Australian Mining - October 2016

VOLUME 108/9 | OCTOBER 2016

AUTOMATION & REMOTE CONTROL SAFETY VOLUME 108/9 | OCTOBER 2016

SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

THE 2016 PROSPECT AWARDS

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN FOCUS

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COMMENT

GOODBYE, AND GOOD LUCK AFTER SIX YEARS, AND NEARLY 100 EDITIONS, EDITOR COLE LATIMER IS MOVING ON FROM AUSTRALIAN MINING.

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After a number of years at the helm of Australian Mining, it is COLE LATIMER fitting that I should finish on cole.latimer@primecreative.com.au an October, Prospect Awards issue, considering it’s right where I began seven years ago.

From this edition onwards we’ll have a new editor who will lead this magazine through the highs and lows of the Australian mining industry, and will remain dedicated – as was I – to bringing you the latest information, news, technology, and equipment.

I’ve been lucky to have been part of the industry during two of its lowest periods, and during the once-in-a-lifetime global resources boom that is likely to never be repeated.

I started here in 2009, as the industry burst through the gates after the Global Financial Crisis basically decimated major financial industries around the world. It was a wild time and iron ore and coal were unstoppable.

The runaway train that was the mining industry kept going, pulling gold and a few other commodities with it (although nickel suffered a massive reversal it is yet to fully recover from). Everyone and their dog was trying to get in to the game, and it was the first time that the average Australian on the

MANAGING DIRECTOR JOHN MURPHY EDITOR COLE LATIMER Tel: (02) 8484 0652 Email: ozmining@primecreative.com.au JOURNALISTS SHARON MASIGE Tel: (02) 8484 0854 Email: sharon.masige@primecreative.com.au PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR MICHELLE WESTON Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

street could tell you the iron ore price, or cared about our coal exports.

In all honestly, it was probably the best time to be working on a mining magazine, and being a part of the resources sector as it underwent this massive growth and evolution, implementing new technology, and will probably mark the birth of the fully automated, or even truckless, mine.

It may not seem it now, but in the future, when we look back at the industry and how it has moved since the GFC, it will be seen as one of the periods of the most rapid change in mining in decades.

From the slump, to the boom, to another devastating slump, I’ve watched the mining industry cycle trace it usual path – albeit higher and lower than usual – and although I am leaving I have no doubt the sector will recover, and enter into a new age marked by automation, innovation, and collaboration.

It’s been a privilege to be a part of the industry, and thanks to all of you out there for the experience.

Cole Latimer Editor

SALES MANAGER JONATHAN DUCKETT Tel: (02) 8484 0866 Mob: 0498 091 027 Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au ART DIRECTOR Michelle Weston GRAPHIC DESIGNER James Finlay, Blake Storey, Sarah Doyle SUBSCRIPTION RATES Australia (surface mail) $140.00 (incl GST) New Zealand A$148.00 Overseas A$156.00 For subscriptions enquiries please call GORDON WATSON 03 9690 8766

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FRONT COVER

On the front cover of this edition we focus on the annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards. Now in its 14th year, this event recognises, rewards, and celebrates innovation and excellence in the mining industry, taking time out to take stock of what a truly great industry we work in. We focus on top achievers across 11 different categories, and look at how mining has grown over the last 12 months. In this issue we also examine new technology, and process control developments that are helping miners gain productivity and efficiency edges on their sites.

Trends, and an in depth look into markets, over the coming year are also delved into.

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CONTENTS

FINANCE

INNOVATION

A NEW SENSE OF OPTIMISM? KPMG’s latest report is highlighting a renewed sense of optimism

12-14

TRANSFORMATION: THE NEXT LEVEL IN TAKING YOUR BUSINESS DIGITAL How to prepare your operation for the next stage of mining

22 24-25

AUTOMATION & REMOTE CONTROL THE ENLIGHTENED PLANT How automation systems deliver new insight to Plant Operations

SAFETY TAKING ACTION ON WORKPLACE SAFETY An insight into Australia’s largest workplace health and safety event, Safety in Action

16-17

28-42

PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS Find out who made the cut for the 2016 Australian Mining Prospect Awards

SOFTWARE

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BUILDING YOUR SITE FROM THE GROUND UP New software making it easier to design every aspect of your operations

MAKING THE DAILY GRIND MORE EFFICIENT New closed circuit cyclone technology

ENGINEERING

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COMMUNICATIONS WORLD-FIRST FULLY RUGGED DETACHABLE LAPTOP Pansonic have developed a ruggedised, detachable laptop for the mining industry

MINERALS PROCESSING

THE ENGINEER INSIDE THE SYSTEM Filling the knowledge and skills gap

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REGULARS

INDUSTRIAL COMMENT 8

NEWS 10

PRODUCT SHOWCASE 48-51 AUSTRALIANMINING

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PROSPECT AWARDS 52

EVENTS 54

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INDUSTRIAL COMMENT

A CHANGE IS NEEDED A NEW MODEL – AND MINDSET – IS NEEDED FOR THE NEXT AGE OF MINING. AUSTMINE’S CHRISTINE GIBBS STEWART WRITES.

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t is widely recognised within the mining industry that the way we traditionally operate needs to change dramatically.

Over the past twelve months, we have observed industry leaders speaking differently which suggests that mindsets are shifting from conventional paradigms. New models of operating are being discussed with a particular focus on innovation and collaboration.

These are two critical pillars in driving our industry towards a more productive, sustainable and safe and competitive future.

The theme of innovation and collaboration was pervasive at our Austmine 2015 conference in Brisbane. Such was the discussion and positive embracing of these themes that both miners and METS asked us to help “carry on the conversation” to help the industry understand what these two words actually mean in terms of impact for the mining ecosystem in which we operate.

In response, Austmine recently kicked off a new series of workshops called our ‘Mining Collaboration Laboratories’ or Co-Labs 16.0. The Co-Labs are intended to bring miners and METS together to discuss issues,

unpack challenges and explore solutions in an open and collaborative way. Working in partnership with METS Ignited and Wipro, and being guided by Gavin Yeates, a well-known industry leader, we debated themes, wrote to CEOs and engaged thought leaders across the mining value chain.

Co-Lab 16.1 was completed in Perth at the end of June. With the theme ‘Next Generation Mineral Extraction,’ this Co-Lab focused on changing the paradigm of how we traditional operate as a mining industry to create step change in operating margins and capital

MINERS NEED TO CHANGE HOW THEY VIEW COLLABORATION IN THE RESOURCES SECTOR

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intensity. We threw down the gauntlet of achieving a 30 per cent improvement in performance, and challenged those involved to confront traditional thinking and brainstorm ways to really make a difference.

Participants stressed that innovation needed to be better nurtured through effective leadership.

The apparent disconnect between the views of miners and METS surrounding the responsibility of innovation was a key concern and will need to be addressed through sharing the burden of risk and acknowledging failure as a stepping stone on the way to success. Another area that will need to be tackled is the cost of integrating new technologies into mining operations and ensuring they are fully utilised.

Collaboration faces its own fair share of stumbling blocks. For years now, miners have viewed how they operate as their key competitive advantage, as opposed to their orebody quality and access.

Collaboration in all forms, between miners, METS and research institutions is often viewed with caution or even suspicion, and this is re-enforced by a legal mindset – who owns the IP can be a show stopper before the collaboration even begins. Examples of truly successful collaboration represent parties who came to the table on equal footings, focused on creating win/win scenarios.

Agreement on what a successful mining industry and on what effective collaboration looks like was a basis from where cooperative discussion surrounding three main areas developed. These included: the need to build trust between

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miners and METS to open avenues for open knowledge share; having aligned KPIs between various levels of management within mining organisations; implementing innovation KPIs and the development of a ‘fast fail’ model of innovation.

There was discussion that advanced technologies are being under-utilised in the current environment. If we can change this, there are significant productivity and efficiency gains that can be found which will set the industry on course for a more sustainable future. Fully integrating these high-tech components will also shift the perception from the public of mining as an old-fashioned industry to one that is high-tech and agile, ready to meet the demands of the future.

The outcomes of the first Co-Lab have been extremely positive, with an active working group emerging that is collaborating on a solution for realtime orebody modelling, measuring and tracking using parameters including physical, geometallurgical, chemical and more. It has been encouraging to see the willingness of those involved to openly share issues and challenges, and the desire to really want to collaborate and make a difference to the industry.

We will be hosting three more Co-Labs. While the initial Co-Lab focussed on step change, Co-Lab 16.2 will address more immediate performance issues, Co-Lab 16.3 is focussed on the digital mine to ensure we are not left behind, and Co-Lab 16.4 will explore longer term sustainability in the form of small footprint mining. Co-Lab discussions will also be advanced at IMARC in Melbourne in November 2016 and Austmine 2017 in Perth, May 2017. AM

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monitoring bores to be used for xperience, and and ato willingness todewatering. understand a project’s needs and axperience, willingness underlying conditions are key to delivering “Over thea successful course ofdrilling the next 12 understand a project’s project.and Thisunderlying includes the knowledge experience to monthsand BDC drilledneeded and installed needs identify the most appropriate drilling method being flexible100 more than 28 and bores between conditions are key when conditionsa change. metres and 230 metres in depth, to delivering Bunbury Drilling Company safely, (BDC) has over 60and years experion time under budget.” successful drilling project.

This ence and has worked in the Pilbara experiMrcompany’s McLeodproject said the major includes the knowledge and since 2011. The ence includes needed mine projects such as dewatering and pressure relief. arms challenge that the This previous experience to identify the them with the skills todrilling take on method challenging projects. contractor came across was the most appropriate and being flexible when conditions ground conditions which in this Taking on the challenge specific project area were reactive change.

A project that BDC was contracted to recover was a drilling program in the clays.

Bunbury Drilling Company (BDC) Westover Pilbara.

When experience BDC was called the original contractor hadreacts been unable Reactive clay when in has 60 years andin,has to complete a single bore since after 122011. months of drilling using multiple rigs. contact with water, either from worked in the Pilbara BDC General Manager McLeod said the involved the installatheproject formation or from the drilling The company’s projectDale experience tion of production and monitoring for dewatering. process, which can lead to the loss includes mine projects such asbores to be used “Over the course of the next 12 months and installed the drilled hole ifmore not managed dewatering and pressure relief.

This BDCofdrilled than 28them boreswith between 100 metres and on 230 metres in depth, safely, on time and appropriately. arms the skills to take under budget.”projects.

“BDC was able to overcome the challenging Mr McLeod said the major challenge that the previous contractor across as we challenging groundcame conditions was the ground conditions which in this specific project area were reactive clays. had a better understanding of how to Taking on the challenge Reactivethat clay reacts in contact with water, either from the formation conditions control the hydrodynamic A project BDC when was contracted or from the drilling process, program which can in lead to the loss formation of the drilled hole if notin in the resulting to recover was a drilling managed successful drilling and construction the Westappropriately.

Pilbara. When BDC was “BDC to overcome the challenging ground conditions as we on every site,” said Mrhad McLeod. called in,was theable original contractor had a betterunable understanding of howa to control the hydrodynamic conditions in the “Our 60 years of experience has been to complete single formation in successful drilling and construction on every site,” said given us the knowledge on the best bore afterresulting 12 months of drilling using Mr McLeod. drilling methodologies to utilise multiple rigs.

“Our 60 years of Manager experienceDale has given us thetoknowledge on the best drilling control the formations reaction BDC General methodologies utilise to control the formations reaction to drilling operations to drilling operations – experience McLeod saidto the project involved – experience reallyofdoes count.” and really does count.” the installation production

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NEWS

THE LATEST MINING NEWS AND SAFETY AUSTRALIAN MINING PRESENTS THE LATEST NEWS AND SAFETY AFFECTING YOU FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE MINE AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN. VISIT WWW.MININGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING. COKING COAL PRICES TO REMAIN HIGH Coking coal volatility is off the cards, with prices likely to remain high after recent rallies, Goldman Sachs believe.

China’s recent plans to dramatically slash its coal output by reducing its mining and steel sectors has driven metallurgical coal’s price through the roof, seeing the spot price double to more than US$205 per tonne.

In January it declared it would not approve any new coal mines for the next three years, in a bid to cut growing stockpiles, as well as increase its alternative energy supplies.

The country also plans to reduce national output by around 60 million tonnes in 2016, and around 500 million tonnes of coal over the next three to five years, with the Shanxi province slashing around 100 million tonnes of production alone by 2020.

In March, China’s government then stated it would lay off close to two million workers

in its coal and steel industry to help cut market oversupply.

An official at China’s human resources and social security ministry said the nation’s industries expect to cut around 1.8 million workers as it seeks to reduce capacity, and address the growing stockpiles in the country.

This plan to slash the country’s coal and steel workforce came only days after Chinese coal companies pushed the government to set a price floor for coal to protect against bankruptcy and stem job cuts.

Additionally, the government has taken further steps to reduce output, cutting operating days from 330 to 276 per year.

The country’s decision first began to make an impact in May this year, with early forecasts of a minimum 20 per cent increase in coking coal prices.

GOLDCORP, SANDVIK PARTNER FOR WORLD-FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC MINE Goldcorp has partnered with Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, to make its Borden Lake project one of the world’s first all-electric mines.

Located in Ontario, Canada, the mine is part of a line-up of organic growth projects in Goldcorp’s portfolio, and by making it fully electric rather than diesel driven, the company hopes it will provide higher health and safety standards for employees, as well as reduce both environmental impacts, and capex.

Goldcorp plans to make Borden Lake one of the most environmentally friendly mines in the world.

Sandvik will provide development equipment and a complete electric solution for the site. They will utilise fully integrated battery technology that does not require operators to remove, handle or swap batteries underground; further improving safety for operators and maintenance crews.

One of the equipment models already ordered for the project is the Sandvik DD422iE which uses electric energy from an on board battery during tramming; producing zero emissions while manoeuvring between headings.

The diesel free drilling also produces less diesel particulate, easing ventilation requirements, as well as reducing associated diesel logistics and maintenance expenses.

Using the mine’s existing electric infrastructure, the Sandvik driveline technology enables the battery to recharge during the drilling cycle. The battery will even recharge while the machine is tramming downhill, using energy generated by the braking system. The long-lasting pack will power the drill efficiently throughout its lifetime.

Development of the mine is set to begin early next year.

China’s continued action has made investment banks and funds even more bullish on coal’s future, with recent Goldman Sachs notes raising the 2017 contract prices forecast by 64 per cent to US$135 per tonne and its 2018 estimates by 47 per cent to US$125 per tonne; this is extremely bullish compared to current third quarter prices of US$92.50, according to Bloomberg.

The note explained the changes come on the back of a different operating environment.

“We see upside risks if current policies remain unchanged going into next year and the resulting shortage overwhelms the ability of producers in Australia and the U.S. to respond,” Goldman Sachs stated.

Macquarie Group also followed suit, raising its fourth quarter predictions by 84 per cent, and its 2017 first quarter forecast by 56 per cent.

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

SAFE COAL DUST EXPOSURE LEVELS DON’T EXIST: STUDY Researchers at the University of Melbourne say there is little scientific evidence for current coal dust exposure regulations, following the resurgence of black lung in QLD. Professor Lou Irving, clinical director of the university’s Lung Health Research Centre, said scientists don’t know if there is a safe dust level of exposure.

“There are regulations limiting the amount of dust that coal miners can be exposed to, but they have no basis in science,” he said.

“We simply do not know at what point exposure to dust triggers lung stiffening, or fibrosis, and we urgently need to address this so we can catch it before it becomes incurable.”

Queensland’s coal dust limit is 3mg/m3 air – higher than that of NSW and the US – with the Select Committee on Health’s black lung report recommending coal mining companies adopt the lowest Australian level of 2.5mg/ m3, found in NSW, until a national standard is implemented.

The Centre, a partnership between the university’s department of Pharmacology and Royal Melbourne Hospital, has gathered a team of cross-disciplinary researchers to call for extending diagnosis and management of

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black lung from chest x-rays and measuring breathing.

Centre co-director and pharmacologist, professor Alastair Stewart said advanced technologies, new medicines, and genomics created new possibilities for this research.

“We can investigate more accurate coal dust exposure levels and monitoring, and use modern techniques to improve screening and investigate individual sensitivity to exposure,” he said.

Currently, 15 workers have been diagnosed with the disease in QLD, the youngest only 39.

It is believed to have affected 36 per cent of coal mine workers in Colombia, 17 per cent in China, and around three per cent in the US. Stewart believed the rate of affected workers in Australia would be similar to the US. The Queensland Government recently appointed a six-person Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) select committee to investigate the resurgence of the disease in the state, with the main priority of “fixing the issue”.

“There is so much we don’t know,” Stewart said, “the battle against this disease is only just beginning.”

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A NEW SOURCE OF OPTIMISM? DESPITE THE CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, MINERS REMAINS OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE, TURNING TO TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE NEXT STAGE OF RESOURCES. COLE LATIMER WRITES.

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t is little surprise for many in the industry that despite unexpected commodity rallies earlier in the year, a gloomy pall still hangs over the resources sector.

This state of stagnation has been clarified by the recent KPMG International’s 2016 Global Metals & Mining Outlook survey, which outlines little growth ahead as miners continue to knuckle down and search for cost savings in their operations.

Earlier this year Rio Tinto CEO Jean-Sebastian Jacques typified this stance, stating the miner’s intent to remain focused on developing existing projects and cutting costs, and shifting its growth prospects along this stream rather than through quick bolt-on acquisitions and M&A. “If the mood of metals executives is any indication of the state of the metals and mining industries, things

may continue to be gloomy for some time,” KPMG stated in its report.

It went on to say there is little hope for financial respite in the near future, with miners likely to focus on keep themselves afloat.

“Given the tight relationship between the fortunes of the global economy and that of the global metals and mining industry, it does not bode well that fewer than half of the senior metal executives responding to the survey voice any level of confidence in the prospects for the global economy over the next two years,” it said.

This was echoed by Ernst & Young, with EY Oceania Mining & Metals leader Scott Grimley stating, “Mining and metals companies are prioritising cash generation and preservation in the wake of moderate global growth, dampened demand for commodities and a lower-for-longer price outlook this year.”

In the report, 48 per cent of metals executives were confident about the global economy’s prospects for growth, with 77 per cent stating they are highly focused on improving cost and performance management, with 71 per cent stating they see growth as a high priority going forward.

However, KPMG International’s global head of commodity trading, Richard Sherman, warned mining organisations must carefully balance their capital and investments to prepare their company for the next upcycle.

“The worst thing mining companies can do right now is to pour more capital into increasing production,” Sherman said.

“Maintaining strong balance sheets and long-term profitability requires companies work proactively to address sector risks,” Grimley said.

Sherman added: “To survive

WILL TECHNOLOGY BE THE SAVIOUR OF THE MINING INDUSTRY?

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this downturn, miners will need to improve the way they allocate capital to prioritise cash flow and earnings.”

“Those that do will be in the best position to switch to growth when commodity prices finally begin their upswing.”

With this in mind, the leading organisations stating that they will focus on maintaining a strong focus on capital and capital deployment to prioritise case flow over increased production volumes; and become more decisive about managing their balance sheets to focus on the aforementioned free cash flows.

The metals making the grade

Coking coal’s rally earlier this year, combined with the revision of it performance next year – increasing forecast prices by up to 60 per cent – shows there is still a strong future ahead for mining in general.

However, what remains of the seasonal Chinese demand will be volatile in the short term, with the future varied for different metals.

“It will vary from one commodity to the other,” Rio Tinto’s Jacques said.

“We believe that copper will be the first one to come out of this twilight zone.”

The KPMH report stated miners will be improving their discipline around the management and use of their resources and ore bodies to focus on high-growth or high-margin commodities.

In terms of iron ore, the market is not too hopeful.

KPMG commodity lead, iron ore, global mining, Pieter van Dijk, said “iron ore prices are not expected to increase significantly from current levels: not good news or iron ore producers”.

“In the short term, all signs suggest that capacity will continue to outstrip demand as more low-cost supply comes online in Brazil and Australia, putting further pressure on prices globally; however, this will likely force some higher cost producers to shut down their operations, which may help reduce supply pressures, but not significantly,” he said.

Yet miners remain optimistic, KPMG’s survey found.

“The fact that two thirds of metals executives in this survey say they are confident they can achieve growth

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over the next two years should come as welcome news to iron ore miners,” van Dijk said.

“With so much uncertainty and volatility with respect to demand over the past few years, any signal that points towards sustainable growth in demand should help iron ore miners start to rethink their longer term investments and production plans.”

When it comes to copper, the longer term goals are definitely in focus.

“Copper miners will need to continue to be patient and focus on improving productivity as they ride out the continuing storm,” KPMG commodity lead, copper, global mining Maritza Araneda said.

“2016 started badly with copper prices hitting six year lows and production reaching record highs as projects kicked off in the boom years continued to come online,” she said.

“Recognising that prices may not return to significant growth any time soon, copper miners are now increasingly focused on longterm and sustained productivity improvements within their existing assets.”

She went on to say technology will be playing a greater role in driving operational performance, and miners will be looking at how they integrate this technology into their mines.

THE MARKET IRON ORE OVERSUPPLY WILL CONTINUE IN THE LONG TERM

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Tapping into technology

“Metals organisations expect to pour significant investment into R&D over the coming years in an effort to drive new growth and open new markets,” KPMG said.

Around 20 per cent of those surveyed said they will change their range of products and services, and believe investment into R&D and innovation will drive their next wave of growth, however KPMG expects reality to fall short of expectations.

“Given the current market environment, it is unlikely that metals organisation will ultimately invest as much capital into R&D as they currently anticipate, particularly given the focus on cost cutting, but the ambition is certainly a welcome sign,” KPMG’s global head of metal Eric Damotte notes.

However, the survey did find at least “metals organisations recognise that – when the cycle does return – they will need to be much more agile and efficient in order to drive profitable growth,” he added.

“Cognitive computing, AI, and data and analytics will be critical in helping metals organisations take advantage of new growth opportunities as they arise.”

The major investment though, will be in robotics, with 42 per cent of respondents stating they will

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COAL HAS MADE A SURPRISE RALLY

definitely invest in this area in the next two years.

KPMG Advisory, managing director, strategy, Eric Logan, said “automation and robotics can help reduce labour costs, drive efficiency and productivity, enhance safety, and improve quality across the metals and mining sector”.

“Better yet, the returns on robotics don’t diminish over time – robots do not expect wage increases, they do not slow down with age, and rarely do they ever make mistakes.

“All signs suggest we are now on the cusp of a new age of automation in the metals and mining sector; indeed, once organisations start to combine robotics with the masses of data they have at their disposal (both inside and outside the organisation), we expect to see the value of automation and robotics grow exponentially.”

The next hot spots?

In planning for growth, many miners are looking to shift their footprint to be prepared for the next upcycle, focusing on emerging and stronger areas to operate in, while at the same time exiting from declining regions. “[Miners] will start to rebalance their global footprint in order to drive growth, respond to new trade barriers and protections, and – more importantly – improve their cost structures,” KPMG said.

“In part, the data suggests a pullback from previously ‘hot’ emerging markets; 33 per cent of those metals organisations with existing investments in Africa say they will likely reduce their investments over the coming years.”

This has already been in a major way with newly incoming Rio Tinto chief J.S. Jacques announcing the miner’s intention to exit its Simandou operations – which have been valued in the billions – due to the belief it is no longer as economically viable as it once was; this is despite a number of high profile court cases against other mining major Vale in order to retain control of the site’s mining rights.

The news may also be disappointing for Australia, with KPMG reporting “one in five of those currently operating in the ASEAN region also expect to pull back somewhat”.

However, this seems less likely after Australia’s high ranking for operational and regulatory attractiveness in the recent Fraser Institute Global Mining Survey.

“At the same time, our data indicates that metals organisations are refocusing their investments into driving growth in their larger markets – China and the Americas in particular,” KPMG said.

“Forty-six per cent of metals organisations with existing AUSTRALIANMINING

investments in North America say they will ‘significantly’ increase investment in that market while 41 per cent with investments in Central and South America (excluding Brazil) also anticipate significant investment increases over the next two years.”

Despite China’s shrinking demand, it remains at the heart of the global resources industry, albeit in a new, uncertain form.

“Companies seeking to navigate the new normal must now plan for scenarios in which China is

AUSTRALIA IS NO LONGER A HOT SPOT

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unable to return to its previous levels of importing and consuming commodities,” Deloitte’s recent mining trends report stated.

“Capital allocation, economic feasibility studies and even cost management programs will all need to be recontextualised in anticipation of more limited Chinese growth rates.”

This appears to be underway, with 57 per cent of respondents to the KPMG survey with investments in China stating they will grow their investments significantly.

Rio Tinto recently strengthened this mindset, with newly appointed CEO Jean-Sebastian Jacques putting forth a more optimistic standpoint on the nation.

“The drop that we had experienced for the last two or three years in China seems to have plateaued,” Jacques said in an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York.

“We are becoming much more what I would describe as cautiously optimistic in relation to China.”

However, no matter the demand, miners must remain focused on driving operational excellence.

“While metals executives can (and will) invest into lower cost locations to consolidate their operations, mining organisations will likely continue to struggle with high fixed costs and footprints; finding and capitalising on opportunities for growth may not be easy,” KPMG stated.

The bigger picture is that mining has not recovered fully from the slump, but early in-roads are being made in transforming operations to be ready for the next upcycle, and executives are optimistic about the way in which their business can evolve for the next era of mining, however unless they support this optimism with a solid foundation, the industry will be unprepared for the future. AM

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TAKING ACTION ON WORKPLACE SAFETY AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY EVENT, SAFETY IN ACTION, TOOK PLACE THIS YEAR IN SYDNEY, EXHIBITING THE LATEST SYSTEMS, PRODUCTS, AND SEMINARS TO ENCOURAGE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE. AUSTRALIAN MINING WAS ON SITE SPEAKING TO SOME OF THE COMPANIES THAT ATTENDED. SHARON MASIGE WRITES.

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he Sydney Showground played host to the three-day event, with more than 4000 health and safety decision makers throughout the government, resources, construction, transport, and manufacturing industries discovering new ways to improve their organisation’s safety.

Part of the Safety In Action event series, with events also held in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne at different times during the year, more than 100 exhibitors were in attendance including Chemical Safety International, Mediflex Industries, Safe Work Australia, the Black Dog Institute, and SafeQuip.

A variety of safety solutions for all sectors were displayed such as fork lift grips, safety footwear, risk management training services, scaffolds and platforms, and PPE. Keith Barks, general manager at Informa Australia – who jointly presented the event with the Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) – said an estimated 2000 workers die from work

related illnesses each year. “[This] highlights the urgent need for national improvements to prevent and reduce the number and severity of injuries and illnesses in the future,” he said.

Additionally in 2013-14 more than 106,000 serious workers’ compensation claims were lodged, reinforcing the importance of implementing necessary safety measures in all workplaces.

This year’s theme was ‘Keep your workplace safe’ with height safety, particularly in construction in focus.

Ferno Australia, which specialises in height safety equipment, exhibited their range at the event, with their products suitable for construction through to emergency services including helicopters, ambulances, fire and defence industries.

Greg Wyld, the company’s territory sales manager, highlighted the importance of proper restraint while working at height.

“There’s been quite a few deaths at height so awareness is one of the main

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factors,” he told Australian Mining.

“There’s a lot of people working at height that aren’t properly restrained and they’re getting injured, so actually wearing the appropriate PPE, so that they’re arrested if they fall or preventing from falling in the first place, is a big thing.”

A Safe Work Australia report on work related injuries involving a fall from height found the construction industry made up 37 per cent (41) of fall related fatalities between 2008 and 2011. This was more than three times the number from the next highest industries; with 12 deaths in the primary industries of agriculture, forestry and fishing, and 12 across the transport, postal and warehousing industries; while 11 deaths were recorded in the manufacturing sector.

Super Spill Solutions, which provides liquid spill response products, services, and training throughout all industries that have bulk liquid storage, also attended the event.

Company director Dominic Fedele, told Australian Mining they provide

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products for companies required to have liquid response products, which they can use in the event of an emergency spill. He added that they provide training on how to respond to liquid spills.

“We have service and maintenance programs where we go on site and restock the spill kits on the spot and issue a report for their environmental due diligence, and also follow up with training,” he said.

With automation and innovation fast becoming the norm for several industries, management systems to further streamline traditionally paper-based processes are on the rise.

Nicky Bishop, consultant at safety management software company MyOsh, explained that MyOsh is a modular system based on email alerts that records an organisation’s management.

She said the system helps companies comply with safety legislation.

“The mobile apps make it really easy to log incidents, hazards and actions, which is basic compliance,”

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she told Australian Mining.

“You need to keep track of all your incidents. You need to be able to audit them, find out what’s going on with them – if they’re open or closed –and once all your data is in the system it’s really easy to run your reports.”

The system consolidates all data and can present it in graphs, pie charts, or tables through its dashboards, which can pinpoint exactly which part of the site is experiencing a particular problem.

“On top of that we’ve got all the other modules; training management, contracts management, online learning, and inspections which is really popular. You can create your own inspections so you can go around and with your mobile app and do all your inspections really quickly,” she said.

“It’s very automated; emails are sent out automatically, so accountability is great.

“The ability to make people accountable for their safety is very important, you can save on time, man-hours, and on insurance premiums.”

The event also featured a range of seminars on how to achieve a zero harm, positive safety culture; contractor safety management and compliance; and how to manage and improve work safety with software tools.

Co-located at Safety in Action was SIA’s National Convention – a twoday conference that challenged safety leaders to change their thinking around safety. With the theme of ‘Disruptive Safety’, the speakers tackled ways to positively disrupt the status quo in workplace health and safety.

Australia’s largest cleaning and hygiene show CleanScene was also run parallel to Safety in Action, with companies including Electrolux, SABCO, and Whiteley Industrial displaying the latest in cleaning technology. The event also hosted seminars throughout the day, with topics including the emerging standards in cleaning and hygiene; the importance and rise of sustainable cleaning products; and how to grow a cleaning business.

The next Safety in Action event takes place in Brisbane in early 2017. AM AUSTRALIANMINING

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SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

BUILDING YOUR SITE FROM THE GROUND UP NEW MINING CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE IS MAKING IT EASIER TO DESIGN, DRILL, AND EXTRACT ORE ON YOUR OPERATION.

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icromine has launched its latest version of their exploration and 3D mine design solution, MICROMINE, which they claim has improved on their comprehensive and easy to use software, and which offers new and improved tools for the construction of your mine site.

Micromine 2016 delivers improved flexibility, functionality and performance as well as a variety of user benefits that are relevant to both exploration and mining operations.

In previous versions of Micromine, drillhole planning focused on generating a pattern of drillhole collars in plain view. Drillhole directions, inclinations and depths could be approximated and added to the collar data before setting up a drillhole database to check the position of the resulting traces in 3D. While this simple process was adequate for creating a uniform gird of drillholes, attempting to produce a number of drillholes of different orientations and depths was repetitive and time consuming due to the parameters having to be redefined, checked and modified until the traces were in the correct position.

Micromine 2016 has seen the overhaul of drillhole planning to provide an entirely new set of tools.

These tools allow drillhole traces to be drawn as strings and then converted to collar and survey files.

Both straight and curved holes can be planned from the collar or from the target. Utilising the drawing and editing tools in Micromine allows users to quickly and interactively produce more intelligent holes that start, finish and intersect where you want them to. There are also tools that can replicate existing traces, extend drillholes and convert string files into drilling data that demonstrate the functionality provided by Micromine 2016.

This new version also provides an optimisation charting tool that is designed to provide a simpler tool for producing charts. Previous methods for plotting and reporting data used to involve tools like Microsoft Excel and would require multiple sources of data to produce a meaningful graph.

Despite the many challenges of this system, the fact was that the outputs

from different pit optimisation scenarios needed to be plotted for interpretation and reporting.

The new tool is now capable of producing charts from a single output of the optimisation. The pit optimiser provides an option for storing its output to a pit optimisation database file which is the only input that Micromine requires to quickly create a meaningful optimisation chart. With the new tool, users can simply specify a database file and the variables that you want to plot and the most relevant variables will be provided by a dropdown option so that you don’t have to sift through irrelevant choices. There

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is also the added flexibility of plotting for specific rock types and elements as well as the option of exporting a report file to Excel.

Cross validation is another tool that has been completely overhauled with the new and improved features allowing users to validate Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) procedures as well as kriging, justify all of the estimation choices and automatically display the cross validation results in Vizex for quick and easy interrogation and interpretation.

The new cross validation tool outputs the statistics for each data

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point and the cumulative statistics are output in a report file. If users are using Kriging, the report file will include the mean and standard deviation of the data, the standard error, estimate, residual and error statistic and also the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE).

Micromine 2016 also allows for the cross validation of IDW methods.

In this method, the report file will contain the mean and standard deviation of the raw data, the estimate and the RSME. As it is not sufficient to rely solely on the statistics, Micromine 2016 also has a set of tools that can further analyse summary statistics and histograms of the estimated values, scattergrams and QQ-plots of the actual and estimated grades and error statistics.

The latest version of Micromine has provided a much simpler and streamlined way to pass block model information to another file. The new function allows users to simply assign the relevant block model attributes directly into the target file. The block model tool also supports rotation and sub-blocking and doesn’t require users to generate indices or merge files. Any of the points that fall within a given block are assigned and users can assign any number of relevant attributes to the target file including grade, dimensions, density and classification. AM

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COMMUNICATIONS

WORLD-FIRST FULLY RUGGED DETACHABLE LAPTOP PANASONIC HAVE DEVELOPED WHAT IT CALLS A WORLD FIRST IN MINING COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY.

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ith the push towards innovation a major factor in the future of the resources sector, Panasonic has continued to expand in this area with their latest Toughbook 20, the world’s first fully rugged detachable laptop.

The combined rugged tablet and notebook provides enhanced versatility and functionality for mobile workers, allowing users to increase productivity, streamline work processes, and reduce operational costs.

It is the slimmest and lightest device of its kind, the company said.

“The drive for mobility in Australian businesses continues to accelerate,” Stuart Buxton, senior product marketing manager, Toughbook, Panasonic, said.

“Users are constantly pushing the boundaries of how and where devices are used.”

Buxton added that as users are becoming increasingly aware of the true costs of consumer-grade devices failing in the field, their latest device provides lower lifetime costs.

The device has the advantages of both a laptop and tablet, with six

usage modes that make it suitable for a range of applications. As well as being used as a traditional laptop, the tablet can be detached and used by itself, or flipped 180-degrees to show content in presentation mode.

The convertible mode allows users to see the display with the keyboard attached and ready when it is needed.

Using the built-in handle, the device can operate in carry mode or hanging on a wall, while vehicle mode provides full functionality of the device when on the move. The device also has a glove-enabled touchscreen, purpose-built vehicle mount, and desktop port replicator.

The laptop is suitable for field workers that need a highly mobile computing solution and the ability to capture large amounts of data.

It is purpose-built for challenging environments, including mining and gas, emergency services, government, transport and logistics, defence, and field service. It is a versatile device for applications such as insurance assessors, fleet management and car hire, as well as maintenance and service technicians in utilities and communications.

With mobile workers being responsible for increasingly complex tasks in the field, the device offers

a set of interfaces with customisable options. It ships with Windows 10 Pro and is powered by 6th Generation Intel Core vPro processor technology.

The laptop draws upon its heritage for ruggedness with a magnesium alloy case and IP65 and MIL-STD 810G rated design, making it suitable for all outdoor usage from below zero temperatures to the height of Australia’s summer.

In addition, the latest generation of Toughbook is more mobile than its predecessors, weighing 1.76kg in notebook mode with the detachable tablet weighing 950g, below the 2kg industry standard for a device of this kind.

With its integrated handle, the device is easy and stable to use, with larger keys than the previous generation device for simple data input.

The laptop meets MIL-STD-461F for electromagnetic interference and MIL-STD-810G for drop, shock, vibration, explosive atmosphere, temperature, humidity, rain and sand, as well as waterproof and dustproof ingress (IP65). It features a magnesium alloy case, fanless design, locking port covers, raised bezel, a Solid State Drive (SSD) heater, and a built-in handle for ease of use, which also serves as a kickstand for desktop

stability and enables use while hung.

The device is designed for tough outdoor use from bright sunlight to heavy rain. It has a 10.1″, 10-finger capacitive multi-touch WUXGA screen (1920 x 1200 pixels), suitable for workers that need to operate touchscreens with gloves. The device uses the latest IPS Panel technology, providing a new level of viewing quality for tablet users working outside, with 800cd/m² brightness.

In addition, there is an optional IP55 Digitiser pen for workers that enhances accuracy when writing during tough weather conditions.

The laptop includes Intel Core m5-6Y57 vPro processor technology (4MB cache, 1.1GHz up to 2.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) with a fanless design, Intel HD Graphics 515, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD and a full Windows 10 Pro operating system with the option to downgrade to Windows 7. It has hot swap capabilities, allowing the batteries to be switched by the user while in operation. There is a battery powering the tablet and another optional battery that can be inserted into the keyboard base unit to provide double the battery capacity. The batteries can also be hot swapped between the tablet and base unit. AM IT FEATURES A MAGNESIUM ALLOY CASE AND IP65 AND MIL-STD 810G RATED DESIGN

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INNOVATION

TRANSFORMATION: THE NEXT LEVEL IN TAKING YOUR BUSINESS DIGITAL WHILE THE NOTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY MAY BE READILY UNDERSTOOD BUSINESSES – SITTING COMFORTABLY WITHIN THE REALM OF INNOVATION – THE IDEA OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS YET TO TAKE FULL FORCE, WITH MANY COMPANIES YET TO FULLY COMPREHEND AND ADOPT STRATEGIES FOR FURTHER BUSINESS SUCCESS.

T

aking Digital to the Next Level, a new study by Tech Research Australia and commissioned by Hitachi Data Systems, found that although companies have begun what they believed was digital transformation, the strategies they have implemented would not be classified as such.

While digital transformation includes strategies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things (IoT), the study found several enterprises were simply digitising traditional tasks such as CRM and CMS processes.

Speaking at the launch of the report, vice president of Hitachi Data Systems Australia and New Zealand, Nathan McGregor, explained many companies are unable to properly articulate what transformations they have underway.

He said at an event the company hosted last year with government CIOs, session chair Kevin Noonan, lead analyst for government practice at Ovum, told attendees, “If you think it’s about taking a manual paper process and putting it up on a web or making it electronic – that is not a digital transformation program – that’s digitising a process.”

The report highlighted that while most organisations say they are transforming, and understand the notion of ‘digital’, they still remain “tied up in modernising their tech foundations; often for business as usual needs”, rather than rethinking ways to do business.

“The term ‘digital’ is increasingly just become a de-facto tag for things we do with technology. and being ‘datadriven’ is another popular term being thrown around – often too liberally,” Tech Research Asia research director Trevor Clarke said.

“It is important that we don’t just pay lip service to these ideas as the value they can bring to organisations in industries of all kinds is very real.”

The study included a survey of 200 businesses and IT leaders across Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) examining how they think about digital transformation, how advanced they are in adopting it, what approaches they are taking towards

it, and the outcomes they have identified so far. It identified only 18.4 per cent “achieved considerable success” throughout their whole company when they claimed to have implemented digital transformation; meaning the vast majority have yet to take further initiative.

When respondents were asked about the main focus areas for their business in the next 12 months, research and design, or innovation, were listed in the bottom three categories along with customer acquisition in digital channels, and mergers and acquisitions.

Conversely, growing revenue, cost management, and expansion into new markets were the top priority, signalling a continued neglect of the importance of bolstering innovation.

However, shunning innovation can come at a high cost in the future as technology increasingly supports productivity and efficiency.

When it comes to the resources sector, innovation has often been heralded as a key trend, Austmine chair Christine Gibbs Stewart stating, “When we refer to innovation, we’re not simply referring to the next big invention, we are also encompassing incremental innovation, or a re-thinking of how we use equipment, technology or processes that we already have in place.”

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This view was supported by Deloitte, which highlighted innovation as a critical theme for miners particularly through the use of automated and semiautomated processes.

“Despite this dizzying array of technologies, many miners remain at the early stage of the adoption curve – placing a majority of their innovation focus on technological optimisation of old techniques in a bid to reduce costs or discover deposits more efficiently,” Deloitte said.

“To evolve, companies need to expand their innovation focus beyond technology to also consider new ways to configure and engage externally.”

One company that has taken the lead in innovation and digital transformation is Barrick Gold.

The miner recently partnered with IT mega-company Cisco to digitally reinvent their mines.

Unlike the focus of many Australian and New Zealand companies, the collaboration concentrates heavily on research and development, with their fist step of developing a flagship digital operation at the Cortez mine in Nevada, USA.

The companies plan to embed digital technology into all aspects of the mine such as sensing technology, real time operational data collection and analysis, automated equipment, and predictive algorithms to enhance the speed and safety of their operations.

With Cortez, Barrick wants to “redefine best in class mining”.

Barrick executive chairman John L. Thornton said they sought to “push the boundaries of [the] industry in entirely new ways” with this collaboration.

The digital technology will help the company improve its environmental performance by monitoring energy and water usage, as well as emissions released. Real-time data capture will also enable more transparency with the government, local indigenous groups, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

“We are going through the greatest technology and business transition ever—the digital era—which will dwarf the information era and the value of the internet to date,” John Chambers, Cisco executive chairman said.

“Any company that fails to reinvent itself by harnessing digital technology will soon be left behind.” AM

COMPANIES THAT WANT TO GROW HAD BETTER INCREASE THEIR APPETITE AND URGENCY FOR TRUE TRANSFORMATION WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME

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OCTOBER 2016

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AUTOMATION & REMOTE CONTROL

THE ENLIGHTENED PLANT – HOW AUTOMATION SYSTEMS DELIVER NEW INSIGHT TO PLANT OPERATIONS THE FINALE IN A THREE-PART SERIES EXPLORING HOW PROCESS AUTOMATION SYSTEMS CAN EVOLVE MINING PLANTS AND HELP ADDRESS THE PROCESS OPERATION CHALLENGES FACED BY MINING INDUSTRY TODAY. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S SHANE AYERST WRITES.

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rocess automation systems can enhance existing control technology. The goal is not just to inform plant personnel, but

to enlighten operational teams at all levels with context-rich information – delivering new levels of operational insight for operators, systems engineers, maintenance technicians, safety team members and managers.

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It is best practice to ensure each plant function has clear, up-todate information that enables safe, successful operation of the business.

Although each job role operates within multiple contexts, automation

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can assist process plants in areas including; production quantity and quality; reducing costs of raw materials and energy; improving plant safety and security; improving environmental integrity and regulatory compliance; and overall empowerment of the plant workforce.

As plants continue to grow and become more complex, operators are struggling with the increased workload associated with achieving these goals. More assets need to be managed under stricter operational parameters, hence more information needs to be assimilated more quickly and as a result the potential for human error increases.

Modern systems will be designed to counter the increasing gap between systemic complexity and human cognitive capability by providing the informational context to expand and amplify the ability of individuals and teams to make accurate, insightful, effective and timely data driven decisions. Critical information and suggested operational actions (and their consequences) can be displayed on mobile and wearable devices for operation from almost anywhere, at any time.

In the same way that process automation began revolutionising

AUTOMATION & REMOTE CONTROL

industrial operations over 200 years ago, cognitive automation promises to improve asset effectiveness, operational efficiency, shorten response time, reduce human error and improve safety, while ensuring that all actions are consistent with company procedures, policies and strategies.

Enhanced engineering tools

Improving the production problems based on root-cause analysis is a key role that systems engineers play while trying to increase value and manage constraints. Their work environment comprises of a large variety of systems, each of which may be from a different vendor and each of who technologies may be changing rapidly.

These engineers will utilise cognitive automation to understand these systems rapidly in order to diagnose production problems quickly and then scale immediately to make necessary improvements.

Project engineering productivity

As a priority, project engineers must always deliver new and major upgrades by a certain time and specific schedule. To do this, it is a necessity for them to understand real-time awareness of changing requirements and a need to assess the cost of the technology required.

Productivity improves when project engineers are able to access an

automated system that decouples the configuration layer from the runtime layers, enabling significant portions of the system to be configured and tested in a virtual environment that includes the ability to ‘sand box’ text a process design and / or control strategy within a variety of system configurations and environmental conditions. This increases the speed and effectiveness of project delivery by enabling engineering in the context of hypothetical future state.

Downtime control

Maintenance technicians working on minimising downtimes are also challenged with increasing volume and complexity of information.

Systems generate an unprecedented quantity of events and alarms which paradoxically make downtime more difficult to manage. Cognitive automation in the maintenance setting includes not only predictive models to avoid asset down time, but also context sensitive dashboards that assist field technicians to determine where the issue is and what they are required to do to return not to an existing production plan but instead to a new production schedule that accounts for and optimises around the unscheduled downtime event.

Security enhancement

The safety team are responsible for protecting the system against being

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infiltrated by cyber-attacks and safety breaches. As touched on in the previous feature, ‘The Protected Mining Plant – Using Automation to reduce risk to Operational Integrity’, the modern mining plant system that enhances operational integrity includes safety and hence cyber security as a key functional requirement.

By combining the process automation system and the safety system, operators will have enough information to understand how and where the emergency shutdown is being deployed throughout the plant. Cognitive automation powered systems will measure and predict the safety and cyber security risks associated with systematic changes, and will take these vital operational facets into consideration within the context of recommending actions to operational staff. Such dashboards provide context on a company’s risk profile and provide users the maximum flexibility of an integrated decision support system without jeopardizing operational safety.

Managing in context

In order for plant executives and managers to make effective onthe-spot decision-making, a future ready automation solution is required to provide an effective strategic perspective across the enterprise, facilitating better and faster business decisions. As these decisions

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could have serious impact on plant profitability, safety and security, this will enable managers to be confident that the entire plant is executing accordingly.

New Insights: The Future Proof Benefits

The majority of applications that are required to manage the future have not yet been developed or even imagined. Much like the case with smartphones or tablet apps, adherence to common object models means users can benefit from future managing applications still yet to be developed. The more closely these applications adhere to the standards, the more easily users can incorporate and benefit from them.

In the final analysis, automation is not the resolution for any issues to the internal plant system. Operators solve the problem. While a future-ready, future-proof process automation system can deliver tremendous competitive and protective benefits, the real strength of the control system is in its application, not its technology.

That application is in the hands of the people who use it.

Automation is not replacing human activity within the mining plant, however it is enlightening plant personnel with the context-rich information they need which helps them better perform their role in a safe and more productive way. AM

INDUSTRY 4.0

HOOKING YOUR FACTORY INTO INDUSTRY 4.0 THE INDUSTRY 4.0 CONCEPT HAS SLOWLY BEEN GAINING TRACTION OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, AND DESPITE ASPECTS OF IT IN USE, IT STILL HASN’T PROPERLY BEEN REALISED. MICHAEL FREYNY, EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER, DIGITAL FACTORY, SIEMENS AUSTRALIA, TOLD BRENT BALINSKI ABOUT WHERE THINGS ARE HEADING AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES.

I

saw an interesting recent survey of German and US firms, which showed they had some concerns around having the right skills to capitalise on Industry 4.0. What roles can you see becoming more important for manufacturers?

Digitalisation skills are critical. The younger people coming through are digital natives but we have generations of existing workers who will need to rapidly re-skill and retool.

Industry 4.0 sees the blurring of many lines because traditional and discrete stages from design through to manufacture are now being merged through digitalisation and modern technology. The greatest challenge will be the rapid adoption of new skills and digital tools. Then this needs to be combined with industrial knowhow. The old definition of manufacturing makes way for a new definition. This brings with it a new composition of workers and skills where you will see the person with the monkey wrench also using a computer tablet and more people being competent with computer diagnostic and other digitalisation tools.

By the year 2000, some two billion gigabytes of data had been accumulated worldwide. Today, the same volume of information is generated in a single day.

Big data is only useful if you can turn it into smart data. That requires people with incredible analytical abilities, with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The future also requires cross disciplinary collaboration to solve problems. Philanthropists Graham and Louise Tuckwell recognised this recently with Australia’s largest ever donation of $200 million to the ANU, specifically for this purpose.

The solution will come through new ways of teaching at schools which are solution-based and multi-disciplinary with a focus on STEM. We will also need new university programs that recognise the needs of future workforces and on the job learning that provides an engaging and practical approach to adopting new technologies and tools for employees needing to transition to this future.

Australia recently joined the global conversation around standardisation. What are some things that need to be addressed globally in terms of standardisation? How should our policymakers approach this?

Firstly, as a nation Australia needs to recognise that globalisation fundamentally changes our approach and we are no longer isolated. Essentially if we want Australian

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companies to be successful then they must be able to participate in global supply chains.

A German study of SMEs asked the question ‘What are the greatest challenges connected with implementing Industry 4.0?’ The highest response was ‘standardisation’. On a global level, adopting global standards is simply a ticket to the game. Unless you do this then you won’t exist.

Siemens Australia and New Zealand CEO Jeff Connolly is the chair of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce and I’m pleased to say that Standards Australia is now also part. The first working group is around standards and reference architectures.

It’s great to see that Standards Australia are connected to the German-led Plattform Industrie 4.0, which means we have an opportunity to not only align and adopt Australia’s approach, but also to make a valuable an active contribution to the future of digital networking standards globally.

If manufacturers are curious but wary, what are some places you’d advise them to examine and dip their toe in?

As a result of Industry 4.0, in the future billions of machines, systems, and sensors worldwide will communicate with each other and share information. This enables companies to make production considerably more efficient, with greater flexibility.

With Industry 4.0 the physical world is merging with the virtual world. Siemens PLM Software is used to virtually develop and test products before even a single screw is turned. Products reach the market as much as 50 per cent faster. Simulation makes this possible – often referred to as a digital twin – a virtual image of the product into which different designs of its individual components can be inserted and tested along the entire development chain. This approach was used to simulate the landing of the Mars Curiosity Rover in 2012. The landing was tested 8,000 times using Siemens PLM software.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is such a broad array of digitalisation tools that everyone from a surfboard manufacturer, Firewire Surboards, which had humble beginnings in Australia and now distributes to 40 countries, through to a hi-tech automotive manufacturer such as Maserati, which built their latest Ghibli using a digital twin. You can start small or big.

PLM is helping facilitate many competitive advantages for companies.

It allows things like rapid prototyping, system simulation, customer customisation, workforce collaboration and the ability for fully design, test and simulate not just the

INDUSTRY 4.0

product but the entire production process and value chain.

What is the role of PLM in meeting the increasing need for manufacturers to create connected products?

PLM is all about being able to connect globally, improve lead time, manage engineering and manufacturing process improvement.

This is the future of product efficiency and competition. Most companies are still managing product data and related manufacturing processes in an isolated manner.

Over the last 10-15 years, the focus of PLM and related engineering and manufacturing software products was about how to control data.

Global product engineering and manufacturing will demand a fresh look on how to manage manufacturing.

This will require a global connected approach in managing information about product manufacturing and supply chain options based on market demand and factory environments.

In a conversation we had recently with an experienced executive with a real enthusiasm for the concept, he said he saw manufacturing being “turned on its head” – an order defines the product and then the product tells the factory’s equipment what to make. Batches of one will be the rule. What do you have to say about this?

I know teenagers who customise their sports runners so they have something unique. Consumer and business demand is moving towards making a “batch of one”.

When I was at Hannover Messe last year the Siemens stand had mini perfume bottling line where you could instantaneously put a designer message via an iPad on your bottle without slowing the production line.

At our electronics and automation factory in Amberg, Germany, products already talk to the production line.

We’re already seeing this and living this at Amberg. Here we make electronics and automation equipment that other companies use to improve their own manufacturing processes.

Amberg showcases Siemens’ concept for a “digital enterprise.” The factory already employs production methods that will be the standard in many manufacturing facilities in a number of years. Products in the plant control their own assembly by directly communicating specific requirements and their next production steps via a product code to the machines.

Cosmetics manufacturer Dr. Kurt Wolff manufacture different products on one single machine. BMW in Munich have several different models on the one production line in Munich – so you can see the trend.

Do you see this accelerating current trends, such as the move towards manufacturers being more service oriented, and for a smaller and smaller proportion of the overall value being created at the point of production?

Let me give you an example of the machine tool builder company SW (Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen) in Germany. As a highly specialised medium-sized company with about 300 employees, they naturally don’t have service engineers in every country who can support customers locally. But that’s not actually necessary. Based on their Machine Tool Analytics Services, they can now provide assistance to their customers in China, the US, and elsewhere right from their base in Germany.

A deep understanding of customer needs and processes is essential in creating value. By focussing on

management and elsewhere?

There’s no doubt that people are looking for solutions here because data if used correctly gets you those percentage gains needed to have a competitive advantage. And the opportunities to improve are all around us if we only know where to look. And Siemens has been expanding and building a portfolio of solutions exactly in this area.

In March this year, Siemens announced that it is now bringing the “MindSphere – Siemens Cloud for Industry” onto the market.

MindSphere has been designed as an open ecosystem that industrial companies can use as the basis for their own digital services, such as in the fields of preventive maintenance, energy data management or resource optimisation. Machine manufacturers and plant constructors can use the

smart data, instead of only big data, engineers can “smartly” combine product know-how and process expertise with data analytics to help customers reduce unplanned downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Siemens Digital Services provides connectivity, data integration and analytics, as well as cyber security.

It can securely connect our devices and equipment anywhere in the world, thereby enabling remote monitoring and remote maintenance.

By integrating the masses of data they produce with data from other sources, such as weather forecasts or field service data, and by performing advanced analytics, Sinalytics can create new insights.

What are some trends you see in terms of exploiting data from MES, manufacturing operations

platform to monitor machine fleets for service purposes throughout the world, reduce their downtimes and consequently offer new business models. MindSphere also forms the basis for data-based services from Siemens, such as for the preventive maintenance of machine tools (Machine Tool Analytics) or integrated drive systems (Drive Train Analytics).

Are there any standout examples of what such processes can offer manufacturers? Are there any (preferably) local case studies that are worth considering?

One good example is how Dell leverages Omneo to explore billions of records and analyse millions of data combinations in under one minute with the help of data analytics. At the launch of Dell XPS13, it was noticed that the LCD was flickering on 2 of 6 demo units. Dell was able to identify

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and isolate the problem in three hours vs three days.

What opportunities do the above present to Australian manufacturers, and how should they be looking to approach them?

We should approach this fourth industrial revolution with optimism.

For the first time ever, advancements in technology are allowing Australian manufacturers to be part of a much bigger global picture. Through digitalisation technologies we can participate in global supply chains.

Also, the cost of labour becomes less and less of the equation because the real value will be in the design, engineering, process expertise and services. Many traditional roles will be automated – whether in China, Australia or anywhere else.

For a company looking at what they should do, it’s important to start at the top. Industry 4.0 transforms the entire business. The immense scope of change it brings, and the level of investment required, means that it belongs on the CEO’s agenda.

From now until 2020, German industry will invest 40 billion Euro annually in Industry 4.0 applications.

Industrial firms surveyed say they will invest, on average, 3.3 per cent of their revenues in Industry 4.0 solutions over the next five years. This corresponds to nearly 50 per cent of all planned capital investments.

This is really happening and something you should be taking urgent action on. Within five years, in Germany, over 80 per cent of companies will have digitalised their value chains. The companies expect that by 2020, 86 per cent of horizontal and 80 per cent of vertical value chains will achieve a high level of digitalisation, and will thereby be closely interconnected.

I would also recommend you try to understand the benchmark – where do you sit next to your competitors?

What technologies are being used by your competitors? What can we do immediately and what do we need to plan for?

The potential for digitalisation is high. Another thing is to understand what data are you currently capturing or able to capture and what are you doing with it? Is it enough and is there something more you can do with the data?

And on a final note, look for a technology ‘partner’ rather than seeing technology companies as a typical “vendor” relationship. We’ve found that the companies where we are proactively and deeply connected are competitive – not just locally but often globally as well.

PROSPECT AWARDS

PLATINUM SPONSOR -

THE FINALISTS FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL PROSPECT AWARDS THOSE WHO MADE THE CUT FOR THE 2016 PROSPECT AWARDS.

I

t’s time for the industry to stand up, recognise, and reward those who are excelling in Australia’s mining industry, be it through innovative processes or developments, going that extra mile, or making a difference, through their operations, in the community and the sector.

This month miners from across the country are heading to the big smoke as the industry prepares for the 14th annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

The awards dinner, to be held in Sydney, will see a total of 11 awards handed out to deserving recipients from across the mining spectrum.

Ranging from Coal Mine of the Year and Contract Miner of the Year

to Excellence in Environmental Management, the Prospect Awards aim to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in the Australian mining industry over the last year.

Group managing editor of Branko Miletic said the awards program is a great opportunity to celebrate the many achievements one of the nation’s most important industries.

“Innovation and excellence are thriving in the mining industry and these awards will showcase the companies and individuals achieving great success,” Miletic said.

Australian Mining, with platinum sponsor MMD, looks forward to seeing you all there to celebrate the very best of mining of and innovation in the resources sector. AM

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PROSPECT AWARDS

INNOVATION THROUGH EXPERIENCE Established in 1978, MMD designed and patented the innovative Twin Shaft MINERAL SIZER™. To equal the performance of the Sizer, MMD has also developed a robust range of Heavy Duty Apron Plate Feeders, providing an ideal foundation to produce the worlds most efficient and reliable In-Pit Sizing and Conveying (IPSC) solutions.

A global team of design, sales and maintenance specialists are situated to work in partnership with customers and provide tailored solutions for each application. With local hands-on support and technical expertise MMD ensures your system continues to deliver optimum performance and efficiency.

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

Tel: 1300SIZERS

email: sizers@mmdaus.com.au

For more information please visit WWW.MMDSIZERS.COM

Proud sponsors of

PROSPECT AWARDS

COMMUNITY INTERACTION Downer Mining/Stanwell – Meandu Mine

Downer Mining and Stanwell have been recognised for their contribution to the community through the Meandu coal mine.

According to the two, the Meandu Mine is stitched into the fabric of the local community.

At Meandu Mine, the progressive relationship between Downer Mining and Stanwell is carried over into mine staff’s efforts in integrating with their host community.

It indirectly employs people from local Australian Disability Enterprises to launder work wear, manufacture blast pegs and provide catering for work functions and recruits local Aboriginal trainees as often as possible.

Stanwell and Downer both research and cross-check applications to ensure sponsorships and grants result in maximum community benefit.

Examples include seed funding for events that subsequently raise significant funds for beneficiaries such as Cancer Council Queensland, RACQ Careflight and the Mayor’s Community Benefit Fund.

Meandu also developed a program to educate young drivers about the risks of fatigue and the use of alcohol or other drugs. With police help, it delivers the program annually to four local high schools.

Glencore: Clermont Coal Mine – Mates in Mining

Clermont Coal is Australia’s first mine to pilot a new program called ‘Mates In Mining’ (MIM) which is modelled off ‘Mates In Construction’, and aimed at raising awareness of the extent and impact of suicide and mental health and demonstrating best practice towards suicide prevention.

MIM is designed around the idea that ‘suicide is everyone’s business’ and therefore, everyone within the business must play an integral role.

The program is based on data collection, through conducting surveys at the commencement, during and at the finalisation of the program; training, consisting of general awareness for the entire workforce to recognise warning signs and provide support, and applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST) as well as total support, from MIM Field Officers and the MIM 24/7 hotline at any time.

The perceived benefits of MIM can be seen as risk reduction and recovery promotion. Clermont Coal envisions a positive cultural shift towards changing negative thoughts,

beliefs and attitudes and increasing the ability of anyone with problems to seek help early and for peers to recognise the signs to intervene and offer support more confidently.

More importantly, the MIM model can be easily applied universally and will set the foundation for the mining industry by addressing the lack of data within the sector.

secure a new opportunity.

Its aim is to provide effective ‘employment life-cycle management solutions to clients through relationship direction and business understanding; in order to be the central ‘HUB’ in providing career development, recruitment, human resources, training and associated managed services.

in employing locally, with up to 40 per cent of its employees Collinsville locals, while 30 per cent live within the local council area.

It also supports the community by engaging local tradesmen for all grounds and maintenance work, and purchasing hardware locally.

Morris is Collinsville’s Meals on

It aids people in setting up a LinkedIn Profile and how to become comfortable using this and other social media platforms for the purpose of employment opportunities, as well as aiding in receiving job alerts so that the individual is one of the first to hear of potential roles suitable to their skills set, qualifications and experience, as well as how to negotiate with banks and creditors to ensure they don’t panic and sell assets if there is no need, mitigating additional stress and not only supporting the individual, but with options to support the entire family going through redundancy.

Wheels service provider, serving three meals a day to 10 clients.

Although Morris is a mining contractor, it took this work on as the previous provider, aged care facility Hillside Haven, was closing.

Morris was also one of the corporate sponsors for the Pit Pony Experience, which included a life size bronze pit pony statue, a donor’s wall, merchandise, and an app.

This was to promote Collinsville as the Pit Pony capital of Australia, to help the small community diversify its reliance on the mining economy to tourism as well.

Additionally, as part of the Collinsville Regional Exchange (REX) Program - started 3 years ago – James Cook University (Townsville), in partnership with QCoal, offers their students the opportunity to gain practical experience living and working in a regional rural community with no out-of-pocket cost for food or accommodation, Morris offered to provide free accommodation and meals for the students. AM

Glencore: Mt Isa Mines – AQMI Tools

The copper and zinc ores mined at Mount Isa Mines contain sulphur, which release sulphur dioxide (SO2) when processed.

To reduce its impact on the Mount Isa community its 24-hour Air Quality Control Centre (AQC) provides the most intensive air quality monitoring systems of any city in Australia. AQC works both predictively and reactively to minimise impacts on our community and ensure compliance with regulatory limits.

To warn the community of emerging weather patterns which may present an SO2 risk, Mt Isa Mines created industry-leading online tools providing open and transparent information on our air quality and SO2 management.

The free AQMI (Air Quality Mount Isa) smartphone app presents real time data updated every five minutes from the mine’s monitoring systems.

The AQMI online portal provides comprehensive information on its SO2 management practices and procedures and real time air quality performance based on hourly, daily and annual results.

Additionally, they deliver presentations to schools and child care centres, host twice-yearly Community Information Sessions, have an Air Quality in Mount Isa brochure, and a 24 hour Community Feedback Hotline.

THE Resources HUB – Redundancy Rescue

Last year when many individuals within the resources sector were being made redundant, those in particular that often worked for the one company their entire career, it was noticed many within the industry didn’t have the basic skills required to be able to apply for a new opportunity, let alone know exactly how to go about doing that.

‘Redundancy Rescues’ aim is to take the stress out of redundancy and to assist those going through the process navigate the unexpected and challenging journey that is often faced during such a situation, in order for the individual to quickly and effectively be ready to apply and AUSTRALIANMINING

Morris Corporation

Morris is committed to assisting the communities in which it operates, through forging partnerships that provide real outcomes for the community.

The Morris owned and operated village in Collinsville, Queensland, sees it providing support to the community whenever possible. The past year has seen Morris participating

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PROSPECT AWARDS

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CONTRACT MINER OF THE YEAR BGC – Collaborative Contracting

Established in 1992, BGC Contracting has grown from humble beginnings to become Australia’s largest privately owned mining and construction company and leading player in the provision of diversified services across the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors.

Even before the iron ore price collapsed, BGC Contracting embarked on a process with longstanding client, Cliffs Natural Resources, to find a more sustainable way of working at Cliff’s Koolyanobbing mine than the ‘costplus’ model which incentivised contractors to keep costs high.

Together they designed a new, collaborative contracting model which incentivised both parties to work smarter and reduce costs.

They began with Project One integrating their respective management and engineering teams. While Project One was initially established to improve safety, broader opportunities for operational efficiencies very quickly became evident.

This integrated team developed “Target 55”, an ambitious program to sustainably cut $55M from Cliff’s operating costs over three years.

Efficiencies were found at every stage: switching from FIFO to DIDO reduced commute expenditure by 60 per cent per year with little impact on travel times; the mining project was re-optimised; energy savings were realised with a move to solar-LED lighting; truck and train-loading were maximised – driving down waste in transport costs; the list goes on, and the results speak for themselves.

Approximately $100M was saved over three years, almost twice the original target. BGC Contracting cut its own operating costs by almost 40 per cent. Cliffs’ annual operating costs were reduced significantly in line with BGC’s, ensuring the project’s sustainability through the lowest iron-ore price cycle in more than a decade. At the same time, production improved by six per cent and most pleasingly, the original purpose was achieved, with safety improving by a 60 per cent.

Importantly, these results reflect a long-term, collaborative approach, and a sustainable and innovative way of doing business marking a new level of maturity in contract mining.

Unsurprisingly, Cliffs extended BGC Contracting’s services for Koolyanobbing’s remaining life of mine to 2022.

Downer – Meandu mine

According to Downer, the single greatest success story of Meandu is its people, who are the epitome of dependability, old school hard work and success.

“We mine, we maintain and we make miracles happen every day,” the contractor stated.

“Our people exceed expectations in both availability and utilisation everyday with 2016 results averaging 82 per cent against a target of 80 per cent.”

The mine’s 33 year old 1370W dragline achieved a five per cent increase in volume for the year, attaining 18 million BCM. By focusing on the value chain of mining processes this led to a productivity increase of three per cent.

Downer’s drillers reduced operating costs by more than 35 per cent and increased productivity by the same factor through a long term penetration rate improvement program.

Its blast crew is currently trialling forefront loading techniques with the intent to increase downstream productivities and eliminate the social and environmental impact of noxious gases.

“As a whole, our site is unique AUSTRALIANMINING

because of our people, our culture and our values which are ingrained as underlying life ethics. We carve our own path of success through relationships, productivity improvements and the sheer tenacious will to be the best at what we do,” Downer said.

“We are mates, we are family and we take care of each other at work and at home.

“It’s all about being part of MeAndU.”

TEAM Group – Anglo American

TEAM is an engineering contractor, specialising in project management for construction and maintenance projects.

Through strong project management, TEAM was able to plan and execute the transport of the RE041 Main Girder 1 from Mackay Harbour to Grosvenor Mine safely, with reduced costs and minimal disruptions TEAM Group completed the erection of two stackers and two reclaimers at Anglo American’s new Grosvenor Mine near Moranbah.

The works were completed between September 2014 and April 2016 with a total number of man hours in excess of 300,000 with no Lost Time

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Injuries for TEAM employees and subcontractors and over 670 critical lifts undertaken.

The four machines were manufactured in China and shipped to Mackay by sea. TEAM’s scope of works began at the Port of Mackay with the receiving of the components off the ships, organising storage and transporting the components to site in the required sequence for construction.

Initially the project experienced some delays largely due to manufacturing and design issues which required rectification on site. TEAM was able to recover the schedule through effective project management which included creating an integrated delivery team consisting of Anglo, Hatch and TEAM conducting planning sessions together. Utilising Agile Project Management, Lean Construction principles and the use of pull planning methods supervisors, employees and sub-contractors were responsible for planning and were also accountable for outcomes.

This combination of processes and procedures produced an outstanding result able to be adapted to other projects regardless of size, scope or duration. AM

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CONTRIBUTION TO MINING Todd Fielding

Todd Fielding has been nominated for the Contribution to Mining award for assisting clients in Research and Development in the mining industry for more than 18 years.

Fielding has primarily focused on the need to assist exploration and mining companies in claiming R&D government funding and R&D tax rebates, promoting an increased level of awareness of innovation in the Australian mining industry.

Fielding started his career as a qualified geomatic engineer/surveyor at Clement and Reid Surveyors (now known as Project Surveyors). As a surveyor, he noted a clear reluctance by industry towards accountants and the lack of awareness of potential financial opportunities to companies.

Fielding then joined the business services sector through KPMG to bridge the gap between the technical minds of mining industry and the business services sector. He worked at KPMG for 13 years, growing to understand the challenges miners faced and questioning the thinking of fellow engineers as to the definition of R&D. He then pursued his passion for geology and innovation in the mining industry by assuming the role

of Energy and Resources Industry expert and a partner of R&D Tax at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for the past five years, a position he still holds today.

Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart has been nominated for the Contribution to Mining award for her involvement in the mining industry. In 1992 she became executive chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group, turning the company from considerable difficulties into a mining enterprise with major projects across Australia.

Rinehart has been involved in creating three major mines, recently completing the Roy Hill project in WA’s Pilbara region. The mine, reaching its capacity of 55Mtpa next year, is Australia’s largest iron ore mining project ever to be built, spanning over 20 years in the making.

The mine’s journey to development is made all the more significant due to the amount of resistance Rinehart faced in the very early stages, where it was recommended unanimously not to progress. The company had more than 4,000 obligations and conditions to manage before construction commenced, and even

AUSTRALIANMINING

more post construction. After all of the obstacles, it is an amazing feat for Rinehart to get the site in the position it is today.

The Roy Hill project has provided employment opportunities and revenue and to encourage investment.

To date, it has spent over 38 million hours, with approximately 50,000 people being involved with the project.

Roy Hill loaded its first shipment of ore for export on 10 December 2015 and has since loaded multiple shipments to its key markets in China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan, further reinforcing Rinehart’s contribution to the mining industry.

Graeme Truder

Graeme Truder has been nominated for the Contribution to Mining aware for his unwavering passion and belief in his Micromine’s products and services.

His commitment has driven the company’s consistent growth from a small company he founded in 1986 with one product and two staff, to a global mining software solutions, used at more than 2,000 sites in over 90 countries.

Prior to 1986 Truder was a partner in Geometra a firm of land and

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hydrographic surveyors, based in Sydney, with operations throughout South East Asia and New Zealand.

He has been involved personally with exporting Australian expertise and technology for over 40 years.

Truder’s greatest achievement has been successfully identifying and developing markets which present Micromine with exporting opportunities.

He also pioneered the introduction of western mining technology and modelling standards into emerging markets previously under command economies with limited computerisation.

Due mainly to Truder’s efforts, those markets have standardised on Micromine products and have contributed to Australia’s reputation as the leading supplier of mining technology and services globally.

Truder has successfully steered the company, now in its 30th year, into the leading privately owned mining software company in the world, providing innovative software solutions that span the breadth of the mining cycle, from geological exploration and data management, to resource estimation, mine design, planning and production control. AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

Regardless of what challenges lie ahead, we see a bright future for the industry.

Getting there will mean going further, trying harder and thinking smarter. Here at BGC Contracting, we call this 110%, and it is the ongoing level of commitment

that drives every member of our team.

We are going the extra mile to deliver for Australia’s leading resources companies to help them succeed during these tough times. If you are ready for this kind of partnership, we are ready to give it 110%.

LEADERS IN MINING AND CIVIL CONTRACTING Perth (08) 9260 2300

Brisbane (07) 3119 0900

Whyalla (08) 8647 8411

Sydney (02) 8404 4281

WWW.BGC.CC

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COAL MINE OF THE YEAR

Downer/ Stanwell – Meandu mine

The single greatest success story of Meandu is its people, who are the epitome of dependability, old school hard work and success, Downer believes.

“We mine, we maintain and we make miracles happen every day.”

According to the company, its people exceed expectations in both availability and utilisation everyday with 2016 results averaging 82 per cent against a target of 80 per cent.

Despite its age, the coal mine’s 33-year old 1370W dragline managed to achieve a five per cent increase in volume for the year, attaining 18 million BCM. “By focusing on the value chain of mining processes this led to a productivity increase of three per cent,” the miner said.

“Our drillers reduced operating costs by more than 35 per cent and increased productivity by the same factor through a long term penetration rate improvement program.”

Meandu mine’s blast crew is currently trialling forefront loading techniques with the intent to increase our downstream productivities and eliminate our social and environmental impact of noxious gases.

“As a whole, our site is unique because of our people, our culture and our values which are ingrained as underlying life ethics. We carve our own path of success through relationships, productivity improvements and the sheer tenacious will to be the best at what we do.”

Glencore – Clermont mine

The Clermont mine is an open Cut AUSTRALIANMINING

operation, that was officially opened in 2010 and is located 12 km North West of the township of Clermont in Central Queensland.

The deposit was found in 1978, surprising exploration companies who were looking for gold in the area. Construction of the mine and associated infrastructure started in 2007, and the first shipment of coal was delivered in April 2010.

The low Run of Mine strip ratio (3.2:1) and minimal processing (90 per cent coal does not require washing) combined with the high quality coal, means the mine has a first quartile margin position in the seaborne thermal coal market.

After processing at Clermont, coal is transported by an overland conveyor to the stockpile and rail loading facilities at the nearby Blair Athol mine. The coal is exported primarily through the

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Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

When the mine reaches full capacity it will produce up to 12.2 million tonnes of thermal coal with relatively low ash and sulphur using a truck and shovel method across the 35-40 metre Wolfgang seam, for international markets.

The deposit holds 177 million tonnes of thermal coal, and the mine has an expected life of 17 years.

The mine recently instituted a social awareness program designed to help fight suicide rates in the mining industry.

“Clermont Coal envisions a positive cultural shift towards changing negative thoughts, beliefs and attitudes and increasing the ability of anyone with problems to seek help early and for peers to recognise the signs to intervene and offer support more confidently.” AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

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HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR Evolution Mining - Mt Rawdon mine

Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon gold mine has been nominated for Hard Rock Mine of the Year for its commitment to mining as well as safety.

Evolution owns and operates seven gold mines throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Group gold production for FY16 reached 803,476 ounces at an All-in Sustaining Cost of A$1,014 per ounce, representing a new annual production and AISC record for Evolution.

After a string of serious incidents, the last being a worker sustaining a hand injury, the company halted operations to find a solution.

Company leaders spoke to all workers who were on site, reminding them that if they had any safety concerns the company was not afraid to stop operations and listen to those involved.

All work areas were stopped at different times, with each group of workers encouraged to provide feedback on why serious incidents were occurring.

Responses ranged from lack of accountability to the perception of time restraints (rushing). This led to the development of small group commitment sessions, where employees discussed personal safety commitments workers would like themselves and the whole site to commit to.

The site Safety Committee then selected the 10 best safety commitments – five for workers, and five for managers and superintendents – to be implemented throughout the site.

The company also began a program to train site safety representatives in conducting value added peer on peer safety interactions, to further reinforce safety on site.

from discovery in April 2009 through resource drill-out, feasibility, financing and construction and development – just over three years from discovery drill-hole to first production – has set new benchmarks for the efficient development of resources in Western Australia.

Commencing with an initial 2-year open pit mining operation which was completed in April 2013, the DeGrussa operation is based on a long-term underground mine delivering sulphide ore to an on-site 1.5Mtpa concentrator.

The underground mine plan comprises over 38km of lateral development, allowing for the simultaneous extraction of ore from multiple faces, on multiple lenses.

Having four deposits gives Sandfire a strategic advantage from an underground mining perspective – providing production flexibility and enabling it to maintain consistent ore production of 1.5Mtpa through the decline.

The mine will produce up to 300,000 tonnes of high-grade copper concentrate annually.

It has also been recognised for its innovative $40 million DeGrussa Solar Project, which was successfully commissioned at the site in June 2016. Covering a total area of over 20 hectares, it is the largest integrated off-grid solar and battery storage facility in Australia and, reportedly, the world.

The project comprises 34,080 solar PV panels with a single-axis tracking system mounted on 4,700 steel posts.

This enables the panels to track the sun during the day, improving the

plant’s overall performance.

The panels are connected via an extensive network of low-voltage, high-voltage and communication cables to a 6MW lithium-ion battery storage facility and the existing 19MW diesel-fired power station at the site.

The solar facility has been integrated with the diesel-fired power station, continuing to provide base-load power to the DeGrussa mine with sufficient minimum load to ensure it can respond quickly to meet the power requirements of the process plant and underground mine.

The solar project will supply around 20 per cent of the annual power requirements of the mine and cut its emissions by around 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, a reduction of around 15 per cent based on its reported emissions for FY2016.

Newmarket Gold - Fosterville mine

Fosterville Gold mine has been nominated for Hard Rock Mine of the Year as it is the largest gold producer in Victoria. Owned by Newmarket Gold, the mine has delivered consecutive quarters of improved operational results over the past twelve months through an increasing grade profile and improved metallurgical recoveries.

The mine utilises a world-leading BIOX system in the concentrator to improve recoveries. It continues to benefit from the newly discovered, high grade, visible gold-bearing, Eagle Fault zone and East Dipper mineralisation, which contributed to a 27 per cent year-over-year increase

Sandfire Resources - DeGrussa mine

The DeGrussa copper gold mine is nominated for Hard Rock Mine of the Year for its output and environmental contribution.

The DeGrussa copper gold mine, located 900km north-east of Perth in Western Australia, is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s premier, highgrade copper mines. Construction and development of the Project was completed on time and on budget during 2012 at a total cost of approximately $400 million.

DeGrussa’s remarkable progress AUSTRALIANMINING

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in mill feed grade to a record 7.50 g/t gold in Q2 2016.

A continued focus on process improvements was also demonstrated during this quarter, with a record mill recovery of 90.8 per cent due to the successful commissioning of the new gravity circuit, to further improve recovery rates.

Additionally, Fosterville poured its one millionth ounce of gold at the start of 2016, representing over 11 years of safe and continuous operations while maintaining an excellent safety record.

Fosterville has achieved significant exploration success to date and remains focused on expanding mineral reserves and establishing additional mining fronts to increase the production profile and mine life.

Hancock Prospecting - Roy Hill mine

The Roy Hill Project has been nominated for Hard Rock Mine of the Year for working to become the fourth largest iron ore produces in Australia.

The $10 billion project was constructed using the largest ever project financing for the development of a land-based mining project. It comprised greenfield engineering, procurement and construction of an iron ore mine, processing plant, 344km railway, two-berth port and enabling infrastructure in the Pilbara and a state-of-the-art Remote Operations Centre in Perth. Roy Hill is set to become the fourth largest iron ore producer and exporter in Australia.

A 55mtpa constraint on the export volume through Port Hedland has focused the business on margin improvement rather than incremental tonnage increases.

Innovation, automation, and smart design will maintain Roy Hill’s competitiveness compared to higher cost operations that may be more susceptible to commodity market fluctuations.

The project delivered a betterthan-industry safety performance, with no time lost to industrial action, and remained within the budget set in the Bankable Feasibility Study.

Ramp-up to full production is also on schedule.

The mine will create around 2000 direct jobs, earn approximately $3bn in annual export revenue (at US$55/ tonne), and is predicted to generate $17bn in taxes and royalties during the 25-year mine life. AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

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EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Columbus Group - Mine the Best, Leave the Rest

Columbus Group is nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for their ‘Mine the Best, Leave the Rest’ strategy.

The poor mining practices of a rich epithermal gold deposit in the Solomon Islands have created a potential environmental threat for some 8000 people down river of a ‘mine all’ open cut mine. The site has left a tailings dam that threatens to fail in a region that receives up to 3m of rainfall a year.

Epithermal gold is found in thin and very rich gold seams linked to the cracks in past volcanic action. By using several maneuverable forensic exploration tools that can assay the deposit in real time and cut and lift gold rich slurries to the surface for simplified processing, the ‘Mine the Best, Leave the Rest’ strategy is both highly profitable and environmentally sustainable.

Pronal - Vari-Plug inflatable pipe stoppers

Pronal is nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for their Vari-Plug inflatable pipe stoppers.

The stoppers are designed for rapid and safe deployment in testing and maintenance of concrete, steel and cast iron pipes used throughout the mining and energy industry.

The inflatable, multi-size stoppers – which can fit diameters between 451200mm – feature a flexible and strong vulcanised construction that molds into the inside circumference of pipelines as the stoppers are pressurised, providing complete tightness and high safety.

The stoppers are suitable for preventing spills into the environment from damaged pipes, repair of pipeline sections and as an intervention to prevent leaks. They can also be used in testing air and water pressure, locating leaks, and can allow the injection of chemicals into a pipeline.

External surfaces can be customised to particular needs, such as exposure to gas or petroleum products, or where long term installation is required.

The two modular Smith and Loveless FAST systems produce an effluent water quality class of A, meaning the water can be recycled for processes around mine sites.

The successful installation at a particular mine (which cannot be named for commercial confidentiality reasons) follows previous successful installations worldwide at remote locations such as mining and energy installations, and commercial and recreational facilities operating in areas that may water quality issues.

The system is suitable for remote projects as it can be built into standard shipping containers.

The plant arrives on site essentially as a complete system requiring only a concrete pad and some relatively minor mechanical and electrical works. Class A effluent is achieved by the addition of a filter and UV sterilisation after the FAST system.

Columbus Group - Tailing dam wall stabilisation Columbus Group has been nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for their ability to reinforce new and

existing tailing dam walls with a fast to install 3D matrix of fibre filled resins. Tailings Dam Wall Stabilisation System involves two Columbus 3D down-the-hole drill/ cut/print systems that can retro-build a wall reinforcement interconnected special support matrix, and a third system can knit the matrices together with appropriate wrapping software management.

These incorporate stress and seismic sensors to monitor the rebuilt walls in real time so any potential weaknesses from post design impacts of climate change, ground movement, and storm damage can be minimised and/ or avoided. This provides benefits not only for the mine, but for local communities, the environment, and investors as well.

The system is able to help rebuild remaining and failed sea walls, like that of the 2014 Mt Gibson sea wall failure at Koolan Island which caused flooding of about 2km of workings and directly affected some 350 workers.

Hancock Prospecting - Roy Hill mine The Roy Hill Project has been

nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for implementing multiple environmental management initiatives on site.

To minimise impact to mangroves on site, the overland conveyor was built using an innovative aboveground traveller methodology. Piles were driven into the ground using a crane on a platform followed by installation of road trusses, precast panels and conveyor modules.

Once the process of installation was completed, the platform winched forward incrementally saving 85 per cent of the mangrove clearing allocation approved by the EPA. The site implemented an SMS/ email dust alert system to minimise impacts on the community.

The company also conducted a survey, trapping, and translocation program to mitigate construction impacts on significant fauna; completing 13,576ha of fauna surveys. A 2,000ha rehabilitation program returned threatened species habitat within a short timeframe,with monitoring proving that Spinifex Hopping Mice are already using rehabilitated sites for foraging and habitat.

Sandfire Resources – DeGrussa Solar Project

Sandfire Resources has been nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for successfully commissioning the $40 million DeGrussa Solar Project at the DeGrussa copper gold mine in June 2016. Covering a total area of over 20 hectares, it is the largest integrated off-grid solar and battery storage facility in Australia and, reportedly, the world.

The project comprises 34,080 solar PV panels with a single-axis tracking system mounted on 4,700 steel posts.

The panels are connected via an extensive network of low-voltage, high-voltage and communication cables to a 6MW lithium-ion battery storage facility and the existing 19MW diesel-fired power station at the site. The solar facility has been integrated with the diesel-fired power station, continuing to provide baseload power to the DeGrussa mine.

The solar project will supply around 20 per cent of the annual power requirements of the mine and cut its emissions by around 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. AM

CST Water Solutions - Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment

CST Water Solutions is nominated for Excellence in Environmental Management for the Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment (FAST) Wastewater Treatment System for major QLD resources companies.

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PROSPECT AWARDS

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PROSPECT AWARDS

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MINERALS PROCESSING OF THE YEAR Magotteaux - Pulp chemistry monitor

Magotteaux is nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year for partnering with Manta Controls to develop the Pulp Chemistry Monitor (PCM).

As the most common separation process used in mining is flotation, the efficiency of this separation relies heavily on getting the chemistry right, which is often difficult to measure and interpret.

To address this, the PCM measures the pulp chemistry of critical process streams in real time, optimising metallurgical performance. The system’s capabilities arise from a combination of a fully integrated communication and high-level control functions developed by the company.

Manufactured in Adelaide, the PCM is exported globally for integration into a range of mineral processing facilities to aid productivity and increase profitability.

Columbus Group - Cyclone separators

The Columbus Group is nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year for their cyclone separators.

Cyclone separators in principle work fine, but the need for greater efficiency, flexibility of operation and minimum downtime somewhat stimulated by the availability of new technologies like 3D printers, highlights the focus on where gains

might be achieved.

These should balance a range of factors including varying cyclone feed densities, changing slurry viscosities, and a wide range of operating pressures.

What makes it all possible, is an ACTIVE cyclone package with four sets of specialised 3D printers, capable of producing changing shapes and material blends from a mix of ceramics, and new generation steelaluminium alloys, with the addition of nickel to overcome the many brittleness issues.

By using new generation Mems (micro electromechanical sensors), the analysis software to control the 3D printers, and the mix of printed material combinations, then most aspects of an efficient cyclone operation are achieved in test R&D operations.

Cut to Size Plastics - Plastic split plummer blocks

Cut To Size Plastics has been nominated for the Minerals Processing of the Year Award for their engineered plastic split plummer blocks. These are suitable for use where mines want to minimise disruptions to production caused by bearing replacement and traditional bearing failure.

They are used in conveyors and other materials handling equipment to avoid production losses by using

AUSTRALIANMINING

quickly installed split plummer blocks, enabling equipment to remain functional and online until scheduled maintenance.

The light, easily handled, and self-lubricating split blocks can be precision machined from polyurethane and other engineering grade plastics for diverse materials handling applications.

Engineering grade polyurethane bearings, with a shore hardness of 75D, provide a suitable interim or long life solution that is cost effective and saves time.

Polyurethane split plummer blocks – which are designed for quick removal and installation – provide advantages including tear and weather resistance and noise abatement.

Columbus Group – Tailings dam wall stability

Columbus Group has been nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year for their capability to reinforce new and existing tailing dam walls with a fast to install 3D matrix of fibre filled resins.

Two Columbus 3D down-the-hole drill/cut/print systems can retro-build a wall reinforcement interconnected special support matrix, and a third system can knit the matrices together with appropriate wrapping software management.

These incorporate stress and seismic sensors to monitor the rebuilt

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walls in real time so any potential weaknesses from post design impacts of climate change, ground movement, and storm damage can be minimised and/or avoided.

This provides benefits not only for the mine, but for local communities, the environment, and investors as well.

Chute Technology - Diffused buffer bin loader

Chute Technology has been nominated for the Minerals Processing of the Year award for their diffused buffer bin loader.

The technology is designed for bulk materials conveyor chute systems and uses a diffused loader to distribute incoming feed more evenly over a greater surface area of stockpiles in the bins, instead of concentrating it onto one large inefficient cone-shaped peak.

A major benefit of the increased bin capacity is that when it is applied to ship loading systems, the in-feed conveyor system from the stockpile can be operated continuously to fill the bin, while the out-feed conveyors run for more time with coal on the belt to service the ship loader at the berth.

The system improves the buffering time between reclaim operations and ship loading operations to allow more efficient ship loading. AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION Made from composite material comprising five different polymers, the system is designed to operate in low voltage, dirty, wet, and demanding environments, and meets appropriate mining safety requirements.

No Bolt Operations – Tracked Conveyor Platform

No Bolt Operations is nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award for its Tracked Conveyor Platform.

The rail mounted platform straddles the conveyor and uses the existing rail to provide safe coverage to around 400m of conveyor. Sitting on custom bogie wheels, the structure spans 7m, is more than 4m high, and measures 5m long. It consists of two working platforms specifically designed for the installation and removal of idlers.

Weighing 2000kg, it only requires 18N of force to move the platform.

Pulse Mining Systems – Operational Mine Analytics Suite

Pulse Mining Systems is nominated for Innovative Mining Solution category for its Pulse Mining Operational Mine Analytics Product Suite.

These mobile-device friendly, smart visualisation products each have a specific value focus across the mining cycle and facilitate a starting point to first identify issues and then diagnose and drive decisions that directly impact KPIs – helping maximise productivity and operational effectiveness.

Caterpillar - Command for Dozing

Caterpillar is nominated as the Innovative Mining Solution for its Command for Dozing: SemiAutonomous Tractor System – the world first semi-autonomous tractor system. Through the application of smart sensors, rugged computing, and intelligent algorithms, the tractor is capable of operating largely autonomously, to the point that a single operator can manage up to four machines.

Enerpac – Enerpac Doctor

Enerpac is nominated for the Innovative Mining Solution award for developing a mobile hydraulic health check service, Enerpac Doctor, to ensure high-pressure hydraulic technology is operating at optimum safety and efficiency. The service is performed with a fully equipped service ute and is designed to go onsite and test tools (up to 700 bar of hydraulic pressure) to ensure they are in good operating health.

Flexco – Advanced Cartridge Primary Cleaner

Flexco is nominated as the Innovative Mining Solution for its H-Type Enhanced Service Advantage Cartridge Primary Cleaner (ESAC) with Portable Air Tensioning System.

The ESAC is the first cartridge cleaner available for head pulleys and allows the removal of blade cartridges without the need to remove the complete assembly pole or brackets from the conveyor. The PAT Air Tensioner uses compressed air to provide constant blade-to-belt pressure, ensuring the best cleaning capability.

H and B Mining – Streamline Conveyor Transfer Design

H and B Mining is nominated for Innovative Mining Solution award for its Streamline Conveyor Transfer Design which enhances access for conveyor maintenance. It includes features designed to minimise dust emissions and conveyor spillage, such as hinged dust covers have a labyrinth seal, and a segmented EMS conveyor AUSTRALIANMINING

skirt system that allows liners to be changed or adjusted externally.

Komatsu – INSITE Fleet Management

Komatsu is nominated as the Innovative Mining Solution for its INSITE Fleet Management Centre which integrates real-time machine monitoring data, parts and component condition monitoring, machine diagnostics, productivity and utilisation trends, and industry parameters. By combining all this data in a central location, the company is able to increase production, efficiency and machine use, while lowering costs of materials moved.

MTi Group – Blastshield blast hole lining

MTi Group is nominated as an Innovative Mining Solution for its Blastshield blast hole lining system.

The system is designed to overcome problems associated with blasting on mines in situations where blast holes exhibit high levels of moisture or voids.

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RCT – Independent Guidance solution

RCT is nominated for Innovative Mining Solution for its ControlMaster Independent Guidance underground automation mining solution. The machine navigates itself through an underground drive to its intended destination, automatically controlling machine steering, braking, and speed.

This is teamed together with laser technology which keeps the machine on the path of the drive, avoiding walls and obstacles.

Scott Automation & Robotics – ROBOFUEL system

Scott Automation & Robotics is nominated for Innovative Mining Solution award for the Mining Robotic Refuelling System ROBOFUEL. The system features the latest vision sensing and detection technologies to locate the position and orientation of the truck’s fuel tank. It provides accurate, safe, and autonomous refuelling of mine trucks, minimising fuel spillages and increasing production. AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

MANAGER OF THE YEAR Shane Sutton: Maintenance Manager - Meandu Mine

Shane Sutton has a maintenance trade background and commenced with Downer in 2010 as a Maintenance Supervisor, however his ability to grow and take on bigger challenges was quickly recognised and his career with Downer progressed and he was appointed to Maintenance Manager at Meandu Mine in early 2014.

Due to Sutton’s inclusive and participative leaderships style has influenced a positive cultural change within his maintenance department.

The team cohesiveness is evident as Sutton works closely with his team leaders and is very approachable and engages with employees one on one when on the workshop floor, crib rooms and such, this has allowed him the opportunity to mitigate potential issues at a ground level in a

number of instances.

Sutton and his maintenance team have had had a number of significant achievements in their areas with innovation ideas and safety process improvements, providing safer and more effective / efficient work practices and processes. The good interdepartmental relationships with the Mining Manager and operations team and the flexibility to support operations needs as and when required has seen increased machine availability.

Sutton is an advocate for men’s health and with his sporting background extended his mentoring support to within the community, recently volunteering his time to the Clontarf Academy students in some competitive football challenges.

Clontarf Academy operates from Kingaroy State High School

AUSTRALIANMINING

providing educational outcomes for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The purpose of the challenge was to connect students with local role models.

Sutton has built a good rapport with everyone that he works with and is well respected by all, he is a credit to the team and the business.

Neil Hassett: CHPP Manager – Mt Owen mine

Neil Hassett is currently the CHPP Manager of the Mt Owen CHPP and has dedicated the past 14 years to this operation.

Prior to his promotion to Mt Owen he worked at Bulga CHPP (another Glencore operation) for 14 years where held the roles of fitter, planner and supervisor.

Not only has Hassett been a dedicated employee of Glencore, he

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has also been a manager with a high degree of empathy for those people that report to him.

There are numerous anecdotes of Hassett responding to employee personal matters that go far beyond what his role is and is often referred to as “Dad” by the younger generation as he treats employees as family.

He has been a great advocate of maintenance and reliability for the CHPP and there are many contractors that come to Mt Owen and say, “It’s one of the best maintained CHPP’s and a great place to work.”

Hassett is described by his peers as one of the true characters of the mining industry and after 37 years in the industry and at 63 years of age is still a key contributor to the business.

There is a joke on site that “he has forgotten more than many have learnt about leadership”. AM

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PROSPECT AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY, OH&S TEAM Group – Stacker & Reclaimer project

TEAM Group is nominated for this award for securing no lost time injuries during the construction of two stackers and two reclaimers at Anglo American’s Grosvenor Mine in Queensland.

The works were completed between September 2014 and April 2016 with a total of approximately 300,000 man hours in onsite and offsite works.

Downer Mining – Dozer lift cylinder

Downer Mining is nominated for the Excellence in Mine Safety award for their MinDozer Lift Cylinder Rod Clamp which enhances worker safety.

A bracket was developed to secure the rod in the cylinder barrel, minimising uncontrolled rod movement which could cause potential injury. The clamp ensures the rod remains secured in the event of the piston detaching.

Absolute Equipment – Safe D Lock jack

Absolute Equipment (Durapac) is nominated for Excellence in Mine Safety and OH&S for its Safe D Lock jack, which combines the separate

functions of lifting and supporting mining vehicles for tyre replacement and service in a safe and compact system. The lock has a ‘failsafe’ nature, which is always engaged and will support three times the rated load in the event of hydraulic failure.

Evolution Mining – Mt Rawdon safety program

Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon Gold mine is nominated for its commitment to safety. Following a string of incidents at the site, company leaders encouraged feedback from employees to identify 10 safety commitments employees and management should conduct. They also began a program to train site safety representatives in conducting peer on peer safety interactions.

Fhoss – Illuminated hi-vis clothing

Fhoss is nominated for Excellence in Mine Safety and OH&S for their powered light safety clothing range, revolutionising high visibility clothing.

The technology works by using reflective prismatic tape combined with a rechargeable, powered illuminated core which actively emits light. This range provides safety in

AUSTRALIANMINING

workplaces with poor light or dark conditions.

environments, and meets all appropriate mining safety requirements.

Glencore: Clermont Coal – Mates in Mining

Raisebore Australia – Blood lead level exposure programs

MTi Group – Blastshied blast hole liners

Downer Mining – Hytorc sheathing device

Clermont Coal has been recognised for their ‘Mates In Mining’ (MIM) program, aimed to raise awareness of the extent and impact of suicide and mental health.

MIM is designed around the idea that ‘suicide is everyone’s business’ and therefore, everyone within the business must play an integral role. The program demonstrates best practice towards suicide prevention, providing general awareness of warning signs, training, and support for workers.

MTi Group is nominated for Excellence in Mine Safety & OH&S for its Blastshield blast hole lining system.

The system is designed to overcome problems associated with blasting on mines in situations where blast holes exhibit high levels of moisture or voids.

The system, made from composite material comprising five different polymers, is designed to operate in low voltage, dirty, wet, and demanding

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Raisebore Australia (RBA) is nominated for the Excellence in Mine Safety award for ensuring workers are not affected by lead exposure. The company uses lead-based Bestolife 270 to lubricate the rods used in the raise drilling process and consequently ensures workers have their Blood Lead Levels (BLL) tested to monitor exposure. All RBA drillers were also sent an email with a presentation and quiz as part of a BLL Induction to ensure they were aware of lead level exposure.

Downer Mining has been recognised for its Hytorc Sheathing device that reduces the risk of hydraulic injection injuries.

The sheathing is constructed from two pieces of Parker PMS Kevlar sheathing and uses Velcro to secure it over the tool head. It is designed to fit a range of hydraulic torqueing devices and can be fitted and removed easily to allow faster inspection. AM

PROSPECT AWARDS

Drug Alert kits use the same technology as that found in professional screening laboratories, without the need to send them away to obtain result.

MINERALS PROCESSING

MAKING THE DAILY GRIND MORE EFFICIENT NEW CLOSED-CIRCUIT CYCLONE TECHNOLOGY IS IMPROVING PARTICLE SIZING.

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LSmidth has unveiled its new SmartCyclone closed-circuit grinding optimisation system, which it says aids monitoring and control for reducing cyclone-related process perturbations, improving cyclone overflow particle size distribution, and predicting and controlling cyclone maintenance schedules.

The new technology is the result of collaboration between the hydrocyclone team at FLSmidth Krebs and FLSmidth’s Automation team.

The SmartCyclone technology combines wireless wear-detection sensor and roping sensor technology with a wireless controller system, and field-proven ECS/ ProcessExpert (PXP) process control software, including a new SmartWear cyclone maintenance algorithm.

The system introduces electronic sensing and communications to Krebs’ hydrocyclone separator product line and the encompassing

process creating an “island of optimisation” for mineral processing and speciality markets.

With a SmartCyclone-equipped process, the cyclone sensors can report the functional state of the cyclone by monitoring the conditions of the slurry flow for each cyclone individually. The sensors can also report the wear status of the cyclone components, so that parts purchasing and maintenance operations can be planned in advance and with greater control.

Finally, the sensors can report when a cyclone, or the SmartCyclone system itself, is malfunctioning such as when an individual cyclone experiences a condition called’“roping’ or a break-down in the classification.

“We believe we are truly pioneering a new segment of control solutions, and one of the first to formally target the closedcircuit grinding process with a dedicated automation philosophy using sensors, ranging from the mill sump level through the cyclone

overflow particle size, to optimise the flotation feed and maximise production,” Jon Culbertson, sales director – FLSmidth Krebs, said The ECS/ProcessExpert system is a modern, advanced process control solution used to stabilise and then optimise key minerals processes. It balances equipment loads, manages and corrects process disruptions, and minimises wear on the plant’s equipment – all by reducing or completely eliminating manual involvement from mill operators and to ensure optimum plant performance by achieving maximum efficiency and higher profitability.

The ECS/ProcessExpert solution also enables a minerals plant to develop a uniform operation strategy that outlines the best way to run the plant.

Once this strategy has been established, training new operators becomes much easier.

According to FLSmidth, the systems come in three different levels: 1) a basic cyclone monitoring system only; 2) a standard cyclone

monitoring and control system to correct for process perturbations and manage cyclone wear to a desired maintenance schedule; and 3) an expert system for incorporating additional sensors and control algorithms to maximise process throughput and further reduce variations in, as well as optimise, cyclone overflow particle size distribution.

Utilising SmartCyclone monitoring and control solutions, plants can achieve maximum process efficiencies through quick upset condition identification and automatic correction.

This results in less process down-time, reduced variation in flotation feed resulting in improved mineral recovery, more systematic cyclone operation and continuous wear monitoring/management resulting in predictable cyclone circuit maintenance, and increased production capacity by limiting roping which allows the process to be operated closer to the limits of the cyclone manifold design. AM

INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS Your Challenge, Our Solution McLanahan continues to deliver customised solutions for our customers so they are able to drive productivity gains across their business. Talk to us about innovative ways to make your processing equipment Safer, Simpler, Smarter.

NEWCASTLE | +61 2 4924 8248 MACKAY | +61 7 4952 3377 PERTH | +61 8 9248 5771 sales@mclanahan.com.au mclanahan.com

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ENGINEERING

THE ENGINEER INSIDE THE SYSTEM THE CHANGING ENGINEERING AND PROCUREMENT LANDSCAPE MEANS THE INDUSTRY IS LOSING KNOWLEDGE, SO HOW CAN OPERATORS HELP FILL THIS GAP?

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ow is not the time for engineering companies in Australia to be ‘retiring’ experienced design engineers, project engineers, and estimators.

It has not been common practice in the past to electronically harness the decades of knowledge stored in the minds of these engineers, and when they leave the workplace, all this intellectual bounty goes with them.

According to the recent Australian Bureau of Statistics report, ‘Engineering construction activity is weaker and the pipeline of work yet to be done is diminishing, although there appear to be some positives, particularly in road infrastructure.

After peaking in September 2012, the value of work done in engineering construction has steadily fallen, down by 32.6 % between the peak and March 2016. ABS figures show that employment of engineering professionals (across all industries) declined by 13.0% over the year to May 2016.’

As a consequence, many engineering companies are being forced to ‘right-size’, which means losing people and knowledge. But before farewelling the engineers and estimators, there is an opportunity to implement the latest software tools to ‘download’ as much of the experience as possible. A downturn reversal is imminent so this knowledge and experience will be vital for future success.

Investment in mining development has slumped whilst further LNG projects have stagnated. The consequence of this is that engineering, procurement and construction companies (EPCs or E&Cs) have been forced to consolidate, merge, or simply close down, resulting in today’s generation of estimators and engineers working under pressure to do more with less resource and adapt quickly to change. Additionally, many mergers and closures have resulted in the ‘early retirement’ of skilled estimators and engineers, and, with that, all their experience and knowledge. It is vital that EPCs embrace methodologies to meet customer requirements, cope with new tight economic conditions, and retain the intellectual capital.

Integrated economic evaluation software with built-in engineering and costing produces comprehensive, accurate conceptual estimates.

Empowering estimators with cuttingedge technology enables them to rapidly and confidently evaluate capital investment projects early in the design process, understand all the economic implications of engineering decisions and manage projects more effectively. Further, the knowledge is stored by the software for future use – downloading the ‘engineer into the system’.

Engineers inside the system

The adoption of scalable, intelligent ‘engineering-in-the-box’ estimating and (Front End Engineering and Design) FEED software captures knowledge during each phase of the project lifecycle.

The software tool is like having an ‘engineer inside the computer’ that is as good as a team of disciplined engineers and estimators within the company. For example, it can instruct how to develop single line diagrams, teach how to organise and put together an electrical system.

Alternatively, it is like a structural engineer that will show best practices for the design of structures and similarly in piping. Therefore, all the engineering knowledge is embedded

within the software tool and helps the estimator to engineer, design, cost and validate information provided by engineering disciplines. The years of embedded knowledge within the tool help E&Cs to accurately and quickly reduce estimating uncertainty in bidding costs for design/build of a mine, LNG plant, chemical plant, and infrastructure projects.

Once the estimate is set up properly inside the model-based software, the estimator can make changes very effectively. For example, this could involve tank farms for a client, where the size of the tank’s size, location and geometry layout and any other aspects of the configuration are altered. Using integrated software, the estimator can make changes within minutes for every option instructed by the client.

This would not be possible using traditional spreadsheets.

Empowering the next generation

Attracting qualified employees is a major challenge to the industry today. There is a large population of employees close to retirement and there are not enough qualified engineers to fill the gap. Companies hiring and training their own estimators need to rapidly get less experienced staff up the estimating learning curve. This is achieved

THE SOFTWARE TOOL IS LIKE HAVING AN ‘ENGINEER INSIDE THE COMPUTER

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much faster by empowering users with a recognised engineering and estimating tool, as opposed to adopting a more traditional system of spreadsheets.

A real engineer in the system

The US operation of one of the leading global engineering companies, Linde Engineering, who have supplied their proprietary coil wound heat exchangers (CWHE) to most of the older and recent LNG plants in Australia (Kwinana, North West Shelf), has recently standardised on AspenTech’s Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, ACCE, and extended its use throughout the organisation due to the ability of the software to keep projects on schedule and within budget, improve safety performance, and achieve the highest standards of operational excellence.

According to Jason Stevens, Head of Cost Estimating, Linde Engineering North America, “Today’s generation of estimators and engineers are under pressure to do more with less and adapt quickly to change. With ACCE, and the long-term AspenTech partnership, Linde Engineering North America, can successfully work with owner-operators hand-in-hand to manage risk more effectively and improve overall operational conditions for our clients.” AM

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PRODUCTS

ULTRA-LARGE HAULAGE TYRE Goodyear has unveile its latest ultra-large haul truck mining tyre, the RM-4B+, during MINExpo in Las Vegas, USA, last month.

The 160cm tyres have enhanced tread zone stiffness for improved treadwear, an extra deep tread pattern, and a cool-running CycleMax tread rubber compound.

They are designed with tread lug blading for additional heat resistance, interlocking blading for additional stability, and a Centrelink channel for added lateral traction and heat resistance.

In addition, the tyres have angled main grooves for forward and lateral traction, as well as a sidewall scallop for improved heat resistance.

The company believes it will become the “go to” tyre for large haulage mining operations.

• Goodyear Tyres www.goodyear.com.au

DESIGNED WITH TREAD LUG BLADING FOR ADDITIONAL HEAT RESISTANCE

NEW WELDING MACHINES ESAB has released the Rebel EMP 215ic, a 230V-120V, CC/CV welding system that is claimed to offer multiprocess arc performance, location flexibility, lightweight portability and a new operator interface.

A sMIG (smart MIG) function enables users to begin MIG welding by setting metal thickness and wire diameter.

Unlike some other units, there is no need to enter information for shielding gas mix.

The Rebel is claimed to provide good arc for MIG, fluxcored, Lift TIG and Stick welding, including excellent performance with difficult-to-weld E6010 electrodes.

The device has two operating modes, Basic and Advanced, which make welding easy for beginners, or lets those with more experience fine tune parameters. Operators interact with the Rebel using a control that combines traditional weld parameter adjustments with the functionality of a smart phone (the 4.3-inch colour display uses the same thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD technology found in smart phones).

The Rebel accepts 100mm and 200mm diameter wire spools, runs 0.6mm to 1.0mm diameter wires and enables users to run on 230V to 120V primary power.

The Rebel weighs 18kg., measures 584mm x 229mm x 406mm and features a five-handle roll cage and unibody construction that integrates the front, back and top panels to help protect internal components.

When connected to 230V primary, the unit provides a MIG output of 20-220 amps, a Stick output of 30-180 amps and a TIG output of 5-240 amps. Applications include auto repair and restoration, maintenance and repair, mechanical contractors, light construction, farm and agricultural, training facilities and sheet metal/HVAC. The unit comes ready-to-weld for MIG and TIG welding processes. ESAB includes a professional-grade MXL 200 MIG torch, electrode holder and return cable kits (3 metres), a 4.5-metre gas hose with quick connection to the machine, 200mm Aristorod 12.50 0.8mm wire spool and contact tips and drive rolls for wires between 0.6mm and 1.0mm wire.

Rebel’s interface can be set for six different local languages

INTEGRATED VISUALISATION SYSTEMS FOR MINE DATA Trimble has released Trimble Connected Mine which provides an integrated and complete view of mine data to improve operational and strategic decision making.

The company has also released the Visual Intelligence module with support for mixedreality technology including Microsoft HoloLens that enables the 3D visualisation of Connected Mine data.

Connected Mine provides a live web environment for data to be collected and presented in easy-toread tables, graphs, dashboards, and spatial views.

It enables a wide range of administrative and operations data to be connected and consolidated across language, currency, commodity, unit of measure, time zone and location, which can be viewed from a single software solution.

The system includes a range of reports including material, product, delay, budget tracking and KPI dashboards that can be personalised for fast deployment and are flexible to align with most mine workflows.

For remote operating centres, the system provides an immersive environment to understand

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workflow and site issues. It offers a platform that aggregates geospatial data and production data with an immersive 3D environment that adds context to the operational data, allowing users to view operations in safety from remote operations centres and offsite locations.

The Visual Intelligence module enhances management decision-making by using a set of inputs and unique visualisation that allows both strategic and detailed scenario planning.

Visualisation quickly identifies outliers, with options to quickly review historical data.

Using Microsoft HoloLens and Trimble technology, mine management teams can clearly visualise large spatial datasets to identify exceptions without needing to visit the site; improving safety and reducing travel time and costs.

HoloLens extends interaction with 3D models beyond the confines of a 2D computer screen, creating new ways for users visualise, collaborate and share ideas.

• Trimble www.trimble.com AUSTRALIANMINING

within Asia. The control display incorporates a built-in user manual with graphics and text to help with weld process set up, such as for connecting the work and ground leads to the correct terminals, as well as for ordering parts. The display lets users select the welding mode, as well as set and control all functions.

With the Rebel’s sMIG function, users begin MIG welding by setting metal thickness and selecting wire diameter. The Rebel will automatically adapt to any popular steel, stainless, chrome-moly or aluminum filler metal/gas combination and provide a stable MIG arc.

The sMIG mode enables users to weld thicker or thinner metal by increasing or decreasing wire feed speed, as well as to raise or flatten the bead profile (crown) by increasing or decreasing voltage (trim). Welders can also adjust inductance to fine tune arc stability and control spatter.

As users adjust one parameter, sMIG automatically adjusts others to keep the MIG arc stable.

Using an exclusive, built-in algorithm, sMIG monitors the operator’s technique and continuously adapts the MIG output to provide a stable arc and repeatable welds.

For those welders who prefer traditional MIG and fluxcored welding, the Rebel enables users to pre-set and adjust wire feed speed and voltage, as well as set run-in (creep start) speed, adjust burn-back control and program timers for spot and stitch welding. When welding, the control shifts to display amperage and voltage.

Because different types of MMA electrodes require different controls, the Rebel lets users optimise performance by selecting from one of two settings: Cellulosic Electrodes (E6010, E6011) or all other Electrodes (E70XX, E308, E309, E316). To further fine tune performance, the Rebel features adjustable arc force and hot start control.

With TIG welding (as well as MIG), users can select either 2T/4T trigger control; 2T for standard operation and 4T to provide a hold function that reduces hand fatigue.

• ESAB www.esabna.com

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WA owned heavy road transport equipment manufacturer Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) unveiled its latest 60m road train during the opening of its new workshop in Perth.

The BRE Super Quad road train is expected to provide cost effectiveness to the mining sector, helping reduce heavy vehicle road traffic and the impact on roads in the state.

The new facility, located in Forrestfield, is one hectare in size, with a 2700 square metre workshop, and 350 square metres of administration offices. All design, manufacture, and construction will be conducted in-house.

Secretary to the WA minister for Agriculture, Food, and Transport, Jim Chown, applauded the company’s ability to grow nationally while continuing to retain its manufacturing capabilities in this state.

“This new Forrestfield facility is strategically located right in the heart of a transport and logistics hub and on the road train route to the north of this state and to the east coast, further strengthening our state’s capability to deliver cost and time efficiently,” he said.

During the opening, BRE managing director Damion Verhoogt also announced the company’s merger with fabrication company Transbeam Industries, saying it will increase their manufacturing capacity to nearly 50 per cent.

• Bruce Rock Engineering www.brucerockengineering.com.au

Call for Tenders

Exploration opportunity now available in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province, Australia

A prospective area for exploration has been released via competitive tender for an Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM) in the richest base metal region in the world with potential for both copper–gold and lead– zinc mineralisation.

The preferred tenderer must meet environmental, native title and other approval requirements before an EPM for a term of five years may be granted under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.

Investing in Queensland – a leading destination for mining and resources investment • Rich in unexplored resources of coal, metallic and non-metallic minerals and petroleum and gas • Supported by modern rail, port and pipeline infrastructure

• • • •

Access to high-quality mining equipment, technology and services sector High standard of safety and environmental management Proven history of using sustainable and innovative exploration and production practices Access to precompetitive geological data.

The tender process The competitive tendering process ensures that the State’s resources are responsibly managed by allocating exploration rights to companies that are most capable of exploring for these resources.

Tender open:

Friday 16 September 2016

Tender close:

2.30 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Thursday 2 February 2017

Obtaining tender and related documents:

Register on QTenders at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders and search for “MLR2016171” The Tender details and process document (MLR2016/17-1) includes geological data as well as known native title, land uses and environmental requirements.

Further information For any queries in relation to this tender please visit www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/resources-tenders, email resources-tenders@dnrm.qld.gov.au or call +61 7 3199 7334.

PRODUCTS

PLANT CONTROL SYSTEMS Rockwell’s new PlantPAx Distributed Control System helps industrial producers modernise their plants and reduce time to market. The PlantPAx System 4.0 release includes more than sixty new features and capabilities addressing automation productivity, enabling technology and enhanced control.

The system is the first single, plant-wide technology shared between a distributed control system (DCS) and other automation systems, making it the Modern DCS. It drives down capital expenditures, provides operational benefits, and lowers the total cost of ownership.

The system includes enhancements in controller configuration capabilities in Logix Designer, a new system-wide configuration environment, Studio 5000 Architect, and Studio 5000 Application Code Manager.

Studio 5000 represents a broader strategy to integrate system design tools and increase automation productivity, with a focus to help producers build systems using this platform in the most productive way.

A new component in Studio 5000, Studio 5000

Architect, allows users a view into the application, inclusive of visualisation and controllers, from a single application tree. Users can modify the application by launching directly into the object being edited (in View Studio or Logix Designer) and search for a

IS THE FIRST SINGLE, PLANT-WIDE TECHNOLOGY SHARED BETWEEN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM (DCS) AND OTHER AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

control loop and launch into the configuration without concern about which controller the loop is in. This simplifies the deployment of new systems, including deployment of Rockwell Automation Libraries.

In addition, the Rockwell Automation Library of Process Objects now includes Process Strategies, pre-built routines using the Rockwell Automation Library of Process Objects in the context of their intended use. This includes control strategies for I/O processing, device control, and regulatory control.

The PlantPAx Application Configuration User manual explains how to import the strategy and simply map to the I/O using program parameters.

This greatly reduces the time it takes to deploy a new control loop.

The PlantPAx system helps users to make better, faster decisions, allowing them to respond more quickly to customers’ demands and fast-changing specifications.

• Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com

WALL MOUNT POWER SYSTEM Power management company Eaton has launched an Australian developed wall mount power system for oil and gas, mining, and transportation industries that require battery backed DC power.

The system is also suitable for industrial control, electrical switching and telecommunications industries as well any business that designs and manufactures large turnkey process control systems.

Traditionally, DC power systems have been rack mounted or assembled in large floor cubicles, however the new wall mount power systems require less

space and come in a form better suited for industrial control and electrical switching boards, as well as small service closets. The system also comes with enhanced monitoring and control capabilities.

Today, many process control systems may also be located at remote locations away from access to convenient mains AC power such as remote railway sidings, road crossings, or gas plant well head sites.

In those instances, PV solar power may be the only cost effective power source. The new mount power system can be configured for either AC Mains or

Solar PV Power enabling a single power system type for both cases.

The system’s battery backup and redundancy can support the majority of process controls systems which use PLCs, valves, solenoids, switches and sensors that are powered from 24Vdc or 48Vdc. It has an AC supply of 100-240V, 50-60Hz (nominal) and a DC output power range of 48V:2.00kW. Its operating temperature range is from -40°C to 70°C. • Eaton www.eaton.com

HAUL TRUCK TYRES Michelin Earthmover has unveiled its latest surface mining haul truck tyres, the MICHELIN XDR3 MB4.

In development testing for the last six years, the new tyre — developed for 363 tonne plus trucks – is designed with new compounds and a new tread pattern that provides increased tyre life, by a minimum of 10 per cent without any compromise on TKPH. The use of corrosion-isolating cables incorporated into the tyre architecture results in a 10 per cent increase in tyre endurance, a significant advantage for these trucks, which are typically operated for up to 23 hours per day in harsh terrain.

The MICHELIN XDR3 — Michelin’s largest-selling tyre globally — is designed for operator safety. Michelin’s tread pattern provides load distribution across the contact patch and is designed to lower contact pressure and reduce wear rate.

Additionally, the tread pattern is designed for better endurance, due to its heat dissipation capabilities; this prevents overheating, which can result in tyre failure, and, in turn, leads to operator safety risks.

“Michelin’s most popular tyre, tested on all truck brands, is designed for punishing environments such as oil sands and other surface-mining operations where safety and performance is the goal,” Jamey Fish, director

of Earthmover Marketing for Michelin North America, said.

The XDR3 — available in the 40.00R57 size — is MEMS-ready and reduces rim slip due to a new flat bead wire, which strengthens the clamping force on the wheel and increases its contact surface with the rim.

The non-directional tyre also benefits from more solid-steel cables, increased metal mass, thicker sidewalls and a new steel belt that offers increased protection against punctures in the tread area.

It has a load capacity of nearly 32 tonnes due to its cable-reinforced carcass.

The shoulder design helps the tyre cool more quickly, while the central zone and its large, beefy lugs are cut-resistant to improve both durability and traction capability.

Wide grooves and channels provide traction and grip on graded and loose ground conditions. The MICHELIN XDR3 will replace the MICHELIN XDR2 line over the next several years.

• Michelin www.michelin.com.au AUSTRALIANMINING

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DEVELOPED FOR 363 TONNE PLUS TRUCKS

PRODUCTS

TILT BUCKETS FOR CATERPILLAR EXCAVATORS Caterpillar has released a new line of tilt buckets for the Cat crawler-excavator models 311-325 and wheel excavator models M314–M322.

The buckets are available in both pin-on and coupler configurations and can hydraulically tilt 45 degrees from vertical, right and left, to provide added capability when working on angled surfaces or performing precise grading.

They are easy to install and are designed applications including construction and landscaping. They can also be used for conventional excavating in low-impact soils,

including top soil, and clay.

The tilt buckets are equipped with two horizontal cylinders – sized to provide forces matched to the machine – that allow operators to position the bucket and maintain grade without moving the machine. The horizontal-cylinder design allows a low-profile for the bucket, while protecting the cylinders from material flow.

The new buckets are drilled and tapped to accept the bolt-on sensor and clips required to make them “plug-and-play” compatible with Cat Grade Control 3D. Grade control provides visual and audio positioning

guidance for the operator via the machine’s in-cab monitor, enhancing the speed, accuracy, and material-movement efficiency of excavating and grading tasks.

The tilt buckets feature a reversible, wear-resistant, bolt-on cutting edge that protects the base edge and provides extended service life. In addition, bucket surfaces subject to heavy wear, such as corners, are protected with replaceable, weld-in inserts of premiumgrade steel (400 BHN).

• Caterpillar www.cat.com

AVAILABLE IN BOTH PIN-ON AND COUPLER CONFIGURATIONS AND CAN HYDRAULICALLY TILT 45 DEGREES FROM VERTICAL, RIGHT AND LEFT

MINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Micromine has released Pitram 2015 Version 4.6, its flagship underground fleet management and mine control software.

Pitram 4.6 contains many new features. It is now able to generate measure events from drill hole data, which is obtained directly from the mobile device fitted to the drill rig. As these files are loaded, Pitram Mobile generates a series of events that reflect the initial design data. The drill data file is subsequently updated when drilling is undertaken.

In Data Acquisition, when a fired cut is entered against a location, the cut length is now derived directly from the jumbo that drilled the cut. The Location Measures dialog within Pitram, has been enhanced to support the recording of “metres advanced” derived from the drilled metres at a location.

A location status column has been added, including the ability to define a colour for each status for ease and simplicity of use, in addition a last recorded measure AUSTRALIANMINING

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column has been added which is populated directly from the Business Model Server (BMS) without the need to access the Reporting database for added efficiency.

A reversing camera and wiring harness is now available as an option. The camera image is displayed on the screen of the TREK-773 in place of the Pitram Mobile screen graphics. The camera image can be displayed automatically when reverse gear is selected, or manually selected at any time by the vehicle operator pressing a function key to increase safety throughout the mine site.

Pitram can be configured to the exact needs of any operation at any stage of the mining process.

A variety of data capture and integration methods allow the solution to operate with or without a central control room.

• Micromine www.micromine.com

PROSPECT AWARDS

THE PROSPECT AWARDS AUSTRALIAN MINING PREPARES TO RECOGNISE INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN MINING AGAIN. Celebrating environmental breakthroughs in our industry

Our mining industry takes its social and environmental responsibilities very seriously, investing vast sums each year into high tech projects to minimise its impact on the environment and communities that are often located in close proximity to its operations. In spite of all of the amazing work that is being done, the industry continues to endure scrutiny from the press and general public.

According to Metso’s Vice President for Capital Equipment, Max Wijasuriya, much of the excellent work that is being done by our industry often goes unnoticed.

Unfortunately, the focus is usually on the negatives, rather than the improvements that are being made.

He says that Metso partners with many mining companies to improve their environmental performance.

The company does this through the supply of innovative, energy efficient

equipment as well as by working with its clients to optimise their processes to improve safety, efficiency and cost.

“Metso is a world leading industrial company serving the mining, aggregates, recycling, oil, gas, pulp, paper and process industries. We help our customers improve their operational efficiency, reduce risks and increase profitability. Our company’s knowledge, people and solutions help drive sustainable improvements in our industry’s environmental performance.” he said.

“Sponsoring the ‘Excellence in Environmental Management’ category of Australian Mining Magazine’s Prospect Awards is a great opportunity for us to showcase the environmental credentials of our industry. Mining is critically important to the Australian economy.

The success of our industry and sustainability of our environment go hand-in-hand, they are both pivotal to the wellbeing of all Australians.” AM

INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE ACROSS DIVERSE FIELDS SUCH AS TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION ARE IN FOCUS ON THE NIGHT

AUSTRALIANMINING

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ACTYLUS™ will set your business apart like nothing else. Its smart bin technology makes it easy for customers to consolidate their business with you so you can build a long-term relationship.

Discover why ACTYLUS is not only a smart bin solution – it’s just smart business. Learn more at ApexSupplyChain.com/Actylus, then email Actylus@apexsupplychain.com to start your program – before your competitor does.

Now available to industrial distributors worldwide

ARR-1033 PACE | ISS 9/16

© 2016 Apex Industrial Technologies LLC. All rights reserved. Apex Supply Chain Technologies and its mark are registered trademarks, and Smarter Spaces and ACTYLUS are trademarks of Apex Industrial Technologies LLC.

EVENTS XXX PRODUCT SHOWCASE

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS 21 OCTOBER

EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@ AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU

AUSIMM MILL OPERATORS’ CONFERENCE 2016 10 – 12 OCTOBER 2016 PERTH, AUSTRALIA The 13th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference will provide the opportunity for plant operators, metallurgists, engineers and operational staff to learn, share and network with others in the minerals industry.

• Take part in the leading industry event dedicated to providing practical advice and knowledge sharing, to enhance operations across mineral processing plants including extractive metallurgy, process control and environmental issues • Engage in valuable discussions with the specialised operators presenting real and recent case studies and valuable experiences • Understand the true value of productivity to your overall operations and the impacts on costs and skill shortages, more complex orebodies and increasing international competitors • Network with industry providers during the trade show who are keen to share their knowledge with you • Challenge yourself and attend related

professional development workshops to further your knowledge •AusIMM Eliza Sanneman, Senior Coordinator, Events 03 9658 6105 esanneman@ausimm.com.au www.ausimm.com.au

WORLD MINING CONGRESS 18-21 OCTOBER RIO DE JANERIO, BRAZIL The World Mining Congress is a global mining event, held every three years, headed by a Secretariat with an organisation status, associated to the United Nations and based at the Central Mining Institute in Katowice, Poland. The event aims to promote and support, both technically and scientifically, the cooperation for the national and international development of mineral areas and resources; implement a global information network concerning mineral science, technology, economy, occupational health and safety and environmental protection.

•Hyrnastha-Inovar +55 (21) 2432-6644 worldmining@hyrnastha-inovar.com.br www.wmc2016.org.br

Doltone House Darling Island Wharf, Sydney Don’t miss the industry’s night of nights!

The Prospect Awards are back for 2016, celebrating more than a decade of achievement in the mining industry.

Australian Mining is looking forward to recognising and rewarding excellence in the mining industry at the gala event.

Reserve your tickets now at www. prospectawards.com.au or by calling 03 9690 8766. Table packages are also available, with prices at $175 each or $1,500 for a table of ten.

•Australian Mining 03 9690 8766 lauren.winterbottom@primecreative.com.au www.prospectawards.com.au

INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONVENTION (IMARC) 2016 7 – 10 NOVEMBER MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, MELBOURNE IMARC is Australia’s only truly international mining event. Uniting the entire mining industry, IMARC is where mining leaders, policy makers, financiers, technical experts, innovators and educators are brought together under one roof. IMARC has the continued support of Australia’s three leading

industry associations, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Austmine and Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA).

• Meet 3000+ Australian and international mining experts, CEOs, government representatives and other industry leaders from over 35 countries ready to discuss.

• Network with key decision makers and influencers through a range of structured events from round tables, one on ones and social hubs.

• Inclusion of Mines and Money Australia – the country’s largest mining investment forum.

•IMARC 03 9021 2031 www.imarcmelbourne.com

FUTURE ENERGY AND FINANCE (CO-LOCATED WITH IMARC 2016) 7 NOVEMBER Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne In recognition of a new era and the projected growth in demand for clean and renewable energy that is likely to fuel a future of opportunity for industry, governments, investors and individuals alike, the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) will include Future Energy and Finance a full day conference on Monday 7 November at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

We have just launched the programme which will cover investment opportunities within renewable, sustainable and clean energy, carbon efficiency, energy storage, infrastructure and technologies.

In addition, the updated IMARC programme now includes over 100 speakers including some of the world’s leading investors who will be discussing the Gold Boom, a macroeconomic view of China’s and India’s demands for natural resources and an in-depth view of how private equity in mining really works.

•IMARC 03 9021 2031 www.imarcmelbourne.com

RIU EXPLORERS CONFERENCE 2017 22-23 FEBRUARY, 2017 ESPLANADE HOTEL, FREMANTLE The RIU Explorers Conference has earned a reputation as the major Australian forum for the junior resources sector, with mineral exploration companies and emerging new miners attracting an ever-growing group of brokers, fund managers and investors to hear their presentations.

•Vertical Events Doug Bowie 0411 588 331 doug@verticalevents.com.au www.verticalevents.com.au

AUSTRALIANMINING

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fASter fIre SuPPreSSIoN eVIroNMeNtAlly reSPoNSIbIle Sandvik FS1000 is the first fire suppression product on the market that meets and exceeds safety and environmental standards in Australia.

Utilizing our world first, fluorine-free Sandvik Eclipse™ foam, the premium fire suppression system uses automatic activation to deliver an environmentally friendly and cost efficient solution without relying on manual or electrical turn-on.

Sandvik Eclipse™ foam rapidly biodegrades, is exempt from new regulatory restrictions on fluorine-based foams and offers the world’s best practice in environmentally sustainable foam-suppression technology.

To find out more about Sandvik Eclipse™ fluorine-free fire suppression foam, call your Sandvik Representative today.

SANDVIK MINING PArt SAleS 18001 7263845 | GeNerAl eNquIrIeS 13001 7263845 INfo.SMc-Au@SANDVIK.coM | www.MINING.SANDVIK.coM/Au

DO YOU HEAR THAT?

IT’S THE SOUND OF YOUR PRODUCTIVITY RISING.

CAT MINESTAR ®

™

Every day, your mine sends countless messages in the form of data. Are you listening? We’re there to make sure you can hear the insights that data provides, then use them to get more out of your operation. More productivity. More efficiency. More profitability. For any type of mine, any size of operation, any brand of equipment, there’s an ideal mix of Cat MineStar technologies and services— and we’re there to help you find it.

To learn more about Cat MineStar technologies and services visit CAT.COM/MINESTAR

© 2016 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress and Product Link, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.