, reliability and ease of maintenance.

“Safety is the top priority for our customers followed closely by reliability, which includes the availability of the equipment and cost of ownership,” he says.

“Training is a big one as well.

Customers are really putting a lot of emphasis on our training, and we have a full team of trainers across Australia.”

To enhance its foothold on the Australian market, Sandvik has purpose built a new facility in Perth which includes a workshop

and warehouse that consolidates its operations.

The warehouse, which is located at the Roe Highway Logistics Park, increases Sandvik’s reach to Western Australian customers through fast delivery and more streamlined operations.

“The facility will open at the end of September,” Mckenna says. “The new facility is designed around our aftersales services and support, as well as our ability to rebuild equipment.”

According to Sandvik, the relocated warehouse will also assist the company in halving its carbon footprint by 2030 through solar panels and low carbon building materials.

This is a small step in a larger picture for Sandvik’s future product lines, with the company also planning to introduce its first battery production drill this year.

“The battery drills will contribute to the mining industry’s transition to fully-electric operations,” Mckenna

says. “It will be available for mines once they are ready to go electric.”

The next step in Sandvik’s automation journey in underground drills is the introduction of teleremote tramming.

“Some level of automation has been possible in our drills for many years, but more capabilities are being developed,” Mckenna says.

“Tele-remote tramming is coming and will be here in 2022. It takes the operator away from the drilling environment in the longhole or production situation.

“It also lets the drill operate in an area where automation may be working alongside automated loadand-haul equipment in the same area, which unlocks further capabilities for a mine site.”

No matter how far the envelope is pushed, Sandvik keeps its underground drills both innovative and familiar through operator acceptance that ticks all the boxes. AM

THE DD422I DRILL IS PROVING TO BE A POPULAR SOLUTION AMONG AUSTRALIAN OPERATORS.

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DRILL & BLAST

FRAGMENTATION ANALYSIS FOR SITE-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS THIS TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES OPERATORS WITH A SUITE OF SOLUTIONS FOR MONITORING THE PARTICLE SIZE CHARACTERISTICS OF MATERIAL FROM MINE TO MILL FOR DRILL AND BLAST OPTIMISATION. ONLY WHEN DRILL AND BLAST OUTCOMES ARE MEASURED CAN YOU UNDERSTAND PERFORMANCE AND DETERMINE IF THE PROCESSES MUST BE MODIFIED FOR BEST EFFECT.

H

exagon’s technology suite for fragmentation analysis is called Split, and it’s based upon more than 25 years of research and

development.

The technology has grown to encompass an array of image processing technologies, which mine operators can install on shovels, conveyors and crushers to analyse the fragmentation of post-blast material.

A team from Arizona in the United States, led by Split director of business development Tom BoBo, set out to commercialise the technology ahead of its time in the 1990s.

Twenty years later, Hexagon acquired Split Engineering to accompany its broad offering of technologies for planning, operations and safety.

BoBo says Split was a popular product as mining companies came to learn the true value of fragmentation analysis.

“Out the gate, we had at least 15 different mines within the first three to four years. Looking forward, there’s more opportunity to get across some of the larger iron ore operations,” BoBo tells Australian Mining.

Hexagon drill and blast business development manager Rangan Ramanathan has been involved with the engineering of effective drill and blast processes for decades.

He explains why it is so important to measure drill and blast results, such as blast movement and fragmentation, before reassessing execution and design through analytics.

“In the drill and blast design process you are designing to an outcome. And you need to find a way to measure whether what you’ve achieved is what you set out to do. That’s where solutions like Split come into play,” Ramanathan says.

While the entire Split suite can be used across a mine site, customers are able to approach Hexagon with an issue and walk away with a solution.

To ensure its customers maximise the advantage of Split, Hexagon undertakes a thorough assessment of each operation’s needs.

BoBo says the process from initial enquiry to installation is extremely collaborative between Hexagon and its customers.

“Once we get the purchase order, we undertake two phases. The first involves a site visit and a site-specific design,” he says.

HEXAGON’S TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ACCURATE BLAST INFORMATION THAT’S USED TO RECOVER MORE OF A MINE’S RESOURCES.

“We come out with a design report, which gives details of tasks for the customer and details of what we need to procure and integrate for their sitespecific system.

“Once this phase is complete, we ship the gear to be installed as per the design and we return to undertake the final integration, commissioning, calibration and training.”

Roughly 25 per cent of customers use the entire suite in a holistic way

EFFECTIVE DRILL AND BLAST PROCESSES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE PRODUCT DOWN THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

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AUGUST 2021

across their mine sites, while the rest approach Hexagon with a specific part of the operation which needs optimising.

Of course, this is totally up to the customer, according to BoBo and Ramanathan. Some customers prefer a more supportive relationship, while others are happy to have the technology installed and figure out an appropriate solution themselves.

An added benefit of Split’s monitoring capability is operators can use it to realise when equipment isn’t functioning to its full capacity, BoBo explains.

“I’ve seen examples where a customer’s scheduled maintenance was a month away and Split was telling them they just weren’t achieving their desired particle size. So, they had to bring maintenance forward to optimise operations, and this is where Split pays for itself,” he says.

Split has also had customers use the information to interlock systems where, if oversize material is detected three times within a minute, it will stop the machine and potentially save equipment from being damaged, as well as ensure operational quality control.

A drill and blast suite to suit miners of all kinds, Split caters to customers so that they can get on with the job. AM

Reliable. Tested. Safe.

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Due to our decades of experience we understand the requirements of the industry quite well. That’s why VEGAPULS level sensors are able to deliver exact measured values even when conditions get extreme because of dust, noise or buildup.

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MINING EQUIPMENT

ACCELERATING THE GROWTH OF USED EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO 2020, RITCHIE BROS. AUCTIONEERS WAS KNOWN FOR ITS BIG CROWDS, PACKED THEATRES AND THE SOUNDS OF ITS LIVE AUCTIONS. WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIT, HOWEVER, THE COMPANY WAS FORCED TO ADAPT AND SHIFT ITS BUSINESS PLATFORMS.

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itchie Bros. is now predominately an online auction business after it transitioned to a digital platform and ramped up its Marketplace-E and negotiated sales platform.

Despite the disruptions of COVID-19, Ritchie Bros. APAC sales director Finlay Massey says the company has expanded its presence in the mining industry over the past 12 months.

“We see the mining industry having a big potential for growth globally at the moment and with our extended network across the world, it has allowed us to leverage our footprint into different industries,” he says.

“The shift into the mining market has been a natural progression.”

Massey says there is increased demand for used items after a shortfall of equipment in the Australian market emerged.

With the availability of new equipment through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealers restricted, Massey believes the used market is where the industry is headed – even for Tier 1 miners.

“In the mining market, where supplies have been an issue because the OEMs can’t supply and there are shortages overall, our ability to source equipment far and wide has been our number one strength,” Massey says.

“At this period of time, the used market is essential in order for mining companies to fill those requirements and needs for operations.”

Further reinforcing the company’s ability to source far and wide, Ritchie Bros. recently bought and relocated a Caterpillar 994 wheel loader from Armenia to Brisbane.

Strategic accounts regional sales manager David Newall says Ritchie Bros. met the demands of its customers due to its in-depth logistical knowledge and expertise in moving equipment around the world.

“A lot of people wouldn’t try and move a piece of machinery that big even from somewhere as simple as the United States to Western Australia,” Newall says.

“But we have taken it from Armenia to Brisbane and through our longstanding relationship with freight forwarders and shipping agents, and our experience, we have managed to do it, even through a number of challenges along the way.

“That sale required a lot of logistics due to its location and we faced challenges along the way. However, due to our expertise, it stood us in good stead and the machine arrived in Brisbane before being shipped to the buyer in Western Australia.”

Leveraging off its global customer base and extensive heavy industry knowledge, Ritchie Bros. facilitates private treaty negotiations for highvalue mining and industrial equipment.

Ritchie Bros. has a large inventory of mining equipment in country ready for delivery at any given time, which Newall attributes to the company’s buying capacity, global footprint and respected customer relationships.

“Equipment we don’t have in inventory can be sourced from

locations globally or direct from our customers in a timely manner,” Newall says.

“Marketplace-E has allowed us to grow our capabilities, especially in the mining industry, but also for our private treaty offerings and solution.”

Marketplace-E is a 24/7 online equipment marketplace offering multiple price and timing options. It allows sellers to choose when to sell and gives more control over pricing with a choice of selling formats: Buy Now (sell assets at a fixed price); Make Offer (negotiate with potential buyers); and Reserve Auction (setting a reserve or minimum price).

Newall says compared to an auction, Marketplace-E allows the company to list machines online for up to 90 days and negotiate with buyers.

“This then also allows us to work on detailed marketing campaigns specifically for equipment and we are able to negotiate with the buyer once we make contact,” Newall says.

“Our buyers and sellers like the

fact that we source the equipment, we own it and they are buying it from us – we remove the middle man which streamlines the process. That has a big impact on our buyers, especially locally, knowing they have confidence in the machines we bring in and sell.”

To ensure its equipment is high quality, Ritchie Bros. has inspection teams and uses OEM dealers like Caterpillar and Komatsu to do the inspection on behalf of the company.

Massey says since Ritchie Bros. was stablished in 1958, its sellers have benefited from this all-inclusive service, secure sites for free preauction storage and inspection by buyers, global market value for assets, certainty of sale, and payment within 21 days of auction.

Looking to the future, Massey says the company wants to continue growing its presence in the mining industry and be recognised as the premium global provider of multichannel equipment disposition solutions. AM

RITCHIE BROS. AUCTIONEERS HAS A LARGE INVENTORY OF MINING EQUIPMENT IN AUSTRALIA READY FOR DELIVERY.

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MINING EQUIPMENT

CONTINUING MORE THAN 95 YEARS OF CAT QUALITY WILLIAM ADAMS’ RANGE OF CATERPILLAR CERTIFIED USED MACHINERY PROVIDES THE SAME LEVEL OF RELIABILITY WITHOUT THE NEED TO PURCHASE NEW EQUIPMENT. IMAGE CREDIT: TYSON LANGER.

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he closure of international borders due to the global coronavirus pandemic has made it increasingly difficult for mining companies and operators to locate, inspect and import new and used equipment.

Companies often must rely on maintaining their current machinery and facilities while waiting for international deliveries to arrive.

An increase in lead times for new equipment has led to a rise in the reliance on good used equipment.

Thanks to its long-lasting relationship with Caterpillar, Melbourne-based company William Adams has increased its focus on providing quality used equipment, as well as committing to its reputation for providing superior ongoing customer support.

William Adams’ story dates back to 1884 when William John Adams founded a trading business marketing famous brands of railway equipment in the Victorian capital. It soon became a merchant company of note, featuring a remarkable line-up of products.

Today, William Adams is the only authorised dealer of Caterpillar products and services in Victoria and Tasmania, and can provide a wide range of machines from small excavators to large off-highway trucks.

CAT CERTIFIED USED EQUIPMENT HAS EVEN BEEN DEPLOYED TO ANTARCTICA.

William Adams used equipment manager Brian Zarkov says the company has now been associated with Caterpillar for more than 95 years.

“Everybody knows Caterpillar as a leader in providing quality equipment and our relationship with Caterpillar means we know what equipment is best for the needs of our customers,” Zarkov tells Australian Mining.

“Together with Caterpillar, we’ve been there for customers – selling and

WILLIAM ADAMS SUPPLIES A RANGE OF CAT EQUIPMENT FOR ALL PURPOSES.

AUSTRALIANMINING

servicing the best equipment in the world – whether in civil construction, mining or forestry industries.

“Customers want to know they can get the best-quality product for the best price and that is what we aim to provide.”

“While we are still able to provide a complete range of new equipment, the Cat Certified Used (CCU) product offers an affordable alternative while still providing the same level of quality and reliability.”

Zarkov says the Caterpillar brand maintains a reputation for reliability and can operate in some of the most rugged environments in the world.

“Caterpillar have customers who use their products all over Australia and we know the best equipment they need to suit their sites,” he says.

“When you are buying a quality used Caterpillar solution from a Cat dealer, as part of the global Cat dealer network, you know it will be eligible for CCU support around the country and be a reliable product that will get the job done.

“It is that commitment to reliability that has made the Caterpillar name what it is today.”

Williams Adams has customers which use Caterpillar products in Antarctica, as well as throughout Australia, in some of the hottest and coldest climates in the world.

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William Adams’ connection with Caterpillar dates back to 1926, a year after the first Cat-branded two-tonne tractor was produced and rolled off the assembly line.

It is this ongoing connection that has provided a successful professional relationship for the past nine decades.

Caterpillar has one of the most extensive ranges of heavy equipment in the industry, and sometimes buying used equipment is simply the best choice.

With quality used machines priced lower than new equipment, you can expand your options without expanding your budget.

The Cat dealer network has a number of advantages, including:

The most comprehensive dealer network

The Caterpillar dealer websites identify the number of branches and locations available to assist customers with their needs.

“The Cat dealer network boasts locations all over the country and are able to provide expert advice, as well as ongoing support for our customers,” Zarkov says.

In Victoria and Tasmania, the William Adams product support team provides parts and service solutions for the ongoing operating needs of its customers

MINING EQUIPMENT

THE CAT D5 BULLDOZER IS POPULAR WITH WILLIAM ADAMS’ CUSTOMERS.

arise, the William Adams field service team swings into action,” Zarkov continues.

“Branches support a field service team, and each service unit comprises a vehicle fully equipped with the necessary tooling.

“William Adams field service personnel are equipped to provide fast and effective field service, no matter the time or the place.”

Are all Used Cat machines eligible for CCU?

The best parts availability in the industry

Caterpillar dealers offer a total parts and service solution for the OEM’s machines or engines throughout Australia.

“We provide the flexibility of 24/7 online purchasing, while all branches

have warehouses stocked with the right parts required to service the area,” Zarkov says.

“Our inventory control provides fast and accurate evaluations of the parts required to service the population of machines in our territory.”

Unbeatable service and product support The wide range of Cat customers across multiple industry segments dictates that not all service work is of a workshop nature.

“There can be occasions for field service work and when these occasions

No. Zarkov says every CCU product sold must go through rigorous testing and be capable of meeting strict CCU criteria established by Caterpillar before being shipped to a customer.

“A comprehensive inspection must be completed for every eligible Cat CCU machine. If that reveals any issues then our technicians will service it using only guaranteed Cat parts,” Zarkov says.

“We can also provide a full documented service history on all Cat Certified Used machines.”

For any enquiries on how the Cat CCU product can suit a mining company’s requirements, or to enquire regarding availability of used Cat machines, Zarkov and any of the William Adams sales team throughout Victoria and Tasmania are available to help. AM

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TECHNOLOGY

SHOWCASING THE FUTURE OF GOLD MINING WITH MORE THAN 8000 STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE, THIS YEAR’S RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE HAS BEEN HAILED A SUCCESS BY ORGANISERS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

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he Resources Technology Showcase (RTS) has given the next generation of workers an insight into how advanced a career in the mining industry has

become.

Held at the Perth Convention Centre in June, the event saw primary and secondary school students, teachers and the general public interact with robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, autonomous vehicles and more.

Hourly TED-style talks were a feature of this year’s showcase, giving visitors the opportunity to witness the various technologies being introduced into mining.

Gold Industry Group, a presenting partner of this year’s event, is an advocate of the critical role innovation and technology play in driving the industry forward and making it attractive to work in, captivating attendees on renewables in gold winning the race with the talk, Green and Gold.

Gold Industry Group chair Kelly Carter explains how important it is to prepare and inspire tomorrow’s workforce.

“The Gold Industry Group’s initiatives are centred around education and developing talent pathways to support our future industry workforce,” Carter says.

“Through hands-on STEM activities we are bringing Australia’s gold industry to life.”

Gold Industry Group executive officer Rebecca Johnston shares the importance of supporting RTS as a presenting partner in 2021.

“It’s really to inspire the next generation about Australia’s gold industry and the diverse career opportunities it offers,” she says.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says the showcase highlights the importance of the mining and resources industry to the city’s economy.

“Global mining companies have called Perth home for decades with many headquartered in the city, and each with significant operations throughout WA,” Zempilas says.

“The resources sector has proven

GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP’S ANDREA MAXEY, PETER COOK, REBECCA JOHNSTON, TIM CONVERSI, JAMES KOERTING AND ASHLEIGH SHELTON PROVIDED FEEDBACK TO STUDENTS.

to be an economic game-changer for Western Australia, and we’re excited to see our homegrown technology on display for the whole community.

“Events such as the RTS are hugely important not only for the sector, but also to provide a behind the scenes look at how our resource industry is evolving.”

Students, teachers, and members of the community rushed to the Gold Industry Group’s exhibit to take on four action-packed interactive gold challenges. Thousands of students took the Gold Jobs challenge to unearth a career in gold and were excited to receive a list of career options that might suit them in the gold industry based on their answers to the challenge.

Many students who had no idea what some of the jobs entailed were eager to find out more from the Gold Industry Group members at the exhibit. Some of Western Australia’s leading executives also inspired the next generation, including Westgold Resources executive chairman and Gold Industry Group director Peter Cook, who assisted students at the AUSTRALIANMINING

Gold Jobs challenge.

Cook is proud to represent the gold sector at an event like the RTS to share his industry knowledge.

“The gold industry has been the backbone of the Western Australian economy for more than 150 years, so we’re here to teach people about what the gold industry is really about,” Cook says.

Nearby, Elizabeth Quay became home to a variety of mining equipment, including haul trucks provided by WesTrac, a partner of the showcase.

WesTrac general manager people and culture Tanya Eales says the main purpose of the display, which featured Cat equipment, was to inspire attendees to explore and pursue careers in the resources industry.

“These sorts of events, and particularly the opportunity for people to get hands-on with technology and equipment, provide a fantastic way for the next generation to explore pathways into the resources industry in an interactive environment,” Eales says.

The Gold Industry Group

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also offered a once-in-a-lifetime class excursion to Northern Star Resources’ Super Pit in Kalgoorlie.

Thirty Year 11 students from Woodvale Secondary College and their science teachers flew to Kalgoorlie-Boulder on June 10 to explore the famous mine, which is one of the largest gold operations in the world, as well as some of the top sights in the Goldfields city.

Participants in the excursion got an up-close look at the scale of the operation and insights into the diverse careers in gold mining from Northern Star employees during a guided tour and careers session.

Gold Industry Group director Andrea Maxey says both the excursion and the showcase have been an amazing platform to highlight the role technology plays to inspire and prepare our future leaders.

“We think it’s a vital event to help children understand the technology that is used in mining and resources and all the opportunities available for them to have a career in mining,” Maxey says. AM

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TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSAL SENSORS GUIDE AUTONOMOUS EXPANSION SICK’S AUTOMATED SENSING TECHNOLOGIES PROVIDE VERSATILE SOLUTIONS FOR APPLICATIONS THAT SPAN INDUSTRIES AND MATERIALS THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

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ICK engineered solutions afford users with benefits to accommodate their needs, as its standard ranges can be applied to belts, buckets and everything in between.

SICK’s mining and metals industry specialist for Queensland and New South Wales, Richard Lindsay, says some of the company’s most adopted products include the Visionary-B 3D vision sensor, a range of 2D vision cameras and belt scanners.

“These are the products that our customers advise are exceeding their expectations. As our customers often say to us, it’s not just about our products or solutions, but more about our people and their knowledge in the industry,” Lindsay tells Australian Mining.

“This, combined with our ability to listen to our customers’ needs and most importantly understanding they are not just a customer, but a partner, has enabled us to create solutions from the ground up.”

The Visionary-B is a robust collision avoidance tool which uses 2D data imaging with 3D snapshot technology to create a live display of surroundings.

The operator will be audibly and visually warned of obstacles which are within the Visionary-B’s range and at risk of collision.

Lindsay says the sensor’s effectiveness has been proven on a major mining project where it provides safety for workers operating in and around vehicles.

“With these vehicles and a lot of mining warehouse yards there’s a lot of danger and risk of people walking in front and behind, and having accidents,” Lindsay says.

“For this project, SICK installed the Visionary-B on all of their forklifts and the user can now view any hazards on screen like a rear reverse camera.

“Visionary-B’s biggest benefit is

THE VISIONARY-B IS A SMART COLLISION AVOIDANCE TOOL.

safety for personnel as it identifies objects of interest that are in the path of the forklift and pose a risk of collsion.”

SICK was originally a major manufacturer of sensors for all industries, where customers would take the product and create their own solutions with it. But SICK has upscaled to be more involved with customers, from application consultation, through installation and into post-purchase servicing.

“This makes perfect sense to our evolution as we manufacture the sensors and understand how they work. So, with direct feedback from our customers, we started creating solutions that met or exceeded their expectations,” Lindsay says SICK also offers 3D belt inspection cameras for the condition monitoring of conveyor belts. The need for this product cannot be overstated on site, where any malfunction in the processing of materials can undermine productivity.

“Depending on the conveyor, all the belts are spliced together with belt clips and the conveyor could be up to 40 kilometres long. Just from wear and normal operation, clips can move, and tears can form,” Lindsay explains.

“The only way to know there’s an issue with all of these belts is to visually inspect it, or when there is a failure.”

But that’s where SICK’s 3D belt inspection cameras come into the frame, installed neatly below the belt as it runs all day.

“We can take pictures of every belt

AUSTRALIANMINING

clip and use our software to identify if clips are missing, broken, or if there’s any belt damage,” Lindsay says.

“The benefit for the user is they can identify and be warned of a failure before it becomes a problem, which could cause costly downtimes.”

Lindsay recommends the Ranger 3 for belt monitoring applications, as it alerts users to any belt splicing or damaged clips that need fixing, providing reliable and accurate measurements specifically on dark and bright surfaces.

When it comes to 2D vision sensors, SICK is equally competitive. The PIM60 camera range is ideal for quality inspection.

This can be helpful in applications like smelters and refineries performing automated dimensioning and identifying non conformances of anodes and ingots – significantly reducing rejects and reworks.

Additionally, SICK’s impressive offering to the mining industry comprises two similarly helpful solutions for conveyor measurement and monitoring.

SICK’s Bulkscan and belt drift detection products use non-contact, time-of-flight technology to support preventative maintenance, minimise interruption of production, and to provide volume information/correct loading on their belt.

Lindsay says no mining operation should go without them.

“There’s no calibration or maintenance needed for SICK’s Bulkscan volume flow sensor compared to a product like a weigh scale, which

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serves a similar purpose,” Lindsay explains.

“Using our laser scanners, we can track the edges of the belt, but there’s no mechanical switches like older product types would have.”

Despite COVID-19 disrupting the market in 2020, Lindsay says SICK is enjoying a strong return to work as companies move to protect their operations from future inconveniences, utilising SICK Smart Sensors for remote access.

“It was a challenging year with COVID and supply chain interruptions, however, we’re seeing really good signs and strong demands this year, and we’re finding a lot of mining companies are looking into the technology space to help with their demands,” he says.

“A lot of companies are looking into automation to make mines safer and obviously SICK is widely recognised and trusted being a globally pioneering industrial automation company.”

SICK prides itself on collaborating with customers as they harness the power of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation.

No longer is SICK a one-stop-shop, but instead it offers a comprehensive range of intelligent sensors as a capable partner in assisting the digital transformation of organisations.

“Our advanced technology and software help us to stand out. We have the expertise to give people the right tools to deliver the best results. We also have our LTS (lifetime services) team as commissioning engineers to support our clients step by step,” Lindsay says. AM

Resetting the life cycle clock Combining over 50 years of service to the Australian mineral processing industry with a state-of-the-art production facility, we are uniquely placed to reset your machine’s life cycle clock. Using our cutting edge equipment and OEM know-how, we can give your machines a new lease of life, all backed by our exclusive factory warranty.

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MINING SERVICES THE MEGASYS MXG 4K HOSE IS LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGHLY FLEXIBLE AND QUALIFIED TO LAST ONE MILLION IMPULSE CYCLES.

HYDRAULIC HOSES LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE GATES HAS REDEFINED THE LIMITS OF HYDRAULIC HOSE PERFORMANCE WITH ITS PATENT-PENDING HOSE DESIGN PROVIDING SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT REDUCTIONS AND ERGONOMIC BENEFITS. WHERE SOME HAVE TRIED AND FAILED, GATES HAS CHANGED THE GAME.

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ince World War II, the two-wire hydraulic hose design has kept industries running around the world. It provided certainty and strength where hard-working applications needed it most.

No one thought it would be possible that a single braid hydraulic hose could stand up to the demands of an industry such as mining ... until Gates developed just that.

Gates’ MXT and MXG 4K hydraulic hoses are 30 per cent lighter and 40 per cent easier to bend than their conventional hydraulic hose counterparts without compromising on performance. They have been tested to last 600,000 and one million impulse cycles, respectively.

Gates national sales manager Derek Hill has spent more than 20 years in the industry and says he never thought it would be possible, until now. He explains how the X-series hoses work.

“We’ve developed new wire material and a tighter braid design, so it’s stronger and it’s more compact. This means we get to fit the same amount of wire, if not more, into a single braid pack within the hose, compared with a traditional two wire design,” Hill tells Australian Mining.

“Take the standard R2 hose design, now instead of having the traditional two layers of wire, with MXT you’ve now got one, so therefore the hose becomes lighter and more flexible without compromising on performance.”

“With MXG 4K, we have doubled down on the MXT technology to produce a double braided hose that meets the performance of traditional 4K Spiral hoses.”

Flexibility and force-to-bend are key metrics when designing an industryleading hose. As those at the coal face would know, hydraulic hose installation hasn’t always been this easy.

“The person who’s having to plumb a hose from point A, up and around a few obstacles and then plug it into point B can come home with some very sore arms if the hose isn’t ergonomically friendly,” Hill says.

“Hydraulic hoses can get quite stiff, particularly in places where it gets quite cold.”

From the plumber installing the hose, to the contractor managing the demands of its fleet, Gates’ hydraulic hoses bring both micro and macro benefits.

Hill says Gates’ X-series hoses are designed and tested with this in mind.

“Any time you come up with this sort of technology, it’s not something that gets developed overnight. It’s driven by the customers, and the industry demanding weight savings on the end product,” Hill says.

“Where our hydraulic hoses are used in long lengths on truck trailers – which are under weight constraints – the less the truck weighs, the more product you can put in the truck.

“Plus, they provide better fuel

THE MXT HOSE OFFERS IMPROVED ABRASION RESISTANCE, INCREASING DURABILITY FOR DEMANDING FLUID POWER APPLICATIONS.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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consumption – the lighter something is the easier it is to power and the less fuel consumption it demands.”

For every 30 metres of hydraulic hose, Gates’ MXT is up to five kilograms lighter than conventional two-wire hoses.

It’s with facts like this that Gates continues to break down preconceptions of hydraulic hose capabilities.

After all, 80 years of using traditional hydraulic hoses can take some time to transition from for some.

“Customers’ perception has been built up over years and years of using traditional hydraulic hoses,” Hill says.

“When you come up with something new, there’s a lot of sceptics who think that it can’t be done. But the performance of these two products stands up to the test of time.”

Legend has it, the idea for the revolutionary approach to hydraulic hoses was conceived on the back of a napkin – as many good ideas are. Hill says Gates isn’t the first to attempt it, but it is the first to pull it off.

“A few of our competitors have had a go at this technology and have failed – it’s not easy,” he says.

“We’re talking about meeting some pretty high-performance standards. It’s redefining what traditional hydraulic hose designs have been for many years.

There’s no point doing that unless you can meet or exceed the same performance and that’s where the challenge comes.”

But overcoming that challenge is just what Gates has accomplished and the industry will be better for it.

With weight reductions, easier installation and stronger performance, one only needs to consider Hill’s advice and give Gates’ X-series hydraulic hoses a chance.

“The one thing we say to (sceptics) is we’ll cut a length of hose for you to give it a go and you’ll quickly see the benefits,” Hill concludes. AM

MINING SERVICES

CAST LIP LOADERS SHOW REAL RESULTS CR MINING’S MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH TO WHEEL LOADER OPTIMISATION USES TOUGH TECH AND A SMART CAST LIP. THE DECAEDGE 1545 IS A PREMIUM PRODUCT FROM A RELIABLE MANUFACTURER. THE DE1545 CAN LAST UP TO 25,000 HOURS WITH NO MAJOR REBUILDS.

T

he DecaEdge cast lip range has long been a go-to solution for 10- and 11-station bucket lips, with its advanced design and low-maintenance capabilities. The DE1545 extends this offering, as the range’s latest addition of cast lip solutions caters to ninestation lips.

Operators of hard-working wheel loaders will benefit from a 33 per cent reduction in total costs, as the DecaEdge range can last for up to 25,000 hours with no major rebuilds.

CR Mining product marketing manager Katie Edser says the DecaEdge caters for customers where its competitors don’t.

“At the moment, a lot of applications on wheel loaders in mine sites are plate lips, and we provide a cast lip system, which was a world-first innovation from CR,” Edser says.

“The former often requires maintenance teams to do a lot of hot work around those particular lips. That’s a safety risk as well as a maintenance issue.

“Because they’re mechanically attached GET (ground engaging tools), our cast lips require less welding and less hot work. This is where some of the savings come in for the DecaEdge as it’s able to reduce maintenance and enhance productivity.”

The DE1545 builds on the sturdy

reputation of its predecessors, including an integrated locking system in the lip shroud. The singular lip shroud is also an update on earlier versions, which had left, right and centre lip shrouds. This helps CR and its customers with inventory management.

Edser says the introduction of CR’s GET Trakka IoT technology will be a game changer for the product range.

“The DE1545 is our first GET Trakka-enabled lip – or a digitally enabled lip – which allows customers to use our digital products with this lip to enhance their performance,”

Edser explains.

“The GET comes with a cavity, which can store a sensor in it. The sensor is activated while digging and if the GET comes loose, breaks off or gets lost, the operator is notified and can stop to avoid any further lip damage, while also locating the lost GET via a small handheld scanner.”

With CR Mining’s GET technology, an alarm module is displayed in the wheel loader cabin. The display will alert the operator of any malfunctions to the GET Trakka using a traffic light system.

The technology is optional, but the reassurance it provides is hard to go past, according to Edser.

“If you lose a tooth on a mine site, or a piece of GET, it has the possibility of halting production,” Edser says.

“If a piece of GET makes its way to a crusher, that can be extremely costly to a mine site if the crusher needs to have that steel removed via high-risk human intervention. For this reason, we see these as an insurance policy product for your mine site to stop that happening down the mining chain.”

For further insurance, CR Mining has its products tested both digitally and physically, such is the nature of the company’s expertise.

“Before even being manufactured, the products go through a number of software tests to make sure they can cope with various stressors and

THE TITAN 3330 LOAD HAUL OPTIMISATION DISPLAY (TOP) AND GET TRAKKA SOLUTION (BOTTOM)

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impacts, which can happen to these types of products,” Edser says.

“We also use our scale testing pit at our technology park in Brisbane.

This helps us to assess the product’s wear and performance in a real-world situation digging to scale.”

Once tested, manufactured and implemented on site for customers, CR Mining also offers its real-time payload and condition monitoring software, the Titan 3330 system.

Using this load-and-haul optimisation system, customers can ensure they’re digging faster and more efficiently by avoiding underloads and overloads.

Edser explains how customers can get the best out of themselves using Titan 3330, in conjunction with the DE1545.

“With Titan 3330 load haul optimisation system installed onto a wheel loader, we are able to track the digging cycles and the payload of a machine. Operators can see, in real time, how they’re digging and can make adjustments to correct themselves to become more productive,” Edser says.

“Titan 3330 has previously been exclusive to excavators, but it has now been made available for wheel loaders, which is perfect for the DE1545.”

CR Mining has used the Titan 3330 system to measure the effectiveness of the DecaEdge range against its competitors and the results show the DecaEdge to be an objectively superior product.

Titan 3330 offers not only realtime analysis, but also data and improvement tools through Orion Analytics, allowing customers to take actionable steps in improving productivity.

This can be especially helpful when CR Mining’s mobile service teams visit their customers to monitor and maintain their products using their X-Calibre inspection application.

“They inspect the lip to see if there are any issues; any locks that aren’t performing correctly; if there’s any sort of elevated wear we need to plan for; and can give recommendations to the mine site to get the most out of that lip application,” Edser concludes. AM

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MINING SERVICES

THE BUSINESS SENSE OF ADOPTING HIGH-EFFICIENCY MOTORS THE TOPIC OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CAME TO THE FORE WHEN WORLD LEADERS ATTENDED A CLIMATE SUMMIT IN APRIL AND MADE NEW PLEDGES TOWARDS REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AS PART OF THEIR COUNTRIES’ PARIS AGREEMENT COMMITMENTS.

I

A BLUEPRINT OF THE TECO MAXE3 MOTOR.

n Australia, the electricity sector is the biggest polluter, accounting for 33 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Any efforts to curb electricity consumption in heavy industries like mining helps the country inch closer to its target of slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2030 on a 2005 baseline.

This is particularly critical considering the domestic mining sector consumes roughly 500 petajoules per year, which is 10 per cent of the country’s total energy use.

audits to estimate a plants’ yearly electricity expenditure and potential savings with high-efficiency motors.

In one such audit recently, Greelish says the CBC and TECO technical teams were able to calculate annual savings of $69,000 on electricity charges and CO2 reduction of 485.7 tonnes per year for a gold mine in Queensland simply by switching to high-efficiency TECO motors.

“The mine’s electricity costs were ridiculously high. So, we suggested conducting an audit of their site. The CBC technical team documented all of the electric motors on site, including

NEW ELECTRIC MOTORS OFTEN PAY FOR THEIR COST WELL WITHIN A YEAR WITH SAVINGS IN ENERGY COSTS.” CBC national accounts manager – mining Michael Greelish says adopting high-efficiency motors, with IE3 ratings and above, is one way mines can adhere to their emission reduction goals while also considerably reducing operating costs.

As a key supplier of electric motors to major mines in Australia, CBC works closely with motor manufacturers, such as TECO, to work out the cost-benefits of adopting high-efficiency motors in mines, as well as in other industries.

In fact, Greelish says CBC’s technical teams are often engaged by their industrial customers to conduct

noting each motor’s operational hours and output powers,” Greelish says.

“We then used TECO’s in-house developed program to calculate not only the dollar savings, but also how much carbon credits the mine could save by using high-efficiency TECO motors.”

TECO’s high-efficiency motors, including the TECO MAXe3 and TECO MAXe3 Premium, are both designed specifically with the high demands of the mining industry in mind. TECO offers its motors in output range of 0.18 to 450kW, suitable for a wide range of applications.

AUSTRALIANMINING

The TECO MAXe3 highefficiency motors comply with IE3 efficiency level of IEC60034-30-1 standard and are designed to exceed the high efficiency requirements from Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) acts and regulations.

TECO motor types AEMB and AFJE meet or exceed the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1359.5-2004 three-phase cage induction motors within the range of 0.75kW to less than 185kW. Promising a true IP66 rating, the TECO MAXe3 motors are designed to operate safely in ambient temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius in mining environments.

Other design features such as highgrade cast iron frame, through-flush grease-relief bearing system and a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) cooling system make TECO MAXe3 ideal motors for all mining applications.

With their considerable impact on electricity consumption, Greelish notes that high-efficiency motors often pay back their initial investment within only a few months.

“New electric motors often pay for their cost well within a year with savings in energy costs. That makes sense considering that around 90 per cent of an electric motor’s total costs of ownership is related to its energy use,” Greelish says.

“So once the CBC customers learn about the exact amount of savings they can achieve and also keeping in mind

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the additional benefits of emission reduction, switching to high-efficiency motors for their operations becomes a no-brainer.” AM

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MINING SERVICES

ATLAS COPCO PUMPS MAKE A SPLASH ATLAS COPCO’S DEWATERING PUMP RANGE HAS CONTINUED TO GROW THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA’S MINING OPERATIONS AS THE COMPANY LOOKS TO ELECTRIFY ITS LINE-UP.

H

aving an inefficient water management system can be detrimental to the uptime of a mine site.

Dewatering pumps play a key part in this system, and a breakdown could be crucial to the profitability of an operation.

Atlas Copco, a brand most notable for its range of compressors, generators and lighting towers, entered the water management space six years ago with its line of dewatering pumps.

The company’s pump journey began back in 2007 after the purchase of Dynapac.

With the Dynapac acquisition came the WEDA range of submersible pumps.

After time selling the WEDA pumps, it became apparent to Atlas Copco that the market for pumps was far bigger than just submersibles and that the company’s portfolio needed to increase if it was to be serious about the market.

This realisation led Atlas Copco on a fast-paced journey into the

dewatering segment.

In 2016, Atlas Copco acquired pump designer and manufacturer Varisco, which has since taken Atlas Copco’s dewatering business from strength to strength, and put it on the map as a serious global player in the dewatering segment.

“Varisco was a globally-renowned supplier of dewatering and fluid movement solutions; we purchased them for their wet end technology,” Atlas Copco Australia business line manager – power technique, John Fitzpatrick, tells Australian Mining.

For the Australian market, Atlas Copco decided to make its dewatering pumps a direct specialised business around three years ago, Fitzpatrick continues.

“We very quickly learned that pumps are different to compressors and generators; pumps are best sold by pump people. From there on, it’s been going from strength to strength,” he says.

Today, the company’s dewatering pump range features small and large electric submersibles, including drainage, sludge and slurry, a full range of diesel centrifugal

pumps in both self and wet prime configuration, and shortly also a range of high head pumps.

According to Fitzpatrick, this extensive range is well received in the Australian market.

“Our pump demand has been very strong from an Australian point of view,” Fitzpatrick says.

“Over the last two years, we’ve developed the range to deliver Australianised pump products specifically tailored for Australian conditions.

“This has ensured we were able

ATLAS COPCO’S PUMPS ARE USED FOR DEWATERING, SLUDGE AND SLURRY APPLICATIONS.

ATLAS COPCO HAS BECOME A ONE-STOPSHOP FOR ITS PUMP RANGE.

AUSTRALIANMINING

to meet customer requirements and grow the business in Australia and New Zealand very successfully.”

Atlas Copco pumps are used for dewatering as well as sludge and slurry applications, with the company keeping a close eye on pump reliability to ensure maximum uptime is achieved.

This is demonstrated by the Atlas Copco WEDA electric submersible dewatering pumps, which can be used for drainage, sludge and slurry applications, and are up to 40 per cent lighter in weight compared with

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MINING SERVICES

other pumps.

“These are some of the lightest products on the market due to the aluminium casing. We find customers are happy with the WEDA pumps because it is lightweight, but still retains strong performance,” Fitzpatrick says.

“When required, given the majority of the key products in our range are fitted with Kensho smart controllers and electronic engines, our pumps are capable of operating in the remotest of areas with a high level of autonomy.

“This technology coupled with the quality expected from Atlas Copco will ensure the pump starts or stops first time every time, making sure the site is dewatered.

“Due to the nature of the dewatering pump, quite often our pumps will work in some of the remotest areas, it’s therefore important to our customers that the reliability is there so there is minimal downtime, and a reassurance that the product will do its job as and when required, because when a pump stops, water, stress levels and costs all rise.”

Fitzpatrick says Atlas Copco has focused on being a one-stop-shop for its pump range to make it easier for customers by dealing with only one company for dewatering products in a large section of applications.

“We can offer a pump for any solution and we’ve found that customers like to come to one supplier,” he says.

The company designs its pumps to be mobile, allowing them to easily move from site to site. However, this does not compromise performance, which Fitzpatrick says is a standout attribute for its pump range.

“We tend to have a smaller footprint and lighter weight than other products in the market, offering space savings on site and improved logistics,” Fitzpatrick says.

Atlas Copco’s high head pump range is the next series of products heading to the Australian market.

The high head pumps offer a solid performance in head of up to 150 metres.

“High head pumps were a missing piece in our range when it comes to dewatering in mining,” Fitzpatrick explains.

“Given the nature of mining it is often a requirement to move water up and out of the mines and the head required is much greater than when moving water from one place to another generally.”

“The next step for Atlas Copco is to continue our development in electric pump technology.

“We currently offer the widest range of variable speed drive, electrically-driven portable

ATLAS COPCO’S DEWATERING PUMPS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET.

compressors available on the market and see the demand for this technology increasing all the time,” Fitzpatrick says.

“Electric pumps will also offer versatile performance while delivering strong efficiency through reduced energy consumption and fuel costs with zero noise or emissions.”

“We have to be realistic and look at how the world is moving.

“Take car manufacturers as an example, many major players in this space are saying they will not produce vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2030, so we definitely see a global shift in electrification.”

Atlas Copco is also readying its launch of energy storage solutions for the Australian market “Atlas Copco will continue to innovate new and different solutions for existing applications and markets as that is what we do. It’s about being future ready,” Fitzpatrick says.

“We are a very progressive company that takes environmental issues very seriously and when it comes to product development, we are always thinking about what is next.

“For sure the future of our industry is exciting, in my opinion the site of tomorrow will look very different.” AM

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

TURNING TO TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE PEOPLE AND PERFORMANCE SPEAKING AT THE AUSTMINE 2021 CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION, INDUSTRY EXPERTS BROKE DOWN THE THEME OF HARNESSING INTELLIGENCE AND EXPLORED THE INTERACTION BETWEEN PEOPLE, PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGY. THEY CONCLUDED THAT HUMAN DECISION-MAKING AND FOSTERING NEW SKILLS SETS WILL BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS TECHNOLOGY IN FUTURE MINES.

M

ining data is now seemingly limitless in volume, with tens of thousands of sensors collecting and producing tremendous amounts of operational information daily.

Along with this, technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate, with smart machines and powerful software systems paving the way for autonomous, connected operations.

With digital transformation creating new possibilities it may be perceived that people will become less important to mining businesses and artificial intelligence will increasingly dictate operational decision making.

However, the message from senior executives and operational leaders at the Austmine Conference was quite the contrary – people will be even more critical for the future mining organisation and are essential for driving value from technology.

While operations will be increasingly reliant on machine intelligence, there is no substitute for mining experience and the intellect of management to provide operational context to machine algorithms, and to take actionable insights away from data sets.

BHP WAIO ASSET PRESIDENT BRANDON CRAIG.

Rio Tinto head of underground mining Craig Stegman is a leading advocate of enabling people through technology and explored his hypothesis of finding next generation productivity.

He proposes that “we can enhance the capability of our people to make better, faster decisions and solve complex problems by providing them with useful and real-time information.”

To enable people with technology, Stegman points to “ensuring that the data is integrated in a consistent and replicable way, the data platforms are stable, and that the information is usable in real-time and there is confidence in its quality and integrity.”

Stegman then referred to a case study from their Oyu Tolgoi operations in Mongolia that put the hypothesis in action.

Here, Rio Tinto has connected a team of worldwide specialists to ensure a successful ramp-up of a block caving development in challenging conditions, with the integration and accessibility of data for its experts critical.

Along with focusing on the role of technology in enabling human decision-making, speakers discussed the growing role of technology in ensuring workforce safety.

Across the program, mining organisations highlighted their investments in technology and innovation to promote employee wellbeing, and their ambitions of a zero-harm future.

While technology has already shown significant safety benefits for mining, such as automation transferring jobs from high-risk environments to remote centres and offices, specialist roles such as technicians and maintainers remain essential for onsite operations.

Mining businesses are dedicating their time and resources to ensuring safety for these employees and contractors.

BHP asset president WAIO Brandon Craig discussed the company’s unrelenting focus on the safety of their people, referencing the Fatality Elimination Program, launched last year in collaboration with Austmine.

This initiative has seen BHP AUSTRALIANMINING

RIO TINTO HEAD OF UNDERGROUND MINING CRAIG STEGMAN.

search the globe for industry leading technologies that can drive safety improvements across the organisation and collectively work towards zeroharm as an industry.

Craig also referenced their DASH Maintainer Tools project that was implemented at South Flank in collaboration with METS leaders Komatsu, IFM Effector, Liebherr and AT&M. DASH is an IoT (Internet of Things) hardware and software platform which enables maintenance technicians to undertake diagnostic testing tasks on mobile mining equipment without being within the footprint of the machine, removing them completely from the line of fire.

DASH has improved safety by eliminating live work, reducing time to diagnose faults and made maintenance work more accessible for people with different abilities.

Finally, an exploration of the relationship between people and technology would not be complete without looking at the future mining organisation and how mining jobs and the skills sets needed will change with continual digital transformation.

A looming skills shortage and potential workforce gaps in technology-driven roles is rising to

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the top of the agenda for mining executives, and significant work is going into this challenge on an industry-scale through networks such as the Minerals Council of Australia.

At an organisation level, businesses are seeking to combat this emerging threat by building partnerships with education and training institutes to diversify the skills sets of their current workforce, and creating curated programs for the next generation of apprentices that match the needs of future mining operations.

Craig points to BHP’s Future Fit Academy in Perth and Mackay as an initiative that the company has codeveloped with Central Queensland University and North Metropolitan TAFE. This program is fast-tracking critical maintenance qualifications and skills for 2500 apprentices that will go on to a permanent job with the Operations Services Maintenance team at one of BHP’s Australian-based operations in the Pilbara or Bowen Basin regions.

It is expected that further codeveloped, carefully curated training programs will be rolled between industry and academia as mining seeks to fill future vacancies and competes with other industries for critical roles for our future. AM

MANUFACTURING

THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING CRUSADER HOSE HAS MANUFACTURED LAYFLAT HOSES IN AUSTRALIA FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES. AFTER STRUGGLING TO PROFIT DURING THE FIRST 15 YEARS OF ITS LIFE, THE AUSSIE BATTLER HAS LASTED IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET AND IS PROUD OF ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO LOCAL MANUFACTURING.

T

he impact of Crusader Hose’s commitment is more than just keeping jobs in Australia. It boosts the Australian economy as a result of the multiplier effect.

The multiplier effect is the proportional amount of increase in final income that results from an injection of spending.

Therefore, the money spent cycles through the economy and has a larger impact than the initial dollar amount.

Studies in the Australian automobile industry found that for every dollar spent, the economic benefit was multiplied by up to $18.

The weakening of Australia’s automobile industry has been well publicised, as factories move offshore, and jobs are made redundant. The domino effects of these shutdowns are still causing economic and social hardships.

Although we are still buying cars, these multipliers are now being enjoyed by companies overseas and foreign investors.

In the long run, the more we import, the more money Australia theoretically loses. This makes it all the more important to support and promote Australian manufacturing.

Crusader Hose managing director Francois Steverlynck says the company is constantly seeking to strengthen the mining industry with reliable products.

THE CUSTOM REEL SYSTEM IS NOTED FOR ITS RAPID DEWATERING.

“Part of our efforts is not only to assist the mining sector in its profitability and efficiency with our world-class products, but also to remind them of how important it is to support Australian manufacturing,” Steverlynck tells Australian Mining.

“Not only are they helping us keep jobs in Australia, but also supporting the multiplier effect by keeping the funds here in Australia.”

Layflat hoses are used across a

variety of sectors and industries, bolstering Crusader Hose’s ability to strengthen the local economy.

Steverlynck says the multiplier effect was first described to him around the turn of the century, when retired Major Rod Gooding from the Australian Army explained how Crusader Hose could become a valuable asset to its customers.

“When tendering for a contract with the Australian Army some 20 years ago, Major Rod Gooding impressed me with the concept of the multiplier effect,” Steverlynck says.

“He said the value of the $1 million contract will have a multiplier of 10.

That is $10 million dollars’ worth of other business being generated by purchasing from us.”

Local manufacturing not only supports the national GDP (gross domestic product) but has many flowon effects.

It brings about technology transfers, research and development, lean manufacturing techniques and approaches, advanced labour skills and improved manufacturing techniques.

Local manufacturing also presents an opportunity to offer high-paying jobs in technology, engineering and management. By supporting Australian

THE FLEXIBORE SYSTEM IS A GO-TO FOR GROUND WATER PUMPING.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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manufacturing, winners are found in abundance.

The effect of the pandemic on the supply chain has been a wake-up call for many industries. The reliance on imports for some every-day and industry-specific products is a cause for concern. A re-evaluation of the importance of supporting Australianmade goods has been long awaited.

Steverlynck says, however, that the pandemic has perfectly illustrated the reliable nature of local manufacturing.

By buying locally-made products and services, customers across industries can mitigate supply chain risk and get on with progressing their own businesses.

“We appreciate that more and more customers see manufacturing as a vital and significant contributor to the Australian economy,” Steverlynck says.

“With our goal of becoming a worldleading manufacturer, Crusader Hose is working with the mining sector to have hose and reels to increase their efficiency and profitability.

“With our culture of continuous improvement and investments to support the growth of the business, Crusader Hose is stronger than ever.

We are proud to be boosting the Australian economy.” AM

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

AUSIMM’S SNAPSHOT OF FUTURE MINING LEADERSHIP AUSIMM’S 2021 NEW LEADERS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN BRISBANE AND ONLINE IN SEPTEMBER, PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO NETWORK WITH THEIR PEERS, CONNECT WITH RENOWNED MINING LEADERS AND DISCUSS IMPORTANT ISSUES IMPACTING THE INDUSTRY.

A

s the mining sector rapidly evolves, its workforce must be willing to step into this new environment to ensure the industry develops and remains strong.

With growing environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and an industry moving towards automation and electrification, young leaders must have the toolkit to navigate a changing world.

AusIMM’s New Leaders Conference returns as an in-person and online event in Brisbane on September 28-29.

It will provide mining students and young professionals with a chance to network and learn from some of mining’s brightest and most successful leaders.

This year’s conference will cover leadership growth and development, diversity and inclusion, social and environmental impacts, safety leadership and mental health, and technology and innovation.

BHP Nickel West’s principal business planning – climate change, Samantha Langley, headlines the speakers presenting at the event.

Langley will discuss the role of mining as the world adapts to climate change, including how it will supply critical minerals for clean energy technologies.

“Customer and investor demand for sustainable sourcing of minerals is growing at a rapid pace,” Langley says.

“But many people are wondering how mining companies could become more sustainable and reduce their own carbon emissions to net zero.

“I am very passionate about making a difference in this transformation.

I lead the BHP Nickel West decarbonisation portfolio and transition to net zero sustainable nickel and work closely with our operational, functional and marketing teams to achieve these goals.”

Langley will demonstrate how BHP’s Nickel West mining operations are already paving the way for the company’s transformation to net zero, and how attendees can use their skills for climate action.

BHP has taken numerous steps to

BHP NICKEL WEST’S PRINCIPAL BUSINESS PLANNING – CLIMATE CHANGE, SAMANTHA LANGLEY

ensure it achieves net-zero emissions by 2050.

This includes pledging at least $US400 million ($535 million) for its five-year Climate Investment Program in 2019 to develop decarbonisation technologies.

BHP has also developed internship, vacation work and graduate programs to bring young people to the company.

“The BHP FutureFit Academy provides nationally accredited traineeships and trade apprenticeships to bring operational roles to our sites,” Langley says.

She confirms it is vital for the mining industry to have a significant focus on ESG to secure future investment.

“The customer and consumer demand for sustainably and ethically sourced products is also increasing, with buyers now assessing a company’s ESG performance along with product price and quality,” Langley says.

While the mining industry is well positioned for growth, Langley warns there will be challenges ahead for the next generation of leaders, including how climate change may impact on water scarcity and severity of weather events at mining operations. However, she believes opportunities will also emerge in the transition to cleaner energies.

“The energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy will create significant growth for the mining industry,” Langley says.

AUSTRALIANMINING

“The demand for the critical minerals required to create the products for this energy transition such as battery storage, electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels is forecast to skyrocket in coming years.

“New technology, automation, digitisation and innovation will be essential tools for new leaders to ensure the mining industry can continue to efficiently and sustainably extract critical minerals for the world to limit global warming and address climate change.”

For Langley, the AusIMM New Leaders Conference will help young people connect with their peers and mining leaders.

“The conference is a fabulous opportunity for students and young professionals to meet with other like-minded future leaders on a national platform, giving everyone a chance to collaborate and learn, build friendships and make connections they may keep for the rest of their careers, even potentially leading to future new work and career opportunities,” she says.

Langley expects that a progressive mining industry will open doors to a positive and productive change for future generations.

“Being open to change means the mining industry will continue to ensure it maintains a competitive edge by adapting quickly to new situations, seizing new opportunities, addressing challenges quickly, encouraging innovation and upskilling its employees leading to improved business practices and increased growth,” Langley says.

“Adapting to change means we build a resilient business that continues to thrive even through variable commodity cycles and ultimately makes our mine sites safer, more sustainable, productive and efficient.”

Leading mining companies BHP, Newcrest Mining, Glencore and contractor Thiess are proud supporters of the 2021 New Leaders Conference. AM For more information visit: https://www. ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/newleaders/ AUSIMM’S 2021 NEW LEADERS CONFERENCE RETURNS THIS YEAR.

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2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

WHAT IS BULK2021?

BULK2021 IS SET TO BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN THE AUSTRALIAN BULK HANDLING INDUSTRY. AUSTRALIAN MINING SPEAKS WITH PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA GM EVENTS SIMON COBURN TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT VISITORS CAN EXPECT.

O

n September 8-10 2021, Melbourne will host one of Australia’s biggest bulk handling events.

Aptly named the Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK2021), the show will bring the diverse bulk handling industry together to showcase the latest technology and innovations.

BULK2021 show director Simon Coburn says the event will be the only dedicated Australian expo for producers of bulk commodities such as grains, coal, iron ore, cement, animal feed and woodchips.

“The bulk handling industry is a vital part of Australia’s economy, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share,” Coburn tells Australian Mining.

“To have all these exhibitors under one roof is not only a great place for business opportunities, but a fantastic occasion to network within this essential industry.”

The event is aimed at bulk

BULK2021 WILL SHOWCASE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS AVAILABLE TO THE SECTOR.

commodity producers, which require the latest in equipment to run their businesses more efficiently and keep one step ahead of the competition.

THE EXPO WILL BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH MEGATRANS2021.

BULK2021 WILL PROVIDE THE BULK HANDLING INDUSTRY WITH A CHANCE TO CONNECT, NETWORK AND LEARN. AUSTRALIANMINING

New bulk materials handling equipment will be on display, including conveyors, silos, motors and drives, belt scrapers, container tipplers, dust control systems, and weighing or level measuring products.

Coburn says there has been plenty of interest from local and international exhibitors and visitors.

“Industries around the world are revolutionising as technology becomes more connected. Industry 4.0, automation and artificial intelligence have the potential to radically change the way businesses operate,” Coburn says.

“Stakeholders from a broad range of sectors will share their insight and expertise on how to stay at the cutting edge of technology and avoid being left behind.”

BULK2021 will provide the bulk handling industry a chance to connect, network and learn. The Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handing (ASBSH) will host a two-day industry conference with multiple technical streams.

Mark Jones, chair of the ASBSH and director of TUNRA Bulk Solids, says the ASBSH is pleased to be supporting BULK2021.

“It has been many years since we had an exhibition dedicated to bulk handling in Australia, and this will be an excellent opportunity to connect bulk handling engineers with suppliers across multiple industries,” Jones says.

“We will be advising organisers Prime Creative Media on the

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conference program and look forward to seeing you all there.”

The 2021 Australian Bulk Handling Awards gala dinner will take place during BULK2021 to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the companies and individuals in the industry.

The Australian Bulk Handling Awards are the only awards program specifically for the bulk solids handling industry and celebrates the innovative practices and superior performances over the past year.

The expo will be held in conjunction with one of Australia’s biggest transport, logistics and supply chain events, MEGATRANS2021. The two events will be hosted over 30,000 square metres at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with one ticket entry for access to both exhibitions.

Coburn says BULK2021 and MEGATRANS2021 are the essential trade events for companies looking to be at the forefront of innovation, technology and industry collaboration.

“We’re inviting everyone to be a part of this game-changing expo – from hands-on decision makers in the bulk handling industry to CEOs, COOs, regulatory bodies and government on all levels. Now is the time to bring everyone together and start connecting the dots,” Coburn concludes. AM BULK2021 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 8-10, 2021.

Australasia’s largest dedicated bulk handling conference & exhibition

MELBOURNE

8-10 SEPT 2021

CONFERENCE TICKETS O N S A LE N OW

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE FOR 2021 PROSPECT AWARDS

2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS

THE PROSPECT AWARDS WILL RETURN TO QUEENSLAND IN OCTOBER. NOMINATE FOR THE AWARDS THIS MONTH BEFORE MISSING OUT ON AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE HOME ONE OF THIS YEAR’S HONOURS.

A

ustralia’s mining industry has continued to enjoy buoyant times in 2021 as project development ramps up and our mineral exports set new records.

These achievements have continued to show how vital mining is to Australia, particularly as the country bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian mining has also been at the forefront of developments in electrification and automation, which are paving the way for future standards of productivity and efficiency.

The contributors to these milestones and others will be recognised at this year’s Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

With nominations closing on August 20, now is the perfect time to make a submission and enter this year’s awards.

The Australian Mining Prospect Awards will take place at The Greek Club in Brisbane on October 14.

This year’s awards will mark a welcome return to the traditional in-person dinner event after last year’s awards went digital due to the impact of COVID-19.

First established in 2004 to recognise the vigour of Australia’s

mining industry, the Prospect Awards shed light on the companies that have made a difference in the industry and within their own organisations.

Key sponsors of this year’s awards include National Group, Liebherr, SEW Eurodrive, Epiroc, Austmine, Flexco, Vocus and CRC Industries.

“The 2021 Australian Mining Prospect Awards are supported by some of the most well-known companies in the mining industry,” Prospect Awards events manager Lauren Winterbottom says.

“Mining plays a key part in Australia’s economic success and supports thousands of jobs across the country, so it is important that we highlight the people and companies setting up the future.”

It’s clear that the might of the mining industry has not faltered during this pandemic.

According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ Resources and Energy Quarterly for the June quarter, export volumes will increase by another 8 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year to $334 billion.

This adds to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) finding that mining employed a record 278,800 people in the three months to the end of May this year,

THE AWARDS DINNER WILL BE STAGED IN BRISBANE.

increasing by more than 8 per cent over the previous quarter In May, the Minerals Council of Australia estimated that tax and royalties from Australia’s minerals sector reached $39.3 billion in 201920, highlighting the importance of mining for the country’s growth.

Australian Mining managing editor Ben Creagh says the Prospect Awards will showcase the tenacity of the sector as it continues to break records.

“The momentum of Australia’s mining sector hasn’t slowed down, and the Australian Mining Prospect Awards will show just how capable our mining industry is,” he says.

“Australia’s position as one of the world’s major suppliers of commodities, including coal and iron

THE PROSPECT AWARDS RETURN AS AN IN-PERSON EVENT THIS YEAR.

ore is one that should be recognised and celebrated.”

There are plenty of opportunities to nominate a standout individual or organisation for their achievements with 13 awards up for grabs.

The free nominations must be completed in one sitting with companies, sites and executives required to operate and work within Australia.

Finalists will be announced in September 2021 before the awards show takes place. The categories for this year’s awards include: • A ustralian Mine of the Year (sponsored by National Group) • Coal Mine of the Year (sponsored by SEW Eurodrive) • C ontract Miner of the Year (sponsored by Epiroc) • H ard Rock Mine of the Year (sponsored by Epiroc) • I nnovative Mining Solution (sponsored by Austmine) • S afety Advocate award (sponsored

by Flexco) • M ine Manager of the Year (sponsored by CRC) • L ifetime Achievement award (sponsored by Liebherr) • Indigenous Engagement Award • Excellence in IIoT Application • E xcellence in Environmental Management • E xcellence in Mine Safety, OH&S (sponsored by Vocus) • Minerals Processing of the Year. AM Nominations are open online at www.prospectawards.com.au until August 20.

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PRODUCTS

COMPETENT CAMERA COMPUTING FROM NEOUSYS

OPTIMISED MATERIALS HANDLING MEASUREMENT

Neousys NRU-110V series is a Jetson AGX Xavier rugged computer which can obtain high-quality live images regardless of the environmental lighting conditions. The camera supports eight automotive GMSL cameras, has TFLOPS inference performance, multiple sensor interfaces and 10GbE data transmission. It can act as a GMSL camera sensor hub with powerful video encoding capability for autonomous or teleoperated mining equipment such as trucks, shovels, dozers, drillers and loaders.

Taking advantage of automotive cameras’ IP67 characteristic, high dynamic range, auto white balance and LED flickering mitigation, the NRU-110V can innovatively digitise vision-based applications in the mining industry.

The LaseTVM systems are for high-precision volumetric bulk material measurement for road or mining trucks. The LaseTVM product family consists of the LaseTVM-S (static) and LaseTVM-M (motion). The LaseTVM-S is placed above the centre of the truck bed and uses a 3D laser scanner to measure material in the truck bed while it’s at a standstill. The LaseTVM-M can measure as the truck drives through the sensor without stopping, and the measurement is made in transit using two 2D laser scanners. One 2D laser scanner measures the position of the measured object (truck with loading area) the second 2D laser scanner generates a lateral profile to the direction of travel. From this, a 3D profile of the loading area is generated by combining both sensor data and the volume is then calculated.

• neousys-tech.com/en/

• lase-solutions.com

WEIR’S MULTIFLO PUMP SUITS TOUGHEST OF SLURRY Weir Minerals has released a hydraulic submersible slurry pump for abrasive applications and large particle handling – the Multiflo Mudflo.

The pump was specifically designed to operate efficiently while relocating tailings ponds, maintain dams, and manage slimes and sludge ponds.

The Multiflo can pump up to 1200 cubic metres per hour thanks to the Warman pump design, perfected over decades of experience.

The Multiflo Mudflo can be easily retrofitted to competitor OEM equipment, allowing anyone with a need for slurry pumping in abrasive applications with the ability to do so.

• global.weir

SEPURA DELIVERS SAFETY AND RELIABILITY WITH TETRA RADIOS Sepura’s TETRA radios provide the coverage, security and reliability to ensure communications are available when needed. With over two million TETRA radios installed in 100 countries, the built-in safety features of the solution can be enhanced with AutoMate.

This allows the radios to take pre-defined actions based on a chosen trigger related to the current condition or location. Therefore, when a miner enters a blast zone, the radio app will automatically switch to the correct talk group while the miner’s status and location are logged.

An additional app can be used to link the radio to Wi-Fi to ensure voice and emergency communication are maintained. As a result, the burden of changing talk-group or confirming location status is omitted, allowing for faster and more efficient communications.

• sepura.com

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PRODUCTS

ABILITY CONDITION MONITORING IMPROVES RELIABILITY

TAILINGS AND RESIDUE MANAGEMENT WITH SEFAR

ABB has launched its Ability Condition Monitoring (ACM) for belts, an advanced digital service to enable mine operators to track speed, misalignment, damage, thickness and wear, slippage and temperature of conveyor belts in real time, and therefore anticipate maintenance, avoid unplanned downtime, and improve belt reliability and lifetime.

Belt damage can cause significant production time loss in mines and processing plants with in-person inspections typically carried out to determine the condition of conveyor belts. ACM for belts offers a complete overview of the assets’ condition through continuous monitoring of belt health, generating alarms and warnings in the event of deterioration. By moving from preventative to predictive maintenance, operators can avoid the costly failures that can occur between physical inspections and personnel can be removed from dangerous areas.

Sefar’s filtration solutions continue to provide mining and metals companies with the ability to stay on top of their tailings management plans. Through Sefar customised fabrics, specifically developed to meet customers' tailings processing needs, mineral companies can achieve improvements of production yields, while also achieving a reduction of their total cost of ownership.

Sefar’s customised fabrics separate liquid/liquor from red mud and other residue to produce a dry, stackable cake with minimal moisture levels and high solid contents. The company’s filtration cloths are designed for high performance in filtration capacity, cake dryness, rate of filtrate recovery, cake release and the potential for dry stacking of the filtered tailings cake, thereby minimising both risk and cost.

• global.abb

• sefar.com.au

SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME DETECTING PARTIAL DISCHARGE?

SANDVIK ADDS AUTONOMOUS CAPABILITIES TO LEOPARD DI650I DRILL RIG

The Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager is engineered to locate partial discharge and corona discharge, as well as gas and vacuum leaks.

The ii910’s acoustic imaging camera’s ground-breaking technology makes it a cost-efficient, safe, effective, and comfortable tool for teams who inspect and maintain power distribution and industrial high voltage equipment.

The imager is designed so that anyone can use it with little to no training. Simply turn on the device with one button, select your frequency range, or let the tool do that for you, and start scanning around to immediately look for PD (partial discharge) or leaks.

Sandvik has developed its iDrill automation platform to enable fully autonomous blasthole drilling for the Leopard DI650i down-the-hole drill rig. iDrill enhances the rig’s onboard automated drilling cycle and AutoMine Surface Drilling system by adding new features including drilling stabilisation, automated collaring, automated cleaning and detaching from hole.

With the new update, the operator is only required to monitor the process when fully autonomous drilling is enabled.

Sandvik has designed iDrill to produce consistent and highquality drill holes, minimising errors including hole inclination, depth and positioning errors.

The iDrill drilling cycle also features anti-jamming pullback monitoring and intelligent collaring sequence, which includes suction head automatics and centraliser automatics to match hammer and pipe size to support collaring.

• fluke.com/en-au

• rocktechnology.sandvik

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EVENTS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU Women in Industry Awards Melbourne | August 19 Women in typically male-dominated industrial sectors will be honoured once more at the Women in Industry Awards.

The event aims to acknowledge the women who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to their sectors. These may be women you work with, women whose achievements are inspiring you from afar, or women who are providing you with invaluable guidance and support.

Potential sectors for recognition have included quarrying, mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and infrastructure.

Past winner and 2021 ambassador Rachel Ashfield said the awards “give you an opportunity to highlight key aspects and career defining moments of your many years of success and dedication.”

• womeninindustry.com.au Lithium battery and Energy Metals Conference 2021 Perth | September 1-2 Following successful Lithium and Battery Metals Conferences in 2018, 2019 and 2020, AusIMM will host another future-focused event over two days to showcase the latest industry efforts to expand lithium’s market presence.

Perth’s Murdoch University will see more than 200 industry professionals come together to discuss the potential for lithium and associated metals

to advance the global electrification process, and the impact of COVID-19 on global commodities. Keynote speakers include Ken Brinsden from Pilbara Minerals, which continues to run the Pilgangoora operation to its peak; Matt Dusci from IGO, which recently joined the Electric Mine Consortium; and chief executive at the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia, Nicole Roocke.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/lithium BULK 2021: Australian Bulk Handling Expo Melbourne | September 8-10 The Australian Bulk Handling Expo, conference and awards will take place in 2021 to bring together the bulk handling industry into a standalone exhibition that shares the same location as MEGATRANS, which integrates intrinsically with the logistics and multimodal freight sector.

It is supported by the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), which will host an industry conference, while the trade expo will showcase the latest in bulk materials handling equipment and technologies.

Exhibitors include VEGA, SEWEurodrive, Mideco, Bonfiglioli, Minprovise and ESS Engineering.

BULK2021 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over a period of three days.

BULK2020 ticketholders will be able to use their tickets to join the rescheduled expo.

• bulkhandlingexpo.com.au

AUSTRALIANMINING

New Leaders Conference Brisbane and Online | September 28-29 AusIMM’s New Leaders Conference returns in September 2021 providing young mining professionals with an exclusive opportunity to learn from, and engage with renowned mining leaders.

Delivered in person and online, this conference provides access to engaging presentations and discussions on topics and issues impacting young professionals based on the thought-provoking theme, Champions of Change.

Topics explored during the conference include leadership growth and development, diversity and inclusion, social and environmental impacts, safety leadership and mental health, and technology trends.

Join delegates from around the world to hear from leading global experts, participate in robust discussions, see the latest mining innovations, and meet with speakers and peers at networking events.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/new-leaders/

Australian Mining Prospect Awards Brisbane | October 14 The Prospect Awards will return as an in-person event this year after pandemic restrictions hampered the night in 2020. The Prospect Awards are the most esteemed and prestigious awards in the Australian mining and minerals processing industry. Since 2004, the Australian Mining Prospect

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Awards have been the only national awards program to stop, take a look at what the mining industry is doing, and reward those who are excelling and going above and beyond, recognising and rewarding innovation. Nominations for the awards are free and must be submitted by August 20 to recognise companies and sites from across Australia. Join Australian Mining for an evening of celebration as we acknowledge the collective success of the industry.

• prospectawards.com.au International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) Melbourne | October 25-27 After going virtual last year, IMARC is back in 2021 with a hybrid event – welcoming thousands of guests from Australia and overseas, in-person and online.

More than 130 countries will participate in Australia’s most influential mining event, with over 200 exhibitors and 70 hours of networking opportunities to take advantage of.

The event encompasses a threeday conference diving into topics of exploration, investment, production optimisation technology and global opportunities.

Additionally, the expo floor will cover 13,000 square metres to accommodate the bigger-and-better machinery and equipment on show this year.

Tickets range from free passes through to premium delegate passes, so visit the site below to book your spot now.

• imarcglobal.com

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