Australian Mining November 2015

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NEW FIFO LAWS PROPOSED BENTLEY’S YEAR IN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 107/10 | NOV/DEC 2015

2015

PROSPECT AWARDS DORAY MINERALS WINS MINE OF THE YEAR PRINT POST APPROVED PP100008185

SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

GBC_MGZ_AustralianM 2015-08-13T15:20:30+09:00

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COMMENT

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE UPSWING WITH 2015 COMING TO A CLOSE, IT’S TIME TO BREAK DOWN THE VERY VOLATILE YEAR THAT WAS, AND LOOK FORWARD TO A MORE PREDICTABLE UPSWING IN 2016.

COLE LATIMER

ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au

A

s we come to the end of the year and the final edition for 2015, I believe it’s important to look back over the last 12 months and see how mining has

changed.

One word that springs to mind immediately is volatility.

Volatility in commodity prices, as iron ore and gold swung high and then swung very low; volatility in company values, most notably Glencore having more than a quarter shaved off its market valuation in a matter of days; and volatility in leadership, as we saw yet another Federal Government spill, and are now left wondering what new policies or regulations will be dropped at the industry’s front door.

In fact, the only thing that could be counted on was continued high production levels in iron ore – with new output records being consistently beaten – and that the mining industry will continue to innovate.

And innovate it did, which was demonstrated at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

There were a raft of entries, partic-

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MARTIN SINCLAIR Email: martin.sinclair@cirrusmedia.com.au EDITOR COLE LATIMER Tel: (02) 8484 0652 Email: ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au JOURNALISTS BRENT BALINSKI Tel: (02) 8484 0680 Email: brent.balinski@cirrusmedia.com.au BEN HAGEMANN Tel: (02) 8484 0884 Email: ben.hagemann@cirrusmedia.com.au

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GROUP SALES MANAGER TIM RICHARDS Tel: (02) 8484 0829 Mob: 0420 550 799 Email: tim.richards@cirrusmedia.com.au SOUTH AFRICA BOB STEPHEN Stephen Marketing PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA JONATHAN SISMEY Cirrus Media 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com LARRY ARTHUR Cirrus Media Suite 203, 3700 Campus Drive, Newport Beach,

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ularly for Innovative Mining Solutions, which demonstrated just how the workers of this industry never truly stop.

In this distressed market place, finding new ways to do business, developing new technologies, and simply working in a more productive manner have all aided in not just keeping mining afloat, but in constructing the foundation for the sector’s predicted recovery later next year.

It must be said that the levels of safety improved as well, with (and fingers crossed as I write this statement that the numbers won’t increase) a much smaller recorded fatality and injury rate compared to the shocking year that was 2014.

Mining has spent the last few years languishing in a slump, after coming off the historic highs of the Great Boom – the likes of which we are likely never to see again – and it is a natural process.

One of the hallmarks of the industry is its cyclical nature, and it is now slated for the upswing once more, and this era of volatility will hopefully come to an end.

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FRONT COVER

Doray Minerals has taken out top title at the 2015 Prospect awards, claiming Australia’s ine of the Year prize for the Andy Well gold mine.

General manager for Doray Minerals, Peter Bamford, took great pleasure (and no short amount of time) in accepting the award.

Doray is one of the highest grade and highest margin gold producers in Australia from the Andy Well Gold Project and is in a strong financial position.

High levels of productivity at Andy Well were highlighted in the most recent September quarter, when the company achieved another strong result.

Doray announced a maiden high-grade Resource for the Suzie Zone in February 2015, which is located parallel to the operating Wilber Lode underground mine and the Judy Lode, making the third high-grade gold resource defined by Doray at Andy Well.

CIRRUS MEDIA Tower 2, Level 3, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia Locked Bag 4700, Chatswood Delivery Centre, NSW 2067, Australia Tel: (02) 8484 0888 Fax: (02) 8484 0633 ABN 80 132 719 861 ISSN 0004-976X www.cirrusmedia.com.au © Copyright Cirrus Media, 2015 All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

Average Net Distribution Period ending March 2015 8,050 PRINTED BY BLUESTAR PRINT 83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Tel: (02) 9748 3411 Published 12 issues a year

Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd convicted of water pollution near Dubbo Tomingley Gold Operations has been convicted in the Dubbo Local Court

offsite and into a series of dams on a neighbouring property. The offences

Operations Act 1997. Tomingley Gold Operations was prosecuted by the

surface water management infrastructure and implement soil and erosion

of two offences of water pollution under the Protection of the Environment EPA for these offences and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Tomingley Gold Operations operates the Tomingley Gold mine 55

kilometres south of Dubbo. It holds an Environment Protection Licence

were caused by the failure of Tomingley Gold Operations to construct

controls, which it was required to do before operations commenced at the mine site.

On 15 October 2015, Tomingley Gold Operations was fined a total of

but is prohibited from causing water pollution. On 7 March and between

$95,000 and was ordered to pay the EPA’s investigation costs of $1,797

sediment-laden water washed through the mine site and discharged

Operations pursuant to an order of the Court.

24-28 March 2014, following rainfall events, a significant amount of

AUSTRALIANMINING

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and legal costs of $15,000. This notice was paid for by Tomingley Gold

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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CONTENTS

POLITICS

DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

10-12

GETTING A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE New FIFO legislation in Queensland

40-42

FASTER CORING UNDERGROUND New mobile drill rigs ENGINEERING BLASTING New software built to bring blasting precision

SAFETY

WATER

SETTING THE STANDARD First autonomous vehicle mining safety codes

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44

16-37

48

PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

REMEDIATING THE MOUNT MORGAN MINE Carbine resources to restart tailings processing

COMMODITIES

MINE OF THE YEAR – OVERALL COAL MINE OF THE YEAR HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MINERALS PROCESSING OF THE YEAR EXPLORER OF THE YEAR MANAGER OF THE YEAR INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION EXCELLENCE IN MINING SAFETY, OH&S CONTRIBUTION TO MINING CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY INTERACTION

URANIUM’S STATE OF PLAY A changing energy landscape of increased demand

YEAR IN INFRASTRUCTURE

50-51

BENTLEY 2015 CONFERENCE The Be Inspired Awards in London

OZ IN PENN

52-54

AUSTRALIA IN PENNSYLVANIA New investment opportunities for resources contractors

JUMEX

MATERIALS HANDLING

60-61

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WORLD FIRST FOR COAL HANDLING New underground chute system

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS The present situation for junior miners

REGULARS

INDUSTRY COMMENT

6

NEWS

8

PRODUCT SHOWCASE AUSTRALIANMINING

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62-64

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

JOBS

68

EVENTS

70

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

STAND UP, TAKE A BOW, MINERS OF AUSTRALIA! CIRRUS MEDIA PUBLISHER MARTIN SINCLAIR CONGRATULATES THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2015.

H

necessary, rarely lauded ere at the Ausbut constantly under the tralian Mining spotlight. towers in SydExhibit A, your honour, is ney, we try and the phenomenal work done take an imby Global Aquatica, whose partial view of innovative system converts the world. And by impartial, acidic mine drainage water we mean we try and interinto quality drinking water pret what’s great about the that can be sold to farms for mining industry through the irrigation. Aquatica’s MD, Sam lens of those who work in Costin, explains how Australian it while not ignoring the imingenuity found a solution to pact it has on the world. a four-decade’s-old challenge, We know full well how much dealing with toxic acidic polcriticism the industry receives; lutants after the world’s best and while we treat all stakecontinues to holds a mirror up engineers and scientists had holders with equal measure, to itself; that’s the best way to failed to come up with workwhat strikes us every year is improve things. The hard work able solution. I urge you to just how hard it is to get our never stops, so why would check out the audio interview readers to promote the extrawe pause recognising the at www.australianmining. ordinarily good work performed industry’s best when the cash com.au.

by Australian mining operaregister pings less frequently Another honourable mention, tions, their partners and supand with less gusto, when exhibit B, goes to Moya Sharp. pliers. the integrity of the work done Receiving a highly commended Last week was our once-yearly here sets the benchmark for award for Contribution to chance to recognise the efmining operations around the Mining, Moya has created an forts of those trying to make globe? electronic record of the 1,492 a better world; addressing So stand up miners of Ausminers who have given their dissenters with environmentralia; feel good about the lives to the industry; forever tal innovation and community hard work you’ve done, the reminding us all that the most engagement initiatives, blood sweat and tears that you important thing to come out of inviting impartial judgment on invest ourAdozen M 1 1or1so 5 categories, _ 0 0 0 _ P E L the- ground 1 is 2a 0 miner.

1 5 - 1 0 - 1 9 T 0 9 every : 4 6day. : 0 You 5 +are 1 1truly : 0 0 the world’s best.

It’s critical that the industry for an industry that is very

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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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. IRON ORE PRICES FALLING TO A FOURMONTH LOW Earlier this month the price of iron ore continued to creep towards a 10-year low as the dynamics between the supply and demand were questioned by traders.

Benchmark iron ore set for immediate delivery to the port of Tianjin in China was trading at $US47.40 a tonne at the end of the 9 November session.

Iron ore commodities have risen only once in October when trading at the second-lowest price through the last 10 years, with the sharp fall to $US44.10 a tonne in July looking like a dangerous prospect to be repeated.

Investors are already under pressure with a range of new developments to cope with from the weekend, including weak Chinese trade figures and the fallout from a mining disaster in Brazil.

Chinese imports and exports both fell short of expectations, while iron ore demand was seen slowing as inbound cargoes

dipped to 12 per cent in October –coinciding with a recent lift in ore stockpiles, which does not bode well for future prices.

TAILINGS DAM BURSTS IN BRAZIL

THORLEY WARKWORTH EXPANSION GET PLANNING APPROVAL The Mt Thorley Warkworth coal mines extension has been approved by the independent Planning and Assessment (PAC) commission, ensuring ongoing employment for 1300 people in the Singleton area.

Reaching a decision today, the PAC has recommended the Commission approve the proposal subject to a range of strengthened conditions.

Conditions include and $11 million contribution to the Singleton community for enhancement projects focussing on the Bulga village, 2900 hectares of biodiversity offset land, and establishment of 1600 acres of woodland on site upon completion of mining.

Rio Tinto will also be expected to lodge a bond of $1 million to ensure successful regeneration of the Warkworth Sands Woodlands.

A spokesperson for the PAC said: “The Department’s assessment found that through the implementation of strict conditions the impacts of the project can be effectively managed, including in Bulga village.”

“The Department also concluded that the project would result in a range of broad economic benefits for the region, including ongoing employment for the 1,300 people that work at the mine.”

Bulga village residents were angered by the decision, which will bring the mine to within 2.6km of the town.

NSW coordinator for Lock the Gate Alliance Georgina Woods said planning laws were failing the people of NSW. AUSTRALIANMINING

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An iron ore tailings dam has collapsed in Brazil’s southeast on November 6, leaving at least 15 people dead and 45 missing.

The Fundao dam was attached to the mine operated by Samarco Mineração, a 50/50 joint venture between between Vale and BHP. Industrial waste flooded the local community of Bento Rodrigues for several hundred kilometres. The dam broke at 4:20pm, local time in a major mining region between Ouro Preto and Mariana.

The Civil Defence department had difficulty reaching the affected areas.

“We know there are deaths in this ac-

Image: rede Globo NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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.

cident, but there is no confirmation of the number,” a Civil Defence official said.

“It’s very difficult to reach the site by car, there’s a lot of mud. Our rescue tactic is to get as close as possible and cover the rest on foot.”

BHP has acknowledged the incident and will provide updates once it receives information. A statement from the company said “BHP Billiton is concerned for the safety of employees and the local community.”

A spokesperson said they were working to assist the local community.

“The organisation is mobilising all efforts to prioritise helping people and mitigating damage to the environment.

“It is not possible at this time to confirm the causes and extent of the incident.”

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POLITICS

GETTING A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE SINCE THEIR CONSTRUCTION BMA’S DAUNIA AND CAVAL RIDGE COAL MINES HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ONGOING CONTROVERSY OVER THEIR “100 PER CENT FIFO” HIRING POLICY, BUT A NEW PRIVATE MEMBERS BILL MAY ENLIVEN THE DEBATE. BEN HAGEMANN REPORTS.

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new bill which would effectively ban 100 per cent FIFO policies has been tabled in the Queensland Parliament by MP George Christensen.

The Member for Dawson said he would introduce the private members bill to parliament, backed by Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, a move which was initially announced in March this year.

The new bill comes in the wake of a Queensland parliamentary inquiry into FIFO work practices which recommended amendment to anti-discrimination laws to include location of residence as grounds for employment discrimination.

Christensen said the bill will amend the Fair Work Act to specify that employers cannot discriminate against poten-

tial job applicants on the basis of where they live, other than in cases where living locally is an essential component of being able to perform the job.

Fair Work Act (2009) Amendment 351A, entitled ‘Discrimination based on where a person lives’, states that “An employer must not take adverse action against a person who is an employee, or prospective employee … because of where the person lives”.

BHPB Mitsubishi Alliance coal mines Daunia and Caval Ridge have been staffed by FIFO workers under their 100 per cent FIFO policy, which has impacted on local residents who do not meet employment criteria due to their residential location.

“This bill seeks to have federal law stating that no company can actually discriminate against people on the basis of where they live,” Christensen said.

“If someone applies for a job and that person lives in Moranbah, they can’t actively discriminate against that person because for whatever reason they want them to come out of Brisbane.”

Christensen told the parliament that skilled and experienced local workers had been locked out of local employment opportunities because they “live too close to work”.

“For example, a search for Mackay and the Coalfields jobs on Seek this morning reveals a number of jobs available, such as this advertisement for a production superintendent, which is great news if you have all the right skills and experience, as long as you do not live anywhere near the work site because the ad stipulates: ‘To be eligible to apply for this role you must reside within 100 kilometres of the Brisbane Airport’,” he said.

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“Such a secure lock-out of local workers has had a devastating effect on the regional economy, especially in towns like Moranbah and nearby centres like Mackay.”

Christensen said he would lobby government and the opposition for support, and that he also expected support from the CFMEU. The Nationals Deputy Whip was critical of the Bligh Labor Government for approving 100 per cent FIFO operations at Daunia and Caval Ridge, as well as the present Palaszczuk government for allowing the policy to continue.

“Before the Queensland 2015 election, Labor’s policy document on this issue specifically said it would end existing 100 per cent fly-in fly-out operations near regional communities within 100 days of government – no doubt attracting plenty of

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

votes from the most affected regions,” he said.

“But, more than 300 days after the election, they have walked away from that promise.”

BHP stated in their submission to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into FIFO and other Long Distance Commuting Practices that only operational staff at Daunia and Caval Ridge were required to be FIFO, while local contractors were in ongoing use at the sites.

BHP’s original reason for 100 per cent FIFO conditions, as argued to the Bligh Government, was that it was required in response to “overheating of the local employment market during a period of peak resources activity”.

However, despite the mining and commodities downturn, BHP now maintain that the policy is “an essential longterm strategy for managing re-

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POLITICS

source cycles and to enable our mines to operate efficiently”.

“As we detail, the productivity uplift we have achieved at Caval Ridge and Daunia, has proven this strategy as effective, and has the added benefit of helping us to keep these mines viable at a time when many mines in the region are not,” BHP said.

BHP claimed that to open up their operational staff positions to local residents “would have significant operational and efficiency impacts and would erode valuable progress we have made through achieving our deliberate diversity targets at these mines”.

In June this year the Queensland government approved the new Red Hill coal mine near Moranbah on the strict condition operation was not 100 per cent FIFO. In the second reading of the bill Michelle Landry was also heavily critical of the Bligh government.

“The blame lies fairly and squarely with the Australian Labor Party, backed by the powerful CFMEU,” she said.

Landry even went as far as to suggest that 100 per cent FIFO policies had the “hallmarks of an apartheid system” based on postcode.

“If apartheid rules were not good enough for South Africa then they cannot be good enough for Central Queensland workers,” Landry said.

Queensland FIFO Inquiry chair Jim Pearce, a former Queensland coal industry worker, said there was a need for resource companies to “proactively demonstrate their social licence” by ending ‘postcode discrimination’.

“Workers should also be given the choice about whether they live in an accommodation village or in a nearby resource community with their family,” he said.

Inquiry deputy chair Michael Hart said the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee was “extremely cognisant of the sovereign risk involved” with recommending retrospective action to place limits on FIFO workforces.

“Instead, the committee seeks to encourage resource companies to both purchase locally

and employ local workers where possible,” he said.

Landry scoffed at the recommendations of the Inquiry in her second reading speech, claiming Labor were unable to “unwind the mess their own party created because it is enshrined in contract legalities”, and that she and Christensen had already drawn up the bill before the inquiry made its recommendations.

“Ironically, the Queensland review recommended changing the anti-discrimination act so mining companies cannot refuse to employ workers based on where they live,” she said.

“It is ironic because I told the CFMEU and Jim Pearce that that is what the federal representatives were already actively seeking to do.

“When I spoke at a community forum on jobs and the impact of 100 per cent FIFO on Mackay, hosted by the CFMEU and Jim Pearce, I told them that I and the member for Dawson were already drawing up such a bill.”

Both the Queensland Resourc-

es Council (QRC) and Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) have expressed their disapproval of proposed changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).

AMMA executive director Scott Barklamb disagreed with notions that workers should be allowed to have a choice of where to live in terms of FIFO or local arrangements, and said the proposed changes to anti-discrimination legislation would have a negative impact on Queensland businesses.

“Providing employees with a choice of where they live for work sounds fine in principle, but in practice the proposal would give rise to unwarranted lawsuits across Queensland workplaces, not just those in the resource industry,” he said.

QRC chief Michael Roche said changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act would be like “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.

Ironically, the announcement of the new bill was also met with scepticism by the CFMEU. Christensen said he expected support from the CFMEU,

however Queensland Mining and Energy district president Steve Smyth said he needed more details about the proposed amendment as to how it would actually work.

“Until we hear more information about whether this bill would actually end compulsory 100 per cent FIFO, this looks like nothing more than a popularity stunt by Landry and Christensen,” Smyth said.

“If this really will give workers at Daunia and Caval Ridge a real choice about where they live and whether they work FIFO, of course we would support it.”

“There’s a Federal Election coming up and these are two of the most marginal seats – is this bill just a panicked attempt to regain the support of the community in Central Queensland from two MPs who have sat on their hands for the past two years?

“After all, we won’t forget that Michelle Landry stood beside then Prime Minister Tony Abbott as he defended the 100 per cent compulsory FIFO arContinued page 12

BMA’S DAUNIA COAL MINE.

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POLITICS

From page 11 rangements at the opening of Caval Ridge.

“When the Federal Coalition Government dismissed our region’s concerns about compulsory FIFO, we heard nothing but resounding silence from Landry and Christensen.”

Smyth said if the two MPs were serious about ending 100 per cent FIFO hiring policies at the Daunia and Caval Ridge coal mines, they would have to push the Government to also end preferential tax breaks for companies employing FIFO workers.

Christensen rejoindered

Smyth’s remarks by indicating they were both interested in achieving the same outcomes, but that the response was “typical”.

“The CFMEU have been pushing for a solution to this problem, and when a solution is presented that’s sensible, they come out and shitcan it in the media.”

“We all know that the CFMEU is just an affiliate member of the Australian Labor Party, so anything proposed by an LNP politician is not going to get their support, regardless,” he chuckled.

“The disappointing thing is we’ve come to the point where

we’ve moved legislation as private members, which is highly unusual, and we’re being criticised by the very people we’re trying to help.”

Christensen said he felt compelled to table the new private members bill after it became clear that the Queensland FIFO inquiry would take no action on the only 100 per cent FIFO mines in the state.

“The one caveat they’ve had of all the recommendations they put forward, including the idea of having anti-discrimination provisions against geographic discrimination, the caveat is that none of it will apply to already

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approved 100 per cent FIFO mines,” he said.

“It’s like saying we’ll bring in an anti-racial discrimination laws, but they won’t apply to racists, its ridiculous.”

The private member’s bill was drafted and finalised by Christensen and Landry in June this year, fuelling their claims that FIFO inquiry chariman Jim Pearce, who had formerly criticised the suggestion, had copied their idea for an amendment against geographic discrimination by employers.

In response to public misapprehension about the bill being used to attack FIFO workers, Chris-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

BHP SAYS LOCAL CONTRACTORS ARE USED FOR WORK AT BOTH MINES.

tensen said he understood that some people would feel that way.

“There are people out there, probably in the CFMEU, that would like to see a closed shop where no-one outside of Moranbah for instance would be able to get a job at a Moranbah mine: quite clearly that’s ridiculous,” he said.

“All I’m asking for is for the best person to fill the role, not simply the best person who lives in Brisbane or Cairns.” AM

AM1015_000_BHP

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HERE FOR 130 YEARS. HERE FOR GOOD. It’s 130 years since BHP opened for business in Broken Hill. Since then BHP Billiton has become one of the biggest companies in Australia and one of the world’s largest producers of natural resources.

As we have grown and changed, we have helped Australia grow and change too. Not only have we provided the raw materials that have helped build our cities and industries, we’ve provided jobs and revenue that have helped successive generations thrive.

After being at the heart of change for over a century, we’ve seen what can be achieved by working with others. That’s why we’re working to change the under-representation of women and Aboriginal Australians in maths and science. Partnering with the CSIRO and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute, so far the BHP Billiton Foundation has committed $55 million to national science, technology and maths education across our country.

The next 130 years will bring more change to the world and we plan to be here to support it.

Learn more at:

bhpbilliton.com

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SAFETY

SETTING THE STANDARDS WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS LEADING THE WORLD WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FIRST AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MINING SAFETY CODES.

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n the technology race innovations are making leaps and bounds, however the laws and regulations that govern them and ensure safety are often slow to keep pace.

Semi-autonomous and fully automated machinery has existed in the mining industry for decades, with Rio Tinto starting their Mine of the Future initiative back in 2008, yet until now there have been no delineated regulations for operating automated machinery.

Australia is now leading the way, at least in terms of automation, with the implementation of new safety codes of practice.

Western Australia is at the forefront of autonomous mining safety codes as it puts into practice the new codes developed by State Government.

It was created by the Department of Mines and Petroleum in conjunction with an industry working group, and took 18 months to develop.

“A few years ago the Department of Mines and Petroleum recognised there was limited guidance material available to assist companies in identifying and controlling hazards involved

with the introduction and operation of mobile autonomous technology,” Graham James, the DMP acting director mines safety, told Australian Mining.

“The department initially worked closely with mining companies and equipment suppliers to ensure comprehensive safety systems were put in place,” he said.

“Trials were then set-up to demonstrate that mobile autonomous systems could be operated safely.”

The codes came into practice a year after an incident between an autonomous truck and a manned watercart at BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.

According to the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum, the control room operator had programmed the autonomous haul truck to turn right at a predefined intersection and carry out a loop so it could be repositioned underneath an excavator on the pit floor.

While the intersection and loop existed in the control system, it was not physically signposted or marked on the ground to notify worker operated vehicles.

“A manned water cart was travelling in the opposite di-

rection when the autonomous truck was about to turn right, the water cart driver was not aware of the autonomous truck’s pre-assigned path and – on recognising it – tried to take eva-

WHILE AUTOMATION RACED AHEAD, REGULATIONS HAVE NOT KEPT PACE

AUSTRALIANMINING

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sive action,” the DMP report stated.

“On detecting the water cart in its assigned path of travel, the autonomous truck’s speed (about 40 kilometres per hour) and response time meant it could not prevent the collision.

“The two vehicles collided, resulting in significant damage to the autonomous truck; the water cart driver received minor injuries.”

It went on to state that change management processes for planning and assigning roads in the control system were inadequate, and that while an awareness system had been installed in the water cart to allow drivers to monitor autonomous trucks’ paths at the time of the collision the water cart driver was not aware of the intended actions of the autonomous truck.

The code of practice on safe mobile autonomous mining in Western Australia was subsequently developed to assist companies introducing and managing autonomous mobile mining sys-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

tems and to avoid the likelihood of incidents such as these occurring again.

“The code is based on a risk management approach and provides guidance to the system builders who design, manufacture, import, supply and install or commission autonomous mining systems, and system operators and maintainers who keep the systems running,” James said.

“The code includes desired safety outcomes, legislative provisions, applicable Australian and international standards, project management information (which needs to be submitted to the department for approval before using the equipment), and identification and mitigation of potential risks.”

Inspectors will be able to use the code while undertaking site inspections and audits to assess system compliance, with the DMP adding that where gaps are identified, the inspector may use the code to direct improvement, making it a continually evolving set of guidelines. AM

AM0513_000_ASD

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australian owned

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

“THE SHOW MUST GO ON...”

AUSTRALIAN MINING EDITOR COLE LATIMER RECAPS THE 2015 PROSPECT AWARDS.

“

The show must go on.”

This was the attitude at this year’s Prospect Awards, as we went ahead and recognised innovation and excellence despite the efforts of disparate groups of protesters determined to steal the limelight.

The night saw several stunts, including some pushy penguins and a cohort of Greenpeace activists who discretely assembled a 7 foot-tall Perspex box, wheeled it into the foyer of the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel and put on a “cash grab” in true game show style, using counterfeit bills bearing the likenesses of Contribution to Mining award winner Gina Rinehart and environment minister Greg Hunt.

The head of Greenpeace Australia claimed to have made his way into the event, boasting about his derring-do on Twitter.

Yes, despite efforts such as these (and a rather lazy Buzzfeed ‘listicle’ that came out the following week) our celebration of achievements in the industry in 2015 went on ahead regardless.

As with most years the core focus of the awards was on innovation, individual excellence, and new ways of doing business were companies that increased safety and raised environmental operating standards accounted for the majority of entries.

Doray Minerals’ Andy Well was named Overall Mine of the Year, a mine which has made Doray one of the highest

grade and highest margin gold producers in the country.

Hard Rock Mine of the Year went to CMOC Northparkes copper mine for breaking new production records in 2014 with 6.1 million tonnes processed.

Coal Mine of the Year went to Anglo American for their Moranbah North operation, which has had a high degree of success in safety with eight years LTI free, and recent improvements in production from 6.8 to 6.9 million tonnes annually.

Gina Rinehart was recognised with an award for Contribution to Mining thanks to the development of the Roy Hill Iron Ore mine, the culmination of years of planning which will see its first shipment of product leave Port Hedland before the end of the year.

Rinehart’s award was also granted for her authorship of two books in support of the mining industry, and her role in founding the organisation Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV).

Kalgoorlie resident Moya Sharp was also highly commended in the category of Contribution to Mining for her work in creating the Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial, which is partnered with the physical miner’s memorial at the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie, a record which currently contains the names of 1484 individuals who have lost their lives in service to the WA mining industry.

The Young Achiever of the Year, CarAUSTRALIANMINING

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bine Resources executive director Patrick Walta was not present to collect his award, which to the amusement of all was picked up by a very senior proxy.

Walta joined the Carbine board in 2014, and has been instrumental in driving the plans to restart operations Mount Morgan, which has the potential to become one of the lowest cost gold producers in Australia, as well as one of the most environmentally focussed.

Global Aquatica was recognised for environmental excellence thanks to their Bioaquatica system, which converts acidic water into drinking quality for release or recycling, with the contaminants converted into recyclable products which can be sold by the mine at a profit.

Manager of the Year went to Dawid Pretorius, general manager at Glencore’s Clermont Coal Mine, where he has worked since 2011 towards the current record of 804 days LTI free through a direct engagement strategy called Visible Felt Leadership.

Rox Resources was named Explorer of the Year for their ongoing achievements, with four nickel sulphide discoveries in the Fisher East ultramafic belt, the result of targeting work done

by Will Belbin and Ian Mulholland, 500km north of Kalgoorlie.

Support group Mining Family Matters won the award for Community Interaction, in recognition of their success in joining with Wesley LifeForce Suicide NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Prevention Services to create the Rock Solid Suicide Prevention Program, a national initiative aimed at boosting emotional resilience and preventing suicide in the male-dominated resources industry, particularly those working Fly-in, Fly-out.

Custom Mining Products also did well out of the night, taking the awards for Excellence in Mining Safety as well as Innovative Mining Solution.

Custom’s Duckbill Ejector enables safer pallet handling underground, attaching to a LHD loader and operated from the cabin to minimise manual handling and product damage.

Custom was also rewarded for their innovative Drill Water Capture System, which captures and seperates spent drilling water from fines at a rate of 1800 litres per hour, all in a single 10kg unit with no moving parts.

The Minerals Processing award of the year was handed to Columbus Group for their Water Wall system, which efficiently cuts a solid rock face into tetrahedrals and octahedrals for direct feed into a processing mill without explosives and without primary crushing.

Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure won Contract Miner of the Year for their work on the Southern Coalfields Ventilation Shaft near Wollongong, which included installation of more than 8000 tonnes of shaft liners.

Read on to find out more about the winners.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

MINE OF THE YEAR – OVERALL

Sponsored by

DORAY MINERALS’ ANDY WELL MINE HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS AUSTRALIA’S MINE OF THE YEAR.

I

n what may be a first for the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, the winner of Mine of the Year was not a winner in either Hard Rock or Coal Mine of the Year.

The winner of the 2015 Mine of the Year award is Doray Minerals’ Andy Well mine.

Doray Minerals is an Australian-based high-grade gold producer, developer and explorer with substantial exploration upside, and has gone from success to success in its operations.

The company controls two high-grade Western Australian gold assets – the operating Andy Well Gold Project (Andy Well) and the developmentready Deflector Gold Project (Deflector).

Doray is one of the highest

grade and highest margin gold producers in Australia from the Andy Well Gold Project and is in a strong financial position.

Production began at Andy Well’s Wilber Lode gold deposit in August 2013.

Its high levels of productivity are highlighted in the most recent September quarter, where it achieved another strong result at Andy Well.

The site recorded production of 25,690 ounces from processing 83,246 tonnes with an average head grade of 9.83g/t Au, beating the forecast production by 6.5 per cent and confirming Andy Well as the highest grade gold operation currently in production in Australia.

The Deflector Gold Project is currently under construction and Doray aims to be

DORAY MINERALS GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONS PETER BAMFORD.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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producing gold from Deflector in 2016.

There is substantial exploration upside with the potential for additional deposits, and a highly prospective regional exploration project portfolio in WA and South Australia is already delivering results.

It announced a maiden highgrade resource for the Suzie Zone in February 2015, which is located parallel to the operating Wilber Lode underground mine and the Judy Lode.

This is the third high-grade gold resource defined by Doray at Andy Well.

The indicated and inferred resources for the Suzie Zone comprise 468,000t @ 8.1g/t Au for 123,000 contained ounces and takes the Andy Well resource inventory to over 500,000oz from three deposits.

Doray completed the first underground diamond drilling program on extensions to the Wilber Lode deposit in May, with a number of significant high-grade results returned including 0.9m @ 155.2g/t Au. These results confirm the continuation of high-grade

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

ACCEPTING THE AWARD FROM MMD’S DARREN BALMER.

mineralisation below the current mine design and mineral resource boundary, and will be incorporated in a recalculation of the Wilber Mineral resource.

The current combined Andy Well resource inventory (Wilber, Judy and Suzie Lodes) is 1.75Mt @ 10.1g/t Au for 572,000 contained ounces. Total Ore Reserves at Andy Well are estimated at 814,000t @ 8.8g/t Au for 229,500 contained ounces.

The company has an excellent track record of meeting milestones on time and under budget, and its experienced board and management team has expertise in discovery, development and production.

Doray is focused on reaching production targets at Andy Well, delivering strong financial results, developing the Deflector Project, accelerating exploration and reaping rewards for shareholders.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

COAL MINE OF THE YEAR MORANBAH NORTH – ANGLO AMERICAN

Sponsored by

THE ANGLO AMERICAN MINE HAS WON A PROSPECT AWARD FOR THE THIRD TIME, A NEW RECORD FOR THE MORANBAH NORTH TEAM.

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or progress made in completely turning around its operation and driving not only productivity, but also safety, Anglo American’s Moranbah North coal mine has been recognised as the 2015 Australian Mining’s Prospect Awards’ Coal Mine of the Year.

Anglo American Coal chief executive officer Seamus French said the win was an outstanding achievement for the mine and testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment to best practice by all across the mine.

“It is a tremendous honour for Moranbah North to receive this award and to be recognised by our industry peers,” French said.

“Moranbah North has been on a journey of continuous improvement in safety and production for a number of years, which has seen the mine achieve industry-leading safety performance and consistently high production of 6.8 to 6.9 million tonnes annually.”

The Moranbah North mine has been operating for close to two decades, and was opened in 1998, eventually commencing longwall operations in 2000.

The operation was a fairly average mine until a few years later, going in to be the first mine to win the Prospect Awards three times, also in 2009 and 2013.

In late 2011 the site was impacted by a groundfall in the conveyor drift, which

caused significant production constraints.

However, the incident turned out to have a number of upsides, and served as the impetus for a change, which led to a major shift in the way the mine was being operated.

In 2012 Anglo American implemented a complete operational restructure at Moranbah North to improve safety and diversify the site’s underground environment, taking the mine’s production output to the highest it has ever seen

MORANBAH NORTH’S GM CRAIG MANZ AND EXECUTIVE HEAD OF UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS GLEN BRITTON HAVE TAKEN THEIR THIRD AWARD BACK DOWN THE MINE WHERE IT BELONGS.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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and recording the best safety results in its history.

Moranbah North carried out a massive drive on safety aimed at cutting injury rates and building resilience in safety.

Its current Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate is only .87 per 200,000 hours, which is around a 92 per cent reduction in the rate from its height in 2010, and well below the industry average of 4.35 per one million hours.

The Moranbah North coal mine has also achieved significant benchmarks at its coal handling and preparation plant and warehouse, and at time of publication has run eight years Lost Time Injury Free at its CHPP, and five years LTI free at its warehouse.

This high level of safety performance has been combined with better engineering and a drive for innovation.

This has led to a continual improvement in production output.

In 2013 the site recorded a run of mine production of 6.8 million tonnes with 1.25 longwall, which slipped to 6.4 million tonnes ROM with 1.75 longwall moves to a projected 6.9 million tonnes with an extended duration longwall move this year.

It is also running a number of industry initiatives and implementing new technology to drive not only efficiency, but to keep its workers safe.

These new initiatives include

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

UNDERGROUND ASSET MANAGER PAUL STEPHAN ACCEPTS ANGLO’S THIRD AWARD FOR COAL MINE OF THE YEAR, PRESENTED BY SEW EURODRIVE’S DANIELE DALLARI.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID Moranbah North used what many would consider a setback as an opportunity, and have made great strides in not only making their mine more productive, but importantly safer. specifically designed shotcrete for strata support and reduced gas rib emissions and an aeroduster that applies stonedust mixture onto the ribs and roof, providing improved coverage whilst allowing inbye works to safely continue.

On the technology front, Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine is currently in the approvals phase for implementing an underground intrinsically safe tablet which would allow full time live access to safety management systems; engineering drawing for better understanding of development; real time monitoring of equipment; the pre-population of 90 per cent of reports from entered data; and creating and initiating new target action response plans immediately upon changes in data points being recorded.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by

INCREASED SAFETY AND USE OF AUTOMATION HAS SEEN THE NORTHPARKES MINE LEAD THE FIELD IN HARD ROCK MINING.

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orthparkes Mines has taken out Hard Rock Mine of the Year at this year’s Australian Mining Prospect Awards. The award recognised the mine’s recordbreaking production in 2014, where it processed 6.1 million tonnes, 80 per cent of which was mined by automated loaders.

Managing director Stefanie Loader said 2014 was a record year for Northparkes.

“We worked hard to keep our people safe, produce more tonnes and work more closely with our community – all in a year of ownership transition,” Loader said.

“I am delighted that the dedication of our people to make Northparkes a more efficient, innovative and safer operation has been recognised.”

Located 27 kilometres northwest of Parkes in New South

Wales’ Central West, Northparkes is a copper and gold mine that has been operating for more than 20 years. Its operation is made up of underground block cave mines and an ore processing plant.

Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum (CMOC) and the Sumitomo Groups.

In 2013, CMOC acquired its first international asset through Rio Tinto’s 80 per cent interests in Northparkes.

CMOC Overseas CEO Kalidas Madhavpeddi is proud of Northparkes’ performance in its first year of CMOC ownership.

“The transition to CMOC represents a successful change management process including decentralising support services, implementation of new processes, procedures and an entirely new suite of information technology applications,” Madhavpeddi said.

“Its achievements in zero harm, technology, innovation and community relations reflect its commitment to continuous improvement.”

CMOC acting manager Mining Operations Allan McKellar said

NORTHPARKES MAINTENANCE AREA.

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he believed what separates Northparkes from its competitors is its commitment to continual growth and development in all aspects.

“The other achievements we’ve had [include] our volunteer program, a community based program, which has been a huge success; we’re a finalist for Australian Farmer of the Year; plus two thirds of our water usage onsite comes from recycled water,” he said.

Northparkes Mines Volunteer Leave Program is designed to support the local community by sharing skills with businesses and organisations. The mine is focused on ensuring long-term economic benefits for communities.

Loader also stated Northparkes has made significant improvements to safety, halving their injury rate from 2012.

“And, just this week, we have reached 150 days injury free for 2015, which is an outstanding achievement,” he said.

McKellar reinforced the necessity of constant change in Northparkes’ future.

“We’ve also moved to 100 per cent automation; 100 per cent of our production is based on automation,” he said.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NORTHPARKES ACTING MANAGER FOR MINING OPS ALLEN MCKELLAR WITH SENIOR HR ADVISOR MICHELLE WETHERELL. “Technology plays a huge part; innovation plays a massive part in Northparkes.

“We’re a big believer that we can’t sit still, we must keep changing, and we must keep improving the way we do things. Part of that is through technology and our automation success.”

Northparkes was one of the first mines in Australia to employ the block caving method, and is the world’s most automated underground mine.

“At the moment, we’re a world leader for underground automation; it is only the beginning of what we can achieve,” McKellar said.

The Hard Rock award follows on from Northparkes’ achievement at last year’s Prospect Awards where it was presented with Community Interaction of the Year for its work with the community.

It is committed to Zero Harm to its people, equipment, environment and community and its vision is to achieve a Century of Mining Together.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – GLOBAL AQUATICA

Sponsored by

GLOBAL AQUATICA HAS UTILISED ITS NEW BIOAQUA TECHNOLOGY TO COMPLETELY ERADICATE ACID MINE DAMAGE, INCLUDING CONTAMINANTS, FROM A MINE SITE.

B

ioAqua converts contaminated water into potable quality products, which are then sold with revenue shared equally with the tenement owner after plant operating costs.

A permanent revenue can be provided to the tenement owner after revenue and management costs from the water quality analysis, which allows for construction of a full-sized plant that has the capacity to expand its revenue.

The mining of sulphide deposits or coal is usually not sustainable under present conditions, with many mines being abandoned due to acid

production, storage and the associated management costs. Regulators do not permit release of the waste water and treatment is usually environmentally unsustainable and cost prohibitive.

BioAqua identified several solutions to solve this problem, including the conversion of environmental liability into a revenue producing assets for the tenement owner.

Managing director at Global Aquatica, Samuel Costin said it had been a long road of investment into research and development that led to the move to clean up the environment left by the Australian mining industry.

“For the last 35 years as

water engineer, I’ve been out there delivering water systems to Australia’s mining industry,” he said.

“Throughout those 35 years, it hasn’t given me any joy at all to see that the mining industry

GLOBAL AQUATICA MD SAMUEL COSTIN.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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is unfortunately part of the process that turns a scarce water resource into pollution.

“The pollution is so toxic that it can’t be released, it can only be stored and is too expensive to treat. In fact, there haven’t been any practical or economically feasible treatment options out there.”

Acidic mine water builds up in cases where a mine is abandoned when there is too much water, leading Global Aquatica to urge its scientists and engineers to finally come up with a solution to deal with the 20,000 polluting sites across Australia and many more around the globe.

Assessing the water chemistry and predicting the company’s performance in eradicating the waste and generating revenue means that engineers can apply experience to refine the design to permit supply of the plant at the lowest cost.

BioAqua removes the metals in the polluted water with a concentrated sulphuric acid –resulting in one of the most effective ways to get rid of the most common type of water pollution seen around the world.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

COSTIN WAS ECSTATIC ABOUT HIS WIN IN THE ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY.

The water is subsequently sold as a valuable and recyclable product, where proceeds from sales are used to fund the operation of the plant and allowing the mining industry to profit from cleaning up acidic waste water.

The BioAqua system removes the metals and acidity without use of other chemicals, processing waste water to the point where the sulphates can be converted into carbonites, through the use of bacteria developed in Australia.

A larger plant can be installed, increasing and expanding initial revenue. Once a design has been approved, the company’s electricians install the switchboards, communications and controllers into the control room during the build stage of the workshop.

With no imported chemicals and no stored wastes, the existing stored toxic wastes are eradicated from the site with minimal energy consumption.

AM1015_000_MET1

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2015-09-30T09:24:26+10:00

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

MINERALS PROCESSING OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by

IMPROVING ON COMMINUTION EFFICIENCY THROUGH WATER PRE-CUTTING

F

By water slicing only the or the developpart of the resource that is ment of a new wanted, it saves operators pre-milling methboth time and resources by od to make traallowing them to focus on ditional grinding what is wanted and rejecting more productive, the rest.

Columbus Group has been Columbus has focused on awarded the Minerals Prowater cutting with logical cessing of the Year award. shaping and ‘right’ sizing of The traditional process of drillthe cut elements to maximise ing, blasting, and break out the return for minimum followed by rock milling before Due to this no other break up effort. final grinding is not the most WHAT THE JUDGES SAID is used in the process. efficient approach in hard rock “This is where the concept of Innovative approaches The now cut tetrahedrals and tetrahedrals and octahedrals mining’s comminution syssuch as these are helping octahedrals are small enough is important,” Columbus tem, particularly as it can be to aid efficiency in the to be moved in slurry and fed explains. somewhat wasteful in chasing grinding circuit. directly into ball mills for final Any complete solid surface rich deposits like narrow gold grinding. can be ‘perfectly’ built up or seams.

The cutting fluid waste from jets, to produce typical four cut away by using the optiWith that in mind, the Columthe cutting process can also millimetre by four millimetre mised water jet arrays, angled bus Group has developed a tetrahedrals out, newA water M 1 1cutting 1 5 _ method 0 0 0 _toT Y R in and 1 from 2 0 1the 5 -abrasive 1 0 - 1 9 T 1 0 : 1 9 and : 1 octahedrals, 1 + 1 1 : 0 0 be used at the point of mining for online assaying to efficientrich, extra-high pressure water upfront. pre-cut the rock for grinding.

LUCOT GROUP’S CLIFFORD ATKINSON ACCEPTED THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF COLUMBUS GROUP, PRESENTED BY JOE RAY FROM TYRES4U.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

EXPLORER OF THE YEAR – ROX RESOURCES ROX CAUGHT THE INDUSTRY’S ATTENTION WITH A GREENFIELDS NICKEL DISCOVERY IN LATE 2012, AND SINCE THEN HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

J

unior exploration company Rox Resources has made a number of new nickel sulphide discoveries in the Fisher East area over the last three years.

The discovery was made in an area previously only sparsely explored for nickel, with company conductors undertaking an exploration that was specifically designed to identify nickel sulphide mineralisation.

Nickel sulphide deposits were first discovered at Fisher East in December 2012 and were very similar to other wellknown nickel sulphide belts in

Western Australia.

A combination of the technical and intellectual excellence of the individuals involved recognition of the prospectivity for nickel sulphides and the systematic exploration program led to the intersection of nickel sulphides in the preliminary drill holes.

Additional drilling is expected to lead to further extension of the resource over time, when market and/or development opportunities dictate and justify the further drilling required.

Managing director of Rox Resources Ian Mulholland said, “Despite our high level

of exploration activity we have maintained a small, but very focused exploration team.”

“This strategy has us commit approximately 80 per cent

DRILLING AT THE FISHER EAST NICKEL RESOURCE.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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of our funds directly to our exploration work and it is very pleasing to have achieved success in the field.”

At the historic Bonya copper mine project in the Northern Territory, Rox Resources carried out the first ever drilling and intersected a thick zone of high grade copper mineralisation, including results such as 11 metres grading 4.4 per cent copper from 30 metres depth, 38 metres grading 4.4 per cent copper from 60 metres depth and 9 metres grading 3.8 per cent copper from 97 metres depth.

During the past 12 months drilling at the Fisher East nickel sulphide project continued to expand known resources and discover new ore bodies, such as Sabre.

Pre-feasibility level studies have now commenced following the successful completion of a scoping study.

Rox Resources is using the (Kambalda) Archaean Greenstone Komatiite-Hosted Nickel Sulphide model which predicts that multiple nickel sulphide deposits are possibly forming in a series of lava channels that transect favourable ultramafic units.

The Fisher East nickel sulphide project was deemed a financially robust, low technical risk project following the study of capital and operation-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

ROX RESOURCES MANAGING DIRECTOR IAN MULHOLLAND WITH AUSTRALIAN MINING EDITOR COLE LATIMER.

al costs that fell into line with other similar nickel sulphide projects in WA. Exploration potential along the Fisher East belt is strong, with a number of other prospects being defined by Rox’s ongoing exploration, led by Mulholland and William Belbin.

Rox Resources has recently considered selling its Reward Zinc Project, which would allow them to pursue a number of growth opportunities both within the current project portfolio and by external transactions.

If Rox successfully sells off its interest in Reward, it would be focused on exploring at its Fisher East nickel sulphide in Kalgoorlie and the Bonya copper project.

It progressed with environmental studies undertaken to conduct further drilling to expand nickel sulphide resources.

Rox has been recognised in the industry for its exploration successes that started a mini nickel boom and attracted joint venture partners to undertake nickel sulphide exploration against a tight capital market.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR – PATRICK WALTA CEO OF CARBINE RESOURCES PATRICK WALTA IS CLOSE TO INITIATING A RESTART OF TAILINGS PROCESSING AT MOUNT MORGAN, WHICH NOT ONLY WILL BECOME A LOW-COST GOLD OPERATION, BUT ALSO FACILITATE PROFITABLE REMEDIATION OF 130 YEARS OF POLLUTION.

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aking home the title for Young Achiever of the Year is Patrick Walta, the CEO of Carbine Resources.

Walta has qualifications as a metallurgist, and as a mineral economist, but his resume also extends to time spent as a board executive with experience across both technical and commercial roles within the mining and water treatment industries.

Having graduated from Melbourne University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Science, Walta has gone on to complete postgraduate studies, including an MBA, Masters of Science (Mineral Economics) and a Diploma of Project Management. In addition, Walta is also a graduate of the AICD’s Company Directors course.

He became executive director

of the publically-listed Carbine Resources Limited in 2014, following the takeover of a subsidiary of the private mineral resources group Raging Bull Mining.

His role at Carbine Resources involves the development of all facets of the Mount Morgan Gold and Copper Project, as well as management of all board functions and the continued Unfortunately Walta could not be present to collect his much deserved award, however a more senior member of Carbine Resources, project specialist Russell Dann did say a few words on Walta’s behalf, an irony that was not lost on guests at the 2015 Prospect Awards.

“I’m really happy tonight to accept the award on behalf of Patrick Walta of Carbine Resources,” Dann said.

“I know Patrick will be very dis-

appointed that he wasn’t able to make it tonight, but I guess Patrick keeps a very busy schedule, and he also has a new baby.

“But Patrick has done an amazing job with Carbine Resources: The Mount Morgan Project is really quite an innovative project, and these aren’t easy times, they are tough times, but not only is it a project that I think will probably break a few barriers in terms of environmental solutions, but in terms of how he’s managed to put the project together.

PATRICK WALTA, CEO OF CARBINE RESOURCES AND YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR.

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“So I’m very happy to be part of Carbine, and very happy to be working with Patrick.”

With an impressive resume showing the kind of motivation one expects of a company leader, Walta has been responsible for driving the vision of restarting operations at the historic Mount Morgan mine, and turning it into what could potentially become one of the lowest cost gold operations in Australia.

His willingness to innovate and adopt new technology has provided the means to unlock the significant mineral wealth that remains at the historic mine, which closed in 1981, although tailings processing continued until 1990.

Walta said the vision for Carbine Resources and identifying the historic mine was about leveraging the metallurgical expertise within the company, as well as access to technology, in order to create value in “unloved assets” such as Mount Morgan.

We’re not claiming to be geologist’s looking for the next 1,000,000 ounce ore body, but what we are very good at is unlocking value through metallurgy,” Walta said.

“We conducted a very targeted due diligence program, looking at geologically de-risked assets that need process de-risking, and it’s enabled us to filter out a lot of potential acquisition opportunities.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

RUSSELL DANN WAS A LITTLE RED-FACED AT PICKING UP THE AWARD FOR YOUNG ACHIEVER...

“Mount Morgan has been our major target, and we successfully acquired the project by completing some initial metallurgical test work and showing our value proposition.”

With two phases of test work wrapped into a scoping study, Walta showed that restarting tailings reprocessing at Mount Morgan would provide opportunity to produce three products at the site including gold, copper, and high grade pyrite concentrate, which will assist in driving down the all-in sustaining gold costs to below $400 per ounce.

Current estimates by Carbine suggest the gold cost will be as low as $US243 per ounce.

“This really puts us in the lowest cost quartile for gold production globally,” Walta said.

The re-opening of the Mount Morgan mine certainly has the potential to revitalise the local community through new employment, but it will also help to create new opportunities to remediate the significant environmental legacy of pollution at Mount Morgan in a profitable fashion.

For more about the environmental remediation of the Mount Morgan site, see page 44.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

MANAGER OF THE YEAR – DAWID PRETORIUS, CLERMONT COAL MINE (GLENCORE) WITH 804 DAYS WITHOUT A LOST TIME INJURY, DAWID PRETORIUS HAS ACHIEVED NEW LEVELS OF SAFETY THROUGH DIRECT ENGAGEMENT WITH STAFF.

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he 2015 Prospect Award for Manager of the Year has gone to Dawid Pretorius, general manager at Glencore’s Clermont coal mine.

Glencore are proud of the work that Pretorius has put into the company over the past year and a half, saying they were pleased to see him nominated for the award.

With 20 years’ experience

in the industry Pretorius has excelled in both technical and leadership roles. As general manager of the Clermont open cut operation, Pretorius has made an impressive impact, with the safety strategy based on direct engagement of coal mine workers focussing on Visible Felt Leadership.

This strategy becoming fundamental to Clermont as they achieve safety records, having recently surpassed 3.5 million

PRETORIUS’ LEADERSHIP HAS RESULTED IN 804 DAYS LTI FREE.

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man hours (804 days) without lost time injury and only incurring one medical treatment case.

Pretorius’s story as a general manager at Clermont is certainly impressive. He has been instrumental in leading the site to exceed industry benchmarks in relation to safety, cost and production during his tenure and before this holding various exploration and mining positions in Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Pretorius was working as the technical manager at Parabola (South Africa) prior to joining Clermont Open Cut Mine in May 2012.

With over 20 years’ experience there is no surprise Pretorius has won the Prospect Award for Manager of the Year in 2015.

“I think leadership is about engaging with people, [because] if you cannot engage your people then you cannot engage the masses, you cannot get people to want to work with you then you will just fail,” Pretorius said.

“I think the innovation is about engaging with people.”

Over the last 18 months

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

DAWID PRETORIUS ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM EDITOR COLE LATIMER.

Clermont coal mine has positioned itself as one of the top performers in the Australian mining industry.

The mine possesses one of the best safety records in the country: Pretorius’s strategy has delivered a resilient operation that can withstand challenging market conditions while delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders.

This exceptional performance has been sustained whilst transitioning between owners.

After being announced the winner of the 2015 Manager of the Year award, Pretorius said; “The biggest thing for me is, the difference between a leader and a manager is that a leader has followers, and I feel like I have a few of those back at the mine and I really feel that this award is theirs, not mine.”

Pretorius said that he felt he won the award due to his leadership ability, which he has developed over the years.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION THE DRILL WATER CAPTURE SYSTEM CAPITALISES ON SIMPLE DESIGN TO PROVIDE WATER RECYCLING CAPABILITY THAT WILL NO DOUBT FIND ITS WAY TO MANY MORE APPLICATIONS IN THE WIDER INDUSTRY.

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or the development of a more environmentally sustainable and safer approach to underground drilling, Custom Mining Products has been recognised for

creating this year’s most Innovative Mining Solution.

Custom Mining Products has created a new Drill Water Capture system in an effort to overcome the massive quantity of water wasted during the drilling process.

Currently, up to 1800 litres of water can be used per hour in the drilling process of installing roof support such as cable bolts in underground mining and tunnelling .

This 1800 litres of spent drilling water creates a serious

THE DRILL WATER CAPTURE SYSTEM PLUMBS STRAIGHT INTO DRILLING RIGS WITH NO MODIFICATIONS NECESSARY, AND CAN PROCESS 2000 LITRES PER HOUR.

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problem in underground mining environments, and is difficult to control, with runaway causing damage to roadways and creating slippery and hazardous conditions for mine workers, which have the potential to result in injuries.

While dry drilling and mist drilling (a combined approach using compressed air and water) have been used in the past, the methods have proven to be mostly unsuccessful with the resultant soft and muddy strata conditions constantly causing drill bits to block up, directly impacting production and causing machine downtimes.

According to Custom Mining Products owner Robert Goldspink, the Drill Water Capture system was developed as a reliable alternative to comparatively inefficient dry and mist drilling.

This unique product keeps operators and the work area drier and safer, while keeping the site productive.

Designed to capture up to

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

CMP OWNER ROBERT GOLDSPINK WAS DELIGHTED TO BE THE ONLY ENTRANT TO WIN TWO AWARDS ON THE NIGHT, IN THE SAFETY AND INNOVATION CATEGORIES.

2000 litres per hour, the Drill Water Capture system collects and separates the spent drill water from the fines, enabling reuse of the water for further drilling, in a plumbable system The captured water is then delivered directly to the pump while the fine pieces of coal and rock are discharged back onto the ground.

Despite being able to capture up to 95 per cent of the drilling water, the whole unit weighs less than 10kg and has no moving parts.

CMP says there are models to suit- Air Tracks-Drill Rigs-QDS Bolters and hand bolters.

Goldspink said the system does not interfere with the drilling process, and does not require any modifications to exisiting drill rigs.

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- Rob Rashleigh, New Acland Coal Mine

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY, OH&S – CUSTOM MINING PRODUCTS CUSTOM MINING PRODUCTS PTY LTD HAVE SIX NEW PRODUCTS AND HAVE BEEN WORKING ON A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS WITH MINE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES TO DEVELOP CUSTOM BUILT EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY.

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hese products are designed and manufactured in Australia, registered and patented in the hopes of eventually being exported to the rest of the world.

Custom Mining Products’ QDS Duckbill Ejector is one example of a new custom mining product released in 2015.

According to Custom Mining owner Robert Goldspink, “I just looked at making a device that could work easily. At the moment, they just tip palettes off at 45 degrees and unload everything by hand. I went to search if there was any other product available and there wasn’t to my surprise.”

“It wasn’t long before I discovered that some manufacturers make the products but have no idea exactly how their product is used on the job; and that underground workers simply use these products because that’s just how they come. It was then that I knew that with my first-hand underground experience, I could develop products that were, not only safer, but more efficient and productive, for the underground mining industry.”

Before the development of the QDS (Quick Deployment System) Duckbill Ejector, there was very little in the way of pallet handling in underground coal mining.

Goldspink said that despite

keeping the idea for the Duckbill Ejector as a secret for three years until it had been properly patented and tested, a lot of companies would not give Custom Mining the opportunity to test out the Duckbill Ejector on site.

Pallets were loaded onto standard Duckbills (2.5m x2.5m square bucket/scoop) with no way of unloading pal-

THE DUCKBILL EJECTOR REDUCES MANUAL HANDLING OF PALLETISED GOODS.

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letised products other than manually unloading the pallets at an angle that inevitably led to the pallets sliding out.

A function at the rear of the machine sets the two pusher plates at the front to operate either individually or in unison to unload palettes in different locations around the worksite underground and retrieve loads by placing them back onto the loader.

Goldspink said it was a long road to make the machine hydraulically operated, with a large amount of research and development work to have it operate successfully.

The manual handling of bulky loads often put workers at risk of injuries, while the tipping of the standard duckbill caused product damage and there was no way of controlling how many pallets were unloaded.

It has been designed as a safe and efficient means of carrying, ejecting and retrieving palletised products and bulky loads in an underground mine. The Duckbill Ejector has a rated load of 7000kg and uses operated pusher plates to eject and retrieve a load in a controlled manner.

In reflecting on the experience from idea to selling the physical product, Goldspink

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

ROBERT GOLDSPINK WAS THE ONLY NOMINEE TO WIN TWO PROSPECT AWARDS ON THE NIGHT.

said that he had contacted a several people, the majority of whom were utterly unconvinced that the product would operate properly.

Designing a product like this, Goldspink concluded, is a big learning curve for designers who have to believe in what they design and know the right contacts that can assist and give advice for the process of taking a product into the marketplace.

Custom Mining is continually working with mine management and employees on new ideas and projects to increase efficiency, productivity and safety in underground mining.

Their products are designed and manufactured in Australia, and their designs registered and patented with the view of exporting them from Australia to the rest of the world.

Safer and more efficient designs such as the QDS Duckbill Ejector are sure to encourage a significant shift in the way mining workers operate in the near future.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

CONTRIBUTION TO MINING – HANCOCK PROSPECTING/ GINA RINEHART

Sponsored by

THE ROY HILL PROJECT WILL BRING A BOOST TO OVERALL IRON ORE PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA.

H

ancock Prospecting Pty Ltd (HPPL) has continued its long association with the iron ore and mining sectors through continued developments in Western Australia and other areas across the country.

In 2014, HPPL’s Roy Hill Project based in the Pilbara region of West Australia won the award for Best Project Finance Deal of the Year for its 55 million tonne return per annum return in iron ore, rail and port development in the region.

Roy Hill is a joint venture between Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting and Korean steel giant POSCO, Japanese company Marubeni and Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation. Asian joint venture partners were attracted to invest in the $US10 billion Roy Hill project because it would give them a secure stream of the type of quality iron ore they wanted.

Operation of its first shipment will be later this year, allowing

efforts into coal tenement to spread which can subsequently create jobs for workers in the process.

Gina Rinehart is the heiress and chairman of the mineral exploration company, whose activities over the last decade have related to exploration and the accumulation of vast mining leases.

Rinehart is perceived as a passionate defender of the mining industry, initiating Mining and Related Industry Day and sponsoring the mining and industries award in addition to contributions made to the Australian Resources and Investment Publication.

Roy Hill chief financial officer Garry Korte said, “Starting in 2010, we were listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and were fortunate enough with our very first hold to intercept a very high grade ore body north of Meekatharra in Western Australia. Within three and a half years, we had managed to raise sufficient funds to put that into production starting in July, 2013.”

“Within 18 months after that, we saw an opportunity to expand and we merged and took over another company which had a very good project and in just the last two months, we have been successful in raising enough cash to go right through to establishing a secondary revenue stream in about the middle of 2016 next year –effectively doubling our production of gold in addition to the continued production of copper,” Korte said.

When Roy Hill heads towards first shipment and full production, it is set to become the

largest single iron ore mine in Australia.

Over the construction period, 40,000 people worked at Roy Hill. The project has now progressed to where 25mtpa of high grade iron ore has been mined ready for processing and transportation via train from the mine to Port Hedland.

Korte believes that although the target of mineral is very narrow and varies in size between half a metre and a metre wide, the extremely high grade nature of the mineral represents the initial success of the exploration.

Rinehart’s efforts in financing

HANCOCK PROSPECTING CFO GARRY KORTE.

and bringing a major project to the market allowed significant changes to be made to the landscape of the iron ore industry.

In reflecting on the Hancock team’s successes over the past year, Korte says going from the first drill hole to production over three years was a significant achievement –one that was a measure of the team’s ability to present, build, delegate and execute plans effectively on-site.

CONTRIBUTION TO MINING – HIGHLY COMMENDED WESTERN AUSTRALIAN VIRTUAL MINERS MEMORIAL – MOYA SHARP

MOYA SHARP WITH HER DAUGHTER SARAH.

IN recognition of her efforts to honour the memory of fallen miners in Western Australia, Moya Sharp has been Highly Commended for her contribution to the mining industry.

The Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial Group has established an online representation of the physical Miners’ Memorial located in the forecourt of the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie.

The memorial currently contains the names of 1484 individuals who have died in service to the WA mining in-

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dustry, including those who have died of silicosis-related illness and other respiratory conditions.

“I am committed to continuously add new information and to actively seek out new records and to provide a permanent source of reference to everyone with a common interest in the history of the goldfields,” Sharp said.

The Western Australian Virtual Miners Memorial can be found at www.wavmm.com. Moya Sharp can be contacted through the website for additions to the memorial listing.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

AM1115_000_NAU

WINNER 2015 INNOVATION AWARD

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TOP GLOBAL HONOURS 2014 Safety Innovation Award

Thermal cameras can see and track marker bands in the seam to automatically adjust the vertical position of your shearer for more productive coal retrieval

MACHINE-LIKE HORIZON CONTROL FOR YOUR SHEARER • Retrieve more coal

optimally positioned for maximum coal extraction.

• Latest progression towards longwall automation

With the help of Nautitech’s thermal imaging, and the CSIRO, longwall miners worldwide are now able to track these marker bands with machine like accuracy.

The data from the camera can be used to automatically adjust the vertical position of their shearer for automated shearer operation. The system can also provide a graphical display of the desired extraction profile and the option to either select or ignore this input.

• Reduced operator risk • Reduced damage to picks Productive longwall operations rely on sustaining the shearer in the perfect position for maximum coal extraction - not an easy task and mistakes can lead to valuable quantities of coal being left behind.

As a shearer moves it leaves horizontal line-like bands in the main body of coal. These lines are not visible to the naked eye but are visible to Nautitech’s thermal camera. These lines, known as ‘marker bands’ act as reference points showing where the shearer should be

At least three underground coal mines are trialling a horizon control system. Talk to Alex Lester today about a trial for your shearer alex@nautitech.com.au or 02 9899 6857.

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THERMAL CAMERA APPLICATIONS Mobile machines such as shuttle cars, loaders and graders for increased visibility of pedestrians, particularly in blind spots Increased visibility of the mobile machines trailing cable so that the potential for expensive cable impacts and dangerous arcing can be reduced Shearer: track marker bands in the seam to automatically adjust the vertical position of your shearer for automated coal retrieval and optimal productivity Conveyor belt / FCT monitoring such as checking for hot rollers and uneven belt loading Monitoring stock pile temperatures General monitoring of any industrial equipment that is located in darkness, dust, heat or steam Please visit this link for videos, technical specs, dimensions and approvals nautitech.com.au/thermal-camera

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A M1 1 1 5 _ 0 0 0 _ T O R _ r

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

MICK BOYLE ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM ATLAS COPCO’S LINDSAY ROYSTON.

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR FOR ITS INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN BLIND BORING, ABERGELDIE HAS WON THE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

F

or its innovative and unique approach to blind boring, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been recognised as the Contractor of

the Year.

Abergeldie was recognised due to its ground breaking development of an alternative method to drill out blind bore vent shafts.

The Southern Coalfields Ventilation Shaft (SCVS) was constructed at a mine, 45km north-west of Wollongong. The 5m finished diameter (6.2m drilled) shaft reaches a final drilled depth of 517m, the deepest blind bored vent shaft to date in Australia.

The Abergeldie project team had to develop an alternative methodology to deal with the specific strata conditions encountered on site, dealing with varying clay and mudstone bands, inter-bedded between very hard sandstone bands in the lower sections of strata.

Whilst drilling the shaft, sizeable material was coming away from shaft wall as a result of stress relieving.

“We are extremely proud of this latest shaft. Its depth and diameter combined make it the largest AUSTRALIANMINING

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shaft Abergeldie or any other Australian company have blind bored,” explained Abergeldie’s managing director Mick Boyle.

“We’re always looking at ways to drill deeper and wider. We design and build all of our own drill rigs and have enhanced them quite considerably over the years to enable larger and deeper shafts to be constructed. In 2009, our deepest shaft to date was 360m deep at 4.25m drilled diameter and our widest drilled diameter was 5.9m at a depth of 260m. To achieve 517m at 6.2m drilled diameter is a credit to our dedicated drilling team and to the design of our rigs,” says Boyle.

“As with every project, this latest shaft has had its challenges. The project team had to develop new methodologies to deal with the specific strata conditions encountered.”

Lining of the shaft took little more than a month, with crews working around the clock to see the 170 composite steel/concrete liners sections – each 3m deep and weighing almost 50t – installed to make a hydrostatically sealed shaft at 5m finished diameter.

To counteract the loss of drill rig stabilisation from stress relieving

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID An excellent achievement. This not only highly specialised work in general, but requiring adaptation to site specific conditions and then developing innovative solutions to achieve the desired outcomes. A job well done. and improve cleaning of the fallen material from the shaft floor, tooth cutters were installed to on the cutter head to replace the disc cutters previously used.

The tooth cutters provided a larger, more stable platform for the Drill Head Assembly (DHA), working like a sheep’s foot roller in breaking up the loose material.

The installation of the liner itself was also a technically complex process, involving the fitting of a ‘stem’ of liners weighing in excess of 8000 tonnes.

Prospect Awards judges said the SCVS was an excellent achievement, not only because of the highly specialised work involved, but it required adaptation to site specific conditions and then developing innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

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PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

COMMUNITY INTERACTION – MINING FAMILY MATTERS WITH A FOCUS ON PROVIDING ADVICE AND SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN THE MINING INDUSTRY, MINING FAMILY MATTERS HAD A WELL-DESERVED WIN FOR THEIR COMMUNITY INTERACTION.

M

ining Family Matters, an online support network for families in the mining and resources industry, has been striving to boost the emotional resilience of employees and families, to assist with the everyday challenges of working away and living in remote areas.

In early 2015, the South Australian-based Mining Family Matters team joined forces with Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Services to create the Rock Solid Suicide Prevention program, a national initiative aimed at boosting emotional resilience and preventing suicide in the male-dominated industry.

In South Australia, the Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOSHC) then came on board to fund a pilot program across the state.

Wesley LifeForce delivered expert workshops to dozens of workers from nine companies, providing simple interventions with the potential to make a real difference – reducing the cost of workplace stress, saving lives and helping to eliminate the devastating impact of losing a staff member to suicide.

Feedback from the pilot program in July this year showed that the workshops had greatly increased participants’ knowledge and understanding about suicide, in addition to locating appropri-

ate prevention resources.

The workshops also significantly boosted the confidence of South Australian mine and quarry workers to identify suicidal behaviours, and to communicate appropriately with a suicidal person and conduct a suicide intervention.

A special Rock Solid handbook and free posters – both created

by Mining Family Matters – were also distributed as part of the

A CLEARLY JUBILANT LAINIE ANDERSON APPROACHES THE STAGE TO COLLECT HER AWARD.

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pilot program in SA, featuring comprehensive information on the emotional wellbeing of workers and professional strategies to keep relationships strong and happy.

Chapters in the handbook include identifying stress and depression; overcoming stress, anxiety and sadness; building workplace resilience; knowing your mental health first aid; helping children to cope when you work away; simple ways to stay connected; and staying financially stable.

Mining Family Matters co-director Lainie Anderson teamed up with friend and mining mum Alicia Ranford to launch the valued support service back in 2010.

Alicia Ranford first came up with the idea of a support service for mining families after her own young children struggled to cope with their Dad’s fly-in, fly-out roster.

After moving six times across Australia and overseas with her mining engineer husband Joe, Alicia is an expert at relocating with kids, living in isolated towns and staying happily married despite the challenges of working life.

Anderson has been friends with Ranford for years and originally started Mining Family Matters as a hobby to help out her friend: a hobby that eventually grew their website readership to thousands every month.

The pair has also sold almost 130,000 copies of their awardwinning guides since the original Survival Guide for Mining

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

LAINIE ANDERSON THANKED EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN HELPING THEM TO WIN THE AWARD.

Families was launched in 2011.

Anderson said the Rock Solid Suicide Prevention Program was a new way to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in mining and resources workplaces.

“We joined forces with Wesley LifeForce to get expert trainers into mining companies and provide some really practical strategies around being able to work out whether any workers were in trouble and the steps to keep them safe,” Anderson said.

“The Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee in South Australia funded the pilot programme for us this year, and we got our suicide prevention programme out to nine companies and many, many workers.

“We’re delivering the message that emotional resilience and mental health of workers is really important.”

With a goal of having mining companies across Australia work through the program to ensure effective management of mental health, Anderson said she believed that everyone in the business from the top management down to the bottom can become more aware about taking care of a company’s collective mental health.

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MATERIAL HANDLING

WORLD FIRST FOR COAL HANDLING THIS NEW UNDERGROUND CHUTE SYSTEM REDUCES DOWNTIME AND SPILLAGE, PROVIDING A MUCH NEEDED BOOST TO PRODUCTION.

T

he development of a custom chutes minimises down- ble to gold, nickel and othnew multidirectional time by keeping production mov- er bulk minerals and ores.

“A great thing about the rotating underground ing when chutes wear out.

Chute Technology partner Tom new system is that it is easichute system, which can be installed in less Woods has experience in coal ly configured to flow with than a single shift at chute manufacture through fam- the hugely diverse geola typical mine, may be a world- ily company T.W. Woods Con- ogy of mines throughout struction extends back more than the world, which have shafts first for the coal industry. joining other shafts at whatevThe cost-saving universal 40 years.

“This is a brilliantly simple er angles the geology and conchute – which can rotate output through 160 degrees left or breakthrough in cost and time ditions underground dictate,” right – can remove completely saving at a time when the mining Woods said.

“Instead of having to engithe need to custom-manufac- industry needs it most to mainneer custom-fabricated chute systure individual chute types to fit tain production,” Woods said.

“The benefits are obvious tems to suit unusual angles, this the confined spaces and particular angles of individual mines. when you look at the basic con- system just bolts into place in The versatile bolt-in system cept, but we don’t know of an- a fraction of the time and at – comprising a complete inte- ywhere else in the world where a fraction of the cost in time and money.” grated structure from head end it has been done.”

“In addition to savings in exThe multidirectional chute to conveyor outlet – features a rotating outlet beneath the head allows for a range of angles to tending mines and adding new that can be angled to any posi- be used (shown top left), such production, the chute system is tion required to facilitate prod- as 66 degrees right (top right), far more time and labour-effiinline (bottom left) and 90 de- cient in replacement of wornuct flow.

The in-E L grees A M 1chute’s 1 1 5ability _ 0 0 to 0 be _ D - left 1 (bottom 2 0 1 5right), - 1 0 with - 2 8 Tout 1 chutes, 0 : 5 0 when : 5 7you + 1usually 1 : 0 0 stalled in a fraction of the time of the technologies also applica- have to dismantle the old and

THE MULTIDIRECTIONAL ROTATING SYSTEM PROVIDES INCREASED VERSATILITY.

install the new piece by piece.

This one just slots into production virtually overnight.”

A bonus of the system is that it is designed from the outset to solve spillage and conveyor bulking problems common in coal mining and coal handling facilities.

“Frequently in underground mines you get 90 degree turns as coal conveyors emerge from one shaft and have to transfer

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

into another within very tight spaces,” Woods said.

“It is usually very difficult to get coal to turn that quickly without spillage and bulking up on the conveyor belts as coal is dropped from the belt above onto the one below while changing direction.”

“We set out to eliminate the spills, splatters and bulking that can disrupt production in mines where time truly is money ... vital in today’s economic climate.” AM

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

FASTER CORING UNDERGROUND NEW MOBILE DRILL RIGS HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED FOR MORE PRODUCTIVE DRILLING.

B

oart Longyear has unveiled its new mobile underground coring drill rigs at DrillFest.

The new MDR700 “combines Boart Longyear’s best underground coring technology with advanced mobility, enhanced automation, and engineered safety controls,” Boart stated.

“Its wide drilling angles reduce rig moves, and quick-andeasy setup enhances ease of operation and maintenance.”

Powered by a 90kW electric motor, the MDR700 features the Boart Longyear LM 700 feed frame delivering 81.4kN of pull back.

The MDR700’s engineered safety controls include a dual emergency braking system and an engine fire suppression system on the carrier, meeting the most advanced underground mine standards.

The spring-close and hydraulic open rod clamp ensures fail-safe operation in case of burst hose or power loss.

Coupled with the proven HQ Rotation Unit, the MDR700 allows users to target all coring diameters up to HQ. The drill features a breakout system on the rotation unit that uses high-pressure oil and gear rack assistance to break rod joints.

It has a remote controlled positioner for quick setups, a maintenance friendly layout, three steering modes for increased mobility, and an optional drill control interface.

These three steering modes include two-wheel steering for on-road travel, four-wheel steering for a shorter turning radius, and a crab like movement for lateral approaches and delicate exits.

It can move at speeds up to 10 kilometres per hour, and trials have shown it is up to 80 per cent faster than a regular underground exploration rig.

Operators can drill 270 degrees horizontally and vertically up to vertically down.

The rig1can A M1 1 5also _ 0drill 0 0in_a Lspherical O V - manner 1 2without 0 1 5 hav- 1 0 - 2 9 T1 0 : 3 7 : 5 1 + 1 1 : 0 0 ing to reposition the unit. AM

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AM1115_000_CAT1

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DRILL, BLAST & GEOMECHANICS

ENGINEERING BLASTING NEW SOFTWARE BUILT TO BRING BLASTING PRECISION.

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exagon Mining has unveiled Version 2 of HxM Blast, with engineered blast designs that aim to bring precision and dependability to improve the entire blasting process.

The new blast design software enables engineers and shotfirers to design, analyse, and optimise blast initiation sequences across a range of applications.

As feedback and monitoring is directly used to adjust a blast from design through to implementation, HxM Blast integrates departments that previously had no improvement mechanisms for the creation of smarter designs.

Hexagon Mining aims to integrate the design, planning and process for blasting more productive and claims it can revolutionise the design and execution of drill and blast plans within its MineSight program.

The Drill Fleet Management System allows locations to be loaded and updated against older locations, benefitting the charging process and providing a safety mechanism to avoid drilling misfires from the bench.

Under the software each vehicle would track and log its activity to a dispatcher, who would then record information relating to the location, fuel costs, and production over a certain period of time.

By tracking and monitoring the mine’s production, safety, and maintenance, the fleet management system can easily allow Hexagon Mining to take greater control of its equipment while adjusting the way operations are carried out.

This system is supported by a library which catalogues where blasting consumables and related properties are managed.

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If an operator wishes to further optimise the blast charge, MineSight has been included to control the blast movement while simultaneously minimising dilution.

HxM Blast features a modern interface that designs and manages blast patterns interactively on screen while storing design information in a SQL database.

Once a blast layout has be designed, the software will store the specifications used on the project in addition to the most up to date information about that blast.

By integrating with other supporting

IT INTEGRATES DESIGN, PLANNING AND PROCESS FOR BLASTING

technologies such as Measure While Drilling (MWD) information from J2drill, information from the drill rig can be used to interpret various geologic units or seams.

This information is easily fed back into the system to improve upon the blasting plan, whereby improvements and changes can be made through MineSight until the plans are best suited to the business.

HxM Blast hopes to include blast simulation, analysis and optimisation to reduce the workload on drill and blast engineers.

Optimising blasting parameters at critical stages will make a major difference to the way blast design tools are utilised in the future. AM

AM0815_000_BOA

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125 YEARS OF EXPERTISE TM

Boart Longyear’s 125th Anniversary is dedicated to the people who built – and continue to build – this fine Company. www.boartlongyear.com/shareyourstory #BLY125 #BLYstory

© Copyright 2015 Boart Longyear. All rights reserved.

To determine the exact nature of rock formations that would bear the weight of the proposed Golden Gate Bridge, Longyear drillers suspended equipment over the blustery waters of the San Francisco Bay on a platform supported by a boom, an A-frame and guywires anchored on shore. Longyear was paid $15,000 for its complicated drilling. The bridge, completed in May 1937, cost $35 million.

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WATER

REMEDIATING THE MOUNT MORGAN MINE CARBINE RESOURCES IS SOON TO RESTART TAILINGS PROCESSING AT MOUNT MORGAN, WITH A WATER PROCESSING PLAN TO REMOVE POLLUTANTS AND IMPROVE LOCAL WATERWAYS.

THE MOUNT MORGAN MINE, 1986.

[MICHAEL KENIGER, DIGILIB, THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND LIBRARY]

T

here’s life in the old Resources to target improve- ing required to liberate gold in mine yet according to ments to both the volume and the presence of excess soluble Carbine Resources, quality of treated water enter- copper.

Instead, Carbine CEO Patrick which plans to reme- ing the nearby Dee River.

This will reduce the level of Walta won the Young Achiever diate a 130 year-old mine and continue water in the pit while improv- of the Year Award (see page 28).

Processing tailings by this methto extract copper and gold, as ing the environmental health od will result in lower operating well as begin remediation of the of local waterways.

The proposed operation at costs and improve gold recovery nearby waterways which have undergone more than 100 years Mount Morgan will also provide compared with historical operand economic pathway for reme- ational performance. of cyanide pollution.

The process processing techThe Mount Morgan mine, once diation of environmental legacy known as the largest gold mine issues caused by acid mine drain- nology will assist with site remein the world, will soon be re- age from historical operations. diation by removing acid-forming Carbine Resources was nomi- pyrite from tailings at the site. opened by Carbine thanks to a Queensland Resources Council deal with the Queensland gov- nated in the 2015 Prospect Awards ernment to take over the site’s for Innovation in Mining, for chief executive Michael Roche existing lime dosing water treat- their plan to use ion exchange welcomed the announcement of technology to extract copper the new agreement with state ment plant.

A M 0 6 1 5of_the 0 water 0 0 _treatS U M from - leaching 1 2 0solutions, 1 5 - 0 rather 5 - 1 5 T 1 5 : 5 4 : 1 0 + 1 0 : 0 0 government.

Management ‘This announcement demment plant will allow Carbine than the typical cyanide leach-

onstrates industry’s improving knowledge base which has made treatment of the tailings water locally a reality,” he said.

“Critically, this announcement will have local and regional environmental benefits to the overall health of the local waterways with treated water released into the local Dee River.

The pre-feasibility study for Mount Morgan has defined an eight year mine life at a processing capacity of 1Mtpa, producing 31,200 ounces of gold per year at an all-in sustaining cost of $US243 per ounce.

The mining operations are also projected to deliver 3,200tpa of copper sulphate and 211,000tpa of high grade pyrite, which is

used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, a principal ingredient in the production of fertiliser.

Roche said Carbine had added to the viability of the project by signing a binding off-take agreement for the sale of pyrite from Mount Morgan to global industrial mineral distributor Talana Limited.

“This is proof that there is still value in abandoned and disused mine sites and demonstration that even an asset as old as Mount Morgan still has a residual value, which Carbine is now harnessing,” Roche said.

Carbine Resources has already won the 2015 Austmine Award for Innovation in Mining for their efforts to date. AM

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Producers & suppliers of high quality

Demineralised Water

Vintage Water has been supplying Demineralised and Potable (drinking) water to the Western Australian market for the past 20 years.

So control of quality could be maintained at all times Vintage decided to purchase and install a new high tech machine.

The Plant required approval from the WA Department of Water and the local city before it was able to start production.

The process starts with extraction of high quality ground water, passed through a reverse Osmosis machine, then through an EDI polisher. The end product is a high quality demineralised water. This process allows for lower quality water to be re farmed back to the Aquifer in a number of unique ways. The process is a very environmentally friendly, with a minimal carbon footprint.

The plant has the capacity to produce in excess of 100,000-150,000 litres per day on a continual basis.

PRODUCERS AND TRANSPORTERS OF DEMINERALISED WATER, BULK LIQUIDS, WINE AND CONTROLLED WASTE Office address- 117 Dalison Ave Wattleup WA 6066 Postal Address- PO Box 31 Wattleup WA 6166 Telephone 08 94101726 Fax 08 94101224 ABN 84 814 817 369

The water is frequently tested by a NATA approved laboratory and on request the results can be provided.

As well as demineralised water, Vintage has been an approved Potable water supplier, licensed by the WA Water Corporation for the same number of years. Providing drinking water to a number of customers and projects during this time Being approved under the City of Cockburn as a Food Producer ( Potable Water is deemed a food under the Food Act) and having a HACCP program in

place, to ensure that quality drinking water is supplied at all times and is monitoring during this process makes Vintage a market leader and unique within the market.

Our fleet and packaging offer consists of road tankers, ISO tanks, Flexible bladders and IBC’S we can accommodate any requests and have the fleet to provide a timely delivery schedule.

Some of the major projects and areas we have been involved in: Gorgon, Wheatstone, other Gas projects, Aircraft industry, Shipping industry, Coolant industry and other Chemical industries.

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SAFETY

NEW UNDERGROUND WATCH DEAL WITH WHITEHAVEN COAL WITH THE NEED FOR INTRINSICALLY SAFE EQUIPMENT UNDERGROUND, AN AUSTRALIAN WATCHMAKER HAS COME UP WITH THE PERFECT MINER’S ACCESSORY.

S

afety standards in under- kinetic motion, or simply movement of ground mines are paramount, the wearer’s arm.

The NK151 has a 1.8mm sapphire with a list of many ordinary, everyday items that are crystal front and back, which repels most scratches and ensures lastagainst mining ing visibility. regulations The manufacturer can and banned from going beeasily boast that the watch low, including many types face can only be scratched of battery operated watchwith a harder substance such es: Many mines around as diamond, meaning most the world have adopted a metals will not damage the “no battery watch policy”. watch face.

The reason that batThis material also entery watches are not ables an easy inspection permitted in underby a safety officer when ground mines is to do checking for battery with the potential for powered watches. disaster when an “We have always electronic powmade great looker source (which ing robust work can spark) or watches so reserve comes when one of into contact our clients in with methMackay menane gas. tioned that the A d i n a coal mines were Watches is the heading toward a only fully Aus‘no battery watch tralian-owned policy’ we saw an opwatchmaker, havportunity to put all our ing developed a experience into producwatch specifically for ing a mechanical watch the mining environthat would be able to ment, which has met stand up to the rigors of the standards required mining,” Grant Menzies,

by Whitehaven Coal. managing director of AdThe last company that ina Watches commented. still designs and assembles “We loved the challenge their own watches here in of combining old- and newAustralia, Adina has emschool watch making techbraced the opportunity to niques to make a watch that target the mining market. miners could rely upon at Coal miner Whitehavwork.” en Coal in Central WestTrade compliance may ern NSW has now entered THE ADINA NK151 open up a world of opporinto a partnership deal with MECHANICAL WATCH, tunities for Adina Watches Adina, purchasing of the PURPOSE-BUILT FOR within the mining sector, not 400 Adina NK151 watchUNDERGROUND ruling out future opportues through a local retailer nities in other trade sectors in Narrabri.

CONDITIONS. such as oil and gas, where The NK151 is a batteryintrinsically safe equipment free, mechanical watch, making it compliant with Whitehaven’s is compulsory.

“We are always open to exploring new parameters.

As opposed to modern quartz watches opportunities with industry that will utilise which function electronically, the NK151 our expertise in watchmaking to create operates without a battery, renewing the watches that are very purpose specific.” energy stored in the internal spring through Grant said. AM

“ Now we are also level switching with non-contact microwave technology.”

New from VEGA: the microwave barrier VEGAMIP. Maintenance-free technology for level switching under rough conditions.

Ideal for abrasive media or very high temperatures and reliable, even with buildup. www.vega.com/au/innovation Phone: 1800 817 135

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COMMODITIES

URANIUM’S STATE OF PLAY THE ONLY WAY IS UP FOR AUSTRALIA’S PROSPECTS IN THE URANIUM GAME, WITH A CHANGING ENERGY LANDSCAPE BOUND TO INCREASE DEMAND. DUYEN NGUYEN REPORTS.

F

orecasts for Australia’s struggling uranium market are indicating growth, with an upturn fuelled by Asian demand. Global uranium markets have been in decline since the Fukushima disaster, when uranium was priced above $US70 a pound. As of the beginning of November, it was $US35 a pound.

Australia’s uranium industry has the potential for fast, positive growth, with Australia holding 31 per cent of the world’s uranium; the largest deposits in the world. With only three operating mines (Ranger, Olympic Dam and Beverley), Australia ranked third in global uranium production, with a total output of 5897 tonnes of U3O8 in 2014.

As Australia relies on coal for electricity generation, and does not use nuclear power, all production is exported.

Despite ongoing weakness from global uranium markets, characterised by low demand and prices, Toro Energy’s acting chairman John Cahill, and managing director Vanessa Guthrie are confident the “bottom of the uranium cycle has passed, with a gradual return to more encouraging prices”. This return to more robust market conditions is derived from emerging economies who are turning toward efficient and low emission means of generating power.

New resources minister Josh

Frydenberg is a strong advocate of Australia’s uranium industry and strongly believes it holds vast amounts of potential.

“We’ve got around one-third of the world’s supply of low-cost uranium reserves and we successfully export uranium to other countries...31 countries use uranium to produce nuclear power,” Frydenberg told the media.

“We continue to encourage the export of uranium and new mines will go through the proper approval processes and assessments.”

China’s nuclear power capacity continues to expand on its 29 operating nuclear reactors with the construction of 22 reactors, and more planned to achieve its target of 58GWe by 2020, a threefold increase in nuclear capacity. Its first new nuclear projects for two 1000MWe reactors since the Fukushima incident were approved by the China General Nuclear Power Cooperation. Eventually, China’s goal is to build 129 reactors by 2030, and achieve 150 GWe. Currently, coal is China’s main energy source, however transportation costs are too high, and reliance on coal-fired plants for electricity production contributes to much of its air pollution.

The nation is opting for nuclear energy to power its vast population, while decreasing its reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

As a geographically close economic power Australia has

increasing relationships with, Frydenberg has placed China high on his list of priorities. There is a strong likelihood China will source uranium from Australia, rather than Kazakhstan or Canada. China has also developed an energy policy where it is looking to export nuclear technology, increasing demand in the long term.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also set a goal of supplying 25 per cent of power demand with nuclear capacity by 2035, and achieving 17 GWe within ten years. India has 21 operating nuclear reactors, six under construction and plans for a total of 43 by 2030. The country’s nuclear program envisions India becoming a world leader in nuclear technology with its expertise in fast reactors and the thorium fuel cycle. It is expecting to have 14,600 MWe nuclear capacity by 2020. Like China, India is heavily dependent on fossil fuels to account for 87 per cent of its energy mix, and is now favouring nuclear energy for reliability and efficiency as its energy consumption has doubled in the past two decades, and CO2 emissions are expected to rise by 115 per cent. BP has estimated in its Energy Outlook report India’s energy consumption will rise by 128 per cent, outpacing its production growth of 117 per cent by 2035. With a growing population and over 300 million people without ac-

AUSTRALIANMINING

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cess to the internet, India needs to seek an alternate solution.

Australia’s uranium market is expected to profit from India’s growing nuclear capacity with the supply of uranium, solidified with the signing of the Nuclear Civil Cooperation Agreement, last year. The prime ministers of both countries have expressed further interest in forging bilateral economic agreements, marked by the Australia-India CEO forum.

Japan is also offering growth opportunities for Australia’s uranium market, particularly with the restarts of Sendai Reactors No 1 and 2, following the Fukushima incident. It currently has 43 operating reactors, with 24 awaiting restart approvals. As Japan needs to import 84 per cent of its energy requirements, and relies on nuclear power for 30 per cent of its electricity requirements, Australia is a geographically optimal source for uranium. However, with the Fukushima incident, there are political tensions regarding the balance between nuclear energy’s risk, and its ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity.

Currently, the government has adopted a 20 year energy plan which maintains nuclear energy will be continued to be used to supply electricity and combat global warming.

Australia is also examining its stance on nuclear power with the South Australian Government

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

initiating the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission to consider the feasibility and viability of the nuclear fuel cycle. The commission is reviewing the potential exploration, extraction and processing of minerals, the manufacture of radioactive materials, the use of nuclear fuel for electricity generation and the storage and disposal of radioactive and nuclear waste.

When asked about the Royal Commission, Frydenberg was carefully neutral and stated that Australia’s future with nuclear power will depend on the commission’s findings.

“Australia has an abundance of coal and gas and any discussion about nuclear energy in Australia would have to take into account the cost effectiveness versus existing forms of energy generation,” he said.

As a result, the use of nuclear power in Australia can possibly become reality in the near future.

With growing demand internationally, and possible demand domestically, Australian uranium can supply to more markets. In the long term, third world, developing nations could potentially turn to nuclear energy as a cheaper means of generating electricity for their emerging infrastructure. Combining long term demand with an increasing global awareness for the environment, Australia’s uranium market has a secure and sustainable upturn. AM

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YEAR IN INFRASTRUCTURE

BENTLEY’S YEAR IN INFRASTUCTURE CONFERENCE 2015 COLE LATIMER TRAVELS TO LONDON TO TALK INFRASTRUCTURE, IPO’S, AND THE ‘BE INSPIRED’ AWARDS.

I

nnovation and industrychanging technologies were on show at the 2015 Year In Infrastructure event.

Bringing together hundreds of professionals from the engineering and construction space across a number of different sectors, the event mixed high level forums on new trends and technological developments in the infrastructure space, new software releases by Bentley Systems, and culminated in an awards evening recognising innovative usage of their technology.

The first day of this four day conference saw Bentley CEO Greg Bentley outline the company’s current direction, where he used the opportunity to pour cold water over the business’ plans to go public, stating that while Bentley is still planning an

IPO – which was first broached at last year’s YII event – the group will wait until the market is more receptive.

The following days consisted of forums held by industry professionals focused on industry trends, new developments, case studies, and asset management for a swathe of industries including oil and gas, construction, roads, rail, and water infrastructure.

Regarding technology, the group released a number of new programs for the civil infrastructure space, looking heavily at the integration of the Cloud, the IT/OT convergence, and work packaging programs that made the link between design and eventual construction.

Bentley COO Bhupinder Singh explained: “Work Pack-

ages are part of the secret sauce in bridging the gap between engineering and construction.”

He went on to outline the importance of improving business’ ability to communicate across multiple programs, saying: “Innovation is happening due to the IT/OT convergence and the unlimited capability of the cloud,” and that these “digital engineering models are at the heart of improving performance”.

The most significant aspect for mining is the capability of the new releases, in particular the Navigator Connect Edition, to enable greater, real time communication between workers in the field and the office.

“It creates a better office to site to field workflow,” Bentley said.

It now creates a more intuitive way of handling issues on site by creating a single issue register; punch lists; allowing for the synchronisation to all devices; and provides total access to all users on the cloud, giving greater scope for multi-site operators to access and use the data.

However while greater access to data and analytics is a boon for operators, there is now the problem of data overflow, namely how do you get the right data out to aid your operations.

This issue of dealing with data was a constant theme through the event, as Bentley demon-

ALL FINALISTS OF THE 2015 BE INSPIRED AWARDS.

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strated how its Projectwise program was designed to enable users to gain more control over the large levels of data being created by greater analytics structures, and how to extract useful data from it.

It again came back to the potential of the cloud, as operators are able to do all their work offline or in the field, and the data automatically uploads to the cloud once they are again in range.

It also allows users to operate on multiple devices, bringing to the fore the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend.

The security issues related to BYOD were only lightly touched upon.

However it was not just technology on show, the future of mining was also discussed, with Anglo American Platinum’s head of technology and innovation Jeannette McGill presenting a case study of sorts on the latest automation and remote control developments at Anglo American’s South African operations.

According to McGill, as mining moves into a new age and focuses once again on productivity the growing capabilities for connectivity will be crucial in driving innovation.

She explained that new technologies are having a major impact on not only the site, but the very workforce itself.

“When you deploy new technology in one part of the mining cycle you are faced with the issue of the knock-on effect for the rest of the cycle,” she explained.

This means that in moving towards automated and remote controlled machinery an upskill-

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YEAR IN INFRASTRUCTURE

BE INSPIRED The awards were the main drawcard, and after the entrants were whittled down to three finalists, the judges for the Innovation in Mining awards were hard pressed to narrow it down to one winner.

It was down to the wire between an Australian firm providing unique engineering capabilities in Greenland; a Chinese mine – operating at the highest altitudes for the entire industry – that is leading the way in technological advancements in the country; and a Chinese engineering firm that is making leaps and bounds in the field of coal processing.

However after much deliberation Australian firm Tetra Tech Proteus (TTP) won the award.

BENTLEY SYSTEMS CEO Working with fellow Australing needs to occur across the laian company Greenland Minerbour market.

GREG BENTLEY. als and Energy (GME), TTP In other words, “to work in the created a number of alternative mine of the future, it is about these models can be updated scenarios for the design of the being X-Box compliant.”

Following this Bentley pre- daily as the UAV takes more site’s facility, including innovative approaches in providing sented the latest developments images.

They explained how survey- optioneering when it came to and case studies in its UAV and digital photogrammy programs, ors then used this model to ex- civil works.

By using a different approach showing how one UAV was able amine the mine and its changes to capture thousands of high res- to improve operations, and in- to the site’s layout through 3D olution photos to create a fully crease safety as the workers no designs, it was able to save more had interactive, A M 0 7 1extremely 5 _ 0 0 realistic 0 _ G R A longer 1 to 2 walk 0 1 5along - 0 the 7 - pit 0 2 Tthan 1 0US$100 : 2 5 : million 2 2 + in 1 0earth: 0 0 3D model of a mine, and how of the mine or near the berms. works costs.

It also provided a unique layout for the facility in order to fulfil one of GME’s concerns, that the site not be visible from the nearby village.

By using 3D modelling, combined with Google Earth, TTP was able to create a realistic model of the GME facility, showing how it would appear from the village, as part of GME’s personal social licence to operate.

Bentley rounded out the event with a showcase on its

Introducing the new XM700!

- Portable and compact engraving machine - Built-in control unit

COO BHUPINDER SINGH EXPLAINS THE “SECRET SAUCE” OF WORK PACKAGES.

new ‘wow’ technologies relating to automation and digital mapping and surveying. AM Australian Mining editor Cole Latimer attended the event as a guest of Bentley, and as a juror in the Be Inspired awards.

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OZ IN PENN

TAKING INVESTMENT TO THE STATES THE MINING SLUMP HAS SENT SOME AUSTRALIANS LOOKING FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES OVERSEAS. BEN HAGEMANN LOOKS AT GAS PLAYS AND ASSISTANCE OFFERED IN NORTH-WESTERN USA.

I

f you haven’t already heard of the Marcellus Shale, it’s worth pointing out that this is looking like the biggest gas play ever seen in the US, one which is providing many new opportunities for investment by resource services companies.

With some uncertainty surrounding the quality and supply of Australian gas from Queensland, as well as pressure from environmental groups to prevent new gas well drilling in NSW and Victoria, opportunities for overseas investment are presenting in the US, where local government and community organisations want to welcome overseas investors to help boost their manufacturing and industrial services industries.

Recently, Australian engineering contractor Monadelphous has launched a new foray into the US gasfields, entering into an agreement with US company Mascaro Construction to establish a new jointly owned company, Monaro LLC. The new venture will be based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, positioning it to take advantage of the burgeoning infrastructure investment boom tied to production in the Marcellus and Utica shale gas plays.

The gas industry in the north-west US has undergone its own exploration and production boom dating back to 2005, when the Marcellus Shale was discov-

ered, which has since proven to be one of the largest gas plays in US history, with reserve estimates climbing every week.

Local industry has shifted away from coal production in Pennsylvania, focusing on manufacturing and services to the gas industry in the region.

A statement from Monadelphous said the soon-to-be established Monaro LLC would operate not only in Pennsylvania, but also in Ohio and West Virginia, targeting work for gas, energy and chemical processing industries.

Monadelphous’ new partner Mascaro

THE MARCELLUS SHALE IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST GAS PLAYS.

is a Pittsburgh-based general contractor, experienced in the region with strong background and capability in civil construction, and was considered complimentary to the Australian mechanical and electrical capabilities.

Monadelphous managing director Rob Velletri said the new move was a key milestone in the company’s overseas growth strategy.

“Monaro gives Monadelphous a strong entry into the US gas market,” he said.

“Our partner, Mascaro, has a similar organisational culture to Mondelphous, and the combined skills and capabilities of our two businesses will allow Monaro to deliver multi-disciplinary construction services.”

With the downturn of the famous coal mining industry in Pennsylvania having a destructive impact on local businesses, an upturn in gas interest strengthened by ongoing Marcellus Shale exploration since 2005 has reignited interest in the area.

A small manufacturing boom driven by gas industry growth has been the result, and government agencies in Pennsylvania are very keen to keep that going for the sake of further investment and employment growth in the region.

To put this in perspective, conservContinued page 54

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WHEREVER THERE’S MINING, WE’RE THERE.

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TELL US YOUR MINING CHALLENGE:

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WHEREVER THERE’S MINING, THERE ARE CHALLENGES.

Lowering costs. Keeping people safe. Working more efficiently.

Mining is a challenging business, and whether you have one piece of Cat ® equipment or 100, we’re there to help you manage it.

We’re a true business partner who shares your goal of mining excellence—and we have the knowledge, products, technologies and solutions to help you get there.

CAT.COM/CHALLENGES

G D I R NS E TT PA

© 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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From page 52 ative estimates of the size of production from the Marcellus Shale in 2008 put the potential at 168 trillion cubic feet of gas, however in December 2014, the Energy Information Administration said the amount of technically recoverable gas in the formation comes to about 480 trillion cubic feet.

The biggest concern for Pennsylvania and those in the gas business is continuing the flow of investment into the state’s gas infrastructure, most notably in pipeline construction.

However, in order to stimulate such interest in growth, it is essential that more investment is attracted in the services and manufacturing field.

Several state growth initiative organisations have been set up over the years, including Core PA, a collective of 53 counties in the core region of Pennsylvania, dedicated to encouraging networks of industry and building a pipeline of highly-skilled manufacturing workers in the region.

Naturally, Core PA is most concerned with bringing in potential investors from the international arena to help build that industry base, with a huge focus on manufacturing and resources services.

Organisations affiliated with Core PA, such as the Franklin County Area Development Corporation (FCADC) have made it their mission to assist foreign corporations with the preliminary research and due diligence required to consider such investment.

So far the FCADC has been successful in attracting investors such as Volvo Construction Equipment, which has set up manufacturing plants in Franklin County to complement existing assets in Brazil.

when seconds count you can depend on us Enware has fixed, portable & self-contained emergency systems designed to deliver effective and immediate responses when workplace accidents happen.

FCADC spokesperson Mike Ross said his organisation had been involved in local development in the southernmost, central county since 1986, and is tied to other counties in bordering states.

The Franklin County NGO devotes itself to start-up of new businesses with a focus on supply chain localisation, and has had successes with JLG machinery manufacturing and Manitowoc Cranes, while looking for new ways to facilitate relationships between those OEMs. Ross indicated that state facilitation is best suited to smaller companies looking at projects such as manufacturing facilities, with values of up to $10 million, which will benefit the local community through creation of local manufacturing jobs.

“Right now as part of the localisation program we are working with five international suppliers, one is an OEM, that are looking to establish locations in our part of the world,” Ross said.

“Practically, what we’re able to do is access fixed rate, low-cost financing through the state [of Pennsylvania] on capital investments of machinery and equipment, and on real estate, and we can help to pass that through.

“A typical developer would be looking for a much different return on investment than what we are, I mean we are not looking to subsidise, we are looking for a return, but at the same time we are driven more by the local economic impact than on investment return.”

Ross said that with a number of successful projects completed over the years, the FCADC had an excellent track record in facilitating new investment in the area, and had full capability to assist with location of premises, permitting, and guiding foreign investors through the processes of government. AM

Ease of use and proven VERTECH™ technology makes Enware’s emergency products essential for minimising the effects of injury.

scan for more information on emergency shower and eye wash solutions www.enware.com.au/safety

GAS FROM THE MARCELLUS IS OF EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY AND CAN BE FED DIRECTLY INTO GAS TURBINES WITHOUT CRACKING.

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UNM13793_AusMiningS.pdf

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1/12/2011,

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PM

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To find out more about Limil, Sibelco and our industry-leading products, visit www.sibelco.com.au

UNM13793

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MINESITE VEHICLES

MAINTAINING THE GRADE CAT HAS LAUNCHED AN UPGRADED GRADER.

C

aterpillar has made a new addition to its motor grader range with the 18M3. Mining operations using trucks with capacities up to 172 tonnes now have the option of using the 16M3 or 18M3.

Compared to the 16M3, the 18M3 has greater capabilities and productivity yields. It averages five per cent more power in each gear, and features longer a longer mouldboard and blade length.

The increased blade length allows the ability to grade more acutely at an eight degree angle, reducing blade loading. Combined with the 18M3’s greater power, weight and balance, this results in highly productive cutting passes.

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Designed with mining conditions in mind, the 18M3 is built with a front axle, transmission guards and fire transmission systems to protect against debris and combustion. Its front frame is fabricated of continuous top and bottom plates, and the centre-shift section is a heavy-duty steel casting that effectively distributes stress to the mainframe. The long rear frame uses two bumper castings and thick hitch plates for long term durability.

The 18M3 is powered by a Cat C13 ACERT engine which uses the Caterpillar Optimised Variable Horsepower system to deliver optimum power in each gear. The engine is available in three configurations to satisfy global emission standards, en-

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The 18M3 uses hydraulics to operate its brakes and load sensing system. Its hydraulic brakes use large discs and pistons to provide a high dynamic braking torque, and a new manual brake wear indicator simplifies disc wear measurement, eliminating the need to remove the brake pods to check wear. The Cat load sensing hydraulic system has advanced Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating electrohydraulic valves that provide precise control with continuous measurement of hydraulic flow and pressure, allowing the 18M3 to monitor power demands for added fuel savings and reduced heat generation.

Operation of motor graders has been enhanced with the 18M3’s full colour touchscreen display which monitors machine performance, sets operating parameters and accesses service information for initial troubleshooting. The display features Cat Grade Control Cross Slope and DEF level readings, naviDESIGNED WITH A LONGER gated by Advanced-Control joyMOULDBOARD sticks and a lighted, one-touch 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 - 1 6 T 1 5 : 0 2 : 0 6 + 1 1 : 0 0 button keypad. hancing fuel efficiency. Its ECO mode limits engine speed to 1900rpm during light to moderate load applications.

The motor grader is built with the Cat direct driver, power shift transmission with eight forward and six reverse gears, and the Cat Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy to enable smooth shifting and extended component life.

The 18M3 also comes with Cat’s advanced telematics system, Product Link Elite, which enables improved fleet management via the VisionLink online interface. New capabilities include global 3G-cellular-network and lower-latency satellite connections.

Safety functions like a rearview camera, speed-sensitive steering and a seat belt indicator are inbuilt to the 18M3. It also comes with grab handles, non-slip steps, French-doortype panels on the engine enclosure that facilitate easy access to service points, and two large LED lights that illuminate the engine compartment. Groundlevel engine shut-off and electrical-disconnect switches are also featured, along with a new modular cooling package, which aids removal and installation of components in the cooling system. There is also an option for enhanced-access platform that provides a second access path to the engine compartment and cab.

Caterpillar’s motor grader range now includes three models: 18M3, 24M and 16M3. AM

POWERFUL PRODUCTIVE PUMPING SOLUTIONS The extensive range of air operated diaphragm pumps from Alemlube has all your pumping requirements covered. The pumps are available from 1/2", 1", 1-1/2", 2" and up to 3" models, with flow rates of up to 630 L/min. Suitable for the transfer of diesel fuel, gear oil, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, waste water, waste oil, specific pesticides and chemicals.

Alemlube Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps deliver on site and on demand AUSTRALIANMINING

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Alemlube alemlube.com.au

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TECHNOLOGY

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The new Panasonic 5” Toughpad can be used in heavy gloves, in the rain or in direct sunlight to fulfill a wide range of applications across mining, transport and logistics, retail and hospitality, manufacturing and aviation, utilities, field services, government and emergency services.

The Toughpad FZ-E1, powered by Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld, and the Toughpad FZ-X1, running on the Android 4.2.2 operating system, is designed to replace multiple devices such as traditional tablets, handhelds or smartphones.

^Membership and points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee may apply. For more information about earning Qantas points on car hire see qantas.com.au. Standard flybuys terms and conditions apply and are available at flybuys.com.au BUDG1364-3

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As well as delivering rugged performance in extreme operating environments where other devices would fail, features include the combination of large-screen design and full enterprise-grade Windows functionality; voice and data connectivity; long-life hot-swappable batteries, and configuration options such as an integrated 1D/2D barcode reader and an attachable magnetic stripe reader.

The FZ-E1 and FZ-X1 handheld tablets go beyond MIL-STG-810G specifications and are designed to resist drops of up to 3m onto concrete, submersion in up to 1.5m of water (IP68 certification), temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (thanks to a built-in heater) and are certified against dust, impact, shock, vibration, altitude and extreme humidity. AM

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JUMEX

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS COLE LATIMER EXAMINES THE PRESENT SITUATION FOR JUNIOR MINERS, UPDATING ON THE LATEST REPORTS INTO THE MOST PRESSING JUMEX ISSUES.

W

hen t he downturn bites, it is never the large end of the industry that bears the brunt of the contraction, but the junior operators.

Continued weak commodity prices and shrinking demand have taken its toll on mining, as the market value for listed miners slips below US$1 trillion.

This dip is the first time the market value of mining’s listed companies has fallen below this level since April 2009, and it is mostly the juniors that are making up this fall.

“It goes almost without saying that FY15 was yet another extremely challenging year for JUMEX companies,” Holly Stiles, national head of energy

and resources for Grant Thornton Australia stated in the annual junior mining and exploration (JUMEX) companies reports.

“While mining is a cyclical industry with periodic highs and lows, many in the industry agree that conditions are as tough as they have ever been,” she said.

So what are the top issues affecting junior miners and explorers?

Finding access to capital and funding is number one on the list, as money to carry out exploration dwindles.

“This has been the number one constraint for the past three years,” Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) CEO Simon Bennison explained.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its Junior Mine report, did not mince words on the current state of the industry.

“The junior mining sector remains caught in the midst of an unparalleled downturn. Equity and debt markets have dried up and cash reserves are reaching new lows,” it said.

The JUMEX report added that only 15 per cent of junior miners see this situation changing any time soon.

According to a recent report

by SNL Metals, there has been a 50 per cent drop in the number of financings by companies with annual revenue of less than US$500 million; this represented the lowest number of financings by exploration companies since at least January 2012.

When it comes to actual cash on hand, the situation is grimmer still.

Stiles explained that 30 per cent of Australian juniors have less than $500,000 in capital,

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while close to 10 per cent have less than $100,000.

“With half of our respondents planning a fund raising within six months and 29 per cent having a cash balance of less than $500,000, competition for capital remains extremely fierce and unfortunately there appear to be few positive signs of any improvement in investor interest in the short term,” Grant Thornton’s JUMEX report said.

This investor skittishness and lack of operational funding is a constant concern for junior miners, and even when the market recovers it is unlikely to affect the JUMEX sector first.

“Juniors are likely to benefit after the majors, as they’re quite speculative for investor interest,” Stiles told Australian Mining.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The closely related issues of deteriorating share price and ongoing volatility in the commodities market rank second and third respectively.

In a similar vein market instability ranked as the fourth highest concern for juniors, while ongoing regulatory challenges rounded out the top five issues.

But the question remains, how can the industry turn it around?

PwC believes that doing nothing is no longer an option.

“Waiting is no longer a viable strategy: junior miners need to take urgent action now, before crisis hits, and do whatever it takes to find the cash to keep their businesses and projects moving forward,” it said.

“Explorers need to consider a range of approaches, such as collaboration; they’re negotiating with services compa-

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JUMEX

nies who are willing to drill or work for equity in the operation,” Stiles added.

One approach is getting out of the mining game altogether, as backdoor listings become more prevalent.

“Whilst it would not be the outcome any mining executive would hope for, such transactions may present an opportunity to provide some ongoing values to shareholders when all other opportunities for the company’s resources projects have been exhausted,” Stiles said.

To date three junior miners have been used as a vehicle for medical marijuana growing, while others are opening the door to new technologies.

Some, however, may simply merge with other businesses in order to stay afloat.

According to Deloitte CIS mining leader Nikolay Demidov: “The lack of capital available to juniors may force a dramatic the settling of the current une- sitions, “the cost of company ven commodities market an era mergers are particularly high, industry collaboration.”

“Some projects will need to of consolidation will take hold, so it has been prohibitive”.

As such, “the number of combe shelved, most development- with more mergers and acquistage projects will be put on hold, sitions as a result of these tight panies to exit the sector is likely to increase”. and many distressed companies capital markets.

However there was one slightly However, Stiles believes that should consider ways to strike positive with a merger of 1equals,” A M1 1 5 _ 0 0he0 said. _ T O O while - we 1 have 2 0been 1 5 -expecting 1 1 - 0 6 T 1 5 : aspect, 5 0 : 5 7 +more 1 1 Aus: 0 0 According to IBISWorld, after this wave of mergers and acqui- tralian explorers turning back

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FUNDING FOR EXPLORATION HAS DWINDLED

to Australia for new discoveries.

“The survey reveals a positive trend in recent years for companies to refocus on Australia for future project acquisi-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

tions,” AMEC’s Simon Bennison explained.

“Australia is also proving to be relatively attractive for investment with 74 per cent of respondents having received an approach or conducted a transaction with overseas investors.”

Stiles reaffirmed to Australian Mining the need for collaboration and innovation: “Try to be creative as possible to advance projects, think about how to maximise every dollar spent, and the new technologies currently emerging.”

“With technology playing an increasing role, cost-cutting and operational efficiency is no longer enough; JUMEX companies need to embrace technologies to maximise results from activities they undertake and must be more creative in restructuring solutions to fund and develop their projects.”

Despite this view, one respondent to the JUMEX survey stated: “It takes a very brave company to invest in innovation when cash is constrained, even though there is no more important time to innovate.”

For the sake of junior miners and explorers in Australia, let’s hope they are brave. AM

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

HARSH ENVIRONMENT HMIS The UniOP eTOP Series 500G HMIs are a suitable choice for all demanding HMI applications including factory, energy and marine applications.

The eTOP510G features a high-brightness, contrast-enhanced ruggedised 10.1” TFT widescreen display with LED backlight. The product has been designed for use in harsh environments and outdoor applications.

Glass bonding assembly and glass surface treatment provide for superior optical performance resulting in a sunlight-readable product.

The durable glass touchscreen requires the human touch, eliminating false activations, and offers high reliability and durability; it will continue to work even when surface is scratched or contaminated.

10.1” TFT colour display, resolution 1280x800 pixel, 64K colours Features include: • LED backlight dimmable to 0% • Projected capacitive touchscreen with true glass design •2 Ethernet ports with switch function • 2 USB Host ports • SD Card slot

DIAPHRAGM VALVES WITH INTEGRATED PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

DURABLE GLASS TOUCHSCREEN

• • • • •

Plug-in modules for system expansion IO69K Rating IECEX approval (as of Dec.2015) Extended Temperatures -20 to +60 High Brightness Sun-readable screen @ 600 Cd/m2 • The eTOP Series 500G HMI panels have been designed to run the JMobile software.

• Tecno Platform 0401747403 www.tecnoplatform.com.au

COMPACT PLC WITH IOT FEATURES RS Components (RS) has introduced the latest Mitsubishi FX5U compact PLCs, which extend the capabilities of the FX PLC platform with increased CPU performance and extra built-in functions including sophisticated position control.

New built-in features enhance support for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications, including an Ethernet port that simplifies connectivity and allows remote maintenance, advanced security, and an SD Card slot for data logging and program updates.

Other built-in features, such as eight channels of high-speed pulse inputs and 4-axis pulse outputs, allow developers to create more powerful systems for applications like controlling packaging machinery, using fewer modules.

EXTENDS CAPABILITY OF FX PLC PLATFORM

Configuration using the familiar GX Works3 environment is also easier, with enhancements such as table-based parameterisation, motion setup tools and extra positioning instructions.

• RS Components 1300 656 636 www.au.rs-online.com

REMOTE CONTROL AND MONITORING OF AUTOMATION RS Components has announced availability of the new groov box industrial appliance, which enables maintenance engineers, facility and automation managers, as well as service companies, to easily and securely monitor and control just about any automation system or equipment from devices such as smartphones, tablets, PCs or smart TVs. Developed by Opto 22, groov is a web-based way to build and view operator interfaces to monitor and control automation systems and equipment, and requires zero programming or coding. It allows access to system data from anywhere a network is available and also allows users to receive real-time notifications based on configurable

GF Piping Systems has added the diaphragm valve type 604/605 with integrated pneumatic actuator to its product range.

The valve’s compact design fits standard installation lengths. Its integrated pneumatic actuator with quick opening and closing times enables more than one million closing cycles over its service life. The actuator housing can be opened quickly for service due to the central housing nut.

The connection with the valve body is plastic without any metal parts.

Therefore all materials have

QUICK OPENING ACTUATOR

the same temperature expansion coefficients, which prevents leakages and avoids re-torqueing of screws.

The valves also feature unique QR code on the product leads to installation manuals, online training videos and certifications.

• George Fischer Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9502 8000 www.gfps.com

HIGH PRESSURE SENSORS In response to a growing need for sensors that can withstand high pressure applications, TURCK is introducing an extension to their CRS series with a new offering of high pressure inductive sensors.

This extension offers customers an enhanced offering for applications regarding cylinders with a operating pressure rating of 3000 psi, whereas the previous offering allowed for only 1500 psi.

The new high operating pressure CRS series come with embedded LEDs, providing a easily visible indication of the sensor. The high operating pressure CRS offering comes equipped with a 7/8” male connector, measures 12.7 mm in diameter and comes

LEDS FOR VISIBILITY

in a stainless steel smooth barrel housing with a special high pressure sealing ceramic active face; this allows it to withstand high pressure and demanding applications.

• TURCK Australia 1300 132 566 www.turck.com.au

events. The system is also secure, as all communications are encrypted over HTTPS and all connections need to be authenticated with username and password.

Developed as an Internet of Things tool for the Industry 4.0 paradigm for smart factories, the appliance is a hardware/software solution that means that a PC is not required on site. The appliance has a rugged and solidstate fan-less design, operating across a 0 to 70° C temperature range, which makes it well suited for deployment in harsh industrial environments. Offering a compact footprint with dimensions of just 106 x 171 x 33mm, it also features gigabit Ethernet interfaces and USB expansion for wireless LAN interfaces.

• RS Components 1300 656 636 REMOTE, WEB-BASED MONITORING au.rs-online.com AUSTRALIANMINING

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Solid savings.

Let us show you how.

Rock solid solutions saving you money How much do you spend on instrument maintenance? On difficult installation and programming? On headache pain relief? Let’s try something different. www.siemens.com/sensors/mining Precious metals, iron ore, crushed stone, chemicals, coal – whether your material is sitting still or on the move, Siemens has a measurement solution for you.

Dusty raw materials silo? 78 GHz radar saving you maintenance time and installation di culties.

Fast moving minerals, ore or coal? An award-winning belt scale with more approvals than any on the market.

Measuring the w of slurries with up to 70% suswmeter with pended solids? A Pulsed AC ma magnetite compensation.

Siemens: rock solid solutions for the Australian market saving you time and money. Let us show you how.

For more information, contact us on 137 222 or via email at mining.au@siemens.com.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

EQUIPPED WITH UP TO 27 INTEGRATED INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

PUMP & HVAC CONTROLLER RANGE The Modicon M171 controller series is at the centre of Schneider Electric’s comprehensive PROTECTIVE CABLE COATINGS FOR INDUSTRIAL CONTROL offering of solutions for HVAC and pumping applications, foThe igus e-skin and e-shell the energy supply system are is abrasion resistant, dust proof cused on building automation.

The controller can be either offer new options for afforda- not high. The e-skin is a com- and waterproof, it can also be ble and flexible cable guiding, pact, simple to open hose for used in clean room environments. DIN rail or wall-mounted and to make moving energy easier. unsupported lengths. Consist- Due to its oval design it allows is equipped with up to 27 inteCorrugated hoses are light- ing of an upper and lower shell, more space, and the cables can grated inputs and outputs, having weight, versatile and can guide the e-skin can simply be clipped be guided in carefully using in- different combinations of discrete and analogue inputs and outputs, energy, media and data at very together and opened for easy terior separation modules. depending upon the type. Addilow costs. They are used in a maintenance and inspection of • Treotham Automation variety A M 1of1applications, 1 5 _ 0 0 0partic_ M I N the- cables, 1 with 2 0 1igus 5 -providing 1 1 - 0 9 T020 9907 9 : 01788 5 : 2 2 + 1 1 : 0 0 tional Modicon M171 controllers can also be networked. ularly where the demands on an additional tool for ease. As it www.treotham.com.au THE E-SKIN CAN BE EASILY CLIPPED TOGETHER, AND IS DUST- AND WATER-PROOF

The AFBs reduce energy consumption and help to improve system efficiency.

The Modicon M171 optimised class offers a more streamlined unit, free of superfluous and expensive extra functionalities, for users who want to develop simple to moderately complex solutions without requirements for BMS architecture integration. A Modbus SL or LAN expansion bus interface is integrated into the controller to allow setup of a simple communication network.

• Schneider Electric 1300 369 233 www.schneider-electric.com. au

MineARC Systems y

Electric Stench Gas

MineARC Stench Gas is an emergency alert system designed to suit noisy locations where alarms cannot be heard.

The powerful odour can be quickly dispersed throughout an underground mine to alert workers of impending danger Remote activation

Independent operation of cylinders

Plug & play installation

Steel housing with reflective signage

Real time network monitoring

Pressure gauge with viewing window

Zoned stench gas control

Stainless steel pipework and valving

Dispersion line venting 15m (50ft) from your location

Manual override

For more information:

MA_248_CIrrusMedia_HP_Electric Stench Gas.indd 1

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+61 (8) 9333 4966

www.minearc.com/electricstenchgas

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

6/11/2015 12:20:59 PM

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From ERP to X3

INTELLIGENT MINING SOLUTION

Take control of your business sagebusiness.com.au

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS

THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED FOR ANOTHER YEAR, FOCUSING ON WOMEN EXCELLING ACROSS A NUMBER OF FIELDS

W

omen are consistently achieving greatness and excelling in their chosen fields within the mining, engineering, manufacturing and process control industries and we think their talent should be acknowledged.

The 2015 Women in Industry Awards recognises and rewards the achievements of women working in the industrial sectors, and aims to raise the profile of women within industry, as well as promote and encourage excellence.

Australian Mining has teamed up with Manufacturers’ Monthly and PACE to acknowledge women who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to their sector.

The program aims to recognise women who are leading change in their chosen field and breaking down the barriers in what can often be maledominated industries.

The awards seek to single out and reward women who have created innovations, driven productivity, spearheaded change, and provided social and economic benefits through their fields.

The only awards program of its kind to encompass mining, manufacturing and engineering, it also encourages the industrial world to raise the profile of women working in the differing sectors by embracing diversity and flagging clear paths for the next generation to follow.

And with so many thought-leaders together in one room on the night of the awards, it provides a forum for women to meet and exchange information, ideas and solutions to problems and offers individuals an opportunity

to expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments and make a contribution to other women in the industrial sectors.

Editor of Cirrus Media’s industrial publication Australian Mining, Cole Latimer, said the program was important in recognising the contributions being made to the changing face of industry.

“Though female participation has risen across all industrial sectors in Australia, companies are still focusing on more innovative attraction and retention strategies to foster this growing talent and support young women working in the sector.

“Women already working in the sector make up a big part of these support programs.

“They are paving the way for others and achieving great success, and we thinks this needs to be recognised in its own right.”

Any women working in the industrial sector can enter the awards, with the event culminating with a cocktail event to be held next year.

So help us recognise the women making a difference today!

CATEGORIES FOR NOMINATION • BDM of the Year • Employer of the Year • Excellence in Engineering • Excellence in Manufacturing • Excellence in Mining • Industry Advocate • Marketing/Communications • Mentor Award • Rising Star Award • Social Leader

LAST YEAR’S AWARDS SAW MORE THAN 150 ATTENDEES

Platinum Sponsor After the success of the 2014 inaugural Women in Industry Awards, Pacific Merchandising has upped its commitment to the event. The company is the Platinum Sponsor for 2016.

Recognising excellence amongst women in male dominated industries is a great way to provide inspiration and leadership for change. Pacific Merchandising looks forward to wonderful entries from some of the innovative women out there in the field.

Pacific Merchandising is an experienced industry specialist supplier of promotional merchandising to Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction and Transport and Australian Trade Unions.

A one-stop shop with expert help from sourcing to art design, decoration to manufacture, and gift packaging to freighting, the company specialises in leading global brands and wholly Australian craftsman designed and manufactured goods, such as custom belt buckles (and keyrings).

Pacific Merchandising 1300 88 77 95 www.PacificMerchandising.com.au

Excellence in Engineering ABB is one of the world’s leading power and automation engineering companies. It provides solutions for secure, energy-efficient generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, and for increasing productivity in industrial, commercial and utility operations. Ultimately, the company helps customers meet their challenges with minimum environmental impact and with safety and quality as the highest priority.

ABB’s portfolio ranges from light switches to robots for painting cars or packing food, and from huge electrical transformers to control systems that manage entire power networks, mining operations and factories. Its products and solutions serve a number of industries including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, paper, transport, marine, consumer, automotive and building industries. Employing 145,000 people across 100 countries, including nearly 2000 people in Australia, ABB understands what it means to provide a workplace that is career enriching and culturally safe. The company encourages individualism, values diversity and understands that culture forms part of everything it does.

ABB in Australia is proud to support the Women in Industry awards and to recognise and acknowledge the value of a diverse workforce. The company looks forward to playing its part at the event and wishes the best of luck to all participants.

ABB Australia 1800 222 435 new.abb.com/au

Excellence in Mining Mining Machinery Developments Australia ( MMD Australia) is a designer and manufacturer of material processing equipment used in varied types of surface and underground mining operations worldwide. In particular, MMD extended the technology of mineral degradation with the original development of low profile high capacity compact sizing machines in 1978.

MMD Australia is an equal opportunity employer which encourages women to join, not only the mining industry, but the varied industry sectors in Australia and abroad.

Today the company celebrates the excellence women bring to our environment and encourage all similar organisations to join it.

MMD Australia 07 3193 2800 www.mmdsizers.com

THE AWARDS RUN ACROSS 10 CATEGORIES

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mining jobs

updated daily To see the latest jobs visit www.miningaustralia.com.au

Franna OperAtoR/ Yardsman Perth TECSIDE Personnel is a

• Be living with in 100km radius of Brisbane airport

Our Client is a leading mining

Reference Number: 100850a

Dump Truck Operators with solid

DAS and police clearance.

contractor seeking experienced

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

coal mining experience. You will

Reference Number:

Underground Operators for posi-

Chandler Macleod –

need to make yourself available

752J201435040

tions at their remote mine site

07 3003 7705

for a start early December

Workpac

in the Kimberley. They currently

with this role going through to

www.workpac.com

have vacancies for Underground

the beginning of March, with a

Nipper/Jumbo Offsider on a 2:2 FIFO roster from Perth or

CHPP Operator/ Maintainer (Mechanical)

possibility of extension.

To be successful in these roles

You will need to supply current:

Darwin. The duties will involve

• Coal board medical (must be

operating a Sandvik Toro Truck,

with in the first 24 months)

Integrated Toll Carrier, IT Loader

Chandler Macleod are currently

as a Dump Truck Operator

you will have the following: • 2 years + experience working

Mobile Plant Operator – RD 797 CAT

national supplier of Recruitment

• An up to date resume

and carrying out Service Crew

seeking Four experienced CHPP

within a production coal

Regional QLD

Services to the Oil & Gas,

• Standard 11

works. Applicants will need to be

Operators/Mechanical Maintain-

mining environment – CAT 793

Mackay & Coalfields

Industrial, Engineering and

• Passport or Birth certificate

able to demonstrate and prove

ers for an immediate start. You

(minimum)

their previous underground

will be working for one of the

Construction sectors. We have

and drivers licence

• Current BMA or Standard 11

MULTI-SKILLED OPERATORS • F IFO exit Brisbane • 7 on 7 off

been established for over 10

• 2 x referees

expereince, as well as their com-

biggest mining companies in

Statement of Attainment

years.

If you feel you possess the

mitment and leadership towards

Australia and it’s a mine site

• Current Coal Board Medical

TECSIDE Blue is seeking the

required attributes, and

health and safety on site.

that is well sort after plus the

(essential it is dated within

WorkPac currently have a

services of a Franna Operator/

you have a strong focus on

Applicants with the following

opportunity to work on a 7/7

the last 2 years)

number of opportunities for

Yardsman for an ongoing

safety then please apply

qualifications will be very highly

day shift roster.

contract with a global Subsea

below

regarded – Working at Heights,

Skills required:

company working at their new

Reference Number:

Integrated Toll Carrier, IT Loader

• F ixed plant fitter qualification

large workshop.

100833a

and Underground Dump Truck

• F ixed plant processing

TO BE CONSIDERED YOU WILL

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

Recognition of Prior Learning.

REQUIRE:

Chandler Macleod –

These are approximately 6

• Franna Crane License

07 3003 7705

month positions. Must be

• RIIs/competencies to support

• November/December start

experienced Multi-Skilled

your experience on dump

Operators with solid coal mining

trucks, dozers and graders

experience. You will need to

• Current drivers licence

make yourself available for

Reference Number:

a start on the 26th / 27th

• F ixed plant maintenance

7226J20147922

November or the 3rd December.

• Minerals processing

Don’t delay your applica-

These roles are ongoing for 6

tion as these roles will

months at this stage, with a

experience

operations experience

• A minimum of 1 year experi-

available to start ASAP. Subject

ence in a similar position

to full pre employment medical.

• CHPP Operations experience

be filled very quickly. For

possibility of extension.

Reference Number:

• Relevant processing RII

further information please

To be successful in these roles

contact:

you will have the following:

Nicole Gray

• 2 years + experience working

• Excellent organisation skills • Ability to work with different

Dragline Operator

trades • E xcellent communication skills

qualifications

752J201435038

• Maintenance management

Workpac Chandler Macleod are looking for

systems experience

www.workpac.com

• Hydraulic system mainte-

an experienced Dragline Opera-

• EWP (Preferred)

tor for an immediate start. This

YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH:

is a FIFO role out of Brisbane

• E xcellent hourly rate with

working a 7/7 D/N roster,

nance

Shotfirers

• Current coal board medical Our Client is looking for a shot

(must be with in the first 24

• Weekly pay with Tecside

provided. You will help provide

firer for an immediate start

months)

• Ongoing contract

leave coverage for the production

working on a 7/7 roster FIFO

• Standard 11

If you have the relevant

mining team with in the dragline,

out of Brisbane. You will be

• Passport or (Birth certificate

qualifications and experi-

drill and blast area.

responsible for delivering, load-

ence as mentioned above;

To be considered for this role you

ing and firing of bulk explosives

please call Ryan Corp on

must have:

6436 2909 or email your

• Be residing with in 100km

resume to ryancorp@ tecsideblue.com.au Reference Number: 3049RC1

radius of the Brisbane airport • Previous experience on Marion Draglines 8050 and D11 Dozer You will need to supply: • Current Coal board medical

Drill Operator (Coal Mining)

(must be within the first 24 months) • Standard 11 • Passport or (Birth certificate

Global mining company are

and drivers licence)

within a production coal

E: nicole.gray@workpac.

mining environment as a

com

Multi-Skilled Operator - CAT 793 (minimum), D10 and D11

You will need to supply current:

flights and accommodation is

penalties rates

P: 53901322

UNDERGROUND – Agi Driver

dozer as well as series 16 or 24 grader •R eside within 100 klms of the Brisbane Airport - this

Regional WA

needs to be your permanent

Broome & Kimberley

place of residence. Applicants

• 2 x contactable referees

Our Client is a leading

outside of 100klms will not be

in an open cut coal mine.

• Licences and qualifications

mining contractor seeking

To be considered for this role

• Residence with in 100km

experienced Underground Agi

radius of Brisbane airport

Truck Operators for a position

you must have:

and drivers licence)

considered •C urrent BMA or Standard 11 Statement of Attainment

• Min three years Shot Firing

If you feel you possess the

at their remote mine site in

experience in a coal mine

required attributes, and you

the Kimberley. The duties will

environment

have a strong focus on safety

involve operating an Hitachi

then please apply below now.

AH300 truck that has been

Please support your application

converted to an Agi truck for

with a Cover Letter and only

Underground concreting works.

short listed candidates will be

Applicants must have proven

• A focus on safety

contacted at this stage.

Underground experience and

PLEASE NOTE: These roles

• Be living with in 100km radius

Reference Number:

experience operating Agi trucks

are FIFO only and will only be

• Hold a current Qld Shot Firers Licence • Good knowledge of the explosives industry

•C urrent Coal Board Medical (essential it is dated within the last 2 years) •R IIs/competencies to support your experience on dump trucks, dozers and graders • Current driver’s licence

currently seeking experienced

• 2 x contactable referees

of the Brisbane airport

102041d

for underground or surface.

offered to experienced MS

Drilling operators for their

If you feel you hold the

You must be able to supply:

Contact Details: Dan Dobe –

Suitable applicants must be

Operators with proven coal

drill and blast department.

required attributes, and

• Coal board medical (must be

07 3003 7705

able to present copies of tickets

mining experience who reside

This is a great opportunity to

you have a strong focus on

and underground RPL’s on appli-

within 100 klms of the Brisbane

work with an industry leader

safety then please apply

• Current S11

cation. Successful candidates

Airport. There are no entry level

at an established mine and

below.

• Passport or driver licence and

be able to demonstrate their

roles available.

these positions are ongoing at

Reference Number: 100820a

commitment and leadership

Reference Number:

present.

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

• 2 x contactable referees

towards health and safety on

7226J20147923

To be considered for this role

Chandler Macleod –

If you feel you possess

site as this is paramount in the

Don’t delay your applica-

you must have:

07 3003 7705

the required attributes,

Regional QLD

Underground environment. This

tion as these roles will

and you have a strong

Mackay & Coalfields

position is FIFO from Perth on

be filled very quickly. For

desire to be a part of a

DUMP TRUCK OPERATORS

a 2:2 roster, working 12 hour

further information please

company that wants you to

• CAT 793 operators

day and night shifts. These

contact:

succeed, supply you with a

• 6 on 6 off

are approximately 2 month

Nicole Gray

competitive remuneration

• December to March

positions working through till

P: 53901322

on a potential ongoing

• Moranbah area

the end of December. Must be

E: nicole.gray@workpac.

Regional WA

contract with an immediate

WorkPac currently has a number

available to start ASAP. Subject

com

Broome & Kimberley

start please apply now!

of opportunities for experienced

to full pre employment medical,

• Skilled in operating Atlas Copco Pit Viper is preferred • Prepared to work a 7/7 D/N roster • Dozer skill will be advanta-

Underground – Nipper/Jumbo Offsider

geous but not essential • L arge diameter drill ticket and experience

with in the first 24 months)

birth certificate

AustralianMining

68

Mobile Plant Operator – Level 3

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“Providing pumping solutions to the mining, industrial, environmental, oil & gas and agricultural industry for over 30 years�

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EVENTS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@MININGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

INTERNATIONAL MINING AND RESOURCES CONFERENCE (IMARC) 2015 9-13 NOVEMBER MELBOURNE CONVENTION CENTRE, MELBOURNE, VIC 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). The longstanding, Mines and Money Australia, the junior mining investment conference, will take place within the IMARC program.

Meet 2500+ Australian and international mining experts, CEOs, government representatives and other industry leaders from over 35 countries ready to discuss.

Support of the Victorian Government, as well as involvement from all of Australia’s states and territories.

The event features the Involvement of Australia’s three leading industry associations, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Austmine and Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA).

Network with key decision makers and influencers through a range of structured events from round tables, one on ones and social hubs. · IMARC www.imarcmelbourne.com

QUEENSLAND GAS CONFERENCE 24-25 NOVEMBER BRISBANE AUSTRALIANMINING

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CONVENTION CENTRE, QLD The Queensland Gas Conference and Exhibition (QGCE) is a conference and exhibition dedicated to the latest developments and issues surrounding CSG and LNG in Queensland. · REEDMININGEVENTS Warren Queenan 02 9422 2563 warren.queenan@ reedexhibitions.com.au www.queenslandgasconference.com.au

MINING & ENGINEERING WA 3-5 MAY 2016 PERTH CONVENTION CENTRE, WA Mining & Engineering Western Australia (M&E WA) is an exciting biennial mining industry exhibition and conference that focuses on the unique needs, challenges and opportunities facing Western Australia’s mining industry.

M&E WA will create a mining marketplace in Western Australia – Australia’s largest mining state. A resource-rich state set to lead national growth by providing increased opportunity to potential investors, the exhibition and conference provides a Perthbased platform for exhibiting companies to launch and sell products and services, raise their profile to the WA mining industry and exploit the opportunity to access a new sector or region. For visitors, the event opens opportunities to source and buy the latest products and services for mining in WA, gain relevant education, debate industry issues and network with their peers at the industry conference. · REEDMININGEVENTS Warren Queenan 02 9422 2563 warren.queenan@ reedexhibitions.com.au www.miningandengineeringwa.com.au

ALTA 2016 NICKELCOBALT-COPPER, URANIUM-REE AND GOLD-PRECIOUS METALS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 21-28 MAY, 2016 PERTH, AUSTRALIA ALTA 2016, organised by ALTA Metallurgical Services, will be the 21st year of one of the world’s premier annual metallurgical events.

The conference is an annual gathering of the global Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Uranium-REE and GoldPrecious Metals industries and features highly focused programs, topical forums and presentations by key international speakers.

The event comprises Three international conferences in one week, focusing o Nickel-Cobalt-Copper Sessions including a Hydromet Processing Sulphides Forum & Panel; Uranium-REE Sessions including Membranes in a Uranium Ore Processing Forum & Panel; and GoldPrecious Metals Sessions including A Refractory Gold Ores Forum & Panel.

It also has Three Short Courses, focusing on the A-Z of Copper Ore Leaching; Solvent Extraction and its Application to Copper, Uranium and Nickel-Cobalt; and Uranium Ore Processing.

There will also be a Trade Exhibition.

ALTA 2016 will be an outstanding platform for exposing the latest worldwide developments in plant operations, process technology, new projects, testwork and scale-up, process modelling and control systems, application of mineralogy and geometallurgy, R&D, equipment, reagents, materials, tailings disposal and environmental alleviation. The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with a wide variety of key industry professionals and showcase products and services to key decision-makers in the pertinent field. · ALTA Metallurgical Services Allison Taylor 0411 692 442 allisontaylor@altamet.com.au www.altamet.com.au

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