World Mining Magazine

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south32 developing nature’s resources

Issue 34 2020

World Mining

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the editor

Socially conscious profit

Editor

The

W

hen I write these editorials, I often find myself referring to the hoops that miners must negotiate to satisfy their shareholders. One hoop that interests me in particular is the theme of sustainability, which gets more challenging every year.

This year, I am indebted to Deloitte Global for introducing me to the terms ‘socially conscious profit’ and ‘value beyond compliance’.

Analysts and commentators love to coin new phrases because they broadcast the suggestion that they have something new to say. When you look ‘beyond the headlines’ and discover that they do have something new to say, it’s an absolute delight.

We have long known about corporate social responsibility, of course, and some companies now publish exhaustive annual reports on their CSR performance, but I always found that an awkward phrase – just a little too long to trip off the tongue with any degree of comfort and suggestive of obligations rather than opportunities. ‘Socially conscious profit’ is so much more eloquent, while ‘value beyond compliance’ is brilliant in its simplicity. Bringing profit and value into the realm of potentially tedious and tangential responsibilities is a recipe for success in my book.

I cannot testify as to the origin of these new terms, but they were delivered to me with the publication of Deloitte Global’s

Martin Ashcroft

12th annual Tracking the Trends report in early February this year. The report presents an analysis of ten trends Deloitte sees as the drivers of corporate strategy in 2020. The first, The social investor: Embedding value beyond compliance into corporate DNA, offers guidance on investors’ demands for greater transparency around the social, economic and environmental impact that sectors like the mining industry have on the world around them.

These ideas are not new, of course, having been born in Victorian times with the efforts of industrialists including Lever brothers and the Cadbury family, but they have developed far beyond philanthropy into a form of social science.

Modern-day CSR started with making the right noises about being a good neighbour, respecting the rights of traditional landowners, planting trees, testing water quality and employing local people. What is different now is how proactive you have to be, anticipating potential problems and planning solutions rather than reacting to events.

What miners have to do to attract investors is getting more complicated all the time. Perhaps Deloitte will forgive my etymological teasing, if I say that it does all make sense.

Compliance is a given, but there is a new world beyond compliance, and it is bursting with value, if you can grasp it.

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Contents Cover story south32: developing nature’s resources Page 8 Page: 5 • The Editor: Socially conscious profit 8 • South32: Developing nature’s resources 18 • Sleipner: Don’t forget the importance of

training 22 • The lithium conundrum 31 • Australian interest in uranium ‘on the rise’ • Record year for Largo Resources 35 • Fluor commences construction of South

Flank ore handling plant • Canada Cobalt acquires Polymet Labs 37 • X-Terra Resources commences drilling on

the Grog and Northwest properties • Asanko Gold Ghana retains ‘Mining

Company of the Year’ title 39 • Parsons awarded contract extension for

Giant Mine remediation project • Komatsu deploys autonomous trucks at Vale’s

Carajás mine 41 • Mirasol to acquire Inca Gold Project • MAXAM awarded blasting contract in Chile 43 • Mountain Province Diamonds announces

2019 results at Gahcho Kué 45 • Barrick and Newmont sell off super pit • Saracen and Northern Star form KCGM Executive Committee 47 • Canada and US finalize Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals collaboration • Industry deals total $7.88bn in December

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ADVERTISERS 2 MAXAM Tire 4 Independent Rebuild Specialist 12 Mobilaris 28 THEJO 30 Truflo Pumps 32 Applied Fiber 34 Canary Systems 36 Marland Clutch (Altra Industrial Motion) 38 Sai Deepa Rock Drills 40 Austin 42 AME Intl

44 MoistTech Corp 46 Magna Tyres 48 Rapid International 50 Flowrox 52 Duff Norton / Phoenix Conveyor Belt Systems 60 TowHaul 70 MAXAM Tire 72 Pumps 2000 73 Megatraction Equipment Inc 74 World Mining Directory 77 Shaw Development 78 Rockwell Automation 79 Hilliard Brake Systems 80 Resemin Asia

news & features Page 31

the lithium conundrum Page 22

49 • Successful year for Great Panther in Mexico 51 • New Lynas rare earths processing plant awarded major project status • New Century Resources delivers record production 53 • thyssenkrupp to supply gyratory crusher to

Roy Hill iron ore mine • Metso to supply equipment to De Beers’

Venetia diamond mine 54 • Barrick Gold: Value Creation 64 • MAXAM Tire: Meet the MAXAM difference

World Mining Magazine Contacts, Advertising Rates & Information News & Features Editor

Martin Ashcroft martin@ogsmag.com martin@worldminingmagazine.com

Editor

Vanessa Ward editor@ogsmag.com vanessa@worldminingmagazine.com

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Design and Artwork

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Managing Director Simon Ward

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south32 developing nature’s resources Born out of BHP Billiton in 2015, South32 is a Perth-based mining and minerals company with operations in Australia, South Africa and South America. It maintains a globally diversified mining and metals portfolio producing bauxite, alumina, aluminium, energy and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc.

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K

ey to South32’s business is its supplier relationships. In Australia South32 is committed to building strong relationships with its suppliers locally, domestically and globally to seek innovative solutions with a focus on safety, quality and cost.

Across the Africa region local procurement is a key focus area for South32. It believes in empowering local communities to be able to provide for as much of its supply chain as possible.

Its Enterprise Development programme provides selected local entrepreneurs with the necessary infrastructure and skill sets to develop into viable enterprises, who should be able to feed into the supply chain. South32’s Supplier

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Development programme grooms key local suppliers to meet supply chain demand, while continuing to provide quality products and services.

Australian Operations CANNINGTON

Cannington mine in North West Queensland, is one of the world’s largest producers of silver and lead. The deposit was first discovered as an anomaly in an aerial survey of the region, nearly 30 years ago. Production at the mine has been underway for 20 years. In that time South32’s Cannington operation has grown to become the world’s largest and

lowest cost producer of lead, producing seven per cent of the world’s lead, for use mostly in batteries and increasingly as a power source for electric vehicles.

Its silver mining operations account for six per cent of the world’s silver.

GEMCO

South32’s Groote Eylandt Mining Company operation (GEMCO) is located on an island in the Gulf of Carpentaria off the Australian coast and produces high-grade manganese ore. Mining starting here more than half a century ago, with a processing plant commissioned on the island not long after. Since then the plant has gone through several expansions, with the

south32 developing nature’s resources

most recent one completed in 2013. It is currently the largest and lowest-cost manganese ore producer in the world, which South32 holds a 60 per cent share in, the remaining 40 per cent being held

by Anglo America Plc.

ILLAWARRA METALLURGICAL COAL

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal in New South Wales produces high-quality metallurgical coal used for steelmaking, which is shipped around Australia and around the world. Steeped in coal mining history dating back more than 150 years, the region’s first coal mines opened in the early nineteenth century.

Soon after, collieries were developed

to mine coal for the growing local steel industry and labourers settled into the area, bringing their families with them.

Roads, schools and hospitals followed, and communities flourished.

Over the years South 32 has modernised coal mining at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal making it safer and more efficient. Its underground mines at Appin and Dendrobium produce high quality metallurgical coal used for steelmaking. Everything is processed at West Cliff and Dendrobium plants before being transported by road and rail down to Port Kembla in Wollongong. From there it is shipped off around Australia-and the world.

TEMCO

The Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company (TEMCO) operation produces ferromanganese, used for steel making, which is exported to customers in Asia and North America, as well as to steel producers in Australia and New Zealand. For more than half a century TEMCO has been processing manganese at its alloy plant in northern Tasmania. Over time the company has seen many changes as technology has advanced, improving performance by making its furnaces operate at higher loads. TEMCO uses ore shipped from South32’s Groote Eylandt Mining

Company operations in the Northern Territory and produces ferromanganese, which is used in the making of steel.

Most of the alloy produced is exported to customers in Asia and North America, with the remaining sold to steel producers in Australia and New Zealand.

WORSLEY ALUMINA

South32 holds an 86 per cent interest in Worsley Alumina, while Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd owns 10 per cent and Sojitz Alumina Pty Ltd owns four per cent. Bauxite is mined near the town of Boddington, 130 kilometres south-east of Perth. It is transported by overland conveyor to the alumina refinery near Collie and turned into alumina powder, before being transported by rail to Bunbury Port. It is then shipped to smelters around the world, including South32’s Hillside and Mozal aluminium smelters in Africa.

Interest in bauxite mining in the South West of Australia stretches back to the 1960s. However, mining and refining the ore didn’t get underway until the 1980s. At the time, building the mine, conveyor belt and processing plant was Australia’s most expensive capital project, costing AUD$1.2 billion and employing 3500 people. Over the past three decades production has increased World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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Mobilaris Onboard ™ A disruptive innovation

four-fold, making Worsley Alumina one of the largest and lowest-cost alumina producers in the world.

South African Operations SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE

South32’s South African manganese mines are found in the manganese rich Kalahari Basin, in the country’s northern cape, which is home to 80 per cent of the world’s manganese ore body.

This manganese business is made up of two manganese mines and an alloy smelter.

The open-cut Mamatwan mine started operating more than half a century ago, with the underground Wessels

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mine following a few years later. The Metalloys alloy smelter was built by industry pioneer Dr H J van der Bijl back in 1939 in the city of Vereeniging, before being relocated to a site near Meyerton, where it still operates today.

The Metalloys alloy smelter is one of the largest smelters in the world, producing high and medium carbon ferromanganese alloy. The smelter has the capacity to process up to one million tonnes a year of the HMM’s manganese products.

The two mines are part of the Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) consortium, in which South32 holds a 44.4 per cent interest; the remaining is held by Anglo America Plc and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment entities. The Wessels mine has vertical and incline

“South32 began construction of the Mozal operations nearly 20 years ago and included a new berth at the nearby port of Matola, access roads and a bridge. Not long after the smelter opened in late 2000 expansion plans were already underway to double its capacity”

south32 developing nature’s resources the name eMalahleni translating to ‘place of coal’. On 30 April 2018, SAEC became a stand-alone business to be managed separately from the rest of the South32 Group.

SAEC includes four coal mining operations, Khutala Colliery, Klipspruit Colliery, Middelburg Colliery and the Wolvekrans Colliery, as well as three processing plants, producing energy coal for the domestic and export market.

The Khutala Colliery is an underground bord and pillar operation while the Klipspruit, Middelburg and Wolvekrans collieries are opencast mines using dragline, as well as truck and shovel operations, to extract coal. South32 owns 92 per cent of South Africa Energy Coal, with the remaining eight per cent held by a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment consortium, led by Phembani Holdings.

MOZAL ALUMINIUM

shafts and uses the mechanized bord and pillar mining method. While the Mamatwan mine uses the terrace mining method.

About 3,000 people - both full-time employees as well as contractors - work on South African manganese projects.

SOUTH AFRICA ENERGY COAL (SAEC)

Located in the coalfields of Mpumalanga, SAEC includes four collieries and three processing plants, producing energy coal for the domestic and export market. The SAEC operations are located near the towns of eMalahleni (previously known as Witbank) and Middelburg, in the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Coal mining has long been part of this region, with

The Mozal Aluminium operation is made up of a smelter and transport infrastructure, just west of the Mozambique capital city Maputo.

The land where the smelter sits was originally farming land and through negotiation, the farmers agreed to be relocated with compensation and new dwellings. Mozal Aluminium is the largest industrial employer in the country, making a significant contribution to the local economy. More than half a million tonnes of aluminium are produced here every year and recently South32 also started supplying Mozambique’s first downstream aluminium business. Developing this downstream industry will boost the local economy.

South32 began construction of the Mozal operations nearly 20 years ago and included a new berth at the nearby port of Matola, access roads and a bridge. Not long after the smelter opened in late 2000 expansion plans were already underway to double its capacity. Backed by a US$2 billion investment, the smelter was the largest private investment in the country and the first large, direct foreign investment, helping rebuild Mozambique after a period of unrest. South32 owns 47.1 per cent of Mozal Aluminium, while Mitsubishi Corporation Metals

Holding GmbH holds 25 per cent, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited owns 24 per cent and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique holds 3.9 per cent (through preference shares).

HILLSIDE ALUMINIUM

Hillside Aluminium is a smelter in Richards Bay using alumina imported from South32’s Worsley Alumina operation in Australia and produces high-quality, primary aluminium.

To support the development of the downstream aluminium industry in South Africa, a portion of liquid metal is supplied to Isizinda Aluminium which in turn supplies aluminium slab to Hulamin, a local company that produces products for the domestic and export markets.

Aluminium is made by crushing and refining bauxite - an aluminium ore - into a white alumina powder then smelting the white alumina powder into aluminium metal. The smelter uses alumina predominantly imported from Worsley Alumina in Australia to produce high-quality, primary aluminium for the export and domestic markets. Hillside’s capacity of 720 kilotonnes a year makes it the largest producer of primary aluminium in the southern hemisphere.

South American Operations CERRO MATOSO

South32 operates one of the world’s largest producers of ferronickel, located in Northern Colombia, the Cerro Matoso open-cut mine.

For more than 30 years South32 has operated in Cordoba, but nickel was first discovered in the region way back in the 1950s. Cerro Matoso is an important driving force of the local economy and the mine has helped to shape the region.

Since mining began at Cerro Matoso South32 has improved and expanded its operations.

The nickel laterite mine and smelter is a major producer of ferronickel and nickel iron alloy which is used to make stainless steel used in everyday household items. An impressive 95 per cent of water used in the mining operations is recycled.

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BRAZIL ALUMINA

At its Brazil Alumina operation South32 is involved in each stage of aluminium production, including bauxite mining, refining bauxite into alumina and smelting alumina into aluminium metal.

For nearly 40 years bauxite mining has been underway at the Mineracao Rio do Norte (MRN) mine, in Porto Trombetas, in northern Brazil. Ore produced at the MRN mine is supplied to South32’s Alumar refinery and smelter in Sao Luis, north-eastern Brazil, which has been operating since the mid-eighties. MRN’s open-cut strip mine produces 18 million tonnes of bauxite a year, supplying the Alumar refinery (capacity of 3.5 Mtpa) and smelter (440 kilotonnes a year).

Development and Exploration Alongside this established portfolio of operations, South32 is continually seeking new growth opportunities. It is investing in exploration activities inside

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“Our declaration of a Mineral Resource for the Taylor Deposit for the first time in accordance with the JORC Code represents a key milestone as we progress one of the most exciting base metals projects in the industry”

and outside of its portfolio, helping the company to keep growing and diversifying. Exploration activities are carefully selected to have a high chance of success and are spread around the world, including places South32 has not operated in before. It looks to partner and invest with junior miners, allowing access to attractive opportunities while reducing operational risk.

EAGLE DOWNS

In September 2018 South32 completed the acquisition of a 50 per cent interest in the Eagle Downs metallurgical coal project and assumed operatorship with the other 50 per cent interest in the project held by Aquila Resources, a subsidiary of China’s largest steel producer, BaoWu. Located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the town of Moranbah in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the project is an attractive development option within the company’s growing portfolio.

South32 is planning to commence a

south32 developing nature’s resources

final feasibility study which will seek to optimise the mine’s design and development. Subject to the outcome of the feasibility study and receipt of requisite approvals, the intention is to construct a multi-seam underground longwall metallurgical coal mine and processing plant with a dedicated rail spur and train loadout facility.

HERMOSA

In August 2018 South32 completed the acquisition of Hermosa in the Patagonia Mountains, about 80 kilometres southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Hermosa comprises two major mineral deposits, Taylor and Clark. The Taylor deposit is a greenfield development option that has a reported resource of 155

million tonnes, averaging 3.39% zinc, 3.67% lead and 69 g/t silver. Hermosa strongly complements South32’s existing portfolio and provides an opportunity to leverage the underground mining and processing methods used at its Cannington operation in Queensland, Australia.

Recently, South32 carried out the first blast at the twin exploration declines to welcome in a new phase of development which will allow it to drill test extensions and enhance its understanding of the Project’s existing high-grade resource.

This milestone comes as South32 works towards further optimising the design and development of Hermosa.

South32 Chief Executive Officer, Graham Kerr, said, “Our declaration of a

Mineral Resource for the Taylor Deposit for the first time in accordance with the JORC Code represents a key milestone as we progress one of the most exciting base metals projects in the industry.

The ongoing drilling program, and the resampling and relogging activity undertaken since our acquisition of the Taylor Deposit has significantly derisked our investment, increased our confidence in the project and confirmed its ability to deliver strong returns to our shareholders over many decades. We expect to conclude our pre-feasibility study for the project before the end of the 2020 financial year.”

World Mining Magazine

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Sleipner “Do not forget the importance of training, it improves productivity” -says Sleipner Finland Training Manager Karl Marlow

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“The demand for training is growing continuously,” says Training Manager Karl Marlow from the Sleipner Finland, which offers high-quality and efficient solutions to mobilize tracked equipment fleets in mining, quarrying and construction fields.

M

ines have a strong training culture.

They have their own training departments and a single excavator and dump truck operator is put through hundreds of hours of training for their core work as an operator.

Training is a continuous process, as site conditions are forever changing, and the skills of existing excavator operators and truck drivers must be maintained and new operators must be trained as necessary.

Sleipner supports its customers by teaching them how to operate the equipment and how to integrate Sleipner into their existing production processes, which reduces machine transportation time by up to 85% hence maintaining a longer undercarriage life.

“More and more mines are looking

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to increase their training and keeping their operations as safe as possible.

New customers often think at first that Sleipner might be hard to use.

Normally, after participating in training and operating Sleipner a few times by themselves, they are quite happy to use it and find that it really is an easy product to use.”

When training, Karl says that he likes to have three or four trainers from the site so that they can continue training after Karl has left the site.

“Cost is never an issue, as there is always something to gain from training. For example, relocating excavators to a satellite pit could take 24 hours, but with Sleipner it usually only takes a couple of hours or less.”

In the future, Sleipner will have the E-Series Simulator for operators to

gain training hours on. Without taking equipment out of production or risking damage from using a newbie operator.

Safety is the number one goal in training

Efficient training with safe working practices is an important goal in Sleipner training, and training will never take precedence over production.

Ultimately, however, the most important thing is to make sure that excavator operators and truck drivers understand exactly what safe use entails rather than how they can make or save money with it.

“Being a competent person rather than just using the machine ensures that Sleipner is used efficiently and safely.

There are significant differences between

“More and more mines are looking to increase their training and keeping their operations as safe as possible. New customers often think at first that Sleipner might be hard to use. Normally, after participating in training and operating Sleipner a few times by themselves, they are quite happy to use it and find that it really is an easy product to use.”

sleipner do not forget the importance of training

“Using Sleipner is not difficult. You will rarely meet a trainer who is able to give an exemplary demonstration in practice, but our trainers can also use the products by themselves in practice. It’s rare that we would need to go back to the classroom with operators and drivers after training.” countries with regard to safety culture.

For example, in Australia it takes two to three days just to get to the mine, whereas somewhere else in the world it only takes a few hours.”

Sleipner’s training quickly moves on to real routes

The training provided to excavator operators and truck drivers at Sleipner typically lasts two to five days. When the operators, drivers and conditions are good, a few days may be enough.

The training starts with a theory portion, after which the trainees take the excavator’s “controls” and start carrying out basic exercises. Afterwards, the trainees practise driving in an easy environment before moving on to actual routes.

“Using Sleipner is not difficult. You will rarely meet a trainer who is able to give an exemplary demonstration in practice, but our trainers can also use

the products by themselves in practice.

It’s rare that we would need to go back to the classroom with operators and drivers after training.”

Cultural and weather conditions have a surprisingly low impact

The content of Sleipner’s training is partly customized, but the location does not play a particularly large role, regardless of whether you are in Australia, Africa or the Nordic countries.

“The mining process is pretty much the same, but the weather varies, which can affect training. For example, in Argentina one mine was located at an elevation of 4,500 meters, where both the human body and the machine are under extreme conditions. Just as breathing is hard, the machines are sometimes operated at the limit of their performance.”

There might sometimes be snow and

ice but driving in snow is an everyday experience for people in the Nordic countries and Canada, for example.

“They just prepare the roads and you have to slow down on ice according to the local conditions.”

Complete solution for moving tracked equipment Sleipner’s E-series is designed for the transportation of excavators in weight classes ranging from 23 to 570 tons.

The DB-series is intended for moving large bulldozers, drilling machines and other heavy tracked machines weighing up to 120 tons.

Don’t hesitate to ask the authorized Sleipner dealer nearest to you for more information or contact us directly via our website at www.sleipner.fi. We are happy to provide additional training for the use of Sleipner.

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the lithium conundrum As demand grows for powerful, rechargeable batteries, companies around the world are developing projects to recover lithium from mineral ores, salar brines and other sources. Dubbed ‘white petroleum’, will this volatile metal solve the world’s energy dilemma?

L

ithium is one of the lightest and softest metals known to man.

A key component for the fastgrowing rechargeable battery market, lithium powers everything from consumer electronics like laptops and mobile phones to electric cars and energy storage systems. The metal is also used in aircraft manufacturing and in the preparation of some mental health medications.

Lithium is the 33rd most abundant element, but it does not occur naturally in its pure form due to its high reactivity. Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson discovered lithium in 1817, when he realized that petalite contained an unknown element, but he wasn’t able to isolate the metal. That was achieved in 1855 when British chemist Augustus Matthiessen and German chemist Robert Bunsen were successful in separating it.

Although lithium is a relatively abundant metal, high-purity lithium chemicals used by battery makers are not so common because lithium extraction, either from brines or hard-rock, involves a series of complex operations that make design production rates hard to achieve.

It has been estimated that demand for high-grade lithium by battery makers could double by 2025. A recent dip in prices has discouraged some investment, however, leading analysts to warn of a potential shortfall in supply in the near future.

But the availability of lithium is not the issue. The challenge lies in finding scientific and chemical solutions to enable the production of battery-grade lithium at the necessary scale.

Today, Chile and Australia are the world’s largest sources of lithium, although the US, Argentina and China

are also major producers. The market for lithium is heavily dominated by four companies: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile, Australia’s Talison, Chemetall in Germany and FMC in the United States.

For many years, commercial lithium production derived from mineral ore sources such as spodumene, petalite and lepidolite. The cost of extracting lithium from hard rock is significantly more expensive, however, than extracting it from lithium-containing brines.

Salars

Salar brines occur as underground reservoirs containing high concentrations of dissolved salts including lithium, potassium and sodium. These are generally found below the surface of dried lakebeds known as salars.

Most of the lithium found today is extracted from brine reservoirs located in regions of southwestern South America and China. To extract lithium from brines, water is pumped to the surface into a series of evaporation ponds where solar evaporation occurs over a number of months. Solar evaporation is an ideal and cost-effective method for precipitating salts because salar brines tend to occur naturally at high altitudes, and in areas of low rainfall.

When an optimum concentration of lithium chloride is achieved, the solution is pumped to a recovery plant where any unwanted boron or magnesium is removed. It is then treated with sodium carbonate to precipitate lithium carbonate, which is filtered and dried ready for delivery. Excess residual brines are pumped back into the salar.

Lithium carbonate is a stable white powder which can be converted into

specific industrial salts and chemicals — or processed into lithium metal.

The Salar de Atacama, in Chile, is host to more than 15 per cent of the world’s known lithium reserves, and yet exploration and production of lithium has occurred only in the southern portion of the Salar, from two production facilities operated by Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM) and Rockwood Lithium. Atacama possesses a very high grade of both lithium (1,840mg/l) and potassium (22,630mg/l), has a high rate of evaporation (3,200 mm per year) and extremely low annual rainfall (15mm average per year). These characteristics make Atacama’s finished lithium carbonate easier and cheaper to produce than its peer group globally. A key factor in lithium production costs is evaporation time and Atacama Salar’s evaporation rate is the highest in the lithium industry.

Project potential

Wealth Minerals has a large land position in the northern part of the Atacama Salar, in Region II of Chile.

The concessions are adjacent to highway 23 which connects northern Chile with Argentina. Wealth believes that the proximity of the Project to existing producers strongly suggests that exploration potential is good for the discovery of brines in the northern portion of the Salar. The company filed an NI 43-101 technical report on the project in 2017.

The principal origin of lithium in the Salar de Atacama is interpreted to be the lithium-bearing geothermal waters from the El Tatio Geyser Field, located north of the salar. The geothermal fluids enter the northern part of the Salar de Atacama via surface and subsurface flow.

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Further, the chemistry of the salar brines is almost identical to the chemistry of the geothermal fluids of El Tatio, further strengthening the interpretation that the El Tatio geothermal fluids are the source of lithium and potassium in the salar.

Though lithium-mining operations exist around the world, up to threequarters of the known lithium reserves are in the Altiplano-Puna Plateau, a 1,100-mile-long stretch in the Andes.

The salt bed deposits are concentrated in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia, known as

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the ‘Lithium Triangle.’

Chile has produced lithium from brine since the 1980s, and its Salar de Atacama is now the preeminent source of the chemical in Latin America.

Chile’s government has been the most hospitable to foreign investors, and its mining sector, as the world’s largest exporter of copper, has extensive experience. Argentina also began extracting lithium from brine in the late 1990s, exploiting its Salar del Hombre Muerto.

Bolivia would love to do the same, and it has the lithium resources to do so. The Salar de Uyuni, at 4,000-square-miles the world’s biggest salt flat, is one of Bolivia’s most magnificent landscapes. It also happens to have one of the world’s greatest lithium deposits, possibly 17 per cent of the planet’s total.

But Bolivia has a number of challenges that put it at a disadvantage from its neighbours. Lithium mining is expensive and complicated, requiring significant capital and technological

lithium the lithium conundrum

“It has been estimated that demand for high-grade lithium by battery makers could double by 2025, but the challenge lies in finding scientific and chemical solutions to enable the production of battery-grade lithium at the necessary scale” sophistication. Bolivian governments have opposed private capital in the past, but the development of an industry on the scale required to make a difference will be a tall order for a state-owned organisation.

Producing battery-grade lithium from brine involves separating out sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. The Salar de Uyuni itself has its own inherent disadvantages, receiving a lot more rain than its counterparts in Argentina

and Chile, which tends to slow down the evaporation process. Its lithium deposits also have a higher magnesium content which is particularly expensive to remove. A multimillion-dollar plant at Llipi started producing lithium in January 2013, but that is all Bolivia has achieved over the last ten years.

Mining from minerals

Despite the ores having a higher lithium content than salar brines, extraction of lithium from spodumene

and other minerals requires a range of hydrometallurgical processes involving considerable energy consumption, making it much more costly.

Nevertheless, mining from minerals continues apace, particularly in Australia, which hosts five of the world’s ten largest lithium mines (in terms of reserves). Two of those are in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project, 100% owned and operated

by Pilbara Minerals, has proven and probable lithium reserves estimated at 108.2Mt. One of the world’s premier lithium development projects, a definitive feasibility study was completed in September 2016 and commercial production was achieved there in April 2019.

Right next door, as it were, in an adjoining tenement, is Altura Minerals’ 100% owned Altura Lithium Project.

This mine is estimated to contain 34.2Mt of proven and probable reserves grading 1.04% Li2O. The mine is expected to have a life of 13 years.

Altura’s open-pit operation is being developed in two stages. The first stage was commissioned in early 2019 and is expected to produce 220,000tpa of lithium spodumene concentrate.

Altura has completed a DFS for stage two expansion of the mine, which will increase the annual production capacity to 440,000tpa.

Despite being rivals to become the first lithium producer in the region, Altura and Pilbara Minerals signed a mutual access agreement and MoU to cooperate at their boundaries, sharing access roads and pipeline routes.

The Wodgina lithium project, 100km south-east of Port Hedland in Western Australia, was originally owned by Mineral Resources but in August 2019 the company entered an agreement with US lithium producer Albemarle Corporation to form a 60:40 joint venture to develop the mine. First ore from the mine was planned for the first quarter of 2020, but Albemarle announced in November 2019 that it would suspend the development of Wodgina until market conditions support production.

Western Australia is also home to the Greenbushes mine operated by Talison Lithium but owned by Tianqi World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

lithium the lithium conundrum Corporation of China (51 per cent) and Albemarle (49 per cent). The lithium orebody at Greenbushes was identified between 1977 and 1980 and the mine has been producing and exporting lithium minerals for over 30 years. The site consists of a number of open cut mining pits for spodumene and leading-edge lithium concentrate production facilities.

Talison Lithium officially opened a new chemical grade lithium processing plant at Greenbushes in October 2019, taking to three the number of lithium processing plants at the operation and nearly doubling production capacity to 1.34mt of concentrates a year.

The Mt Cattlin spodumene project, two kilometres north of the town of Ravensthorpe in Western Australia, is wholly owned by Galaxy Resources. Ore is processed on site to produce a spodumene concentrate and a tantalum by-product.

At full capacity, ore can be processed at a rate of 1.6 million tonnes per annum (tpa) with lithium oxide concentrate production of 180,000 tpa.

The Mt Cattlin mine operations include open-pit mining of a flat-lying pegmatite ore body. Mining is carried out using excavator and truck operations, delivering to a conventional crushing and HMS gravity recovery circuit. Contract mining is used for grade control drilling and earthmoving operations (drilling, blasting, load, haul and ancillary work) for the open-cut mining operation.

The Earl Grey lithium project, also known as the Mt Holland lithium project, is located in the Forestania Greenstone Belt in Mt Holland, Western Australia. It is owned by Kidman Resources (50%) and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM, 50%) under a JV named Covalent Lithium.

The mine is estimated to contain proven and probable reserves of 94.5Mt grading 1.5% Li2O. The PFS for the project was completed in December 2018 while the DFS is currently underway. The mine is expected to produce 411,233t of spodumene concentrate a year over its 47-year mine life, upon commissioning in 2020.

The biggest lithium deposit in the world, however, is the Sonora Lithium Project in Sonora, Mexico, a clay project being developed by a joint venture of Bacanora Minerals (30%) and Cadence Minerals (70%).

The mine is estimated to hold proven and probable reserves of 243.8Mt, containing 4.5Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The bankable feasibility study for the project estimates a mine life of 19 years.

Sonora is proposed to be an open-pit operation being developed in two stages with the first stage having a production capacity of 17,500 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate. Stage two will double the production capacity to 35,000tpa.

The company has secured one of the world’s biggest lithium producers, Ganfeng Lithium, as a cornerstone investor and intends to start construction in 2020.

The Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada is 100% owned and operated by Lithium Americas. Estimated to contain proven and probable reserves of 179.4Mt containing 3.1Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent, it has an estimated mine life of 46 years.

The pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project was completed in August 2018, which proposed the two-phase mine development using open-pit methods.

Phase one is expected to be commissioned in 2022 with a production capacity of 30,000tpa of battery-grade Li2CO3, while phase two will increase the capacity to 60,000tpa with a commissioning date of 2026.

Given the soft nature of the deposit, minimal blasting and crushing is anticipated.

The ore will then be processed in a leaching circuit using sulphuric acid to liberate the lithium from the claystone. Following the leaching process, the lithium bearing solution will be purified using crystallizers and reagents to produce battery-grade Li2CO3.

Extracting lithium from brine is a slow process, but it’s cheap. By contrast, extraction from spodumene is quicker, but expensive. Processing from clay is an option being explored in a number of places, but has not yet been commercially proven at scale. As we say in England, “you pays your money and you takes your choice.” Wherever it’s found and however it’s processed, in the years to come lithium may well prove as important as gold was in ancient times, and petroleum in the modern world.

World Mining Magazine

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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Australian interest in uranium ‘on the rise’

BHP’s Olympic Dam complex is the second largest uranium-producing mine in the world

Despite possessing some of the largest uranium resources in the world, unstable prices and state-wide regulatory impediments have prevented the Australian industry from reaching its full potential, says GlobalData. Now, miners are beginning to back its recovery as demand picks up and inventory falls.

“The global uranium market has been relatively uncertain in recent years,” says Global Data’s mining technology writer, Scarlett Evans. “A recent report released by the World Nuclear Association (WNA) said that an oversaturated market led to a general decline in production, reducing globally from 62,200 tonnes in 2016 to 53,500 tonnes in 2018. Prices have also been seen to drop from a January 2019 average of $28.90 a pound to $25.30 a pound in August.

“However, the same report found a change in global policies is marking a favourable return for the material, a shift many hope will be echoed in Australia.

With a history of regulations blocking the use of nuclear power, the Minerals Council Australia (MCA) has this year revitalised the debate over utilising this resource, and mining company Boss Resources has recently unveiled

plans to revive their South Australian Honeymoon project. While the benefits of harnessing nuclear remain contested, there is a sense that change is beginning to be seen.”

“While the benefits of nuclear remain contested, there is a sense that change is beginning to be seen” Ian Hore-Lacy, senior advisor at the World Nuclear Association, told GlobalData: “The current state of

nuclear power in Australia is zero. There is none and there are no immediate prospects of any. However, quite apart from that, there is widespread support for uranium mining and export, and that has been ongoing really since the Fox enquiry in the 1970s.”

GlobalData’s Evans concludes: “It would seem such calls are beginning to be heard, with a number of legal developments in the country over the past decade. Commonwealth support for uranium mining, the lifting of bans on uranium mining in Western Australia and Queensland, and the New South Wales Government’s repeal of the ban on uranium exploration have sparked optimism amongst industry members. Public support for nuclear energy has also been found to be on the rise, with recent surveys showing a majority of Australians support a role for nuclear in the nation’s energy mix.”

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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news

Record year for Largo Resources

L

argo Resources has released fourth quarter and full year 2019 production results from its Maracás Menchen Mine in Brazil, highlighted by a new annual production record of 10,577 tonnes of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), an increase of 8% over FY 2018.

The company also produced 3,011 tonnes of V2O5 in Q4 2019, which is an increase of 16% over Q4 2018. Increased production is attributed to the rampup and completion of the company’s expansion project, which concluded in December with the commissioning of the pre-evaporator and leaching, desilication and precipitation tanks.

Management is confident that it will be able to execute on its 2020 production and cost guidance, building upon the operational successes achieved in FY 2019. Total V2O5 production for 2020 is expected to be in the range of 11,750 to 12,250 tonnes, inclusive of high purity vanadium flake and high purity vanadium powder production.

Largo’s board of directors has approved the construction of a ferrovanadium conversion plant at the Maracás Menchen Mine subject to available liquidity. Total capital expenditures for the plant are expected to be in the range of US$8 to $10 million, with $5 to $7 million being incurred in 2020.

The company says it plans to perform cooler refractory maintenance in April 2020 and therefore anticipates lower production during this month, with higher cash operating costs in Q2 2020.

This downtime will also be used to perform feed rate improvements on the kiln, which is expected to increase the nameplate production capacity to 1,100 tonnes of V2O5 per month from 1,000.

“Increased production is attributed to the ramp-up and completion of the company’s expansion project” Largo’s current offtake agreement with Glencore International expires on April 30, 2020, so the company will be responsible for its own sales and distribution directly to end-users from May 2020 onwards. Total sales in 2020 (including of V2O5, high purity V2O5, and ferrovanadium) are expected be in the range of 9,500 to 10,000 tonnes.

VPURE In a separate announcement the company introduced a range of newly developed brands for its line of vanadium products: VPURE™ Flakes, Ferrovanadium powered by VPURE, VPURE+ Flakes and VPURE+ Powder.

The VPURE brand consists of highquality vanadium products which are mainly used to produce ferrovanadium and vanadium carbon nitride. VPURE Flakes have a guaranteed vanadium content of 98.5% and typical vanadium content of 99.0%.

The VPURE+ brand consists of high purity vanadium products in the form of flakes and powder. VPURE+ Flake and Powder products have a guaranteed vanadium content of 99.0% and a typical vanadium content of 99.5%.

VPURE+ Flakes are mainly used in the production of master alloys. VPURE+ Powder is ideal to produce chemicals, catalysts and vanadium electrolyte used in the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB).

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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Fluor commences construction of South Flank ore handling plant

F

“South Flank will be one of the largest iron ore processing hubs in the world”

luor Corporation has achieved a significant milestone at BHP’s US$3.6 billion South Flank iron ore project, with the erection of the first 1,500 tons of modules in the ore handling plant. This follows the achievement of 50 per cent project completion, announced by BHP in October 2019.

Fluor is providing engineering, procurement and construction management services on South Flank, which is located in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia.

When operational, South Flank will be one of the largest iron ore processing hubs in the world. The project will include an 80-million-ton-per-year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system and rail-loading facilities.

South Flank engineering and procurement work is being performed from BHP’s office in Perth, with Fluor working together with BHP as an integrated project team. “We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with BHP on this project, including our commitment to achieve diversity through the hiring of indigenous and local team members,” said Tony Morgan, president of Fluor’s Mining and Metals business. “The pioneering integrated team approach on this project is truly a collaborative effort. We look forward to continuing our long and successful relationship with BHP on this project and beyond.”

Fluor previously performed the feasibility study for the project before it was awarded the follow-on construction and project management scope. Over the life of the project, it is expected that more than 9,000 people will be engaged in the South Flank work force. Construction began in July 2018, and first production of iron ore is anticipated in 2021.

Canada Cobalt acquires Polymet Labs

C

anada Cobalt Works is to acquire PolyMet Labs, the only facility in the Northern Ontario silver-cobalt district that combines bullion pouring, bulk sampling, commercial assaying and e-waste processing.

The lab and mineral processing facility in the town of Cobalt, just a short distance from Canada Cobalt’s Castle and Beaver properties, will become the company’s headquarters.

The well-established facility provides commercial assaying, crushing, screening, grinding, bulk sampling, upgrading and

smelting services all in one location.

With 100% ownership of the Castle mine, a pilot plant to produce cobalt-

rich gravity concentrates on site, and its proprietary hydrometallurgical process known as Re2OX for the creation of technical grade cobalt sulphate as well as nickelmanganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations, Canada Cobalt is strategically positioned to become a vertically integrated North American leader in cobalt extraction and recovery while it also exploits a powerful new silver-gold market cycle.

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

35

NEW MONITORING SYSTEM PROVIDES REMOTE ACCESS TO BACKSTOP OPERATING CONDITIONS Marland Clutch recently introduced the Smart Marland Monitoring System that provides up-to-the-minute access to critical backstop operating conditions including vibration, temperature and oil level.

The IoT solution allows users to remotely monitor the condition of their equipment from anywhere using a computer or cell phone.

The system can monitor up to 6 backstops from a single gateway. Users can perform statistical analysis to identify maintenance and repair needs, set desired report intervals and receive alarm notifications. System reporting capabilities include current measurements, historic trending and vibration analysis.

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news

X-Terra Resources commences drilling on the Grog and Northwest properties

A

fter defining several high priority gold drilling targets, X-Terra Resources has commenced diamond drilling on its Northwest and Grog properties in Restigouche county in the Canadian province of New Brunswick.

None of the six high priority targets identified have previously seen any historical drilling. The targets were defined as a result of the fieldwork and data processing completed throughout the 2019 exploration program. Winter drilling will accelerate the exploration

“None of the six high priority targets have seen any historical drilling” process and continue to generate high quality sampling in areas previously identified as gold-bearing.

Geochemical surveys, high resolution magnetic survey and induced

polarization were completed across the Grog and Northwest properties, in addition to the trenching and structural mapping that were completed to produce a first drilling plan.

“The 2019 exploration program on the Grog and Northwest properties was very successful and to further delineate these first drill targets is a true testament to the hard work the entire team has done,” said Michael Ferreira, president and chief executive officer of X-Terra Resources. “Some

of the targets identified exhibit the geological characteristics required for a porphyritic-epithermal connection. However, other sectors of the properties advocate more for an intrusion related gold deposit context.

In addition, this will be the first time any drilling has taken place over the Grog Property.”

X-Terra Resources has hired the Logan Drilling group, based out of Stewiacke in Nova Scotia, to carry out the inaugural drill program.

Asanko Gold Ghana retains ‘Mining Company of the Year’ title

F

or the second year in a row, Asanko Gold Ghana has won the prestigious ‘Mining Company of the Year’ award from the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The company also received the ‘Best Company in Exploration’ and was first runner-up in ‘Best Company in Innovation’. AGGL is a 50:50 joint venture between Asanko Gold Inc. and Gold Fields Ltd. The ‘Mining Company of the Year’ Award is presented annually to the mining company that has achieved the highest aggregate results in the five categories of Occupational Health

and Safety, Financial Performance, Corporate Social Investment, Local Content, Environmental Management and Innovation.

“I am incredibly proud of our team

for receiving these awards,” said Fred Attakumah, executive vice-president and managing director of Asanko Gold Ghana. “This is the highest recognition in Ghana for a mining company in the areas of health & safety, social and environmental responsibility and innovation and shows the tireless efforts and dedication of the entire Asanko Gold Ghana team. We will continue to seek further innovative ways of excelling in health and safety performance, respect for the environment and relations with our community partners.”

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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news

Parsons awarded contract extension for Giant Mine remediation project

Komatsu deploys autonomous trucks at Vale’s Carajás mine

A

s the Brazilian resource company Vale seeks to enhance health, safety and operational efficiency while reducing its impact on the environment, Komatsu has announced plans to deploy 37 of its 930E ultraclass electrical dump trucks as part of an autonomous haulage system (AHS) at Vale’s Carajás iron ore mine.

Powered by Komatsu’s AHS FrontRunner technology, the goal is to have all 37 trucks operating autonomously by 2024. To support a successful transition to autonomy, Komatsu opened an AHS training centre near the mine in August 2019 that provides operations and maintenance training to upskill local people on the new technologies being introduced at the mine.

“We are honoured to be part of the ongoing wave of technological innovation at Carajás, supporting Vale’s commitment to sustainability and helping make the mine a reference in environmental terms,” said Masayuki Moriyama, President of Komatsu’s mining business division.

“Komatsu plans to deploy 37 of its 930E ultra-class electrical dump trucks ”

P

arsons Corporation has been awarded a contract extension to continue as the main construction manager for the remediation efforts of the Giant Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

The two-year extension continues efforts at the former gold mine to contain and manage arsenic trioxide and protect human and environmental health and safety.

“For over six years, we have been working closely with the Government of Canada to keep the site in a safe and stable condition until clean-up efforts can begin, in the interests of creating a safer, healthier and prosperous community,” said Jon Moretta, executive vice president, industrial, for Parsons.

Parsons is the sole prime contractor for the mine’s final remediation program.

The corporation’s initial contract at the site — one of the largest environmental remediation projects in Canada — began in 2013 with the decontamination and deconstruction of the mine’s roaster complex.

Giant Mine is an abandoned gold mine within the city boundaries of Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest

Territories. It operated from 1948 until 1999. The former owner, Royal Oak Mines, entered receivership in 1999 and

“Giant Mine is an abandoned gold mine within the city boundaries of Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories” the Ontario Supreme Court transferred the property to INAC (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada).

The Giant Mine site is one of the highest priority contaminated sites within the federal property inventory and requires ongoing management to protect human health and safety, and the environment.

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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M

irasol Resources has signed an option agreement with subsidiaries of Newmont Goldcorp to acquire the Inca Gold Project in Northern Chile.

The agreement gives Mirasol the opportunity to add to its portfolio a district-scale and underexplored, intermediate sulfidation epithermal project in the prolific Paleocene belt of Chile. The project hosts multiple attractive targets that have never been drill tested, and it fits well with the company’s strategy to fund drilling on high quality prospects with favourable infrastructure.

“We are pleased to add the Inca Gold Project to our portfolio and to work toward delivering a second Mirasolfunded exploration and drilling program in Chile,” said Norm Pitcher, president and CEO of Mirasol. “This is an attractive transaction allowing Mirasol to acquire Inca Gold by exploring and drilling the property.

If our exploration demonstrates the potential for a Newmont size target, the agreement will allow them to earn back 70% of the project by reimbursing our costs and investing in significant additional exploration expenditures.”

The Inca Gold project is located in Region III of Chile, approximately 10 miles east of the town of Inca de Oro, with good access for year-round exploration activities. Newmont’s exploration work to date has been limited to surface and prospecting activities, which have identified five target areas, none of which have been drill tested.

The two main targets identified are the Sandra and Vania prospects. The other three prospects areas (Rincon, Guerda, Inca North) are secondary priorities at this time.

news

Mirasol to acquire Inca Gold Project in Northern Chile

“The project hosts multiple attractive targets that have never been drill tested”

MAXAM awarded blasting contract in Chile MAXAM, a leading global technology company in blasting solutions for mining and infrastructure, has been selected by Minera Lomas Bayas, operated by Glencore in Chile, as its blasting solutions provider. The company will supply its high-energy bulk explosive, RIOFLEX, along with other solutions.

This contract continues the expansion of MAXAM’s operations and global presence. The company currently has more than 80 industrial facilities, subsidiaries in more than 50 countries on five continents and 6,500 employees worldwide. It is the

second largest operator of blasting solutions for mining, quarries and infrastructure in terms of international presence.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Minera Lomas Bayas and offer our innovative solutions in the operation,” said Diego Rodríguez, regional director of MAXAM in Latin America.

“At every operation, our clients always highlight our closeness and experience, contributing to improve their efficiency and productivity, something that we will undoubtedly also deliver in Lomas Bayas.”

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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Mountain Province Diamonds announces 2019 results at Gahcho Kué

M

ountain Province Diamonds has published its production and sales results for the fourth quarter and year ending 31 December from the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Ore tonnes mined during the quarter increased by 33% to 890,886 compared with Q4 2018. Ore tonnes mined during FY 2019 increased 12% to 3,247,324 from the comparable period (FY 2018: 2,908,184).

Ore tonnes treated during the quarter rose 25% to 936,903 from 751,448 in Q4 2018. Ore tonnes treated during the year rose to 3,580,551, a 12% increase from FY 2018.

Carats recovered during the quarter were 1,977,438, at an average grade of 2.11 carats per tonne, 28% higher than Q4 2018. For the full year, 6,820,631 carats were recovered at an average grade of 1.90 carats per tonne, 2% lower than FY 2018.

“Mountain Province enjoyed an exceptional year of production in FY

2019, achieving all its operational metrics,” said Stuart Brown, the company’s president and chief executive officer, “the highlight being exceeding plant throughput by 12%, compared

“Mountain Province enjoyed an exceptional year of production in FY 2019, achieving all its operational metrics” to FY 2018. The improvements were a direct result of the plant modifications over the past 12 months. The effort and hard work by everyone involved in this project is to be commended.

“The diamond market, however, was

somewhat difficult in 2019 with prices declining further in some categories.

Nonetheless positive signs started to surface late in 2019 and strengthening early in 2020. Retailers across all sectors of the luxury market have been reporting stronger than expected holiday season sales with very strong growth in online sales also boosting diamond retail sales.

“Following the successful plant changes which have created more capacity and opportunity, I believe Mountain Province is well positioned for the next decade. Gahcho Kué has a long mine life, and as demonstrated in 2019 with the discovery of the Wilson Kimberlite, a strong potential for additional discoveries in our highly prospective land package. I look forward to keeping all our stakeholders updated throughout 2020.”

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Group in the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

43

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news

barrick and newmont sell off kcgm super pit “The asset does not fit with our strategy of operating mines that we own”

B

arrick Gold has sold its 50 per cent interest in Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (known as the ‘super pit’) in Western Australia to Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited for $750 million in cash. Saracen is an ASXlisted company which already owns two gold mines in the area.

“The sale of our non-operating interest in KCGM represents the first step in our plan to realize in excess of $1.5 billion from the disposal of non-core assets by the end of next year,” said Mark Bristow, Barrick president and chief executive officer. “While this iconic gold mine has been a valuable contributor to Barrick

over the years, the asset does not fit with our strategy of operating mines that we own. The sale allows us to further focus our portfolio on core operations.”

Operations began at KCGM in 1989 and the mine has produced 21 million ounces of gold over the last three decades.

L

ess than a month after Barrick Gold’s announcement, Newmont Goldcorp followed suit with a deal to dispose of its half of the JV to Northern Star Resources Limited for $800 million.

“This transaction generates exceptional value and further strengthens our

financial position by increasing proceeds from our 2019 asset sale agreements to more than $1.4 billion,” said Tom Palmer, president and CEO. “Australia remains a core operating region for Newmont, and the sale of KCGM allows us to focus on investing in profitable growth and long-term value creation at our top-tier Tanami and Boddington complexes, in addition to our active exploration campaigns across the region.”

This adds to Newmont Goldcorp’s previous agreements to sell Red Lake in Canada for $375 million and its stake in Continental Gold for $260 million.

Saracen and Northern Star form KCGM Executive Committee

S

aracen and new JV partner Northern Star have moved quickly to agree a joint operatorship model, establish a new management structure and initiate an extensive strategic review / optimisation process, establishing the KCGM Executive Committee, comprising two Saracen representatives and two Northern Star representatives Having agreed upon joint operatorship of the mine, three JV sub-committees have been

established: • Technical and operations • Financial and commercial • Exploration and growth This co-operative approach will enable the partners to capitalise on Saracen’s widely-recognised open pit mining capability and Northern Star’s highly successful underground mining knowledge and experience.

Saracen managing director Raleigh Finlayson will play a leading role in the strategic review / optimisation.

World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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Canada and US finalize Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals collaboration

Largo Resources Maracás Menchen vanadium mine in Brazil

O

n 9 January 2020, Canada and the United States announced the finalization of the Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration, an agreement between the two countries to increase production and establish supply chains for a number of ‘critical

and magnesium. Canada also supplies roughly one quarter of the uranium needs of the US. “With $2.6-billion worth of goods and services moving between Canada and the US every day, both of our economies are better off when we

are key to our economic growth and security — including uranium and rare earth elements — while bolstering our competitiveness in global markets and creating jobs for Canadians.”

China is currently the world’s largest producer of REEs and dominates the

201808018

“We are advancing secure access to the critical minerals that are key to our economic growth and security” minerals’ needed for important manufacturing sectors, including communication technology, aerospace and defence and clean technology.

In June 2019, the US Department of Commerce issued a document outlining critical minerals on which the US is dependent on imports. The Joint Action Plan includes 35 of these minerals, including rare earth elements, uranium, lithium, graphite, vanadium, platinum group metals and zirconium.

The Action Plan will promote joint initiatives, including research and development cooperation, supply chain modelling and increased support for industry.

Canada is an important supplier of 13 of the 35 minerals that the US has identified as critical to economic and national security, and has the potential to become a reliable source of other critical minerals, including rare earth elements.

Canada is currently the largest supplier of potash, indium, aluminium and tellurium to the US and the secondlargest supplier of niobium, tungsten

work together,” said Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.

“By finalizing the Canada–US Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration, we are advancing secure access to the critical minerals that

global critical minerals market with over 70% of global annual production. Other countries, including the US and Canada, are keen to decrease their dependence on China by finding new sources of critical minerals and REEs.

industry deals total $7.88bn in December 2019

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otal metals & mining industry deals worth $7.88bn were announced in December 2019, according to GlobalData.

This figure marked a decrease of 14.6% in value over the previous month, but a rise of 65.5% when compared to the last 12-month average of $4.77bn.

The combined value of the top five metals & mining deals stood at $6.5bn, against the overall value of $7.88bn recorded for the month.

The top five metals & mining industry deals of December 2019 tracked by GlobalData were: • Cleveland-Cliffs’ $3bn acquisition

of AK Steel Holding • The $1.12bn acquisition of PIM Cupric by Jiangxi Copper (Hong Kong) Investment Limited • Gold Mountains (H.K.) International Mining Limited’s $1.03bn acquisition of Continental Gold • The $800m acquisition of Kalgoorlie Lake View by Northern Star Resources • Northern Star Resources’ acquisition of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines.

In terms of number of deals, the sector saw a drop of 22.9% over the last 12-month average with 84 deals against the average of 109 deals.

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Successful year for Great Panther’s Mexican mines “Our 2019 exploration program in Mexico was highly successful at both of our mining operations”

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reat Panther Mining Limited has provided an exploration update on its 2019 results and 2020 plans for its two Mexican mining operations: the Topia Mine and the Guanajuato Mine Complex (GMC), which includes the Guanajuato Mine and the San Ignacio Mine.

“Our 2019 exploration program in Mexico was highly successful at both of our mining operations,” said Jeffrey Mason, interim president & CEO. “This is already translating into growth in production and cash flow, with record silver equivalent production at the Topia Mine in 2019.

“In 2020, we plan to define new mineralized zones and test new targets at San Ignacio, and focus on developing new high-grade resources at Guanajuato with 63% more drilling metres, targeting increased production later this year. With comprehensive exploration plans of over $4 million in Mexico, our 2020 programs will build on momentum from our 2019 successes.”

Topia Mine The 2020 exploration drill program at Topia will comprise 2,500 metres and focus on building mineral resources along the San Juan, Madre, Hipolito, La Prieta, Cantarranas, La Dura, Union de Pueblo, Higuera, and Oliva veins.

The 2019 drilling (5,344 metres in 25 holes) successfully tested many of these targets.

Operations at Topia are currently ongoing in 14 different mines, with ore being trucked to a central, upgraded and modernized processing facility.

Lead and zinc concentrates are produced, with most of the silver and gold reporting to the lead concentrate.

GMC At the beginning of 2019, the company made the decision to halt production at the main Guanajuato mines in order to focus on exploration for higher-grade resources. Three drills completed 8,832 metres in 126 holes, mainly underground. In addition, the mine exploration team has re-

mapped and sampled most accessible areas, including the upper Spanish era workings, and developed multiple new drill targets. Based upon the success of this 2019 program, the company is working towards the resumption of mining in 2020.

The 2020 exploration drill program at the San Ignacio Mine will comprise up to 8,500 metres, focusing on in-fill drilling along the Purisima, Purisima Bo, and Melladito South structures, as well as testing additional exploration targets. At the Guanajuato Mine the 2020 exploration program will be 14,400 metres, including infill drilling in the Promontorio and Pozos areas, expanding northward to test the north flank of the Cata area and the Valenciana to Guanajuatito area. The continued focus of the program will be on building mineral resources along the Veta Madre structure.

The GMC is located in one of Mexico’s most prolific mining districts, which has been producing gold and silver since the 16th century.

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New Lynas rare earths processing plant awarded major project status

ynas Corporation has been awarded major project status by the Australian Government to establish its new rare earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

The Lynas project will be a foundation for the development of infrastructure in Kalgoorlie, including utilities and the production of chemicals used in minerals processing beyond the rare earths industry. The project aligns with key government policies, including regional development, value“Developing a robust and resilient critical minerals and Rare Earths industry is a priority for the Australian Government and Lynas is in a unique position to contribute to this as we are the only significant Rare Earths producer outside China,” said Lynas CEO & managing director, Amanda Lacaze. “Lynas will be making a significant investment in Kalgoorlie and the Government’s assistance with coordinating and facilitating approvals added processing and infrastructure development.

Lynas selected Kalgoorlie for its close proximity to its mine at Mt Weld as well as a skilled workforce and a rich history in the mining and processing industries.

“Lynas is the only significant rare earths producer outside China” The company has signed an option to sublease an industrial zoned property from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Mount Weld’s rare earth concentrate is currently exported to Malaysia for processing at the company’s plant in Kuantan, but the new cracking and leaching plant is seen as a further step in delivering the Australian government’s critical minerals strategy.

will be very helpful as the project progresses.”

In December it was announced that the project has been awarded lead agency status by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The Department will provide Lynas with project advice as well as assistance with managing and coordinating approvals within the project’s timeframes.

The Kalgoorlie plant is expected to be operational in early 2023.

New Century Resources delivers record production

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ew Century Resources reported a December 2019 quarter average mining rate of 8.3Mtpa, with a progressive ramp up during the quarter resulting in a current mining rate of 8.9Mtpa going into January 2020. Expansion to 12Mtpa is proceeding as planned over the next two quarters.

Overall zinc metal output increased by 7% during the December quarter, with 28,123t of zinc metal produced.

The quarter also saw a 3% decrease in direct costs (C1 costs) quarter-on-quarter. The company

expects a further step change in operational performance in the March 2020 quarter from the commissioning of the rougher circuit upgrade.

New Century anticipates continued reduction in C1 costs during the March 2020 quarter, via increased metal production from the upgraded rougher circuit, which provides more efficient utilisation of the fixed cost base of operations.

Treatment charges are also anticipated to reduce in the medium term in line with increasing zinc smelter output, particularly in China.

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thyssenkrupp to supply gyratory crusher to Roy Hill iron ore mine

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hyssenkrupp has been awarded a contract to supply a new primary jaw gyratory crusher for the Roy Hill iron ore Mine in Western Australia.

Located 340 kilometres south-east of Port Hedland, Roy Hill is a world-class iron ore operation with an integrated mine, rail and port facilities producing 55 million tonnes per annum, with approval to increase to 60 million tonnes.

The new crusher is the first above ground jaw gyratory crusher to be installed in Australia. It will be designed for high performance and cost-effective operation, i.e. low servicing and maintenance costs.

“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to be supplying Roy Hill with a new primary jaw gyratory crusher,” said Ben Suda, head of sales at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (Australia). “This is the third order for such machine within a short time in Australia. It shows once again the confidence our customers in the country place in crushing equipment from

“The new crusher is the first above ground jaw gyratory crusher to be installed in Australia” © thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions

thyssenkrupp.”

The jaw gyratory crusher is characterized by an especially enlarged feed opening. It is normally serrated and, together with the upper part of the mantle, forms the initial crushing zone.

The coarsely crushed material is then reduced to the desired product size in

the crushing chamber below.

Jaw gyratory crushers can handle much bigger chunks of material than comparable gyratory crushers of the same mantle diameter and feature a higher crushing ratio, with less tendency to become clogged in the feed zone as a result of bridging.

Metso to supply equipment to De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine

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etso Corporation will deliver high-performance crushing and material handling equipment to the De Beers Group Venetia mine, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Venetia mine is reported to produce an output of about 4 million carats, making it one of South Africa’s mineral resource flagships.

The Venetia mine was initially designed as an open-pit operation.

In 2013, an underground extension project commenced with plans to start producing carats in 2022, climbing to full production in 2025 and extending the mine life to 2046.

Metso will deliver two primary jaw crushers and a number of

feeders. All the equipment will be installed underground, a challenging installation given the shaft constraints and weight limitations for transportation underground.

The Metso apron feeders are used for extracting or feeding ores that are wet, sticky, dry or even frozen. Jaw crushers are ideal for tight spaces, such as underground mining and mobile crushing applications.

The design of Metso’s Nordberg C Series jaw crusher allows for the extensive disassembly, aiding transportation and installation, especially where there are critical space constraints such as an underground installation.

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barrick gold value creation Under new CEO Mark Bristow, Barrick aims to make the brand synonymous with value creation through a top tier operational base of long-life mines, in world-class geological regions

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“On 1 July 2019, Barrick and Newmont announced the completion of the joint venture to combine their respective Nevada properties into Nevada Gold Mines LLC”

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barrick gold

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value creation

019 was an eventful year for Barrick Gold. The company began the year as the world’s largest gold producer, after acquiring Randgold Resources in an all-stock deal for $6.5 billion, producing a combined entity holding five of the world’s top ten tier one gold assets.

Randgold added some geographical diversity to the Barrick portfolio.

Established in 1995, the company commissioned the Morila Gold Mine in Mali in 2000, followed by the Loulo mine in 2005. Loulo-Gounkoto is now one of the world’s largest gold mining operations and one of the largest businesses in West Africa. Randgold’s other assets include the Tongon Mine in Côte d’Ivoire, Kibali Gold Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Massawa in Senegal and Lumwana in Zambia.

Barrick’s tenure in the No 1 position was brief, however, as it was announced in January 2019 that Newmont Mining Corporation had agreed to buy Goldcorp in a $10 billion deal that would see this resulting combined entity become the world’s largest gold producer.

In February, Barrick livened up the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference by launching a surprise bid for Newmont, proposing an all-share transaction valuing Newmont at $17 billion. New Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said a Barrick/ Newmont deal would be superior to Newmont’s proposed acquisition of Goldcorp, adding that he expected the proposed merger to unlock more than $7 billion in synergies, a major portion of which would be generated by combining the two companies’ highly complementary assets in Nevada, where Barrick has significant mineral resources and Newmont has processing plants and infrastructure.

Newmont responded vigorously, rebuffing Barrick and sticking firmly to its guns in respect of its Goldcorp proposal. Barrick’s Mark Bristow and Newmont’s Gary Goldberg engaged in a brief war of words before finally agreeing simply to combine their interests in Nevada.

In April, a mere four months after the initial proposal was made public, Newmont announced the successful

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“In October it was announced that the underground operation at Kibali had again set new mining and shaft production records in the third quarter to keep the Barrick Tier 1 gold mine on track to meet or beat its guidance of 750,000 ounces for the year”

conclusion of the transaction combining Newmont Mining Corporation and Goldcorp Inc into Newmont Goldcorp.

Then, on 1 July, Barrick and Newmont announced the completion of their joint venture (first announced in May) to combine their respective Nevada properties into Nevada Gold Mines LLC.

Nevada

Nevada Gold Mines is a classic case of the whole being more valuable than the sum of its parts, according to Barrick CEO Mark Bristow. “It will be one of the world’s greatest gold mining operations and will create sustainable, long-term value for all its stakeholders, not least the State and people of Nevada.”

Nevada Gold Mines is operated

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and 61.5% owned by Barrick, and 38.5% owned by Newmont Goldcorp.

The new JV ranks as the largest gold producing complex in the world by a wide margin, with three of the world’s top 10 tier one gold assets (Barrick’s Cortez; the combination of Barrick’s Goldstrike and Newmont Goldcorp’s Carlin; and Barrick’s Turquoise Ridge with Newmont Goldcorp’s Twin Creeks. Construction of the third shaft at Turquoise Ridge, which has a hoisting capacity of 5,500 tonnes per day, continues to advance according to schedule and within budget, with efforts in 2019 focused on surface civil works and shaft sinking.

Its assets in northeastern Nevada comprise 10 underground and 12 open pit mines, two autoclave facilities, two

roasting facilities, four oxide mills, a flotation plant and five heap leach facilities. In 2018 these operations produced a total of 4.1 million ounces of gold, approximately double that of the industry’s next largest gold mine (Muruntau in Uzbekistan).

Identified synergies are expected to deliver up to $500 million per year over the first five years from 2020, stepping down over time after that.

These will come mainly from integrated mine planning, optimized mining and processing, cost reductions and the combination of the adjacent Turquoise Ridge and Twin Creeks, which will be operated as a single mine.

In September this year, Barrick reported a new discovery hole about two kilometres from the best ever

barrick gold value creation

million ounces at a preliminary estimated cost of sales of $940 to $970 per ounce and AISC6 of $920 to $950 per ounce for the second half of 2019.

Africa

drilling intercept at its Fourmile project in Nevada and said this pointed to the delivery of at least one more Tier 1 gold mine through the combination of Fourmile with the nearby Goldrush development project. Mark Bristow said diligent exploration and detailed geological modelling had led to effective targeting at Fourmile.

The intercept is of a new orebody a kilometre north of Fourmile which increases the strike length of the mineralized Goldrush-Fourmile trend to greater than six kilometres.

Mineralization is open in all directions and significant resource growth is expected from continuing the step-out drilling programme.

Nevada Gold Mines is targeting production of between 1.8 and 1.9

The successful 20 year partnership between the government of Mali and Randgold made the gold mining industry one of the key drivers of the country’s economy. Briefing local media on the Loulo-Gounkoto complex’s current performance in October this year, Barrick CEO Mark Bristow said the new company was committed to further investment in Mali. He said it was currently developing a new underground mine at Gounkoto, replenishing existing reserves through brownfields exploration, prospecting for another world-class discovery along the Mali/Senegal shear zone and undertaking mapping and research in the south of the country.

Bristow noted that Barrick entered Mali through Randgold’s discovery and development of Morila, which laid the foundation for its mining industry as well as marking the first true partnership between a host country and investors in West Africa.

At Morila, which is nearing closure, the company has invested in an Agripole which will provide a sustainable postmining micro-economy for the villages around the mine. At Loulo, it has established an agricultural college which this year produced 40 farming graduates

who have been deployed across 10 farms.

Bristow said in the past quarter LouloGounkoto had again set production records and was on track to meet its production guidance of 690,000 ounces of gold for 2019. Successful exploration was replacing depleted reserves, ensuring that its remaining life exceeded 10 years.

In the DRC, Barrick operates Kibali, which is a joint venture with AngloGold Ashanti and the Congolese parastatal SOKIMO. Kibali, ranked among the world’s Top 10 gold mines, made a strong start to 2019 after setting a new production record last year. In October it was announced that the underground operation had again set new mining and shaft production records in the third quarter to keep the Barrick Tier 1 gold mine on track to meet or beat its guidance of 750,000 ounces for the year.

Throughput and recovery for the quarter were at or above the nameplate level.

Briefing local media, Bristow said Kibali – already a world leader in automation – was taking this to the next level with the commissioning of a Newtrax system which would provide real-time data collection, enhance predictive maintenance, track and manage the fleet, and implement a digital safety system with personnel tracking. The mine is also working towards a proof of concept of a highly advanced system which will allow manned and unmanned operations in the same area.

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TowHaul H

by SMIT

barrick gold value creation In Zambia, the Lumwana copper mine is a conventional open pit (truck and shovel) operation. It’s located about 100 kilometres west of Solwezi in Zambia’s Copperbelt—one of the most prospective copper regions in the world.

Lumwana ore, which is predominantly sulphide, is treated through a conventional sulphide flotation plant, producing copper concentrate. The mine produced 224 million pounds of copper in 2018.

Barrick also owns Acacia Mining in Tanzania, where the relationship between the previous owners and the Government of Tanzania (GoT) deteriorated over recent years. Barrick recently bought out the minority interests to enable it to negotiate with the GoT independently.

An agreement has now been reached which includes the payment of $300 million to the GoT to settle all outstanding tax and other disputes, the lifting of the concentrate export ban, the sharing of future economic benefits from the mines on a 50/50 basis and the establishment of a unique, Africafocused international dispute resolution framework.

A new operating company called Twiga Minerals Corporation (Twiga) has been formed to manage the Bulyanhulu, North Mara and Buzwagi mines. (Twiga is the Swahili word for giraffe, Tanzania’s national symbol.)

“Rebuilding these operations after three years of value destruction will require a lot of work,” said Mark Bristow, “but the progress we’ve already made will be greatly accelerated by this agreement.

Twiga, which will give the government full visibility of and participation in operating decisions made for and by the mines, represents our new partnership not only in spirit but also in practice.”

South America

Barrick’s approach to South America has been somewhat mixed in the past, to the extent that new CEO Mark Bristow saw fit to renew the company’s commitment to the region in July this year.

Speaking at a meeting with local community leaders and media in Argentina, Bristow said the company’s assets in the region were a major part of its global portfolio and there was enormous potential for new discoveries

capable of amplifying Barrick’s ability to create real value for all its stakeholders.

“Barrick holds a highly prospective land package, with mining rights covering some 34,000 hectares, in the El Indio gold belt. This legendary gold province, which spans Argentina, Chile and Peru, has already yielded five significant discoveries and we believe its mineral wealth still offers a very substantial upside,” he said.

“We have a new regional exploration strategy that is being implemented by a best-in-class team drawn from the merged Barrick and Randgold. In Argentina alone, we plan to invest more than $30 million in exploration over the next two years.”

At Veladero in Argentina, Bristow said, work to reclaim its full potential and extend its life was already showing results, with the mine increasing production by 26,000 ounces in the second quarter of this year. He noted that over the past 14 years Veladero had contributed some $8.9 billion to the Argentine economy through taxes, royalties, salaries and payments to local suppliers. In addition, the mine has established a new trust fund that could deliver more than $70 million in community infrastructure between 2020 and 2028, depending on production.

In Chile, the Norte Abierto and Alturas projects are progressing, but the giant Pascua Lama project on the border with

Argentina has been closed since 2013 because of environmental difficulties.

The current focus there is on going back to basics to review the original project’s parameters and redefine its future potential. In Peru the Lagunas Norte mine is being placed on care and maintenance while the team assesses the sulphide resource potential, and at Pierina closure planning is continuing.

Bristow said Barrick acknowledged that there were legacy challenges in each of these countries. It was engaging with their governments and communities to resolve these and to build productive new partnerships with its hosts to ensure that the new value that is created benefits all stakeholders.

“We are an organization that has grown out of pioneering exploration, discoveries and development. Given our established presence here, our local geological knowledge and exploration skills, we are committed to becoming a leader in the region,” he said.

In the Dominican Republic, by contrast, the expansion of Pueblo Viejo is expected to maintain the mine’s Tier One status for years to come. Plans include an expansion of the mine’s processing plant and tailings capacity with an estimated initial capital investment of more than a billion dollars and the potential to extend the life of the mine into the 2030s and beyond. Barrick expects to complete a feasibility study World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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for the expansion project during 2020.

The proposed capital investment would more than double the contribution the mine has already made to the Dominican Republic.

Rest of the world

The Jabal Sayid copper operation is located 350 kilometres north-east of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It’s a 50/50 joint venture operation with Ma’aden. The first shipment of copper concentrate occurred in December 2015, and the mine commenced commercial production in July 2016. It produced 55 million pounds of copper in 2018, and forecasts 45 – 60 million pounds this year.

In Papua New Guinea, the Porgera Joint Venture is an open pit and underground gold mine at an altitude of 2,200-2,600 meters in the Enga Province, about 600 kilometres northwest of Port Moresby. Barrick and Zijin Mining Group each own 47.5 per cent of

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the operation, with the remaining 5 per cent interest held by Mineral Resources Enga.

Porgera’s special mining lease expired in August 2019 and the government is considering an application for a 20-year extension. Barrick CEO Mark Bristow said Prime Minister Marape’s view that PNG should receive a better share of the benefits generated by the development of its mineral resources was in line with Barrick’s own commitment to ensuring that the value created by its operations should reward all its stakeholders, especially its host governments and communities.

“The people of PNG have a right to benefit from these resources and the government is their steward,” he said. “The mining companies invest the capital and provide the expertise that makes profitable resource development possible. This common cause calls for a productive, mutually rewarding partnership between the

miners and their hosts. Barrick has successfully established and maintained such relationships at its operations worldwide.”

Barrick has recently announced the sale of its share in a 50/50 joint venture with Newmont Goldcorp in Australia, the Kalgoorlie mine, in Western Australia. The Kalgoorlie operation consists primarily of the Super Pit openpit mine, located along the Golden Mile ore bodies which were previously mined from underground. The mine is located adjacent to the town of Kalgoorlie, approximately 350 miles east of Perth, Western Australia. Kalgoorlie is an open-pit, truck-and-loader operation.

The Hemlo operation in Canada has produced more than 21 million ounces of gold, and has been operating continuously for over 30 years. It consists of the Williams mine, an underground and open pit operation located about 350 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

barrick gold value creation

At the end of October this year Barrick announced that operations at Hemlo are being modernized and refocused to secure the mine’s continued viability.

Several programs have been introduced to improve its performance and the next step will be to phase out the open pit operation and move to an underground contract mining model. The objective is to upgrade Hemlo to a Barrick Tier 2 asset and extend its Life of Mine well into the future.

“By repositioning Hemlo as a smaller but more profitable business, we are ensuring that it will continue to deliver value to its community, employees and other stakeholders for years to come,” said Catherine Raw, Barrick’s chief operating officer for North America. “A longer sustainable mine life will create longer-term employment opportunities and longer-term benefit sharing with the local community and economy,” she said.

“Because of the move to contract

mining and the introduction of new technology, we are inviting the majority of employees working underground to participate in a voluntary separation program. We have already met with these employees to inform them about the program and to assure them that they will be treated fairly and with respect for their service to the mine.”

On becoming chief executive of Barrick Gold Mark Bristow pledged to make Barrick more agile with fewer layers of management, by cutting the number of workers at head office in Toronto and reversing plans to hire big data analysts and coders, preferring to hand control of operations to local mine sites.

“What we want to do is make sure we implement that at the site,” he said. “We don’t want IT to wag the dog, we want it to be an integral part of everyday operations. The manager of the mine should get the data first.”

Bristow also said that Barrick would

not be afraid of operating in risky countries or working on difficult projects. He wants to increase its exposure to the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said, and develop copper and gold projects in South America.

“Our aim is to make the Barrick brand synonymous with value creation,” he said. “That value will be generated by our existing Top Tier operational base of long-life mines, located within worldclass geological provinces and run by management teams that can unlock and bring to account opportunities where others have failed,” he added.

“But there is also a lot more to be done, notably in Latin America and Tanzania, and you can be sure that we remain unrelenting in our quest to be the industry leader in value creation and delivery.”

World Mining Magazine

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maxam tire meet the maxam difference As a major global specialty tire manufacturer and distributor, MAXAM Tire has built a strong reputation for market leading quality, reliability and undeniable value. To ensure superior product quality, the organization’s foundation is centred around world class engineering and has the most advanced manufacturing platforms within the industry. MAXAM is a rapidly growing global organization, heavily invested in its people, advanced engineering, and its manufacturing facilities to ensure unique business solutions are provided to its worldwide customer base.

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M

AXAM’s radial tires are produced at the company’s state-of-the-art tire manufacturing facilities, utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and production equipment. This technical excellence is complemented by the use of premium materials and the dedication of a highly skilled management team and workforce.

Together, these factors ensure the production of radial tires capable of performing well in even the toughest applications. “Quality that drives productivity” is one of the fundamental beliefs at MAXAM and this applies at every level, from manufacturing, logistics, all the way to planning and distribution. The quality of the customer’s experience is of paramount importance to MAXAM and it is this that drives the company.

MAXAM tires are manufactured to International Standard ISO 9001 and designed to the same exacting standards - the tires meet all commonly accepted international standards, in particular those laid down by ETRTO

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(the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization).

The proof of a tire is in its performance, particularly in some of the most demanding applications and conditions such as the mining, construction and forestry segments.

MAXAM’s Giant OTR (GOTR) tires provide exceptional performance, leading to improved profitability for customers.

Engineering

The strength of MAXAM lies in its experienced team of talented and dedicated personnel. Its global engineers are continually developing new processes and products, creating and managing new manufacturing systems, and leading all engineering and manufacturing-related operations.

Particular attention is given to: • Rubber compounding and tire construction for specific segments • Every aspect of product performance in order to meet safety, reliability, environmental cost, operational and maintenance

objectives • Management of the engineering and manufacturing process in order to meet the highest standards of quality

Testing

Thoroughly testing a tire before its launch is one of the most important steps in creating a high quality, reliable product. MAXAM’s comprehensive lab and field testing ensures to meet customers’ needs while satisfying an efficient timeline for a competitive edge.

The group has invested heavily in its own testing equipment and laboratories and has developed dedicated procedures to ensure an efficient and accurate process.

Innovation

MAXAM believes that innovative solutions and technologies are the key components in making our business and our customers’ business successful.

The Research and Development department continuously creates new revolutionary design processes with

maxam tire meet the maxam difference

the engineers to predict performance characteristics before production. As mining and construction machinery continue to evolve - faster speeds, greater payloads, etc - so too must the tires. The pace of change is everincreasing, presenting a formidable challenge to the tire manufacturer - a challenge that MAXAM’s design and engineering are always willing to accept and to overcome.

MAXAM offers a variety of compounds and three tread patterns to meet specific mining site applications.

The Generation 5 Giant OTR line is the result of extensive research and testing in multiple mine locations across several continents. In recent years, MAXAM Tire has expanded its product portfolio to include the company’s GOTR product lines for the first time.

“The addition of the new size ranges in the MS401, MS402 and MS403 product lines marks an aggressive expansion into the North American giant OTR market for MAXAM Tire,” said Troy Kline, President of MAXAM Tire North America.

“The quality of the customer’s experience is of paramount importance to MAXAM and it is this that drives the company”

MAXAM has recruited a dedicated team to focus on offering full support for the GOTR product range. The existing product line is available for haul trucks up to 250 tons, with sizes to fit trucks up to 320 tons under development. The Generation 5 Giant OTR line has been in development for the past six years and is the result of extensive research, refinement and field testing.

“The improved compounding and construction of the Generation 5 Giant OTR line will help mining companies improve productivity and reduce operating costs with higher [tons per hour] values, ultimately lowering the cost per hour,” said Matthew Fagan, Director of Research and Development for MAXAM Tire.

Detailing The Specifications MAXAM MS401

The MS401 uses a deep grooved tread design, which provides excellent traction in rigid dump truck applications. Ideal for applications World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com

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MS401 Description: Deep grooved tread design provides excellent traction in rigid dump truck applications. Ideal for applications requiring maximum road grip and high site TKPH.

Features: • • • • • •

Excellent traction in all off road conditions.

Deep tread grooves provide cooler running tread for high site TKPH. Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance.

Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance.

Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature.

Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

MS401+ Description: Deep grooved tread design provides excellent traction in rigid dump truck applications. Enhanced casing and sizing optimized for high load, dualmounted mining and logging trucks.

Features: • • • •

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Excellent traction in all off road conditions.

Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance.

Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature.

Strengthened casing allows for higher load carrying capacity.

MS402 Description: For use in higher speed applications on well-maintained haul roads.

Features: • • • • • •

Excellent traction on maintained haul roads.

Solid tread centerline minimizes vibration and increases tread life.

Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance.

Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance.

Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature.

Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

MS403 Description: A versatile tread design allows flexibility in applications from smooth haul roads to rough and rocky terrain while providing maximum productivity.

Features: • • • • • • •

Excellent traction in all haul road conditions.

Deep tread grooves provide cooler running tread for high site TKPH. E4+ deep tread for longest tire life.

Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance.

Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance.

Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature.

Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

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EXPANDING PERFORMANCE

MS401

MS402

MS403

E4: PRODUCTIVITY ON ROCKY TERRAIN

E4: TRACTION ON HAUL ROADS

E4: HIGH SPEED MINING APPLICATIONS

NEW GOTR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS & PRODUCT LINE EXPANSION.

maxamtire.com Your Business Solution Provider

Discover the MAXAM difference with the newly expanded product line of specialty tires and services dedicated to help mining customers improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

Every product delivers top quality and undeniable value through countless hours of extensive research, globa field testing and proven engineering efforts to global provide measurable business solutions.

maxam tire meet the maxam difference

requiring maximum road grip and high site TKPH. Features: • Excellent traction in all off-road conditions • Deep tread grooves provide cooler running tread for high site TKPH • Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance • Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance • Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature • Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

MAXAM MS402

The MS402 is designed with deep grooved shoulder lugs and solid centre bar to provide strong traction and maximum tread life in rigid dump truck applications.

Features: • Excellent traction on maintained haul roads • Solid tread centreline minimizes

vibration and increases tread life • Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance • Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance • Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature • Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

MAXAM MS403

The MS403 uses a versatile tread design that allows for high flexibility in multiple GOTR applications from smooth haul roads to rough and rocky terrain while providing maximum productivity.

Features: • Excellent traction in all haul road conditions • Deep tread grooves provide cooler running tread for high site TKPH • E4+ deep tread for longest tire life • Wide, square footprint distributes load for minimal haul road disturbance

• Reinforced bead, shoulder, and sidewall for increased cut resistance • Heat resistant undertread reduces tire temperature • Multiple tread compound options target specific site requirements.

The complete range of GOTR tires enhances the MAXAM Tire product portfolio, which already boasts (14) models that have applications across industrial, construction, agricultural and forestry industries.

The team at MAXAM, is fuelled by a passion for the GOTR business as seen through its culture and people, truly differentiating MAXAM from its other competitors. Driven by core values that are centred around innovation and commitment to create an exceptional customer experience.

MAXAM’s people are committed to continue advancement and to exceed expectations. It is what makes the MAXAM Difference.

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world mining directory the directory for the global mining industries drilling & blasting

electrical equipment

Doran Manufacturing Lee Demis Director of Business Development 2851 Massachusetts Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45225 Ph: (513) 699-6230 Email: Demis_Lee@Doranmfg.com Web: www.doranmfg.com

Dyno Nobel 2795 East Cottonwood Parkway Suite 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84121 Phone: 800-732-7534 Fax: 801-328-6452 Email: marketing@am.dynonobel.com Customers in the mining industry choose Dyno Nobel for quality products, reliable service and technical expertise. Dyno Nobel is the market leader in North America with facilities in Australia, Canada, the United States, Indonesia, Mexico, South America and Papua New Guinea.

With a customer driven focus, Dyno Nobel develops practical products that will benefit customers in real time. Customers can count on real solutions to their pain points of today, helping them to reduce costs and increase production. Renowned for excellent safety performance and innovative explosive products and services, Dyno Nobel continuously delivers groundbreaking performance through practical innovation.

Established in 1953, Cincinnati, Ohio based Doran Manufacturing LLC. is a global leader in tire pressure monitoring systems and other transportation safety technology. Doran 360TM TPMS continuously monitor tire pressure and temperature data using wireless valve stem-mounted tire pressure sensors. Doran TPMS data can be integrated with telematics to communicate tire pressure and temperature data off equipment via wifi, gps and more for remote visibility of tire data.

LumAware Advanced Photoluminescent safety products include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – Helmets, Safety Vests) Exit Signage and more that makes workers performing tasks in low light/no light conditions safer, and illuminates exits and escapeways in emergencies.

drivetrain solutions

mining equipment

Swanson Industries is a leading provider of

hydraulic cylinder new manufacturing, remanufacturing, aftermarket service and repair, and distribution services for the global underground and aboveground mining markets.

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Custom Cylinder Design Cylinder Exchange Program OEM Authorized Service and Repair Center Mining Equipment Rebuilds Single-Source Supplier and Distributor Industrial Chrome Plating Multiple Surface Restoration Technologies Friction and Arc Welding

2608 Smithtown Road Morgantown, WV 26508 // Tel: +1 800 327 6203 4 - 26 Verulam Road Lambton NSW 2299, Australia // Tel: +61 2 4941 1000 Lapizlazuli 425 Sector La Chimba, Antofagasta // Tel: +56 5 5255 7644

swa n s o n i n d u st r i e s.c o m

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Want to advertise in the World Mining Directory for 12 months?

• Small Advertisement (12 month placement) Total price: £595.00 • Large Advertisement (12 month placement) Total price: £795.00 For more information please contact sales@ogsmag.com

mining equipment rentals

GEA Group Peter-Müller-Str. 12 40468 Düsseldorf Germany Tel +49 211 9136-0 chemical@gea.com GEA is one of the largest supplier for process technology and components for sophisticated production processes for many industries worldwide. Across a broad range of mining and mineral operations, GEA offers technologies, equipment & services in evaporation and crystallization, drying, cooling, calcining and conditioning, classification, thickening and dewatering, crud treatment and solvent extraction and wastewater management.

United Mining Rentals (UMR) was born out of a specific niche in the market for both short and longer term rentals for both new and used, Sandvik & Getman equipment for both underground & surface mining and also tunnelling applications.

Coupled with +35 years of experience in the mining business, UMR provides both sales and rental of new & used mobile equipment for various mining & tunnelling operations across the world. In addition, our sister company, QME Mining Services Division (which operates as an International mining and tunnelling contractor), also operates a large fleet of predominately Sandvik equipment.

Tel. +353 (0)87 149 1945 www.unitedminingrentals.com

mineral processing

Salter Cyclones Salter Cyclones specialises in fine solids removal with its own Hydrocyclones and Multi-Gravity Separators. These achieve powerful and precise separations in practical, compact, reliable, operator friendly and economic systems.

Salter Cyclones Limited Tel: + 44 1242 697771 Fax: + 44 1242 690895 Email: sales@saltercyclones.com Web: www.saltercyclones.com

MINPRO

MINPRO International have subsidiary offices in 4 countries all of which have the same business, supplying mineral processing equipment and engineering for the mineral processing industry worldwide. Our main products are AKER Flotation Machines; Hydraulic Roller Mills, Semi Mobile Modular Concentrators, Hydro Cyclone Batteries as well as Polyurethane wear parts for the mineral processing industry.

We deliver complete new mineral processing installations, renovation and upgrade existing mineral processing plants, retrofitting the AKER flotation mechanisms in existing flotation machines as well as engineering services and consultancy

Tel: +48 515 368 833 Minpro International Sp. z o.o. www.minpro.com

mining technology

Adrok is a cutting edge service technology company headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, with exclusive global patents to Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR) imaging technology. This innovative technology has been developed for use in Oil and Gas, Mining and Civil Engineering sectors. Adrok’s technology has been used in several projects around the world to explore the sub-surface geology and locate accurately and identify precisely the fluids present at great depths providing high resolution without drilling the underground. This subsurface imaging scanner generates ‘virtual borehole’ logs of subsurface geology from the surface. It is lightweight, field rugged and portable, to enable cost-effective mobilisation.

49-1 West Bowling Green Street Edinburgh, EH6 5NX (Scotland, UK) Tel: +44(0) 131 555 6662 Email: info@adrokgroup.com Website: http://adrokgroup.com/

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world mining directory process water treatment

software

GEA Group Peter-Müller-Str. 12 40468 Düsseldorf Germany Tel +49 211 9136-0 chemical@gea.com GEA is one of the largest supplier for process technology and components for sophisticated production processes for many industries worldwide. Across a broad range of mining and mineral operations, GEA offers technologies, equipment & services in evaporation and crystallization, drying, cooling, calcining and conditioning, classification, thickening and dewatering, crud treatment and solvent extraction and wastewater management.

Formed in 1997, Canary Systems provides integrated geo-monitoring solutions for a broad range of mining applications, including open pit, tailings, SW-EX, and underground. We help clients better manage risk, monitor performance, and increase the safety of their operations by tying together the loose ends: the hardware required for automatic or semi-automatic data acquisition – and the software to collect, store, and analyze data in a simple and efficient way on a single combined powerful platform.

We provide turnkey solutions – including system architecture, hardware and software development, telemetry, and instrumentation – as well as individual components customized to and augmenting existing project needs.

Canary Systems, Inc. Mining Group 4732 Oracle Road, Suite 112 Tucson, AZ 85705 USA Tel: 520.887.9800 info@canarysystems.com www.canarysystems.com

Salter Cyclones specialises in fine solids removal with its own Hydrocyclones and Multi-Gravity Separators. These achieve powerful and precise separations in practical, compact, reliable, operator friendly and economic systems.

sump

Salter Cyclones Limited Tel: + 44 1242 697771 Fax: + 44 1242 690895 Email: sales@saltercyclones.com Web: www.saltercyclones.com

scales & weighing equipment

IVAC Industrial Vacuum Systems Ltd., manufactures a powerful pneumatic powered vacuum/ delivery system that allows you to pick-up and deliver your most difficult materials. The materials can be wet or dry including gravel, sand, slimes, sludge’s and water. The powerful, virtually maintenance free vacuum system is able to deliver the materials short or long distances, even up too kilometres through a pipeline or hose. Its is ideal for sump & ditch clean-up, tanks, under conveyors, around crushers and mills anywhere shovels, vacuum trucks or water hoses are being used for your clean-ups today!

Contact: Brad Fryburger Brad.Fryburger@rinstrum.com +1 248 680 0320 Website: www.rinstrum.com

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IVAC Industrial Vacuum Systems Ltd. 35-111 Chartrand Avenue, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 Canada Phone 604-628-3367 Email zereko@zereko.com http://industrialvacuumunit.com

It makes complete sense! Autonomous Vehicles, Autonomous Refueling!

PRECISE / PROFICIENT / PROVEN ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING OF: ROBOTIC REFUELING SYSTEM (RFS) - The RFS Pitstop is a containerized system for robotic refueling of heavy duty vehicles in extreme conditions. RFS is safe, efficient, easy, environmental friendly and theft-proof. Operating speeds are between 150 – 300 GPM / (567 – 1135 LPM). Connection to begin refueling is only 25 seconds and disconnecting takes just 25 seconds. The RFS Pitstop system is a turn-key working robot, installed in a 20 foot sea-container which facilitates installation and secures the systems operation.

Robotic Refueling System

Fluid Reservoir Systems

DIESEL AND DEF RAPID REFUELING SYSTEMS - Refuel or fill

any fluid storage vessel accurately and prevent spillage or overpressurizing the storage tank.The Fast Fuel Systems mate with industry standard nozzles and 2” NPT receivers. The Fast Fuel Systems Shut off valve acts as a check valve when servicing receivers.The Fast Fuel Systems Shut off valve can be connected to multiple receivers for remote or dual fill locations.The Fast Fuel Systems Zero or low pressure systems can be used with steel, stainless steel and plastic reservoirs.

THE DIESEL AND DEF SYSTEMS PROVIDE:

• Non Pressurized Fill System • Flow Rates up to 5-211 GPM (18 LPM - 800 LPM) • Provides Dry-break Connection • Exterior Tank Mounting • Retrofit-able • Ideal application for Construction, Mining, AG, Locomotive and Marine Vehicles and closed loop refilling dispensing systems.

High Flow Filling Systems

Hydraulic Breathers with manual overrides

Quick Disconnects

Coverage in the USA and International www.ShawDev.com / teamsupport@shawdev.com Tel +1 239 405 6100

Service Lube Centers

Are equipment trips slowing down your ore?

Operate to constraints to maximize flow.

Pavilion8ÂŽ drives your operation to maximum potential The Pavilion8 Material Flow Management application provides real-time visibility of complex multiple conveyor systems in a mining facility. By taking advantage of existing data, the application improves performance by initiating preventive or corrective measures prior to a system trip.

Discover how a Pavilion solution can help you operate your facility at maximum efficiency.

Discover.rockwellautomation.com/Mining Pavilion8 is a registered trademark of Rockwell Automation, Inc. Copyright Š 2015 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AD2015-45-US