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IN THIS ISSUE 42
CIM MAGAZINE FEBR UARY | FÉVRIER 2015
42
cover story
Generation in jeopardy Short-sightedness risks giving up on tomorrow’s deposits before they are found By Virginia Heffernan
51
51 Icebreaker
North Baffin Island, Nunavut, is the site of Canada’s northernmost-producing mine – Mary River – now operational thanks to a team of experienced Arctic operators By Eavan Moore
61
57 Sky’s the limit
The potential for drone technology in surveying and planning for the mining industry is enormous. Manufacturers are confident that demand will soon explode for their cost-effective eyes in the sky. By Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco
PR ÉL IM IN AI RE PR OG RA M M E | M RA OG PR PR EL IM IN AR Y MAY 10–13 MAI 2015 PALAIS DES CONGRÈS DE MONTRÉAL
February/Février 2015 | 5
contenu francophone
21 8 10
Editor’s letter President’s notes
tools of the trade 12
The best in new technology
news 14
21 23
compiled by Chris Balcom
33
36 38
By Pierrick Blin and Antoine Dion-Ortega
By Kelsey Rolfe
MAC releases results from recent TSM Progress Report
Par Virginia Heffernan
Understanding project capital cost escalation of the 21st century By Kenneth G. Thomas, John A. Wells, Leticia Conca
Ensuring social investments in mining create value for local citizens and companies By Rohitesh Dhawan
Canada joins global transparency movement with new legislation By Pierre Gratton
Logistical challenges abound in Myanmar’s emerging mining sector
standards update By Chris Balcom
84
87 87 88 94
114
By Correy Baldwin
108 Technical abstracts 111 Innovation showcase
and Professional directory
Tenir le cap
Sept-Îles rejoint les ligues majeures avec son nouveau quai
108
Valledupar, Colombia
Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada’s expedition for the legendary El Dorado kingdom
Les actualités en bref
Par Eavan Moore
travel
mining lore
Mot du président
104
GMSG works to collect guidelines for mining
By Katelyn Spidle
Lettre de l’éditeur
Par Pierrick Blin et Antoine Dion-Ortega
By Kelsey Rolfe
112
Génération en danger
By Kelsey Rolfe
By Eavan Moore
40
96
Sous-estimation des risques liés aux gisements futurs avant qu’ils ne soient découverts
By Eavan Moore
Canada’s “enhanced” CSR strategy for mining companies abroad
article de fond
96
How Iamgold built a 5-MW solar plant in Suriname Rotating containers cut down on concentrate dust emissions during transport
columns
32
34
Sept-Îles headed for the big leagues with new port
Mount Polley cleanup focuses on spring thaw
By Tom DiNardo
30
logistics
36
Brise-glace
Le nord de l’île de Baffin, au Nunavut, est le site de la mine en production la plus nordique du Canada – Mary River – actuellement en exploitation grâce à une équipe ayant de l’expérience en matière d’exploitation dans l’Arctique Résumés techniques
La version française intégrale du CIM Magazine est disponible en ligne : magazine.CIM.org/fr-CA
6 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
At Hitachi, we’re not distracted by building every kind of mining equipment. We focus 100% on shovels and haulers. By specializing, we give you exactly what you want. Better reliability, higher productivity and bottom-line efficiency.
hitachimining.com
THAT’S ALL.
Editor-in-chief Ryan Bergen, rbergen@cim.org Executive editor Angela Hamlyn, ahamlyn@cim.org Managing editor Andrea Nichiporuk, anichiporuk@cim.org
editor’s letter
I
Editorial advisory board Alicia Ferdinand, Garth Kirkham, Vic Pakalnis, Steve Rusk, Nathan Stubina, John A. Wells Translations CNW, Pierrick Blin, Karen Rolland Published 8 times a year by: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum 1250 – 3500 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Westmount, QC H3Z 3C1 Tel.: 514.939.2710; Fax: 514.939.2714 www.cim.org; magazine@cim.org Advertising sales Dovetail Communications Inc. Tel.: 905.886.6640; Fax: 905.886.6615; www.dvtail.com Senior Account Executives 905.886.6641 Janet Jeffery, jjeffery@dvtail.com, ext. 329 Neal Young, nyoung@dvtail.com, ext. 325 Account Manager Mark Spasaro, mspasaro@dvtail.com, 905.707.3523 For Quebec: Info-Industriel Inc. Senior Account Executive Yvan Gauthier, ygauthier@cim.org, 514.576.5869 Subscriptions Included in CIM membership ($187); Non-members (Canada): $270/yr (AB, BC, MB, NT, NU, SK add $13.50 GST; NB, NL, ON add $35.10 HST; QC add $40.40 GST + PST; PE add $37.80 HST; NS add $40.50 HST); Non-members (USA & International): US$290/yr; Single copy: $25.
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Finalist ian Business Pu nad b Ca
Peter Braul, Section editor editor@cim.org @Peter_CIM_Mag
This issue’s cover Workers haul tools and core boxes for Candente Copper in Peru. Photo by Valerian Mazataud Layout and design by Clò Communications Inc. www.clocommunications.com Copyright©2015. All rights reserved. ISSN 1718-4177. Publications Mail No. 09786. Postage paid at CPA Saint-Laurent, QC. Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec. The Institute, as a body, is not responsible for statements made or opinions advanced either in articles or in any discussion appearing in its publications.
8 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Bes t in
g hin lis
t’s the dead of winter, and nobody is feeling the chill more than junior miners right now, especially the ones that can no longer afford to keep the heat on in their offices. But explorers are hardy folk, used to dressing in layers, and they are showing remarkable resilience despite the best efforts of the markets to freeze them out. At CIM Magazine, we see the headlines about how investors on Bay Street believe exploration is too risky, that safe ounces or tonnes are the best ones to add, and how spending is out of control. While in some cases that may be true, in her feature story, (p. 42), Virginia Heffernan offers insight into how, despite the odds, explorers are still developing targets worth looking at. For all its inherent risk, grassroots exploration is the lifeblood of the industry, and those who do it well deserve much more credit than they get – literally. There is a good chance you are reading this exploration-focused issue at, or just before, PDAC. If you’re near the tradeshow floor, please come by the CIM booth (#215), say “ Hi!” and let us know what you think of our editorial. We are always prospecting for new ideas from those who have boots on the ground. By the time this issue is in your hands, editor-in-chief Ryan Bergen, now on paternity leave, will be back chatting up sources. His youngest daughter, who is enjoying his company while I enjoy his desk, will be nearly three months old. How many commodity cycles will she see in her lifetime? What will they mean for her? What can we learn from these trying times to teach the next generation of explorers? And how will we continue to keep the home fires burning when it’s cold outside?
20 1
In hibernation
Section editors Peter Braul, pbraul@cim.org Tom DiNardo, tdinardo@cim.org Copy editor/Communications coordinator Zoë Koulouris, zkoulouris@cim.org Web content editor Maria Olaguera, molaguera@cim.org Contributing editor Eavan Moore Editorial intern Katelyn Spidle, kspidle@cim.org; Chris Balcom Contributors Correy Baldwin, Pierrick Blin, Leticia Conca, Rohitesh Dhawan, Antoine Dion-Ortega, Sahar Fatima, Pierre Gratton, Virginia Heffernan, Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco, Valerian Mazataud, Cooper Quinn, Kelsey Rolfe, Ken Thomas
Printed in Canada
president’s notes
It all starts with exploration! My first employment in the minerals industry was working in hard rock exploration during the summers while I attended the University of British Columbia, pursuing a degree in geology. Upon graduation in 1980, the oil industry was booming, and I headed to Calgary to start a career in petroleum exploration. Eventually, my career path led me into the operation and design of mining projects. Now, working with a junior mining company, I am once again involved with mineral exploration. Having seen all sides of the mining business, in my view, exploration is the most exciting aspect – discovering a new mineralized outcrop, drilling a well-mineralized intersection, or striking oil! Canadian exploration companies and geologists work in all corners of the globe searching for mineral and petroleum deposits, driven at least in part by this sense of excitement. It bears repeating: exploration is the future of our industry. Yet, the importance of discovery of the future supply of minerals to support the demands of society is often underappreciated by the broader public. To complicate matters, recently the conventional sources of capital for exploration and development have virtually dried up, and those that have capital are deploying it sparingly, leaving many exploration companies curtailing, if not eliminating, their activities. These downturns are not new but they are damaging, as the discovery of the minerals so critical for future supply is delayed. Furthermore, during these downturns academic and technological research slows, young people are discouraged from entering the industry and some veterans leave, not to return. There are no easy solutions; we must wait for the mechanics of supply and demand to take effect. As we have seen before, this will cause mineral prices to rise, potentially dramatically, and then once again exploration will be big business. With that in mind, it is exciting to consider two important Conferences: PDAC in Toronto in March, and the annual CIM Convention in Montreal in May. The preliminary program for the latter can be found in this issue, and as you will` see, the very best of our industry will be on display – come and experience it!
Sean Waller CIM President
10 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
THE 13TH INTERNATIONAL
ISRM CONGRESS 2015
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CIM CONVENTION
MAY 10-13, 2015 | PALAIS DES CONGRÈS | MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA
PLAN TO ATTEND The 13th International Congress of ISRM: Innovations in Applied and Theoretical Rock Mechanics
This prestigious Rock Mechanics Congress, which takes place every 4 years, will bring together over 1,000 high-profile international researchers, engineers and practitioners to present the latest accomplishments, innovations and potential future directions in rock mechanics and their applications in civil and mining industries around the world.
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OF TOOLS THE TRADE
Miners rely on valves to control slurry flow. Leaks, pressure buildups and dust on the valve can damage or compromise performance by making it difficult to open and close. Flowrox launched a new slurry knife wafer (SKW) valve built with a single cast body to eliminate any possible leak paths. The valve also boasts a tower design with a steel cover, switch holders, locking mechanisms and a flushing plate at the bottom of the valve. Todd Loudin, president and CEO of Flowrox in North America, explained that competitors make these features optional, but Flowrox wanted to provide a product that was as reliable as possible: “If you make the best valve right from the start, we feel that it’s better for the customer in the long run.” The new valve also incorporates load distribution rings within the rubber sleeve, ensuring that piping stress will not affect performance.
Remote access Manual drilling can be extremely dangerous; not only is there the risk of strain from over-exertion, but operators are also vulnerable to falling rocks and debris as they drill a rock face. To meet the growing demand for safer drills, remote-controlled demolition machine manufacturer Brokk and drill manufacturer TEI Rock Drills launched the new TE160 hydraulic drifter rock drill. The hydraulic drill attachment is TEI’s smallest yet and is designed specifically for the Brokk 100 and 160 carriers. The Brokk 100 is only 45 inches tall, making it ideal for cramped, hard-todrill spaces. The TE160 itself is just under 26 inches tall, but delivers 35 to 60 footpounds of impact energy at 5,000 to 6,500 blows per minute. The drill can reach up to 250 rotations per minute and offers 100 pound-feet of torque, ensuring speed and accuracy. A single operator can control the drill and machine, too. “This makes the Brokk and drill combination more convenient and practical, and also frees up an extra worker who normally would be required to operate the second control,” explained Peter Bigwood, Brokk vicepresident of sales and marketing. Courtesy of Brokk
Courtesy of Caterpillar
Courtesy of Flowrox
Steady flow
Increased load capacity Cost-per-tonne loading efficiency is essential for any mining operation to stay competitive and keep overall expenses down. To this end, Caterpillar launched the Cat 994K Wheel Loader. The model is the company’s largest yet, carrying 40.8 tonnes per pass, which is an 18 per cent increase in payload over Caterpillar’s previous model, the 994H. That means there are fewer passes to load trucks and a lower cost per unit of material moved. Design changes such as an extended floor and angled side bars help improve material retention as well. Other efficiency improvements include an electronically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling system fan, and a new engine air filtration system. “The 994K is a completely new design,” explained Randy Aneloski, senior marketing specialist. “Caterpillar has […] used the latest technologies to create a wheel loader that digs aggressively, cycles quickly and loads trucks faster.” Compiled by Chris Balcom 12 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Quantitative Mineral Resource Assessments: An Integrated Approach to Planning for Exploration Risk Reduction Learn about exploration risk analysis for strategic planning. Understand how to demonstrate how operational mineral deposit models can reduce uncertainties; make estimates of the number of undiscovered deposits; and integrate the information and examine the economic possibilities. INSTRUCTOR Don Singer, USA • DATE March 1-3, 2015 • LOCATION University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
An Introduction to Cutoff Grade: Theory and Practice in Open Pit and Underground Mines (with a new section on blending optimization strategy) Cutoff grades are essential in determining the economic feasibility and mine life of a project. Learn how to solve most cutoff grade estimation problems by developing techniques and graphical analytical methods, about the relationship between cutoff grades and the design of pushbacks in open pit mines, and the optimization of block sizes in caving methods. INSTRUCTOR Jean-Michel Rendu, USA • DATE September 9-11, 2015 • LOCATION Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Geostatistical Mineral Resource Estimation and Meeting the New Regulatory Environment: Step by Step from Sampling to Grade Control Learn about the latest regulations on public reporting of resources/reserves through state-of-the-art statistical and geostatistical techniques; how to apply geostatistics to predict dilution and adapt reserve estimates to that predicted dilution; how geostatistics can help you categorize your resources in an objective manner; and how to understand principles of NI 43-101 and the SME Guide. INSTRUCTORS Marcelo Godoy, Newmont Mining Corp., Denver; Jean-Michel Rendu, JMR Consultants, USA; Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Canada; and Guy Desharnais, SGS Canada Inc., Canada • DATE September 14-18, 2015 • LOCATION Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Strategic Risk Management in Mine Design and Production Scheduling: Generating Optimal Mine Plans Given Uncertainty • Find out how to manage and minimise risks and produce optimal pit designs with strategic mine planning processes and the next generation optimisation methods. • Discover how new developments will help you capture the “upside potential” in mine designs and minimise “downside risks” as well as increase cash flows through the effect of the mining sequence and “risk blending”. • Explore real-world examples and participate in hands-on computer sessions that show how to increase project value by employing new riskbased (stochastic) optimisation models. • Understand and learn about the new stochastic mine planning optimisation framework and its contribution to sustainable utilisation of mineral resources. • Discover new developments in optimizing mining complexes and mineral value chains. INSTRUCTORS Matt LaBonte, Minemax, Denver, USA; and Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Canada • DATE September 21-23, 2015 • LOCATION Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Plan Nord central to presentations at Québec Mines
Canada announces “enhanced” CSR strategy for mining companies abroad
MAC awards Sudbury INO its TSM Leadership Award
Survey reveals aboriginal view of mining
20
21
23
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News
Mount Polley cleanup focuses on spring thaw Cleanup from the tailings dam breach at the Mount Polley mine in British Columbia last August has provisionally controlled further erosion and tailings leakage, but more work is needed in advance of the upcoming spring freshet, according to the provincial Ministry of Environment. Most importantly, mine operator Mount Polley Mining Corporation (MPMC) began repairing its broken dam in December. About 17 million cubic metres of water and eight million cubic metres of tailings flooded into local waterways during the breach. By late September, MPMC had built a temporary rock dike upstream from the 150-metre-wide broken spot in the original dam. Neighbouring Polley Lake, which rose 1.7 metres after a debris plug developed where it meets Hazeltine Creek, was drawn down to a safer level by pumping into the creek. Pumping systems are also moving water in and around the tailings site to one of the mine’s open pits. The dam repair started after provincial investigators had concluded their on-site work. The repaired section will have a cut-off wall made of a mixture of cement, bentonite and aggregate – a departure from the tailings dam as originally constructed, which contained a low-permeability glacial till core zone to control seepage. Steve Robertson, vice-president of corporate affairs at MPMC’s parent company 14 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Courtesy of Imperial Metals
Repair of tailings dam is priority number one for mine operator
An environmental monitor samples the water quality at the outlet of Hazeltine Creek into Quesnel Lake.
Imperial Metals, said the choice of the new design came down to timing – using the earlier centreline construction method would be difficult to complete in winter. The rock dike built after the spill will not be removed, but some materials will be borrowed from the top to complete the repair job. “By the end of February, we should have most of the materials placed in the repair area and be ready for injection of bentonite and cement for the cut-off wall,” said Robertson.
Phase 1 goals The dam repair is part of MPMC’s Phase 1 remediation plan, running
until June and defined by three goals: there should be no further unauthorized discharges into Hazeltine Creek; the impact zone should be stabilized to manage seasonal events; and water entering Quesnel Lake and at the outer edge of the impact zone should meet provincial water quality guidelines. “We’re relatively happy with how things are going,” said Hubert Bunce, mining operations director at the provincial Ministry of Environment’s environmental protection division. He said the company was “making good progress on mitigating the ongoing loss of tailings and eroded material from the Polley Lake-Hazeltine Creek area.”
news MPMC has provided filters to water users affected by sediment runoff into Quesnel Lake, removed wood debris, and seeded the tailings impoundment and exposed earth around Hazeltine Creek with grass to prevent erosion. It has also built a fish fence and a silt fence at the mouth of Hazeltine Creek, installed sediment ponds off Hazeltine Creek, and joined stakeholders in monitoring water quality, fish, archaeological preservation, and other areas of concern. Although Robertson said dam reconstruction is “priority one” for MPMC, the company also hopes to complete a long chore list before the spring freshet, which usually occurs in April and could add another two million to three million cubic metres of snowmelt. The ministry has asked MPMC to put together a plan to mitigate windblown tailings dust; figure out how to control gravity outflow, fish, and freshet flow from Polley Lake;
conduct a bathymetric assessment in Polley Lake to evaluate the spill’s impacts on the benthic environment; and start new anti-erosion projects.
Long term Starting in July, Phase 2 will focus on remediation. “Ultimately, the goal is to return Hazeltine Creek and Polley Lake and Quesnel Lake to as natural a state as possible,” said Bunce, adding that could take months or years. Before a long-term remediation plan can be submitted, however, an environmental and health risk assessment is needed, which will in turn depend on monitoring information. SRK Consulting tested the exposed tailings in Hazeltine Creek in September and concluded that they were unlikely to produce acid rock drainage. Additional testing is still needed though to confirm whether released copper and selenium will have a significant impact on the environment.
Imperial Metals estimated in last year’s third-quarter results that it spent $20.3 million immediately after the failure and it expects to pay another $47.1 million to rehabilitate the site. A $115 million financing package from shareholders in September helped cover costs, as would anticipated revenue from Imperial’s new Red Chris mine in northwestern B.C., which Robertson said should achieve commercial operations by the second quarter of 2015. In January MPMC submitted an application to the ministry to temporarily resume mining activities at Mount Polley. “We don’t anticipate permitting to be a hindrance to any of our plans at this point,” commented Robertson. He said a long-term restart plan would need to be developed after Jan. 31, when conclusions are expected from an engineering panel assembled by the province to investigate the causes of the dam failure. – Eavan Moore
February/Février 2015 | 15
Courtesy of Diavik diamond mine
operate, where we are committed to delivering economic and social benefits that will endure beyond the life of the Diavik mine.” The A21 project will be located south of Diavik’s existing operations at Lac de Gras, about 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife. “A21 was the first kimberlite found during exploration in the mid1990s,” said Rio Tinto spokesperson Doug Ashbury. Alan Davies, Rio Tinto diamonds and minerals chief executive, said, “Our decision to invest in the Diavik A21 project reflects our strong confidence in the diamond sector and in our ability to compete effectively in the industry.” Diavik will update its ore reserves in the first quarter of 2015. The current mine plan has production ending – Sahar Fatima in 2023.
Aerial view of Diavik diamond mine
Diavik expands Development is set to begin this year on a fourth kimberlite pipe at the Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories. Diavik announced in November that its operator, Rio Tinto, approved the addition. The final pipe, included in the original mine plan and known as A21,
is expected to cost US$350 million over four years to develop, with production beginning in late 2018. The open pit mine will require the construction of a rockfill dike around the ore body. “This is great news for Diavik,” said president Marc Cameron, “but also for the local communities in which we
Work temporarily suspended at Endako mine Thompson Creek Metals Company put operations on hold at its Endako molybdenum mine in northern B.C. in late December. The company cited the continued weakness in the molybdenum market
IEM has been in the Bulk Material Handling Business for over 50 years and has supplied equipment for projects all over the world for mining, forestry, fertilizer, dock handling and many other industries. IEM specializes in: ƭɥ /1.-ɥ ##"#12ɥƭ #+3ɥ .-5#8.12ɥƭɥ #+3ɥ ##"#12ɥƭɥ /1.-ɥ ##"#12ɥ ƭɥ (%'ɥ -%+#ɥ .-5#8.12ɥƭɥ 1(-"(-%ɥ ++ɥ -"+(-%ɥ 823#,2
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news as the cause of the temporary suspension. Thompson Creek holds a 75 per cent interest in the mine, while joint venture partner Sojitz Mining Resources Inc. owns the remaining 25 per cent. Thompson Creek is uncertain at what point operations may resume, or to what extent the market needs to rebound. “The price would have to be higher than our cost, and that price would have to be sustainable,” said Pamela Solly, director of Thompson Creek’s corporate responsibility office and investor relations. She added that the company is closely monitoring market conditions. By mid-December, the price of molybdenum dropped to just over US$9/lb, while Thompson Creek’s extraction costs averaged US$10.45/lb in the third quarter of 2014. Roughly half of the 84 salaried employees at the mine have been let go, while work for the 263 hourly
employees has indefinitely.
been
suspended – Chris Balcom
WIM receives funds to form gender advisory committee Women in Mining (WIM) Canada received $250,000 from the federal government in November to fund a new initiative to increase women’s participation in mining. The funding helped create a gender advisory committee comprised of representatives from 12 mining companies and organizations including CIM, Rio Tinto, Teck Resources, Vale, Barrick Gold and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council. The committee held its first meeting in November. It will meet twice a year for the next three years to develop a national Women in Mining action plan.
“The intent of the project is to hire 50 women [amongst committee member companies] by the end of it, in both senior executive roles and in the trades,” said WIM Canada president Tabetha Stirrett. The initiative could also include promoting women at the management level to the senior executive level. She said it was not yet clear how that goal would be reached. According to Stirrett, the committee will develop the national action plan in the first two years, and then in the third year the companies will put together individual action plans for the communities they operate in. The committee has also hired a consultant from Women of Influence to suggest best practices for educating all employees of committee member companies on how gender diversity can help a company’s bottom line. Women currently make up 14 per cent of the Canadian mining sector
February/Février 2015 | 17
workforce and 12.3 per cent of senior roles, according to WIM Canada. – Kelsey Rolfe
Saskatchewan Polytechnic home to the new CMI The International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are partnering to support the province’s mineral industry. Thanks to a $500,000 donation from IMII announced in mid-November, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is now home to the Centre for Minerals Innovation (CMI). The centre’s purpose is to coordinate training programs that meet the minerals sector’s needs. It will collaborate with industry partners and the province’s regional colleges to offer courses with a standardized CMIapproved curriculum. The funds are
18 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
intended to support the centre through the next two years, but CMI will not depend on IMII for financing in the long term. “[The minerals industry] is a huge part of our economy,” said Cristal Glass-Painchaud, the centre’s new director. “The province, Polytechnic and industry partners recognized that there was a need for more specific training and education services directly for that sector.” CMI’s current initiatives include standardizing safety training in the province, offering more business management and leadership courses, and creating a “transition to mining” program. Glass-Painchaud said CMI will also offer simulator training and is looking into industry needs in this area. Most of these new courses will be offered by April 2015. Engin Özberk, executive director and senior technical advisor at IMII, explained that the collaboration is part of a larger effort to support
Saskatchewan’s mining industry. In the past year, IMII – which is funded jointly by industry and government – financed nine other projects aimed at supporting mining education, training and research in Saskatchewan. IMII recently pledged $786,000 toward a joint project by the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to research industry safety culture and practices. “[CMI and IMII] are very much interested in applied research,” Özberk said. “We were looking for new ways of doing things that are regularly applica– C.B. ble to the industry.”
Yukon govt. appeals Peel Watershed decision The Yukon government is appealing a recent ruling on the Peel Watershed by the territory’s Supreme Court.
news On Dec. 2, Justice Ron Veale ruled that the government must renew consultations with First Nations, as its plan to develop the region violated the spirit of existing agreements over the planning process. The environmental groups and First Nations that launched the case have hailed the decision as an historic victory, but the government contends that the ruling unduly limits its control over the land. In 2011 the Peel Watershed Planning Commission recommended that 80 per cent of the region should be protected from development. The government released a modified plan in 2014, limiting the protected area to around 30 per cent. “We’re appealing this decision because we believe publicly elected governments must have the final say about what happens on public land,” said Scott Kent, Yukon minister of energy, mines and resources. “Even
though these commissions are appointed by our governments and First Nations governments, they’re still only making recommendations.” Unsurprisingly, the appeal has ruffled feathers in the opposing camp. “It sends a very clear message that this government is unwilling to work with First Nations in terms of land management and land claim implementation,” Norman Snowshoe, Gwich’in Tribal Council vice-president, told the CBC.
The council was the intervener in the case against the government. At roughly 67,500 square kilometres, the Peel Watershed covers an area nearly the size of New Brunswick, and holds significant mineral potential. While still relatively underexplored, the government estimates that about $46 million was spent on exploration between 2002 and 2009. There are currently 8,940 – C.B. mineral claims in the region.
erratum We all know KGHM’s Sierra Gorda mine in Chile will be big, but producing 10 per cent of the world’s copper supply (as we reported it would in our December 2014/January 2015 feature) is beyond the reach of even the largest projects. Sierra Gorda will, in fact, supply about one per cent of the world’s copper and 10 per cent of Molybdenum demand during its first five years of operation. We regret the error.
Stop by our Booth 6403N and get more information!
February/Février 2015 | 19
Plan Nord central to presentations at Québec Mines Northern development was front and centre at Québec Mines, held in Quebec City last November. Speakers at the plenary session recognized the potential of the reignited Plan Nord and emphasized responsible development. Pierre Corbeil, mayor of Val d’Or, discussed the importance of involving the local workforce and suppliers in the development of the north. “It’s necessary to build the north on the foundations already in place,” he stated. Ugo Lapointe, co-founder of “Pour que le Québec ait meilleure mine!” said there are already some good examples of sustainable development in the north including Glencore’s Raglan mine, Iamgold’s Niobec mine and the Arianne Phosphate Lac
à Paul project. However, he maintained that no project is perfect and there is still much work to be done: “[We must make] balanced strategic choices for the north, reinforce environmental protection, respect the rights of aboriginal citizens, and maximize the collective implications for us and future generations.” In the spirit of responsible development, Quebec Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Pierre Arcand announced the government would begin consultations with communities affected by the Plan Nord in the spring. “When you install yourself in the territory to extract resources that belong to Québécois, it’s necessary to do it with the approval of Québécois,” he said. Quebec was not the only jurisdiction discussed, as CIM executive director Jean Vavrek chaired the session on sustainable development in French West Africa on the last day of
the conference. Past Quebec premier Jean Charest delivered the keynote address in which he discussed the potential for economic growth in Quebec and Africa. The session also included a panel discussion on local purchasing and economic development in Africa with Ibrahima Basse, finance director at the Senegal Chamber of Mines; Christine Logbo-Kossi, the executive director of the Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Mines; Laetitia Gadegbeku, trade commissioner from the Canadian Embassy in the Côte d’Ivoire; and Adama Soro, trade commissioner from the Canadian Embassy in Burkina Faso. CIM organized the incoming West African delegation to Québec Mines 2014 with financial support from Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development through its Global Opportunities for Associations program. – Tom DiNardo
Movin’ on up Compiled by Katelyn Spidle
Hugh Stuart was appointed president and CEO of Orca Gold Inc. and he obtained a seat on the board, the company announced in December. After earning his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in England, Stuart spent 25 years working internationally in mineral exploration. He was exploration manager at AngloGold Ashanti’s Geita Gold project in Tanzania and vice-president of exploration for Red Back Mining Inc. before founding Orca Gold Inc. and serving it as vice-president of exploration. North American Nickel Inc. recently named Keith Morrison as CEO of the company. With his 30 years’ international experience in the resources sector, the company hopes to benefit from Morrison’s diverse background. Until recently, he served Security Devices International as non-executive chairman, and Marengo Mining Ltd. as independent director. Morrison cofounded two successful Canadian-based groups: Quantec, which specializes in deep sub-surface imaging technology, and QGX, a public exploration company.
20 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
news
Keeping companies up to par Canada’s “enhanced” CSR strategy for mining companies abroad Courtesy of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
An “enhanced” corpoThe enhanced strategy rate social responsibility was the product of consulta(CSR) strategy for Canations with mining compadian extractive sector nies, civil society companies operating organizations and other abroad has imposed new stakeholders across the counconsequences for those try. Its release coincided with that do not follow that of the new Canadian accepted guidelines and Extractive Sector Strategy, dispute resolution protowhich builds on Canada’s cols. It has also expanded Responsible Resource Develthe role of Canada’s opment plan. According to Fast, the Canadian Extractive extractive sector CSR Sector Strategy emphasizes counsellor. Though par“trade and investment agreeticipation continues to be ments in priority markets.” It voluntary, there are benealso promises extractive fits to following along. sector-specific training to The strategy, introtrade commissioners and duced in November by International Trade Min- International Trade Minister Ed Fast introduced in November an enhanced corporate social embeds trade commissioners in industry associations like ister Ed Fast and made responsibility strategy for Canadian extractive sector companies operating abroad. effective immediately, the Mining Association of offers “enhanced economic diplomacy,” Canada (MAC) and the Petroleum “Canadian companies are world such as letters of support from the GovServices Association of Canada. leaders in the extractive sector, and ernment of Canada and access to govBy expanding the role of the CSR the vast majority of them operate in a ernment trade missions, to companies Counsellor office, explained Fast, a way that reflects Canadian values,” that follow CSR best practices and take greater focus is placed on encouraging said Fast. “The prospect of withdrawpart in the CSR counsellor’s dispute resmining companies to adopt internaing economic diplomacy services is tional CSR guidelines through informaolution process. Non-participants could meant to encourage participation in tion sessions and round table face the revocation of those benefits and dispute resolution mechanisms if the discussions at Canadian diplomatic possible damage to their reputations. need arises.”
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missions abroad, as well as preventing conflict between companies and local communities. Fast went on to say that its non-judicial review process would assist companies and the communities they operate in with “early and informal dispute resolution efforts.” If a community makes a formal complaint to the CSR counsellor, said Fast, the review process will still be available, but its decisions are not legally binding. Complaints that the counsellor is unable to resolve, or which require a “multi-disciplinary approach or formal mediation,” will be forwarded to Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Communities or groups that want to submit complaints can write letters or send e-mails to either the CSR counsellor or NCP. The CSR counsellor and staff on trade missions abroad “will also play a role in identifying potential conflicts,”
Fast said. Marketa Evans, the previous CSR counsellor, worked with NGOs and communities abroad to educate them about her ability to assist with conflicts. It is expected that her replacement will do the same, although the position of CSR counsellor has yet to be filled. If a community or local NGO identifies a conflict and files a formal complaint, but the company declines to participate in the CSR counsellor’s or NCP’s review processes, the government’s economic diplomacy can be withheld at the counsellor’s discretion. This information would subsequently be made public. “It’s the reputational issue that I think would be of critical importance to many companies,” said Kevin O’Callaghan, co-chair of Fasken Martineau’s CSR Law Practice Group. He added that the repercussions are based purely on participation, rather than a judgment on the effectiveness of a company’s CSR policies.
“We’ve seen over the last couple of years some good examples of where these mechanisms have provided real value,” said Ben Chalmers, MAC’s vicepresident of sustainable development. “[Our members] felt that the reputational cost for not participating was growing, and so they thought that it was important to strengthen these mechanisms and establish consequences for those that choose not to participate.” The enhanced strategy further endorsed two new CSR guidelines: the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, and the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Fast added that it offers “flexibility for the government to develop and share additional CSR guidelines that are found to be of practical use by the industry,” including ones developed by associations such as MAC and – K.R. PDAC.
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Moving ahead. 22 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
news
A decade of progress MAC releases results from 10th annual TSM Progress Report Last December the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) recognized the performance of Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (INO) in six key areas with the Toward Sustainable Mining (TSM) Leadership Award. “With this award, we celebrate the dedicated employees of Glencore’s Sudbury INO for being a role model to other mining operations in Canada,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s president and CEO, in a press release. The TSM Leadership Award acknowledges mine sites that have scored at least level “A” across six key performance areas, called “protocols”: aboriginal and community engagement; safety and health; crisis management planning; tailings management; biodiversity conservation manage-
ment; and energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions management. There are indicators within each protocol to further evaluate performance in these areas, which MAC grades using a five-point scale, ranging from “C” to “AAA.” “Level A is what we define as good practice, and that’s the goal of the association and its members,” said Ben Chalmers, vice-president of sustainable development at MAC. “That basically means that you have a fully functioning management system in that area, and that’s no small feat.” Level “AA” is awarded for the integration of protocol into management decisions and business functions while level “AAA” is for excellence and leadership. “There are certain criteria at each of
those five levels for each of the indicators that must be met in order to achieve that level,” he explained. Self-reported results are periodically verified by independent consultancies approved by MAC. MAC was especially impressed by Sudbury INO’s energy use and GHG emissions management, awarding it a level “AAA” across all indicators in this protocol. In 2010 Glencore developed and implemented energy management plans at the facility to monitor and control energy consumption. Sudbury INO also implemented ventilation on demand at Nickel Rim South and upgraded the compressor at its smelter. In the area of safety and health, Sudbury INO reduced its injury rate by about 60 per cent in 2013. “This award represents our concerted efforts on a
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program in 2004. Reporting began in 2005, though results were unverified. Then, in 2006, MAC began using independent reviewers to verify results from the 15 companies
involved in the initiative at the time. In 2013, 63 facilities across 23 companies participated. In the last 10 years of reporting, Chalmers said one of the biggest
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24 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Courtesy of MAC
number of important fronts including the advancement of our safety culture to much higher levels,” said Glencore vicepresident Marc Boissonneault in a press release. “To see that we have also been recognized for our performance in five other key areas in our sustainable development framework is also quite an honour.” Last year marked a decade since MAC launched its TSM Leadership Awards, first conceived in 1999 in the wake of a number of issues linked either directly or indirectly to Canadian mining companies, such as the 1998 Los Frailes tailings dam breach in Spain. “It was also a realization that we were starting to have challenges getting permits and continuing to operate because of these issues,” said Chalmers. MAC’s board of directors officially launched the TSM
one of the reasons for this is that MAC originally included the protocol when energy use and GHG emissions management was an emerging topic in anticipation of regulations that never materialized. In the biodiversity protocol, the progress report recorded that roughly half of facilities attained at least a level “A” in each of the three indicators. Chalmers attributes this to biodiversity only being added to the program
two years ago. “[These numbers] reflect an area where we see an opportunity to do a lot of work and make some improvements,” he said. Chalmers noted that the weaker numbers demonstrate the program’s integrity as a mechanism to understand where company resources are being allocated. “I think this shows the strength and credibility of TSM,” said Chalmers. “It’s not easy to achieve high levels of – T.D. achievement across the board.” Courtesy of MAC
improvements has occurred in the community engagement protocol. In 2006 an average of about 50 per cent of mines met at least level “A” good practice, with results varying a bit from one indicator to another. Today, MAC reports that the number of facilities reporting at least level “A” in some indicators in this area is up to 90 per cent, with others just below that. Chalmers said he believes that the TSM initiative has contributed to improvements in this area, giving the industry a tool to measure progress. Another area of significant improvement is in tailings management, although it has not been a steady increase. Chalmers said that for the first three or four years of the initiative, the percentage of mines reporting at least good practice for tailings remained stagnant at around 50 per cent. So MAC’s board and the community of interest advisory panel raised their concerns to the association, which in turn undertook efforts in awareness building and training around management system guides. “Almost immediately we began to see big increases year over year,” said Chalmers. Now three out of five indicators hover around 90 per cent level “A” achievement, with the two remaining at around 80 per cent. Other protocols see companies making less consistent gains. This year, for instance, MAC recorded level “A” achievement as high as 86 per cent for energy use and GHG emissions management in one indicator (energy use and GHG emissions reporting systems) but as low as 37 per cent in another (energy and GHG emissions performance targets). Chalmers said
Courtesy of MAC
news
February/Février 2015 | 25
The results of a survey assessing aboriginal Canadians’ perceptions of the mining industry were released last November. Being the first of its kind, the survey will serve as a tool to help companies gain social licence for their projects by identifying concerns and priorities for indigenous communities. PR Associates commissioned the survey following the ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada last June that granted the Tsilquot’in First Nation title over its traditional territory. According to 500 randomly selected respondents living in remote communities, the overall perception of the industry is unfavourable (49 per cent).
Courtesy of PR Associates
Survey reveals aboriginal view of mining
PR Associates surveyed aboriginal Canadians in remote communities around the country to shed light on their perception of the mining industry.
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Indigenous communities in Alberta and Quebec represent the most unfavourable opinions (59 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively), while support is highest in the Northwest Territories (57 per cent favourable). Most respondents (61 per cent) had not changed their opinions of the industry in the past three years, but of the 31 per cent who had, 23 per cent reported that their perception worsened. Respondents indicated that the industry’s top priorities should be collaborating with aboriginal communities (50 per cent) and decreasing environmental impact (55 per cent). Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they believed that mining companies provide opportunities for Canadians, but only 42 per cent stated that these opportunities are extended to aboriginals in general. Findings remained relatively consistent by demographic characteristics in indigenous communities, and aboriginals currently or formerly employed in the industry hold similar views to those outside it. Natural Resource Canada estimates there are about 1,200 aboriginal communities within 200 kilometres of roughly 180 producing mines and more than 2,500 exploration sites in Canada. Mining companies are the largest private sector employers of aboriginals. – Katelyn Spidle
Lundin reaches commercial production at Eagle mine Lundin Mining announced it achieved commercial production at its Eagle nickel-copper mine in Michigan in late November, about two months after launching operations at the mine. Located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state, commercial production for the US$400-million project had previously been slated for the first quarter of 2015. “The team at Eagle mine has done an excellent job in accelerating the ramp up and delivering commercial operations ahead of expectations,” said
Courtesy of Lundin Mining
news
Aerial view of Eagle mine
Paul Conibear, president and CEO of Lundin, in a release. “The Eagle mine will be significant to the earnings and cash flow of Lundin Mining, and a major employer and economic contributor in northern Michigan.” According to John Miniotis, senior manager of corporate development
and investor relations, the underground mine has a target throughput of 2,000 tonnes per day with Probable and Proven Reserves of 5.16 million tonnes. The mine generated a throughput of 1,536 tonnes per day in October and 1,865 tonnes per day in Novem-
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ber. It also improved nickel recovery to 85 per cent from 79 per cent in the same period. – S.F.
Advancements and optimization at SMP 2014 The 2014 Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning conference brought 264 international delegates to Perth, Australia in November for presentations around the conference’s theme, “Integrated mineral investment and supply chain optimization.” The conference boasted roughly 30 presentations on topics related to technological advancements and global optimization. These stimulated fruitful discussions on how the sector is adapting to uncertain geological and market conditions, according to symposium chair Roussos Dimitrakopoulos. On the final afternoon of the conference, Dimitrakopoulos led a panel discussion on the present and future challenges in strategic mine planning
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optimization. These, he said, fall into three main categories: integrating research and developments with commercialization, fixing the link between short-term and long-term planning, and promoting the transfer of knowledge. Jeff Whittle, technical director of Whittle Consulting, was this years’ honorary guest. He said he was impressed with the overall interest in the conference. “It is not uncommon in long conferences for there to be a significant drop-off in attendance near the end,” he remarked. “However for SMP 2014, […] the audience was largely intact right to the end.” The three-day conference was organized by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), and the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). Major sponsors included AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, De Beers, Dassault Systèmes,
Minemax, Newmont Mining, Schneider Electric, Springer and Vale. – K.S.
Canada promotes aboriginal involvement in Plan Nord In November Canada’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Bernard Valcourt, announced a $7.3 million investment to support aboriginal participation in the province’s Plan Nord through the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough. The funds will be used to implement strategies that ensure aboriginal communities profit from natural resource development in the Labrador Trough. The program has three objectives: develop aboriginal human capital, strengthen aboriginal entrepreneurship and enhance the value of aboriginal assets. The plan is to maximize job creation in target communities by creating
labour profiles that identify their particular capacities and needs. The initiative will also establish a directory for local aboriginal businesses. “Our government is continuing to support First Nations and Inuit so that they can take advantage of economic development opportunities flowing from the exploitation of our natural resources,” Valcourt said. “We are proud to have launched an initiative that encourages aboriginal communities located near the Labrador Trough to participate fully in mining industry development in this region.” The announcement came during the opening ceremony of the True North Treasure Initiative – Labrador Trough, an event organized as part of the 35th Québec Mines conference – K.S. in Quebec City.
PDAC recognizes industry leaders The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is set to honour six industry leaders at its annual convention this spring. PDAC 2015 Awards Evening will be held March 2, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. PDAC’s awards committee chose the awards recipients on the recommendation of its board of directors. David Palmer, president and CEO of Probe Mines Ltd., will receive the Bill Dennis Award for a Canadian mineral discovery or prospecting success: the Borden Gold Project, located near Chapleau, Ontario. The Viola R. MacMillan Award for company or mine development is going to Matt Manson, president and CEO of Stornoway Diamond Corporation, in honour of his leading role in the ongoing development of Stornoway’s Renard project, located in north-central Quebec. The Ivanhoe Mines Kamoa Discovery Team will be collectively awarded the Thayer Lindsley Award for international mineral discoveries, in honour of their discovery of the Kamoa copper deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Noront Resources Ltd. will receive the Environmental & Social Responsibility Award for its expanded community engagement program and other social initiatives in northern Ontario. Noront has partnered with Matawa’s Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services and with Confederation College to create the Ring of Fire Aboriginal Training Alliance. The Skookum Jim Award for aboriginal achievement in the mineral industry will go to Sam Bosum, who has been instrumental in improving relations between the OujéBougoumou Cree Nation and the mineral industry near Chibougamau, Quebec. Bill Pearson will receive the Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his illustrious career and longstanding dedication to the industry in which he worked for more than 40 years. Pearson convened the first meeting of the Committee for the Professional Registration of Geoscientists of Ontario in 1989. He has also served as president of the Association of Geoscientists of Ontario and founding president of the Asso– C.B. ciation of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.
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FINANCE
Understanding project capital cost escalation of the 21st century BY KENNETH G. THOMAS, JOHN A. WELLS AND LETICIA CONCA
uring the second half of the 20th century, capital costs of mining projects were relatively stable, increasing about three to five per cent per annum, basically following the consumer price index. However, from 2002 to 2013, the industry saw project capital cost increases at an average of about 20 per cent per year. Similar project capital cost increases were reported widely across the globe, and in several cases more than doubled or even tripled during that time. Capital costs at Barrick’s Pascua Lama gold project in Chile increased to more than $8 billion in 2013 from $3 billion in 2009. In the same period, costs at Anglo American’s Minas Rio iron ore project in Brazil rose to $8 billion from $2.7 billion. This led to a general nervousness for investors thinking about financing projects from 2013-on. But is that nervousness justified, or can the price escalation be rationalized? Commodity price increases were a prime contributor to escalation, along with rising costs of equipment, engineering, construction, labour, community relations and environmental impact assessments (EIAs). To understand how dramatic the commodity price increases have been, consider an index comprising a basket of commodities including copper, aluminum,
D
Commodity price index from 1960 to the present
30 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
nickel, zinc, gold, Brent crude oil and iron ore set at 100 in 2002.The index rose to 400 by 2013: a 300 per cent gain. The price of copper alone rose from around 75 cents per pound in the early 2000s to more than $3 per pound in 2013. For perhaps the first time, the price of almost all commodities – precious and base – jumped, driven by the huge growth of new industrial powers, namely Brazil, Russia, India, and, most notably, China. As the price of metals and commodities rose, the mining industry saw great opportunities to develop projects. Many deposits were well known but had been held back for a number of years by low commodity prices. Countless new projects received approval to proceed within a short period, and what had been a buyer’s market suddenly became a seller’s market for suppliers to the mining industry. This was compounded by a desire to shorten delivery times and the increased cost of the metals used to manufacture the equipment. The quoted prices for equipment increased dramatically, doubling or even tripling, particularly for the large items such as grinding mills and haul trucks. Engineering costs rose in parallel with equipment costs from 2002 to 2013. This was a big change from previous decades when engineering companies frequently engaged in fierce pricing competition to stay in business. In several cases the salaries of all levels of engineering staff grew by at least 100 per cent. In addition, project execution became far more risk averse, and it is now common practice in mining jurisdictions to require a step-by-step approach through several levels of study: scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility. Furthermore, these studies must now incorporate more information such as detailed chapters on community relations, EIAs and health and safety considerations. To further compound and complicate matters, technical studies need to be carried out in close liaison with the EIA, which is usually executed by a separate company. All of this adds to upfront capital costs and requires more time.
columns Construction companies also found their resources too little to work on the many projects as demand outpaced supply. Generally, construction contractors are asked to supply concrete, structural steel, piping and electrical cable. The escalating cost of commodities accordingly caused construction costs to increase. Labour became an issue when the mining industry was faced with many new projects and several cost-related impacts occurred. The engineering and construction companies, as well as the mining companies, promoted employees who, in many cases, did not have enough project, technical or managerial expertise. Furthermore, salaries and benefits rose rapidly, reflected by signing bonuses added to contracts to attract personnel. At the same time, to try to control labour costs, people were moved into mining projects from other industries, creating an inexperienced workforce. This resulted in project schedule overruns and re-work costs from shoddy workmanship. The increase in almost all commodity prices led to an unprecedented boom in exploration, studies, projects and takeovers. Operating companies, reacting to the high prices, raced to get new projects off the drawing board and into production. This created an imbalance in the supply and demand for equipment, engineering, labour and associated services
that set off cost escalation. Many companies are now evaluating all of their projects frequently to prioritize and ensure only those with acceptable risk and suitable economics, as evaluated by their net present value and internal rate of return, go forward. At the same time, exploration budgets and operating efficiency are being examined to conserve cash. Fortunately, commodity prices and accordingly capital costs appear to have levelled off since 2013, which will hopefully stabilize the mining industry in the coming years. CIM Ken Thomas is president of project development and metallurgy at Ken Thomas & Associates Inc. and is board director with Continental Gold, Candente Gold and Avalon Rare Metals. He has served as senior VP of projects at Kinross Gold Corporation, global managing director and board director at Hatch, COO at Crystallex International Corporation, and senior VP of technical services at Barrick Gold Corporation. John Wells is an independent consulting metallurgist, based in Vernon, B.C., and Santiago, Chile, as well as an associate metallurgical consultant to Alquimia Engineers of Santiago. He held increasingly senior positions with operating companies around the world, including director of metallurgical development with Barrick Gold. Maria Leticia Conca has more than 38 years of professional experience in mining project development. She has been a CEO, operations manager and board member and has served as specialist engineer, chief of discipline, head of projects and as a consultant. She currently works as a professor and chair of metallurgical plants projects at the Universidad de Chile’s department of mining engineering.
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CSR
Ensuring social investments in mining creates value for local citizens and companies BY ROHITESH DHAWAN
ining companies around the world invest large sums of money into social initiatives like infrastructure, education and training, health care, and sports and recreation. However, the current approach to social investment does not maximize the return for the company or the community they are trying to serve. Companies therefore need to rethink their approach to social investment at every stage of the process. In 2014 KPMG surveyed 10 metals, mining and engineering companies with combined social investments of US$1.2 billion. Just four of them published a detailed social investment strategy, suggesting that these companies may not have clearly defined their objectives when they invested in these initiatives. Without a detailed business plan at the beginning of the process to clearly define goals, money is at risk of disappearing into a black hole marked “charitable contributions.” Furthermore, our report analyzed a total of 52 different types of programs across the group surveyed. The wide variety indicates that these companies may have spread their efforts too thin rather than focusing on a few priorities that can really make a difference. More money and more beneficiaries do not necessarily translate into greater impact. Once programs have begun, they tend to suffer from illdefined key performance indicators and a lack of professional performance management. Rewards are often linked to activity rather than outcomes; project teams can thus lose sight of the true goals of a project. Resources that flow into the actual program tend to be scarce, with little, if any, being directed toward targeted and value-added monitoring. Inadequate data reporting on the progress of the project is another issue. Project management best practice suggests that around five per cent of the total budget should be spent on tracking and reporting results. However, only one of the companies surveyed reported any quantified outcomes resulting from its initiatives. When considering options for social programs, the starting point should not be the monetary investment in the project but rather the goal to be achieved. Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve and the change you wish to see. Beginning at the board level, the strategy has to be aligned with local development plans as well as wider business goals. Companies should invest in programs designed to produce the maximum benefit for the target groups and the mining organization. For example, investment in local farm sourcing can cut the cost of food, leading to a healthier, more energetic workforce, while
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education and counselling on alcohol and drug abuse could reduce absenteeism. Administrators who are eager to score political points may also influence program choices. Ribbon-cutting events, such as the opening of schools, hospitals or roads, can make a big impression on voters but do not always bring the best return on capital outlay. A less glamorous, cheaper option – like teacher training or safe sex education – could potentially have a far greater positive effect, although it may have a less tangible impact on the company’s reputation in the short term. Those responsible for allocating social investment budgets therefore need to exert a stronger influence over the organizations involved in prioritizing programs by engaging earlier with local economic development forums and other groups and resisting demands for vanity projects. It is equally important to play a long game, avoiding quick wins in favour of deeper partnerships with the community, local businesses, NGOs and government. Businesses should encourage and empower local people to participate and take ownership of the program, with a clear exit and handover strategy. Patience is important, as some benefits can take years to materialize. An early-years education program will not lead to overnight change, but it could eventually increase the literacy rate, in turn generating higher employment rates and reducing poverty. Finally, it is essential to communicate the concept and the results of shared value to the local community, board, project partners, investors and stakeholders. All parties want to see how achievements are improving the local economy and environment. Treating social investment like any other commercial initiative allows companies to demonstrate the return for every dollar spent by identifying underperforming programs, and reinforcing relationships with community stakeholders and partner organizations. Such discipline can help them combine cash and employees’ skills to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world, secure a social licence to operate, and enhance their performance. CIM Rohitesh Dhawan is KPMG’s global mining leader for climate change and sustainability. He is co-located between KPMG’s offices in Johannesburg, South Africa, and London, England, and has spent time in mining company head offices and in the field working on issues related to strategy, social performance, environmental sustainability and governance. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Oxford and is a fellow of the inaugural class of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). Rohitesh was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 40 Climate Change Leaders in South Africa and the South African Rising Star in the Professional Services category.
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Canada joins global transparency movement with new legislation BY PIERRE GRATTON
anada recently stepped up its game in the fight against corruption in resource-rich countries that produce minerals but may not share the resulting wealth with their citizens. In late October, the federal government introduced the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act, which brings Canada in line with other jurisdictions like the United States and the European Union. As host to the largest number of publicly traded mining companies, Canada has a role to play in assuring mining activity creates positive economic outcomes for the citizens of host countries where the industry operates. This is why the Canadian mining industry pushed for such a measure and was pleased to see the legislation come to fruition. For the past two years, Canada’s largest mining associations – the Mining Association of Canada and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada – have worked with Publish What You Pay-Canada and the Natural Resources Governance Institute as part of the Resource Revenue Transparency Working Group (RRTWG). They jointly developed recommendations for Canada to adopt such legislation. The majority of the bill aligns well with RRTWG recommendations, but there are some concerns with certain aspects of the act. The most prominent concern for industry relates to equivalency: the practice of allowing companies to submit a report to a Canadian regulator that was prepared and filed in another jurisdiction, such as in the United States, so long as they are deemed equivalent. When it comes to curbing corruption, knowledge is power. Through the legislation, mining companies will be required to disclose payments made to host governments, resulting in a credible source of data that citizens can use to hold their governments accountable. The goal is to ensure local communities are fully benefitting from the extractive activities taking place in their region. The legislation will fall short of its aims, however, if the data is not easy to understand. As currently written, the act does not provide enough assurance that equivalency will be incorporated. The RRTWG felt strongly that equivalency must be a core principal of Canada’s transparency regime. It would not only help ease the reporting burden for mining companies, but it would also ensure that reporting is consistent across various countries. This would be a direct benefit for those consuming the data, including citizens, investors and other stakeholders, as it would make it easy for them to compare information from companies that are required to report in multiple jurisdictions. Similar to the concern over equivalency, the act also fails to provide enough assurance that reporting will be required at the project level. This is problematic as project-level reporting
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would provide the degree of detail necessary to enable communities to use the data most effectively. Canada’s commitment to transparency is timely. The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in resource development, particularly in the developing world. In Africa, Canadian mining investment grew to $31.6 billion in 2011 from $6 billion in 2005. Turning mounting resource revenues into solid development outcomes is not just important, it is essential. For governments worldwide, mining investment holds a significant promise of change. It provides much-needed revenue to fund infrastructure and social investments, creates opportunities to establish broad-based economic growth, and generates jobs. There is immense opportunity for mining investment to achieve these goals when you consider that revenues from natural resources account for at least 20 per cent of total government revenues in 41 countries globally, including 21 low- and lower-middle income countries, according to the International Monetary Fund. Yet in many cases, the economic potential of natural resource abundance is being squandered by government mismanagement. Although not a silver bullet in ending all instances of corruption, the transparency legislation is an important step towards it. Corruption can exist when citizens, elected officials, and municipal and state governments are in the dark about the natural resource revenues received by their national governments from mining activity. This environment breeds corruption, mismanagement and sometimes conflict. The Canadian mining industry has committed to transparency not only because it is the right thing to do, but because companies have recognized that it is an integral part of upholding the industry’s reputation as a responsible actor. Moreover, companies will benefit by clearly demonstrating the economic contributions of their projects and from the stability that is generated when citizens are truly benefitting from their natural resource wealth. But Canada needs to get the new act right in order for it to work for all parties involved, especially companies filing their reports and the citizens using that information to hold their governments accountable for the management of revenues from the mining sector. The global nature of the mining industry demands a global effort. As such, equivalency and project-level reporting will play an important role in integrating individual countries’ efforts as well as providing a consistent view of results for those who will benefit most from the information. CIM Pierre Gratton is president and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).
February/Février 2015 | 33
Valerian Mazataud
Sea change Sept-Îles headed for the big leagues with new port By Pierrick Blin and Antoine Dion-Ortega
When the new wharf is completed this summer, the Port of Sept-Îles will have a total capacity of 90 million tonnes per year.
olstered by 60 years of experience in iron ore shipping, the Port of Sept-Îles took advantage of the last commodity boom to convince various public and private partners to embark on an ambitious project: the building of a brand-new multiuser wharf with a 50million-tonne capacity. Upon completion this summer, the port’s total capacity will reach 90 million tonnes, making it the largest ore-shipping port in North America and the second largest commodity port in Canada, after Vancouver. During a September site visit, the air on the opposite side of the 10-kilometre-wide Bay of Sept-Îles was so still that it was difficult to imagine the most important harbour project in Canada was being built nearby. When approaching PointeNoire though, on the west end of the bay, the gigantic Lshaped pier, which extends 600 metres into the bay before connecting to a 400-metre-long wharf, dominates the landscape. “There is a reason why the very first iron ore companies chose the Bay of Sept-Îles to ship their ore, in the 1940s and 1950s,” says Port CEO Pierre Gagnon. “They realized that it had the capacity to support all of the inland potential.” Two state-of-the-art Sandvik conveyor belts overhanging the structure will each soon carry no less than 8,000 tonnes of ore per hour to their respective loaders. The wharf will have the capacity to receive one ship on each side and to load them simultaneously with any kind of ore.
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“Our infrastructure was designed with the flexibility to load direct shipping ore, fines or pellets,” says Gagnon. Finally, the Port has plans for a storage area with about 50 million tonnes of capacity within two kilometres of the wharf. Unlike the other piers in the bay, the multiuser wharf is deep enough to welcome 400-tonne Chinamax-standard ships, which previously had to weigh anchor and wait for smaller ships to come and load them – a costly operation. “Shipping costs could go down by 20 to 40 per cent depending on the size of the vessels,” says Gagnon. Sept-Îles will be just the fourth wharf in the world with the ability to load Chinamax ships. In order to ensure it was up to the construction challenge, the Port had to reach out to foreign expertise. “Our consultant gathered experts from Brazil and Australia around the table who already handle iron ore,” says Gagnon. “We had to design a world-class infrastructure from scratch.”
A unique financial package In the wake of the spectacular rise in iron ore prices in the 2000s, dozens of projects were set up in the Labrador Trough, prompting the government of Quebec to launch its Plan Nord in 2011. The existing shipping infrastructure did not have enough capacity for up-and-coming companies to secure access to the global market. “Between 2005
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and 2008 alone, eight companies reached out to us asking for an increase in capacity,” says Gagnon. The growing pressure from the private sector convinced the Port to apply for federal funding. The initial down payment needed to launch the project amounted to 25 per cent of the estimated $220 million total capital cost. “It would have been too bad to see the federal government deprived of billions in investment just because the needed infrastructures were not in place when companies were willing to invest,” says Russel Tremblay, communication and marketing director at Economic Development Sept-Îles. However, the public sector would not take on all of the capital cost, while no mining company had enough planned output to justify the investment by itself. In the end, the federal government and the Port each took on 25 per cent of the capital cost, while five private partners joined in and assumed the remaining 50 per cent – each of their contributions being proportional to their output – for a total private financing of $110 million. These five companies thus got a foothold in the port, securing a total shipping capacity of 43 million tonnes per year. Among these, Alderon Iron Ore has eight million tonnes, New Millenium Iron 15 million tonnes, Champion Iron 10 million tonnes, and Labrador Iron Mines and Tata Steel five million tonnes. Since the total shipping capacity of 50 million tonnes may expand to 60, the remaining capacity could either be offered to additional partners, or be sold on the spot market. By contributing to the financing, these private users will benefit from competitive rates. “Our port is guaranteed,” explains Tayfun Eldem, CEO at Alderon. “We have contributed $20.5 million towards construction, as a buy-in payment. We will recover our initial capital injection when we start shipping because we will be getting a discount like the other users.”
A thorn in the side Even though there is harmony between the seven partners, the same cannot be said of their relationship with Cliffs Natural Resources, the company next door. In order to ship ore through the port on Pointe-Noire, mining companies will need access to some of the neighbouring lands currently owned by Cliffs. However, the Port of Sept-Îles and Cliffs still have not agreed on the sale of these lands, and a lawsuit was filed by Cliffs against the Port in 2013, though nothing has come of it yet. Parallel to the suit, the Port of Sept-Îles made a request to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) last spring to make Cliffs’ railway in Pointe-Noire a “common carrier” similar to the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway, which the Iron Ore Company of Canada must share with other companies operating in the Labrador Trough. Cliffs’ railway is the only connection between Pointe-Noire and the broader rail network. The Port’s request was dismissed by the CTA last October.
Both disputes have slowed down the financing of some the projects in the Labrador Trough, which rely on havof ing access to the port, according to Tremblay. “The whole Quebec economy is affected by this litigation,” he says. “No other region in the province is expecting billions in investment.” There is confidence, though, that a resolution is within reach. The government of Quebec intervened in June and is currently looking at a number of possible scenarios. Cliffs’ recent decision to close its Bloom Lake mine and its plan to sell off its Canadian assets could speed things up, Tremblay points out. “We are expecting transactions in the near future,” he says, hinting that Cliffs’ railway could change ownership if it were to sell its Wabush Mines assets. These legal hurdles do not prevent Gagnon from looking towards the future with optimism. “Depending on how the iron ore market evolves, the wharf might well be just a first phase,” he says. If Adriana Iron Ore, which is advancing the large Otelnuk Lake project, joins the partners in funding the second phase, it would see the main wharf expanded into a large T. “We already have plans and specifications to copy-paste another 100-million-tonne wharf,” says Gagnon. “There is still room in the bay and it can support all of the potential in the Trough, both in Quebec and Labrador.” CIM
www.sim msgrroup.ca
1-877 7-564 4-90 011
INDUSTRIAL MINING CIVIL POWER February/Février 2015 | 35
Courtesy of Iamgold
Sunny days ahead How Iamgold built a 5-MW solar plant in Suriname By Kelsey Rolfe
Rosebel’s solar plant is on an old airstrip and is made up of more than 16,000 panels.
combination of rising power costs, the need to mine harder rock, and a lack of additional capacity in the country’s major hydro facility prompted Iamgold to install a five-megawatt (MW) solar plant at its Rosebel open pit mine in Suriname last year. Since Rosebel started commercial production in 2004, its power needs have increased 400 per cent as the mill was expanded and the rock being mined has become harder. Energy consumption at the mine peaked last year at 32 MW, up from 8 MW when it opened. “There’s more processing required to handle the harder rock, [and] additional crushing and grinding equipment has been installed, as well as a throughput increase,” says Ronald Halas, Iamgold’s vicepresident, commercial for South America. “There are more tonnes per day going through the process plant, and they’re harder tonnes.” Although the company was able to negotiate with the Surinamese government to lower the cost of power to 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from 20, it began looking at alternative energy options in 2013 to help lighten its use of the country’s hydro grid. After reviewing studies, Iamgold deemed solar the best economical and environmental solution. “It’s a proven technology,” Halas says. “We were quite confident that it would work.” The solar plant comprises more than 16,000 panels, which were set up on an old airstrip at the Rosebel site. During peak hours, the plant produces the full 5 MW, and the mine uses it all. With peak and non-peak production averaged out, the facility’s output is the equivalent of the mine receiving 1 MW of solar energy, 24 hours a day. “All the energy that’s produced by the solar plant is used instantaneously,” he says. The solar plant is connected to Suriname’s 161 kilovolt (kV) national power grid, through the Rosebel mine’s internal
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12.4 kV grid. But because Rosebel consumes all of the power produced by the solar plant, in the end it does not add any power to the national grid.
Piecing it together Iamgold staff made the decision to go ahead with the plant in August 2013. During the third and fourth quarters of that year, the company’s in-house engineering-construction group oversaw detailed engineering work done on solar panels by WTEC, a Florida-based renewable energy company. In December the company put up a call for bids for the panels, cables, aluminum frames known as racking, and concrete ballasts necessary for the plant. ET Solar was selected to supply the panels, and World Technology Corp. the aluminum racking, while the cables were procured from various U.S. sources and the ballasts were manufactured locally. Iamgold chose four local contractors out of more than a dozen bidders to complete the civil and electrical work on the site. Iamgold initially expected the solar plant to cost between $12 and $14 million. The final tally fell just under the lower end of its estimate. Halas says one of the reasons for that was the bidding process. “Going out for competitive bids for a number of contractors, it ended up that our labour costs for this type of work in Suriname were cheaper than expected,” he explains. “As well, the market for panels was quite good, and some of our purchases cost less than we budgeted for.” The supplies for the plant were delivered to the site by April, all arriving by ship. Rosebel’s site is connected to the port, just less than 100 kilometres (km) away, by a good-quality sealed asphalt road, except for the last 10 km, making the trip relatively seamless. “We’ve been operating in the country for years
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and we understand the logistics,” Halas points out. “It was quite straightforward to get items from the port to our site.” The plant’s construction took a workforce of about 120 Surinamese three months, ending in July. The local labour force is something Halas says Iamgold benefitted from in multiple ways. “We had only a handful of expatriates to manage the local workforce, but the people of Suriname are very skilled,” he says. The location of the plant was also a boon for the company: the old airstrip it now sits on had already been cleared and levelled years ago, so the site only required minor levelling and grading to prepare it for the panels. “We had to fix up the gravel and level it a bit better, but we did not have to go in and, say, cut down eight hectares of scrub,” Halas says. A forklift was used to install 1,960 concrete ballasts in surveyed locations, chosen to ensure the panels were aligned and properly spaced. The aluminum racking, which holds the panels in place, was assembled on site and attached to the ballasts. The panels themselves, measuring roughly one metre by two metres, arrived at the site individually packaged. The local contractors attached the 16,300 loose panels to the assembled aluminum racking system using bolted connections. Contractors also excavated trenches so that electrical wires would not be a tripping hazard after the project was finished, and completely filled them after the plant was assembled. Since Rosebel started drawing energy from the solar plant in August, Halas says the system has outperformed engineers’ predictions by delivering between five and 10 per cent more power than expected. Solar energy now represents about three per cent of Rosebel’s total energy draw. Halas estimates Iamgold is saving around $5,000 per day in energy costs by using the plant.
people of Suriname can take advantage of in the future,” Halas says. The company has partnered with the country’s ministry of natural resources, university, high schools, and national power company to provide tours of the plant so people in Suriname can learn more about the benefits of solar energy. Halas says he is optimistic that Rosebel’s project will inspire others similar to it: “What I like to think is that this is not the only, but the first of many five-megawatt or large-scale solar plants in Suriname.” CIM
A long-term investment The Surinamese government, which Halas says is “pro-renewables, and looking at increasing the total renewable energy in the country,” has been supportive of the initiative. Like Iamgold, it sees the plant as a legacy project for the country. “Whenever we decide that we’re going to stop mining gold, the solar panels will stay in the country as something that the February/Février 2015 | 37
Courtesy of Qube
A turn for the better Rotating containers cut down on concentrate dust emissions during transport By Eavan Moore
Rotabox containers can be used at ports that do not have shiploaders.
ase metal miners in Australia have found that using lidded containers instead of ship loaders decreases dust emissions and adds logistical flexibility at a comparable cost. The Rotabox system, provided by Australian logistics firm Qube, encloses the concentrate on site and only releases it when it is tipped into a ship’s bulk hold. Qube started the project in 2010 after finding there was no good solution for transporting iron oxide for one of its mining clients. Every available method involved conveyor belts, ship loaders or open stockpiles that produced flyaway dust well in excess of environmental regulations. The company therefore decided to adapt an existing technology for its own use and dubbed it the Rotabox. According to Antony Perkins, director of project development at Qube, the concept of a rotating frame that could upend a shipping container was first used at a coal mine in South Africa around 1970. However, that design weighed 28 tonnes. “Our intent was to find a very lightweight frame,” says Perkins. The first Qube design had a six-tonne frame and a 2.4-tonne container, with a payload of 24 tonnes – light enough to be used with a ship’s crane. Maximum payload has since increased to 35 tonnes. Qube also integrated a lid-lifter that opens and closes the container while it is in the hold, trapping any fugitive dust that might otherwise escape when the container is pulled out. The containers have rolled edges and other features to reduce wear and avoid “carryback” when product piles up in the corners and fails to empty out. At the mine site, the concentrate is loaded into 20-foot-long shipping containers on trucks within an enclosed shed. The height of the containers varies by customer. The containers are weighed and tracked via radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag without re-opening or transferring their contents. When they arrive at port, the containers can be stacked in an open
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storage area until the ship is ready to load. A crane operator uses either the ship’s crane or a shore crane to lower the container in the rotating frame, lift the container’s lid, upend its contents into the hold, and close the lid. The empty container is hauled back for reuse.
Sandfire When Sandfire Resources evaluated available logistics services for its DeGrussa copper-gold mine, Rotabox helped Qube stand out. “We were really the second company in Australia to adopt this method for loading ships,” says Graham Edgson, general manager commercial at Sandfire. “What Qube brought to the table is full-service provision.” Along with this relatively new technology, Qube offered a service contract that followed the copper concentrate from site to port to ship. While nominally more expensive than other options, Rotabox has been keeping Sandfire’s concentrate dust under control for the past three years. It has also provided flexibility, because it does not require a large storage shed and can be used at any available berth, rather than waiting for a ship loader to become free. When Port Hedland temporarily closed down its ship-loading facility to improve its environmental performance, Qube switched to a second port in Geraldton and avoided a five-week delay.
Independence Group Qube adopted Rotabox out of necessity and continued to use it with new mines in their feasibility stages. After that, “It really took on a life of its own,” says Perkins. Another miner, Independence Group, converted to Rotabox to deal with problems at the Geraldton Port, where it had been using a different contractor to haul concentrate from
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its Jaguar copper-zinc-silver mine before loading it out of Qube’s shed. The aging, uncovered conveyors at Geraldton had previously spilled concentrate at transfer points and had been prone to breakdowns. Cleanup cost $2-3 per tonne of concentrate. “All that combined – the cost of loading, the reliability of loading, the environmental concerns – triggered a review of how we load out,” says Brett Hartmann, general manager of operations at Independence Group. Qube began handling Jaguar’s concentrate two years ago, after giving Hartmann a quote that was slightly more expensive than the existing system. “For myself, it’s very stress free,” says Hartmann. “I can call the guys at Qube and say that we want to load a certain amount of tonnage or certain containers onto a vessel. It’s picked up out of the storage, everything is RFID tagged, so they can pick out the specific containers that we want. They put it on the back of a truck, drive it down to the wharf and load it onto the ship, and I have never had any concerns.” It reduces stress for Qube as well. “Certainly, the environmental authority here in Australia is very pro-Rotabox,” says Perkins. “When we start any new contract, they come with their dust monitors and all that sort of thing to make sure that they are comfortable with the level of dust that emanates, and we’ve had no problems. There is the option to put misting spray around the rim of the hold, which helps suppress the dust, but to date, we’ve never had to.” The trade-off is the loading speed; a modern conveyor system can do 1,000 tonnes per hour while Rotabox does 350 or less. Still, now in the fifth iteration of its technology, Qube has made changes for the sake of efficiency: boosting the hydraulics to improve rotating speed, modifying the control systems to make them easier to use and maintain, and specifically adding the ability to plug into Qube’s harbour mobile crane so that the crane driver can use the company’s joystick rather than having a separate remote control, which is required when using a ship’s crane. Onshore cranes tend to be more efficient.
talking to potential customers in Vancouver to use this type of system in those ports.” The system is best suited to users with shipments of up to 18,000 tonnes at a time. Larger shipments, according to Perkins, would mean an enormous number of containers would need to stay on hand. Perkins could see splitting off the hardware from the service and licensing it independently: “We have a definite interest in marketing it and selling the technology.” CIM
Marketing to Canada Qube has a total of 14 Australian customers, only some of which are using Rotabox as part of their service contract. Perkins says the company is looking at expanding to other markets: “We’ve been February/Février 2015 | 39
Courtesy of The Freight Company
Enormous potential, slow gains Logistical challenges abound in Myanmar’s emerging mining sector By Chris Balcom
atrick Dick was 25 when he first arrived in Myanmar, following a one-year stint in Baghdad during the IranIraq war in 1983. It was a rare opportunity for the young Swiss to live in the country and do logistics work for a German multinational. At the time, Myanmar (then Burma) was one of the world’s most isolated countries, and a difficult environment for foreigners meant Dick could stay for only one year. However, with the gradual lifting of Myanmar’s so-called “bamboo curtain,” made possible by a series of political and economic reforms over the last three years, he can once again work in the country. Dick has been based in Bangkok for the past 26 years, most of which he has spent as owner and managing director of The Freight Co. In 2004 he also founded the Global Project Logistics Network, a professional network of logistics companies. Over the course of his many years working in Southeast Asia, Dick has gained invaluable insight into several countries including Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
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CIM: Can you tell me about the origins of your company? Dick: The Freight Co. got started in 1996 in Bangkok. It grew out of frustrations that my fellow Swiss and I endured in the early 1990s while doing logistics work for different multinationals. Countless mergers and takeovers, management changes, and overnight changes in company policies gave many of us the idea to start out on our own. We began in Vietnam in 2004 and launched our operation in Myanmar in 2013. Up to now the vast majority of our business has been in Thailand. Vietnam was good in the early years but is now stagnating. We see a lot of potential in Myanmar. 40 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
CIM: Why is that? Dick: Myanmar is known to be the richest country in natural resources in Southeast Asia. It is rich in minerals including metal ores, petroleum and natural gas, and also has significant deposits of precious and semi-precious stones. Deposits of silver, lead, zinc, copper and gold can be found as well. Myanmar also has abundant reserves of limestone, which is an important factor for the expected construction boom. CIM: What kind of projects have you been working on in the mining sector? Dick: I have worked mostly on gold and copper projects. The mining business in Indochina and Thailand is not huge. Presently I’m working on two projects in Myanmar. One is a manganese ore mine and the other is to set up the logistics for an aggregate mine. This will be a 10-year project and the volume predictions are quite high. I think the growth of the mining business in Indochina will remain slow, except maybe for Laos. For Myanmar, I see a big future but there is an old mining law dating back to 1994 that needs to be reformed. Most foreign investors are holding out for this as they think that changes to the expectation of signature bonuses and the terms of production-sharing contracts are necessary to make investment attractive in this sector. CIM: What type of mining companies are you working with? Dick: The companies are primarily small- and medium-sized privately owned companies, as the multinationals are more conservative concerning Myanmar. The products vary and depend on what the investors can get their hands on. Asian
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entrepreneurs don’t like to spend time preparing; they often just follow a hunch and give it a go. At the moment the operations are small in comparison to mining in other parts of the world. They are shipping mostly within the region as far as aggregate and manganese ore is concerned, as shipping costs do not allow for the commodity to be transported far. It is different though for high-value cargo such as copper. CIM: What are the major logistics challenges for mining in Myanmar? Dick: Infrastructure. About 98 per cent of Myanmar’s infrastructure goes back to British rule, which lasted from the early 19th century until just after the Second World War. Hardly anything has been regularly maintained or renovated since then. Transport of goods on Myanmar’s road network is a real challenge. In many cases we have to combine the transport on the road with an earlier leg on a river, which poses plenty of other difficulties. Especially challenging and important is the Ayeyarwady River, which connects the mineral-rich north to the southern ports. Once the rainy season is over, the river’s draught reduces quickly, and only the lower part of the river can be used to transport large equipment. The west monsoon frequently interrupts deliveries from June to August, and can have a severe impact on mines in the south, especially near the coastline. CIM: How do you address these issues? Dick: Planning is the most important factor. We need to survey the transport route for virtually every project, and we need to assess what equipment we need to bring along. Once you leave Yangon there is hardly any equipment available, so forgetting a small crane can become quite expensive. CIM: How is it working with the government and local bureaucracy? Dick: There are plenty of challenges, mostly because the systems are still largely based on the British days. By creating new government entities over the years they have produced many offices that overlap one another. This has been undergoing a gradual restructuring with the opening up of the country. The government is trying to keep up and they are constantly pushed by the outside world to do more, faster. I think the government has done a respectable job considering the huge scope of reform and the amount of resources they have. The local people are quite helpful but most things need much more time in Myanmar than in the rest of the world. My formula for calculating driving time is that it’s on average three times more than in the developed world. The same can be applied for anything to do with government. But there are other times where things can be 10 times faster. For example: Where in the world can one get an appointment with a viceminister in a couple of days? CIM: How have the ongoing reforms affected your work? Dick: Not much has changed in the three years since the “opening.” Right now several contractors are connecting most of
Myanmar to the telecommunications network. This will be very helpful for us as a lot of our work is in remote areas with no access to telephone or the Internet, which is also limping badly behind. For us the most important issues are ports, airports, roads, bridges and rivers. I can’t see any improvement in terms of roads and bridges yet, and in the few areas where they are upgrading the roads it is mostly done manually. Seeing a road roller in Myanmar is like seeing a Jumbo Jet on Fifth Avenue. The sole highway built in recent years is only for private cars. Trucks have to use the old national road with a single lane in each direction. As far as I know there is a study underway on how to improve navigation on the Ayeyarwady River, but it may take quite some time to complete such a study, not to mention starting any work on it. CIM: What advice would you give to those curious about working in Myanmar? Dick: I would certainly advise going to Myanmar and getting an impression of the country and the people. Both are wonderful and leave a long-lasting impression. Of course, any investment in an emerging market needs a close look and risks need to be weighed up. But most success stories in Asia are because someone had a hunch. Even with a bit of risk involved, with some hard, dedicated work you can make it in this part of the world. CIM
THE BUSINESS OF MINING
VAL VAL ALU UE E IN IN CONSUL CONSUL LTING T TING
PETER McCARTHY Chairman / Principal
Mining professionals once lived e for long periods in isolated places. They seldom had opportunities ortunities to visit other mines or to attend conferences organized by professional institutes like CIM. Consultants in those days d brought them ideas from elsewhere, ideas that had been n tried and proven to work. Today, oday mining professionals mo m ve around and change jobs regularly, while keeping up to date through on-line journals and social media. Today’s conssultants have to be more than a conduit for technology tr t ansfer. They have to help communication within the client’ ent’s organization, develop innovative ideas, and provide solutions s to problems more quickly and efficiently than the client can do alone. Consulting firms aim to employ the best and a brightest people, and to develop in-house reference ma aterial and techniques in order to remain relevant. For that reason e consultants cost more than contract employees. But d do they offer value for money? The success of several consulting firms around the globe shows that they are bringing something omething to the industry that is valued and worthwhile.
amcconsultants.com At AMC we are proud to be a part of the mining services sector, with bases on three continents. For more information feel free to contact me, Peter McCarthy on pmc@amcconsultants.com or call one of our consultants in Van ncouver, Toronto, Maidenhead, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne elbourne or Perth.
February/Février 2015 | 41
Cooper Quinn
Drilling on Qingaaq Mountain in Greenland, with Aappalaartoq Mountain in the background.
Generation in jeopardy By Virginia Heffernan
The proportion of exploration dollars allocated to grassroots projects - work on land where no previous resource has been identified - has reached an all-time low. The reasons for the decline are complex but the consequences are obvious: the mega-deposits the industry relies on for future production are unlikely to be found under the current model.
“I think it’s fair to say this kind of exploration is, literally, the future of the industry,” says Eric Coffin, editor of the Hard Rock Analyst newsletter in Vancouver. “Mining eventually grinds to a halt if someone isn’t out there making new discoveries.” The trend appears to be having an impact on discovery rates in the gold sector already, says Mark Ferguson, a senior industry analyst for SNL Mining and Metals. Major gold discoveries (greater than two million ounces) dropped 30 per cent in 2000-09 compared to the previous decade, which boasted 124 gold discoveries. Explorers have since defined only seven more major discoveries, but it remains to be seen exactly how many additional new deposits will surpass the two-million-oz threshold once companies have had sufficient time (and funds) to properly assess their resource potential. Conditions for grassroots exploration continue to deteriorate. Traditionally, this type of generative exploration has been the domain of junior companies. They are responsible for 86 per cent of the recent discoveries made in Canada, according to Richard Schodde, an Australian mineral economist at MinEx Consulting. But that sector is under siege from a triple whammy of rising costs, longer times between discovery and production,
and declining investor interest. As a result, the junior sector’s share of the non-ferrous global exploration budget dropped to 32 per cent in 2014 from a high of 55 per cent in 2007, says SNL, despite overall budgets of $10 to 11 billion being roughly the same. Despite the challenges, Coffin – who has survived several industry cycles – says he believes that as long as there is money to be made from significant discoveries, there will be a market (however volatile) to fund exploration. And juniors tend to be “incredibly resilient,” says Schodde. Of 100 junior explorers listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) that he tracked in July 2004, 66 were still active 10 years later, despite the recent financing rout. The industry will soon appreciate that reserves are running out, making grassroots exploration an absolute necessity, says Brent Cook, editor of Exploration Insights. “What we need is for the industry to recognize that we don’t have enough economic deposits to fill demand and replace production,” he explains. “That is going to happen and when it does, you’ll see more realization that we need grassroots exploration and thoughtful, intelligent geologists who can conceptualize a deposit and, more importantly, be able to recognize when the concept doesn’t work.” February/Février 2015 | 43
CIM Magazine asked Coffin, Cook and John Kaiser editor of Kaiser Research Online to provide their three favourite grassroots exploration plays. (* denotes that the analyst owns shares in the company) Here is what they came up with.
Location: Golden Triangle, northwest B.C. Owner/Analyst: Colorado Resources/Eric Coffin Target: High-grade Au veins Cash: $3M as of Oct. 31, 2014 The KSP property covers 30,000 hectares about 15 km along strike from the past-producing Snip gold mine. “There are a couple of strong porphyry targets on KSP but the very highgrade veins in the Inel, Kyber Pass, Big Rock and Pins areas are more interesting to me,” says Coffin. “Work done in 2014 by both Colorado Resources and government mappers highlighted large deformation zones that may be controls to mineralization.”
Location: Gorbea Belt, north central Chile Owner/Analyst: Mirasol/Brent Cook & Eric Coffin* Target: Porphyry Cu and epithermal Au-Ag Cash: $23M as of Oct. 30, 2014 Mirasol’s exploration team has outlined large areas of alteration with widespread gold and silver values. Coffin says several zones should be drill-ready by the end of the summer in the Southern Hemisphere. “They’ve identified a whole province that shows good potential,” Cook concurs.
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Location: Biga district, northwest Turkey Owner/Analyst: Pilot Gold/Brent Cook* Target: Au-rich epithermal and porphyry systems Cash: $23.4M as of Sept. 30, 2014 Pilot Gold (40 per cent) and Teck Resources (60 per cent) have established Indicated Resources of 23 Mt grading 1.34 g/t gold equivalent at the main KCD target on the TV Tower project. But more recent drilling on nearby targets has retuned some of the highest-grade gold, silver and copper intervals ever reported in northwestern Turkey. The area of interest is a four-km-long silica cap with multiple gold-oxide targets, associated supergene copper zones and copper-gold porphyry systems. “I love big systems and they are into a major volcanic alteration system here,” says Cook.
Location: northwest Botswana Company/Analyst: Tsodilo Resources/John Kaiser* Target: Zambian copper belt-style deposits Cash: $192K as of Sept. 30, 2014 First Quantum Minerals has an option to earn up to a 70 per cent interest in Tsodilo’s ground within a 40-kilometre-long sedimentary belt in northwestern Botswana. So far, the major has spent $14 million to build a geological model of potential mineralization – an extension of the copper-rich Lufilian Arc - at depth under Kalahari sand cover. This year, the major will try to intersect the dream target: an ore body containing 5-10 million tonnes of copper that mirrors the Zambian copper belt deposits with grades of at least two per cent copper. “If this works, it will become a case study as to what it takes to make world-class discoveries today,” says Kaiser.
Map image is the intellectual property of Esri and is used herein under license. Copyright © 2014 Esri and its licensors. All rights reserved.
February/Février 2015 | 45
Location: Highland Valley porphyry district, southern B.C. Company/Analyst: Amarc Resources/John Kaiser Target: Cu-Mo-Ag porphyry Cash: $1.9M as of Sept. 30, 2014 Kaiser says Cu-Mo-Ag results from a recent nine-hole program show the Ike project has good potential to host a Highland Valley-scale copper porphyry system. Executive chairman Bob Dickinson recently loaned Amarc $1 million so that the Hunter-Dickinson exploration vehicle could continue exploration on Ike without needing to finance at a sub-$0.10 stock price. “Amarc is a testimonial to the absence of a market audience for exploration junior results,” says Kaiser.
Location: Nevada basins Company/Analyst: Nevada Exploration/John Kaiser* Target: Carlin-type sediment hosted Au deposits Cash: $26K as of Oct. 31, 2014 Nevada Exploration has generated two grassroots prospects in the gravel-covered areas of northern Nevada using hydrogeochemistry as a targeting tool. The company believes that the future of gold mining in Nevada, where most of the economic gold mineralization outcropping at surface has been found, lies under the difficult-to-explore basin component of the basin-and-range topography. “But Nevada Exploration has neither money nor partners, so the plays it has generated are in danger of simply disappearing,” says Kaiser.
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Location: Timok magmatic complex, eastern Serbia Owner/Analyst: Reservoir Minerals/Brent Cook* Deposit Type: High sulphidation epithermal and porphyry Cu-Au Cash: $40M as of Dec. 31, 2014 Cook says he considers the Timok Cu-Au discovery to be the best of its kind in recent years and believes similar mineralization will be found on Reservoir’s ground surrounding the flagship project. Fully funded on Timok by joint venture partner Freeport-McMoRan Exploration, Reservoir has ample cash to fund grassroots exploration on its 100-per-cent-owned properties in the area.
Location: Tireo belt, Dominican Republic Owner/Analyst: Precipitate Gold/Eric Coffin* (Caveat: Coffin is a founder and significant shareholder) Target: Intermediate sulphidation epithermal Au and VMS Cash: $825K as of Nov. 30, 2014 Drill testing induced polarization anomalies at the Ginger Ridge zone on the Juan de Herrera property has uncovered a potential volcanic massive sulphide zone with gold-rich intervals, including a five-metre section grading 13.8 g/t gold within 18 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold. The company followed up with magnetic and induced polarization surveys along a 600-metre corridor extending northwest from the discovery. “Ginger Ridge has been improved every time more work has been done, which is a hallmark of a good exploration target,” says Coffin.
Map image is the intellectual property of Esri and is used herein under license. Copyright © 2014 Esri and its licensors. All rights reserved.
February/Février 2015 | 47
A drill tower is transported at the Storø gold project near Nuuk, Greenland.
To understand how these projects might succeed, it is instructive to take a closer look at what is causing the decline in grassroots exploration and what can be done to reverse the trend.
What is behind higher cost? Rising exploration costs stem partly from higher labour expenses, equipment expenses and land access costs in recent years. But the main factor is much more fundamental: the economic deposits that once outcropped at surface in politically stable jurisdictions have for the most part been found. “We have to look through barren rocks, so what used to be a couple of rock chip samples becomes a drill that is a lot more expensive,” says Cook. “And once you do make the discovery you have to drill it out and face regulatory, political and social issues. So a legitimate discovery today takes on average 10 to 20 years to get into production.” Investors are waking up to these mounting risks and abandoning the sector. PDAC says companies in 2014 raised just $2 of equity capital for every $100 that was raised in 2007. The result is that the majority of juniors listed on the TSX-V have less than $200,000 cash remaining, according to research by Kaiser. The situation is almost as dire in Australia. About 52 per cent of the junior explorers listed on the ASX have less than $1 million in cash, according to Schodde.
Cooper Quinn
A lot of responsibility to shoulder
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Kaiser says he considers the capital markets for exploration and mine development to be “broken” and “obsolete.” Among other initiatives, he is calling on Canadian securities regulators to allow all investors, not just the few who qualify as accredited investors (i.e. high net worth individuals), to buy shares in junior mining companies. But much of the responsibility for the decline in grassroots exploration lies with the exploration community itself, argues Wade Hodges, president of Nevada Exploration and former vicepresident of exploration for Battle Mountain Gold. “There is more money than ever in the history of the planet and it all craves being put to useful work that has a future. The challenge is for the exploration geologist to provide that money with much better tools and filters to work with,” he says. “Investors have gotten smarter, and the exploration community needs to get back in front of investors to lead the way forward.” A significant discovery could be the catalyst for a revival in grassroots exploration, Hodges says, but it would require either the unlikely combination of a lot of luck and capital or the development of a new technology that can effectively see through cover. Schodde says he agrees with this and notes the incredible stimulus generated in Canada from giant grassroots discoveries like Ekati
and Diavik in the Northwest Territories and Voisey’s Bay in Labrador. He says he is confident that this will happen again. If the equity market remains lukewarm, Cook says he believes senior companies will pick up some of the slack. “We’ll see more major companies buying into and funding junior explorers. The junior then has someone behind the project who is able to recognize what a legitimate discovery looks like in the early stages.” But the decline in generative exploration is not limited to the junior sector. Senior companies also tend to cut back on exploration when commodity prices drop or profit margins erode, as they have recently. For the past couple of years, producers have eschewed early-stage projects in favour of brownfield projects around their mines that are a less capitalintensive and less risky means of replacing and adding reserves, SNL’s Ferguson says. The consequence is the erosion of the reserve base needed to sustain mining. In Canada, metal reserves other than gold have been declining steadily for the past 30 years. Now, for many metals, current reserves are less than half what they were in 1980, according to Natural Resources Canada. Gold reserves have gone up, but Schodde points out that a substantial amount is in low-grade porphyry systems that may not be economic.
A little help goes a long way In response to the crisis, PDAC is calling on the federal government to increase the tax credit given to investors who
put money into mineral exploration to 30 per cent from 15 per cent for three years in order to stimulate exploration. “The mineral exploration tax credit (METC) is a critical fiscal policy lever that can be used to attract investors back to the exploration industry, particularly to support early-stage, grassroots exploration activity in Canada,” says PDAC president Rod Thomas. “Bold action from government led to the initial innovative creation of the METC. We’re looking for similar bold action today.” Some Canadian provinces and territories are listening. Yukon expanded its Mining Exploration Program to $1.4 million in 2014, including earmarking up to $15,000 for prospectors. The Manitoba government doubled a similar incentive program to $3 million. Innovation also has a crucial role to play. The Canadian Mining Innovation Council, for instance, is looking for ways to better the odds of finding buried ore by identifying subtle indicators or footprints in the rocks surrounding known ore bodies that can guide exploration. Some companies are using modern processing power to find viable targets in historical data, or to see under cover using sophisticated 3D geophysical modelling. “We have to focus on new technology and creative thinking,” says Hodges, who has had a difficult time selling his idea of using groundwater sampling to find buried gold targets in Nevada. “I realized in the late 1990s how difficult it was becoming for exploration, mostly for technical reasons. The tools we had developed had been used and the low-hanging fruit had been found.” CIM
Published in CIM Magazine, February 2015 issue, Vol. 10, No. 1, pages 42-49. Reprinted with permission of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum www.cim.org
February/Février 2015 | 49
In September Baffinland Iron Mines officially began operations at the northernmostproducing mine in Canada: the Mary River site on North Baffin Island, in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut. Getting to that point required a team of experienced Arctic operators to develop working solutions for the region’s extreme winter cold. BY | EAVAN MOORE
ith Measured and Indicated Resources of more than 350 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore, Mary River was a challenge worth accepting. In 2010 steel giant ArcelorMittal battled private equity firms for a majority stake in Baffinland Iron Mines. In the wake of the downturn in commodity prices, ArcelorMittal reduced its share to 50 per cent but continued to serve as operator. The downturn also
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spawned changes to the mine plan: Baffinland has indefinitely postponed its original $4-billion vision of a rail line carrying 18 million tonnes of ore yearly. Instead, Mary River’s $750-million early revenue phase involves stockpiling and shipping 3.5 million tonnes of ore per year using the July-October open water season in Milne Inlet on the northern shore of the island. At an average grade of 67 per February/Février 2015 | 51
All images courtesy of Baffinland Iron Mines
While the frigid temperatures at the project demand many adaptations, the ore, at an average grade of 67 per cent iron, requires little upgrading before shipping.
project profile | M A R Y R I V E R
We probably have in the area of $10 million [...] of components sitting on our mine site that would not be a requirement if we were in a southern location with yearround access. – R. Hampton
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MARY RIVER
| project profile
Seven hundred permanent fly-in/fly-out workers will rotate through the mine’s camp.
cent iron, the ore requires little processing before it is shipped. It is drilled and blasted at Deposit 1 – the first of nine known deposits – using explosives produced at an on-site plant. The ore is hauled to a mobile crushing plant, the products of which are stored in separate stockpiles for lumps and fines. By July both types of ore will be trucked to Milne Port, where stockpile infrastructure and a shiploading dock are currently under construction. A two-tower radial ship loader and reclaim conveyor system will load chartered vessels, and the ships will travel through Baffin Bay en route to the open Atlantic.
Experienced teams Mary River is neither the first Arctic mine constructed in Canada nor the most northerly one, considering that the Polaris mine was on Little Cornwallis Island. So the project benefited from an array of existing expertise. “In the team that we assembled, most of us had worked on those other projects in Canada’s North,” says Ronald Hamp-
Photos opposite page: (top) Mary River’s Deposit 1, seen from the sky with the camp in the background, has an anticipated life of 21 years; (centre) The project is 500 km north of the Arctic Circle, on the northern end of Baffin Island. The deposit was first discovered in 1962, but iron ore prices were too low to make economic sense; (bottom) Large equipment can only be delivered to the site during the summer shipping season that generally spans from late July to October.
ton, vice-president and project director at Baffinland. “We have had some of the construction contractors who were involved in Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank come to our job. We’ve had people from Ekati and Diavik, from Voisey’s Bay in Labrador, from Raglan and other mining locations. Myself, I was at both the Diavik build and at the Voisey’s Bay build, so these types of conditions and logistically challenging Arctic projects were not new to me or many others in the chain.” In the course of working on other projects, these experienced members of the Baffinland team had learned to rely on off-site prefabrication. This allowed them to minimize the work that would have to occur in the more challenging conditions on site. Buildings were all prefabricated or panelized and shipped to site for final assembly, including all building foundations, which were pre-cast as concrete blocks and shipped to site to avoid dealing with pouring concrete at -30 C, the average winter temperature at Mary River. Contractors did a substantial amount of the construction work, but Hampton says the majority of the earthworks were performed by Baffinland-hired operators. “Given that we are a mining company, our business is moving earth, if you will, in the form of ore,” he points out. “With the mining fleet at site, we had our own equipment available to us.” That allowed the company to bring in its permanent workforce earlier than it might have otherwise, providing an opportunity for these workers to become fully trained and February/Février 2015 | 53
project profile | M A R Y R I V E R
The Mary River camp in late August 2014
comfortable on site when mining commenced. Most of the people mining in September had already spent the last six to nine months upgrading the road and preparing the outdoor surfaces for construction and storage. They worked largely on a two-week rotation, flying in from the five closest communities to the mine, from the territorial capital of Iqaluit, and from Kitchener-Waterloo, in Ontario. The entire 700-strong permanent workforce comes from Canada, and between 200 and 250 are residents of the local communities. According to Erik Madsen, vice-president of sustainable development, health, safety and environment, local communities gave generously of their knowledge. For example, traditional knowledge helped Baffinland mitigate the impact shipping has on sea ice travel routes used by the Inuit as well as choose its future shipping route through Northern Foxe Basin, skirting areas important to marine wildlife. In addition, says Madsen, “Traditional and local knowledge about caribou abundance trends and distribution was essential to the project’s effects assessment and mitigation planning. Our surveys told us very little about caribou ecology in the region. While there were signs of caribou presence, we found very few. Knowledge from elders and current hunters shared with us helped us characterize the 60-to-70-year population trends, likely recovery patterns, and interesting insights about caribou adaptive behaviours.”
Keeping equipment warm At Mary River, shutting off equipment during downtimes and letting it cool is not an option. “On any piece of equip54 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
MARY RIVER
| project profile
Too big to be flown in, haul truck tires are among the items the mine must keep a large supply of on site to avoid work stoppages.
ment, the engine and any fluids will all have trouble at low temperatures,” says Hampton. “Heavy equipment is very hard to get going again at those temperatures. So if we don’t have a heated area to warm these vehicles to start them again, generally they’ll operate or run at idle temperatures for most of the cold weather season.” Keeping equipment warm was a little tough in the fall and winter of 2013. All materials and equipment had come in on the summer sea lift, including the majority of the prefabricated buildings. Maintenance had to take place alongside the installation of buildings and the operating of equipment, often outdoors or in rudimentary fabric structures. Hampton acknowledges it was “a trying season.” Even with experience, Hampton says the team underestimated the difficulty in getting the right hydraulic fluid and lines for these conditions. But this year, he says, “It’s a different situation, in that we have our maintenance facilities, the buildings, up and fully operational. So we are in a much better situation to face the cold weather this year than we were last year.” The Mary River maintenance crew has had time to assess the needs of its equipment, and the extensive use of coldweather modifications has kept machinery running. Mining equipment is fitted with Espar heaters integrated into the engine’s coolant and hydraulic fluid systems. This keeps the fluids in a liquid state, distributes warmth through the vehicle’s heat exchanger, and warms up the engine using residual heat in the cooling water. Petro Canada all-season lubricant is used to keep gears moving smoothly. The smaller support equipment uses Wabasto coolant and hydraulic heaters and February/Février 2015 | 55
project profile | M A R Y R I V E R Rayco Chemical aviation hydraulic fluid. A wind shelter around the machinery house shields it from blasting cold, and trace heating elements along air and water lines protect the production drills.
Logistics Collapsing a year’s worth of need into one summer sealift requires careful planning. If critical supplies run out, it costs about $100,000 to charter a 737 combi aircraft from Kitchener-Waterloo. “I’d venture to say that it’s 10 times the cost of sea freighting something in,” says Hampton. Some items cannot fly at all – like the tires on a Caterpillar 777 haul truck. “Tires like those just don’t fit into an aircraft,” says Hampton. “Hence, we make sure that we have a contingent of tires over and above the normal planned wear cycles. This is because, for our particular mine site, for example, we have four 777 haul trucks and we rely upon those for our mining effort. Running out of tires prior to the next sealift has the potential to shut down the entire operation. We probably have in the area of $10-million of those types of components sitting on our mine site that would not be a requirement if we were in a southern location with yearround access.” With the help of suppliers, Baffinland estimates what it will likely consume in the full year, and it then adds about a 15 to
20 per cent overstock in case of emergency. Lower-cost, but high-volume or high-weight components tend to be overstocked; smaller components may not be stocked as generously because they can be flown in if there is need. “No matter how much planning we’ve done, we have found ourselves where we’ve had to fly elements in,” admits Hampton.
Solid achievements The cold does not always hinder the work at Mary River, and at least once it has proved helpful. Last winter an existing airstrip needed to be upgraded to allow jets into the site. During the several months it was out of service, the company constructed an airstrip on one of the frozen lakes. “We were landing 737 jet aircrafts on the lake,” comments Hampton. The required thickness for landing on ice was 54 inches. At the end of the season, he says, the ice was approaching 80 inches. And all of this – trials, successes, construction and operation – was achieved with a strong safety record. Hampton notes that Baffinland reached two milestones last September. First, the company had transformed itself from an explorer, to a developer and finally to a mine operator. The other milestone: three years without any lost-time injuries. “How well we’ve developed the safety culture at our site is something we are all quite proud of,” he says. CIM
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Sky’s the limit By Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco
The market for drones in the mining industry is relatively small today. Few mine operators own or use them. But the potential for this nascent technology in surveying and planning is enormous, and drone manufacturers are confident that demand will soon explode for their cost-effective eyes in the sky.
C
Courtesy of GroundTruth Exploration
anada is one of the frontrunners in the civilian use of drones, also known as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), thanks to Transport Canada. The agency has been gradually opening the skies to them – unlike the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which still bans their use except by governmental agencies and university researchers. The drones being used in mining today are typically small; they fit in a suitcase and most weigh less than two kilograms. They come in various formats, looking like toy airplanes, helicopters or sci-fi spacecrafts. Because they can fly much lower to the ground and far more slowly than airplanes or helicopters, drones can capture detailed surface images. At their most basic, they are equipped with a digital camera, taking hundreds of close-up photographs that the drone manufacturer’s software
Drone use in the mining industry is expected to take off in the coming years.
converts into high-resolution 3D imagery. A large array of sensors is available and can be exchanged on the UAV depending on the type of analysis required. “For exploration, you can use a combination of multispectral sensors to do investigative surficial geology mapping including detailed topography and formation identification,” says Jean-Francois Dionne, UAV technical survey specialist at UKKO, which sells senseFly – Swiss-made professional UAVs. “Applications are endless in environmental impact management. You can use a thermal sensor and fly when the temperature of ground water is warmer than the terrain. You’ll see precisely the locations of discharge zones to the surface and be better informed for an impact study or a remediation plan. As time goes on, sensors will miniaturize and we’ll be able to add hyperspectral imaging that will make it possible to even locate specific minerals. We’re not there, but almost.”
Exploration
Timmins-based Kevin Cool, who has been surveying and prospecting for two decades, started offering drone services to his clients about a year ago. In the first eight months after launching his new company, UAV Timmins, he performed some 60 flights. “I’m pretty much doing this full-time now,” he says. While most of his work has been for established mining companies like Rio Tinto, Cool sees drones changing the industry for smaller and independent prospectors as well. “What drone technology has done is make aerial photos affordable even to the individual prospector,” February/Février 2015 | 57
says Cool. “I can fly a mining claim for a prospector for $400 whereas hiring a helicopter is $1,500 per hour.” The cameras on Cool’s drones can photograph images of objects as small as five centimetres, such as vegetation, which can help prospectors identify soil type. They can also capture historical information on the property, including past work like bush grids, old mineshafts, or recent activities that might not even be recorded yet on Google Earth, be it logging or First Nations activities. “Not only do you see detail, you’re also getting precise coordinates” from a GPS tracker within the drone, explains Cool. “So you can then send guys on the ground with a GPS to locate a particular feature.” Yukon-based GroundTruth Exploration acquired its first drone in 2012 specifically to produce high-resolution imagery. With 600 flights now under its belt, the company has discovered many other applications for the new technology. “The drone also produces very detailed and precise highresolution elevation models, especially for remote places,” says GroundTruth president Isaac Fage. “It far exceeds National Topographic Database elevation models. Once you start focusing on a more discrete area in the range of say a couple of square kilometres, an elevation model based on the National Topographic data is no longer accurate, as it’s quite coarse so there’s not a lot of detail. If you’re doing things like putting
subsurface geophysics in a 3D model with drill holes, you get drill holes sticking out in space in the model. You can’t build a good picture if you don’t have detailed topographic data to begin with. A typical ground resolution is between four to 10 centimetres per pixel in a drone elevation model, whereas with the freely available one, the best you can do is 30 metres per pixel.”
Mine planning
As a senior manager of mine planning for Imerys, an industrial mineral production and processing company, David Marek manages various mine sites around North America. One of them is Imerys’ phlogopite mica mine in Suzor Township, Quebec, 300 kilometres north of Montreal, which is only mined about every three years. Last summer happened to be one such year, so Marek needed to survey the property. When he heard of Cool’s new drone business, he was curious about the technology and invited the surveyor up to do a trial run. “It was so low cost I thought it was worth a try,” he says. Imerys brought in a team with a GPS to verify Cool’s results. “He produced a photomosaic of the whole mine site and, at the same time, he generated a contour plan for the whole operation,” says Marek. “He was done in a day so it took him longer to get to the site than to generate the survey.”
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technology
Courtesy of GroundTruth Exploration
Courtesy of UKKO Canada
AIRBORNE SURVEYING
Cool’s second job for Imerys involved calculating the volumes of stockpiles at its Timmins mine – another increasingly popular Most drones used in use of drones. the mining industry today are small enough “This would have to fit in a suitcase and been previously weigh less than two kilograms. done by a surveyor, so it takes a lot of time and the safety is problematic,” says Sebastien Long, sales manager at Canadian drone operator Flyterra. “Everything needs to be stopped when the surveyor is doing the work but when we go in no one has to stop their work. A typical job for us is less than an hour whereas a surveyor might take at least half a day to do the same.” For years, Quebec-based Polycor used satellite and aerial images for planning its roughly 30 quarries that produce a wide selection of natural stone products. In 2013, however, Eric Mayer, the company’s director of operations, decided to give drones a shot. He hired Long. “A drone is not just much lower cost, it’s also far more accurate,” he says. “It helped me measure as close as one inch. So I can plan far more accurately using its 3D image. A large quarry is so large that you can’t see the entire area. But the drone image gives us the ability to have the entire quarry in front of us in 3D while we’re in my office, making it possible for us to make the best decisions.” Not surprisingly, Dionne says mining companies interested in purchasing their own UAV – which can cost between $25,000 and $120,000 – generally want to use it for mine planning. “I have one client that wants to fly a UAV at least twice a week to measure and compare stockpile volumes. I also have other units going up Before flight, operators program the north to open pit drone’s route and then hand-throw it in the mines to be used air. While the drone is in the air, the user can monitor it via a laptop. either on a quarterly
or monthly basis just to make sure their planning is on time and their blasting makes sense,” he says. “Owning the equipment gives you the control over your data collection schedules; you fly when you need it, which is a huge advantage.”
Flying the drone
The small drones used for the mining industry run on rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries. Depending on the size of the drone, they can last from 20 minutes to four or more hours in the air. Before a flight, drones are programmed for each route and then hand-thrown into the air to fly and land autonomously. While flying, they are monitored from the ground by an operator via a laptop who can communicate with them and bring them back at any time if they get into trouble. “When you plan a drone survey, you want to be in the centre of the area so you don’t spend the 40 minutes going to and from a launch site,” says Fage, adding drones can’t be used to cover vast areas. “Our drone can produce up to 40 square kilometres of highly detailed imagery per day. We have eight batteries, so the drone goes out for 40 minutes, comes back, we change the battery and send it out again. That’s how we image a large area, by throwing it up again and again. We also take a portable charger and by the time we’ve used the last battery, the first one is charged, so it’s never an issue.”
Change is in the air
Transport Canada does have regulations on drones, which it is loosening over time. Under the current rules, drone operators need to be trained in Canadian Aviation Regulations rules and require the equivalent of a private pilot’s licence. “The manufacturer may or may not provide the training,” says Dionne. “In our case we provide a day for the UAV unit and software plus two days with a certified flight instructor (CFI) to cover the minimal requirements for UAV pilots operating [drones] less than 25 kilograms. We ensure future pilots are operating comfortably within the rules set out by Transport Canada.” Without applying for an exemption, Transport Canada does not allow drones to be flown within nine km of an airport, heliport or aerodrome. It also forbids operators from flying UAVs more than 90 metres above the ground or out of the line of sight of the user. At the end of December, Transport Canada relaxed some regulations for drones weighing less than 2.1 kilograms by cutting its requirement for a Special Flight Operations Certificate and detailed information for each flight. Besides regulations, the only other significant restriction drones face is the weather. High winds pose a problem for lighter UAVs, but they can typically fly February/Février 2015 | 59
Courtesy of GroundTruth Exploration
in winds up to about 45 km per hour and temperatures above minus 15 or minus 20 degrees Celsius. “Most days the weather is not a problem,” says Long.
Into the future
As drones become more prevalent in the mining industry, innovative new uses for them are inevitable. Fage says he believes, for example, that because drone imagery is so detailed it could be used as a trust-building tool when dealing with environmental or First Nations groups by creating time-stamped 3D images of the land pre-development right through to post-development. Whether companies hire a drone consultant or purchase their own equipment, drones seem to be one of those rare products where cost savings and higher quality information go hand in hand. Yet they are still one of the best kept secrets in the industry. “I work for a pretty large company and have been in the business for more than 30 years and until July, I had never heard about using drones for mining,” says Marek, who is eager to spread the word. This coming March, he will be
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Operators can equip drones with digital cameras that take hundreds of close-up photographs that the drone manufacturer’s software then converts into high-resolution 3D imagery.
presenting a seminar on drone surveys at one of his company’s conferences, hoping his American colleagues will lobby to have drone use allowed in their country. CIM
Preliminary Program Programme préliminaire
MAY 10–13, 2015 | PALAIS DES CONGRÈS DE MONTRÉAL | 10 AU 13 MAI 2015
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New Dimensions | Nouvelles dimensions
Orlando G. Cerocchi
Welcome to ~ Bienvenue à
“New Dimensions” is the theme that will drive topics of discussion at the upcoming 2015 CIM Convention taking place in Montreal from May 10 to 13, 2015. In addition to a rigorous technical program, mining will be examined through the lens of employment, innovation, leadership, management, and more. More than 6,000 mining industry professionals are expected to take in the events at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. CIM’s commitment to engage and give a voice to the full range of technical, business and corporate social responsibility players in this industry makes it a catalyst in a landscape where innovation is the fruit of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By 2020 the mining industry will require more than 140,000 new workers. Many of these jobs will be skilled positions offering real career advancement for qualified workers from all walks of life. Fostering effective discussions now will help us ensure that traditionally under-represented communities such as aboriginals, women and immigrants can take advantage of the opportunities. The Technical Program will feature wide-ranging topics including an examination of innovation in the mining industry, issues in mining and ethics, environmental paradigms, 3D modelling for resource estimation, geochemistry, the business case, and engineering challenges around planetary mining. With the CIM International portfolio growing strategically, the West Africa stream will be of interest to all in attendance, as well. The Expo! will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary. Sold out again this year, it will host nearly 500 exhibiting companies, featuring the latest in mining equipment, tools, technologies and services. The Expo! is Canada’s mining marketplace. M4S, CIM’s education outreach initiative, will help increase visitors’ knowledge of the mining cycle. Teachers, students and the general public are always surprised at how mining impacts their daily lives. Peppered throughout the three days will be a cornucopia of receptions, events and social programs, providing valuable networking opportunities and the chance to experience what makes Montreal one of North America’s most intriguing cities. We would also like to thank the committed cohort of volunteers who make the CIM Convention possible. We look forward to seeing you all in Montreal.
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Sean Waller CIM President 2014–15
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ORGANIZING COMMITTEE COMITÉ ORGANISATEUR C’est sur le thème « Nouvelles dimensions » que s’orienteront les discussions lors du congrès de l’ICM 2015, qui se tiendra du 10 au 13 mai prochain à Montréal. En plus d’un programme technique rigoureux, le congrès étudiera l’exploitation minière du point de vue de l’emploi, de l’innovation, du leadership, de la gestion et bien plus encore. Plus de 6 000 professionnels de l’industrie sont attendus à ces événements qui auront lieu au Palais des congrès de Montréal. L’engagement de l’ICM à impliquer et à donner la parole à tout un éventail d’acteurs des sphères technique, économique et de la responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE) dans l’industrie minière en fait un catalyseur dans un contexte où l’innovation est le fruit de la collaboration interdisciplinaire. D’ici 2020, l’industrie minière aura besoin de plus de 140 000 nouveaux travailleurs. Nombre de ces emplois concerneront des postes de haute spécialisation qui offriront de véritables perspectives d’avancement professionnel aux travailleurs qualifiés de tous les milieux. Les discussions assureront aux communautés généralement sous-représentées telles que les autochtones, les femmes et les immigrants qu’elles puissent également profiter de ces avantages. Le programme technique comprendra des thèmes variés, notamment un examen de l’innovation dans l’industrie minière, des questions relatives à l’exploitation minière et l’éthique, les paradigmes environnementaux, la modélisation en 3D pour l’estimation des ressources, la géochimie, les arguments commerciaux et les enjeux techniques entourant l’exploitation minière à l’échelle planétaire. Le portefeuille international de l’ICM se développe de manière stratégique, aussi le thème consacré à l’Afrique de l’ouest présentera un grand intérêt pour tous les participants. L’Expo! célèbrera son 32e anniversaire. Cet événement, qui affiche complet cette année encore, accueillera près de 500 sociétés exposantes qui présenteront les tous derniers équipements, outils, technologies et services du secteur. L’Expo ! est le marché canadien de l’exploitation minière. Le salon M4S, l’initiative de l’ICM dédiée à l’éducation du public, contribuera à approfondir les connaissances qu’ont les visiteurs du cycle minier. Les enseignants, les étudiants et le grand public sont souvent surpris de l’impact de l’exploitation minière sur leur vie quotidienne. Tout au long de ces trois jours se tiendront une série de réceptions, d’événements et de programmes sociaux qui donneront aux participants la possibilité d’établir des contacts et de comprendre ce qui fait de Montréal l’une des villes les plus surprenantes d’Amérique du Nord. Nous souhaitons également remercier la cohorte engagée de volontaires qui rendent possible l’organisation de ce congrès de l’ICM.
Hani Mitri Président général du congrès
Jon Benjamin Photography
Jon Benjamin Photography
Nous sommes impatients de tous vous voir à Montréal.
Sean Waller Président de l’ICM 2014–2015
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CIM President | Président de l’ICM Sean Waller CIM Executive Director | Directeur exécutif de l’ICM Jean Vavrek Convention General Chair | Président général du congrès Hani Mitri Plenary Chair | Président de la séance Jean Vavrek Sponsorship | Commandites Sean Waller, Jean Vavrek, Hani Mitri, Virginia Flood, Garth Kirkham Technical Program | Programme technique Hani Mitri Technical Program Track Chairs | Présidents des thèmes techniques Innovation – Present and Future | Innovation, présent et avenir Engin Ozberk Maintenance Engineering/Underground Mining | Ingénierie de maintenance/Exploitation minière souterraine Martin Provencher, Mustafa Kumral, Agus Sasmito, Donna Beneteau, Eric Hinton Environmental Paradigms | Tendances environnementales David Forrester West Africa | Afrique de l’Ouest Oumar Toguyeni, Jean Vavrek Operational Excellence/Explosives and Blasting | Excellence opérationnelle/Explosifs et dynamitage J. Winston Forde Geology | Géologie Jason Dunning, Serge Perreault Women in Mining | Les femmes en exploitation minière Heather Ednie, Angelina Mehta Ethics in Mining | Éthique dans l’industrie minière Wesley Cragg Management & Finance Day | Journée gestion et finance Lawrence D. Smith, Jane Spooner Iron Ore Symposium | Symposium sur le minerai de fer Guy Saucier, Serge Perreault, Daniel Gagnon Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium (PTMSS) | Symposium sur les sciences minières planétaires et terrestres Sherry Schmidt Student Program | Programme étudiant Mustafa Kumral Workshops | Ateliers Jeffrey Cassoff M4S Show Danny Bernard, Lucie Vincent (M4S Coordinator) The Expo! & CIM Job Fair | L’Expo! et la foire de l’emploi de l’ICM Martin Bell (Sales and Trade Show Manager), Nadia Bakka (Trade Show & Marketing Coordinator) Convention Coordinator | Coordonnatrice de congrès Chantal Murphy Registration & Customer Care Coordinator | Coordonnatrice des inscriptions et du service Carol Lee Technical Content Coordinator | Coordonnatrice de contenu technique Janet Sandor Director of Conventions and Trade Shows | Directrice des congrès et salons commerciaux Lise Bujold February/Février 2015 | 63
WORKSHOPS | ATELIERS Workshops are given in English. Les ateliers sont présentés en anglais.
OVERVIEW OF RESOURCES ESTIMATION FROM DATA COLLECTION TO MODEL VALIDATION
SUNDAY, MAY 10 | DIMANCHE LE 10 MAI
A significant risk to proper valuation of a mining project is associated with data collection, geological interpretation and resource estimation methodology. This workshop presents a thorough overview of resource estimation from data collection to estimated resource model validation. We will discuss the sources of uncertainty and risk in mineral deposit modelling and how to mitigate them with good governance and quality management. The resource estimation steps are then covered one at a time, from data collection and importance of good QA/QC to estimation methods such as nearest neighbour, inverse distance to some power, and ordinary kriging; precision of estimation; estimated model validation; and classification.
NEW GUIDANCE TO THE NEW RULES UNDER NI 43-101 The new rules under NI 43-101 took effect on June 30, 2011, and since then the Canadian Securities Regulators have published a series of staff notices on how the mining industry is adopting these rules. Unfortunately, many noncompliant technical reports have been filed since the new rules took effect, particularly for technical reports prepared on advanced mineral projects. We will review the common issues of non-compliance identified by the Canadian Securities Commission and provide suggestions on how to prepare mining technical disclosure documents in compliance with current Canadian and U.S. mining disclosure standards. Examples of retracted and clarified disclosure will be used to illustrate specific compliance issues.
Facilitators: Greg Gosson, Technical Director of Geology & Compliance, AMEC; Stella Searston, Principal Geologist, Amec Foster Wheeler | Time: 8:00-16:30
Facilitator: Georges Verly, PhD, P.Eng., Chief Geostatistician, Amec Foster Wheeler | Time: 8:00-16:30
ANTI-CORRUPTION TOOLS & RESOURCES FOR CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Corruption was a key topic at the G8 summit in June 2013. With recent amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA), convictions under CFPOA, and
THE CIM MINING MARKETPLACE Montréal, QC | May 10-12, 2015
EXPLORE WHAT OVER
New Dimensions = New Opportunities
500 EXHIBITORS HAVE TO OFFER. Look for The Expo! Guide in the March issue of CIM Magazine! SEE WHO’S EXHIBITING:
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impending regulations on revenue transparency in the extractive industry, it continues to resonate with the Canadian government. We will examine the tools available to foster a corporate culture of responsibility and ethical business practices. Looking at the experience and materials developed by Transparency International (TI) and recent convictions under the CFPOA, expert facilitators and presenters will review anti-corruption global events related to the extractive industry and explain strategies and practices that companies can implement to ensure compliance, even in high-risk locations.
legal, social and management aspects of tailings facilities in Canada. The workshop will identify the challenges and roadblocks with tailings basin site, design, construction, operation and closure from regulatory, corporate social responsibility, site operational level, consultancy, and First Nations and community perspectives. Speakers will be asked to identify lessons learned, gaps and technical and management approaches to identify opportunities for improvement. Active participation and open discussion among the panel and the workshop attendees will be encouraged.
Facilitator: Rick Siwik, President, Siwik Consulting Inc. | Reporter: Jack Caldwell, Robertson Geoconsultants Inc. | Speakers: Heather Narynski, Senior Geotechnical Inspector, Ministry of Energy and Mines, British Columbia; Peter Brady, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault; Rick Meyers, Vice-President, Technical and Northern Affairs, Mining Association of Canada; Andy Small, M.Sc. P.Eng., AMEC Environment and Infrastructure; Janice Zinck, Manager, Green Mining Research-Environment and Processing, Natural Resources Canada; Serge Delisle, Program Leader, Energy, Mining and Environment, National Resources Council; Alan Young, Director, Materials Efficiency Research Group (MERG); Michael Davies, Vice-President, Teck Resources Limited; and P. Jerry Asp, Vice-President, Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association | Time: 8:30-16:30
Facilitators: Joseph Ringwald, President and CEO, Selwyn Resources; Peter Dent, Partner, Deloitte Forensic; Martin Mueller, Chief Compliance Counsel, Nexen Inc. | Time: 8:00-16:30
SAFE MINE BACKFILL OPERATING PRACTICES Based on a 2010 study by the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University and Workplace Safety North (WSN), this workshop will introduce the latest advances in the preparation, transportation and placement of backfill in operating mines, and present an overview of safe backfilling practices at mining operations. Eleven mines responded to a detailed questionnaire concerning their backfill practices; the researchers conducted site visits at all participating mines. The study included both hydraulic (slurry) and paste fill operations, with approximately two-thirds of these operations being devoted to paste applications. WSN and Queen’s University subsequently prepared a 56-page manual and video on Safe Backfill Operating Practices. The workshop will also discuss the findings of a second comprehensive survey, directed at backfill economics, conducted by Queen’s University in 2014.
Facilitators: Dr. Euler De Souza, Associate Professor, Robert Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University; Dr. James Archibald, Professor, Robert Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University; and Luc Beauchamp, Senior Ground Control Specialist, Workplace Safety North | Time: 8:30-16:30
MINING 101 – AN INTRODUCTION TO MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING Mining 101 is an introduction to mining and mineral processing using basic concepts and many relevant and current examples. It consists of five parts: • • • • •
The activities of a mining company Geological concepts Mineral resources estimation and reporting Open pit and underground mining Mineral processing
Facilitator: George McIsaac, Geology & Mining Evaluation Consulting, G-MEC | Time: 8:30-12:30
STATE OF PRACTICE IN TAILINGS MANAGEMENT The 1994 failure of the Omai tailings dam in Guyana prompted the Canadian mining industry to question whether that event could happen in Canada. It began working with the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and the Canadian Dam Safety Association (CDSA). By 1997, the CDSA updated its dam safety guidelines to include tailings. More documentation and updates followed from MAC. In 2014 the Canadian Dam Association (formerly CDSA) introduced a technical bulletin related to dam safety guidelines on mining dams. In light of the Mount Polley incident, this workshop will focus on lessons to be learned with respect to the technical,
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STUDENT PROGRAM | PROGRAMME ÉTUDIANT The 2015 CIM Convention in Montreal is the ultimate professional networking opportunity. Student registration gives you the same access as a full delegate package, complete technical program; CIM Plenary; free online access to the papers and presentations after the conference; The Expo!; CIM Job Fair; CIM Opening Reception; Monday lunch at the Expo!; CIM StudentIndustry Luncheon on Tuesday; and Joy Global Gala. Le Congrès de l’ICM Montréal 2015 sera l’occasion idéale de tisser des liens avec vos pairs et les professionnels de votre milieu, de même qu’avec les dirigeants de l’industrie minière. L’inscription à titre d’étudiant comprend l’accès à toutes les activités offertes aux congressistes : programme technique complet ; accès complet et gratuit à tous les articles et à toutes les présentations après le congrès ; l’Expo! ; foire de l’emploi de l’ICM ; séance plénière de l’ICM ; réception inaugurale de l’ICM ; lunch du lundi à l’Expo! ; lunch-réseautage Étudiants-Industrie, le mardi ; gala Joy Global
MONDAY, MAY 11 & TUESDAY, MAY 12 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI ET LE MARDI 12 MAI STUDENT POSTER COMPETITION | CONCOURS D’AFFICHES D’ÉTUDIANTS Showcase your talents to leading mining industry professionals. Put your best foot forward and submit an abstract online, before March 8, 2015, on topics ranging from geology and mining to processing and sustainability. And there is more! Proposez votre curriculum vitae en ligne avant le 8 mars 2015 et profitez de cette occasion parfaite pour mettre en valeur vos talents auprès des professionnels et dirigeants de l’industrie minière sur un large éventail de sujets, de la géologie et des mines au traitement et à la durabilité.
10:00-17:00 | At the Expo! | À l’Expo!
TUESDAY, MAY 12 | LE MARDI 12 MAI MOCK INTERVIEW SESSION | PRATIQUES D’ENTREVUE This session is designed to help you improve your interview skills. Learn how to anticipate and answer difficult questions, improve your communication skills and manage stress. Cette activité vise à vous préparer à répondre aux questions difficiles d’entrevues, à contourner les pièges, à améliorer vos aptitudes à communiquer et à gérer votre stress.
8:00-10:00 | By appointment | Sur rendez-vous : rpillo@cim.org
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS | TABLES RONDES The CIM Round Table Event is the ideal place for students and graduates to engage with industry leaders from a broad range of sectors in a more intimate setting. Here is your chance to ask the questions that matter … and get some answers. Cette activité est le lieu idéal pour les étudiants et diplômés souhaitant discuter avec des leaders de l’industrie de sujets variés dans un environnement plus intime. Voici l’occasion de poser des questions clés…et obtenir des réponses.
10:00-12:00 | Salon 512E
STUDENT-INDUSTRY LUNCHEON | LUNCH ÉTUDIANTS-INDUSTRIE The Student-Industry Luncheon seats students next to mining professionals, affording you the opportunity to make that all-important contact that can propel your career. Practice your networking skills by engaging with future employers and potential mentors in this select and professional networking environment. Prizes will be awarded to poster competition winners. Le lunch Étudiants-Industrie est l’occasion parfaite pour les étudiants de rencontrer les chefs de file de l’industrie et d’établir des contacts indispensables. Soyez présents, faitesvous remarquer ! Les prix seront remis aux gagnants du concours d’affiches.
12:00-14:00 | Salon 511F
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MINING, MINERALS, METALS AND MATERIALS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM | LE SALON ÉDUCATIF SUR LES MINES, MINÉRAUX, MÉTAUX ET MATÉRIAUX Monday to Wednesday, May 11 to 13 | Du lundi au mercredi, du 11 au 13 mai | 9:00-16:00 | Hall 210D Now in its 10th year, CIM’s educational outreach initiative, the M4S show, is expected to draw in more than 4,000 students, teachers and members of the general public over three days. M4S features eight interactive pavilions that explore a wide range of activities representing the full mining cycle: from exploration, mining and processing to product fabrication, safety, sustainability and education, and space and deep sea mining. M4S demonstrates the importance of the mining industry in our daily lives and showcases some of the exciting career opportunities. With an estimated 140,000 jobs to fill in the mining and minerals sector by the year 2020, educating and training the future workforce about the variety of professions related to the sector has become more important than ever. M4S is made possible through the collaboration, participation and generous support of numerous industry, academic and government exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers.
Dans sa 10e année d’existence, le très acclamé salon M4S reflète la totalité des activités minières dans le secteurs des mines, minéraux, métaux et matériaux. Prêt à accueillir près de 4 000 étudiants et leurs enseignants, le salon M4S proposera une multitude d’activités interactives portant sur l’exploration et l’exploitation minière – tant sur terre que dans l’espace et les fonds marins, la transformation, la fabrication de produits, le développement durable et l’éducation. Avec plus de 140 000 postes à pourvoir avant l’an 2020, informer et éduquer la génération des potentiels joueurs du monde minier de demain est au centre de nos priorités. Le salon M4S est réalisable grâce aux efforts collectifs déployés par l’industrie, les exposants du secteur, du monde de l’éducation et du gouvernement. L’Institut, ses commanditaires et ses bénévoles vous invitent à visiter M4S, à le promouvoir et vous impliquer !
www.m4society.org
Ayant pour mission de sensibiliser le public sur l’impact de l’exploitation minière dans la vie de tous les jours, ce salon promet une immersion pour les néophytes dans l’univers méconnu des mines.
Lucie Vincent, M4S Coordinator | Coordonnatrice M4S : lvincent@cim.org
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SOCIAL PROGRAM | PROGRAMME SOCIAL A myriad of social activities has been planned to maximize your networking opportunities and make your convention memorable. Reserve your tickets early!
Un éventail d’activités sociales a été prévu afin de maximiser vos occasions de réseautage et de rendre votre congrès inoubliable. Réservez vos billets tôt !
SUNDAY, MAY 10 | LE DIMANCHE 10 MAI OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME RECEPTION | CÉRÉMONIE D’OUVERTURE ET RÉCEPTION DE BIENVENUE For the first time, other CIM societies have joined forces with CIM’s Surface Mining and Underground Mining societies in sponsoring the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception that brings all convention participants together to benefit from meeting the welcoming speakers, enjoying the entertainment and mingling with a drink in hand. Gifts are up for grabs so be sure to bring extra business cards to enter the draws. These and other societies already form solid bases of technical program content. Come celebrate the industry with these volunteers, all committed to your area of expertise and cause!
Les sociétés de l’ICM volent la vedette ! Pour la première fois, d’autres sociétés de l’ICM ont rejoint les sociétés d’exploitation minière à ciel ouvert et d’exploitation minière souterraine pour promouvoir la cérémonie d’ouverture et la réception de bienvenue du congrès. Tous les participants auront l’occasion d’y rencontrer les intervenants prononçant le discours de bienvenue et de se mêler aux autres invités tout en dégustant un verre. Venez célébrer avec ces bénévoles, tous dévoués à votre spécialité minière et votre cause.
16:00-20:00 | Ceremony in Viger Hall Foyer prior to reception at the Expo! | Cérémonie dans le foyer Viger avec la réception à l’Expo! | Included in the registration fee | Inclus dans l’inscription
RES-SMR
Rock Engineering Society Société de Mécanique des Roches
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MONDAY, MAY 11 & TUESDAY, MAY 12 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI ET LE MARDI 12 MAI NETWORKING AT THE EXPO! | RÉSEAUTAGE À L’EXPO! Lunch and cocktail receptions at the Expo! will take place from 12:00 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 17:00. Lunch and one drink ticket per day are included with each delegate registration. Les lunchs et réceptions auront lieu à l’Expo! de 12 h à 14 h et de 15 h 30 à 17 h. Un billet de lunch et un billet donnant droit à une consommation durant la réception sont inclus par jour par délégué inscrit.
MONDAY, MAY 11 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI CIM AWARDS GALA | GALA DE L’ICM The CIM Awards Gala celebrates the leaders of the Canadian mining industry. This evening, co-hosted by Erin Cebula of Entertainment Tonight Canada West Coast and Natasha Gargiulo of ET Canada, features a sumptuous dinner, and the stand-up comedy of Canada’s one and only Sugar Sammy – the phenomenal sugar and spice sensation. You’re gonna rire!
KNOWLEDGE BREAKFAST | PETIT DÉJEUNER DE CONNAISSANCES Monday, May 11 | Le lundi 11 mai | 7:30-8:30 | Salon 512E | $40
LEADERSHIP IS THE NEW SAFETY Not so long ago we talked about safety, but measured and rewarded production took precedence. Over time safety became an important best practice benchmark. We now talk about leadership, but less than one-third of organizations feel they have effective leadership programs. For our Knowledge Breakfast, Rosie Steeves, President of Executive Works, discusses how leadership is not merely a “feel-good” metric but a significant contributor to the bottom line.
LE LEADERSHIP RIME AVEC SÉCURITÉ Il n’y a pas si longtemps, nous parlions de sécurité, sans mesure de qualité, mais en récompensant la production. Au fil du temps, la sécurité est devenue une référence importante. On parle désormais de leadership, mais moins d’un tiers des organisations estiment qu’elles ont des programmes de leadership efficaces. Lors de ce petit déjeuner de connaissances, Rosie Steeves, présidente d’Executive Works, expliquera comment le leadership n’est pas seulement une mesure de satisfaction, mais un contributeur important aux objectifs de sécurité.
Le Gala de l’ICM fête les grands chefs de file d’hier et d’aujourd’hui de l’industrie minière canadienne. À la demande générale, Erin Cebula, la correspondante d’Entertainment Tonight Canada (ETC) pour la côte Ouest, et la co-animatrice Natasha Gargiulo, correspondante d’ETC pour la côte Est, sont de retour pour faire ce qu’elles font le mieux – animer votre soirée ! Comme divertissement cette année, nous vous offrons le bonhomme qui sent les épices…le sensationnel, le seul et unique Sugar Sammy. You’re gonna rire !
Reception | Réception: 18:00; Gala: 19:00 | Salon 710 | $175
Gala Sponsor
Reception | Réception Sponsor
TUESDAY, MAY 12 | MARDI LE 12 MAI WOMEN IN MINING RECEPTION | RÉCEPTION DES FEMMES EN EXPLOITATION MINIÈRE Women in Mining Montréal is partnering with the 2015 CIM Convention to host the Women in Mining & VIP Reception. Enjoy a cocktail and get to know a diverse group of industry professionals who gather to promote and celebrate the important leadership roles women are increasingly playing in our industry. Tenu conjointement avec la réception VIP, ce rassemblement fournira une excellente occasion de réseautage pour les femmes dans l’industrie, et nos invités VIP. Joignez-vous à vos pairs de partout au Canada pour souligner les rôles clés et de plus en plus importants que jouent les femmes dans notre industrie.
17:00-19:00 | Salon 511B | $35
VIP RECEPTION | RÉCEPTION VIP Senior industry leaders and contributors and invited guests will gather for a high-powered networking session where their contribution to the industry is the underlying theme. Held in conjunction with the Women in Mining reception, this event is a unique opportunity to connect with decisionmakers from across Canada. Tenu conjointement avec la Réception des femmes en exploitation minière, ce rassemblement est une excellente occasion de réseautage pour les invités VIP de l’ICM et le groupe des Femmes en exploitation minière et leurs invités. Connectez avec les principaux décideurs de partout à travers le Canada et laissez l’ICM exprimer sa reconnaissance pour votre précieuse contribution.
17:00-19:00 | Salon 511B | By invitation
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JOY GLOBAL GALA | GALA JOY GLOBAL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 | LE MERCREDI 13 MAI
Get ready for an evening of non-stop entertainment. The Joy Global Gala features live music, delectable finger foods and refreshments. This event closes the social program with a bang – literally!
MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE DAY & CLOSING LUNCH | JOURNÉE GESTION ET FINANCES ET LUNCH DE CLÔTURE
Ouvert à tous les congressistes, le Gala Joy Global s’annonce comme l’événement festif de l’année dans le domaine minier : piste de danse, musiciens sur place, savoureux buffet et ambiance de fête jusqu’au petit matin. C’est à ne pas manquer !
20:00-24:00 | Salon 710 | Included in the delegate and exhibitor registrations | Inclus dans les frais d’inscription des congressistes
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The Closing Lunch is a project of the Management and Financing Day. CIM and the Management and Economics Society are pleased to present the most up-to-date views on strategic issues around cost and financing in the mining industry. In addition, attendees will have the pleasure of hearing keynote speaker Richard Ross, Inmet Chair at the Schulich School of Business and Program Director for the Global Mining Management MBA.
Le lunch de clôture fait partie intégrante de la Journée gestion et finances. L’ICM et la société de la gestion et de l’économie minérale sont fiers de présenter les données et les visions les plus actuelles portant sur les coûts et les questions stratégiques dans l’industrie minière. De plus, les participants auront le plaisir d’assister à la présentation de Richard Ross, président d’Inmet, Schulich School of Business et directeur du programme Global Mining Management MBA. 12:00-14:00 | Salon 511B | Day program and Lunch / Programme de la journée et lunch: $375 | Lunch only for registered convention delegates / Lunch pour délégués du congrès: $75
SPECIAL SESSION | SESSION SPÉCIALE Extractive Sector Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Session
Dialogue multipartite du secteur extractif
CIM’s Environmental & Social Responsibility Society, in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence in CSR, launched the Extractive Sector Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Series in Toronto at the 2013 CIM Convention. Dialogue sessions followed in Montreal at the World Mining Congress in August 2013, in Quebec City at Québec Mines in November 2013, and in Vancouver at the 2014 CIM Convention.
La Société de responsabilité sociale et environnementale de l’ICM, en collaboration avec le Centre d’excellence en responsabilité sociale des entreprises, a inauguré le dialogue multipartite du secteur extractif lors du Congrès de l’ICM 2013 à Toronto. Des dialogues ont suivi à Montréal dans le cadre du Congrès minier mondial au mois d’août 2013, à Québec dans le cadre de Québec Mines au mois de novembre 2013 et au Congrès annuel de l’ICM 2014 à Vancouver.
To ensure diversity, registered participants are assigned to specific round tables where they will engage in facilitated round table discussions under the Chatham House Rule and in an informal “world café” format. They will engage in a first dialogue on mutual values to build a constructive basis. A second dialogue will focus on key concerns and challenges facing the extractive sector and all stakeholders. Facilitators assigned to each table will then share results with the group.
Afin d’assurer une diversité à chaque table, les participants inscrits seront assignés aux différentes tables. Ils tiendront d’abord un dialogue portant sur les valeurs communes afin d’établir les bases d’un véritable dialogue selon la règle de Chatham House. Par la suite, chaque table discutera d’un enjeu spécifique du secteur de l’extraction. Un modérateur sera désigné à chaque table et recueillera les résultats des discussions de sa table et les fera connaître à l’ensemble des participants.
Wednesday, May 13 | Le mercredi 13 mai | 8:30-12:00 | Salon 514B Free (registrations accepted until May 1) | Gratuit (date limite d’inscription : 1er mai)
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THE EXPO!...CANADA’S MINING MARKETPLACE | L’EXPO! ... LE CARREFOUR DES AFFAIRES The CIM Expo!, Canada’s premier mining show, features nearly 500 companies showcasing the latest in mining equipment, tools, technology and products. Do you have an interesting story to share, or an innovative product or service that you want the industry to know about? Stop by the CIM Magazine Lounge to chat with one of our editors or a member of our advertising sales team. Lunch and cocktail receptions will be held in the Expo! on Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12, at 12:00 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 17:00. Lunch and one drink ticket are included with delegate registration. Check out our exhibitors’ list online and in the preliminary Expo! Guide in the March/April issue of CIM Magazine.
Près de 500 entreprises présenteront leurs produits, équipements, outils, technologies et services les plus actuels destinés au secteur minier. Vous avez une histoire intéressante à partager, ou un produit ou service innovant que vous voulez faire connaître à l’industrie ? Arrêtez-vous au stand du CIM Magazine à l’exposition et discutez avec un de nos rédacteurs ou représentants publicitaires. Les lunchs et les réceptions auront lieu à l’Expo! le lundi 11 mai et le mardi 12 mai, de 12 h à 14 h et de 15 h 30 à 17 h. Un billet de lunch et un billet donnant droit à une consommation durant la réception sont inclus par jour par délégué inscrit. Consultez la liste de nos exposants en ligne et le guide préliminaire de l’Expo! dans le prochain numéro du CIM Magazine.
CIM JOB FAIR | SALON DE L’EMPLOI Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12 | Le lundi 11 mai et le mardi 12 mai
Vous commencez votre carrière ou souhaitez la réorienter ? Des représentants de neuf entreprises qui prévoient embaucher accepteront votre curriculum vitae. Soyez préparé et démarquez-vous parmi les candidats présents.
Exhibitors | Exposants Brunel • Cameco Corporation • Detour Gold • Goldcorp • Suncor Energy Inc. • Syncrude Canada Ltd. • Teck Resources Ltd. • The Mosaic Company
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Whether you are just starting your career or looking to make a change, representatives from nine national and international companies looking to hire will be available for discussions. Come prepared with your resumés and make sure you stand out to them.
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Credit : © Tourisme Montréal, Pierre-Luc Dufour
Zoe Koulouris
Credit : © Michel Tremblay
Credit : © MTTQ / Linda Turgeon
GUEST PROGRAM | PROGRAMME DES INVITÉS CITY TOUR OF MONTREAL | TOUR DE LA VILLE DE MONTRÉAL
and Expo ’67 influenced what we eat. Includes foodie guide, tastings, taxes and gratuities.
This exciting tour will introduce you to various parts of the city that make Montreal the Paris of North America. You will have the chance to see how culturally diverse Montreal is, as well as visit landmarks and new developments that are the key to making Montreal such a unique and wonderful city. See Montreal’s Underground City, the Plateau MontRoyal, one of the top four “hippest” neighbourhoods in North America, and take in the view from the top of Mount Royal. Includes transportation, guide, taxes and gratuities. Découvrez les secteurs de la ville qui la rendent si unique grâce à son héritage biculturel et son mélange d’ancien et de moderne dans le cadre de ce grand tour d’horizon de la ville. Visitez le Plateau Mont-Royal, ce quartier très populaire auprès de la clientèle huppée, avec ses escaliers en spirales, ses corniches ornementées et son architecture distincte. Ce tour inclut un arrêt au sommet du parc MontRoyal pour admirer le panorama sur la ville et comprend le transport par autobus, un guide, les taxes et le service.
Sunday, May 10 / Le dimanche 10 mai | 9:00-12:00 | Departure / Départ: Palais des congrès de Montréal | $60
FLAVOURS AND AROMAS OF OLD MONTREAL | SAVEURS ET ARÔMES DU VIEUX-MONTRÉAL This walk will make you discover the culinary, cultural and historical charms of the oldest district of Montreal. In narrow, cobblestone streets, housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, some of our finest food boutiques open their doors and invite you in to taste their delicacies. Understand how nuns, our aboriginal population
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Cette balade vous fait découvrir de façon délicieuse les charmes culinaires, culturels et historiques du plus ancien quartier de Montréal. Au détour des rues étroites, on vous entraîne à l’intérieur de boutiques pour déguster des créations culinaires, en compagnie d’un guide qui vous nourrit de ses commentaires historiques et gastronomiques tout au long de votre parcours. On vous entretiendra entre autres de l’influence de la culture amérindienne sur notre façon de manger, de l’histoire des religieuses et des bonnes manières, de l’Expo 67 et ses explosions de saveurs. La balade inclut un guide à pied, dégustations, les taxes et le service.
Sunday, May 10 / Le dimanche 10 mai | 13:30-16:00 | Departure / Départ: Palais des congrès de Montréal | $70
GRÉVIN MUSEUM AND LUNCH AT LA GUILDE CULINAIRE | MUSÉE GRÉVIN ET DÉJEUNER À LA GUILDE CULINAIRE Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Grévin Museum, mirroring Madame Tussaud’s™, opened in 2013 and displays more than 120 wax figures of personalities who have made their mark on Canadian, Quebec and French histories. You will be amazed by the resemblance of some of the famous people you will “meet.” Bring your camera. A three-course lunch at La Guilde Culinaire, a well-known culinary school, will follow. Be ready to get involved with the cooking! Includes transportation, guide, admission fees, a three-course luncheon, a glass of wine, taxes and gratuities.
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L’art du vrai-semblant, c’est ce que vous offre le musée Grévin avec plus de 120 personnalités reproduites en cire. Ce musée inauguré en 2013 est la toute dernière attraction à Montréal à vous présenter des personnalités qui ont marqué l’histoire du Canada, du Québec et de la France. Vous serez surpris par la ressemblance de certaines personnes très connues que vous « rencontrerez. » N’oubliez pas votre caméra pour prendre des photos mémorables. Suivra un déjeuner trois services à La Guilde Culinaire, une école de cuisine réputée de Montréal où vous serez appelé à mettre la main à la pâte. Comprenant : transport, guide, admission aux activités, repas trois services, verre de vin, taxes et service.
Monday, May 11 / Le lundi 11 mai | 9:30-15:30 | Departure / Départ: Palais des congrès de Montréal | $180
A DAY IN THE COUNTRY & TRADITIONAL SUGAR SHACK | JOURNÉE CHAMPÊTRE ET CABANE À SUCRE TRADITIONNELLE Our day will start with a visit to the magnificent 200 year old Tresler House in Dorion, a listed building. Near the lake, its landscaping creates a natural, traditional setting and the interior design and sumptuous furnishings remain true to an ancestral tradition. Lunch will be at a traditional sugar shack. In Quebec, the sugaring-off party is a hearty, typically French Canadian celebration. An event that dates back to pioneer days, it celebrates the end of a hard winter and maple syrup. The hosts have recreated the bygone days, with rural buildings made of authentic barn timbers and outfitted with fieldstone ovens. This establishment was singled out by the New York Times food editors for its typical decor and the quality of its sugar time feast. Experience Québécois folklore at its best! Includes transportation, guide, admission fees, traditional meal and glass of Caribou, taxes and gratuities. Notre journée débutera avec la visite de la magnifique Maison Tresler (200 ans) située à Dorion et classée monument historique de par son histoire et son architecture remarquable. Sise sur le bord du lac des Deux Montagnes, son aménagement paysager naturel, son style canadien-français et sa superficie, sa décoration intérieure et ses meubles somptueux sont exceptionnels. Par la suite, nous déjeunerons dans une cabane à sucre traditionnelle, située à Rigaud, en pleine forêt. Le repas sera composé de mets typiques québécois servis lors de nos sorties à la cabane à sucre, tradition canadiennefrançaise qui date du temps des pionniers qui célébraient la fin du dur hiver. Vos hôtes ont reconstitué l’authenticité d’un site rural typique. Cet établissement a été cité par le New York Times pour son décor et sa nourriture. Vivez le folklore québécois à son meilleur ! Comprenant : transport, admission aux activités, mets traditionnels, verre de caribou, taxes et service.
Tuesday, May 12 / Le mardi 12 mai | 9:00-15:00 | Departure / Départ: Palais des congrès de Montréal | $135
FREE FOR CONVENTION DELEGATES | GRATUIT POUR LES DÉLÉGUES DU CONGRÈS Full-paying delegates to the CIM Convention benefit from all of the following: Reduced fee for all convention workshops Delegate tote bag including all convention materials Access to the technical presentations including: • Ethics in Mining Symposium • Iron Ore Symposium • PTMSS Symposium • Management & Finance Day (lunch is extra) Access to all technical program proceedings post-convention Access to the International Society of Rock Mechanics Congress (ISRM) for $150 Access to The Expo! and Job Fair Access to WiFi in all public spaces of the convention Internet access stations in The Expo! Mobile device charging station Finger foods and refreshments at The Expo! during the opening reception Refreshments at the Expo! during Monday and Tuesday cocktail receptions Lunch at The Expo! on Monday and Tuesday Visiting privileges for the M4S show on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials Access to the Joy Global Gala Les délégués du congrès de l’ICM bénéficient des avantages suivants : Tarif préférentiel sur tous les ateliers pendant le congrès Un fourre-tout par délégué incluant toute la documentation du congrès Accès aux séances techniques incluant : • Symposium sur l’éthique dans l’industrie minière • Symposium sur le minerai de fer • Symposium sur la science minière planétaire et terrestre (PTMSS) • Journée gestion et finances de l’industrie minérale (lunch en sus) Accès au congrès International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM) pour 150 $ Accès à toutes les présentations techniques du congrès sur www.cim.org Accès à l’Expo! Accès WiFi dans les aires publiques du congrès Accès à Internet dans la salle de l’Expo! Station de charge pour mobiles au foyer Hors-d’oeuvre et consommations dans la salle de l’Expo! lors de la soirée inaugurale Consommations dans la salle de l’Expo! lors des cocktails du lundi et du mardi Deux lunchs dans la salle de l’Expo! le lundi et le mardi Accès au salon public M4S sur les mines, les minéraux, les métaux et les matériaux Accès au Gala Joy Global
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INNOVATION – PRESENT AND FUTURE INNOVATION – PRÉSENT ET AVENIR
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ENVIRONMENTAL PARADIGMS TENDANCES ENVIRONNEMENTALES
WEST AFRICA/ MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE DAY L’AFRIQUE DE L’OUEST/ LA JOURNÉE GESTION ET FINANCE
“NEW DIMENSIONS” PLENARY – MODERATOR: JEAN LAPIERRE
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MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING/ UNDERGROUND MINING L’INGÉNIERIE DE MAINTENANCE / L’EXPLOITATION MINIÈRE SOUTERRAINE
Paradigm Shift: Towards Zero Waste in Mining (Forum) Faire évoluer les mentalités : Vers l’élimination complète des déchets dans le secteur minier
Deep Mine Cooling Refroidissement de l’air dans les mines profondes
ESRS Plenary – Responsible Mining Séance plénière de la SERS – Exploitation minière responsable
Genomics (Mining) La génomique (Exploitation minière)
Plenary – Does the Canadian Mining Industry Care for Innovation? Séance plénière – L’industrie minière canadienne se préoccupet-elle de l’innovation?
Predictive Maintenance L’entretien préventif
Permitting La délivrance des permis
Mining Projects in West Africa, Part 1 Projets miniers en Afrique de l’Ouest, Première partie
Collaboration for Innovation: RDI (Forum) La collaboration pour l'innovation : RDI
Merits of Early Maintenance Les avantages de l’entretien préventif
Best Practices in Tailings Management Pratiques exemplaires de gestion des résidus miniers
Mining Projects in West Africa, Part 2 Projets miniers en Afrique de l’Ouest, Deuxième partie
Standards and Guidelines: Building Blocks for Innovation Normes et lignes directrices : Les éléments constitutifs pour l'innovation
Energy Management in Underground Mines La gestion de l’énergie dans les mines souterraines
Management of Water and Tailings La gestion de l’eau et des résidus
Mining Investments in West Africa (Panel) Les investissements miniers en Afrique de l’Ouest (Groupe de discussion)
Innovative Education (Forum) L'éducation novatrice
Mine Safety, Part 1 Sécurité dans les mines, 1ère partie
Innovation: Present and Future (forum) Innovation : Présent et avenir
Mine Safety, Part 2 Sécurité dans les mines, 2ième partie
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Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Dialogue avec les multiples parties prenantes
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PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL PROGRAM GRILLE DU PROGRAMME TECHNIQUE
MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE DAY | JOURNÉE GESTION ET FINANCES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 | LE MERCREDI 13 MAI
TUESDAY, MAY 12 | LE MARDI 12 MAI
MONDAY, MAY 11 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
What are the Hidden Costs? Quels sont les coûts cachés?
Strategic Cost Issues Les enjeux stratégiques de la gestion des coûts
The Business Side of CSR L’aspect commercial de la RSE
Panel Discussion Groupe de discussion Closing Remarks Discours de clôture MES and ESRS Reception Réception de la SERS et l’ERS
VISIT CONVENTION.CIM.ORG REGULARLY FOR TECHNICAL PROGRAM UPDATES.
PROGRAMME TECHNIQUE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE/ EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING L’ EXCELLENCE OPÉRATIONNELLE/ LES EXPLOSIFS ET LE DYNAMITAGE
GEOLOGY & BEST PRACTICES GÉOLOGIE ET LES PRACTIQUES EXEMPLAIRES
WOMEN IN MINING/ ETHICS IN MINING SYMPOSIUM LES FEMMES EN EXPLOITATION MINIÈRE ET SYMPOSIUM SUR L’ÉTHIQUE DANS L’INDUSTRIE MINIÈRE
IRON ORE SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM SUR LE MINERAI DE FER
PLANETARY AND TERRESTRIAL MINING SCIENCES SYMPOSIUM (PTMSS) SYMPOSIUM SUR LES SCIENCES MINIÈRES PLANÉTAIRES ET TERRESTRES
PLÉNIÈRE “NOUVELLES DIMENSIONS” – MODÉRATEUR: JEAN LAPIERRE
Opening Remarks, Keynotes and Scholarship Allocution, discours et bourses d’études
Explosives and Blasting – Groundbreaking Advancements Les explosifs et le dynamitage – Percées novatrices
Target Generation Initiatives: GIS and Geospatial Data Integration for Targeting on Exploration Projects Initiatives de génération de données : SIG et intégration des données géospatiales visant à cibler des projets d’exploration
Ethics of Risk Assessment Éthique de l’évaluation des risques
New Project Developments Nouveaux projets de développement
Legal and Policy Aspects juridiques et politiques
Mines of the Future Les mines de l’avenir
Innovations in Geochemistry and QA/QC Les innovations géochimiques – AQ/CQ
Company-Community Agreements and FPIC Accords entre les entreprises et les communautés et le consentement libre, préalable et éclairé (CPLE)
Mining Operations Opérations minières
Commercial Space Mining L’exploitation minière de l’espace commercial
Genomics (Environmental) La génomique (Environnementale)
Geological 3D Modeling for Resources and Reserve Estimation La modélisation de la géologie en 3D et l’estimation des ressources et des réserves minérales
Issues in Mining and Ethics Les enjeux de l’industrie minière et de l’éthique
Concentration and Pelletizing of Iron Ore Concentration et bouletage du minerai de fer
Mission Concepts Les concepts des missions
Leading Organizational Change in Turbulent Times Diriger les changements organisationnels dans des temps tumultueux
Engineering Management Practices Les pratiques de gestion en ingénierie
Women as Executives Les femmes dans des rôles de direction
Environment and Sustainable Development L’environnement et le développement durable
Resource Prospecting La prospection des ressources
Asset Life Cycle Management Le cycle de vie des actifs
Best Practices Les practiques exemplaires
Women in Science and Technology Le rôle des femmes dans les Sciences et les technologies
Plenary Session Séance plénière
Mining/Drilling/ Excavation Exploitation minière/ Forage/Excavation
Innovation in Processing and Pelletizing of Iron Ore L’innovation dans le traitement et le bouletage du minerai
Processing Traitement des minerais
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Review of Iron Resources L’analyse des ressources ferreuses
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Women on Boards Le rôle des femmes dans les conseils d’administration
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AEM – Operational Excellence AEM - L’excellence opérationnelle
From Core Shack to Database: Data Collection & Management of Exploration Projects Du carottage aux bases de données : la collecte des données et la gestion des projets d’exploration
TECHNICAL PROGRAM | PROGRAMME TECHNIQUE Courtesy of Serge Perreault
PLENARY | PLÉNIÈRE MONDAY MAY 11 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI | 9:00-11:30
New dimensions | Nouvelles dimensions
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The Plenary Session of the 2015 CIM Convention is intended to bring focus to and initiate a dialogue around the conference theme of “New Dimensions.” Leaders from all aspects of mining and some from unexpected tangential sectors are brought together in these thought-provoking discussions. Moderator Jean Lapierre is a bilingual Quebec media personality known for his outspokenness, independent thinking, and intimate knowledge of politics. He is completely plugged into what is happening at the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. La séance plénière du congrès annuel de l’ICM vise à polariser l’attention et à orienter le dialogue sur le thème spécifique de la conférence « Nouvelles dimensions. » Il est impératif pour le congrès ICM 2015 de mobiliser des leaders d’opinion pour le group d’experts qui sont parvenus à joindre diverses parties prenantes afin de partager les dimensions émergentes de l’exploitation minière ou de les attirer vers ce secteur d’activité. Modérateur Jean Lapierre est une personnalité québécoise reconnue et appréciée du public pour son franc-parler, ses expressions savoureuses, son indépendance d’esprit et sa connaissance intime des rouages politiques. Orateur recherché et homme de terrain, Jean Lapierre entretient un réseau de contacts inégalé à travers le Canada. Accroc au BlackBerry, il reste branché sur le pouls de tout ce qui se passe autant en politique fédérale, provinciale que municipale. Note : La séance plénière offrira la traduction simultanée de l’anglais au français.
CIM and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), Minnesota Section, are proud to host the Fifth North American Iron Ore Symposium. Under the honorary chairmanship of Dean Journeaux, Executive Vice-Chairman of New Millennium Iron Corporation, this symposium will offer topical discussions and networking opportunities. Access to the Fifth North American Iron Ore Symposium is included in the delegate registration fee of the CIM Convention. A special registration fee of $450 is available to anyone who wishes to attend the Symposium only. L’ICM et la Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), section Minnesota, sont fiers d’accueillir le 5e Symposium nord-américain sur le minerai de fer. Sous la présidence d’honneur de Dean Journeaux, viceprésident dirigeant de New Millennium Iron Corporation, ce symposium permettra à des professionnels de participer à des forums de discussion sur des sujets d’actualité. Il offrira également une occasion unique de réseautage pour rencontrer des acteurs clés, discuter d’enjeux cruciaux et obtenir des conseils techniques pour ceux qui travaillent sur le terrain.
MONDAY, MAY 11 | LE LUNDI 11 MAI
CONFIRMED PANELISTS | PANÉLISTES CONFIRMÉS JEAN ROBITAILLE Senior Vice-President, Business Strategy & Technical Services | 1er Vice-président, stratégies d’affaires et services techniques, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited GREG LILLEYMAN Group Executive, Technology and Innovation | Coordonnateur en chef, Technology et Innovation, Rio Tinto ANDREW SCOTT Senior Director, Mining Information Technology and Automation | Directeur principal, technologie de l’information et automatisation, Barrick Gold KRISTAN STRAUB Vice-President | Vice-président, Glencore, Mine Raglan
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IRON ORE SYMPOSIUM | SYMPOSIUM SUR LE MINERAI DE FER
14:00–16:05 REVIEW OF IRON RESOURCES Chairs: Serge Perreault, Senior Project Manager, SOQUEM; and Peter Clevenstine, Manager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
What happened in recent years in the iron ore market? What are the different iron ore projects (mines, projects in development and exploration) in North America and abroad? Included for convention delegates OR registration to the Symposium only, $450 Inclus dans les frais d’inscription d’un délégué OU l’option de s’inscrire au Symposium seulement pour 450 $
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CONGRÈS ICM 2015 CIM CONVENTION
TUESDAY, MAY 12 | LE MARDI 12 MAI
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 | LE MERCREDI 13 MAI
8:30–10:10 NEW PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS
8:30–10:10 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Chairs: Guy Saucier, Vice-President, Mining, Roche ltée; and Donald Fosnacht, Director, Center for Applied Research and Technology Development, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
New projects are in development in North America and abroad. What are the challenges for keeping development on track and bringing projects into production?
10:30–12:10 MINING OPERATIONS
Chairs: Simon Thibault, Project Manager, Mining Environment, Roche ltée; and Dennis Murr, Senior Metallurgical Specialist, Barr Engineering Co.
Theoretical and practical information on the main environmental aspects pertaining to permitting, development and closure of iron ore mine projects in North America and abroad will be presented.
10:30–12:10 PLENARY SESSION
Chairs: Daniel Gagnon, General Manager Mining Group, MetChem Canada; and Duane Kokkinen, Vice-President, Barr Engineering
Highlights of the different iron ore mining operations in North America and abroad.
14:00–16:05 CONCENTRATION AND PELLETIZING OF IRON ORE Chairs: Michel Garant, Director, Ferrous Sector, COREM; and Richard Kiesel, Director, Coleraine Minerals Research Lab, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
Challenges and new developments are the heart of beneficiation and pelletizing of iron ore. Knowledge, research and development, as well as practical experience, will be shared.
17:00–19:00 IRON ORE HAPPY HOUR A gathering event to share your knowledge, increase your network and make friends from all over North America and abroad.
Chairs: Daniel Gagnon, General Manager Mining Group, MetChem Canada; and Peter Clevenstine, Manager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This plenary session will feature an outstanding panel of experts from various fields of expertise to discuss the challenges of developing new projects.
14:00–16:05 INNOVATION IN PROCESSING AND PELLETIZING IRON ORE Chairs: Stéphanie Gourde, Director of Operations, Pôle Centre, Roche ltée; and Richard Kiesel, Director, Coleraine Minerals Research Lab, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
Innovation in processing and pelletizing iron ore leads to cost reduction and better performance. This session will focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with innovation in order to keep the Northern Hemisphere iron ore industry competitive worldwide.
New Dimensions
SHARE YOUR STATE OF MINE Join the global CIM Convention online community!
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MANAGEMENT & FINANCE DAY | JOURNÉE GESTION ET FINANCES WEDNESDAY MAY 13 | LE MERCREDI 13 MAI The Seventh Annual Management & Finance Day, organized by the CIM Management and Economics Society (MES), will feature expert speakers sharing their experiences and insights around key topics driving the industry. La 7e édition de la Journée gestion et finances est organisée par la Société de la gestion et de l’économie minérale de l’ICM. La société a développé un programme présentant des experts et des conférenciers dynamiques qui partageront leurs expériences et leurs perceptions sur des sujets-clés qui font rouler l’industrie.
8:20 | OPENING REMARKS: THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX 8:30–10:00 | WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN COSTS? Chair: Jessie Liu-Ernsting, Student, York University
Don’t be fooled by project delays – you might have more to do with it than you think! Jason Mewis, Engcomp
Operating costs – are we in the dark? Leon Binedell, PwC
Corruption – Loss of opportunities Milos Barutciski, Bennett Jones
10:30–12:00 | STRATEGIC COST ISSUES Chair: Ben Burkholder, Senior Consultant, Strategy & Operations, KPMG LLP
Luncheon speaker: Richard A. Ross, C.P.A. Jon Benjamin Photography
Ross has 35 years of progressive experience in the mining industry. Until the end of 2009 he had been Chairman and CEO of Inmet Mining Corporation for 10 years. For the decade prior to that he held a number of financial executive roles within Inmet including Executive Vice-President and CFO. Ross now devotes his time, energy and passion for the mining industry to the development and direction of the Global Mining Management MBA Program at York University’s Schulich School of Business. Conférencier invité au lunch : Richard A. Ross, CPA
Sourcing personnel for the next upturn Chris Stafford, CJ Stafford Associates
Managing water, managing risk Emily Moore, Hatch
Rising cost of mine closure – it’s the water and a lot more Terry Braun, SRK
12:00–13:30 | MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE DAY & CIM CLOSING LUNCH 13:45–15:15 | THE BUSINESS SIDE OF CSR Chair: to be confirmed
Presentations of ESRS Dialogue Results
15:30–16:45 | PANEL DISCUSSION Moderator: Richard Ross, Inmet Chair and Program Director, Schulich School of Business, York University
M. Ross possède 35 ans d’expérience dans le secteur minier. Jusqu’à la fin de 2009, il était président du conseil et chef de la direction d’Inmet Mining Corporation, postes qu’il a occupés pendant dix ans. Au cours de la décennie précédente, il a occupé un certain nombre de postes de cadre financier au sein d’Inmet, dont ceux de premier viceprésident et de chef de la direction financière. M. Ross consacre à présent son temps, son énergie et sa passion au secteur minier afin d’élaborer et d’orienter le programme de MBA en Global Mining Management de la Schulich School of Business de l’Université York.
16:45 | CLOSING RECEPTION Included for convention delegates OR one-day program including lunch, $375. Inclus dans les frais d’inscription d’un délégué OU l’option d’une journée incluant le lunch à 375 $
Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory
78 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
CONVENTION.CIM.ORG
CONGRÈS ICM 2015 CIM CONVENTION
REGISTRATION | INSCRIPTION Registration to the CIM Convention includes access to the Ethics in Mining Symposium, Iron Ore Symposium, TPMSS Symposium and Management & Finance Day.
AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION | TRANSPORT AÉRIEN
L’inscription au congrès de l’ICM comprend l’accès au Symposium sur l’éthique dans l’industrie minière, le Symposium sur le minerai de fer et le Symposium TPMSS ainsi qu’à la Journée gestion et finances.
We have appointed Air Canada as the official airline for the 2015 CIM Convention & Expo! For online reservations, go to www.aircanada.com and enter the convention code GPDH7FF1 in the search engine.
CIM NATIONAL MEMBERS
Nous avons choisi Air Canada comme transporteur officiel pour le congrès de l’ICM 2015. Pour les réservations en ligne, allez à www.aircanada.com et entrez le code de congrès GPDH7FF1 dans le moteur de recherche.
MEMBRES NATIONAUX DE L’ICM Business class Delegate (access to VIP lounge) Délégué Classe affaires (accès au salon VIP) Delegate | Délégué Presenter and session chair Conférencier et président de session Student, unemployed, retired Étudiant, personne sans emploi et retraitée Life member | Membre à vie NON-CIM MEMBERS (fee includes one-year membership to CIM)
NON-MEMBRES DE L’ICM (Les frais incluent une année d’adhésion à l’ICM)
Business class Delegate (access to VIP lounge) Classe affaires (accès au salon VIP) Delegate | Délégué Presenter and session chair Conférencier et président de session Student | Étudiant Unemployed, retired Personne sans emploi et retraitée
BEFORE APRIL 3 AVANT LE 3 AVRIL
AS OF APRIL 3 À PARTIR DU 3 AVRIL
$860
$980
$730 $665
$860 $785
$85
$110
$275
$275
BEFORE APRIL 3 AVANT LE 3 AVRIL
AS OF APRIL 3 À PARTIR DU 3 AVRIL
$1 065
$1 185
$935 $820
$1,065 $940
$85 $185
$110 $210
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION | HÉBERGEMENT
OTHER CATEGORIES AUTRES CATÉGORIES PTMSS Delegate | Délégué TPMSS Presenter | Conférencier Iron Ore Symposium only Symposium sur le minerai de fer seulement Management & Finance Day only Journée gestion et finances seulement Visitor to The Expo! only Visiteur à l’Expo! seulement VIP visitor to The Expo! only Visiteur VIP de l’Expo! seulement Exhibitor staff, first six registrants by 100 sq. ft. Personnel exposant
$750 $650 $450
$750 $650 $450
$375
$375
$40
$40
Free Gratuit Free
Free Gratuit Free
Gratuit
Gratuit
One-day pass, guest registration and more information available online. Forfait d’un jour, inscription des invités et plus d’information sont disponibles en ligne.
CONVENTION.CIM.ORG
Conference Direct is the official housing bureau for the CIM Convention. The online one-stop reservation central makes it seamless for you to reserve your room at the group rate. Space is limited so reserve early! Visit convention.cim.org, click on the Montreal drop down menu, then on Hotel Reservations and proceed. Details on piracy housing agencies, group reservations and wait lists are available on that web page. Conference Direct est le seul service officiel de réservation d’hôtel pour notre congrès. Ce service centralisé vous permettra de réserver votre chambre au tarif de groupe. Les chambres sont limitées, réservez tôt ! Reportez-vous à notre page Hébergement et réservations à convention.cim.org, sous l’onglet Montréal. Des détails relatifs aux agences de réservations, de réservations de groupes et de listes d’attente sont publiés sur cette page Web.
February/Février 2015 | 79
MINING SOCIAL MEDIA MINES ET MÉDIAS SOCIAUX Professionals are increasingly joining business social media networks to grow their own networks, position their brand and promote their value online. Learning which channel to join and how to tap into its potential can be crucial to growing your business, reaching new markets and getting instant feedback from customers and stakeholders. App sponsored by SMS Equipment Inc.
De plus en plus, les professionnels de l’industrie utilisent les réseaux sociaux d’affaires afin d’accroître leurs contacts, de positionner leurs marques et de promouvoir leurs valeurs en ligne. Savoir quels réseaux joindre et comment puiser dans son potentiel peut être crucial pour la croissance de votre entreprise, pour joindre de nouveaux marchés et pour obtenir une rétroaction instantanée des clients et des parties prenantes. Application commandité par SMS Equipment Inc.
www.facebook.com/CIMConvention
@AnnualCIM
Communicate, ask us questions, check out our photos and connect with the global mining community! Communiquez, posez-nous vos questions, visionnez nos photos et connectez avec la communauté minière mondiale!
The CIM Convention hashtag is #CIMTL15. Le mot-clic officiel du Congrès de l’ICM 2015 sera #CIMTL15.
www.linkedin.com/in/ cimconvention Join our growing global mining professional network. Joignez notre réseau croissant d’experts de l’industrie minière mondiale.
Join the Convention conversation! Prenez part à la conversation du congrès !
The mobile app will be available in April. L’application mobile sera disponible en avril.
DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, May 9 8:00-10:00 10:00-16:00 13:00-17:00
Tuesday, May 12 7:00-8:30
CIM Executive Meeting CIM Council Meeting Registration
Sunday, May 10 7:30-13:00 8:00-17:00 8:00-20:00 8:00-20:00 9:00-12:00 13:00-14:00 13:30-16:00 15:00-20:00 15:00-20:00 16:00-20:00
Leadership Congress for CIM Officers Workshops Registration International Delegations Activities Guest Program: City Tour of Montreal CIM Annual General Meeting Guest Program: Flavours and Aromas of Old Montreal Business Class Lounge Presenters’ Preparation Room Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception
7:30-8:30 7:30-9:00 7:30-17:00 7:30-17:00 7:30-17:00 8:00-17:00 9:00-11:30 9:00-16:00 9:30-15:30 10:00-17:00 12:00-14:00 14:00-16:05
Breakfast for Monday’s Presenters and Session Chairs Knowledge Breakfast: Leadership is the New Safety CEO and Plenary Speakers’ Breakfast Registration Presenters’ Preparation Room Business Class Lounge International Delegations Activities Plenary Session: New Dimensions M4S – the show on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials Guest Program: Grévin Museum and Lunch at La Guilde Culinaire The Expo! / CIM Job Fair / Student Poster Program Lunch at the Expo! Technical Program • • • • • • • •
15:30-17:00 18:00-19:00 19:00-23:00
8:00-17:00 8:30-16:05
• • • • • • • • •
9:00-16:00
Monday, May 11 7:00-8:30
7:30-17:00 7:30-17:00 7:30-17:00 8:00-12:00
Innovation – Present and Future Maintenance Engineering/ Underground Mining Environmental Paradigms Operational Excellence Geology Women in Mining Iron Ore Symposium Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium
Networking Cocktail Reception at the Expo! CIM Awards Gala Reception CIM Awards Gala
Breakfast for Tuesday’s Presenters and Session Chairs Registration Presenters’ Preparation Room Business Class Lounge Student Program: Mock Interview Session and Round Tables International Delegation Lounge Technical Program
9:00-15:00 10:00-17:00 12:00-14:00 12:00-14:00 15:30-17:00 16:30-19:00 17:00-19:00 20:00-00:00
Innovation – Present and Future Maintenance Engineering/Underground Mining Environmental Paradigms West Africa Operational Excellence/Explosives and Blasting Geology Ethics in Mining Symposium Iron Ore Symposium Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium
M4S – the show on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials Guest program: A Day in the Country & Traditional Sugar Shack The Expo! / CIM Job Fair /Student Poster Program Lunch at The Expo! Student-Industry Luncheon Networking Cocktail Reception at The Expo! Iron Ore Symposium, Cocktail Reception Women in Mining and VIP Reception Joy Global Gala
Wednesday, May 13 7:00-8:30 7:30-14:00 7:30-14:00 7:30-14:00 8:30-12:00 8:30-12:10
Breakfast for Wednesday’s Presenters and Session Chairs Registration Presenters’ Preparation Room Business Class Lounge Special Session: Extractive Sector Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Technical Program • • • • • • • •
9:00-16:00 12:00-13:30 13:45-16:45 14:00-16:05
M4S – the show on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials Management & Finance Day & Closing Lunch Technical Program: Management & Finance Day Technical Program • •
16:45-18:00
CONVENTION.CIM.ORG
Innovation – Present and Future Maintenance Engineering/Underground Mining Operational Excellence Best Practices Women in Mining Iron Ore Symposium Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium Management & Finance Day
Iron Ore Symposium Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium
Management & Finance Day Meet & Greet Reception February/Février 2015 | 81
HORAIRE QUOTIDIEN DES ACTIVITÉS Le samedi 9 mai 8 h-10 h 10 h-16 h 13 h-17 h
Le mardi 12 mai
Réunion de la direction de l’ICM Réunion du conseil d’administration de l’ICM Inscription
Le dimanche 10 mai 7 h 30-13 h 8 h-17 h 8 h-20 h 8 h-20 h 9 h-12 h 13 h-14 h 13 h 30-16 h 15 h-20 h 15 h-20 h 16 h-20 h
Congrès sur le leadership des membres de la direction de l’ICM Ateliers Inscription Activités de la délégation internationale Programme des invités : Tour de ville de Montréal Assemblée générale annuelle de l’ICM Programme des invités : Saveurs et arômes du Vieux-Montréal Salon VIP pour délégués Classe affaires Salle de préparation des conférenciers Cérémonie d’ouverture et réception de bienvenue
7 h-8 h 30
Déjeuner des conférenciers et présidents de sessions du mardi 7 h 30-17 h Inscription 7 h 30-17 h Salle de préparation des conférenciers 7 h 30-17 h Salon VIP pour délégués Classe affaires 8 h-12 h Programme pour étudiants: Pratiques d’entrevue et tables rondes 8 h-17 h Activités de la délégation internationale 8 h 30-16 h 05 Programme technique : • • • • • • • • •
9 h-16 h 9 h-15 h
Le lundi 11 mai 7 h-8 h 30 7 h 30-8 h 30 7 h 30-9 h 7 h 30-17 h 7 h 30-17 h 7 h 30-17 h 8 h-17 h 9 h-11 h 30 9 h-16 h 9 h 30-15 h 30 10 h-17 h 12 h-14 h 14 h-16 h 05
Déjeuner des conférenciers et présidents de sessions du lundi Déjeuner-Connaissances : Leadership rime avec sécurité Déjeuner des chefs de direction et conférenciers de la séance plénière Inscription Salle de préparation des conférenciers Salon VIP pour délégués Classe Affaires Activités de la délégation internationale Scéance plénière : Nouvelles dimensions M4S-Salon sur les mines, minéraux, métaux et matériaux Programme des invités : Musée Grévin et déjeuner à La Guilde Culinaire L’Expo! / Foire de l’emploi de l’ICM / Affiches des étudiants Lunch à l’Expo! Programme technique • • • • • • • •
15 h 30-17 h 18 h-19 h 19 h-23 h
Tendances environnementales Innovation - Présent et avenir Femmes en exploitation minière Excellence opérationnelle Ingénierie, entretien et exploitation minière souterraine Géologie Symposium sur le minerai de fer Science minière planétaire et terrestre
Réception et réseautage à l’Expo! Réception précèdant le gala Gala et remise de prix de l’ICM
10 h-17 h 12 h-14 h 12 h-14 h 15 h 30-17 h 16 h 30-19 h 17 h-19 h 20 h-00 h
M4S-Salon sur les mines, minéraux, métaux et matériaux Programme des invités : Journée champêtre et cabane à sucre L’Expo! / Foire de l’emploi de l’ICM / Affiches des étudiants Lunch à l’Expo! Lunch-réseautage étudiants et industrie Réception et réseautage à l’Expo! Réception des participants du Symposium sur le minerai de fer Réception Les femmes et les mines et réception VIP Gala Joy Global
Le mercredi 13 mai 7 h-8 h 30 7 h 30-14 h 7 h 30-14 h 7 h 30-14 h 8 h 30-12 h 8 h 30-12 h 10
Déjeuner des conférenciers et présidents de sessions du mercredi Inscription Salle de préparation des conférenciers Salon VIP pour délégués Classe affaires Session spéciale : Dialogue multipartite du secteur extractif Programme technique • • • • • • • •
Innovation - Présent et avenir Femmes dans l’exploitation minière Excellence opérationnelle Les practiques exemplaires Ingénierie, entretien et exploitation minière souterraine Symposium sur le minerai de fer Science minière planétaire et terrestre Journée gestion finances de l’industrie minière
9 h-16 h
M4S-Salon sur les mines, minéraux, métaux et matériaux 12 h-13 h 30 Lunch de clôture et de la Journée gestion et finances 13 h 45-16 h 45 Programme technique : •
14 h-16 h 05
•
16 h 45–18 h
Journée gestion et finances
Programme technique : •
82 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Tendances environnementales Innovation - Présent et avenir Afrique de l’Ouest Ingénierie, entretien et exploitation minière souterraine Explosifs et méthodes Géologie Symposium sur le minerai de fer Symposium mines et éthique Science minière planétaire et terrestre
Symposium sur le minerai de fer Science minière planétaire et terrestre (PTMSS)
Réception pour les participants à la Journée gestion et finances
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CONGRÈS ICM 2015 CIM CONVENTION
SPONSORS | COMMANDITAIRES PLATINUM | PLATINE
GOLD | OR
SILVER | ARGENT
COPPER | CUIVRE
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Rock Engineering Society Société de Mécanique des Roches
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CONVENTION.CIM.ORG
standards update
An industry in sync Global Mining Standards and Guidelines Group works to collect guidelines for mining By Kelsey Rolfe Mining standards, as important as they are to the industry, vary significantly between different jurisdictions around the world. In an attempt to collect and consolidate this information, the Global Mining Standards and Guidelines Group (GMSG) has spent the last two years cataloguing industry standards and best practices on its global standards repository and creating guidelines where there are none through working groups. Tim Skinner, GMSG’s founding and past chair, said he doubts the repository contains all of the mining standards in the world, but it currently lists several hundred. The group initially put a concentrated effort into finding standards but now updates the database as it comes across more. “It’s a place to go because there are so many different standards around the globe, and I don’t think there is any one central library of them,” Skinner said. “So it’s trying to provide a helpful facility for people to find what the existing standards may be.” The group also connects people who have come across common industry issues they hope to resolve and creates working groups to address the challenges, and possibly establish a set of guidelines or best practices. “It’s kind of an industry facilitator, to bring the necessary stakeholders around the table to get some efforts going on common issues,” said Skinner. GMSG also occasionally contracts consultants to help the group develop guidelines. The working groups usually have conference calls once a month or every two months and use an online collaboration site to work on projects and review guidelines. GMSG also sets up meetings at conferences around the world including the CIM Convention and the SME Annual Conference. 84 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Current areas of interest for GMSG working groups: Integrated operations • Industrial comminution efficiency • Data usage and access • Onboard technology and connectivity • Situational awareness • Underground mining • Operational safety and risk management
In 2013 GMSG played a role in securing Canada’s membership to the International Standards Organization’s (ISO) recently restarted technical committee for mining (TC 82). “There were a number of topics in the scope of the ISO’s technical committee on mining that were a great interest to Canada, so we felt Canada should be a voting member on that committee,” Skinner said.
GMSG worked with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to get Canada on TC 82 as an official voting member. As of November 2014, GMSG is a liaison organization to ISO TC 82, meaning it provides a bridge between the mining industry and the ISO technical committee. It also helped form the Canadian Mirror Committee for ISO TC 82 Mining, a requirement for countries with voting member status. The mirror committee has representatives from Canada’s mining industry, including owner-operators, suppliers and regulators, among others, who participate in ISO working groups on mining standards. “We continue to look for interested participants and experts for our mirror committee, who are willing to participate in the actual standards development as reviewers, contributors and organizers,” said Skinner, who is also the mirror committee’s current chair. “We have our first version of the mirror committee established, but we do look for greater participation because there are a number of topics in its scope that are of great interest to Canada.” If you would like to get involved with GMSG, send an email to Heather Ednie, managing director, at hednie@cim.org. CIM
Learn more about GMSG’s global standards repository at
www.globalminingstandards.org
Cooper Quinn
SECTION francophone 87
87
Lettre de l’éditeur
94
Les actualités en bref
88
Mot du président
profil de projet 104
Tenir le cap Sept-Îles rejoint les ligues majeures avec son nouveau quai Par Pierrick Blin et Antoine Dion-Ortega
article de fond
96
108
Brise-glace Le nord de l’île de Baffin, au Nunavut, est le site de la mine en production la plus nordique du Canada – Mary River – actuellement en exploitation grâce à une équipe ayant de l’expérience en matière d’exploitation dans l’Arctique Par Eavan Moore
Résumés techniques
Génération en danger Sous-estimation des risques liés aux gisements futurs avant qu’ils ne soient découverts Par Virginia Heffernan
La version française intégrale du CIM Magazine est disponible en ligne : magazine.CIM.org/fr-CA
Travaux d’exploration préliminaire dans les montagnes du nord de l’Alaska
lettre de l’éditeur
En hibernation
mot du president
Tout commence par l’exploration!
N
ous sommes en plein cœur de l’hiver et, en ce moment, personne ne ressent plus la bise glaciale que les petites sociétés minières, surtout celles qui n’ont plus le luxe de maintenir le chauffage dans leurs locaux. Toutefois, les prospecteurs sont des gens résistants, habitués à s’habiller en pelures d’oignon, qui sont remarquablement résilients en dépit des marchés qui font de leur mieux pour les exclure. À CIM Magazine, nous voyons bien les grands titres selon lesquels les investisseurs de Bay Street considèrent que l’exploration est trop risquée, qu’il vaut mieux investir dans des onces ou des tonnes sûres et que les dépenses sont devenues ingérables. Bien que cela puisse être vrai dans certains cas, dans son article intitulé « L’exploration de propriétés vierges » (p. 96), Virginia Heffernan examine la façon dont les prospecteurs continuent, malgré tous les obstacles, à mettre en valeur des cibles intéressantes. En dépit de tous les risques qu’elle implique, l’exploration de propriétés vierges est essentielle à l’industrie, et les gens qui s’adonnent à ce type d’activité méritent d’être crédités beaucoup plus généreusement qu’ils ne le sont – littéralement. Il y a de bonnes chances pour que vous lisiez ce numéro consacré à l’exploration durant le congrès de l’ACPE ou juste avant. Si vous êtes sur place, n’hésitez pas à venir nous saluer au stand de l’ICM (no 215) et à nous dire ce que vous pensez de notre éditorial. Nous sommes toujours intéressés à entendre les nouvelles idées des gens œuvrant sur le terrain. Quand vous aurez ce numéro entre les mains, Ryan Bergen, le rédacteur en chef, actuellement en congé de paternité, sera de retour, échangeant avec nos collaborateurs. Sa benjamine, qui profite de sa présence pendant que je profite de son bureau, aura presque trois mois. Combien de cycles de prix des matières premières se succéderont au cours de sa vie? Quelles répercussions auront-ils sur elle? Quels enseignements tirés de cette période difficile pouvons-nous transmettre à la prochaine génération de prospecteurs? Et comment ferons-nous pour protéger la flamme du vent froid qui souffle à l’extérieur?
J
’ai commencé à travailler dans l’industrie des minéraux dans le cadre de stages d’été dans le secteur de l’exploration des zones de roches dures alors que je fréquentais l’Université de la ColombieBritannique pour préparer un diplôme en géologie. Lorsque j’ai obtenu mon diplôme en 1980, l’industrie pétrolière était en plein essor et, comme beaucoup d’autres géologues fraîchement diplômés, je suis parti à Calgary pour entamer une carrière dans l’exploration pétrolière. Finalement, mon cheminement de carrière m’a amené vers la conception et l’exploitation de projets miniers. Aujourd’hui, je travaille avec une petite société minière et je participe de nouveau à des activités d’exploration minérale. Ayant connu tous les aspects de l’industrie minière, à mon avis, l’exploration en est le plus passionnant – la découverte d’un nouvel affleurement minéralisé, le forage d’une intersection bien minéralisée, ou la découverte de pétrole! Les sociétés d’exploration et les géologues du Canada travaillent aux quatre coins du globe à la recherche de gisements de minerai et de pétrole, motivés au moins en partie par cet enthousiasme. On a dit à plusieurs reprises, mais il convient de le répéter, que l’exploration est l’avenir de notre industrie. Pourtant, le grand public sous-estime souvent l’importance de découvrir de futures sources d’approvisionnement en mineraux pour répondre à la demande. Pour compliquer les choses, depuis un an ou deux, les sources conventionnelles de financement des projets d’exploration et de mise en valeur se sont pratiquement taries, et ceux qui détiennent des capitaux les déploient avec parcimonie, poussant quantité de sociétés d’exploration à réduire, ou même à cesser complètement, leurs activités. Ces ralentissements ne sont pas nouveaux, mais ils sont préjudiciables, car la découverte de minéraux, si critique pour les approvisionnements futurs, est retardée. En outre, pendant ces ralentissements, la recherche universitaire et technologique ralentit aussi, les jeunes ne sont pas encouragés à intégrer l’industrie et certains anciens la quittent pour ne plus revenir. Il n’existe pas de solutions faciles ; nous devons attendre que les mécanismes de l’offre et de la demande agissent. Comme nous l’avons constaté auparavant, ils feront grimper le prix des minéraux, peut-être fortement, et l’exploration deviendra une fois encore un secteur majeur. En gardant cela à l’esprit, il est intéressant d’envisager une participation à deux importants événements – le Congrès de l’Association canadienne des prospecteurs et entrepreneurs (ACPE) à Toronto, en mars, puis en mai, le Congrès annuel de l’ICM à Montréal. Le programme préliminaire de ce dernier se trouve dans ce numéro et comme vous pourrez le voir, les meilleurs de notre industrie y seront représentés – venez y assister!
Peter Braul, Chef de rubrique editor@cim.org @Peter_CIM_Mag Sean Waller Président de l’ICM February/Février 2015 | 87
Gracieuseté de la mine de diamants Diavik
Les actualités en bref
Vue aérienne de la mine de diamants Diavik
Diavik se développe Le développement d’une quatrième cheminée kimberlitique à la mine de diamants Diavik devrait s’amorcer cette année dans les Territoires du NordOuest. Diavik a annoncé en novembre dernier que son exploitant Rio Tinto avait approuvé la construction de cette cheminée supplémentaire. Le développement de cette dernière cheminée, baptisée A21, faisait partie du plan initial de la mine et devrait coûter 350 millions $ US sur quatre ans ; la production devrait commencer vers la fin de l’année 2018. Pour la mine à ciel ouvert, il faudra construire une digue d’enrochement autour du corps minéralisé. « C’est une excellente nouvelle pour Diavik », déclarait le président Marc Cameron, « mais aussi pour les communautés locales dans lesquelles nous évoluons et pour lesquelles nous nous engageons à offrir des avantages socioéconomiques qui perdureront bien audelà de la durée de vie de la mine. » Le projet A21 sera situé au sud de l’exploitation existante de Diavik à Lac de Gras, environ 300 kilomètres au nord-est de Yellowknife. 88 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
« L’A21 était le premier filon de kimberlite découvert pendant l’exploration au milieu des années 1990 », expliquait Doug Ashbury, porte-parole de Rio Tinto. « C’était la première cheminée que l’on a trouvée, et la dernière que l’on a développée. » D’après Alan Davies, administrateur général des minéraux et des diamants chez Rio Tinto, « notre décision d’investir dans le projet A21 à Diavik reflète notre grande confiance dans le secteur diamantifère et notre capacité à faire concurrence aux autres sociétés de ce secteur. » Diavik fera le point sur ses réserves de minerai au cours du premier trimestre 2015. Le plan actuel d’exploitation de la mine prévoit un arrêt des activités en 2023. – Sahar Fatima
Les activités sont provisoirement suspendues à la mine Endako Fin décembre, la société Thompson Creek Metals a décidé de suspendre les activités à sa mine de molybdène
Endako dans le nord de la ColombieBritannique (C.-B.). La société expliquait que le déclin continu du marché du molybdène était la raison de cet arrêt provisoire. Thompson Creek détient une participation de 75 % dans la mine, et le partenaire de cette entreprise commune Sojitz Mining Resources Inc. détient les 25 % restant. Thompson Creek ne sait pas encore quand reprendront les activités ni dans quelle mesure le marché doit rebondir. « Les prix devront être plus élevés que nos coûts, et devront être durables », expliquait Pamela Solly, directrice du bureau de la responsabilité organisationnelle et des relations avec les investisseurs chez Thompson Creek. Elle ajoutait que la société suit de près les conditions de marché. À la midécembre, le prix du molybdène a chuté à légèrement plus de 9 $ US/livre, alors que les coûts d’extraction de Thompson Creek s’élevait en moyenne à 10,45 $ US/livre durant le premier trimestre 2014. Environ la moitié des 84 salariés de la mine ont été licenciés, et les activités ont été suspendues pour une durée indéterminée pour les 263 employés à – Chris Balcom salaire horaire.
La WIM reçoit des fonds pour former un comité consultatif dédié à l’égalité entre les sexes L’organisation Women in Mining (WIM) Canada a reçu 250 000 $ de la part du gouvernement fédéral en novembre dernier pour financer une nouvelle initiative visant à renforcer la participation des femmes dans l’industrie minière. Ce financement a permis de créer un comité consultatif dédié à l’égalité entre les sexes constitué de 12 sociétés minières et organisations dont l’ICM, Rio Tinto, Teck Resources, Vale,
les actualités en bref Barrick Gold et le Conseil des ressources humaines de l’industrie minière (RHiM). La première réunion du comité s’est tenue en novembre dernier. Ce comité se réunira deux fois par an au cours des trois prochaines années afin de développer un plan d’action national pour l’organisation Women in Mining. « L’objectif de ce projet est d’embaucher 50 femmes [parmi les sociétés minières membres du comité] d’ici la fin de ces trois années pour des postes de direction et ceux nécessitant de hautes qualifications », expliquait la présidente de WIM Canada Tabetha Stirrett. Cette initiative pourrait notamment porter sur la promotion des femmes des niveaux administratifs aux postes de direction. Elle ajoutait qu’elle ne savait pas encore exactement comment cet objectif serait atteint. D’après Mme Stirrett, le comité développera le plan d’action national durant les deux premières années, puis la troisième, les sociétés élaboreront des plans d’action individuels en fonction des communautés dans lesquelles elles mènent leurs activités. Le comité a également embauché une conseillère du réseau Women of Influence afin qu’elle suggère les meilleures pratiques de formation à l’intention de tous les employés des sociétés minières membres du comité quant à la façon dont la diversité des sexes peut contribuer aux performances d’une société. D’après WIM Canada, les femmes représentent actuellement 14 % de la main-d’œuvre du secteur minier canadien et 12,3 % occupent des postes à – Kelsey Rolfe haute responsabilité.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic accueille le nouveau centre CMI L’International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) et Saskatchewan Polytechnic s’associent pour appuyer l’industrie minière de la province. Grâce à un don de 500 000 $ de l’IMII annoncé à la mi-novembre, Saskatchewan
Polytechnic abrite désormais le Centre for Minerals Innovation (CMI). Ce centre sert à coordonner les programmes de formation répondant aux besoins du secteur des minéraux. Il collaborera avec les partenaires de l’industrie et les collèges régionaux de la province pour offrir des cours comprenant des programmes d’études normalisés approuvés par le CMI. Les fonds visent à soutenir le centre au cours des deux prochaines années. En revanche, le CMI ne dépendra pas de l’IMII pour un financement à long terme. « [L’industrie minière] représente une grande part de notre économie », a déclaré Cristal Glass-Painchaud, nouvelle directrice du centre. « La province, Polytechnic et les partenaires de l’industrie ont reconnu le besoin d’offrir davantage de formations spécialisées et de services d’éducation destinés directement à ce secteur. » Les initiatives actuelles du CMI comprennent une formation sur la sécurité normalisée à l’échelle de la province, proposant plus de cours en gestion des affaires et en leadership, et la mise sur pied d’un programme de « transition vers le secteur minier. » Mme Glass-Painchaud a précisé que le CMI offrira également une formation sur simulateur et examine les besoins de l’industrie à cet égard. La plupart de ces nouveaux cours seront offerts en avril 2015. Engin Özberk, directeur général et conseiller technique principal à l’IMII, a expliqué que cette collaboration s’inscrit dans un effort plus vaste pour soutenir l’industrie minière de la Saskatchewan. Au cours de la dernière année, l’IMII – financé conjointement par l’industrie et le gouvernement – a financé neuf autres projets visant à favoriser l’éducation, la formation et la recherche dans le secteur minier de la Saskatchewan. L’IMII s’est récemment engagé à verser 786 000 $ pour un projet conjoint de l’Université de la Saskatchewan et de Saskatchewan Polytechnic dans la recherche sur la culture et les pratiques exemplaires en matière de sécurité dans l’industrie. « [Le CMI et l’IMII] sont très intéressés par la recherche appliquée », a affirmé M. Özberk. « Nous souhaitons
trouver de nouvelles façons de faire les choses qui servent régulièrement – C.B. à l’industrie. »
Le gouvernement du Yukon interjette appel de la décision au sujet du bassin hydrographique de la rivière Peel Le gouvernement du Yukon interjette appel du récent jugement rendu par la Cour suprême des Territoires du Nord-Ouest en ce qui concerne le bassin hydrographique de la rivière Peel. Le 2 décembre dernier, le juge Ron Veale a statué que le gouvernement devait reprendre les consultations avec les Premières Nations, étant donné que son plan d’aménagement régional violait l’esprit des ententes existantes relativement au processus de planification. Les groupes environnementaux et les Premières Nations qui ont porté cette cause en justice ont salué cette décision comme une victoire historique, mais le gouvernement soutient que ce jugement limite de façon indue son contrôle sur le territoire. En 2011, la Commission d’aménagement du bassin hydrographique de la rivière Peel a recommandé que 80 % de la région soit mise à l’abri de projets d’expansion. En 2014, le gouvernement a publié un plan d’aménagement modifié, limitant la zone protégée à environ 30 % du territoire. « Nous interjetons appel de cette décision, car nous croyons que les gouvernements élus publiquement doivent avoir le dernier mot sur ce qui se passe sur les terres de la Couronne », a déclaré Scott Kent, ministre de l’Énergie, des Mines et des Ressources du Yukon. « Même si ces commissions sont nommées par nos gouvernements et par ceux des Premières Nations, elles ne font tout de même que des recommandations. » De toute évidence, cet appel en a hérissé quelques-uns dans le camp opposé. « Cela envoie un message non équivoque, à savoir que ce gouvernement ne veut pas collaborer avec les Premières Nations en matière de February/Février 2015 | 89
Le Plan Nord au cœur des présentations au Congrès Québec Mines Le développement du Nord canadien était à l’avant-plan du Congrès Québec Mines qui s’est tenu en novembre, à Québec. Les orateurs de la séance plénière ont souligné le potentiel de la relance du Plan Nord et ont mis l’accent sur le développement responsable. Le maire de Val d’Or, Pierre Corbeil, a parlé de l’importance de faire participer la main-d’œuvre et les fournisseurs de la région au développement du Nord. « Il est nécessaire de bâtir le Nord sur les fondations déjà en place », a-t-il déclaré. Ugo Lapointe, cofondateur de la coalition « Pour que le Québec ait meilleure mine! » a mentionné qu’il existait déjà de bons exemples de développement durable dans le Nord parmi lesquels la mine Raglan de Glencore, la mine Niobec d’Iamgold et le projet Arianne Phosphate. Toutefois, il a insisté sur le fait qu’aucun projet n’est parfait et qu’il reste encore beaucoup de travail à faire. « [Nous devons faire] des choix stratégiques équilibrés pour le Nord, renforcer les mesures de protection de l’environnement, respecter les droits des Autochtones et optimiser 90 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
les incidences collectives pour nous et pour les générations futures. » Dans un souci de développement responsable, le ministre québécois de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles, Pierre Arcand, a annoncé que le gouvernement lancerait ce printemps des consultations auprès des communautés touchées par le Plan Nord. « Quand vous vous installez sur le territoire pour extraire des ressources appartenant aux Québécois, il est nécessaire de le faire avec l’approbation des Québécois », a-t-il dit. Le Québec n’a pas été la seule région au cœur des discussions. En effet, le dernier jour du Congrès, le directeur exécutif de l’ICM, Jean Vavrek, a présidé la séance sur le développement durable en Afrique francophone de l’Ouest. L’ancien premier ministre du Québec, Jean Charest, a prononcé un discours sur la croissance économique potentielle du Québec et de l’Afrique. La séance comprenait également un débat sur les achats locaux et sur le développement économique en Afrique avec Ibrahima Basse, directeur financier à la Chambre des mines du Sénégal,
Christine Logbo-Kossi, directrice générale de la Chambre des mines de la Côte d’Ivoire, Laetitia Gadegbeku, déléguée commerciale à l’ambassade du Canada en Côte d’Ivoire, et Adama Soro, délégué commercial à l’ambassade du Canada au Burkina Faso. L’ICM a organisé la venue de la délégation d’Afrique de l’Ouest au Congrès Québec Mines 2014 avec le soutien financier du ministère canadien des Affaires internationales, du Commerce et du Développement, par l’entremise de son programme Opportunités mondiales pour les – Tom DiNardo associations.
Une étude révèle l’opinion des autochtones sur l’exploitation minière Les résultats d’une étude évaluant l’image qu’ont les autochtones de l’industrie minière ont été publiés en novembre dernier. Cette étude, la première en son genre, servira d’outil pour aider les sociétés à obtenir les permis sociaux d’exploitation nécessaires à la réalisation de leurs projets en identifiant
Gracieuseté de PR Associates
gestion des terres et d’application des revendications territoriales », a affirmé Norman Snowshoe, vice-président du conseil tribal Gwich’in, à l’occasion d’une entrevue accordée à la CBC. Le conseil était l’intervenant dans la cause contre le gouvernement. D’une superficie d’environ 67 500 kilomètres carrés, le bassin hydrographique de la rivière Peel couvre une région dont la taille correspond à peu près à celle du Nouveau-Brunswick et qui présente un potentiel minéral considérable. Bien que ce territoire soit encore relativement inexploré, le gouvernement estime qu’environ 46 M$ ont été consacrés à l’exploration entre 2002 et 2009. On compte actuellement 8 940 concessions minérales – C.B. dans la région.
PR Associates a réalisé un sondage auprès des autochtones Canadiens qui vivent dans les communautés éloignées du pays afin de comprendre leurs perceptions de l’industrie minière.
les inquiétudes des communautés autochtones ainsi que leurs priorités. La société PR Associates a lancé cette étude suite à la décision rendue par la Cour suprême du Canada en juin dernier accordant à la Première Nation Tsilhqot’in un titre ancestral autochtone sur son territoire traditionnel. D’après une enquête aléatoire réalisée auprès de 500 personnes vivant dans des communautés isolées, l’image globale qu’ont ces dernières de l’industrie minière n’est pas favorable (49 %). Ce sont les communautés autochtones de l’Alberta et du Québec qui se montrent les plus défavorables à l’industrie (59 % et 56 % respectivement), et cette dernière reçoit son plus grand soutien de la part des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (favorables à 57 %). La plupart des personnes interrogées (61 %) n’ont pas changé d’avis quant à l’industrie minière ces trois dernières années, mais sur les 31 % qui ont changé d’avis, 23 % ont déclaré que leurs opinions s’étaient dégradées. Comme le faisaient remarquer ces personnes interrogées, les grandes priorités de l’industrie devraient être de collaborer avec les communautés autochtones (50 %) et de réduire leur impact sur l’environnement (55 %). Près de trois quarts des personnes interrogées ont indiqué que les sociétés minières devraient, selon elles, offrir des possibilités aux Canadiens, mais 42 % seulement ont déclaré que ces possibilités étaient en général également offertes aux autochtones. Les résultats étaient relativement uniformes en termes de caractéristiques démographiques dans les communautés traditionnelles, et les autochtones actuellement employés par l’industrie minière ou l’ayant été dans le passé avaient une opinion semblable à ceux non concernés par l’industrie. D’après Ressources naturelles Canada, on recense environ 1 200 communautés autochtones vivant dans un rayon de 200 kilomètres de quelque 180 mines en exploitation et plus de 2 500 sites d’exploration au Canada. Les sociétés minières sont les plus
Gracieuseté de Lundin Mining
les actualités en bref
Vue aérienne de la mine Eagle
grands employeurs d’autochtones dans – Katelyn Spidle le secteur privé.
Lundin atteint la phase de production commerciale à la mine Eagle Lundin Mining vient d’annoncer qu’elle avait atteint en novembre dernier la phase de production commerciale à sa mine de cuivre et nickel Eagle dans le Michigan, environ deux mois après avoir commencé les activités à la mine. Situé dans la péninsule supérieure du Michigan, ce projet d’une valeur de
400 millions $ US avait initialement prévu le début de sa production commerciale pour le premier trimestre 2015. « L’équipe de la mine Eagle a fait de l’excellent travail ; elle est parvenue à accélérer la mise en œuvre et à assurer l’exploitation commerciale bien plus tôt que prévu », déclarait dans un communiqué de presse Paul Conibear, président et directeur général de Lundin. « La mine Eagle aura une grande influence sur les profits et les flux nets de trésorerie de Lundin Mining, et sera un employeur majeur et grand contributeur économique pour le nord du Michigan. »
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D’après John Miniotis, dirigeant de l’expansion de l’entreprise et des relations avec les investisseurs, la capacité ciblée de cette mine souterraine est de 2 000 tonnes par jour, avec des réserves probables et prouvées de 5,16 millions de tonnes. La capacité de la mine était de 1 536 tonnes par jour en octobre, et de 1 865 tonnes par jour en novembre. La récupération de nickel est également passée de 79 % à 85 % à la même période. – S.F.
Le Canada encourage la participation des Autochtones au Plan Nord En novembre, le ministre fédéral des Affaires autochtones et du développement du Nord canadien, Bernard Valcourt, a annoncé un investissement de 7,3 M$ visant à soutenir la participation des Autochtones au Plan Nord du Québec grâce à l’Initiative Trésor du Nord – Fosse du Labrador. Les fonds serviront à mettre en œuvre des stratégies devant permettre aux collectivités
autochtones de tirer parti du développement des ressources naturelles dans la fosse du Labrador. Le programme vise trois objectifs : développer le capital humain autochtone, renforcer l’entrepreneuriat autochtone et augmenter la valeur des actifs autochtones. Le plan prévoit maximiser la création d’emplois dans des collectivités ciblées en créant des profils de la main-d’œuvre qui déterminent ses capacités et ses besoins particuliers. Dans le cadre de cette initiative, un répertoire des entreprises autochtones locales sera également créé. « Notre gouvernement continue d’appuyer les Premières Nations et les Inuit pour qu’ils tirent profit des possibilités de développement économique découlant de l’exploitation de nos ressources naturelles », a déclaré le ministre Valcourt. « Nous sommes fiers d’avoir mis sur pied une initiative qui encourage les collectivités autochtones situées près de la fosse du Labrador à participer pleinement au développement de l’industrie minière dans cette région. » L’annonce a été faite au cours de la cérémonie de lancement de l’Initiative
NOMINATIONS
Compilé par Katelyn Spidle
Orca Gold Inc. a annoncé en décembre dernier la nomination de Hugh Stuart à titre de président et chef de la direction. M. Stuart est également membre du conseil d’administration. Après avoir obtenu un baccalauréat et une maîtrise en sciences, au Royaume-Uni, M. Stuart a œuvré pendant 25 ans dans le secteur de l’exploration minérale à l’échelle internationale. Il a été directeur de l’exploration dans le cadre du projet aurifère Geita d’AngloGold Ashanti en Tanzanie et vice-président de l’exploration au sein de Red Back Mining Inc., avant de fonder Orca Gold Inc. et d’y occuper le poste de viceprésident de l’exploration. North American Nickel Inc. a récemment nommé Keith Morrison au poste de chef de la direction. Compte tenu de ses 30 ans d’expérience dans le secteur des ressources à l’échelle internationale, la société souhaite tirer parti de la formation diversifiée de M. Morrison. Jusqu’à tout récemment, il était président non-exécutif de Security Devices International, et administrateur indépendant au sein de Marengo Mining Ltd. M. Morrison a cofondé deux entreprises canadiennes prospères : Quantec, spécialisée en technologie d’imagerie en subsurface profonde ; et QGX, société d’exploration ouverte.
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Trésor du Nord – Fosse du Labrador, un événement organisé dans le cadre du 35e Congrès Québec Mines, à – K.S. Québec.
Progrès et optimisation à la conférence SMP 2014 La conférence de 2014 Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning (planification stratégique dans le secteur minier et modélisation des corps minéralisés) a réuni 264 délégués internationaux à Perth, en Australie, en novembre dernier. La conférence avait pour thème : « Integrated mineral investment and supply chain optimization » (investissement intégré dans le secteur minier et optimisation de la chaîne d’approvisionnement). La conférence comprenait quelque 30 exposés sur des sujets liés aux progrès technologiques et à l’optimisation mondiale. Ces présentations ont donné lieu à des discussions fructueuses sur la manière dont le secteur s’adapte aux conditions géologiques et commerciales incertaines, selon Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, président du symposium. Lors du dernier après-midi de la conférence, M. Dimitrakopoulos a dirigé un groupe de discussion portant sur les défis actuels et futurs de l’optimisation de la planification du secteur minier. Ces défis se divisent en trois catégories : intégrer la recherche et le développement à la commercialisation, établir un lien entre la planification à court et à long terme et promouvoir le transfert des connaissances. Jeff Whittle, que M. Dimitrakopoulos décrit comme étant le « pionnier de la mise en pratique de l’optimisation dans le secteur minier » était l’invité d’honneur cette année. M. Whittle a été impressionné par l’intérêt général qu’a suscité cette conférence. « Il arrive souvent, vers la fin de longues conférences, de constater une baisse de la participation », a-t-il fait remarquer. « Toutefois, pour ce qui est de la SPM 2014 […], l’assistance est restée pratiquement la même du début à la fin. » La conférence de trois jours a été organisée par l’Australasian Institute of
Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), la Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) et le South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). Parmi les principaux commanditaires, mentionnons AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Billiton, De Beers, Dassault Systèmes, Minemax, Newmont – K.S. Mining, Schneider Electric, Springer et Vale.
L’ICM VOUS DONNE DES CONNAISSANCES POUR PARVENIR AU SUCCÈS!
L’ICM encourage le développement professionnel de ses membres
La PDAC met à l’honneur les chefs de file de l’industrie L’Association canadienne des prospecteurs et entrepreneurs (PDAC) récompensera six chefs de file de l’industrie à l’occasion de son congrès annuel qui se tiendra le mois prochain. La soirée de remise des prix du congrès 2015 de la PDAC aura lieu le 2 mars prochain à l’hôtel Fairmont Royal York à Toronto. Le comité de remise des prix de la PDAC a sélectionné les récipiendaires de ces prix sur les recommandations de son conseil d’administration. David Palmer, président et directeur général de Probe Mines Ltd., recevra le prix Bill Dennis pour une découverte canadienne ou une réussite en prospection pour son projet Borden Gold situé près de Chapleau, en Ontario. Le prix Viola R. MacMillan pour le développement d’une société ou d’une mine sera décerné à Matt Manson, président et directeur général de Stornoway Diamond Corporation pour son rôle important dans le développement continu du projet Renard de Stornoway, situé dans le centre nord du Québec. Le prix Thayer Lindsley pour les découvertes minérales internationales sera collectivement attribué à l’équipe de découverte du gisement Kamoa d’Ivanhoe Mines, en l’honneur de sa découverte du gisement de cuivre Kamoa en République démocratique du Congo. Noront Resources Ltd. recevra le prix pour la responsabilité sociale et environnementale pour son programme d’engagement important envers les communautés et ses autres initiatives sociales dans le nord de l’Ontario. Noront a fait équipe avec les services d’emploi et de formation professionnelle Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen de Matawa et avec le Confederation College pour créer l’alliance de formation des autochtones de la région du Cercle de feu. Le prix Skookum Jim pour les réalisations des autochtones dans l’industrie des minéraux sera décerné à Sam Bosum, qui a joué un rôle majeur dans l’amélioration des relations entre la nation Crie Oujé-Bougoumou et l’industrie des minéraux près de Chibougamau, au Québec. Bill Pearson recevra, quant à lui, le prix pour les contributions remarquables en reconnaissance de sa carrière illustre et de son dévouement de longue date à l’industrie, dans laquelle il a travaillé pendant plus de 40 ans. En 1989, M. Pearson avait organisé la première réunion du comité pour l’immatriculation professionnelle des géoscientifiques de l’Ontario. Il était également président de l’association des géoscientifiques de l’Ontario et président fondateur de l’association des géoscientifiques – C.B. professionnels de l’Ontario.
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L’ICM ASSURE DES OCCASIONS DE DÉVELOPPEMENT PROFESSIONNEL
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Valerian Mazataud
Tenir le cap Sept-Îles rejoint les ligues majeures avec son nouveau quai Par Pierrick Blin et Antoine Dion-Ortega
Lorsque le nouveau quai sera terminé cet été, la capacité totale du Port de Sept-Îles sera de 90 millions de tonnes par an.
ort de 60 années d’expérience dans le transbordement de minerai de fer, le port de Sept-Îles a profité du dernier boom des matières premières pour convaincre divers partenaires publics et privés de se lancer dans un projet ambitieux : la construction d’un tout nouveau quai multi-utilisateur d’une capacité de 50 millions de tonnes. Une fois les travaux terminés à l’été 2015, la capacité totale du port atteindra 90 millions de tonnes, ce qui en fera le plus grand port minéralier en Amérique du Nord et le deuxième port de matières premières en importance au Canada, après Vancouver. Au cours d’une visite du site en septembre dernier, sur les rives de la Baie de Sept-Îles d’une longueur de 10 km, l’eau était si calme qu’on ne se doutait guère que le plus important projet portuaire du Canada était en voie d’être achevé. En s’approchant de Pointe-Noire, à l’extrémité ouest de la baie, on peut maintenant distinguer la gigantesque jetée en forme de L qui s’avance sur 600 mètres, puis bifurque sur 400 mètres, dominant ainsi le paysage. « Ce n’est pas par hasard si les premières entreprises de minerai de fer ont choisi la Baie de Sept-Îles pour expédier le minerai, dans les années 1940 et 1950 », a expliqué Pierre Gagnon, président-directeur général du Port de Sept-Îles. « Elles ont constaté qu’il avait la capacité de soutenir tout le potentiel de l’arrière-pays. »
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Les deux convoyeurs Sandvik à la fine pointe de la technologie qui surplombent la structure transporteront bientôt chacun pas moins de 8 000 tonnes de minerai à l’heure vers leur chargeur respectif. Le quai aura la capacité d’accueillir un navire sur chacun de ses côtés et de les charger simultanément de n’importe quel type de minerai. « Notre infrastructure a été conçue pour avoir cette souplesse, permettant le transbordement de minerai expédié sans traitement préalable, de fines ou de boulettes », a déclaré M. Gagnon. Enfin, une aire de stockage de 50 millions de tonnes de capacité à moins de deux kilomètres du quai est prévue dans le port. Contrairement aux autres quais de la baie, le quai multiutilisateur est assez profond pour accueillir les vaisseaux Chinamax de 400 tonnes, qui devaient jusqu’à maintenant s’ancrer au large et attendre que de plus petits navires viennent les charger – une opération coûteuse. « Les frais d’expédition pourront diminuer de 20 % à 40 % selon la taille des navires », a jouté M. Gagnon. Sept-Îles deviendra le quatrième quai au monde ayant la capacité de charger les navires Chinamax. Afin de s’assurer de relever ce défi de construction, le port a dû faire appel à de l’expertise étrangère. « Nos consultants ont rassemblé des spécialistes du Brésil et de l’Australie qui manutentionnent déjà du minerai de fer », a expliqué
logistiques M. Gagnon. « Il fallait être en mesure de concevoir une infrastructure de classe mondiale à partir de zéro. »
Une enveloppe financière unique Dans le sillage de la hausse spectaculaire des prix du minerai de fer observée dans les années 2000, des dizaines de projets ont vu le jour dans la fosse du Labrador, incitant le gouvernement du Québec à lancer son Plan Nord en 2011. Les infrastructures de transbordement existantes n’avaient alors pas la capacité suffisante pour répondre aux besoins des futures entreprises et assurer leur accès au marché. « Entre 2005 et 2008 seulement, huit sociétés ont fait appel à nous pour demander une augmentation de la capacité du port », a affirmé M. Gagnon. Cette pression croissante du secteur privé a convaincu le port de demander un financement fédéral. La mise de fonds nécessaire pour lancer le projet s’élevait à 25 % du coût total en capital, estimé à 220 M$. « Il aurait été dommage que le gouvernement fédéral se prive d’investissements de plusieurs milliards de dollars, simplement parce que les infrastructures n’étaient pas en place, alors que des entreprises étaient prêtes à investir », a souligné Russel Tremblay, directeur des communications et marketing à Développement économique Sept-Îles. Cependant, il n’était pas question pour le secteur public d’assumer seul l’ensemble des coûts en capital et aucune des entreprises n’avait une production prévue assez importante pour justifier un tel investissement par elle-même. En fin de compte, le gouvernement fédéral et le port ont assumé chacun 25 % du coût en capital, tandis que cinq partenaires privés se sont joints à eux et ont financé les 50 % restants – chacune de leur contribution étant proportionnelle à leur production –pour un total de 110 M$ en financement privé. Ces cinq entreprises ont ainsi mis un pied dans le port, s’assurant d’une capacité totale de transbordement de 43 millions de tonnes par an. Parmi elles, mentionnons Alderon Iron Ore avec huit millions de tonnes, New Millenium Iron avec 15 millions de tonnes, Champion Iron avec 10 millions de tonnes et Labrador Iron Mines et Tata Steel qui ont chacune cinq millions de tonnes. Comme la capacité totale du quai de 50 millions de tonnes pourrait augmenter à 60 millions de tonnes, la marge restante pourra être offerte à de nouveaux partenaires ou servir à la vente sur le marché au comptant.
En contribuant au financement, les utilisateurs privés bénéficieront de tarifs concurrentiels. « Notre port est garanti », a expliqué Tayfun Eldem, chef de la direction d’Alderon. « Nous avons versé 20,5 M$ pour la construction à titre de paiement initial. Nous allons récupérer cette injection de capitaux lorsque nous commencerons nos livraisons, car nous allons recevoir un rabais, comme les autres utilisateurs. »
Une source d’irritation Si l’harmonie règne entre les sept partenaires, on ne peut pas en dire autant de leurs relations avec Cliffs Natural Resources, société voisine du quai. Pour expédier le minerai par le port de Pointe-Noire, les sociétés minières devront avoir accès à certaines des terres voisines actuellement détenues par Cliffs. Toutefois, le Port de Sept-Îles et Cliffs ne se sont toujours pas entendus sur la vente de ces terres et une poursuite a été déposée par Cliffs contre le port en 2013, laquelle n’est pas encore réglée. Parallèlement à la poursuite, le Port de Sept-Îles a fait une demande à l’Office des transports du Canada (l’« Office ») au printemps dernier pour faire du chemin de fer de Cliffs à Pointe-Noire un « transporteur commun » similaire à la Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway, que l’Iron Ore Company of Canada doit partager avec d’autres entreprises exerçant des activités dans la fosse du Labrador. Le chemin de fer de Cliffs est le seul lien ferroviaire entre Pointe-Noire et le reste du réseau ferroviaire. La demande du port a été rejetée par l’Office en octobre dernier. Les deux conflits ont ralenti le financement de certains projets dans la fosse du Labrador, qui dépendent d’un accès au port, selon M. Tremblay. « Toute l’économie du Québec est affectée par ce litige », a-t-il poursuivi. « Aucune autre région au Québec ne prévoit des investissements de milliards de dollars. » Cependant, on est convaincu que la résolution du conflit est à portée de main. Le gouvernement du Québec est intervenu en juin dernier et se penche actuellement sur un certain nombre de scénarios possibles. La récente décision de Cliffs de fermer sa mine du lac Bloom et son plan de vendre ses actifs canadiens pourraient accélérer les choses, a souligné M. Gagnon. « Nous nous attendons à des transactions dans un avenir proche, » a-t-il ajouté, laissant entendre que le chemin de fer de Cliffs pourrait changer de propriétaire si ses actifs de la mine Wabush étaient vendus. Ces obstacles juridiques n’empêchent pas M. Gagnon de regarder vers l’avenir avec optimisme. « Selon l’évolution du marché du minerai de fer, le quai pourrait bien n’être qu’une première phase », selon lui. Si Adriana Iron Ore, qui développe le grand projet du lac Otelnuk, se joint aux partenaires en finançant la deuxième phase, le quai principal pourrait être agrandi pour former un grand T. « De plus, nous avons déjà les plans et devis pour construire un autre quai identique de 100 millions de tonnes », a affirmé M. Gagnon. « Il y a encore de l’espace dans la baie et elle peut donc soutenir tout le potentiel qu’offre la fosse, autant au Québec qu’au Labrador. » ICM February/Février 2015 | 95
Cooper Quinn
Forage sur le mont Qingaaq au Groenland, avec en arrière-plan le mont Aappalaartoq
Génération en danger Par Virginia Heffernan
La proportion de dollars affectés aux projets d’exploration de propriétés vierges – des terres où aucune ressource n’a été repérée auparavant – a atteint un creux historique. Les raisons de ce déclin sont complexes, mais les conséquences sont évidentes : il y a peu de chances que le modèle actuel fournisse les méga gisements dont dépend l’industrie pour la production future. « À mon avis, il n’est pas exagéré de dire que ce type d’exploration représente, littéralement, l’avenir de l’industrie », affirme Eric Coffin, rédacteur du bulletin d’information Hard Rock Analyst (HRA), de Vancouver. « Les activités minières finissent par s’arrêter en l’absence de nouvelles découvertes. » La tendance semble déjà se répercuter sur les taux de découvertes enregistrés dans le secteur aurifère, affirme Mark Ferguson, analyste principal du secteur pour SNL Mining and Metals. Les découvertes d’or majeures (plus de 2 millions d’onces) effectuées de 2004 à 2009 ont chuté de 30 % par rapport à la décennie précédente, au cours de laquelle pas moins de 124 découvertes d’or avaient été faites. Depuis, les explorateurs n’ont défini que sept autres importantes découvertes, mais il reste à connaître combien exactement de nouveaux gisements additionnels surpasseront le seuil des deux millions d’onces une fois que les sociétés auront suffisamment de temps (et de fonds) pour évaluer de façon appropriée leurs ressources potentielles. Les conditions associées à l’exploration de propriétés vierges continuent de se détériorer. Traditionnellement, ce sont les petites sociétés minières qui se lancent dans ce type de travaux de prospection générative. Elles sont responsables de 86 % des découvertes récentes au Canada, estime Richard Schodde, spécialiste en économie minérale australien à MinEx Consulting. Or, ce secteur est dans la tourmente en raison d’un funeste trio de facteurs, à savoir des coûts en hausse, des délais
prolongés entre la découverte et la production et un désintéressement de la part des investisseurs. En conséquence, la part du budget global d’exploration de métaux non ferreux du secteur des petites sociétés minières a reculé à 32 % en 2014, alors qu’elle culminait à 55 % en 2007, observe SNL, en dépit de budgets globaux sensiblement similaires, entre 10 et 11 milliards de dollars. Malgré les défis, M. Coffin – qui a traversé plusieurs cycles sectoriels – croit que tant qu’il y aura de l’argent à tirer des découvertes d’envergure, il y aura un marché (aussi volatil soit-il) pour financer l’exploration. D’ailleurs, les petites sociétés minières tendent à être « incroyablement résilientes », fait valoir M. Schodde. Sur les 100 petites sociétés d’exploration cotées à l’Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) qu’il a suivies en juillet 2004, 66 sont toujours actives dix années plus tard, et ce, en dépit de la récente déroute financière. L’industrie se rendra bientôt compte que les réserves s’amenuisent, faisant de l’exploration de propriétés vierges une nécessité absolue, estime Brent Cook, rédacteur d’Exploration Insights. « Il faut que l’industrie reconnaisse que le nombre actuel de gisements rentables ne suffit pas à satisfaire à la demande ni à remplacer la production », dit-il. « Elle va finir par l’admettre et à ce moment, on prendra davantage conscience de l’importance de l’exploration de propriétés vierges et du travail de géologues doués et consciencieux, capables de conceptualiser un gisement et surtout, capables de reconnaître les éventuelles failles du concept. » February/Février 2015 | 97
CIM Magazine a demandé à MM. Coffin, Cook et Kaiser quelles étaient les trois zones d’exploration vierges qu’ils privilégient. Voici ce qu’ils nous ont répondu. (*indique que l’analyste détient des parts dans la société)
Emplacement : Golden Triangle, nord-ouest de la Colombie-Britannique Propriétaire/analyste : Colorado Resources/Eric Coffin Cible : Filons aurifères à teneur élevée Trésorerie : 3 M$ au 31 octobre 2014 La propriété KSP couvre une superficie de 30 000 hectares sur environ 15 km parallèlement à la direction de l’ancienne mine aurifère Snip. « Quelques cibles porphyriques importantes existent sur la propriété KSP, mais les filons à teneur très élevée dans les zones d’Inel, du Kyber Pass, de Big Rock et de Pins m’intéressent particulièrement », précise M. Coffin. « Les travaux exécutés en 2014 par Colorado Resources et par les cartographes du gouvernement ont fait ressortir d’importantes zones de déformation susceptibles de contrôler la minéralisation. »
Emplacement : ceinture de Gorbea, centre-nord du Chili Propriétaire/analyste : Mirasol/Brent Cook et Eric Coffin* Cible : cuivre porphyrique et or-argent épithermal Trésorerie : 23 M$ au 30 octobre 2014 L’équipe d’exploration de Mirasol a délimité d’importantes zones d’altération présentant des valeurs d’or et d’argent étendues. Selon M. Coffin, plusieurs zones devraient pouvoir être forées d’ici la fin de l’été dans l’hémisphère Sud. « Une province au complet a été désignée comme offrant un bon potentiel », a confirmé M. Cook.
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Emplacement : district de Biga, nord-ouest de la Turquie Propriétaire/analyste : Pilot Gold/Brent Cook* Cible : Systèmes épithermaux et porphyriques aurifères Trésorerie : 23,4 M$ au 30 septembre 2014 Pilot Gold (40 %) et Teck Resources (60 %) ont établi des ressources indiquées de 23 tonnes métriques titrant 1,34 g/t d’équivalent or à la cible KCD (Kucukdag) principale dans le projet TV Tower. Toutefois, des forages plus récents sur des cibles à proximité ont révélé des intervalles d’or, d’argent et de cuivre dont les teneurs sont parmi les plus élevées jamais enregistrées dans le nord-ouest de la Turquie. La zone d’intérêt est un chapeau siliceux de quatre km de long et renfermant de multiples cibles d’oxyde d’or, de zones de cuivre supergène associées et de systèmes porphyriques cupro-aurifères. « J’adore les gros systèmes et ici, ils se trouvent dans un système majeur d’altération volcanique », explique M. Cook.
Emplacement : nord-ouest du Botswana Société/analyste : Tsodilo Resources/John Kaiser* Cible : gisements semblables à ceux de la ceinture cuprifère de la Zambie Trésorerie : 192 000 $ au 30 septembre 2014 First Quantum Minerals détient une option lui permettant d’acquérir une participation maximale de 70 % dans la propriété de Tsodilo à l’intérieur d’une ceinture sédimentaire d’une longueur de 40 km au nord-ouest du Botswana. À ce jour, la grande société minière a dépensé 14 millions de dollars pour mettre au point un modèle géologique de la minéralisation potentielle – un prolongement de l’Arc lufilien cuprifère – en profondeur, sous le désert du Kalahari. Cette année, la grande société minière tentera d’entrecroiser la cible rêvée : un corps minéralisé renfermant entre 5 et 10 millions de tonnes de cuivre, semblable aux gisements de la ceinture cuprifère de Zambie dont les teneurs en cuivre sont d’au moins 2 %. « Si le projet réussit, il deviendra un exemple concret de ce qui est requis pour effectuer des découvertes de classe mondiale aujourd’hui », affirme M. Kaiser.
Les cartes sont la propriété intellectuelle d'Esri et sont utilisées dans le document présent sous licence. Droits d'auteur © 2014 Esri et ses donneurs de licence. Tous droits réservés.
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Emplacement : district porphyrique Highland Valley, sud de la C.-B. Société/analyste : Amarc Resources/John Kaiser Cible : gisement porphyrique de cuivre-molybdène-argent Trésorerie : 1,9 M$ au 30 septembre 2014 M. Kaiser affirme que les résultats des teneurs en Cu-Mo-Ag obtenus dans le cadre d’un récent programme de neuf trous indiquent que le projet Ike a de bonnes chances de contenir un système porphyrique de cuivre comparable à celui de Highland Valley. Le président exécutif Bob Dickinson a récemment prêté 1 million de dollars à Amarc afin que le véhicule d’exploration Hunter-Dickinson puisse poursuivre l’exploration d’Ike sans avoir à baisser le prix de l’action sous 0,10 $. « Amarc témoigne de l’absence d’intérêt sur le marché à l’égard des résultats des petites sociétés minières d’exploration », constate M. Kaiser.
Emplacement : bassins du Nevada Société/analyste : Nevada Exploration/John Kaiser* Cible : gisements aurifères de type Carlin encaissé dans des roches sédimentaires Trésorerie : 26 000 $ au 31 octobre 2014 Nevada Exploration a généré deux zones productives possibles dans des propriétés vierges des zones graveleuses dans le nord du Nevada en utilisant l’hydrogéochimie comme outil de ciblage. La société croit que l’avenir de l’exploitation aurifère au Nevada, où la majeure partie de la minéralisation aurifère d’affleurement rentable a été découverte, réside sous la composante « bassins » du relief en bassins et montagnes difficile à explorer. « Toutefois, Nevada Exploration n’a pas d’argent ni de partenaires, alors les zones qu’elle a générées risquent de disparaître tout bonnement », souligne M. Kaiser.
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Emplacement : complexe magmatique Timok, est de la Serbie Propriétaire/analyste : Reservoir Minerals/Brent Cook* Type de gisement : cupro-aurifère épithermal et porphyrique à fort degré de sulfuration Trésorerie : 40 M$ au 31 décembre 2014 M. Cook estime que la découverte de Cu-Au dans le complexe Timok est la meilleure des récentes années et croit qu’une minéralisation similaire sera découverte sur la propriété de Reservoir avoisinant le projet vedette. Le projet Timok étant entièrement financé par FreeportMcMoRan Exploration, partenaire en coentreprise, Reservoir dispose de suffisamment de trésorerie pour financer l’exploration des propriétés vierges qu’elle détient en exclusivité dans la région.
Emplacement : ceinture de Tireo, République dominicaine Propriétaire/analyste : Precipitate Gold/Eric Coffin* (Mise en garde : M. Coffin est un fondateur et un actionnaire important) Cible : or épithermal à sulfuration intermédiaire et sulfure massif volcanogène Trésorerie : 825 000 $ au 30 novembre 2014 Des essais de forage d’anomalies à polarisation provoquée dans la zone Ginger Ridge sur la propriété Juan de Herrera ont permis de découvrir une zone potentielle de sulfure massif volcanogène présentant des intervalles aurifères, dont une section de cinq mètres titrant 13,8 g/t d’or à l’intérieur de 18 mètres titrant 4,5 g/t d’or. La société a enchaîné avec des sondages à polarisation provoquée et magnétiques le long d’un corridor de 600 mètres se prolongeant au nord-ouest de la découverte. « La zone Ginger Ridge a été améliorée chaque fois que des travaux y ont été effectués, ce qui est le signe d’une bonne cible d’exploration », affirme M. Coffin.
Les cartes sont la propriété intellectuelle d'Esri et sont utilisées dans le document présent sous licence. Droits d'auteur © 2014 Esri et ses donneurs de licence. Tous droits réservés.
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Cooper Quinn
Afin de favoriser la réussite de projets tels que ceux décrits précédemment, il est utile d’examiner de plus près les causes du déclin dans le domaine de l’exploration de propriétés vierges et quelles mesures peuvent être prises pour renverser cette tendance. Survol du fleuve Yukon pour l’exploration dans le district de White Gold
Qu’est-ce qui cause la hausse des coûts?
Une lourde responsabilité à assumer
La hausse des coûts d’exploration est en partie imputable à l’augmentation des coûts de main-d’œuvre, des dépenses d’équipement et des coûts d’accès au territoire des dernières années. Cependant, le facteur principal est beaucoup plus fondamental : les gisements rentables qui affleuraient autrefois à la surface de territoires stables sur le plan politique ont, pour la plupart, déjà été découverts. « Nous devons explorer des morts-terrains ; nous devons donc procéder à des forages beaucoup plus coûteux, alors qu’auparavant, nous pouvions nous contenter de prélever quelques échantillons de roche », explique M. Cook. « Qui plus est, quand il y a une découverte, il faut effectuer des forages et tenir compte de toutes les questions réglementaires, politiques et sociales. Par conséquent, une découverte effectuée en bonne et due forme aujourd’hui peut nécessiter de 10 à 20 ans en moyenne avant d’amorcer la phase de production. » Les investisseurs commencent à prendre conscience de ces risques grandissants et à abandonner le secteur. Selon l’Association canadienne des prospecteurs et entrepreneurs (ACPE), en 2014, les entreprises n’ont amassé que 2 $ de capitaux propres pour chaque tranche de 100 $ amassée en 2007. Résultat : la majorité des petites sociétés minières inscrites à la Bourse de croissance TSX ne disposent plus que d’une trésorerie inférieure à 200 000 $, d’après les recherches menées par John Kaiser, rédacteur de Kaiser Research Online. La situation est presque aussi sombre en Australie. Environ 52 pour cent des petites sociétés d’exploration inscrites à l’ASX disposent de moins de 1 million de dollars de trésorerie, selon M. Schodde.
Selon M. Kaiser, le modèle des marchés des capitaux associés à l’exploration et au développement minier est « brisé » et « dépassé. » Il propose quelques initiatives, invitant notamment les organismes de réglementation canadiens à permettre à tous les investisseurs, et non seulement aux quelques investisseurs accrédités (c.-à-d. les particuliers fortunés), d’acheter des actions de petites sociétés minières. Cependant, une grande part de responsabilité du déclin des projets d’exploration de propriétés vierges est imputable à la communauté d’exploration comme telle, soutient Wade Hodges, président de Nevada Exploration et ancien vice-président, Exploration, de Battle Mountain Gold. « Jamais auparavant n’y a-t-il eu autant de richesse sur la planète et tout cet argent n’attend que d’être investi dans des projets utiles porteurs d’avenir. Le défi pour les géologues d’exploration consiste à y associer des outils et des filtres beaucoup plus performants », dit-il. « Les investisseurs sont devenus plus futés, et la communauté d’exploration doit mobiliser l’attention des investisseurs pour leur montrer la voie à suivre. » Une découverte de taille pourrait réussir à relancer l’exploration de propriétés vierges, croit M. Hodges, mais cela nécessiterait un alignement très favorable des astres et de capitaux, ce qui est improbable, ou encore la mise au point d’une nouvelle technologie permettant de voir à travers la couverture. M. Schodde est d’accord et attire l’attention sur l’incroyable enthousiasme généré au Canada par des découvertes sur des propriétés vierges comme Ekati et Diavik, dans les T.N.-O., et
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Un petit coup de pouce pour des effets substantiels Face à la crise et pour stimuler l’exploration, l’ACPE demande au gouvernement fédéral de hausser le crédit d’impôt accordé aux investisseurs dans le secteur de l’exploration minérale, en le faisant passer de 15 pour cent à 30 pour cent pour trois ans. « Le crédit d’impôt pour l’exploration minière (CIEM) est un moyen fiscal critique qui peut servir à attirer de nouveau les investisseurs vers l’industrie de l’exploration, notamment pour appuyer les activités d’exploration de propriétés vierges à un stade précoce au Canada », déclare le président de l’ACPE, Rod Thomas. « C’est à la suite d’une mesure auda-
Exploration le long du corridor aurifère Tireo à la République dominicaine
cieuse et innovante du gouvernement qu’est né le CIEM. Nous aurions besoin d’une initiative audacieuse de ce genre aujourd’hui. » Certains territoires et provinces du Canada sont passés à l’action. Le Yukon a bonifié son Mining Exploration Program (YMEP), le faisant passer à 1,4 million de dollars en 2014, et prévoyant jusqu’à 15 000 $ pour les prospecteurs. Le gouvernement du Manitoba a doublé un programme incitatif similaire, le portant à 3 millions de dollars. L’innovation a également un rôle prépondérant à jouer. Le Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière (CCIM), par exemple, cherche des façons d’améliorer les chances de trouver des minerais enfouis en repérant des indicateurs subtils, ou des empreintes, dans les roches entourant les corps minéralisés connus et pouvant orienter les travaux d’exploration. Certaines entreprises se servent de la puissance de traitement moderne pour repérer des cibles viables dans des données historiques, ou encore pour voir à travers la couverture à l’aide de systèmes de modélisation géophysiques 3D de pointe. « Nous devons mettre l’accent sur les nouvelles technologies et la pensée créatrice », estime M. Hodges, qui a eu bien du mal à faire passer son idée quant au bien-fondé de recourir à l’échantillonnage d’eaux souterraines pour repérer des cibles aurifères enfouies au Nevada. « J’ai pris conscience, à la fin des années 1990, à quel point la situation devenait difficile pour l’exploration, surtout pour des raisons techniques. Les outils que nous avions mis au point avaient été utilisés, et les découvertes les plus faciles avaient été faites. » ICM February/Février 2015 | 103
Avec l'aimable courtoisie de Precipitate Gold Corp.
à la baie Voisey’s, au Labrador. Il est persuadé que cela se produira de nouveau. Si le marché des capitaux demeure peu enthousiaste, M. Cook croit que les grandes entreprises prendront la relève en partie. « Nous verrons davantage de grandes entreprises investir dans de petites sociétés d’exploration et les financer. Ainsi, ces petites sociétés pourront s’en remettre à quelqu’un qui saura reconnaître une découverte en bonne et due forme dès les étapes préliminaires. » Or, le déclin touchant les travaux de prospection générative ne se limite pas au secteur des petites sociétés minières. Les grandes sociétés ont également tendance à réduire le nombre de projets d’exploration quand les prix des matières premières chutent ou que les marges de profit diminuent, comme elles l’ont fait récemment. Depuis quelques années, les producteurs ont délaissé les projets à un stade précoce en faveur de projets à proximité de leurs mines existantes ; ce type de projet est une façon moins capitalistique et moins risquée de remplacer et d’ajouter des réserves, explique M. Ferguson, de SNL. En conséquence, on assiste à l’érosion de la base de réserves requise pour soutenir l’industrie minière. Au Canada, les réserves de métaux autres qu’aurifères déclinent de façon continue depuis 30 ans. Pour l’heure, dans le cas de nombreux métaux, les réserves actuelles représentent moins de la moitié de leurs volumes de 1980, selon Ressources naturelles Canada. Les réserves d’or ont augmenté, mais comme le fait remarquer M. Schodde, une quantité considérable se trouve dans des systèmes porphyriques à faible teneur dont l’exploitation pourrait s’avérer non rentable.
Toutes les images avec l’aimable courtoisie de Baffinland Iron Mines
Le gisement Mary River a été découvert en 1962, mais les prix du minerai de fer étaient alors trop bas pour que le projet de l’Extrême-Arctique soit justifié sur le plan économique.
Au mois de septembre dernier, la société Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation a officiellement commencé ses activités à la mine en exploitation Mary River, située sur la côte nord de l’île de Baffin, dans la région Qikiqtani du Nunavut, à l’extrême nord du Canada. Pour ce faire, une équipe d’exploitants chevronnés de la région de l’Arctique a dû déployer des solutions viables permettant de résister à l’hiver extrêmement froid dans la région. PAR | EAVAN MOORE
vec des ressources mesurées et indiquées de plus de 350 millions de tonnes de minerai de fer à haute teneur, le projet Mary River valait la peine de surmonter toutes les difficultés associées à sa mise en œuvre. En 2010, le géant du marché de l’acier ArcelorMittal a affronté des sociétés d’investissement en capital pour obtenir une participation majoritaire dans la société Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation (Baffinland). Suite à la baisse des prix des marchandises, ArcelorMittal a
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réduit sa part à 50 %, mais est resté l’actionnaire principal. Le ralentissement économique a également engendré des changements au niveau du plan de la mine ; Baffinland a en effet retardé, pour une durée indéterminée, sa vision initiale d’une valeur de 4 milliards $ qui consistait à transporter par voie ferroviaire 18 millions de tonnes de minerai par an. Au lieu de cela, la phase initiale de revenus de 750 millions $ du projet Mary River implique de stocker et d’expédier
MARY RIVER
| profil de projet
700 ouvriers permanents, beaucoup venant des communautés de la région, effectueront des rotations dans le camp minier.
3,5 millions de tonnes de minerai par an durant la saison des eaux libres, entre juillet et octobre, par le bras de mer Milne sur les côtes nord de l’île. Le minerai, qui affiche une teneur en fer de 67 %, requiert peu de traitement avant son expédition. Son forage et sautage ont lieu au gisement 1, le premier des neuf gisements connus, à l’aide d’explosifs fabriqués dans une usine sur le site. Le minerai est transporté vers une usine de broyage mobile, et les produits en résultant (du minerai en morceaux et des fines) sont stockés dans des réserves distinctes. D’ici le mois de juillet, ces deux types de minerai seront transportés par camion vers le port de Milne, où une infrastructure dédiée aux réserves et un quai de chargement de navire sont actuellement en construction. Un chargeur radial de navires à deux tours et un convoyeur de réception chargeront les navires affrétés, lesquels passeront par la baie Baffin avant de partir vers l’Atlantique.
Des équipes chevronnées Si l’on considère la mine Polaris sur la petite île Cornwallis, le projet Mary River n’est ni la première mine construite dans la région Arctique au Canada ni celle se trouvant le plus au nord du pays. Le projet a donc bénéficié de l’expertise existante. « Dans l’équipe que nous avons formée, la plupart d’entre nous avions déjà travaillé sur d’autres projets menés dans le nord du Canada », explique Ronald Hampton, vice-président et directeur de projet chez Baffinland. « Certains des entrepreneurs en construction qui avaient contribué au projet
Meadowbank de Mines Agnico Eagle se sont joints à nous, notamment des personnes des mines d’Ekati et de Diavik, de la baie de Voisey dans la province de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, de Raglan et d’autres sites miniers. Quant à moi, je me trouvais sur les lieux de construction de Diavik et de la baie de Voisey, aussi ce genre de conditions et de projets dans l’Arctique, très complexes du point de vue logistique, n’avait rien de nouveau pour moi ni pour beaucoup d’autres dans la chaîne. » Dans le cadre de leur contribution à d’autres projets, ces membres chevronnés de l’équipe de Baffinland s’étaient habitués à ce que la préfabrication ait lieu en dehors du site. Ceci leur permettait de minimiser les travaux qui auraient dû être exécutés dans des conditions plus austères sur le site. Les bâtiments étaient tous préfabriqués ou construits par panneaux puis expédiés sur le site pour l’assemblage final, notamment les fondations des bâtiments qui étaient précoulées sous forme de blocs de béton et expédiées sur le site afin d’éviter d’avoir à couler du béton par des températures hivernales moyennes de -30° C à Mary River. Les entrepreneurs ont effectué une grande partie des travaux de construction, mais comme l’explique M. Hampton, la majorité des travaux de terrassement ont été exécutés par des exploitants embauchés par Baffinland. « Nous sommes une société minière, aussi notre travail consiste à déplacer la terre, si l’on peut dire, sous forme de minerai », fait-il remarquer. « Notre flotte minière étant sur place, nous disposions de notre propre équipement. » Ceci a permis à la société de faire venir sur place plus tôt que prévu son propre effectif permanent, donnant ainsi la posFebruary/Février 2015 | 105
profil de projet | M A R Y R I V E R
Le projet est situé à 500 km au nord du cercle polaire arctique, à l’extrémité nord de l’île de Baffin.
sibilité à ces travailleurs de bien se former et de se sentir totalement à l’aise sur le site lorsque les activités minières ont commencé. La plupart des personnes exploitant la mine en septembre avaient déjà passé les six à neuf derniers mois à réhabiliter la route et à préparer les surfaces extérieures pour faciliter la construction et le stockage. Elles travaillaient principalement sur un mode de rotation de deux semaines, arrivant à la mine par avion des cinq communautés les plus proches, notamment d’Iqaluit, la capitale du Nunavut, et de Kitchener-Waterloo, en Ontario. Fort de 700 employés, l’effectif permanent du projet vient du Canada, dont 200 à 250 personnes sont originaires des communautés locales et ont généreusement partagé leurs connaissances, indique Erik Madsen, vice-président du développement durable, de la santé, de la sécurité et de l’environnement de Baffinland. Les connaissances traditionnelles, par exemple, ont aidé la société à réduire l’impact des activités maritimes sur les routes de glace de mer empruntées par les Inuits et à choisir une future voie de transport par la partie nord du bassin de Foxe, contournant ainsi des régions importantes en termes de faune marine. En outre, explique M. Madsen, « les connaissances traditionnelles et locales concernant les tendances d’abondance des caribous et leur répartition étaient essentielles à l’évaluation des effets et la planification des mesures d’atténuation du projet. Nos études ne nous ont pas énormément renseignés sur l’écologie des caribous dans la région. Malgré les signes détectant leur présence, on en voyait très peu. Les connaissances qu’ont partagé avec nous les aînés et les chasseurs nous ont 106 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
aidé à caractériser les tendances démographiques de 60 à 70 ans ainsi que les schémas probables de reconstitution des populations, et elles nous ont fourni des informations intéressantes quant aux comportements d’adaptation des caribous. »
Garder l’équipement au chaud Sur le site du projet Mary River, l’arrêt et le refroidissement de l’équipement pendant les temps d’immobilisation n’est pas envisageable. « Sur tous nos équipements, le moteur et les fluides auront du mal à s’adapter aux basses températures », explique M. Hampton. « Les équipements lourds sont très difficiles à redémarrer à de telles températures. Ainsi, si l’on ne dispose pas de zones chauffées où l’on peut mettre ces véhicules à l’abri et les faire redémarrer, il faudra généralement les faire marcher au ralenti pour une bonne partie de la saison froide. » Garder l’équipement au chaud n’a pas été une mince affaire pendant l’automne et l’hiver 2013. Tous les matériaux et les équipements, dont la majorité des bâtiments préfabriqués, étaient arrivés sur le site en été par les ponts maritimes. La maintenance devait avoir lieu en même temps que l’installation des bâtiments et la mise en service de l’équipement, souvent en extérieur ou dans des structures de gros œuvre rudimentaires. M. Hampton reconnaît que cette saison a été « éprouvante. » Malgré son expérience, il explique que l’équipe avait sous-estimé la difficulté de trouver des fluides et conduites hydrauliques adaptés à ces conditions. Mais cette année, poursuit-il, « la situation est différente en ce que nos infrastructures pour la maintenance ainsi que nos
MARY RIVER
| profil de projet
dans un avion », ajoute-t-il. « Aussi, nous devons nous assurer que nous disposons d’un contingent suffisant de pneus, plus important que ce dont nous aurions besoin dans un contexte de cycles d’usure normaux. En effet, pour ce site minier spécifique par exemple, nous disposons de quatre tombereaux de modèle 777, et nos travaux miniers en dépendent. Si nous venons à manquer de pneus avant le prochain transport prévu par pont maritime, nous pourrions être obligés d’arrêter les activités. Le type d’équipement que nous stockons sur le site minier avoisine les 10 millions $, ce qui ne serait pas nécessaire si le site minier se trouvait dans une région plus au sud où l’accès est Le minerai, d’une teneur moyenne de 67 % de fer, ne nécessite aucun pré-raffinage avant l’expédition. possible tout au long de l’année. » Avec l’aide des fournisseurs, Baffinland estime les besoins de l’exbâtiments sont totalement opérationnels. Par rapport à l’an- ploitation sur une année, et ajoute une marge de 15 à 20 % née dernière, nous sommes donc bien mieux préparés pour supplémentaire dans le stock en cas d’urgence. Les compoaffronter le froid. » santes à bas prix mais volumineuses ou lourdes sont surstocL’équipe de maintenance du projet Mary River a eu le temps kées, contrairement aux plus petites pièces car elles peuvent d’évaluer les besoins de son équipement, et le recours aux nom- être facilement transportées par avion si besoin est. « Malgré breuses modifications nécessaires par temps froid a permis aux nos efforts de planification, nous nous sommes parfois retroumachines de rester opérationnelles. Le matériel d’exploitation vés en situation où nous avons dû faire venir des pièces par minière est équipé de chauffages Espar intégrés dans les sys- avion », reconnaît M. Hampton. tèmes de refroidissement et de fluide hydraulique du moteur, ce qui permet au fluide de conserver sa forme liquide, de dis- Des ACQUIS solides tribuer la chaleur dans tout l’échangeur de chaleur du véhicule Le froid n’est pas toujours un inconvénient pour les activiet de réchauffer le moteur à l’aide de la chaleur résiduelle dans tés du projet Mary River ; il s’est même parfois révélé utile. L’hil’eau de refroidissement. Les lubrifiants Petro-Canada utili- ver dernier en effet, il a fallu réhabiliter une bande sables par tous temps permettent aux engrenages de fonction- d’atterrissage pour permettre aux avions à réaction de se poser ner sans encombre. Pour l’équipement connexe plus petit, sur le site. Pendant plusieurs mois durant lesquels la bande l’équipe utilise des chauffages à eau et hydrauliques Webasto d’atterrissage était hors service, la société en a construit une sur ainsi que des fluides hydrauliques Rayco Chemical pour l’avia- l’un des lacs gelés. « Des avions à réaction 737 se posaient sur tion. Un abri à vent a également été construit pour protéger les le lac », explique M. Hampton. L’épaisseur de glace nécessaire machines du froid glacial, et des éléments de chauffage à l’état pour qu’un avion puisse y atterrir sans danger est de 54 de traces ont été installés le long des conduits d’air et d’eau pouces. À la fin de la saison, explique-t-il, l’épaisseur de la pour protéger les forages destinés au développement. glace avoisinait les 80 pouces. Les enjeux, les accomplissements, la construction et les Logistique activités ont tous été atteints en respectant des normes de Transporter l’équivalent d’une année de travail sur un pont sécurité extrêmement élevées. M. Hampton fait remarquer maritime d’été requiert une planification bien pensée. Si le site que Baffinland a réalisé deux étapes primordiales en sepvient à manquer d’équipements indispensables, le réapprovi- tembre dernier. Tout d’abord, elle est passée du statut de sionnement par un avion mixte 737 de Kitchener-Waterloo société d’exploration à celui de développement pour coûtera environ 100 000 $. « C’est environ 10 fois plus cher ensuite atteindre celui d’exploitant minier. Ensuite, durant que le transport par voie maritime », indique M. Hampton. ses trois années d’activité, elle n’a enregistré aucun accident En outre, certaines pièces, comme les pneus d’un tombe- ayant entraîné des arrêts de travail. « Nous sommes très reau de modèle 777 de Caterpillar, ne peuvent être transpor- fiers de la culture de sécurité que nous avons instaurée sur tées par avion. « Des pneus de cette taille ne rentrent pas notre site. » ICM February/Février 2015 | 107
TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
CIM
journal
Excerpts taken from abstracts in CIM Journal, Vol. 6, No. 1. To subscribe, to submit a paper or to be a peer reviewer—www.cim.org
Time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram of caustic calcined magnesia K. Ebrahimi-Nasrabadi, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; M. Barati, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and P. W. Scott, Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT The conversion of cryptocrystalline magnesite to caustic magnesia was studied experimentally at temperatures of 400–1,200°C and for calcination times of up to 8 h. A differential thermal analysis–thermal gravimetric analysis showed that decomposition begins at temperatures as low as 340°C and is completed at 600°C. Specific surface area, iodine adsorption number, crystallite size, and loss on ignition were measured to characterize the product quality. It was found that high-quality caustic calcined magnesia can be produced in a narrow temperature (600–650°C) and time range (1–4 h).
RÉSUMÉ La conversion de magnésite cryptocristalline en magnésie caustique a été étudiée de manière expérimentale à des températures de 400 à 1200 °C et pour des temps de calcination atteignant 8 heures. Une analyse thermique différentielle – analyse thermique gravimétrique montre que la décomposition commence à des températures aussi basses que 340 °C et qu’elle est complète à 600 °C. La surface spécifique, l’indice d’adsorption de l’iode, la taille des cristaux et la perte au feu ont été mesurés afin de caractériser la qualité du produit. Il a été trouvé qu’une magnésie caustique calcinée de grande qualité peut être produite dans un petit écart de température (600 à 650 °C) et dans une période de temps variant entre 1 et 4 heures.
Effect of low-intensity magnetic fields on constructed wetland mesocosms treating chromium wastewater A. Rodriguez-Prado, Independent Consultant, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
ABSTRACT Magnetic fields affect the growth of cultured cells and plants; however, limited information exists about their effects on vegetation performing environmental remediation. Constructed wetland mesocosms treating hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) wastewater exposed to low-intensity magnetic fields (60 Hz, 56.5 × 10−6 Tesla) produced 100% more biomass than the unexposed control. Nonetheless, they removed only 43 ± 27% of Cr(VI), compared to 60 ± 21% for the control. A Cr(VI) reduction expression was developed as a function of the magnetic field. The design and operation of constructed wetlands to treat mining wastewater can be corrected for magnetic field effects.
RÉSUMÉ Les champs magnétiques affectent la croissance des cellules et des plantes cultivées ; toutefois, il existe peu d’information quant à leurs effets sur la végétation utilisée à des fins d’assainissement environnementale. Les mésocosmes des marais artificiels traitant des eaux usées, contenant du chrome hexavalent (Cr(VI)), exposés à des champs magnétiques de faible intensité (60 Hz, 56,5 × 10 6 Tesla) ont produit 100 % plus de biomasse que le contrôle non exposé. Néanmoins, ils n’ont enlevé que 43 ± 27 % du Cr(VI), comparativement à 60 ± 21 % pour le contrôle. Une expression de réduction du Cr(VI) a été développée en tant que fonction du champ magnétique. La conception et l’exploitation de marais artificiels pour traiter les eaux usées des mines peuvent être adaptées pour tenir compte des effets des champs magnétiques.
Introduction to the stirred milling of nickel laterites for upgrading nickel L. Tong and B. Klein, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; M. Zanin, W. Skinner, K. Quast, and J. Addai-Mensah, Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; and D. Robinson, Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship, CSIRO Process Science and Engineering, Waterford, Western Australia, Australia
ABSTRACT The stirred milling of nickel laterites offers possibilities for improving liberation and selective size reduction of soft nickel-bearing minerals in laterites. Batch grinding tests were performed in a Netzsch™ LME4 stirred mill on siliceous goethitic, goethitic, and saprolitic nickel laterites. Tests on the −2,000 µm sample displayed the effects of selective comminution. The −38 µm product of grinding the −2,000/+38 µm feed confirmed the effects of selective grinding and nickel upgrading. Size classification 108 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
RÉSUMÉ le broyage par billes de latérites comportant du nickel offre des possibilités d’amélioration de la libération et de la réduction sélective de la taille des minéraux nickélifères tendres dans les latérites. Des essais de broyage en vrac ont été effectués dans un broyeur à billes NetzschMD LME4 sur des latérites nickélifères à goethite siliceuse, à goethite et saprolitiques. Des essais sur l’échantillon 2000 µ m présentaient des effets d’une comminution sélective. Le produit 38 µm de l’alimentation 2000/+38 µm confirme les effets d’un broyage sélectif et du rehaussement de la
TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
CIM
journal
Excerpts taken from abstracts in CIM Journal, Vol. 6, No. 1. To subscribe, to submit a paper or to be a peer reviewer—www.cim.org
followed by stirred milling is recommended for nickel upgrading. The energy requirement in the stirred milling was also investigated.
teneur en nickel. Pour améliorer la teneur en nickel, il est recommandé de classifier le minerai en fonction de sa granulométrie, puis d’effectuer un broyage à billes. L’énergie requise pour le broyage à billes a aussi été étudié.
Escalating social risk around mining: Why does it matter and what can be done? M. D. Evans, Office of the Extractive Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor, Government of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ABSTRACT The mining industry has a significant opportunity to capitalize on past learnings to build better social relationships. The industry’s relationship with society is critical and under pressure. Rising levels of public opposition and social conflict are already having material impacts on operations around the world. The industry has an opportunity to shape the future direction of this social engagement, build public trust, and proactively respond to a material risk to operations, but first it needs to better understand the nature of the challenges and the urgency of addressing them.
RÉSUMÉ L’industrie minière a actuellement une excellente occasion de tirer profit de ses expériences antérieures pour établir de meilleures relations sociales. Les relations entre l’industrie et la société sont critiques et elles subissent de grandes pressions. L’escalade de l’opposition par le public et les conflits sociaux ont déjà des impacts physiques sur les opérations partout à travers le monde. L’industrie a l’occasion de façonner la future direction de son engagement social, d’accroître la confiance du public et de répondre de manière proactive à un risque matériel aux exploitations, mais elle doit tout d’abord mieux comprendre la nature des défis et l’urgence de les traiter.
TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS
canadian metallurgical quarterly
Excerpts taken from abstracts in CMQ, Vol. 52, No. 4. To subscribe – www.cmq-online.ca
Wear resistance of coke-crushing hammers F. Zupani˘c, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Smetanova ulica, Maribor, Slovenia
ABSTRACT This work investigated several methods for improving the wear resistance of the 42CrMo4 tool steel used for coke-crushing hammers. The methods embraced heat treatment for obtaining different combinations of strength and ductility of the bulk steel, and surface-engineering processes comprising TiN thin-film deposition using magnetron-sputtering, nitriding and WC/Ni weld deposit surfaced by gas metal arc (GMA) method. The wear-resistance was tested under industrial conditions. Oil quenching and tempering significantly increased the wear resistance in comparison to the as-received condition. Conversely, nitriding and TiN-hard coating did not show any significant improvement. WC/Ni weld deposit provided the best protection against wear, which was caused predominantly by hard abrasive particles present in the coke.
RÉSUMÉ Ce travail a examiné quelques méthodes d’amélioration de la résistance à l’usure de l’acier à outils 42CrMo4, utilisé pour les marteaux de broyage de coke. Les méthodes incluaient le traitement thermique pour l’obtention de combinaisons diverses de résistance et de ductilité de l’acier en vrac, ainsi que les procédés d’ingénierie des surfaces comprenant le dépôt de couche mince de TiN par pulvérisation au magnétron, la nitruration ainsi que le surfaçage par dépôt de soudure de WC/Ni par la méthode de soudure à l’arc sous gaz (GMA). On a évalué la résistance à l’usure en conditions industrielles. La trempe à l’huile avec revenu augmentait significativement la résistance à l’usure par rapport au métal brut d’usinage. Inversement, la nitruration, et le revêtement dur de TiN n’ont pas montré d’amélioration importante. Le dépôt de soudure de WC/Ni fournissait la meilleure protection contre l’usure, qui était principalement causée par les particules abrasives dures présentes dans le coke.
February/Février 2015 | 109
RÉSERVEZ CES DATES
SYMPOSIUM 2015 • ROUYN-NORANDA SUR L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET LES MINES MINES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
L'Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) et l'Institut canadien des mines, de la métallurgie et du pétrole (ICM) vous invitent à Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada, du 14 au 17 juin 2015, à l'occasion du Symposium 2015 sur l'environnement et les mines.
Le Symposium est le résultat d'une collaboration entre l’Institut de recherche en mines et environnement (IRME) UQAT-Polytechnique, l'Unité de recherche et de service en technologie minérale (URSTM), et de nombreux acteurs des gouvernements et des entreprises minières.
Les objectifs du Symposium visent à partager les connaissances les plus récentes et à discuter des expériences pratiques afin de « trouver des solutions pour concilier rentabilité et protection de l’environnement ». DIMANCHE 14 JUIN : COURS INTENSIFS LUNDI ET MARDI 15 ET 16 JUIN : PROGRAMME TECHNIQUE PORTANT SUR :
Rejets miniers • Remblais souterrains • Roches stériles • Prédiction de la qualité des eaux • Traitement des eaux • Restauration des sites • Réglementation/société • Innovation (nouvelles tendances) Traduction simultanée : Français-Anglais / Anglais-Français
MERCREDI 17 JUIN : VISITES DE SITES Pour plus d’information, contactez : Nadia Bakka (ICM) : 514-939-2710, 1333, Nbakka@cim.org
Suivez les publications de l’ICM pour plus de détails et visitez notre site WEB à :
ROUYN-NORANDA2015.CIM.ORG
innovation showcase | professional directory | ad index BELLEDUNE PORT AUTHORITY Situated on the Bay of Chaleur in northeastern New Brunswick, the port facilities are located in a rural area with no congestion. Belledune has an artificial harbor equipped with a breakwater, 4 terminals and 6 berths. The port has multi-type cargo facilities, including one of the most modern roll on- roll off and general cargo terminals in Atlantic Canada. Approximately 2 million metric tonnes of bulk, breakbulk and project cargo flow through the port every year. Since 2009 over $80 million in infrastructure improvements were made, including a new roll on-roll off/barge terminal, 27 acres of storage adjacent to the terminals and a new Modular Component Fabrication Facility. The Fabrication Facility has a 19.8 meter clear height and is equipped with two 20 tonne overhead cranes, 20 welding stations and is located along a straight 1.6km route from the port terminals. This industrial zoned site provides unlimited possibilities for fabrication, metal working, assembly, and storage allowing you to save time and money at eastern Canada’s mining port. www.portofbelledune.ca
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111
Innovation showcase
111
Professional directory
Belledune Port Authority
Phone: 855 354 5263
info@kblenv.com
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IN THE NEXT ISSUE HOW DOES YOUR ENERGY RANK? The price of power has major investment repercussions.
• PROJECT CONSTRUCTION Big builds are critical to get right.
• FLOTATION Advances in flotation are bubbling to the surface.
KBL Environmental
February/Février 2015 | 111
TRAVEL Valledupar
N
amed after a legendary Chimila leader, Valledupar is an historic northeastern Colombian city of 440,000 people. It quickly became a centre for import and distribution after being founded by the Spanish in 1550. Today, Valledupar is a business hub for the biggest coal mines in the country, owned by Cerrejón (equal parts BHP Billiton, Anglo American and Glencore) and U.S.-based Drummond.
By Katelyn Spidle
STAY
Joaquin Ramirez
WHERE TO
Known for its helpful staff, excellent food and luxurious amenities, the Sonesta Hotel is a top choice among business travellers. Guests can expect to pay about $130 per night for a regular room with a king-sized bed, although suites, family-style and kitchenette-equipped rooms are available as
well. The Sonesta also boasts a restaurant, pool, fitness centre and bar, and a stay includes free Internet, parking and breakfast. Travellers looking to get out and about in Valledupar would enjoy the Tativan Hotel. Centrally located and secure, Tativan is affordable ($77 per night) and has a
TIP The tourism industry is booming, despite perceptions that Colombia – former home of the notorious
drug lord Pablo Escobar – is a dangerous place to travel. Safety has drastically increased since thenpresident Álvaro Uribe passed the Justice and Peace law in 2006.
DINE
GETTING
AROUND Tanenhaus
WHERE TO
Expect a good dose of protein with each meal; Colombians are big meat eaters. Adventurous travellers might try the regional dish “hormigas culonas” (roasted ants), which are considered both nutritious and aphrodisiacal. Valledupar’s cuisine has a noticeable Caribbean influence; a common side dish consists of coconut rice and beans. Lunch is typically the biggest meal in Colombia, but breakfast is taken seriously as well. It is a good thing Compae Chipuco serves both. Enjoy a traditional meal under the shade of a mango tree in a courtyard patio, nestled only a halfblock from the Plaza Alfonso Lopez. It is also possible to take a break from the local fare, as there are several international and fusion restaurants in Valledupar. Carb-lovers will be happy to discover an array of quality Italian restaurants like Ferrini Pizza, which offers a generous number of menu options. 112 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
Colombians prefer their coffees small, weak
TIP and black. Colombian coffee is called tinto and is typically drunk in the afternoon.
spectacular view of the Santa Marta and Perijá mountain ranges. The Plaza Alfonso Lopez, one of Valledupar’s two shopping malls, is within walking distance. Instead of eating at the hotel restaurant, explore Carrera 9 and Calle 16, where a number of restaurants can be found.
Until recently, taxis and buses owned by private and government entities operated on shared routes throughout Valledupar. As a response to an escalating number of auto rickshaws operating illegally in the urban centre, the government implemented the Massive Strategic Transportation System in 2014. The new system features modern buses and revamped routes.
WHERE TO
EXPLORE helping travellers cultivate a deeper understanding of regional culture and history. The region is home to a unique musical tradition called vallenato, which is played on the indigenous guacharaca, African tambora and European accordion.
During the last week of April the city comes alive for the Vallenato Legend Festival that celebrates vallenato music with a series of contests and awards and has been held annually since 1968. Spend a sunny afternoon swimming in the Río Guatapurí,
Joaquin Ramirez
Valledupar’s culture is influenced by the European colonists who settled in the area, African slaves who built the city, and indigenous mountain tribes like the Ika, Wiwa, Kogi and Kankuamo. Local tour company Paseo Vallenato offers a wide selection of activities,
TIP The oral history of Valledupar is still very much alive, and locals are excellent storytellers. Many myths and legends have been well preserved along with a strong cultural identity.
Joaquin Ramirez
HOW TO
GET THERE
There are many airlines that serve Bogotá, including Air France, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Air Canada. To get to Valledupar, however, travellers must fly with Colombia’s national airline, Avianca. Foreigners are subject to an exit tax of US$33.
Joaquin Ramirez
HOW TO
Joaquin Ramirez
HOW TO
TIP
snacking on green mango with salt and sipping Old Parr whiskey – a local favourite – in the Balneario Hurtado, just north of Valledupar. Guests looking for a little peace and quiet should avoid holidays and Sundays, when locals flock to the area.
Most Latin American countries have their own aguardiente, meaning “fiery water.” The Colombian version is made from fermented sugar cane, is flavoured with anise seed and contains roughly 29 per cent alcohol.
FIT IN
Colombians value strong handshakes, eye contact and small talk. Before discussing business, build trust by asking about family and health. The region is not popular among foreign tourists so it will be important to learn basic Spanish before travelling to Valledu-
par. Consider having a translator available to you. Meals are a formal affair. Always use cutlery – even for fruit – and do not begin eating before the host says “¡Buen provecho!” Try everything on your plate, but remember it’s polite
PAY
The Colombian peso is the official currency, and exchanging foreign money can easily be accomplished at a currency exchange, bank or hotel. It is recommended that visitors avoid foreign exchange dealers on the street; they may offer better rates but the risk of robbery and counterfeit is high. The most common foreign currency is the U.S. dollar, which is also the official reference rate for foreign exchange. Debit cards are widely accepted at larger stores and hotels, while most places take major credit cards.
to leave behind.
a
little
Be aware that family is central to social life, and that 90 per cent of Colombians are Roman Catholic. February/Février 2015 | 113
The broken promise of El Dorado By Correy Baldwin
A
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
s Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada apparent wealth. At the time, the Muisca were divided by entered the territory of the Muisca people, he found internal rivalries. Quesada took advantage of this and, himself surrounded by the thing he had been searching despite the diminished state of his troops, attacked and for: gold. He saw gold jewellery, gold chimes hanging from conquered them. He declared a new Spanish colony, evendoorways, and gold objects in the temples. Quesada was tually known by the local name, Bogotá. leading an expedition to find the legendary El Dorado, a land Quesada immediately tried to locate the source of the of untold golden riches hidden Muisca gold. To him, the locals somewhere in the New World. Could seemed ignorant of its value, but to he have finally arrived? the Muisca, gold was simply a beautiTales had been growing among the ful metal that had spiritual signifiSpanish since 1531 of an indigenous cance and little else. They were a ruler who, as part of a religious cereprosperous people, though their mony, would cover himself in gold wealth lay in their fertile valleys and in dust and dive into a sacred lake, washtheir salt mining and emeralds, which ing it off. The ruler was known among they traded for gold. There were no the Spanish as El Rey Dorado, or the Muisca gold mines, much to golden king. To the Spanish it seemed Quesada’s chagrin. an extravagant display of wealth, and By 1539, two other expeditions had locating his kingdom of gold – which reached Bogotá: a conquistador from the Spanish dubbed El Dorado – Ecuador and a German conqueror quickly became a national obsession. from Venezuela. Although Quesada Quesada joined the Spanish conhad already declared the land for quest of the Americas in 1535 as chief Spain, he had not yet officially sent magistrate of the colony of Santa word to the Spanish king, and the two Marta, on the north coast of presentother men wanted to claim the land. day Colombia. The following year he Rather than fight for it, Quesada conwas ordered by the governor of Santa vinced the men to travel to Spain to let Marta to lead a massive expedition the king settle the matter. The three into the interior of the continent in left together, but none of them were Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada led two search of El Dorado. granted the land in the end; the king in the 1500s to find the legendary kingdom of Quesada’s expedition got off to a expeditions instead gave it to the son of the goverEl Dorado. rocky start. He led 200 soldiers plus a nor of Santa Marta. number of native porters and black The dejected Quesada remained slaves by foot, with another 600 troops travelling up the in Spain for a number of years before returning to the Magdalena River on a fleet of supply ships. The land party was Spanish colonies in 1550, this time as marshal of Bogotá. In rocked by disease and attacks by wild animals and hostile 1569 he took another stab at El Dorado, organizing a maslocals. When the exhausted troops made it to the rendezvous sive expedition from Bogotá to the south and east. It was a point on the river, the ships were nowhere to be found, having near-repeat of his first attempt and another monumental been delayed by storms. While they waited, the men survived failure. This time he left with 500 men and returned after by eating what they could, including reptiles and boiled three years with only 28. The loss had been horrifically leather. When the ships finally arrived, Quesada set out to expensive, and Quesada retired deeply in debt. brave the jungle again. They reached the lands of the Muisca While Quesada’s expeditions were only two of the Confederation at the foothills of the Andes the following many launched to find the kingdom of gold, it was perJanuary, down to just 166 men. haps the extravagance of Quesada’s failures that made his Unbeknownst to Quesada, he had found the source of exploits most memorable. He is thought to have inspired the legend of El Dorado. The ceremonies held by a Muisca Miguel de Cervante’s Don Quixote, published 26 years after ruler in nearby Lake Guatavita had inspired the myth, his death. Ironically, Quesada’s expeditions into Muisca though the actual kingdom no longer matched the larger- territory may have brought him closer to El Dorado than than-life tales. Still, Quesada was impressed with their those of anyone else. CIM 114 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 10, No. 1
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