CIM Magazine February 2010 by CIM-ICM Publications

MINING

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CONTENTS CIM MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2010 | FÉVRIER 2010

NEWS 10

Getting there with hot air Can airships provide a “back-to-the-future” solution to northern mining logistics by G. Woodford

12 14 16 18

Building bridges between Canada and Mexico Farallon’s Dick Whittington recognized for work on behalf of Canadian miners by D. Zlotnikov A cleaner code Cyanide management code continues to evolve by R. Bergen Explicate and educate, don’t legislate Current disclosure requirements are adequate — if they are followed, argues Ontario Securities Commission by B. Wylie

Be flexible and forward-looking Deloitte’s mining specialists outline the trends that will shape the year ahead by R. Bergen

Strong support, spotty understanding PDAC survey reveals Canadians understand the value and scope, if not the details, of mining in this country by J. Borsato

Construction starts at the Antamina mine expansion Peruvian copper and zinc mine is big and on

Seven who made a difference Industry leaders

its way to becoming bigger by M. Eisner gather at Canadian Mining Hall of Fame gala to honour past builders and lend support to Haiti by G. Woodford

UPFRONT 28

Caterpillar charges ahead with electric-drive truck Prototype with AC drive leads advances in new generation

From knowledge to know-how MIRARCO balances the

of trucks by B. Dunn

risks and rewards of research and development through good times and bad by R. Bergen Extra-terrestrial excavation International team of engineers and students take on the Regolith Excavation Challenge by G. Baiden

The Green Mining Initiative NRCan project aims to

capture the best information and best practices in sustainable mining by D. Morrison The end of globalization? Economist and author Jeff Rubin foretells a future of high energy prices and localized economies by J. Borsato

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010

MINING — YOUR FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER WORLD May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

4 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

COLUMNS

INNOVATION 40

Come together Collaboration between industry, government and academia will be the “golden

Strategic mine planning Generating greater value from mines will depend on re-evaluating

key” to industry innovation across the country by H. Ednie both what we know and what we don’t by R. Bergen

64 66 68 70 72 73 74 76 78 79 80 82 84 138

Supply Side by J. Baird MAC Economic Commentary by P. Stothart HR Outlook by M. Roberts Standards by C. Waldie and I. McCartney Canadians Abroad by H. Ednie Eye on Business by F. Dagicour Student Life by I. Farmer Innovation by A. Blancarte Women in Mining by H. Ednie First Nations by J.C. Reyes Engineering Exchange by H. Ednie Parlons-en par D. Villeneuve Mining Lore by C. Baldwin Voices from Industry by S. Waller

CIM NEWS 86 86 87 87 89

FEATURED MINE MINE EN VEDETTE 54

Celebrating success at local student night Students and professionals share work experiences in Vancouver by A. Doll Bitten by the gold bug Gold prices will soar thanks to the “audacity of hyperinflation” argues John Ing by R. Hutson I teach therefore I am Passion for teaching drives David Lentz by G. Woodford

CIM Oil Sands Branch gets practical solutions Technical presenters offer “Efficient

Géothermie : Énergie gratuite dans notre sous-sol par P. Laroche CMP holds outstanding regional event

Iron in Bloom Consolidated Thompson makes good on the promise of Bloom Lake’s iron ore deposit by D. Zlotnikov

Troubleshooting fuels this winner’s fire University of Alberta student claims André Laplante scholarship by M. Eisner Impressed with mine sites Foley scholarship winner has global ambitions by M. Eisner

Minesite Solutions” by C. West

Le minerai de fer du lac Bloom Consolidated Thompson démarre la production à la mine du lac Bloom

Re-energized processor’s society members gather in Fort McMurray by F. Rizzuto

CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 / Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM 2010 Preliminary Program / Programme préliminaire

HISTORY 127 130

Porphry deposits (Part 3) by R.J. Cathro The beginnings of mineral processing research in Canada (Part 2) by F. Habashi

TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS 133

PROGRAMME PRÉLIMINAIRE

134

Exploration and Mining Geology Journal Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly

IN EVERY ISSUE Congrès et salon commercial de l’ICM 2010

L’INDUSTRIE MINIÈRE — FONDEMENTS POUR UN MONDE MEILLEUR Du 9 au 12 mai 2010 | Vancouver, C.-B.

6 8 90 92 93 135 136

Editor’s message President’s notes / Mot du président Welcoming new members Obituaries Calendar Bookshop Professional directory February 2010 | 5

editor’s letter Patience, persistence and partnership In 1859, Whitwell Elwin received an advanced reading copy of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.” Concerned that there would not be a market for it, Elwin suggested that Darwin write a book about pigeons instead. ”On the Origin of Species” has never been out of print since. This is just one of a plethora of fascinating tales Bill Bryson narrates in his acclaimed book “A Short History of Nearly Everything.” In it, the ex-journalist shares what he discovered during a three-year-long quest to understand the greatest discoveries of science. What struck me the most about Bryson’s many observations was that, paradoxically, “innovation” has historically been the product not of spontaneous betterment, but of great patience, persistence and partnership. CIM Magazine is excited to kick off 2010 with a nod to the innovative ideas, processes and people of the mining industry. I say a “nod” as it would necessitate a tome to fully contain the countless contributions of mining to industry and society. A feature article on strategic mine planning demonstrates that innovation need not necessarily involve the introduction of new technology. It can just as well entail challenging the boundaries of existing assumptions. Our other feature, “Come together,” reveals how academia, government and industry are collaborating to propel Canada’s research agenda, ensuring that our resources industry maintains its global reputation as a breeding ground of innovative ideas and technologies. Many of these innovations will be front and centre at the upcoming CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010, to be held this coming May in Vancouver, British Columbia. Make sure you check out the preliminary program in this issue and begin planning your itinerary. From the innovative projects and processes explored in an impressive Technical Program to the groundbreaking systems and technologies on display on the exhibition floor, this is your opportunity to be at the centre of the next generation of mining innovation. Fail to attend and you just might end up like Elwin and miss cashing in on the evolutionary ideas driving our industry into the future. And, speaking of new ideas — we encourage you to share your feedback and story ideas with us here at CIM Magazine, so that we can continue to evolve and grow in tandem with this remarkable industry.

Editor-in-chief Angela Hamlyn, editor@cim.org Section Editors News, Upfront and Features:

Ryan Bergen, rbergen@cim.org Columns, CIM News, Histories and Technical Section:

Andrea Nichiporuk, anichiporuk@cim.org Technical Editor Joan Tomiuk, jtomiuk@cim.org Publisher CIM Contributors Greg Baiden, Jon Baird, Correy Baldwin, Louise Blais-Leroux, Alicia Blancarte, Jeff Borsato, R.J. Cathro, Florence Dagicour, Alex Doll, Brian Dunn, Heather Ednie, Marlene Eisner, Iain Farmer, Fathi Habashi, Rick Hutson, Minaz Kerawala, Pierre Laroche, Ian McCartney, Douglas Morrison, Robbie Pillo, Juan Carlos Reyes, Fred Rizzuto, Martha Roberts, Paul Stothart, Denis Villeneuve, Craig Waldie, Sean Waller, Christian West, Gillian Woodford, Bianca Wylie, Dan Zlotnikov Published 8 times a year by CIM 855 - 3400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, QC, H3Z 3B8 Tel.: 514.939.2710; Fax: 514.939.2714 www.cim.org; Email: magazine@cim.org Subscriptions Included in CIM membership ($150.00); Non-members (Canada), $168.00/yr (GST included; Quebec residents add $12.60 PST; NB, NF and NS residents add $20.80 HST); U.S. and other countries, US$180.00/yr; Single copies, $25.00. Advertising Sales Dovetail Communications Inc. 30 East Beaver Creek Rd., Ste. 202 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1J2 Tel.: 905.886.6640; Fax: 905.886.6615 www.dvtail.com National Account Executives 905.886.6641 Joe Crofts jcrofts@dvtail.com ext. 310 Janet Jeffery jjeffery@dvtail.com ext. 329

This month’s cover Foundry crew members working in the experimental casting facility at CANMET’s Materials Technology Laboratory. Photo courtesy of NRCan.

Angela Hamlyn Editor-in-chief

Layout and design by Clò Communications. Copyright©2010. All rights reserved. ISSN 1718-4177. Publications Mail No. 09786. Postage paid at CPA Saint-Laurent, QC. Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec.

Keep the mail coming! Contact us at

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.

editor@cim.org Printed in Canada 6 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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president’s notes Welcome to the Innovation issue of CIM Magazine Webster’s dictionary defines innovation as “the introduction of something new.” In my 40-year career I have been constantly amazed by the novel and creative ways that we in the mining industry have adapted and introduced new things — whether they are innovative methods, processes, technologies or equipment. Consider the following: • The largest haul trucks in the early 1970s were 100 tons; they are now pushing 400 tons. • The largest drive on a grinding mill used to be 10,000 hp; they are now approaching 30,000 hp. • Ores and concentrates can now be transported in pipelines over hundreds of kilometres. • Equipment and processes can be controlled and information about their condition monitored remotely from incredibly long distances. • Slope movements in open pits can now be measured remotely in real time, thereby providing timely warning of impending failures. • We can communicate in an underground mine via cell phones and radios — something unimagined 40 years ago.

On another note, as I write this, we are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games. British Columbia and Vancouver and will be on display for the whole world to see. In a similar vein, the mining world can look forward to coming to Vancouver for the annual CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 in May. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mining – Your Foundation for a Better World.” The new and spectacular waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre will provide an ideal venue for this world-class event. A team of dedicated volunteers have put together a first-rate technical and social program. Come discover the leading-edge ideas, technologies and processes that will be driving Canadian mining innovation in the future. We look forward to seeing you all in Vancouver in May.

We have never been afraid of trying new things in the Canadian mining industry. This has placed us as at the forefront of mining innovation worldwide and helped make Canadian companies and consultants greatly sought-after for Michael J. Allan their know-how. CIM President

Bienvenue à la rubrique Innovation de CIM Magazine Le Petit Robert définit le terme innovation par « l’action d’innover » et le verbe innover par « introduire quelque chose de nouveau ». Au cours de mes 40 ans de carrière, j’ai été constamment émerveillé devant les façons nouvelles et créatives que nous, dans l’industrie minière, avons trouvées pour adapter et introduire de nouvelles choses, qu’il s’agisse de méthodes ou de technologies novatrices, de procédés ou d’équipements innovants. Voyez vous-mêmes : • Au début des années 1970, les plus gros camions pouvaient transporter 100 tonnes de minerai, aujourd’hui leur capacité atteint les 400 tonnes. • Les broyeurs avaient une puissance de 10 000 chevaux; celle-ci approche à présent les 30 000 chevaux. • Le minerai et les concentrés peuvent aujourd’hui être transportés par pipeline sur des centaines de kilomètres. • Le matériel et les procédés peuvent être contrôlés, de même que l’information sur leur état, à des distances incroyablement longues. • Dans les mines à ciel ouvert, les mouvements des fendues peuvent maintenant être mesurés à distance et en temps réel, ce qui permet d’être averti en temps opportun de toute défaillance imminente. • Dans les mines souterraines, nous pouvons aujourd’hui communiquer par téléphone cellulaire et par radio, ce qui était inimaginable il y a 40 ans. 8 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Dans l’industrie minière canadienne, nous n’avons jamais eu peur d’essayer de nouvelles choses. C’est ce qui nous a placés à l’avant-garde au chapitre des innovations minières à l’échelle mondiale et c’est pourquoi les sociétés et les experts-conseils du secteur minier canadien sont très recherchés pour leur savoir-faire. Par ailleurs, au moment où j’écris ces lignes, nous attendons impatiemment l’ouverture des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d’hiver 2010. Les yeux du monde entier seront tournés vers Vancouver et la Colombie-Britannique. De la même manière, le monde minier attend de se rendre à Vancouver pour participer au Congrès et salon commercial de l’ICM 2010 en mai. Le thème du congrès cette année est « L’industrie minière – Fondements pour un monde meilleur ». Le nouveau et magnifique centre des congrès de Vancouver situé au bord de l’océan sera le cadre idéal pour cet événement d'envergure mondiale. Une équipe de bénévoles dévoués a organisé un programme technique et social de premier ordre. Venez découvrir les idées, les technologies et les procédés d’avant-garde qui seront le moteur de l’innovation minière canadienne dans l’avenir. Nous vous attendons tous à Vancouver en mai. Michael J. Allan Président de l’ICM

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news Getting there with hot air Can blimps solve the North’s transport woes?

As we move into increasingly remote areas searching for minerals and fuel, one question keeps cropping up: how do we get there? Roads are often not an option. Helicopters can only carry so much. Could airships be the answer? “In the Canadian North there are rich mineral deposits, but there’s no way to get to them,” says Barry Prentice, president of ISO Polar, a not-for-profit airship think tank. Airships can take us there, he says. They can reach the remotest areas in the harshest climates and do not require a runway; they can haul a payload of 40 tonnes over more than 300 kilometres; they can lift and transport an entire oil rig. And they’re environmentally friendly, too, capable of running on alternative fuels like hydrogen and methane. At least, they are all these things in theory — no airships have actually been built yet. But the dirigibles are coming. The U.S. military is hoping to have one ready in 18 months to provide continuous surveillance to prevent roadside bombs in Afghanistan. Calgary-based SkyHook International, working with Boeing, plans to build a prototype for commercial application by early 2014. SkyHook’s craft, a helicopter-airship hybrid, will run on jet fuel and be able to haul 40 tonnes. By comparison, explains Linda Conti, SkyHook’s vice-president of administration, “the MI-26, the largest helicopter, can carry 18 tonnes.” For anyone having flashbacks to the Hindenburg, the airship that famously burst into flames in 1937, Prentice offers reassurance. The illfated Hindenburg was built from canvas, silk, wood and cow intestines. 10 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Illustration courtesy of Skyhook

By Gillian Woodford

Airships could ease the logistical constraints of remote mining operations.

The new airships will not only be vegetarian-friendly but, crucially, will also be filled with non-flammable helium, rather than highly flammable hydrogen. The potential customers for airships are many — oil and gas, mining and construction companies, as well as the military. For the mining industry, says Prentice, the biggest advantage would be cutting time to market by saving the time (and money) of having to build roads to remote areas. On top of that, notes Conti, “the ice

road season is short. With airships, mines would be accessible 24/7, 12 months of the year.” No one is sure exactly how much the airships will cost once they are in production, but Prentice says an accepted projection is around $1 million per tonne of lift. So far, the Canadian government has declined to invest in the concept. However, its proponents hope that the U.S. military’s airship project will spur further development here and elsewhere. CIM

Moving on up David Beatty has been named chairman of the board of directors for Inmet Mining Corporation. A director of the corporation since 2003, Beatty is currently chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Jochen Tilk, president and CEO of Inmet, has been appointed to the corporation's board of directors, replacing Richard Ross, who has retired.

news Building bridges between Canada and Mexico Farallon’s CEO is recognized for establishing and leading the Mexico Mining Task Force with commitment and vision

Just as a successful mining operation relies on sound engineering, a successful mining industry depends on strong relationships. Dick Whittington, president and CEO of Farallon Mining, has a talent for both. His company’s G-9 underground mine at Campo Morado went into operation last spring. In December, Whittington’s work as the founding chairman of the Mexico Mining Task Force — a group representing 34 Canadian explorers and producers operating in Mexico — earned him the recognition of the Canadian government. On a state visit to Mexico, Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented Whittington with a medallion to acknowledge his contribution to Canada-Mexico relations, through his commitDick Whittington at Farallon’s Campo Morado property ment to the task force and his leadership in representing Canadian mining interests in Mexico. Grupo Mexico, has a market capitalThe Mining Task Force, ization of $17 billion. The secondWhittington says, was formed four largest is Industrias Peñoles, at $9 years ago out of a need for a common billion.” voice. “What had gone unnoticed Whittington explains that while until I formed this task force was how working in other countries, he had strong a position and what a competseen the benefits of having “a strong, itive advantage Canadian mining coordinated commercial presence companies have around the world, that is allied with the Canadian and especially in Mexico.” embassies and whatever chambers of The group’s members have a marcommerce exist.” ket capitalization of $50 billion. What he saw in Mexico was that Whittington notes that this total “the Canadian companies had voices, includes the multinational giant but they were sporadic and individGoldcorp, but points out that even ual, and generally didn’t register with without Goldcorp, the remaining 33 the Mexican authorities because they companies account for $20 billion were perceived as little interests. But of capital. Putting the figure in per- what we realized, that others didn’t, is spective, he points out that “the that if you put 20 small companies largest Mexican mining company, together, it becomes a huge presence 12 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Photo courtesy of Farallon Mining

By Dan Zlotnikov

collectively in the mining industry of Mexico.” The task force has also served as a knowledge exchange, through which Canadian companies have access to the collective wisdom and experience of their peers. The flow of information is simplified in the other direction as well. If the Mexican government or mining ministry have an issue they wish to discuss, they can now simply contact the task force and have the information disseminated to all its members. Looking to the future, Whittington hopes to see the organization grow to include more members, but emphasizes that the future path will be determined by the members’ needs. “I think this award is a recognition of

news the strong relationship between the Canadian mining industry and Mexico,â&#x20AC;? he says. Mexican and Canadian interests are aligned as far as the mining industry is concerned, Whittington explains. While Canada is happy to encourage the growth and international expansion of its mining sector, and Mexico â&#x20AC;&#x201D; still suffering from the effects of the credit crisis â&#x20AC;&#x201D; welcomes foreign direct investment. Whittingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope is that the task force will facilitate the entry of more Canadian firms into the Mexican mining circle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think Canada has a competitive advantage in terms of being able to raise capital, bring expertise and put together a corporate structure that encourages operators to take a little more risk, so that mines can be developed and the industry can grow in Mexico,â&#x20AC;? says Whittington. Farallonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in Mexico stretches back 14 years,

during which time the company had conducted extensive exploration activities at its Campo Morado property. Whittington joined the company in 2004. Following the June 2005 discovery

of a sizeable deposit, Whittington says, Farallon has rapidly moved to complete and bring online its G-9 underground polymetallic mine, which began commercial production in April 2009. CIM

Moving on up Ewan Mason has been appointed to the board of Scorpio Mining Corporation. Mason began his career working as a geologist for various mining companies. He obtained his MBA in 1992 and has since been working in corporate and investment banking for such conglomerates as Bank of Nova Scotia, RBC and TD Securities. H. Greg Chamandy has been named chairman of the board of Richmont Mines Inc. The company also announced that Elaine Ellingham, A. Michel Lavigne, Sam Minzberg and Jean-Pierre Ouellet have been invited to join the board, pending shareholder approval at the next meeting to be held in early 2010. Donovan Politt has been appointed president and CEO of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. Currently Wesdomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vice-president of corporate development, Politt has been working on its mergers, financings and increased market visibility.

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news A cleaner code Amendments polish cyanide management protocol for gold mining industry By Ryan Bergen must demonstrate compliance with standards of practice relating to workforce training and protection, handling and storage, decommissioning, emergency response planning and public disclosure. A summary report addressing these issues at a particular operation or at each link on the cyanide supply chain is posted on the website of the International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI); the detailed audit findings remain property of the signatory company. In addition to extending its reach along the supply chain, the latest changes to the code smooth some of the snags in the auditing process. Notarization requirements have been streamlined and guidance on reconciling conflicting scientific recommendations has been added. The evolving ICMC has been the gold mining industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to the call to manage cyanide better, particularly at operations where local regulation is weak or where mines have less experienced operators. Funded by

The management of highly toxic cyanide poses a significant challenge to the gold mining and processing industry. One response to the challenge is the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC). The newly modified code, with a more streamlined administrative process, broader scope and expanded commitment from the gold mining industry, is gaining momentum in the sector. Drafted to meet the need for an industry-wide standard for best practices in the management of cyanide, mill tailings and leach solutions, the code is now applied to 90 gold mining operations around the world and has the commitment of nearly 60 companies. Voluntary adherence to the ICMC requires companies to subject each operation they wish certified to an initial independent third-party audit and re-auditing every three years. Recent changes to the code require producers and transporters who supply mines that follow the code to be signatories as well. The company and its suppliers

signatories, it was developed with the cooperation of government and nongovernmental organizations and financial institutions. The first companies committed to the code in 2005. Currently, certified operations, including several operated by Canadian companies, can be found in developing and developed countries alike, with a matching network of qualified auditors. CIM www.cyanidecode.org

Moving on up Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. has announced the election of four independent directors to its board. Robert C. Macaulay, Thomas G. Harris, John Craven and Gregory Smith join the five returning directors. Together, they bring over 100 years of combined industry experience.

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news Explicate and educate, don’t legislate The Ontario Securities Commission recommends ways to enhance corporate governance and environmental disclosure By Bianca Wylie Current provincial regulation and requirements are adequate — if they are followed — and additional legislation of the reporting of corporate social performance is not needed. These were the recommendations the Ontario Securities Commission gave to the Ontario Ministry of Finance in December. The need for the report was brought on by the unanimous decision of a private members’ resolution introduced by the Honourable Laurel Broten (MPP for EtobicokeLakeshore) in the Ontario Legislature last year. Upon the passing of her proposed resolution, Broten remarked, “With the current economic downturn, it is more important than ever to enhance disclosure in an effort to provide greater confidence and protection for individual investors….” The Legislature then tasked the OSC with re-evaluating existing corporate reporting standards and recommending ways to improve disclosure to investors.

The process leading up to the report had included an OSC review of existing disclosure requirements as well as roundtable consultations with security-issuing companies, shareholder groups, the academic community and corporate social governance experts. In the course of these reviews and consultations, it was found that poor compliance with existing disclosure requirements is the primary cause of inadequate levels of disclosure. Issuing corporations contended that the biggest obstacle to corporate social responsibility reporting is the failure to understand precisely what must be disclosed. This is particularly complicated, given that many companies operate across borders and legal jurisdictions. They cited other challenges ranging from a lack of clear-cut and standardized measures to a constant sense of pressure to keep reports up-todate and forward-looking. Difficult as they are, it is in companies’ interests to resolve these challenges. A pair of studies has shown

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that issuing companies with a proactive strategy to manage disclosure requirements have fared well in the market. A 2006 report by the United Nations Environment Programme’s Asset Management Working Group found that environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are material to shareholder value and that their impact on share price is quantifiable. In a narrower scope, these results were echoed by a 2008 paper published by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, which states that “a prudent investor ought to consider ESG issues in his or her analysis because these factors can have an impact on investment performance.” The OSC report, too, suggests that issuers neglect corporate social responsibility concerns at their peril. “A reasonable investor’s investment decision has shifted in recent years to include a greater scope of corporate governance and environmental matters,” the report notes. Informed by the review and discussions it conducted, the OSC made four key recommendations to Ontario’s Ministry of Finance. Notably, three of its recommendations put the onus on the OSC itself to refine its future role in the disclosure process. To enhance corporate governance and environmental disclosure, the OSC recommended a followup compliance review that will begin this spring and be completed by the end of the year; continued educational outreach to issuers, with the cooperation of Toronto Stock Exchange staffers; the development of additional general and industry-specific guidance for issuers on existing environmental disclosure requirements; and improved training of OSC staff on the details of environmental disclosure. CIM www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/26531.htm

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news Be flexible and forward-looking Deloitte marks the trends for 2010 By Ryan Bergen The insight of one major industry watcher is unequivocal: down the road, the mining industry has solid prospects for sustained growth. However, miners who intend to get that far must steer the course with a steady but loose hand. This is the crux of a recent report from the consultancy firm Deloitte. “Tracking the trends 2010” catalogues issues that the firm’s mining professionals expect will propel — and rattle — the industry in the coming year. At the top of the list are: the push by developing countries, led by China, to ensure their supply of commodities; the need for mining companies to brace themselves for more manic price swings; and the necessity to ensure that they will have the human resources and capacity to meet stronger demand in the future. “These are the trends we think are going to have the biggest impact in 2010,” says Glenn Ives, North American mining group leader for Deloitte. “Asian countries need raw materials. They see it as a matter of national security,” Ives continues. “I think what

EXPANDING OPERATIONS.

has changed recently is that these countries — China in particular — understand better how the natural resources sector works.” He cites the failed bids by Chinese investors to buy American and Australian firms as important lessons in restraint. “They have learned that what they need is to secure supply and that they can do so with contracts and off-take agreements.” Uncertainty about the prices of commodities topped Deloitte’s initial list as 2009 dawned, and this remains a primary concern for the year ahead. “There has been astonishing volatility,” says Ives. Copper prices rebounded over the last year and gold has climbed steadily, but the latest report calls for cautious optimism: “Rather than reigniting a cycle of spiralling costs, companies will need to manage their risks more effectively.” Part of that strategy should include a more optimistic view of long-term prices. Ives contends that many mining companies underestimate future commodity values to their detriment, passing on projects that could meet stronger

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news present and future demand. “It’s under• Climate change: Mitigate risks now, stood that there will be skills shortages says Ives, because stricter environand that there aren’t a lot of new copper mental regulation is inevitable. mines,” he says. “That means the long“There are lots of things you can do, term price outlook is good.” particularly in the design phase of a Deloitte’s report contends that a mine with a 20-year life, that don’t clear vision for the future will be key in cost you very much initially that will managing risk. “Absent advance planhave bigger benefits for the environning, many companies are bound to ment in the longer term.” experience project delays, talent short• Extreme mining: New frontiers, such as underwater mining, will ages and spiralling costs when demand require R&D investment in technolultimately recovers,” the report states. ogy now. “This may be good news for organiza• The valuation abyss: Mergers fell tions interested in pushing prices apart last year as rebounding comhigher again, but it only dooms the modity prices created a broad gap in industry to be continuously re-living an Report urges miners to look ahead, not over their the expectations of buyers and sellers. endless series of boom and bust cycles.” shoulder. That divide will likely remain. Beyond securing local supply, price • Government intervention: Governments looking to fill volatility and demand management, Deloitte identifies these their empty coffers pose a risk for which mining compatrends — some emerging, some enduring — in the sector: nies must be prepared. • Sustainability: The strengthening demand for more transparency from stakeholders and regulators will • Infrastructure costs: Limited infrastructure in remote require a comprehensive approach to sustainability. areas will continue to put pressure on mining companies • Tight fists: With the demand for credit still outstripto invest building infrastructure and working relationping supply, miners will be in tight competition for ships with government stakeholders. CIM access to capital. www.deloitte.com/ca/mining-trends

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news Strong support, spotty understanding A country-wide survey captures the Canadian public’s attitudes towards industry By Jeff Borsato For recession-hit mining industry people, here’s a bit of good news. Most Canadians appreciate the value of the Canadian mining sector. This is the chief finding from an Angus Reid public opinion poll commissioned last year by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). The poll also suggests that many respondents have a favourable attitude towards the industry. Conducted in June 2009, the survey of more than 2,500 Canadians found that 96 per cent of respondents believed that mining was either important or very important to the economy. A quarter of those polled

considered themselves strong supporters of mining and agreed that the industry creates new wealth and jobs and is more socially and environmentally responsible than it was in the past. An equal proportion of respondents were unconcerned with issues related to the mineral industry, be they economic, environmental, or otherwise, while 14 per cent reported to be staunchly anti-mining. Another 36 per cent of respondents remained undecided and, according to the survey report from Angus Reid Strategies, they “see merit to both sides of the argument and are yet to make up their minds.”

Just four per cent of respondents thought that mining is not important to Canada. This seems to confirm the industry’s view that mining and mineral exploration are seen by most as a critical feature of the Canadian economy. PDAC president Jon Baird views the survey results as positive in that they “highlight some surprising and some expected results of the attitudes and sentiments of Canadians towards the mining industry.” Unfortunately, the poll also revealed the poor state of public understanding with respect to mining. Only 11 per cent of respondents were aware that more mineral exploration

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news activity takes place in Ontario than in any other province. Alberta and the Northwest Territories were considered the regions with the most activity. Among survey respondents, 56 per cent agreed that land should be evaluated for its mineral potential before being designated as protected. This result, said Baird in an earlier press release, bolsters the case against Bill 191, the Far North Act. “The proposed bill would prohibit exploration and mining in half of northern Ontario. The survey shows that Canadians tend to disagree with the approach taken in Ontario’s proposed Far North Act.” Encouragingly, two out of three respondents supported the sharing of mining tax revenues with First Nations people. The poll results also suggest that Canadians trust the traditional media most for information about mining.

22 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

The press was considered the most reliable source by 36 per cent of those polled. Industry associations, the chosen medium of 28 per cent of the respondents, polled one percentage point ahead of television and radio. Only 15 per cent ranked the Internet as the most reliable information source. When asked to choose, more respondents sided with the industry case for mineral development rather than the environmental argument against it, and yet, three-quarters of respondents believed that exploration companies damage the environment. “With different exploration approaches like airborne geophysical surveys,” says Baird, “that don’t even touch land, we need to better inform Canadians how exploration done right isn’t a threat to the environment, and that mining itself has made considerable strides to safely

extract mineral wealth and mitigate environmental impacts.” About one in seven respondents had a personal connection to the mining sector. Men, residents of rural areas and those with a university education were more likely to report such a connection. One out of four respondents had invested in mineral exploration, mining or oil and gas stocks. Most respondents agreed that “mining and exploration are essential to the economies in many small towns across Canada,” and most disagreed that “Canada would be better off without mining.” The polling firm conducted the online survey among a randomly selected, representative sample of 2,582 adult Canadians. The margin of error for the sample was plus or minus 1.9 per cent 19 times out of 20. CIM www.pdac.ca

Construction starts at the Antamina mine expansion Andean operation to elevate production

Mine Planning 2010

By Marlene Eisner

Conference Highlights UÊ Ê iÌÜ À ÊÜ Ì Ê `ÕÃÌÀÞÊÊ Ài«ÀiÃi Ì>Ì ÛiÃ°

Photo courtesy of Teck Resources Ltd.

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The Antamina mine, high in the Andes of north-central Peru, began commercial production in 2001.

Teck Resources Limited reported that work has begun on the US$1.3 billion expansion project at Antamina’s Peruvian open pit copper and zinc mine. When the project is completed, the mine, already one of the world’s largest, will produce 130,000 tonnes of metal ore per day, up from the current 94,000 tonnes. “Benefits will start to roll in by late 2011, with construction continuing into 2012,” says Greg Waller, the vice-president of Investor Relations and Strategic Analysis at Teck. The company owns a 22.5 per cent interest in Compañía Minera Antamina, the Peruvian joint venture it shares with BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Mitsubishi. At the front end, construction includes a new SAG mill for a two-line operation and a fourth ball mill to allow for the handling of more ore. Improvements along the processing chain include a new power line installed to accommodate additional flotation cells and upgrades for water usage and tailings management. “The concentrate flows to the port by a pipeline, so we’ll have to put some upgrades at the port,” explains Waller. Three shovels and 64 new haul trucks in the 250-tonne class will be brought in to handle the increased ore load. The existing truck shop will be expanded to handle the extra maintenance requirements. “This is a big expansion,” he adds. “It is a good time for the extra purchases since capital spending in the industry has turned down. There is some flexibility on the supply side that allows us to acquire the equipment we need in the time frame we require.” During the construction phase of the project, 8.5 million employment hours will be created, says Waller. At its peak, there will be 2,700 additional people in the construction workforce. The mine already employs 1,860 people directly and 1,600 contractors. When the expansion is finished, there will be approximately 500 new, permanent positions. “All these numbers just emphasize what a large mine this is to begin with,” says Waller. The expansion will be funded from Compañía Minera cash flow and borrowings. Teck expects its share of Compañía Minera distributions to be reduced by no more than C$100 million. CIM

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news Seven who made a difference Canadian Mining Hall of Fame welcomes new inductees By Gillian Woodford

Benny Hollinger

Jack Wilson

Sandy McIntyre

Victor C. Wansbrough

Hugo T. Dummett

This year’s Canadian Mining Hall of Fame ceremony honoured a century of work developing this country’s industry. The field of inductees ranged from prospectors to financiers. Working in different times with different tools, they all staked out new frontiers in mining.

gold in Timmins, Ontario. To mark the event, the three men who found those first spectacular gold showings and launched what would become the Porcupine Gold Rush — Jack Wilson (1872-1948), Benny Hollinger (18851919) and Sandy McIntyre (1869-1943) — were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The big three

The great late bloomer

The ceremony paid tribute to the 100th anniversary of the discovery of

Victor C. Wansbrough (19011994), a British-born former school-

Graham Farquharson

Peter M. Brown

teacher and university chum of future Prime Minister Lester Pearson, came to the world of mining late in his career. When he was appointed, to everyone’s surprise, the Canadian Metal Mining Association’s (CMMA) first dedicated managing director in 1947, he knew very little about the industry. Canadian mining was then in a bit of a mess. The war had just ended and there was a serious manpower shortage. But Wansbrough had an idea. Europe was ravaged and millions were displaced, with no homes let alone jobs. Wansbrough arranged for 6,000 skilled workers to come to Canada to work in the mining industry. Wansbrough’s other major coup as CMMA head was to negotiate government subsidies for the gold mining industry, beleaguered by years of pricefixing by the Americans. The Emergency Gold Mining Assistance Act, passed in 1948, kept the industry afloat for 25 years even though it was only meant to last three years. Wansbrough was awarded CIM’s Distinguished Service Medal in 1980.

A life cut short The Canadian mining industry mourned the untimely death of Hugo T. Dummett (1940-2002), killed in a car accident in his native South Africa. The respected economic geologist was perhaps best known for his role in founding EKATI, Canada’s first ever diamond mine. Working for BHP Minerals at the time — he would go on to become BHP’s 24 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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news Honour for the past, support for the future Last month, the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inducted seven men who made a difference to the country’s mining industry. Then, the men and women attending the gala at the Royal York in Toronto made a difference themselves. Held just two days after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti, the event was the perfect opportunity to do some good, decided Hall of Fame director Ed Thompson and Master of Ceremonies Pierre Lassonde, chairman of Franco-Nevada. Attendees opened their hearts and their wallets to the tune of $900,000 that night, scribbling their donation pledges on the backs of their business cards. The money will go to the Canadian Red Cross. “The dinner’s always a very happy time,” says Thompson. “People were glad to be able to share their good fortune.”

vice-president, minerals discovery — Dummett convinced the company of the enormous potential of the find. He was right; the discovery spurred a diamond rush in the Northwest Territories, leading to even more strikes in the area. Dummett was also an authority on porphyry copper deposits. While

executive vice-president, project development for Ivanhoe Mines, he helped discover and develop their huge porphyry copper-gold deposit in Mongolia. Ivanhoe named the project the Hugo Mine in Dummet’s honour. The popular geologist was heaped with awards before his death, includ-

ing the Daniel C. Jackling Award (2000) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration and the American Mining Hall of Fame’s Medal of Merit (1997). He was serving as president of the Society of Economic Geologists at the time of his death. In 2005, the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia established the Hugo Dummett Diamond Exploration Award, of which Dummett was its first recipient.

Hometown proud Timmins, Ontario, native Graham Farquharson (born 1940) was delighted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the same time as the Timmins prospectors. “It was a remarkable coincidence to be inducted on the same night Timmins’ 100th anniversary was honoured,” he says. His father worked as a mining engineer at Hollinger. Farquharson followed in his dad’s footsteps, studying mining engineering at the University of Alberta. In 1974, he co-founded the consulting firm Strathcona Mineral Services Limited, which he still helps run today. Farquharson is best known for helping to develop the Nanisivik lead-zinc mine, the first mine in Canada’s Far North. Before that, no one thought it was possible to operate a mine in such a remote area. Farquharson thought otherwise, and helped establish the mine and the mining town that grew up around it, the last of its kind in Canada, in 1976. Nanisivik operated profitably for 22 years. The famously scrupulous Farquharson went on to uncover the great Bre-X debacle of the 1990s. Calgary-based minerals company Bre-X claimed to have found the largest gold deposits in the history of the world in Busang, Indonesia. Before Farquharson’s investigation exposed the claims as a fraud, Bre-X had managed to bilk its unfortunate investors of billions of dollars.

Money man Peter M. Brown (born 1941), cofounder of the Canadian investment dealer Canaccord Financial, built his 26 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

news career on the belief that small- and medium-sized companies deserved a fair shake when it came to accessing capital investment. Since Canaccord was started in 1968, Brown â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who stepped down as CEO in 2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has helped countless mining companies acquire the risk capital needed to get their projects off the ground. His Canadian successes include Corona, the Hemlo discoveries, Eskay Creek and Dia Met Minerals (responsible for

discovering the diamond deposits in the Northwest Territories). Abroad, Canaccord has helped Breakwater, Arequipa, Aurelian and Wheaton River secure both Canadian expertise and financing. Born and raised in British Columbia, Brown was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of British Columbia in 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; despite what he calls his â&#x20AC;&#x153;rather dismalâ&#x20AC;? career as a UBC undergraduate.

He serves on UBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Governors and, among other positions, as a director at the Fraser Institute and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. He has been made a member of the Order of British Columbia and awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his public service. CIM w w w. h a l l o f f a m e . m i n i n g . c a / halloffame

Giving back Syncrude strengthens the local community In 2009, Syncrude Canada Ltd. donated a record $1.5 million to the United Way. In addition, over $4 million in donations were made to organizations and projects, primarily in the Wood Buffalo and Edmonton regions. Beth McLean, executive director of the Fort McMurray Food Bank, values Syncrudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generosity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to see local indutry help out with a cause like ours.â&#x20AC;? Syncrude is also lending its support to improve local childcare in desperate need of more resources with a $250,000 donation over the next two years.

Syncrude president and CEO Tom Katinas believes a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duty is to always be a good neighbor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It means putting our work and beliefs into action by demonstrating our commitment to fellow residents in the region. A vibrant community is built on volunteer efforts and the generosity of its people. I'm proud our employees are always willing to share their time, skills or resources wherever they're needed.â&#x20AC;? This commitment has not gone unnoticed by community leaders, including Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Syncrude has been part of this community for over 30 years and the contributions of both the organization and its employees are invaluable, said Blake.â&#x20AC;?

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upfront TECHNOLOGY by Brian Dunn

Caterpillar charges ahead with electric-drive truck Caterpillar’s new F-Series model is the centrepiece of refined product line

Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

was higher than that of mechanical drive trucks. But with today’s AC advancements, Caterpillar decided the time was right to add an electric model to its arsenal once again. As with the other F-Series models, the 795F AC is powered by the 16cylinder Cat C175 engine, which provides 3,400 horsepower and a loaded top speed of 64 kilometres per hour. The revamped diesel engine promises longer life between rebuilds, lower sound levels, improved altitude capability and improved fuel economy compared to the 3500 Series engine it replaces, according to Caterpillar. An alternator behind the power plant converts mechanical energy into an alternating electric current. One benefit of the electric drive is the easily accessed remote-mounted generator that allows servicing without the need to remove other major components. Another is the ability to quickly and separately service the axle-mounted motors that power the wheels. New technologies are incorporated throughout the 795F AC vehicle. Safety and operator confidence are enhanced by four-corner blended braking and retarding using Cat oil-immersed and cooled disc brakes as well as electrical retarding. In addition, the radial arrangement of the retarding grids promotes more uniform air flow for better reliability. The fully integrated proprietary drive system is fully supported by Caterpillar. After testing a pair of 795F AC prototypes at its development proving grounds in Tucson, Arizona, Caterpillar built a third, which is currently undergoing “on-the-job” field testing at a Rio Tinto copper mine in Utah. The company plans to build 12 new 795 trucks this year for testing at sites around the world. If they deliver the intended performance results, commercial production will begin next year. “Our first electric drive prototype was a 797,”says Rea. “We have also developed an electric drive version of the 793 but at this time, we are focusing all of our resources on accelerating our 795 program. Although we are very well positioned to respond to customer needs for additional electric drive offerings, we don’t anticipate any demand for anything bigger than the 797.” While the 795 is not the first AC model on the market, it is the first electric drive truck that offers in-house integration solutions supported by Caterpillar, says Rea.

A diesel power plant and electric motors drive Caterpillar’s new 795F AC.

aterpillar’s trucks move more than half of the world’s mined rock, ore, coal and oil sands. In addition to investing in innovation, Caterpillar maintains its global edge by extending its industry reach to gather feedback on the performance of its products and the needs of their users from nearly 150 customers worldwide. In response to what it has learned, the company refined every model it produces and introduced a new generation of models — the 793F and 797F mechanical drive trucks, with powerful new engines, and the 795F AC (alternating current), Caterpillar’s first electric drive truck. “All of the F-Series mining trucks incorporate innovative design and engineering that enables them to deliver the lowest cost per tonne,” says Ed McCord, Caterpillar’s mining truck product manager. “We see the addition of electric mining trucks as a complement to our mechanical drive trucks.” The company decided to introduce an electric drive model because customers demanded it, according to David Rea, mining truck commercial manager, Caterpillar Global Mining Division. Furthermore, the 795 fills the gap between the 793 with its 250-tonne capacity and the 797 with its 400-tonne capacity, he added. “The electric drive system delivers higher retarding capabilities, making it a popular choice in applications like steep downhill-loaded hauls at mine sites such as those in the Andes.” Caterpillar had originally built electric drive trucks in the late 1960s. However, given the technology then extant, the power train was relatively inefficient and the fuel consumption

28 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have some collaboration with our partner Mitsubishi,â&#x20AC;? continues Rea, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but all product support for our product comes from Caterpillar dealers. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also the first original equipment manufacturer to offer both mechanical and electric trucks of 240 tonnes and larger capacities.â&#x20AC;? Apart from featuring an alternator and generator instead of a torque convertor, transmission and differential, the 795F AC, with its capacity of 345 to 360 tonnes, is similar to its larger siblings. They all share a C175 engine, four-corner, oil-cooled disc brakes and a common design philosophy on structures like frames and truck bodies. The physical development for the 795 dates back to around the year 2003, when it became part of the F-Series program. All the three new F-Series trucks are Tier-2 emission compliant. The 797F delivers three to five per cent cost per tonne improvement over the 797B truck, and the 793F promises the same advantage over the 793D, according to Rea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At some of our field follow sites, we saw results that were upwards of a 10 per cent cost per tonne improvement, claims Rea.â&#x20AC;? To drive orders for the equipment, Rea explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll use more of a consulting approach for all three trucks, pointing out the pros and cons of each one, since some customers may be looking for bigger or smaller trucks. Our range is broader than ever, with mechanical and electric drive trucks for every application â&#x20AC;&#x201D; uphill, downhill, extreme and unique conditions.â&#x20AC;? With an improving economy, it is full speed ahead for Caterpillar and the mining industry in many parts of the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shipments exceeded demand between the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009,â&#x20AC;? notes Rea, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better match between demand and inventory. As of today, our demand in North America continues to be lower than traditional levels. But demand in Latin America, Australia, and emerging markets like India and China is very strong.â&#x20AC;? CIM

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upfront Education/Outreach by Ryan Bergen

From knowledge to know-how Setbacks and challenges are merely stepping stones to success at MIRARCO Photo courtesy of MIRARCO

research process, its potential value, and also the facts that its timelines are not short and that the probability of success is not 100 per cent. Sometimes, after several years, you have to admit you failed. But if the answers were all known, it wouldn’t be research.”

Working the field

Innovation and agricultural know-how brought the barren tailings near Sudbury to life.

t is easy to assume that because the academic ivory towers are so distant from mine shafts, lessons learned in clean, tightly controlled laboratories do not really apply to the working face. It is this easy assumption that the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) at Laurentian University is set on proving false. A not-for-profit applied research firm, MIRARCO is funded by the provincial government and private industry. It deploys advanced human and technical resources to meet the myriad challenges of mining, from planning to reclamation. With each challenge met, the people at MIRARCO hope to bridge the gap between academia and field application. The organization has a proven track record. Currently, Vale Inco is using MIRARCO’s virtual reality (VR) technology — one of a suite of MIRARCO-developed software technologies — to study the seismic profile of its Creighton Mine. Using the VR facility, researchers and engineers turn data into images projected on a three-dimensional, highresolution wrap-around screen. This helps them visualize in great detail the mine’s geology, infrastructure and potential hazards. A similar MIRARCO-designed VR facility was recently commissioned in China. Beyond developing marketable projects, MIRARCO’s president, Steve Hall, would like to see the organization help nurture respect for scientific practice among its students. “They should go into industry with an appreciation of the

30 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Over the last two years, Alan Lock, a senior environmental scientist, has been leading a tailings rehabilitation project at MIRARCO’s Centre for Environmental Monitoring. He is testing the potential of growing biofuel crops on beds of organic waste, such as compost or pulp mill sludge, laid atop gold or nickel tailings at Vale Inco, Xstrata and Goldcorp operations. The plant cover prevents the sulphur-rich tailings from being carried away by winds and, by restricting its exposure to oxygen, inhibits its acidification. As an added benefit, growing on tailings sidesteps the ethical problem of using arable land fit for food production to generate fuel crops. Despite early setbacks, neither Lock and his students, nor the mining companies aiding his research, have thrown up their hands. Lock recalls that he quite literally sank into some of the initial practical challenges. Dump trucks and conventional tractors got bogged down in the spongy mix of tailings and organic waste. The team learned enough to begin trucking in material during the winter, when the ground was cold and hard. The floundering tractor was replaced by a tracked machine that moves easily over the material. Two half-hectare plots laid with a metre-deep cover of biosolids, then plowed, cultivated and seeded with corn, canola and switchgrass in 2008, showed good results. “Last year, maybe it was a lucky year,” says Lock. “All sites looked amazing. Final crop yields were better than those on control areas using conventional agricultural land.” Boasting such results, Lock had no trouble convincing other mines to offer their tailings for study. The costs of transporting biosolids to the four test plots are covered by the mines. The special tractor that can work the soft ground is on loan as a demonstration model. This year, Lock’s team added another two plots and got mixed results. “One of the challenges this winter will be to find out why this happened. We’ll conduct pot experiments in greenhouses to

upfront Education/Outreach

examine why they are not doing as well. Is it a nutrient deficiency? Maybe there was too much moisture.” In finding the answers, Lock’s team draws upon a broad knowledge base. “We bring quite the group of students together — from environmental studies, earth sciences, biology, chemistry and geology programs. They work on niche projects that fit their discipline, but we have them work together. They end up cross-training each other and sharing and spreading their knowledge. It gives them a rounded and diverse learning experience.”

Past results do not promise future returns MIRARCO’s private sector funding is matched by the province. This means that its fortunes can fluctuate with those of the industry. President Hall, who stewards the MIRARCO-industry relationship, says that it is being tested. “I hear in meetings that this is something the industry would like to maintain. But the reality, of course, is you have to look at the bottom line. There are many demands on the limited amount of cash, and research, without any obvious connection to people, tends to get cut early in the discussion. Research, sometimes seen as old academics doing more of the same in university laboratories, is deemed to be easy to cut. But people forget that graduate students, final-year

students and much else goes with it, all connected with vital skill development.” While some cuts may be temporary, others are harder to recover from, explains Hall. Research capacity and the continuity of knowledge through the life cycle of a project defy being put on care and maintenance. He cites the example of the Schedule Optimization Tool, a mine planning software program that MIRARCO developed and recently commercialized. “That project took seven or eight years to put a commercially available piece of software out into the industry. Very few people who were there at the start of the journey are still part of the team. That is what MIRARCO offers — the sustained capacity to turn a research idea into something that industry can actually use.” Capacity is one challenge that the biosolids project has met for now. This year, Natural Resources Canada has helped to expand the initiative across the country. Similar reclamation projects will be tested at mine sites in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The benefits of such collaboration are obvious to Lock and capture the value of the MIRARCO ethic: “We’ll all share our success and failures, and grow and learn together.” CIM www.mirarco.org

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February 2010 | 31

upfront NEW FRONTIERS IN MINING by Greg Baiden

Extra-terrestrial excavation Photo courtesy of Penguin ASI

Canadian tele-operated mining tech challenges for the moon Only six months after conception, Rokbot made its debut in California at the Regolith Excavation Challenge.

 



 

tudents, startup entrepreneurs, industry professionals and inventors gathered this past fall for the Regolith Excavation Challenge to see how well their lunar excavators could tackle the job of mining on the moon. The competition, held October 16 to 18 at the NASA Ames Research Park in Mountain View, California, promised $750,000 in prizes. To claim the purse, teams had to design, build and operate a mobile robot that could dig up and deposit at least 150 kilograms of lunar regolith (moon soil) from a simulated lunar surface and deposit it into a collection bin. Using tele-robotic or autonomous operation, contestants had the additional challenge of completing the task in only 30 minutes. The team whose machine deposited the most material beyond the 150 kilogram standard was promised a $500,000 first prize. The competition was designed by NASA and conducted by the California Space Education and Workforce Institute to replicate the mining needs for moon missions and further space exploration. If an operator could run a mining machine on the moon to gather lunar regolith, the material could then be transferred to a processor and converted into hydrogen, oxygen, water and rocket fuel. These materials would be needed to establish an outpost on the moon as well as a launch station for travel further into the solar system.

32 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1





The Rokbot was the result of intense discussions about the challenges of lunar excavation and a close study of existing mining industry equipment concepts. Now it appears this design has generated potential scale-up possibilities for some mining companies. Rokbot features:  Individually controlled tracks to allow for skid steer operation with high-powered stepper motors;  Oscillating front scraper to break compacted regolith loose;  Conveyor to deposit material into bin mounted on excavator;  Electrical actuator for dumping regolith in collector;  A gyroscope inside, including an accelerometer, for primary orientation and positioning;  Special low latency electronics designed to minimize the lag time in communication; and  An 802.11g bandwidth limited communication system.

The challenge About a year ago, Penguin Automated Systems Inc. was approached by a group in the United States to assist them in building a robot for the challenge. The rules had changed to allow tele-operated robots into the competition because, in its short two-year history, no one had won the competition. The group felt that Penguin ASI might have the technology to win because they specialize in the tele-operation of robots.

The contenders The team — Laurentian Rock — was composed of secondary school students and undergraduates from Laurentian and Queen’s universities, as well as creative engineers and industry professionals from Colorado and Penguin Automated Systems Inc., the team’s primary sponsor. The U.S. members of the team were mining/space professionals who believed that NASA needed to see what mining industry professionals were capable of delivering in terms of equipment, systems and techniques. Each member provided significant contributions and together made a cohesive and productive group that built an innovative robot, the Rokbot, from concept to design in just six months. The unit was designed to maximize traction and friction with the ground, while the high-powered stepper motors

upfront NEW FRONTIERS IN MINING

generated the thrust to push the unit through the lunar regolith. As the motors pushed, the front scraper dug into the ground and plowed the material into a windrow for deposition onto the conveyor and into the dump bin. The Rokbot then returned to the dumping area where the entire unit was lifted and tilted to deposit the lunar regolith. The main onboard computer system managed several devices. These included all the sensors and actuators for the control of the tracks, conveyor and camera. A gyroscope and accelerometers, linked to the radio network, provided information about the location of the machine to the main tele-operation control device.

The innovations The Laurentian Rock entry had several innovations, including a specialized immersive display for the operator, state-of-the-art power systems and special digging systems. One of the hardest challenges was to overcome the simulated four-second delay, which represents the time a control signal would take to go from the earth to the moon. This is akin to driving a vehicle on earth whereby the steering wheel is turned and four seconds later the vehicle turns. This issue was dealt with by providing video data and having the operator practice with the Rokbot on the delay. The team’s immersive display, a hemispherical screen that wraps around the operating console, allowed the operator to get the equivalent of 3-D information while minimizing the amount of information required to achieve immersion. The Rokbot also used the latest in battery technology, polymer lithium, with tremendous charge capability. Canada Lithium was the main sponsor for the battery. The digging system was created from scratch. It required powerful

electric motors for track thrust, an oscillating digging unit to supply material to a belt and, finally, the dump box.

The results All together, 24 teams competed in the regolith excavation, including first-time competitor, Laurentian Rock. After two years in which no prizes had been claimed, innovators finally met the challenge. All three prizes were handed out to teams that returned to compete with modified designs. The Laurentian Rock team dumped regolith; however, the property of the regolith caused it to stick in the dump bin, limiting the amount the Rokbot deposited for weighing purposes. Nevertheless, this was still an amazing success for the entire team, which was pleased with the results and intends to use the lessons learned to make the appropriate modifications to the robot to compete again next year. CIM www.penguinasi.com

About the author Dr. Greg Baiden is a professor in mining engineering at Laurentian University and the president of Penguin Automated Systems Inc.

Laurentian Rock Canadian Members: Laurentian University Greg Baiden, Professor, Mining Robotics and Automation Calum Donaldson Kavi Hundal Haiwen Pan Byron Seguin Queen’s University Amber Houle Secondary school students Derek Baiden Scott Baiden Kristen Matsumoto Penguin Automated Systems Inc. Yassiah Bissiri, Vice-Chair, Penguin Research Centre Steffon Luoma Luc Lacasse Kossi Atamkavi Nowodou Guy Bigras

Dave Cook Dan O’Connell U.S. Members: Moon Harvest Labs Brad Blair Paul Wilson University of North Dakota Allen Crider Aims Community College Chris Crider Sienco Inc. John Feicht Legal Council Declan J. O’Connell Principal sponsors: Penguin ASI Noront Resources CIM PDAC Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

February 2010 | 33

upfront SUSTAINABILIT Y by Douglas Morrison

The Green Mining Initiative Tracing the path towards a more sustainable mining sector

Photo courtesy of Carl Friesen

As part of GMI, NRCan jointly commissioned the geotechnical engineering and environmental sciences firm Golder Associates Ltd. and the Delphi Group, an environmental business strategy firm, to develop a survey of the Canadian mining sector. The survey aimed to learn about the environmental issues faced by the mining industry. CIM has distributed the questionnaire to its members, and future issues of CIM Magazine will share the results and analysis of the survey. Meanwhile, to understand the changes affecting the environmental performance of the mining sector, it is important to assess the progress the sector has already made and to identify the drivers of change now and into the future. Over the past three decades, perhaps the greatest advance has been in effective environmental footprint reduction. The quality of emissions from smelters has improved significantly. Similarly, mining operations have managed to greatly improve the quality of water released from their sites. In some jurisdictions, the process and mine water quality is better than that of ambient groundThe mining industry is responding to stakeholder and regulatory requirements that it manages the long-term legacy of mining operations such as the now-closed Marmora iron mine east of Peterborough, Ontario. water. The net effect of these improvements is that environmental an mining be “green” in that it has little or no impacts are now largely limited to the immediate location environmental impact? Probably not. Extracting of the mine site. resources from within the earth will always involve some disturbance. But over the past few decades, the Evolving standards industry has demonstrated its willingness to become Most mining sector companies are interested in maintain“greener” through reduced impacts. ing good relations with populations living in close proximTo gauge and encourage advances towards sustainability ity to their operations. In any jurisdiction, meeting the pubin the sector, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) created lic’s environment-related expectations is easier when envithe Green Mining Initiative (GMI) in early 2009. The ronmental regulations are applied equitably to all mining research program seeks to find improved ways to protect companies. Internationally, initiatives such as the Equator the environment, remediate impact and develop alterna- Principles have helped level the field by creating a frametives to existing technologies for mineral extraction, min- work that financial institutions can use to assess environeral processing and environmental reclamation. Under the mental and social issues when evaluating project financing initiative, research will focus on footprint reduction, inno- opportunities. In many cases, mining companies, to ensure vation and waste management, ecosystem risk manage- access to that financing, now conform to international stanment, and mine closure and rehabilitation. dards that exceed national regulations.

34 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

upfront SUSTAINABILIT Y

Mining companies recognize that their social licence to operate hinges on the commitment to social and environmental stewardship that they demonstrate. There are proven ways to mitigate many of the environmental impacts of mining. Now, companies are also trying to improve the social conditions in the area — not just during the life of the mining operation, but by making lasting improvements that will continue after the mineral resource is exhausted. In accepting such responsibilities, companies cannot, and should not, seek to stand in for local and regional governments. However, taking on their fair burden, companies can demonstrate the willingness to add enduring value to the areas in which they operate.

mining provided the impetus for the development of the first steam engines that powered coal mine dewatering pumps. Mining also helped develop the Canadian North, and now Canadian companies are spearheading responsible development in many parts of the world, helping to improve local conditions and creating opportunities for small- to medium-sized businesses. One thing is certain: the pragmatic and creative people in the mining sector will be a powerful force for social development around the world long into the future. CIM www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca www.equator-principles.com

The next steps About the author

The future focus of reducing the environmental impact of mining is expected to be on the following areas: Mine waste management: Companies will move away from reliance on traditional water-covered tailings disposal. Water is becoming too valuable to mining operations to be used for tailings. Backfilling is only a partial solution. Surface disposal will continue, with increasing use of tailings stacking, thickening, pasting and impermeable covering methods. While such methods are costlier than conventional approaches, they will become more popular as the cost of water for operational needs rises. Social and economic impacts: In many countries, international mining corporations aid in social development and local capacity building — something they seldom get much credit for. The expansion of subsistence farming and ranching threatens several of the world’s natural forests. Mining operations create employment and can decrease the need for people to clear more forest land for agriculture. Furthermore, the income that mines provide allows people to buy liquid cooking fuels or deploy waste-to-energy technology, eliminating the need to burn the forest cover to make charcoal.

Doug Morrison, the leader of the Global Mining Sector for Golder Associates, is based in the company’s Toronto office.

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Energy issues: Currently, the consumption of fossil fuels in mining is inevitable. Many mines are located far from the electrical grid, where investments in alternative energy sources are not feasible given the finite nature of ore reserves. Even if a mine can access the electrical grid or other sources of electrical power, there are few practical substitutes for diesel fuel for use in mine vehicles and equipment. Some mitigation is possible through improved fuel efficiency, better haul and access road design, and the use of biodiesel. So far, fossil fuel consumption has resisted “greening” efforts. However, new sealed energy units hold great promise, particularly for remote locations.

Leveraging creativity Throughout its history, the mining sector has overcome challenges with creativity. Early in the Industrial Revolution,

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February 2010 | 35

upfront Q&A by Jeff Borsato

The end of globalization? Energy prices are bound to get higher, so we need to start thinking smaller, says Jeff Rubin t is a challenge to stand out amid the countless pundits and prognosticators with their daily chorus of predictions and explanations for why our economy is growing, stagnating or faltering. Jeff Rubin, however, has risen to the task and above the din. The outspoken former chief economist of CIBC World Markets earned fame through a string of successful predictions — and a flash of colourful language — about the price of crude oil, forecasting $100 per barrel at a time when half of that seemed a stretch. In his new book, Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller, Rubin makes ever bolder predictions. He

asserts the 2008 price spike of $150 per barrel was not a speculative peak, but a peek into the future. Oil prices will continue to rise as supply falls. The belief that alternative energy sources will smoothly replace fossil fuels is misguided. Ultimately, he argues, energy costs will affect everything we take for granted — the global exchange of goods, how our food is grown, where and how far we travel. Our world will become smaller. CIM reached Rubin by telephone recently to discuss what implications his predictions have for Canada and its mining industry. CIM: Your concept of oil economics places crude oil and its derivatives at the centre of a functioning economy. You argue that the focus on sub-prime mortgages as the cause of the 2008 market crash is misguided and that it ignores the critical role soaring oil prices played. Given your disagreement with established opinion on its causation, what do you feel should be the correct response to the crisis? Rubin: High energy prices cause recessions, but far from it being the end of the world, I believe the whole idea of recovery from a recession must be redefined as oil supplies dwindle. The moment the economy stops sputtering and comes back to life, oil prices will resume their upward trajectory. We need to make the world smaller in order to combat high oil prices. CIM: What about supply? Can we expect new production to augment supplies from the traditional oil-rich regions such as the Middle East and the southern United States? Rubin: The discovery of new wells is following a bell-shaped curve, and we’re rounding the arch towards a precipitous drop. To make matters worse, the benchmark in oil production, light sweet crude, is on the decline even faster, while supplies of heavier crude and bitumen extracted from oil sands are filling the gap. As these patterns continue, oil prices will respond by moving higher to offset the increased production costs.

36 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

upfront Q&A

CIM: Skeptics have difficulty envisioning chronically high oil prices because they are not borne out by history. In the past, spikes in the price of oil were met with increased production, technological solutions and a return to alternate energy forms such as coal and natural gas. Why is it any different now? Rubin: The energy crises of the 1970s were political in nature and were basically solved with increased production to flood world markets, bringing the price down. The spikes in the price of oil today are fundamentally different. World production has hardly budged since 2005. There are those who feel that the triple-digit oil prices of 2008 were a speculative blip. They are dead are wrong!

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CIM: With crude oil at $80, lower than it was during the peak but much higher than it has been in the past, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t some say that we have merely settled on a new price plateau? Rubin: Consider the price action of 2008: prices collapsed below $40 for a short period of time before moving back above $60, a price that only six years ago was considered a speculative moon-shot. In the 1970s, production from new sources like Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and the North Sea eased the supply shock from OPEC. This time, however, with oil below $60 to $70 per barrel and global supply

increasingly coming from costlier oil sands operations and diminishingly profitable offshore oil rigs, it was more difficult to simply ramp up production. During the next upturn in the economy, $200 per barrel for oil wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem all that unreachable, as the peak in one oil cycle becomes the trough in the next, leading to higher prices going forward. CIM: How do you respond to those who say that rather than pursuing greater energy efficiency within the existing infrastructure, we must abandon the use of fossil fuels as the only real long-term solution to our energy needs? Rubin: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the here and now. For now, we need to make demand side adjustments in the absence of a viable replacement. We need to re-engineer the economy to run on less fuel. Soaring oil prices will put us in a time machine heading back to a world comparable to one from three or four decades ago. We will make our economies less vulnerable to triple-digit oil prices by going back to a more local model, by making our world smaller and, in many ways, better. As for fossil fuel alternatives, consider biofuels such as ethanol. An often-cited solution to our oil-dependency, they nourish a myth of energy self-sufficiency and green power, giving us the false sense that we can go on consuming more or less as we have.

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upfront Q&A

CIM: Do you see this return to a more local economy already taking place in Canada or are higher crude prices needed to jump start the process? Rubin: We will see more of this as triple-digit oil becomes the new reality going forward — growing demand for local steel, locally made furniture and locally grown food. Look at Europe where gas prices of $7 per gallon have not decimated their economies, but have instead created denser communities and different approaches to how they spend money and travel. CIM: How we move goods around the world is bound to change then. What does the opening of the Northwest Passage mean for the country? Rubin: This will facilitate and encourage more sea shipping and I think Canada stands to benefit the most if we can assert our sovereignty in the Arctic. I consider this a priority on level with our mission in Afghanistan. CIM: What about the place of Canada’s oil sands? Rubin: They are, in many ways, the most viable region of significant reserves as traditional sources dwindle and American crude production continues its slide from about 10 million barrels per day in the early 1970s to about five million today. But they come at a price — the oil coming

38 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

on line to replace existing supply is increasingly dirty and more costly to extract. CIM: How might these changes affect the Canadian mining industry as a whole? Rubin: We are too oil dependent. Making things on one side of the world to be sold on the other is no longer viable with $100 to $200 oil. Each industry has its challenges and Canada is, in many ways, at the forefront because we have substantial resource wealth. Using that wealth to our advantage in a world where mining becomes a more costly and challenging endeavour means we don’t have to stray far to find much of what we need. With our abundance of natural gas reserves, oil sands and ongoing mineral exploration, Canada is ideally suited to thrive in a smaller, more localized world. CIM: But what about the future, not just of all Canadians but of those who are considering or just starting out in a career in mining and exploration? Rubin: Focus on energy, plain and simple. Like so many industries, mining is energy-intensive. We must consider the entire cycle of mining, be it for energy or raw materials that are eventually shipped around the globe to be turned into usable goods. CIM www.randomhouse.ca

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innovation

Industry and academia team up to push research agenda By Heather Ednie

inerals research and innovation in Canada are increasing in importance, as mining companies look to new technologies and processes to give them a competitive edge. The way it is undertaken has changed significantly, as mining companies are electing to do less research at their own labs, opting to fund university-based projects instead. Additionally, keeping these projects practical, relevant and financially viable poses a tremendous challenge. The one thing that does seem clear is that the guiding principle of the next decade must be collaboration.

We’re in this together Many of the big players — the federal and provincial governments, research institutions and companies — are working together under the auspices of the recently formed Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) to nail down the basic research needs and opportunities for this collaborative future (see page 76 for more on these efforts). “CMIC is a story of interplay and collaboration,” says Stephen Lucas, Assistant Deputy Minister, Minerals and 40 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Metals Sector, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). “We’re bringing users and researchers together with funders, policy-makers and the institutions that develop the highly qualified people we so need. Collaboration is the golden key to effective mining research and innovation for our industry.” “We want to show some results this year,” says Engin Özberk, chair of CMIC and vice-president of innovation and technology development at Cameco Corporation, “to ensure our entity is sustainable and help companies justify the merit of making future investments in research — a common challenge for companies, academics and government alike.” Özberk says he can’t stress enough that a strong R&D industry in Canada needs more collaboration. “People don’t realize the energy required to prepare acceptable selling points — research is about convincing people to spend money on something without really knowing what it’s going to be, and without a guarantee of success,” he says. “The challenge is to define what needs to be done, with enough technical merit to gain support.”

innovation

Photo courtesy of NRCan

Foundry crew members working in the experimental casting facility at CANMET’s Materials Technology Laboratory, tap and pour a 200-kg batch of grey iron.

One example of a successful collaboration is Cameco’s and Areva’s work with the University of Saskatchewan. Together, the companies fund a number of research initiatives, focused primarily in areas such as tailings management and toxicology. “Cameco and Areva jointly operate some of the mines, so we have a common interest to build towards success,” explains Özberk. “Likewise, the projects at the university are of common interest to both companies.” Cameco has had strong ties with the University of Saskatchewan for over 15 years. The partnership has produced more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers and overseen the training of more than 50 graduate and undergraduate students, post doctoral fellows, research associates, assistants and engineers. In 1993, Cameco donated $1.5 million to endow a Chair at the university to investigate environmental liabilities associated with waste products from the company’s mining operations, specifically tailings materials and waste rock piles. Hydrogeochemist Dr. James Hendry was appointed to the position. In September 1995, Hendry was awarded the prestigious Natural Sciences and Engineering

Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry. He is now nearing the end of a third five-year funding term.

Meet the matchmakers Some companies and institutions need a little convincing to come together; others require a little more facilitation. Two organizations serving as research “matchmakers” are the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), based in Ontario, and COREM, headquartered in Quebec. CEMI works with large mining companies, suppliers, governments, universities and consultants on research projects focused on underground hard rock mines, mainly geared towards Northern Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. “Industry has downgraded research facilities in recent years, creating a greater need for CEMI to be in place to carry on the research and do it on the mining companies’ behalf,” says Al Akerman, CEMI R&D program developer, operations. CEMI establishes collaborative networks focused on common problems in the mining industry. “Basic research is executed in the university environment, with more of an applied February 2010 | 41

innovation research in the operations,” explains Akerman. “The biggest challenges are finding the right people and putting together a proposal that has merit going forward.” To address this manpower issue, CEMI helps train the highly qualified people (HQP) the mining industry requires. “Our intention is to ensure that the students get exposed to the mining operations and build contacts,” explains Akerman. CEMI’s third focus is on helping to fund research projects, leveraging dollars from industry and government, and ensuring investors get a healthy return on

their investment. Currently, CEMI’s major funders include the Ontario government ($10 million), Xstrata Nickel ($5 million), Vale Inco ($5 million) and the federal government ($4.25 million). “The intent is that a dollar invested in CEMI will actually turn out to be $1.50 in research,” says Akerman. One of the major challenges for mining research in Canada is the persistent gap between academia and industry. CEMI’s president, Peter Kaiser, says his organization sends out what he refers to as “solution teams” to help close this gap. “They identify a problem, scope out the project, identify researchers, partners and technology providers and put the team together,” says Kaiser. “It’s active collaboration.” According to Kaiser, one problem ripe for the solution team approach is deep mining, where aspects related to geophysics, risk, safety and energy requirements will drive that area of research. “There is a real need for R&D to make deep mines in Canada more economical and eliminate risk,” attests Kaiser. “It’s an area that may be underrepresented right now.”

Answering tomorrow’s challenges today COREM is a non-profit research consortium that aims to improve the competitiveness of industrial operations through sustainable development and technology transfer. The organization is driven by 12 to 15 corporate members who set the research agenda. “COREM is essentially dedicated to improving mineral processing,” says executive director Yves Harvey. Typical projects or research areas will target process efficiency, cost reductions, reduction in energy requirements and potential environmental benefits. These all contribute to a more competitive mining industry. In the years to come, COREM will likely focus on the field of mineralogy and on improving the performance of mineral processes as the industry moves towards lower grade and more complex ore deposits. Also, COREM believes more efficient use and reuse of process water will be on the agenda in the future as legislation imposes minimal discharge regulations. “In these areas, there will always be room for innovation,” says Harvey. 42 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

innovation Greening the industry

Putting the pieces together The main challenge facing organizations like CMIC, CEMI and COREM right now, says COREM’s Harvey, is getting more funding, over a longer term. “We need mechanisms in place to support appropriate research for the mining sector, with multi-year support from industry as well,” he says. “I think one is likely to trigger the other. I’d

Photo courtesy of NRCan

Building on sustainable development work such as that undertaken by COREM, Canada hopes to shine in green mining research. “NRCan’s Green Mining Initiative [GMI] is intended to help the industry remain a global leader by strengthening its competitiveness, environmental performance and social responsibility,” says Ginny Flood, director general, strategic policy and planning, Minerals, Metals and Materials Policy Branch, Minerals and Metals Sector, Natural Resources Canada. The GMI (see page 34 for more details), which is guided by a multi-stakeholder advisory committee, was presented and endorsed at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference last September. “Green mining technologies and practices make good business sense,” says Flood. “Although investments in clean technologies were affected by the economic crisis, they have responded well in the second quarter of 2009.” CANMET-MMSL researcher Kristie Tarr conducts a strength test on hydraulic backfill bound together by a 'greener' alternative to Portland cement.

like to see a focused funding mechanism for research and innovation, perhaps driven by the federal government but triggering substantial support from industry.” The government and industry already jointly fund a number of projects. For example, out of total annual outlays of

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innovation more than $300 million for public-private R&D partnerships, NSERC offers three funding programs — collaborative R&D projects, industrial research chairs and industrial scholarships/fellowships — which require industry cash commitments. “Our funding program provides access to knowledge, equipment and expertise in the faculties and, as the icing on the cake, access to students,” says André Isabelle, director, environment and natural resources, research partnerships at NSERC. “Participation in our programs helps industry get involved in projects and aids their decision to go on to participate in other projects. As well, it requires leadership and a demonstration of commitment from the private sector to ensure research supports their needs.” With its natural resources-based economy, Canada must do even more to take a leadership role in mining research and innovation or else get left behind, adds Flood. “For example, Australia is investing heavily in R&D, and that investment is growing,” she says. Ultimately, bringing all these threads together will make the industry stronger and more profitable, say many insiders. “The goal of all our efforts in mining research and technical development in Canada is to advance industrial performance — increase productivity, lower costs, and improve health, safety and environmental performance, and CSR [corporate social responsibility] practices,” says NRCan’s Lucas. “It’s also about adding value Photo: Greg Tossel

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amcconsultants.ca 44 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

and improving job opportunities, throughout the whole mine lifecycle.” “My recommendation to our industry would be to continue to focus on collaboration and networking,” adds CMIC chair Özberk. “It sounds so simple, but there are so many egos — individuals, companies, universities, departments, regions — we need to get over those barriers.” CIM RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Alternative binder technology

SEM image of ettringite crystals in binder

ypically used to solidify backfill in underground mine workings, Portland cement represents a huge expense to most mining operations. But that may soon be a thing of the past. CANMET Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories (MMSL) have invented an alternative binder technology using waste materials such as development rock and smelter slag. With this binder, Portland cement is no longer needed. The binder technology has successfully undergone extensive testing, with many types of base metal and ferrous slag, says Allen Pratt, CANMETMMSL research scientist, who is leading this project. The research has been conducted in collaboration with several mining operations in Canada. The results show the new binder has clear potential as a replacement for Portland cement in mine backfill. This new technology could lead to a number of improvements. Placing slag waste underground would reduce an operation’s footprint. Environmental problems linked to disposal and containment of slag waste on the surface, such as acid rock drainage, would be solved. GHG would also be reduced, as the production of one ton of Portland cement produces one ton of GHG. All that, and huge dollar savings too.

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Photo of Sadiola Mine courtesy of IAMGOLD

innovation

From innovation to application - a page from Lerchs and Grossman’s “Optimum Design of Open-Pit Mines” with a photo of the Sadiola Gold Mine in Mali.

Strategic mine planning Finding the optimal in pursuit of the ideal by Ryan Bergen

t one point during the Second World War, researchers took another look at what colour Britain’s Royal Air Force should paint its bombers. The prevailing wisdom that led the planes to be black, it turned out, was wrong. In fact white planes are harder to spot against a night sky. The review of strategy also prompted a change in the detonation depth of its explosives and the RAF’s efficiency in crippling German U-boats doubled. “There can be few cases where such a great operational gain had been 46 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

obtained by such a small and simple change of tactics,” wrote a physicist who contributed to a number of such adaptations during the war. These innovations didn’t introduce new technology but rather, they made better use of available resources. Progress came from challenging and systematically testing what had previously seemed assured. After the war, this research approach was adopted by civilian industry, mining included. Operations research, as it came to be known, showed how things can be done better.

innovation Photo courtesy of Minaz Kerawala

For the mining industry, it planted the seeds that have grown into strategic mine planning, a discipline that at its core matches mining operations to long-term strategic objectives. It relies on the knowledge and collaboration of every arm of the mining operation, including finance, geology, mining and production scheduling, processing, engineering and human resources; the informed application of optimization tools. It also calls for a clear strategic vision for the company. Capturing and managing all of these aspects with a defined goal in mind can spark a shift in thinking, and counter-intuitive approaches that can effect: • how and when minerals are extracted; • how facilities are designed and where they are installed; and • how much value is ultimately realized. The latest recession toppled many assumptions. A dedicated strategic mine planning approach will test the assumptions still intact. How far will conventional standards take us? Where can new, substantial value be found?

A durable solution Forty-five years ago, the CIM Bulletin had a radical answer. Helmut Lerchs’ and Ingo Grossman’s paper, “Optimum Design of Open Pit Mines,” outlined an algorithm based on graph theory that could help planners determine the ultimate limits of an open pit mine in three dimensions by maximizing “the difference between the total mine value of ore extracted and the total extraction cost of ore and waste.” But even as the two IBM researchers opened up a new frontier in optimization, they also traced its limits. Markets, processing facilities, mining methods, production scheduling, transport options, they noted, had, and continue to have, a bearing on plans. “There is an intimate relationship between all the above points, and it is meaningless to consider any one component of planning separately,” they

Students at McGill University’s COSMO laboratory learn modelling techniques that integrate geological uncertainty.

wrote. “A mathematical model taking into account all possible alternatives simultaneously would, however, be of formidable size and its solution would be beyond the means of present know-how.” Over the decades, a cascade of algorithms and new optimization programming methods — led by Jeff Whittle’s efficient implementation of the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm in a commercial software package — along with the efforts of software designers and the exponential

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February 2010 | 47

Photo courtesy of Gemcom

innovation

Whittle enables visual validation of the results of its optimization output.

increase in the power of the tools at their disposal have pushed the boundaries of know-how. “The advances in computer capacity — the speed — have enabled us to bring down the processing time,” says Cindy Tonkin, technical product manager for Gemcom, which markets Whittle software. “Models that once took days can take minutes. That provides us with the ability to examine multiple options, to look at

scenarios to determine a mine plan that can take us into the future — or a range of different futures — but to be robust enough to deliver value in that range of futures. We can generate optimizing models that are now up to three gigabytes. That would have been unheard of 15 years ago.” The scope and complexity of optimization applications that serve the strategic mine planning process continue to grow. Australia-based Whittle Consulting is pressing ahead with a third version of Prober, an in-house proprietary global optimizer. Prober combines an algorithm with linear programming to create an optimized schedule that addresses a litany of issues including ultimate pit limits, mining methods, schedules, equipment needs, cut-off grades and blending. Twenty-five years ago, the optimization software that Jeff Whittle first developed for the market using the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm could calculate one option for pit design alone. “Way back,” says Jeff Whittle, “I used to talk about a program such that each morning, you fed into it all the latest production figures, drill results, costs and prices, etc. It then thought a bit before telling you precisely where to mine today — optimally! I dubbed it ‘The Hallelujah Program.’ I don’t expect to see such a program in my lifetime, — [Whittle is now in his 80s] — but we can work towards it, and Prober is a step along the way.”

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Expectations for automated underground optimization solutions remain more modest. Unconstrained by the top-to-bottom progression that is given in open pit planning, underground planning and scheduling is far more complex. It’s a problem that researchers at Sudbury-based Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) have been tackling with backing from industry. As a part of an AMIRA International project called PRIMO (Planning and Rapid Integrated Mine Optimization), the MIRARCO developers who created an underground schedule optimization tool (SOT) are collaborating with others focused on stope design, ore access, financials and mixed-integer programming — a form that allows solutions to be expressed in greater detail than a binary true/false answer — to create an automated optimization solution to support the planning, design and development of underground projects. SOT organizes the information gathered from other programs using a genetic algorithm — the same approach as Internet searches — and generates mine schedules that account for a range of geological and financial variables. Moving forward, says MIRARCO’s scheduling development project leader Bryan Maybee, work will focus on combining the growing range of tools designed to address various constraints related to issues such as geotechnical and ventilation systems. “The ability to start to look at these things in a risk management context provides huge opportunities,” he says.

A fresh perspective Harnessing new computer technologies, optimization advances and mathematical modelling can only take strategic mine planning so far. Before scenarios can be tested, they must be imagined or, in some cases, re-imagined. This recently drove Canadian mining company IAMGOLD to inaugurate an operating strategy group. The aim, explains Gordon Stothart, IAMGOLD’s executive vice-president and COO, is to provide opportunities to explore new ideas. “It is like revisiting the original concept and prefeasibility study that went into an operation,” he explains. “We want to go back and look at a deposit with fresh eyes, almost as if we were trying to Innovation relies on execution – a team confers at IAMGOLD’s joint venture Sadiola Gold Mine. engineer it from scratch.” Part of the exercise, he says, involves setting existing freedom is sometimes uncomfortable for people. They constraints, such as processing capacity and methods, often get pet ideas about what is possible. Sure, we will aside, which often proves to be a challenge. “Engineers evaluate a pet idea, but what we want to do is to evaluate and finance people like concrete things; they like con- a range or surface of opportunities. If you have looked at straints,” explains Stothart. “Introducing a greater degree of price scenarios and, for example, you are presented with a

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February 2010 | 49

Photo courtesy of IAMGOLD

innovation

innovation bear market going forward, this approach helps you design proactively rather than reactively.â&#x20AC;? A suite of optimization software, including Gemcom Whittle and COMET from Strategy Optimization Systems, helps analyze these scenarios. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The work may just validate what you are already doing,â&#x20AC;? says Stothart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or, it may open up some doors that people havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered.â&#x20AC;? Ultimately, he says, the people, not the process or the tools, will be the decisive factors in the new approach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The operating strategy group is composed of mining engineers, metallurgical engineers, geologists, mine planners and financial analysts,â&#x20AC;? he explains. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mixed discipline group on purpose. The ones on site who are in touch with the project on a daily basis need to be on board. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll support the execution of the plan because they played a role in creating it.â&#x20AC;?

Evaluating the unknown Even with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimization tools, uncertainty is still woven through each aspect of strategic mine planning. Settling on a single value of the ore in one mining block of a model to start the optimization process, for example, can provide an answer, but it is almost certain to be incorrect. This guesswork affects every subsequent step in the planning process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is like looking out the window a

couple times in a week and then making a forecast for the rest of the month,â&#x20AC;? says Roussos Dimitrakopoulos of McGill University and Canada Research Chair in sustainable mineral resources development and optimization under uncertainty. The question of how to address such uncertainty fuels the work of the researchers in the McGill University COSMO stochastic mine planning laboratory headed by Dimitrakopoulos. Dimitrakopoulos and his team are trying to find not one answer, but a series of them weighted with different probabilities of accuracy. COSMOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work builds on modelling conducted in the petroleum industry where there is a longer tradition of including risk management in the planning process. Currently, he explains, optimizers cannot handle a range of possible values. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They tend to underestimate what is in the ground, which affects sequencing, how you mine, as well as production.â&#x20AC;? Accounting for the uncertain stochastic variables for any given mining block (metal, recovery, commodity price, costs) will result in various scenarios with different probabilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each has its respective advantages and disadvantages, but they all have the same character,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They come closer in meeting production targets and the net present value is substantially higher than models created the conventional way.â&#x20AC;? The method, says

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innovation Dimitrakopoulos, has been tested in numerous settings, including at KCGM’s Super Pit gold mine in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, where it generated production schedules 25 per cent higher in value. The approach has not yet been widely embraced by the industry. BHP Billiton’s exploration and mining technology group has begun developing optimization software that accounts for ore body uncertainty. However, at least one geologist, reported the National Post, labelled Dimitrakopoulos’ uncertainty-based approaches and stochastic optimization “bullshit.” In this regard, he’s in good company. Jeff Whittle recalls that 25 years ago when he brought his software to market, there were plenty of naysayers. “No one believed it would do what we said it would. We also heard ‘optimization is crap,’ and ‘My granddaddy taught me how to design a pit and that’s good enough for me.’” Ensuring mining engineering students and industry professionals are exposed to new methods will help the industry leave these prejudices behind, says Dimitrakopoulos. Over the summer, he is leading a

52 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

course on ore reserve risk and mine planning optimization for those working in the industry. He maintains that industry associations like CIM should foster a strategic mine planning community to focus and grow the field in this country. The volatility in the global markets will also help smooth the introduction of methods like stochastic optimization and tools such as SOT, says Andrew Dasys, who was, until February, MIRARCO’s startup director. “There will be a pull from the investment community that is looking to decrease their risk.” Some of the leading mining companies are focusing on tools that provide more robust risk assessment tools and, he continues, “once the rest of industry — particularly juniors — start seeing the potential benefits you can have from this type of analysis, it will be of huge value for anyone looking for financing or trying to advance a project.” The shift will also rely on a sustained commitment to long-term strategic objectives, says Dimitrakopoulos. “How do you increase your margin of profits? You plan and mine smarter.” CIM

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The Bloom Lake Mine is located about 400 kilometres north of the port facilities of Sept-Îles, Quebec.

Iron in Bloom Consolidated Thompson begins production at Bloom Lake Mine by | Dan Zlotnikov

With operational experience and quality ore, Consolidated Thompson finds its niche on the Labrador Trough.

While many developed nations are only just beginning to struggle out of the financial crisis, the large players of the developing world are forging ahead. China and India have both maintained a steady — albeit somewhat diminished — growth throughout the last two years. Now that the global economy is stabilizing, China, in particular, is looking to surge 54 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

ahead. With much of its internal growth fuelled by infrastructure projects, the country’s industry is starved for steel and its essential feedstock, iron ore. Despite producing enormous quantities of ore within the country, China is eagerly seeking additional sources. This is excellent news for Canada’s newest iron mine, Consolidated Thompson’s Bloom Lake operation,

located in Quebec’s Duplessis CAT trucks onsite at Bloom Lake County, approximately 400 kilometres north of Sept-Îles. Despite being first discovered in the 1950s, little exploration of the Bloom Lake deposit had taken place until the late 1990s, when wellestablished iron producer Quebec Cartier optioned the property. Bloom Lake’s location was a major attraction for Quebec Cartier, which had already operated the Fire Lake Mine in the same region. The company conducted a further 18,000 metres of drilling in an effort to further delineate the deposit. The company also did an evaluation with an eye for possible development. However, financial difficulties brought on by rock-bottom iron when the company made a strategic decision to focus on its prices forced Quebec Cartier to let the option go in 2003, Fire Lake property.

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Photo courtesy of Consolidated Thompson

featured mine

All Photos courtesy of Consolidated Thompson

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56 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Custom Dewatering The beginning of the Bloom Lake project, as it stands today, dates to 2005. At that time, Richard Quesnel was serving as general manager of Taseko Mines’ Gibraltar project in British Columbia. One day, he recalls, he received a call from Stan Bharti and Gerry McCarvill of Forbes Manhattan, a private merchant bank in Toronto. Quesnel first met the two in the early 1980s when they were working with Barclay Engineering and he at Placer Dome. But this call was not about contract engineering work. Bharti and McCarvill were calling to ask Quesnel to look at a property they were interested in developing — Bloom Lake.

Starting from scratch Quesnel was familiar with Bloom Lake, having served as the operating manager for Quebec Cartier from 1991 to 1994. Consolidated Thompson had just completed an NI 43-101 review of the property, performed by engineering consultancy Watts, Griffis and McOuat Ltd. Quesnel reviewed the report and was comfortable with what he saw, especially in light of the much improved iron prices of 2005. With the Gibraltar Mine commissioned and operating, he felt that the time was right to be involved in a grassroots project. “I thought to myself — if I am going to lead a team in developing a mine from scratch once in my life, after being involved in four major projects, now is the time,” recalls Quesnel. Quesnel was employee number one, joining Consolidated Thompson in August of 2005. He formed a Montrealbased team and started the process of building the mine. “We hired a local consulting firm called Breton, Banville &

Photos opposite page (clockwise from top): 1. Concentrator building at Bloom Lake operation; 2. Crusher; 3. Hydraulic shovel; 4. Autogenous grinding mill installation. All photos courtesy of Consolidated Thompson

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February 2010 | 57

All photos courtesy of Consolidated Thompson

featured mine

Overview of the Port of Sept-Îles

Associates to do the feasibility studies and detailed engineering, since they had people with lots of experience in the iron ore industry,” he says. “The key players had also done some work for Met-Chem, another important consulting firm, as well as for international projects in India, developing iron ore and coal facilities.”

58 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Rail installation loadout area

“Everything moved on, from scoping to feasibility through all the stages you’d encounter in mine development, but with the added challenges of doing it all on a fast track,” Quesnel adds. The increased demand for iron ore and the rising price that followed it were advantages Thompson was eager to capitalize on, which meant bringing the project online as soon as possible. The results can be seen today. Bloom Lake is at what Quesnel describes as “very advanced commissioning stages” and is in the process of building product inventory. The mine is expected to reach its peak production capacity by the end of February, delivering an average of eight million tonnes of ore per year. By that time, the company will have grown from having a handful of employees and being financed by about $2 million in private placement capital to having nearly $2 billion in market capitalization and 250 employees. The latest rounds of financing that raised over $875 million are a sure sign of strong investor interest. Put in context, Bloom Lake’s contribution to Canada’s total iron ore output is very impressive — Natural Resources Canada reported Canada’s 2008 shipments to be 31.3 million tonnes, which the new project is set to increase by 25 per cent. However, the depressed economy in North America and Europe meant that finding customers closer to home would have been a challenge. “North America is a saturated market,” Quesnel explains. “If you get a customer in North America or Europe, you’re displacing ore from another company feeding them. In the middle of the financial crisis, the steel mills were running at about 40 per cent capacity. Now, they’re at about 70 per cent, but there’s still volatility in the market.” Therefore, instead of focusing on the regional market, Thompson looked to markets where demand was strong, especially for the type of ore they were extracting from Bloom Lake.

featured mine

In the nearby town of Fermont, nine duplexes and four detached homes were built to help accommodate the mine’s work force.

Quality is the competitive edge “Most of the ore in Canada is produced at high levels of iron units and low levels of contaminants,” Quesnel explains. “Our product is highly regarded in the steel industry because of its high quality and low contaminant levels, such as the aluminum oxide content. Some Australian ore is shipped at

levels of around 1.5 to 2.5 per cent. At Bloom Lake, we’ll be producing typically at levels of only 0.15 per cent.” The same is true of other contaminants that are detrimental to steel production, such as phosphorus and sulphur. According to Quesnel, these need to be as low as possible. “You see very low levels of these in our ore. On top of that,

February 2010 | 59

featured mine

Photo courtesy of Consolidated Thompson

Rotary drill and shovel

some Australian ore that’s getting shipped to China has as little as 58 per cent iron units per tonne, while the ore we will be shipping should contain 66.5 per cent iron units.” The higher concentration of iron units means more efficiency inside the blast furnace, Quesnel explains. “Any blast furnace using Bloom Lake iron ore would be about 14 per cent more productive in tonnes per hour of steel produced compared to one using ore at 58 per cent.” Because Chinese ore is generally of a lower grade and quality, Chinese steel producers are very interested in Canadian ore. Higher grade ore, like the type that will be coming out of Bloom Lake, can be blended with locally produced lowergrade ores and still allow the steel mills to produce high-end steel products such as plates for the auto industry or piping, the sort of products China desperately needs today. The other major competitor for Thompson is Brazil, but there too, Bloom Lake ore has an advantage. “Some of the Brazilian ore has a much higher level of humidity,” says Quesnel. “Some of these producers are shipping ore that contains eight to nine per cent water; we will be shipping some ore at 2.5 to three per cent water-containing ore. There’s a technical reason for this — as you produce ore in northern conditions, you have to reduce your humidity level or it will freeze in the rail cars as you move it.”

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60 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

featured mine That said, Quesnel acknowledges that Thompson must adjust its prices for the somewhat higher transportation costs incurred when moving cargoes from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaport to the Asian markets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can compete on the same basis as Vale does out of Brazil, and apply a small discount for freight equalization, to make up for the difference,â&#x20AC;? says Quesnel. The timing is roughly the same. We have to go through the Suez Canal; they have to go around the Cape of Good Hope. There are charges for passing through the canal that we have to discount for so that our Chinese customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freight cost is the same, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a discount of about $2 to $3 per tonne.â&#x20AC;?

keeled, larger capacity ships to be used. Quesnel says the expected savings from moving to bigger, Chinamax-class ships will allow the company to save a further US$3.50 per tonne in freight equalization discounts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good story to be told about iron ore,â&#x20AC;? says Quesnel, and the strong investor interest in the project shows heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not alone in this view. After more than 50 years of waiting, Bloom Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposit is finally bearing fruit, and will continue to do so for decades to come. CIM

A good foundation to build upon Despite having to absorb the discount cost, prospects look very good for Bloom Lake and Consolidated Thompson. The cost of producing a tonne of iron ore at Bloom Lake, bringing it to port and loading it onto the ship is expected to be in the range of US$25 to $30 per tonne. The current long-term off-take agreement price is around US$65 per tonne, which leaves quite a bit of room for Thompson in which to compete with Brazilian producers. Thompson also has an off-take agreement with a major partner, the Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp. (WISCO), Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-largest steel producer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of the first eight million tonnes, WISCO will consume at least 50 per cent of our production and has the option to go up to 60 per cent,â&#x20AC;? explains Quesnel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying fair market price, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different from Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production.â&#x20AC;? With such strong market prospects, Consolidated Thompson is intending to take advantage of the timing and expand production. The goal, according to Quesnel, is to continue increasing the existing resource at Bloom Lake, currently standing below one billion tonnes. The company is also exploring a second property, 45 kilometres away, that has a similar-sized resource. Between the two, Thompson expects to be able to increase production to 16 million tonnes per year and maintain that level for 25 years. The company is also planning an expansion of the port facilities, which will allow deeper

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mine en vedette

Le minerai de fer du lac Bloom Consolidated Thompson démarre la production à la mine du lac Bloom

Alors que de nombreux pays développés commencent à peine à se sortir de la crise financière, le monde en développement va de l’avant. La Chine et l’Inde ont toutes deux maintenu une croissance soutenue, bien que légèrement moins forte, durant les deux dernières années. Avec une stabilisation de l’économie mondiale, la Chine cherche à avancer. Une bonne partie de sa croissance interne étant attribuable à des projets d’infrastructure, son industrie a un besoin criant d’acier et donc de fer. Bien qu’elle produise elle-même d’énormes quantités de minerai, la Chine recherche avidement d’autres sources d’approvisionnement, une excellente nouvelle pour la plus récente mine de fer canadienne, la mine du lac Bloom de Consolidated Thompson, située au Québec, à quelque 400 km au nord de Sept-Îles. Le gisement du lac Bloom a d’abord été découvert dans les années 1950, cependant très peu de travaux d’exploration ont été menés sur le site avant la fin des années 1990, lorsque Québec Cartier a pris une option sur la propriété. L’emplacement gisement représentait un atout important pour Québec Cartier, qui avait déjà exploité la mine du lac Fire dans la même région. La société a effectué 18 000 mètres de forages additionnels afin de mieux délimiter le gisement et a réalisé une évaluation dans l’optique d’une éventuelle mise en valeur. Toutefois, les difficultés financières ont contraint Québec Cartier à renoncer à l’option en 2003 et la société s’est concentrée sur sa propriété du lac Fire. Le projet du lac Bloom, tel qu’il est aujourd’hui, remonte à 2005. Richard Quesnel était alors directeur général du projet Gibraltar de Taseko Mines en Colombie-Britannique. Il se souvient avoir reçu un appel de Stan Bharti et de Gerry McCarvill de Forbes Manhattan, une banque d’affaires privée de Toronto. 62 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

M. Quesnel les avait déjà rencontrés au début des années 1980 alors qu’ils travaillaient pour Barclay Engineering et qu’il était lui-même employé par Placer Dome. Mais cet appel ne concernait un contrat d’ingénierie. MM. Bharti et McCarvill voulaient que Richard Quesnel jette un coup d’œil à une propriété qu’ils voulaient mettre en valeur : celle du lac Bloom. M. Quesnel connaissait le lac Bloom, ayant été gestionnaire de l’exploitation de Québec Cartier de 1991 à 1994. Consolidated Thompson venait tout juste de faire faire un examen conforme à la NC 43-101 sur la propriété par la société de génie-conseil Watts, Griffis and McOuat Ltd. M. Quesnel a lu le rapport et se sentait à l’aise par rapport à son contenu, compte tenu surtout de la forte remontée des prix du fer en 2005. La mine Gibraltar étant alors en exploitation, il estimait que le moment était propice pour lui de participer à un projet entièrement nouveau. « Je me suis dit qu’après avoir participé à quatre grands projets, c’était le moment idéal si je voulais, une fois dans ma vie, diriger une équipe chargée de la mise en valeur d’une mine à partir de zéro. » Richard Quesnel s’est joint à Consolidated Thompson en août 2005. Il a mis sur pied une équipe établie à Montréal et a entrepris les travaux de construction de la mine. « Pour les études de faisabilité et les études techniques détaillées, nous avons retenu les services de Breton, Banville & Associates, cette compagnie possédant beaucoup d’expérience dans l’industrie du minerai de fer et avait également réalisé quelques travaux pour Met-Chem de même que des projets internationaux en Inde, notamment l’aménagement d’installations d’exploitation de minerai de fer et de charbon », a-t-il expliqué.

Photo courtoisie du Consolidated Thompson

La mine du Lac Bloom est située dans la Fosse du Labrador, riche en minerai de fer.

mine en vedette « Les activités se sont enchaînées, de la délimitation à la faiabilité, mais avec en plus la nécessité de devoir tout faire rapidement. » Thompson souhaitant tirer profit de la demande accrue de minerai de fer et de la hausse de prix subséquente, il fallait démarrer le projet aussitôt que possible. Les résultats sont visibles aujourd’hui : le lac Bloom est près de l’étape de la mise en service. La mine devrait atteindre sa pleine production d’ici la fin de février, générant en moyenne 8 millions de tonnes de minerai par année. D’une poignée d’employés au début et ne disposant que d’un financement par placements privés d’environ 2 millions de dollars, la capitalisation boursière de la société frise maintenant les 2 milliards de dollars et emploie 250 personnes. Les plus récents tours de financement ont permis de réunir plus de 875 millions de dollars, signe indéniable de l’intérêt marqué des investisseurs. La contribution de la mine du lac Bloom à la production de minerai de fer globale du Canada sera assez impressionnante : selon Ressources naturelles Canada, les expéditions canadiennes de 2008 s’établissaient à 31,3 millions de tonnes, auxquelles le nouveau projet devrait ajouter 25 %. « Le marché nord-américain est saturé », a observé M. Quesnel. « Si vous attirez un client nord-américain ou européen, vous remplacez simplement une autre société. En pleine crise financière, les aciéries fonctionnaient à environ 40 % de leur capacité par rapport à 70 % maintenant, mais le marché demeure volatil. » Par conséquent, au lieu de se concentrer sur le marché régional, Thompson s’est tournée vers les marchés à forte demande. « La majeure partie du minerai canadien renferme des niveaux élevés d’unités de fer par tonne et peu de contaminants », a-t-il expliqué. « Notre produit a bonne réputation dans l’industrie de l’acier, en raison de sa grande qualité et de sa faible teneur en contaminants comme l’oxyde d’aluminium. Certaines cargaisons de minerais australiens en renferment de 1,5 % à 2,5 %; au lac Bloom, ces teneurs n’atteignant que 0,15 %. » Il en est de même pour d’autres contaminants nuisant à la production sidérurgique, comme le phosphore et le soufre dont les teneurs doivent être aussi faibles que possible. « Notre minerai renferme très peu de contaminants. De plus, certains minerais d’Australie expédiés en Chine ne renferment que 58 % d’unités de fer par tonne, alors que le nôtre minerai devrait en contenir 66,5 %. » Plus la concentration d’unités de fer est élevée, meilleure est l’efficience du haut fourneau en termes de tonnes par heure d’acier produites. Le minerai chinois étant habituellement de teneur et de qualité inférieures, les producteurs d’acier chinois sont très intéressés par le minerai canadien. Le minerai à teneur plus élevée, comme celui qui proviendra du lac Bloom, peut être mélangé à des minerais à moindre teneur produits localement et quand même permettre aux aciéries de fabriquer des produits en acier haut de gamme. L’autre grand concurrent de Thompson est le Brésil, mais là aussi, le minerai du lac Bloom comporte un avantage. « Certains

minerais brésiliens présentent un taux d’humidité très élevé », remarque M. Quesnel. « Certains de ces producteurs expédient du minerai renfermant de 8 % à 9 % d’eau alors que le nôtre ne renfermera que de 2,5 % à 3 % d’eau. Quand on produit du minerai dans des conditions nordiques, il faut réduire le taux d’humidité pour éviter qu’il ne gèle dans les wagons durant le transport ferroviaire. » M. Quesnel reconnaît que Thompson doit ajuster ses prix en fonction des frais de transport légèrement plus élevés pour acheminer les cargaisons du port maritime jusqu’aux marchés asiatiques. « Nous pouvons être concurrentiels par rapport à Vale du Brésil et offrir un léger rabais pour compenser la péréquation du fret. Les délais sont sensiblement les mêmes. Nous devons emprunter le canal de Suez; ils doivent contourner le cap de Bonne Espérance. Nous devons prévoir une remise pour les droits de passage du canal, afin d’éviter de hausser le prix demandé à nos clients chinois, mais cela ne correspond qu’à 2 $ ou 3 $ la tonne. » En dépit d’avoir à absorber les frais de remise, les perspectives semblent très bonnes pour le lac Bloom et Consolidated Thompson. Le coût pour produire, transporter et charger une tonne de minerai de fer devrait se situer entre 25 $ US et 30 $ US. Le prix actuel de l’accord d’exploitation à long terme se situe autour de 65 $ US la tonne, ce qui laisse à Thompson une bonne marge de manœuvre pour faire concurrence aux producteurs brésiliens. Thompson a également conclu une entente avec un important partenaire, Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp. (WISCO), troisième producteur d’acier de Chine. M. Quesnel explique : « WISCO consommera au moins 50 % des premiers 8 Mt de minerai et a l’option de hausser ce niveau à 60 %. Mais elle paie un prix équitable, donc il n’y a pas de différence par rapport à la production du Brésil. » Face à des perspectives du marché aussi prometteuses, Consolidated Thompson a l’intention d’en profiter et d’accroître sa production. L’objectif est de continuer à augmenter les ressources existantes au lac Bloom, actuellement un peu moins d’un milliard de tonnes. La société explore aussi une deuxième propriété, à 45 km de distance, renfermant un gisement de taille similaire. En combinant les deux, Thompson s’attend à accroître la production à 16 Mt/a et maintenir ce niveau pendant 25 ans. La société planifie également l’agrandissement des installations portuaires, permettant des bateaux de plus grande capacité d’y accoster. Selon M. Quesnel, le fait d’utiliser des bateaux plus imposants, de catégorie « Chinamax », permettra à la société d’économiser 3,50 $ US de plus par tonne au titre des remises de péréquation du fret. « Je crois que le minerai de fer mérite qu’on s’y intéresse », affirme M. Quesnel et l’intérêt marqué des investisseurs indique qu’il n’est pas le seul de cet avis. Après une période d’attente de plus de 50 ans, le gisement du lac Bloom porte enfin fruit, et ce, pour les décennies à venir. ICM February 2010 | 63

COLUMNS | supply side Keep up your marketing efforts in a struggling economy

A page for and about the supply side of the Canadian mining industry

❚ Jon Baird In the modern business environment, marketing has to be at the heart of everything you do, at all times. It involves studying the marketplace, devising strategies and putting marketing and sales tools in place. It is not simply selling, although selling is strongly linked to marketing. Marketing is one of the most important investments that your firm can make — it should be nurtured in tough times. Budgets for it should not be linked to sales. When sales drop, you likely need to spend more, and not less, to maintain or improve your place in the market. Cutting your marketing budget is like not paying your electricity bill — sooner or later the lights go out. During a recession, if you cut back on marketing so much that your market presence becomes seriously compromised, you will have to spend a great deal to regain your position when good times return. In so doing, you will suffer a lag in the return on your revenues compared to competitors who have been “out there” during the slow times. Indeed, you may never regain your pre-recession market share.

Remember that your firm is not alone in watching costs. Your clients are also looking to enhance the value they get for each dollar invested. In devising a marketing program for tough times, it would be wise to: Fine-tune your messaging. Create application notes and case studies to show potential clients how you can save energy, reduce waste, improve safety, enhance efficiency, etc. Reach a higher level decision-maker. When spending is tightly controlled, you may need to reach a senior decisionmaker who is motivated by financial considerations and wants a fast payback. Emphasize value or cost savings. Companies on limited budgets may appreciate additional customer support, justin-time delivery, complimentary design services or other value-added services. Review all of your markets. While the mining industry has been hit globally, perhaps there is more that you can sell to the gold sector, which has not been hit by the recession. Seek out new markets. There are always new clients out there. Perhaps you need to move away from your traditional local or regional market. Maintain frequency and consistency. The way to be found when prospects are searching for potential vendors is to maintain frequency and consistency in your marketing messaging. Use both “push” and “pull” marketing. Push marketing includes paid advertising and newsletters sent by mail or email to a qualified client list. Pull marketing includes ensuring that your website will be found when prospects are searching for information. Review your marketing mix. Ensure that you are using the most cost-effective and strategically sound combination of advertising, Internet, trade show and other marketing tools. The marketing mix that you developed in the last boom period may not serve you so well when resources are limited. CIM www.camese.org

About the author Jon Baird, managing director of CAMESE and president of PDAC, is interested in collective approaches to enhancing the Canadian brand in the world of mining. 64 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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COLUMNS | MAC economic commentary Put the word out Strategies for countering misinformation about mining ❚ Paul Stothart The numerous environmental challenges faced by the Canadian mining industry and the fact that it operates in developing countries around the world make it a favourite target for advocacy-driven social and environmental groups. Several NGOs and faith-based groups base their fundraising efforts in part on their ability to curtail the activities and damage the reputation of the mining industry. In countering these determined organizations, the industry needs to clearly convey a number of messages relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR), of which five are particularly germane. Explain what the industry produces. The mining industry does not operate simply for the fun of disturbing the landscape. It produces the raw materials required for modern life — for computers, circuitry, telecommunications, water treatment, power grids and much more. That clean energy technologies such as solar panels, wind

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turbines and hybrid vehicles are not possible without minerals and metals should be a core message. That the cellphones and iPods tucked in the pockets of many activists contain a couple of dozen metals and minerals should also be a core communications message of the Canadian mining industry, if only to highlight hypocrisy where it may exist. Note that mineral extraction and processing brings environmental impacts. Mining activities are, by nature, not environmentally benign. Extracting ore from rock, where the ore may constitute less than one per cent of the volume, poses many technical challenges. Similarly, turning raw concentrate into 99.99 per cent pure metal also poses innumerable challenges, many of which have environmental considerations. In this regard, companies should be forthright about the technical and environmental challenges they face, while noting that the Canadian mining industry has strong

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66 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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MAC economic commentary |

Highlight your national and global networks, standards and requirements. The operations of Canada’s mining and processing industry are regulated at numerous levels. Companies seeking financing to build projects are guided by rules espoused by financial institutions such as Export Development Canada, the World Bank and the Equator Principles adopted by commercial banks. Companies dealing in dangerous substances are guided by realities such as the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the Basle Convention and the International Cyanide Management Code. The practices of many companies are shaped by the UN’s Global Compact, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Devonshire Initiative, the Kimberly Process, ISO 14001 certification and other targeted sustainability programs like the ICMM Guiding Principles, TSM and e3 Plus. Many firms have Impact Benefit Agreements in place with local Aboriginal groups. The Mine Environment Neutral Drainage Program and the International Network for Acid Prevention drive the practices and technologies being adopted to minimize acidic leaching challenges. All of these measures and initiatives, and dozens of others, are stacked on top of the laws, regulations, permits and enforcement mechanisms that already exist in host countries. Highlight industry CSR investments. Canadian mining companies operate in dozens of countries in all regions of the world, creating jobs, taxes and supply linkages in these countries. In Canada, for example, the industry contributes $40 billion to GDP, brings benefits to over 3,000 supplier companies and pays over $11 billion per year to governments. Beyond delivering such macroeconomic benefits, individual companies are active, through their CSR programs, in developing countries, helping to pay for schools, roads, electrical grids, hospitals, clinics, school breakfast programs, community buildings, child health and nutrition programs, and a range of other social investments. Companies are fully aware that strong community relationships are essential for a productive, profitable, sustainable and socially responsible mining operation. Get the message out. Environmental, social and faithbased groups have sophisticated grassroots campaigns to sustain their operations and communications. While the main focus of industry should continue to be the development and operation of sustainable and profitable mining operations, and the associated societal wealth creation, it is also important that Canadian firms pay attention to their

corporate communications. For, if left to convey misleading information without rebuttal, NGOs can do serious damage to the credibility and social license of Canadian businesses. As one simple example, companies should ensure that distribution lists for their annual CSR reports and regular press releases include federal and provincial parliamentarians, senators, local and national news media, and senior bureaucrats. While defeating a federal private member’s bill known as C-300 is a present priority for the mining industry, the CSR outreach strategy and messaging described in this column should be a fundamental, systematic and ongoing activity. CIM www.mining.ca

About the author Paul Stothart is vice president, economic affairs of the Mining Association of Canada. He is responsible for advancing the industry’s interests regarding federal tax, trade, investment, transport and energy issues.

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February 2010 | 67

COLUMNS | HR outlook Invaluable, but relatively unknown HQP help to drive innovation â?&#x161; Martha Roberts Highly qualified people (HQP), often defined as individuals with post-secondary diplomas or degrees, are a vital segment of the Canadian resources industry. They occupy pivotal roles, provide organizational leadership, drive research and development (R&D) efforts, and directly contribute to the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longterm competitiveness and sustainability. Most importantly, HQP drive innovation and economic growth. Research shows a strong relationship between the proportion of HQP in a workforce and the rapidity with which it develops and adopts technology. Through its impact on productivity and performance, this ultimately drives economic growth. In other words, the more educated the workforce, the better it is able to implement technological advances.1 The industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth thus depends on its ability to attract and retain HQP.2 Moreover, the relationship between HQP and innovation is circular. As HQP drive innovation, innovation helps the industry attract and retain HQP. Technological advancements and workplace diversity are key factors in attracting HQP to the industry.

New technology and innovative work processes have created opportunities for traditionally under-represented talent groups. MiHR recently produced 34 physical demand analysis (PDA) reports pertaining to underground miners, surface miners and mineral processors. These analyses clearly showed that innovations in job process and advances in technology have reduced the physical requirements of many jobs. As a result, some roles are increasingly occupied by segments of the workforce that did not previously have the physical strength to meet job requirements. The industry, thus rendered diverse, is more attractive to HQP. Strong relationships between post-secondary institutions and employers also ensure a steady flow of HQP to the industry. Industry support for students (e.g., internships, summer work programs, cooperative education and apprenticeships) ensures that the future workforce is well prepared and that new graduates are aware of the career opportunities the industry has to offer. Further, industry involvement in and support for post secondary

Dowrick, S. (2002). The contribution of innovation and education to economic growth. Paper presented at Towards Opportunity and Prosperity: Melbourne Institute Economic and Social Outlook Conference.

Prelazzi, D. (2009). Innovation and commercialization: rising to the challenge through a business acceleration ecosystem. A working paper prepared by the British Columbia Innovation Council for the B.C. Business Council Outlook 2020 Initiative.

research ensures the relevance and timeliness of research-driven technological advancements and enhances their positive impacts on the growth of the industry. There is no question that HQP are essential to innovation, productivity, growth and sustainability. However, the industry lacks fundamental information about this segment of the workforce. Standard sources of labour market information (LMI) do not usually report specifically on HQP. To address this gap, MiHR has partnered with the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) to develop a workforce profile and improve industry understanding of HQP-related challenges and opportunities. This study will help industry stakeholders strategize to attract and retain these valuable human resources. The study will also yield enhanced LMI and a better understanding of HQP stocks and flows; a strategic approach to workforce planning; and development of an industry-wide HQP attraction and retention action plan. Ultimately, this initiative will increase the participation of HQP in Canadian mining and thereby secure its future competitiveness and growth. CIM www.mihr.ca

Moving on up High River Gold has announced the appointment of Richard Ogdon to its board of directors and audit committee. Currently the chief risk and capital officer of Troika Dialog Group, Ogdon has held numerous investment banking positions with several financial institutions. Most notably, he founded the Moscow office of USB Warburg in 1994 and led its local Russian investment banking business.

68 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

About the Author Martha Roberts is manager of research, sector studies at the Mining Industry Human Resources Council. She is responsible for Research for Industry Sustainability: enhancing the labour market information available to mining and minerals exploration stakeholders and investigating the shortand long-term human resources issues facing the industry.

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COLUMNS | standards Exercising caution in the public reporting of data from handheld XRF analyzers â?&#x161; Craig Waldie and Ian McCartney

Handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers are now commonly used during exploration to rapidly evaluate a propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rocks, soils, drill cuttings and cores in real time. These units can help confirm mineral deposit models, assist in recognizing new or unexpected types of mineralization and enable on-the-spot decisions to extend or infill drill holes. Occasionally, handheld XRF analyzers may provide significant and potentially material information about mineralization on a property. However, the qualified person (QP) preparing a disclosure must exercise professional judgement and be able to demonstrate the reliability of the information. Because of sampling issues and other limitations of the handheld XRF method, there are concerns about the potential misuse of its results in a mineral resource database. Regulators generally deem handheld XRF results to be unsuitable for use in such a database. It is important to remember that handheld XRF data do not replace

â&#x20AC;˘ Make a balanced and non-misleading disclosure, providing results as a range and distribution of sample values as a measure of prudence. â&#x20AC;˘ Include cautionary language regarding limitations of the handheld XRF method, such as the sampling window, homogeneity of mineralization, penetration depth, possible surface effects, etc. â&#x20AC;˘ Include a statement that results are subject to confirmation by chemical analysis from an independent laboratory and consider giving an estimate for the timing of confirmatory data. â&#x20AC;˘ Provide information about the total number of samples, sample media and additional sample details, if applicable (float or bedrock, selected, random, representative of what dimensions, true width, etc.). â&#x20AC;˘ Include the following in the disclosure: Â° the analyzer name, model and precision, if available; Â° the operator(s) of the unit and their relationship to the company; and

traditional laboratory-based analysis. They do, however, provide an effective screening tool for selecting samples for traditional analysis. If a sufficient number and range of conventional analyses validate the accuracy of the handheld XRF analyzer, its results may be suitable for disclosure. Under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of National Instrument 43-101, companies are required to include certain information pertaining to their exploration sampling and analytical results. This includes information about the nature and quality of sampling, factors that could affect the accuracy and reliability of data, the type of analytical or testing procedures, quality assurance programs, quality control measures applied and whether or not the data have been verified. When exploration results based on handheld XRF analyzers are significant enough to require public reporting, it is essential to: â&#x20AC;˘ Clearly indicate that results are based on data from a hand-held XRF analyzer.

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70 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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standards | Â° a summary of the sampling procedures (site selection, whether samples are prepared or â&#x20AC;&#x153;in situ,â&#x20AC;? averaging procedure, treatment of background or very high readings, etc.). â&#x20AC;˘ Discuss variances between laboratory and handheld XRF results and explain that any adjustment factors applied to the XRF results may be required in a followup news release, once sufficient confirmation laboratory results are available. Formal clarification or restatement of XRF results is required if assay data do not corroborate the previously disclosed results. Before planning any handheld XRF sampling program, companies and QPs must understand the sampling limitations of the handheld XRF method and consider how to handle potential future disclosure of the results. If there is a breakdown of correlation between handheld XRF results and laboratory data, particularly in

potentially economic grade ranges, the XRF results are unlikely to be suitable for public disclosure. Unlike laboratory analysis, there is no hard backup, such as an independent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certificate of Analysis,â&#x20AC;? to facilitate

COLUMNS

audit of the data. The suitability or otherwise of handheld XRF data for disclosure will depend upon verification of the reliability of the results based on a sufficient number and distribution of standard laboratory analyses. CIM

About the authors Craig Waldie (left), is a senior geologist with the Ontario Securities Commission. Ian McCartney (right), a senior geologist with the British Columbia Securities Commission, reviews technical and scientific disclosure by mining and mineral exploration issuers.

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February 2010 | 71

COLUMNS | canadians abroad Around the world with mining Not always a blast, but CSR crusader sticks to his guns ❚ Heather Ednie If being held at gunpoint on a Turkish beach failed to discourage Joe Ringwald from a career in the mining industry, little else could. It was the 1980s and the current Vancouver-based vice-president of operations for Brett Resources was in Turkey — his first overseas assignment — to help develop the Cayeli copper zinc mine. One night, after an evening out with some Turkish geologists on the project, he and a colleague were walking back along the beach to their apartment block. “All of a sudden, this guy came out of the dark in front of us in combat fatigues with an automatic weapon,” Ringwald recalls. “He started pushing the barrel of the rifle into our chests, pushing us back, yelling at us in Turkish.” The terrified pair had no idea what was going on. “I dropped my briefcase and he motioned for me to pick it up,” continues Ringwald. “I did, and started backing away, and he relaxed. We made it back to our apartments and found out later that we had walked into the gendarme area — a secure police zone — and they thought my briefcase concealed a bomb.”

People are people Undaunted, Ringwald has since hung his hat in 17 different countries throughout North America, Mexico, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and China. Although it has been rocky at times, Ringwald figures he has learned a thing or two about how the world works. “People are the same no matter what the country,” he says. “They have the same general values. There are just minor differences due to culture and religion. They care for their loved ones and for their homes. They don’t like war. And they don’t like a tailings impoundment sitting above them.” Ringwald was not always so understanding. On one project in Greenland, 72 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Joe Ringwald (in red shirt) takes a coffee break with geologists and engineers at Cayeli Mine.

Ringwald recalls that the national government asked a lot of questions about feasibility and insisted on signing off on the project’s funding. “At the time I thought, ‘What right do they have?’ But over time I realized it’s not a problem — I saw their reasoning and a strong relationship ensued,” he explains. These kinds of realizations about the industry’s impact on local communities have led Ringwald — who has worked as a consultant, contractor and company representative on more than 50 projects — to focus his work in recent years on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. He’s become wellknown for his dedication to the minerals industry’s need to be a leader in these areas. “I really believe our indutry can have a tremendous impact on the global society,” he says.

Fear factor Ringwald has also learned that the minerals industry needs to market itself better in the communities where it works. People are often fearful when a company wants to start up in their area. “We need to help people understand that society needs products from mines,” he says. “But how do we reconcile their fears? Through

shared benefit, tolerance and our firm commitment to return the land to the state or better than it was in pre-operation.” When government, civil society and industry collaborate, the local economy is improved and the people benefit, he says. “It also just happens that the product is a benefit to the world as a whole,” Ringwald adds with a grin. Ringwald has been busy promoting these core values for the last several years. He volunteers with CIM — on Council and as co-chair of the past two Vancouver conferences — and presented to the National Roundtable on CSR in 2006. He is on the Interim Executive Commitee for the CSR Centre for Excellence, is a current director with Transparency International-Canada and a member of the Pacific Hub steering committee for the Canadian Business Ethics Research Network. But Ringwald has not lost his wanderlust. “I love variety and change — I’m a firm believer that the only constant in the world is change,” he says. “I like inspiring and observing change in myself and in humanity. I love to observe, and the best way to do that is to travel. For that, the mining industry is a great vehicle.” CIM

eye on business |

COLUMNS

Innovation pays How mining companies can benefit from a lucrative carbon market ❚ Florence Dagicour In the aftermath of the Copenhagen Summit, industries worldwide, including the mining industry, continue to face uncertainty on the post-2012 international climate change legal framework. On a positive note, however, the United States, China, India and Mexico have now recognized that climate change is one of the "greatest challenges of our time." The 1997 Kyoto Protocol required its signatories to achieve clearly specified reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by December 31, 2012. The Copenhagen Summit aimed at determining the post-2012 international legal framework applicable to GHG emissions reductions. After difficult negotiations at the Summit, the participants could only agree to an accord at the last minute. This Copenhagen Accord produced neither a binding agreement nor any GHG emissions reductions targets that could accelerate national-level legal frameworks applicable to carbonintensive sectors. Instead, it is a mere 30-country statement of intent to develop quantified international GHG emissions reductions targets before February 1, 2010. Nevertheless, the Copenhagen Accord remains important. It illustrates the world’s biggest GHG emitters’ willingness to negotiate a global legal framework on climate change, particularly for the United States, which did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol. As it stands, the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit continues to allow companies to implement carbon-reduction projects in developing countries in exchange for tradable emissions credits. Currently, one tonne of CO2 equivalent (equating to one certified emission reduction, or CER) is traded at about 12 Euros (about C$18.40).

To benefit from CERs, a company that aims to implement a project that reduces GHG emissions (e.g. using renewable energy) in a developing country must first submit a project design document (PDD) describing its project to the United Nations’ competent authority for registration on the UN registry. Annual GHG emissions reductions from a project thus registered must be verified by an independent professional. The UN authority then issues and transfers the appropriate quantity of CERs to the company’s account. As many as 15 months can elapse between the preparation of the PDD and issuance of the first CERs. However, a company may sell its CERs for future delivery prior to their issuance and transfer onto its UN registry account. CERs can be purchased through specified stock exchanges or through bilateral agreements. Buyers can use CERs for compliance, for social responsibility purposes or for speculation. Recently, projects concerned with afforestation, reforestation, deforestation and degradation-related emissions reduction, as well as carbon capture and storage, have gained popularity among our clients. Such projects are especially attractive to mining companies operating in developing countries as they encompass GHG emissions reductions targets, sustainable development goals and technological innovation.

To anticipate future regulatory requirements and benefit from a lucrative carbon market, mining companies must: • Inventory GHG emissions for all their operations. • Analyze various climate change strategies — technological innovation, GHG emissions reductions projects, purchasing CERs, etc. — to minimize GHG emissions and the cost of future regulatory compliance. • Rigorously apply procedural requirements to their GHG emissions reductions projects to maximize CER issuance. • Seek strategic advice from competent and experienced carbon market professionals so as to maximize available benefits. National and international carbon markets represent a sterling opportunity for mining companies to move from traditional to newer business models based on low emissions, economic efficiency and greater social responsibility. The International Council on Mining & Metals’ Policy on Climate Change published in November 2009 and a recent survey commissioned by Natural Resources Canada on the State of Green Technology in the Canadian Mining Sector are both indicative of growing interest in such new business models. CIM More information about the Copenhagen Summit can be found at unfccc.int/ 2860.php

About the author Florence Dagicour received a Ph.D. from the Université de Poitiers (France) and a BCL/LLB from McGill University. An associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Dagicour specializes in climate change law, carbon markets and nuclear law. She provides legal and strategic advice on climate change and assists clients in the implementation of carbon reduction projects, including drafting and negotiating contractual agreements. February 2010 | 73

COLUMNS | student life Where to start? At the beginning, of course! A young engineer-to-be achieves invaluable insights at a new mining project â?&#x161; Iain Farmer As a mining student, I have always been impressed by the scope of mining projects. They are typically large and complex, and each one is fraught with unique challenges. Identifying and resolving them is the main focus of the mining engineer. While challenges can arise at any time during a mineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, they are most far-reaching and important at the beginning. If the scale of a project is set too large or too small, there are inadequate returns. If challenges are not identified, efficient production cannot be attained. It is therefore imperative that the right decisions are made at the onset. Joining a project in its early stages of development allows a student to understand what it takes to create a functioning mine. I believe it to be of the utmost importance for

Work underway preparing the Malartic site

mining students to realize that decisions made at the beginning of a project have the greatest impact on its final results.

Last summer, I acquired these insights first-hand while working for Osisko Mining Corporation. As an emergent mine developer with 100

University of Alaska Fairbanks Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering The Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in mining engineering at the Assistant Professor rank beginning in Fall 2010. Established as the original site of the University of Alaska in 1917, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a multi-campus university based in Fairbanks, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest city, with seven extended campuses spanning two-thirds of the state. Fairbanks is a vibrant community offering a wide range of cultural as well as outdoor activities and amenities typically found only in much larger cities. Candidates must possess a B.S. degree in mining engineering and an earned doctorate in mining engineering RU D FORVHO\ UHODWHG HQJLQHHULQJ Ă&#x20AC;HOG ,QGXVWU\ H[SHULHQFH is preferred. Registration, or eligibility for registration, as

74 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

a professional engineer in the State of Alaska will be given preference. Candidates must be committed to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest and an ability to teach in one or more of the following areas: open pit mine planning and design, mineral preparation, mine environmental management and UHFODPDWLRQ ,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH FDQGLGDWH PXVW GHPRQVWUDWH an ability or show potential to attract research funding, FRQGXFW UHVHDUFK DQG SURYLGH VHUYLFH DV QHHGHG ,I \RX have questions, contact Prof. Gang Chen, Chair Search Committee, Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, gchen@alaska.edu, 907-474-6875. To apply, please visit http://www.uakjobs.com.

student life | per cent ownership of the evolving Canadian Malartic property, Osisko was an ideal employer for a mining student learning the ropes. The Canadian Malartic property, located 25 kilometres east of Val-dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or, Quebec, will eventually boast the largest open pit gold mine in Canada. I was therefore sure that working on the project would provide me with a unique perspective on mine development, pre-production needs and the challenges they entail. At Osisko, I was constantly given the opportunity to move to different areas to see how things were being accomplished and to help out in small ways in each area. From dispatch systems and site preparation to drill rigs and mill piping, I saw what is involved in building a project. I also learned a lot about the technical knowledge needed to make good decisions on various issues. I have enjoyed many advantages working for an emerging company like Osisko. Thanks to my summer experience, I now realize the extent of the engineering involved in a project, the different disciplines needed to carry it out and the importance of proper planning. I already knew that every mine needs production to generate profit. What I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think much about was the pre-project planning and decision-making required to maximize profits and minimize setbacks. As students and junior engineers, we are expected to learn many things academically and practically. Yet, we rarely get a chance to achieve a fullscale perspective on any project, unless we take the initiative to step back and take a good look. It is vital for us to develop a proper respect for and understanding of the planning and implementation stages. It is the only way to fully appreciate how a project takes shape and why things are done as they are. Employers should strive to give their young employees a global view of an operation, so that they may cultivate an appreciation for the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals and potential risks.

To keep its international reputation and competitive edge, the Canadian mining industry needs engineers whose knowledge is as comprehensive as it is practical. To fit the bill, we mining engineering students must understand how projects are conceived and implemented at the beginning. CIM

COLUMNS

About the author A student member of CIM, Iain Farmer is a third-year mining engineering student at McGill University. Farmer, who grew up in Hong Kong and returned to Canada in 1995, is interested in the economics and management of mineral projects, mine optimization and the environmental impacts of mining.

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February 2010 | 75

COLUMNS | innovation The Canada Mining Innovation Council Building bridges on the road to leading-edge research and innovation in mining ❚ Alicia Blancarte Innovation is quite literally the Canadian Mining Innovation Council’s (CMIC) middle name. Created in 2008, the government- and industry-funded council is forging ahead with its mandate to make Canada’s mining industry among the most innovative and successful in the world.

Advancing technical priorities The CMIC’s Board-approved business action plan aims to promote a shared vision by engaging the minerals industry and the provincial and federal governments in the support of CMIC, and in the advancement of three technical priorities: energy, exploration technology, and tailings management. For each of these priorities, CMIC has engaged industry champions to lead development work. Activities are being carried out to launch two collaborative research programs with a national scale and strategic focus in 2010. Energy: Xstrata Nickel CEO Ian Pierce has agreed to champion a CEO engagement on energy and mining in the

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spring of 2010. Planning is currently underway for the largest electrical energy consumers in the mining industry and their corresponding provincial hydro utilities to discuss collaborative research into energy efficiency and energy innovation. Exploration: CMIC, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) have partnered with Barrick Gold Corporation, which will serve as an industry champion, in the Exploration Research Initiative. Six companies — Barrick, De Beers Canada, Vale Inco, Ur-Energy Inc., Teck Resources Limited and Cameco Corporation — are funding and participating in a consultative exercise to define a national program of research and technology innovation. Tailings: CMIC engaged oil sands operators Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL), Imperial Oil Limited, Shell, Suncor Energy, Syncrude Canada Ltd. and Total E&P Canada in a dialogue about collaborative research opportunities and to assess their interest in working as an industry to further tailings technology. In addition to these initiatives, the 3M Company is championing and funding a mining innovation workshop activity for the spring of 2010.

Sharing the knowledge The CMIC communications effort will employ state-ofthe-art electronic tools to make information available on demand through searchable research navigation rings, webinars, discussion boards, etc. These tools will enable us to effectively disseminate knowledge and know-how, create collaborative opportunities and engage a geographically disperse audience while maintaining a low environmental footprint. To accomplish this, a new CMIC website is being constructed with direct support from CIM. The new website will be operational by April at www.cmic-ccim.org. Other forums for communication include regular contribution to this column, participation in the CIM Distinguished Lecturers Program and publication of the CMIC newsletter, Innovamine, the latest edition of which, published this past November, can be viewed at www.cmicccim.org.

Supporting people in the mining industry Another priority for CMIC is ensuring the supply of highly qualified people (HQP) to the mining industry. To support this, the Mining Industry Human Resources (MiHR) Council is studying the current and projected supply and demand for HQP in all phases of the mining cycle, to gain a

innovation | better understanding of the barriers and opportunities in attracting, developing and retaining them. This past summer, with the mining industry still in the midst of a global economic crisis, CMIC rallied the forces of PDAC, CIM, industry and academic institutions to support summer work terms for 22 students across Canada.

Partnerships and collaboration CMICâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission of achieving global leadership in mining technology and innovation to support a responsible mining industry resonates with many organizations. These same organizations have stepped forward to collaborate with CMIC, and our work would not be possible without their engagement. Some of the collaborative milestones undertaken in the past six months include the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Signing an MOU with CIM in November 2009 as the foundation for a strategic partnership. CIM will provide administrative, accounting and communications services, and will work with CMIC to advance commoninterest initiatives. â&#x20AC;˘ Securing funding, strategic advice and support in the development of key programs from NRCan. The current president of the CMIC Board co-chairs the Green Mining Initiative Advisory Committee from NRCan. Both CANMET and GSC are providing support to the energy and exploration initiatives through studies, financial support and technical guidance. â&#x20AC;˘ Inviting Canadian universities with geoscience or miningrelated programs to become CMIC members. To keep the momentum going, an outreach campaign to industry and academic institutions will begin in the spring of 2010. â&#x20AC;˘ Obtaining official endorsement from the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), CIM, PDAC and

COLUMNS

Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE) boards. â&#x20AC;˘ Receiving MACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval for a financial contribution towards the CMIC Secretariat for 2010. Nine member companies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ArcelorMittal, Cameco Corporation, BHP Billiton, Kinross Gold Corporation, Suncor, Teck Resources Limited, Vale Inco, Xstrata Nickel and Xstrata Copper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have agreed to share the cost. Industry support and engagement with CMIC is essential for our success and it requires outreach and dialogue. Collaborative research projects also require engagement with the academic community. On the strength of our partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; support, CMIC continues to move forward in its efforts to establish a Pan Canadian Mining and Innovation Strategy. CIM www.cmic-ccim.org

About the author Alicia Blancarte is the executive director for CMIC. She is interested in exploring the use of industrial design, change management and technology transfer to advance sustainability in the mining industry.

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COLUMNS | women in mining Acting on ambition Thespian turned engineer sets stage for women managers ❚ Heather Ednie Last September, just five years after finishing her bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, 31-year-old Mélanie Côté was promoted to senior engineer, underground mines, at Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan Mine in Quebec’s Far North. If you have ambition, she says, at Raglan the sky’s the limit. Côté didn’t always want to work in mining. Far from it. She studied theatre for two years at university — about as far from the world of mining as possible — before deciding to change her major. “One of the most satisfying accomplishments of my life was making the switch from theatre and doing well in science and engineering,” she says. “It showed me anything is possible.” Still, when she was told about her promotion, Côté says she was completely dumbfounded. Used to performing on stage, for once she found herself speechless. “My brain told me to say ‘thank Mélanie Côté you’ but otherwise, I couldn’t say a word,” she recalls. “For me, being unable to speak is something new.”

Remote control Côté joined the Raglan team in September 2005 as a junior engineer, and quickly rose through the ranks, first as a production engineer from 2005 to 2007 to her management position. She now oversees a staff of more than 15 engineers and technicians. “We’re a young team, and people don’t tend to stay here for 20 years, so there’s plenty of opportunity,” she explains. She clearly loves her work. The Gaspésie native works a three-weeks in/two-weeks out schedule at the 78 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Vertical learning

Côté on a visitor’s tour of the Centre d’Interprétation du Cuivre in Murdochville, where complete personal protective equipment is not required.

remote operation, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I like it a lot because you get everything done in those three weeks and then have two weeks to yourself,” she says. “You don’t need to book your vacation time to take a trip. There is so much freedom to do what you want. I knew one person who headed to Cuba every time he left here.” But she admits that the schedule can be gruelling — especially for one’s social life. Côté has lost touch with some friends because she’s not around; she also cannot keep up with her beloved theatre pursuits because she’s away half the time. “But the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages,” she says. Being able to live where you want and to travel make it worthwhile for her.

Côté’s job is varied and challenging, encompassing many fields, from production to planning engineering, as well as ventilation, longholes, etc. Côté loves this variety, because it has allowed her to get a big picture view of mining, really quickly. “At Raglan, you’re given lots of opportunities. You learn a lot very quickly working 11-hour days, 21 days in a row, as is my case.” Xstrata is also a great place for skills development, says Côté, who jumps at every opportunity she gets. “Xstrata Nickel pushes people to pursue their professional development plans,” she explains. “I can have a coach, a mentor, take courses — whatever I need to develop my skills and advance.” Last year, she took part in the Canadian Women’s Executive Network mentoring program. This winter, she’s taking courses to help improve her English.

The motherlode The only thing Côté imagines would make her leave Raglan is deciding to have children. In the meantime, Côté figures when you have a good thing going, you should stick with it. And even far in the future, when it’s time to leave Raglan, she aims to continue her career with Xstrata Nickel, possibly in the long-term planning office in Laval. “I want to stay with Xstrata Nickel; I want to align everything so one day when I leave the site, I have something set up,” she says, adding with a laugh. “If I sound like I’m cheering for Raglan, I am.” CIM www.xstrata.com

first nations |

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A window into the future The Cree Nation of Nemaska takes charge of its economic destiny ❚ Juan Carlos Reyes The Cree Nation of Nemaska has invested $600,000 in the creation of a publicly traded exploration company, Nemaska Exploration Inc. (TSE: NMX). By doing so, the community is pioneering a new path in mineral exploration and development. Not only is it avoiding being left out in the cold with regards to its own mineral interests, but it is also moving into the driver’s seat to steer exploration work on its lands. To learn more about the history and process that made this investment possible, I recently spoke with Robert Kitchen, the economic development officer for the Cree Nation of Nemaska. What follows is a synopsis of what I learned from him. Kitchen said that the Nemaska region has had a long history of mineral development. Much of this history was handed down by the elders who hunted on these lands. Their visions foretold the development of these areas by people from the south. Kitchen first heard about the mineral significance of this region from the Jolly family, who are the area’s caretakers. They talked to him about a person from the Chibougamau region who had conducted some exploration there. About two years ago, local hunters and trappers reported that a company called Golden Goose had started exploration activities in the area. They soon contacted the company, hoping to begin an open discussion on the development of a memorandum of under-

standing. It was their intent to have the demands of the tallymen and family members considered by the company. They requested a presentation by Golden Goose, seeking a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of the proposed nickel project for the community. After reviewing the company’s presentation, the Council developed a memorandum of understanding that would reflect the needs of Nemaska, the tallymen and their families. In the midst of drafting an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA), they learned that Golden Goose was to be purchased by Nemaska Exploration Inc. A meeting was arranged between Chief Jimiken and Guy Bourassa, the head of Nemaska Exploration. The Chief explained that the Cree Nation of Nemaska had an interest in becoming a shareholder in the company. In the course of exploring investment options and mechanisms, Chief Jimiken made a few points very clear. He emphasized that Nemaska was a community that would still be there long after the company was gone. He further stressed that the community was willing to share its lands with the outside world, with the hope that Nemaska could develop sustainable employment opportunities for its youth. Kitchen noted that there were many reasons for which the Cree Nation of Nemaska regarded this partnership as a very positive step towards economic independence. They realized that the

mac fact

Oil sands companies are making substantial investments in new technologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) systems, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. CCS systems, such as the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line project, have the potential to allow Canada to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by almost three-quarters.

investment will create employment, provide a positive return on investment, allow the community to make decisions instead of sitting on the sidelines, offer long-term benefits for the community and the trappers affected by the project, and ensure that the community has a say in protecting the environment. Kitchen said that one of Nemaska Exploration’s long-term goals is to raise funds to continue expanding the volume of proven resources. The Nemaska First Nation is confident that it will be one of the world’s next great mining communities. Hopeful that this partnership will create new opportunities for its youth, the community is now approaching other exploration and mining companies to develop similar partnerships. Kitchen also reported that the community is committed to continue taking this approach to developing sustainable projects. It will keep on requesting that governments promote the land-use approach they favour for the territory of Nemaska. My conversation with Kitchen was heartening. It made me feel that although we might never see a perfect world in which Aboriginal communities and the mining industry coexist in complete harmony, the determination and resourcefulness of communities like Nemaska bring us closer to that ideal than I would have ever thought possible. CIM www.nemaska.com www.learning-together.ca

About the author Juan Carlos Reyes is an aboriginal consultant with efficiency.ca and the executive director of Learning Together. He is passionate about human rights and works tirelessly to help improve the lives of Canadian Aboriginal people.

February 2010 | 79

COLUMNS | engineering exchange Superheroes team up to bring Wolverine forward Wardrop Engineering rises to the challenge

Yukon Zinc’s Wolverine Mine will meet its own tough targets and open for business later this year, says COO Ray Mah. Just a year and a half after the project at the silver-rich zinc-copperlead-silver-gold deposit began, the detailed engineering and construction are already complete. Mah says the key to the small company’s success has been an extraordinary display of teamwork. “The key was to bring in the right people,” says Mah. “We complemented a strong owner’s management group with Canadian consulting firm, Wardrop, a Tetra Tech Company, to provide the Construction underway on concentrate building detail design and procurement services.” As a group, the team of knowledge to follow through the ensured all the bulk of equipment and design,” says Mah. “They brought in materials required arrived when and other people to complement their where they should. “The extra efforts team — seasoned design engineers — and commitment made by the employ- and were able to meet our aggressive ees, the engineering and construction schedule.” groups, and our contractors meant we For this project, the Vancouver were able to execute and target early office simply did not have the mancompletion,” says Mah. “We, as a power to meet all targets. This small junior company, are taking a included about 110,000 hours within greenfields project straight through to just over a year, around 85,000 of production. You don’t see that every which were design hours. At its peak day.” last summer, Wardrop had about 80 designers dedicated to the project. Challenging times To meet Yukon Zinc’s deadlines, That does not mean it was easy. Wardrop called in the troops from its “On this fast-tracked program, our other offices across Canada. As well, challenge was to provide the detailed the Wardrop offices in India remotely engineering design and execute equip- worked on 3D modelling. “Through ment procurement with a milestone of this collaboration, we were able to catching up with the construction sea- bring the project together,” says Vidic son,” explains Sash Vidic, project with satisfaction. He notes that manager of the Wolverine project for Wardrop regularly works on such Wardrop. large collaborations, so its people “Wardrop worked on the feasibil- know how to rise to the occasion. “It’s ity study in 2006, before executing more of a challenge to coordinate but the engineering, bringing a continuity if we all leave our egos behind, the 80 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Photo courtesy of Yukon Zinc Corporation

❚ Heather Ednie

focus is on teamwork and collaboration. That’s one of the biggest challenges of any project — getting everyone on the same page.”

Nuts and bolts Once the manpower issues were sorted out, the two companies could start making things happen at the site, which is located around 600 kilometres northeast of Whitehorse. Longlead equipment was ordered in late 2008 and the last of it will be on site by March. The 205-person camp was delivered in May 2009, at which time full-scale construction began. “We successfully provided enough data so the site could meet their construction targets,” Vidic says. “One target was to have all buildings constructed, closed and heated by November, and we were successful. On this type of project, construction dictates the engineering and procurement schedule. Normally, a project of this size takes 16 months to execute. We did it in 12.”

engineering exchange |

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Photo courtesy of Arne Clausen

A year-round access road was built in 2007, which was a major step forward for the development of Wolverine. “With that road, resources and equipment can be delivered yearround, avoiding the necessity of much more costly transportation options,” Mah says. The site also has an all-season gravel airstrip. Before committing to major construction, Yukon Zinc ensured that a First Nations agreement and the major permits were in place. In 2005, a socio-economic Participation Agreement was signed with the Kaska First Nation, and in 2006 and 2007 permits were secured. Vibrating the concrete in the mill building

Wardrop’s engineering and procurement contract will wrap up in the spring, but some of its personnel will be staying on site at Wolverine for the commissioning period, to aid in the setup and training of the operators. As well, Wardrop is contributing to an

updated NI 43-101 feasibility report for the operation. Overall, Mah is satisfied that the right team came together. “We’ll be in production by mid-2010,” he says. “We have put a mine in production in just over a

Project wrap-up

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year from start of construction. It’s one of the first greenfields base metals mining projects in the Yukon in quite some time and a project we’re all very proud of.” CIM www.wardrop.com

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COLUMNS | parlons en Le remblai en pâte à la mine Niobec ❚ Denis Villeneuve

Depuis l’ouverture de la mine Niobec en 1976, l’exploitation par chantiers ouverts a été la seule méthode utilisée laissant de très grandes ouvertures de 300 pieds de haut réparties sur trois blocs miniers. Les zones minéralisées étant devenues plus larges en profondeur et les conditions géomécaniques plus restrictives, il fallait donc planifier une méthode d’exploitation adaptée et l’utilisation du remblai en pâte. Cette nouvelle méthode d’exploitation permet de doubler le taux d’extraction de la ressource Niobium en maintenant sécuritaire la stabilité des ouvertures souterraines.

Introduction La mine Niobec, propriété de IAMGOLD, exploite un gisement souterrain de Niobium localisé 25 kilomètres de la ville de Saguenay, dans les limites de la municipalité de St-Honoré-de-Chicoutimi. Niobec est le seul producteur de ferroniobium en Amérique du nord et il expédie son produit à plus d’une cinquantaine de clients à travers le monde. Le niobium est utilisé principalement dans l’acier afin d’en améliorer les propriétés mécaniques, ce qui a contribué à l’accroissement de la demande.

Géologie Le gisement borde le côté sud d’un complexe alcalin de quatre kilomètres de diamètre composé essentiellement de roches carbonatées d’origine ignée. A ces unités s’ajoutent souvent des bandes de syénite plus ou moins altérées formant une structure bréchique métrique à décamétrique. Les minéraux niobifères, surtout le pyrochlore ferrien et la columbite, sont disséminés dans la carbonatite. Ces minéraux dont la dimension varie entre 0,2 et 0,8 mm sont associés à des unités dont les principaux minéraux accessoires sont la magnétite, biotite et apatite. La minéralisation est définie systématiquement 82 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Section tranversale type : répartition des blocs miniers et chantiers

par forages au diamant et les analyses sont exprimées en terme de pourcentage de Nb2O5. Les enveloppes minéralisées économiques sont de forme lenticulaire qui varient généralement de 150 à 600 pieds de long atteignant même par endroit 2 500 pieds. Ces lentilles ont été identifiées jusqu’à une profondeur de 2 400 pieds et demeurent ouvertes en profondeur. Les réserves minières, estimées à 23,5 millions de tonnes, ont été définies entre les niveaux 300 et 1 850 pieds. A ces réserves,

viennent s’ajouter 28,7 millions de tonnes en ressources identifiées entre les niveaux 1 850 et 2 400 pieds.

L’exploitation souterraine : les chantiers Depuis son ouverture, la mine a été exploitée par la méthode de chantiers ouverts. La grandeur moyenne de ces chantiers est de 80 pieds de large par 200 pieds de long et 300 pieds de haut correspondant à la hauteur des blocs miniers. Un pilier transversal de 80 pieds est laissé en place; il est récupéré

parlons en | ultérieurement après l’exploitation de toute la longueur d’une lentille. Un pilier de surface de calcaire d’une épaisseur de 250 pieds et des piliers horizontaux à la base des blocs 1 et 2 complètent la configuration du minage des trois premiers blocs miniers du niveau 300 au niveau 1 450 pieds. Cette méthode, il va s’en dire, est des plus économiques et a pu être appliquée avec succès en raison d’excellentes conditions de terrain, d’une forme favorable de la minéralisation et de la faible profondeur de l’exploitation. Cependant, à quelques endroits, des signes de dégradations se sont fait sentir avec des évènements sismiques plus fréquents. Il fallait donc prévoir une approche différente pour l’avenir. L’élaboration d’un plan de minage pour les blocs plus en profondeur entre les niveaux 1 600 et 2 400 a fait l’objet d’analyses internes basées sur une rétroanalyse et des modélisations d’excavations guidées par la firme de consultant Golder Associés. Ces analyses concluaient sur la nécessité de laisser en place la presque totalité des piliers transversaux et un important pilier horizontal de 250 pieds pour l’exploitation de 2 blocs miniers dans ce secteur de la mine. Ce plan de minage permettait d’exploiter seulement 40 % des ressources des blocs inférieurs. Dès lors, la méthode de minage par remblai en pâte devenait une avenue intéressante, mais la résistance de ce matériel, pour un chantier de plus petite dimension toujours sur une colonne de 300 pieds de haut, devait atteindre 1Mpa, considérant un facteur de sécurité de 1,3.

Le remblai Les premières investigations sur le remblai en pâte ont été confiées à l’Unité de recherche et de service en technologie minérale (URSTM) de l’Université en Abitibi Témiscamingue, sous la responsabilité de M. Mostafa Benzaazoua. Le traitement du minerai à Niobec génère un rejet de concentré de carbonate provenant de la première étape du

circuit de flottation, un rejet du circuit de flottation du pyrochlore et des schlammes. Le pourcentage poids de chaque matériau est respectivement de 25 %, 60 % et 15 %. Il faut noter que les rejets de pyrochlore sont séparés au concentrateur parce qu’ils sont relativement grossiers et servent à construire les digues du parc à résidus en été. L’objectif de la recherche était de trouver le meilleur rejet ou mélange de ceux-ci qui, combiné à une même proportion de liant, conviendrait le mieux pour l’obtention de bonnes caractéristiques géomécaniques. Les essais ont démontré qu’au moins les rejets de carbonate et schlammes combinés peuvent atteindre plus de 2,5 MPa avec un temps de cure de 28 jours. Suite à ces résultats encourageants, un mandat de caractérisation plus étendu a été confié à la firme Golder Paste Technology Ltd. Il s’agissait de connaître les caractéristiques de tous les rejets combinés dans une proportion identique à leur taux de production de même que les propriétés rhéologiques pour déterminer la transportabilité. Il fallait connaître aussi le type et la quantité minimale de liant à utiliser tout en maintenant une résistance optimale. Cet aspect a un impact très significatif sur les coûts d’exploitation, la sécurité de l’exploitation et la dilution potentielle du minerai. Trois mélanges ont été testés, il s’est avéré que la plus haute résistance uniaxiale a été obtenu avec un liant contenant 90 % de cendre de haut fourneau et 10% de ciment Portland pour les temps de cure de

COLUMNS

sept et 28 jours (Golder, rapport 29 janvier 2008). Les essais complémentaires d’optimisation ont de plus démontré qu’une résistance d’au moins 1 MPa peut être atteinte en réduisant de 5 % à 3 % le liant dans le remblai en pâte.

Conclusion La remise en question d’une méthode d’exploitation éprouvée et très économique en une nouvelle méthode qui présente une nouvelle façon de faire toutefois risquée, suscite bien des hésitations et interrogations. L’expertise du personnel du site de même que celle de firmes spécialisées dans le domaine minier conjointement avec celle d’institutions de recherche permettent cependant de poser une base solide à la faisabilité d’un tel projet. Les symposiums comme celui que tient annuellement l’ICM sur les remblais miniers favorisent justement un réseautage et le partage d’information et d’expérience. Finalement, c’est toute la communauté qui bénéficiera de ce changement de méthode de faire à Niobec qui permettra d’exploiter le double des ressources et de prolonger la vie de l’entreprise d’autant. Actuellement, l’équipe de construction de IAMGOLD de Longueuil est sur le site de la mine pour ériger le bâtiment de l’usine de remblai. L’équipe technique de Niobec termine les derniers détails de la planification minière afin de débuter le remblai de chantiers dès juin 2010. ICM ghislain_pomerleau@iamgold.com

L’auteur Denis Villeneuve a reçu un diplôme du Collège de Thetford Mines, un B.Sc en Science de la terre à l’ Université du Quebec à Chicoutimi. Il a débuté sa carrière dans une exploitation souterraine au Nouveau Brunswick. Il a joint la mine Niobec au début des opérations. Il a été impliqué dans différents projets notamment en mécanique des roches, en environnement, et en gestion de la qualité à titre de coordonnateur ISO 9002 et ISO14000. Il a conduit les premières études du remblai en pâte à Niobec. Denis a publié un article sur le rôle du géologue à l’implantation du sytème ISO. Il est membre de l’Ordre des géologues du Quebec. February 2010 | 83

A spy in the mine: Keeping a watch on the Drumheller strike of 1919 ❚ Correy Baldwin

n early 1918, miners at the Rosedale Mine, near Drumheller, Alberta, went on strike and were joined by hundreds of men from the surrounding camps, armed with rifles in a menacing show of force. It took 25 mounted police brandishing machine guns to quiet things down. The burly owner of the Rosedale Mine, J.F. Moodie, was unfazed but determined to keep better tabs on his more troublesome workers. His solution was to contact the notorious Pinkerton Detective Agency and hire himself an undercover agent. Operative #3 arrived in April with instructions to report on strike threats, union activities and socialist “Bolsheviki” sentiments. He worked a regular shift in the mine and kept a watchful eye on his fellow miners. Moodie had set up what he envisioned to be an ideal work camp, and his “boys” enjoyed some of the most comfortable living and working conditions in the Drumheller valley. Other miners weren’t so lucky, working long hours for low pay and living in squalid company boarding houses. Dissatisfaction among miners was growing, both with their bosses and with their union — the moderately effective United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).

Eastern promise A movement of so-called radical socialism was gaining confidence and support, especially among foreign workers — many from the enemy states of Eastern Europe and Russia. With the outcome of the Great War uncertain, people feared that this 84 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

“foreign element” contained agitators: workers intent on hijacking the unions and disrupting industrial production — men who talked not just of workers’ rights, but of revolution. Moodie would have none of it. Scofield (as the spy was known) attended union meetings, where he discovered an organization divided between moderate unionists and more radical members. He found the latter to be difficult men. He even got into a fist fight with a particularly obstinate Austrian — and came out on top. Scofield was elected as a delegate to various labour conventions and union conferences and meetings, where he kept an eye on the progress of worker unrest and reported the names of key agitators. In this way, he witnessed the birth of the One Big Union (OBU), created to unite all labourers under one leadership. For many, the OBU signalled a coming revolution, and it was hated for its unapologetic socialist ideals and aggressive tactics. Its progressive policies, however, gained the support of many miners — enough to call a massive strike on May 24, 1919.

Veteran enforcers To help fill the vacancies left by the striking foreign workers, mine owners turned to veterans of the Great War. They were hired as miners and as “special constables”— provided with government-issue crowbars and brass knuckles (and plenty of Prohibition beer) to round up strikers and either force them back to work or drive them out of town. The remaining foreigners were forced from their homes on company property. The veterans were

Men working at the Rosedale coal mine

happy to comply, having grown bitter about returning from the war to find “enemy Aliens” employed when they and other “English-speaking men” were out of work. Strikers began travelling in packs for their own safety. Tensions continued to rise. On August 7, Scofield’s reports fell silent. He had been severely injured, though he never revealed whether it was through a mining accident or an encounter with an OBU striker. What is clear is that his days of silence were the most violent of the strike. Special constables from the Rosedale Mine began a crackdown, running OBU leaders out of town and attacking strikers, who fled into the hills. Those captured were beaten. It wasn’t long before the strikers were coaxed back to work and the remaining OBU leaders dealt with. Scofield continued with his reports until December. The next year, Moodie sold his mine and turned to the oil industry. Labour unrest continued, though never with the same intensity. Still, the OBU had made an impression and would continue to guide the struggle for workers’ rights over the next decade. CIM

cim news |

scholarship winners

Troubleshooting fuels this winner’s fire André Laplante Memorial Scholarship winner is passionate about problem-solving By Marlene Eisner Fourth-year materials engineering student Eric McIntyre is this year’s recipient of the $5,000 André Laplante Memorial Scholarship. McIntyre, 24, who grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, is pursuing his degree at the University of Alberta. He says the scholarship will really come in handy. “Every time I’ve been in school I’ve worked part time. I haven’t had to take out student loans,” says McIntyre. “I have had to pay for everything myself. I saw the scholarship as an opportunity to not work extra and to be able to concentrate on school. It’s going to be a big bonus.” Displaying an aptitude for math, physics and chemistry at high school, McIntyre received much encouragement from his teachers to apply to university to study engineering. He

three work terms with Teck at their lead and zinc refinery located in Trail, British Columbia,” explains McIntyre. “I discovered that the leaching efficiency in the main autoclave was below what was expected and found that it was due to a poorly operated ball mill. The challenges of the troubleshooting process kept my fire fuelled.” He also enjoyed working with the operaEric proudly poses beside the car his dad built (with a little help from Eric). tors and lab technicians in a collaborative way. chose material engineering in his When he graduates this spring, second year. McIntyre will travel for a few months before he looks for work. In five “I was torn between chemical and mechanical engineering, and opted for years, he says he sees himself “working with a technical troubleshooting materials, the middle of the line,” he group.” He hopes to one day manage says. His defining moment came dura technical group and says that the ing his summer work terms. only mystery is “where in the world “My mining and extractive metalthis will take me.” CIM lurgy passion was realized during my

Impressed with mine sites This year’s Foley Scholarship winner learned a lot and had a “blast” doing it By Marlene Eisner Marc-Antoine Richer, this year’s recipient of the $3,000 Irene and Arthur Foley Memorial Scholarship, is a second-year mining engineering student at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. Born in Mont Laurier, Quebec, Richer, 23, came to Montreal at the age of 17 to attend CEGEP. At first, he thought he would become a pharmacist but soon changed his mind and decided to follow in the footsteps of his cousins and two brothers who had studied engineering. “I decided to do a vocational test to see where all my interests were,” says Richer. “I find the history of the earth really interesting, so I was going to choose either mining engineering or geology.” His decision was solidified during a summer “stage,” or internship, with Alexis Minière Corp. near Val-d’Or, Quebec, where Richer did some work blasting long holes. “Mine sites are very impressive for me, and going underground is even more exciting,” he said. “In my stage, I really 86 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

liked the environment. Also, my previous experience as a foreman at a roofing company and as a tree planter prepared me for the hard work and level of responsibility that come with blasting.” “With blasting you don’t have much room for error. I saw cases where it’s not always straightforward, so you really have to think about what you’re going to do. There are multiple ways to get a result.” As for winning the scholarship, Richer says he was surprised, but happy, since the money will help him with his school fees and living expenses. Where does he see himself in five years? “Working in a mine anywhere in the world,” he answers quickly. “There are a lot of opportunities in Canada. I am looking for a good company and good colleagues. I want to work with people who will teach me the work of an engineer. If it can be in a nice place, or if it has to be far from civilization, I don’t really mind.” CIM

cim news Celebrating student success By Alex Doll

CIM president Michael Allan (far right, top row) with student winners

On November 19, 2009, the CIM Vancouver Branch held its Annual Student Night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Over 200 people, more than half of them students, were on hand to listen to keynote speaker Don Lindsay track his career path — from his first job in Labrador City to his present role as president and CEO of Teck Resources Limited. Other speakers that evening included: CIM president Michael Allan; Sheila Stenzel, director of the Mineral Resources Education Program of BC; Dave Sharpless, chair of the Mining Suppliers Association of BC (and sponsor of the event); and second-year British Columbia Institute of

Winning image of the Turnbull Cup

Technology student Bryan Farbridge, who spoke about his summer work experience at Hawthorne Gold Corporation’s exploration properties near Cassiar, BC. Several student prizes were given out, including ten $500 undergraduate student book prizes and a $5,000 graduate research award to UBC student Leopoldo Gutierez. Simon Frazer University student Adrian Smith received the Turnbull Cup, a $500 cash reward for the best photo entry related to mining. CIM v Alex Doll is the CIM Vancouver Branch past chair.

Bitten by the gold bug By Rick Hutson This past September, the CIM Management and Economics Society (MES) and the CIM Toronto Branch held their second annual joint luncheon at the National Club in Toronto. Longtime “gold bug” John Ing, president and CEO of Maison Placements Canada, gave a lively presentation on the “Audacity of Hyperinflation” to more than 150 guests. Ing believes the U.S. government’s massive spending (mainly in the form of printing money) and the increasing amount of U.S. debit held by “nervous” Asian investors (notably China), are indicators of very uncertain times ahead, but are a positive outlook for gold in both the near and longer terms. He predicts that gold could reach $2,000 per ounce within the next 12 months. Past branch chair Joe Hinzer and society chair Keith Spence presented Ing with a plaque and acknowledged a donation that was made on his behalf in support of PDAC’s Mining Matters.

Left to right: Curtis Clarke, president & CEO, Behre Dolbear Canada; Joe Hinzer, past chair, CIM Toronto Branch; presenter John Ing; Keith Spence, chair MES; and Rick Hutson, chair, CIM Toronto Branch.

Behre Dolbear Canada graciously sponsored the reception prior to the luncheon. CIM v Rick Hutson is the chair of the CIM Toronto Branch. February 2010 | 87

Theory and Practice of Sampling Particulate Materials Develop an understanding of the theory of sampling particulate materials, its practice, scope, limitations and appropriate applications. Learn the eye-opening facts you may have overlooked or ignored until now about the consequences of bad sampling and the difficulties of good sampling, as well as the unsuspected amplitude of economic ramifications of poor sampling. Instructor: Dominique François-Bongarçon, AGORATEK, United States • Date: March 22-24 (Part 1), March 25-26 (Part 2: QA-QC, mine and project audits) • City: Montreal

Strategic Risk Management in Mine Design: From Life-of-Mine to Global Optimization Learn how you can have a significant, positive impact on your company’s bottom line by utilizing strategic mine planning methodologies and software; improve your understanding of strategic mine planning and life-of-mine optimization concepts, as well as your understanding of the relationship of uncertainty and risk, and how to exploit uncertainty in order to maximize profitability. Note: The strategic mine planning software used is Whittle; an optional half-day skills refresher workshop on Whittle is available. Instructors: Gelson Batista, AMEC, Canada, Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Canada, and Gerald Whittle, Whittle Consulting, Australia • Date: June 1-4 • City: Montreal

An Introduction to Cutoff Grade Estimation: Theory and Practice in Open Pit and Underground Mines 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, Consultant, United States • Date: September 8-10 • City: Montreal

Geostatistical Mineral Resource/Ore Reserve 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 the principles of N I43-101 and the SME Guide. Instructors: Michel Dagbert, Geostat Systems Int., Canada, Jean-Michel Rendu, Consultant, United States, and Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Canada • Date: September 13-17 • City: Montreal

Mineral Project Evaluation Techniques and Applications: From Conventional Methods to Real Options Learn the basics of economic/financial evaluation techniques, as well as the practical implementation of these techniques to mineral project assessments, how to gain a practical understanding of economic/financial evaluation principles, and how to develop the skills necessary to apply these to support mineral project decisions. Instructors: Michel Bilodeau and Sabry A. Abdel Sabour, McGill University, Canada • Date: November 8-11 • City: Montreal

NEW — Certification in Ore Reserve Risk and Mine Planning Optimization Spread over a period of four months, this four-week course is designed for busy mining professionals who wish to update their skills and knowledge base in modern modelling techniques for ore bodies and new risk-based optimization methodologies for strategic mine planning. Gain practical experience by applying the following hands-on concepts and technical methods: methods for modelling ore bodies; stochastic simulations, case studies and models of geological uncertainty; and demand-driven production scheduling and geological risk. Instructor: Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, McGill University, Canada • Date: Starts in May • City: Montreal • Info: www.mcgill.ca/ conted/prodep/ore

award winner

| cim news

I teach therefore I am For David Lentz, geology’s in the blood By Gillian Woodford going to take this student and I’m going to make her successful.’ I just knew she’d be phenomenal.” She went on to win awards for her research and is now completing her PhD, funded by a prestigious NSERC grant.

Field work 101 Lentz was born and raised outside of Ottawa but really got a taste for the outdoors during weekends spent in the Madawaska Valley. He spends as much time as possible out in the field Lentz helping run a CIM field trip underground at Xstrata Zinc’s giant Brunswick No. 12 Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag VMS deposit, northeastern and naturally loves to New Brunswick. share this part of the job with his students, espeDavid Lentz almost did not become a cially when it comes to introducing geologist. In fact, the 2009 CIM Julian the wild Canadian scenery to his Boldy Award winner almost did not get international students. into university. His marks weren’t great A recent trip to Nunavut with a stuand he didn’t know what he wanted to dent from India comes to mind. “We do. “I didn’t find my abilities until later,” were flying along in the helicopter, as he’s doing remote sensing research,” he says. Now a professor of geology at his alma mater, the University of New Lentz recalls. “We could see these Brunswick, Lentz has not forgotten his white dots, and as we started going shaky start. He makes a point of taking down he suddenly realized what he was seeing — it was a huge herd of “no-hopers,” as well as top geology stucaribou, well over a thousand. You dents from around the world, under his should have seen his eyes! I thought wing. All he asks is that they show the they were going to pop out of their same hyperactive enthusiasm for rocks sockets!” Lentz laughs, then turns and minerals as he does. solemn. “Seeing them migrating across “I’m over the top,” he admits. the tundra like that — it was truly “Most professors have a passion for mentoring, mine is just kind of crazier magnificent.” than most.” Besides field work, Lentz makes it a Lentz, who is currently on sabbatibig priority to get his students a wide cal working with the uranium group at range of experience. He sends them to the Geological Survey of Canada, conferences whenever he can and recalls one student of whom he is encourages them to author papers. All especially proud. She had flunked out this helps groom professionalism and of grad school and asked him to give passion in this next generation of geolher a chance. “I interviewed her at a ogists, he says. “I’m a nice guy, but I set conference and I said to myself, ‘I’m the bar high.”

Society pages Lentz was awarded the Julian Boldy Award for his work with the Geological Society, for which he served as president in 2003-2004, and for his work on the society’s journal, Exploration and Mining Geology. He has been involved with CIM since his student days at UNB. “I continue to help as an executive member [of the Geological Society], mainly in developing university student industry experience,”says Len. In 2008, he received the Distinguished Service Medal from the Geological Association of Canada and was named one of the 2008-2009 CIM Distinguished Lecturers. It seems that for Lentz, geology really is in the blood: his eldest son Carlin, named after the rich Nevada gold deposits, changed his major and is now studying geology at UNB, just like dad. CIM

Dave’s Top 4 geology stories of the decade 1.

Metal markets — “Metal prices making monumental recoveries, reflecting their real value. In particular rare earth elements — uranium, lithium and zinc to name a few — in part driven by the green revolution.”

Ring of Fire — “The new major chromite-PGE deposits (Freewest Resources Canada Limited) and Ni-CuPGE deposits (Noront Resources, etc) found in the Ring of Fire of northern Ontario.”

More Nunavut diamonds — “The huge new diamond pipe find (Chidliak) by Peregrine Diamonds, located on Baffin Island’s Halls Peninsula about 100 kilometres north of Iqaluit, Nunavut.”

Manpower dearth — “The human resources crisis for the minerals industry with shortages of over 90 per cent technical highly qualified people in various fields of geoscience.”

February 2010 | 89

cim news CIM welcomes new members Bandler, Andrew, USA Delgado Jiménez, Jeison Alejanddro, Columbia Adu-Acheampong, Albert, USA Allen, Jason, British Columbia Azad, Ali, Alberta Baker, Tim, Australia Balueva, Anastasia, Chile Bamford, Patrick, USA Barbosa, Ricardo, USA Barla, Marco, Italy Beare, Mike, United Kingdom Béland, Ernest, Tanzania Benjumea, Guillermo, USA Bhutto, Samiullah, Pakistan Blais, Chad, British Columbia Boczar, Wojciech, Poland Brink, Paul, Alberta Cekerevac, Cane, Switzerland Chalmers, Ben, British Columbia Coli, Niccolo, Italy Correa Toscano, Raphael Enrique, Ecuador Cui, Junzhi, China Dang, Wayne, Alberta deBoer, Yvonne, British Columbia Eisbrenner, Angela, Alberta Ernst, Bradford, Nova Scotia Eurick, Neil, USA Faykos, Rose Anne, Newfoundland and Labrador Fazaelizadeh, Mohammad, Alberta Ferron, Greg, Ontario Filocha, Dominic, Alberta Fink, Richard, USA Ghahremarinezhad-Gharelar, Ahmad, British Columbia Giacomini, Anna, Australia Hamid Hosseini, Seyed, Alberta Hladysz, Zbigniew, USA Horne, Bill, Alberta Jones, Tessa, USA Junkin, Brock, Nunavut Kariznovi, Mohammad, Alberta Kemppainen, Paul, Alberta Kinakin, Derek, British Columbia King, Charles, USA Kokkinen, Duane, USA Kondol, Piotr, Poland Kulakov, Mykola, British Columbia Kuyvenhoven, Romke, Chile 90 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Lacey, Doug, Alberta Lambert, Cédric, Australia Li, Charlie, Norway Liepold, Helmut, Germany Louis, Laurent, France Matula, Joseph, Alberta McKevitt, Mike, Australia Mohammad Ghaderi, Seyyed, Alberta Mokmeli, Mohammad, British Columbia Mooney, Peter, North-West Territories Morris, Lincoln, Australia Mostafavi Toroqi, Seyyed Vahidreza, Alberta Mowatt, Robin, British Columbia Muldoe, Kirby, British Columbia Nord, Gunnar, Sweden Nourozieh, Hossein, Alberta Ogryzlo, Christine, British Columbia Ojala, Ira, Norway Ostereng, Gisle, Norway Parada, Fernando, British Columbia Perino, Andrea, Italy Pfitzner, Michael, Australia Philippe, Raymond, Chile Pierce, Matthew, USA Piovano, Giovanna, Italy Player, John, Australia Poropat, George, Australia Quinn, Jacqueline, USA Rashidi, Behrad, Alberta Reedy, Tanya, British Columbia Resoort, Pauline, Netherlands Rodriguez, Omar, USA

Salari, Hashem, Alberta Sanders, Gerald, USA Simonson, Roger, Alberta Smith, Chelto, South Africa Snow, Alec, Newfoundland and Labrador Spence, Roberta, British Columbia Steyn, Kevin, British Columbia Sturzenegger, Matthieu, British Columbia Sun, Changshou, USA Teodorski, Dariusz, Poland Testrow, Ian, Alberta Theobald Jr., Roy, Ontario Thompson, Alan, Australia Thompson, Donald, Alberta Thompson, Douglas, USA Tondo Rodgers, Luis, Chile Torpy, Kevin, British Columbia Turner, Ronald, Chile Van Beek, Jason, USA Vandergaag, Stefan, Alberta Villeneuve, Marlene, USA Wainshtein, Ilia, Israel Wang, Chuanying, China Watson, Owen, British Columbia Williams, Stephen, Ontario Wilson, Donald, Alberta Womersley, Barbara, British Columbia Woo, Kyuseok, British Columbia Wypych, Michal, British Columbia Yi, Myeong-Jong, Korea Zuniga, Mariela, British Columbia

CIM Oil Sands Branch gets practical solutions By Christian West Members of the CIM Oil Sands Branch went back to school last fall as the 2009-2010 technical talk series kicked off with guest speakers Johan Liebenberg and David Heckendorn of Atlantic Industries Limited. Their presentation, “Efficient Minesite Solutions,” focused on customized infrastructure solutions in geotechnical retaining walls, culverts/tunnels and bridges, paying special attention to the required life span of a structure, whether it should be portable or reusable, and maximizing soil properties available at the mine site. CIM v Christian West is the CIM Oil Sands Branch chair.

cim news

De gauche à droite: Michel Leroux, trésorier de la section, Normand Boutet, vice-président de la section, conférencier Jasmin Raymond, François Jacques, président de la section

Géothermie : Énergie gratuite dans notre sous-sol par Pierre Laroche Le 4 novembre dernier la section de Thetford Mines de l’ICM recevait monsieur Jasmin Raymond au Club Le Relais de Thetford Mines. C’est devant un auditoire d’une trentaine de personnes que Monsieur Raymond, un géologue diplômé en hydrogéologie de l’Université Laval de Québec, est venu décrire le potentiel géothermique du secteur minier au Québec. L’exploitation de l’énergie géothermique de basse température sur les sites miniers actifs ou fermés apparaît particulièrement rentable et gagne en popularité. De récentes études ont démontré qu’il est possible de chauffer et de climatiser des bâtiments avec des systèmes de pompes à chaleur géothermiques utilisant avantageusement l’eau inondant les mines à ciel ouvert et souterraines ainsi que les aires d’accumulation de déchets miniers. Le principe, en soi, est très simple. Il s’agit de capter l’eau de surface ou souterraine pour extraire ou absorber de l’énergie thermique à l’aide d’échangeurs et ensuite retourner l’eau à sa source. Les coûts d’installation sont par contre élevés et le retour sur investissement peut être long. Les études que mène Monsieur Raymond avec les professeurs René Therrien et Louis Gosselin de l’Université Laval visent à réduire les coûts des installations géothermiques. Pour ce faire trois axes de recherches sont privilégiés : caractériser les environnements géologiques favorables; améliorer les méthodes de conception des systèmes; développer de nouveaux produits. L’environnement minier est particulièrement attrayant puisqu’on y retrouve de nombreuses ressources facilement accessibles. Un des trois projets présentés est celui à Murdochville en Gaspésie où il y a un potentiel géothermique de 765 kW pouvant être exploité en pompant l’eau inondant les mines à 2940 litres par minute sans refroidir le système. À un coût prévu d’environ 750 000 $, le système énergétique de quartier de Murdochville offrira des économies annuelles à 2 500 000 kW-heure pour chauffer des bâtiments couvrant une surface de 14 300 mètres carrés. Une réduction de la facture de chauffage de 175 000 $ par année est anticipée avec un tel système et cela sans aucune émission de gaz à effet de serre. Compte tenu qu’il existe au Québec 165 mines inactives, 146 bassins de rétention d’eau et 555 piles de déchets miniers, le potentiel géothermique est énorme. Il serait donc possible de faire bénéficier la communauté des ressources géothermiques autrement inutilisées. ICM v Pierre Laroche est l’ancien-président de la section de Thetford Mines de l’ICM. February 2010 | 91

cim news CMP holds outstanding regional event By Fred Rizzuto

2009 CMP-Alberta conference delegates

On October 29, 2009, the Alberta regional chapter of the CIM Canadian Mineral Processors’ Society (CMP) held its 6th annual conference at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre in Fort McMurray. Renewed in 2004, the chapter has been an ever-growing entity, focusing its efforts on delivering an excellent slate of speakers selected for their relevant and timely presentations. With over 60 attendees, the conference surpassed expectations and has grown into a great knowledge and networking hub. Special thanks to chapter chairman Jeremy Smith for his tireless efforts in securing sponsorship and to generous sponsors. CIM

v Fred Rizzuto is secretary/treasurer of CMP’s Alberta regional chapter.

Obituaries | Avis de décès Robinson (Robin) M. Porter, a CIM Member since 1935 and life member since 1978, passed away on November 17, 2009.

John B. Anderson joined CIM in 1937 as a student and achieved life member status in 1978. He passed away on October 29, 2009. Allan Fox joined CIM in 1988. He passed away on October 20, 2009.

Robin began his career in 1937 with Consolidated Mining and Smelting (CM&S) at Atlin Lake doing geological investigation. As World War II was breaking out, he was assigned as a mine engineer to the Pinchi Lake Mine, producing mercury metal for the war effort, and then to Sullivan Mine in Kimberley, BC. Robin rose up the ranks to operating superintendent in 1950, mine superintendent in 1958, general superintendent of the Kimberley Operations in 1964, and later to founding president of Fording Coal. The Fording Trust, the town of Elkford and the Robert’s Bank terminal also had their start under Robin’s initiatives and direction.

Randolph M. Lauer joined CIM in 1948 and became a life member in 1984.

In 1974, Robin was appointed vice-president of Cominco’s Australian operations where he oversaw Cominco Aberfoyle Mine activities and led the development of the Que River Zinc Mine in Tasmania.

Jan Leja has been a member of CIM since 1958 and a life member since 1989. He passed away on November 4, 2009.

In 1978, as his career was drawing to a close, Robin returned to Vancouver where he became a special assistant to the president of Cominco, Norm Anderson. He retired from Cominco in 1980. Not one to sit idly by, Robin then embarked on a second career in the junior gold mining sector, helping several firms get listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange.

Bernard Morrison joined CIM in 1945 and became a life member in 1982. He died on November 18, 2009.

Whether as a mine engineer, mine superintendent, vice-president, president, board director and in later years as an investor, Robin Porter’s impact on the Canadian and international mining scene was one that has few equals. Donald Mousseau, Calgary, AB

92 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Russell J. Gunning became a member of CIM in 1963 and achieved life member status in 1993. Leslie Hann joined CIM in 1957 and became a life member in 1989. J. Michael Holland joined CIM in 1998. William N. Howell joined CIM in 1993.

I.H. Spector died in January 2009. He had been a member of CIM since 1941 and a life member since 1980. John E. Steers has been a member since 1970. He died in May 2008. John Steward became a member of CIM in 1973 and a life member in 2006. Edward M. Yates became a life member of CIM in 1996. He died on February 27, 2009.

calendar CIM EVENTS

AROUND THE WORLD

Saskatoon Geological Group Technical Meeting March 1 Contact: Gary Yeo Email: gyeo@denisonmines.com

Common Ground Alliance Excavation and Safety Conference and Expo March 2-4 San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, USA www.excavationsafetyonline.com/cga

Edmonton Branch Technical Meeting March 1 University of Alberta Faculty Club Contact: Clair Mann Email: cmann@nacg.ca

PDAC 2010 March 7-10 Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada www.pdac.ca/pdac/conv

Toronto Branch – PDAC Joint Luncheon March 10 Contact: Rick Hutson Email: rick@cjstafford.com

Economic Evaluation and Investment Decision Methods March 15-17 Colorado School of Mines, Golden, USA www.outreach.mines.edu/cont_ed/econeval.shtml

Sudbury Geological Discussion Group Technical Meeting CIM Distinguished Lecturer Steve Scott March 16 Contact: Phil Thurston Email: pthurston@laurentian.ca

The 6th Annual Asia Mining Congress 2010 March 22-26 Raffles City Convention Centre, Raffles City, Singapore www.terrapinn.com/2010/asiamining

Sudbury Branch General Membership Meeting March 18 Dynamic Earth Contact: Gary Poxleitner Email: Gary.poxleitner@valeinco.com Section Harricana: Soirée vins et fromages 19 mars Hôtel Forestel, Val-d’Or Responsable : Marcel Jolicoeur Courriel : marcel.h.jolicoeur@genivar.com Section Québec : Conférence technique Conférence de l’Éminent conférencier Kelly Lendsay, prononcée par Trina Bucko 29 mars Université Laval Contact : Louis Blais-Leroux Courriel : louise.blais-leroux@sympatico.ca Calgary Branch Meeting CIM Distinguished Lecturer Don Thompson April 14 Contact: Colin Weber Email: colin.weber@amec.com

Globe 2010: The Biennial Trade Fair & Conference on Business and the Environment March 24-26 Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada www.globe2010.com CRO Summit Spring 2010, Corporate Responsibility, Trust and Capital Markets April 21 Harvard Club, Boston, USA www.crosummit.com Minerals North 2010 April 21-23 Prince George Civic Centre, Prince George, Canada www.mineralsnorth.ca ITA World Tunnel Congress 2010 May 14-21 Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada wtc.2010.org Alta 2010 – Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Uranium and Gold Conference Sheraton Hotel, Perth, Western Australia www.altamet.com.au

February 2010 | 93

CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010

MINING — YOUR FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER WORLD May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

MINING TO THE POWER OF L’INDUSTRIE MINIÈRE À LA PUISSANCE

Be there. Find the answers.

DÉVELOPPEZ DE NOUVELLES CONNAISSANCES

Passez aux salons. Faites des rencontres fructueuses.

GOLD OR

DIAMOND DIAMANT

Attend the events. Plan your future.

SONDEZ DE NOUVELLES CARRIÈRES

Soyez présent. Trouvez les réponses.

PREMIER

MINE NEW CAREERS

SILVER ARGENT

MINE NEW KNOWLEDGE

Congrès et salon commercial de l’ICM 2010

Organizing Committee

L’INDUSTRIE MINIÈRE — FONDEMENTS POUR UN MONDE MEILLEUR Du 9 au 12 mai 2010 | Vancouver, C.-B.

Comité organisateur

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM PROGRAMME PRÉLIMINAIRE TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE DES MATIÈRES 96

Welcome

107 Women in Mining Forum

120 Programme social

Plenary

108 Guest Program

121

Les mines dans la société

Workshops

109 CIM Exhibition

121

Foire de l’emploi de l’ICM

Field Trips

112

Innovations Showcase

122

Programme des étudiants

Technical Program

116

Bienvenue

122

105 Social Program

116

Séance plénière

Les femmes en exploitation minière

106 Mining Society

116

Ateliers

123 Programme des invités

106 Student Program

117

Programme technique

124 Salon commercial de l’ICM

107 CIM Job Fair

119

Excursions

MINE NEW INNOVATIONS Mine the exhibition. Find the solutions.

DÉCOUVREZ LES DERNIÈRES INNOVATIONS

MINING IN SOCIETY LES MINES DANS LA SOCIÉTÉ

FRIENDS AMIS

COPPER CUIVRE

Explorez le salon commercial. Trouvez les solutions.

CIM President | Président de l’ICM Michael J. Allan Executive Director | Directeur exécutif Jean Vavrek Honorary Chair | Président honoraire Don Lindsay General Chair | Président du congrès Sean Waller Co-chair | Co-présidente du congrès Patty Moore Plenary | Plénière David Parker Field Trips | Excursions Greg L. Rasmussen Ed Beswick Workshops | Ateliers Michael Davies Technical Program | Programme technique Robert McCarthy Management and Finance Day | Journée sur la finance et gestion minière Jane Spooner Larry Smith Bob McKnight Social Program | Programme social Leslie Mauro Guest Program | Programme des invités Gloria Allan Kea Barker Student Program | Programme des étudiants Michael Hitch CIM Exhibition | Salon commercial Martin Bell Mining in Society | Les mines dans la société Jill M. Tsolinas Sheila Stenzel Josée Dallaire Sponsorship | Commanditaires Michael McPhie Jean Vavrek Russ Hallbauer Meeting Coordinator | Coordonnatrice de congrès Chantal Murphy

1 MINE NEW KNOWLEDGE PLENARY SESSION Building a solid foundation Building and maintaining solid relationships with the communities affected by industrial projects is a necessary part of ensuring their successful completion. Demonstrating the importance of this initial step in the process, “First Contact” was chosen as the theme of this year’s Plenary Session. Moderator Rex Murphy will lead a panel of industry giants in a discussion on the need for early development of strong community relations and demonstrating social responsibility. To date, panellists include Don Lindsay, president and CEO of Teck Resources Limited, Anthony Kelly, associate and training coordinate, Company for Social Response, Pablo De la Flor, vice-president corporate affairs, Compañía Minera Antamina S.A., and Ronald Thiessen, CEO and director, Hunter Dickinson.

WELCOME TO VANCOUVER The CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010, held in conjunction with BC Mining Week, is coming to Vancouver from May 9 to 12. The theme of this year’s conference, “Mining — Your Foundation for a Better World,” reflects the key role that mining plays in the social and technical development of communities and societies worldwide. Building on the theme, the technical program will focus on the leading technological, environmental and social issues facing our industry today. A special emphasis on Latin America has been incorporated into this year’s program, reflecting the rapid growth of mining in that region and its strong mining-industry ties with North America. A highlight of the conference will be the Plenary Session moderated by Rex Murphy, one of Canada’s foremost journalists. This year’s theme, “First Contact,” emphasizes the importance of building strong community relationships and demonstrating social responsibility at the onset of any industrial undertaking. Not to be missed is the Mining in Society show, featuring a series of interactive displays intended to educate attendees about mining in an entertaining and engaging way. The show is open to the public and admission is free. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Attend the CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 in Vancouver. It’s more than just mining! Sean Waller General Chair

Patty Moore Co-chair

96 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

WORKSHOPS START THINGS OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT. SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THE WORKSHOPS BEING HELD ON SUNDAY, MAY 9, AT THE VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE – WEST BUILDING. BE SURE TO STICK AROUND FOR THE OPENING RECEPTION AT 18:00.

Power Smart Energy Management Workshop This workshop features a discussion on a range of subjects, from the current economic situation and mining to greenhouse gas emissions and site electrification. Case studies and success stories will demonstrate the real, practical world of energy savings opportunities in mining. Participants will leave with a firm grasp of the next steps to take towards making energy management a part of day-to-day business. Instructor: Stephen Dixon, Energy Efficiency Consultant | Time: 9:00 to 17:00 | Cost: $350 (students and BC Hydro affiliation, $100)

First Nations: Learning Together This workshop will examine the relationships between the mining industry, Aboriginal leaders and their communities. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of Aboriginal participation and experience in increasing awareness of best practices. Although there are different expectations and definitions of proper engagement and collaboration, participating in live case studies is important in gaining an understanding of what could work for your community or company. Instructors: Lana Eagle, Board Member, and Juan Carlos Reyes, Executive Director, Learning Together | Time: 9:00 to 17:00 | Cost: $350 (students, $100)

Be there. Find the answers.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

The Realities of Earning a Social License to Operate This workshop will provide an in-depth understanding of the growing challenges that companies working within the extractive industries are facing to obtain a social license to operate. A discussion will focus on: • the pressures that impact social licensing and their implications; • lessons learned from the failures and successes of others; • leading practices; and • steps that companies should undertake to minimize their social risks.

NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects This course will present an overview of NI 43-101 and other mining disclosure standards, proposed changes to NI 43-101, some fundamental technical disclosure compliance issues, guidance on technical report content requirements, and an overview of the new civil liability regime under Canadian securities law. Instructors: Greg Gosson, Technical Director, Geology and Geostatistics, Mining & Metals, AMEC Americas Limited, and Deborah McCombe, Executive Vice-President, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates | Time: 9:00 to 17:00 | Cost: $350 (students, $100)

Mining 101 — An Introduction to Mining and Mineral Processing This course covers the basic concepts of mining and mineral processing: how mines are found and built; how the ore is processed and the waste disposed; how mineral products are marketed and some ideas about where mining will be in the future. The course is directed at those who have little or no background in mining or mineral processing, but who find themselves working in the industry or with people in it. Instructor: Scott Dunbar, Associate Professor, Department of Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering, University of British Columbia | Time: 9:00 to 15:00 | Cost: $350 (students, $100)

New Approaches to Greener Mining Increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, worker safety and consumer demand require that the mining industry explore the use of advanced characterization techniques at all stages of the resource extraction cycle. This workshop will address the following topics: advanced analytical techniques to characterize mine tailings to address the coming changes in environmental reporting regulations; new methods to remediate mine tailings sites; and exploiting deposits in tailings and old mine sites. Organizer: Jeffrey Cutler, Director of Industrial Science, Canadian Light Source Inc. | Time: 9:00 to 17:00 | Cost: $350 (students, $100)

Instructor: TBA | Time: 9:00 to 17:00 | Cost: $350 (students, $100)

MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Initiative 2004–2010 This workshop will feature a variety of speakers discussing different aspects of TSM, including: its history and how it works; examples of how performance has improved as a result of the initiative; how TSM compares and contrasts with other CSR initiatives within the extractive industries sector; how various members of the COI panel view TSM; and where it is heading in the future. Instructor: Julie Gelfand, Vice-President, Sustainable Development, Mining Association of Canada | Time: 9:00 to 12:00 | Cost: $150 (students, $25)

Tailings Management for Sustainable Mining This workshop will outline the MAC tailings management framework. It will also provide guidance for its implementation and application as gained from member company experiences. Special emphasis will be placed on the audit and assessment guide and the relationship between the guides and the tailings management performance indicators under MAC’s TSM initiative. Instructor: Elizabeth Gardiner, Vice-President, Technical Affairs, Mining Association of Canada | Time: 13:30 to 16:30 | Cost: $150 (students, $25)

CMIC Innovation Workshop A half-day interactive workshop on what innovation is, what barriers to innovation are encountered in organizations, the challenges of technology transfer, and why corporate culture and process are important. Leading industry speakers will present case studies followed by a discussion on aspects of innovation of particular interest to participants. The workshop is addressed to all mining and exploration conference participants involved in technology, and to anyone interested in innovation. Instructors: Peter Kondos, Senior Manager, Research and Development, Barrick Gold Corporation, John F.H. Thompson, Vice-President, Technology, Teck Resources Limited, William Westgate, Global Mining and Mineral Extraction EBO, 3M, and Alicia Blancarte, Executive Director, Canada Mining Innovation Council | Time: 13:30 to 16:30 | Cost: $150 (students, $25)

www.cim.org/vancouver2010

February 2010 | 97

FIELD TRIPS ROUND OUT YOUR CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE WITH A FIELD TRIP TO ONE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S MAJOR MINING OPERATIONS. BE SURE TO BOOK EARLY — FIELD TRIPS SELL OUT QUICKLY!

Teck Coal Limited – Greenhills Operations

Photo credit: Teck Resources Limited

The Greenhills Operations, located in southeastern British Columbia, is operated under a partnership agreement with Pohang Steel Canada Limited and Teck Resources Limited. The mine site comprises 10,892 hectares of coal lands, of which approximately 2,200 hectares are currently being mined, or are scheduled for mining. Greenhills’ quality management system is in compliance with ISO 9001 and its environmental management system with ISO 14001, all verified by the Quality Management Institute. Date: Thursday, May 6 | Time: Departs at 7:00, returns at 19:00-20:00 | Cost: $900 (includes shuttle bus to and from the airport, charter plane and lunch)

Northgate Minerals Corporation – Kemess South Mine The Kemess South Mine is north-central British Columbia’s largest ever gold/copper open pit mine and is located 430 kilometres northwest of Prince George. The mine produces more than 2.5 million ounces of gold and 620 million pounds of copper. The Kemess South complex consists of an open pit mine, producing 52,000 tonnes per day; two independent semi-autogenous grinding and conventional ball mill lines, followed by conventional flotation; a world-class tailings storage facility; and accommodation for more than 400 full-time employees. Nearing the end of production, the Kemess Mine is scheduled to wrap up in early 2011 unless additional ore reserves are brought on line. Date: Friday, May 7 | Time: Departs at 7:00, returns at 19:00-20:00 | Cost: $1,200 (includes shuttle bus to and from the airport, charter plane and lunch)

Hillsborough Resources – Quinsam Coal Mine The Quinsam Mine is an underground thermal coal mine with an annual production of up to 520,000 clean tonnes. Wholly owned by Hillsborough Resources, the mine, located 27 kilometres southwest of Campbell River, British Columbia, started as an open pit operation in 1987, with underground production commencing in 1990. Since 1994, 100% of coal mined has been from underground workings. Quinsam produces high-volatile, low-sulphur bituminous coal, which is relatively hard, corresponding to lower fines and good handling characteristics. Date: Saturday, May 8 | Time: Departs at 7:00, returns at 19:00-20:00 | Cost: $600 (includes shuttle bus to and from the airport, charter plane, charter bus at site and lunch)

Photo credit: Northgate Minerals Corporation

Teck Resources Limited – Highland Valley Copper Highland Valley Copper is Canada’s largest open pit copper mine, located in south-central British Columbia near Logan Lake. The mine, which produces copper concentrates and is also a significant producer of molybdenum, is an open pit truck-and-shovel operation employing conventional drill-and-blast mining methods. The mill uses semi-autogenous grinding and conventional flotation to produce metal in concentrate from the ore. The mine life is ever changing with an estimation of many more decades of mining and concentrate production. Date: Thursday, May 13 | Time: departs at 7:00, returns at 19:00-20:00 | Cost: $250 (includes charter bus and lunch)

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Be there. Find the answers.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

TECHNICAL PROGRAM WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO HEAR ABOUT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, UPDATES ON CURRENT OPERATIONS OR EXAMPLES OF HOW TO INCREASE YOUR COMPANY’S BOTTOM LINE, THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM IS WHERE YOU SHOULD BE.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Projects

Finance and Risk Management

Innovation/ Technology

People and Communities

Best Practices

Monday PM

International

SMART

Confronting the Cycle

Tuesday AM1

Canada – West

Challenges in Project Management Technical/ Project Risks and Crises

First Contact

Tuesday AM2

Canada – North

Tuesday PM

Canada – East

Wednesday AM1

Latin America I

Doing our Part — Canada’s Advancement of Mining Technology Mine Planning and Management Systems Implementing Technological Change The Next New Thing I

Environment and Water Management Energy Conservation

Wednesday AM2

Latin America II

Project Design, in a Financial Crisis Mind the Shareholders (NI 43-101)

The Next New Thing II

Wednesday PM1

Community Engagement Fish or Fishing Rod? Labour Market Transition

Aboriginal Inclusion — Successes I

Aboriginal Inclusion — Successes II

Wednesday PM 2

Management and Finance Day

Geotechnical — the Profitable Way Health and Safety Applying New Concepts in Mine Haulage and Automation Maintenance and Reliability

Perspectives on Market Valuation of Properties and Companies From Feasibility Study to Financing, or How to Avoid Rejection Global Outlook

Panel Session — Mining Developments in Latin America within the Global Context

MONDAY PM

Projects

Finance and Risk Management

International

Challenges in Project Management

Chair: Peter Myers, Group General Manager, Mining, Snowden Group

Chair: Greg Oryall, Vice-President, Business Development & Strategy, AMEC

Boseto copper project R.M. Secis, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants, and B. Sampson, Discovery Metals Ltd. Moatize coal project — new for Mozambique M. Scott, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants Seafloor massive sulphide resource production — development of the world’s next offshore frontier G. Smith, Nautilus Minerals Inc. The Cobre Panama Copper-Gold-Molybdenum project, Panama I. Pirie and F. Balinet, Inmet Mining Corporation Essakane TBA

This session will address the challenges in contemporary mining project management, from resource estimation through feasibility study and EPCM. Confirmed panellists to date: Ted Bassett, Project Manager for Vale Inco at Voisey’s Bay, and for BHP Billiton at Olympic Dam Clark D. Bailey, Senior Vice-President – Projects & Technical Services, PCS Potash Paul McRae, Senior Project Manager, AMEC Rick Thomas, Chief Advisor – Major Projects, Rio Tinto Technology & Innovation

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February 2010 | 99

Best Practices Environment and Water Management Chair: TBA This panel session will showcase recent examples of best practices in water and waste management, focusing on analytical prediction, practical design and performance. Case histories from around the world will be presented and discussed.

TUESDAY AM 1

Projects Canada – West Chair: Mike Petrina, Vice-President, Operations, Hawthorne Gold Corp. Horizon project P. Keele, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) Mt. Milligan project W. Carson, Terrane Metals Corp. New Afton project D. Nicholls, New Gold Inc., New Afton project A new production era for the Copper Mountain Camp, southern British Columbia P. Holbek, Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

Innovation/Technology SMART Chair: Gord Winkel, Chair, Surface Mining Association for Research and Technology (SMART) Truck/Shovel Users Group — celebrating six years of achievement S. Thornton, Prairie Mines Advancing mining safety in North America — taking the next step with the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT) TBA Mining facts — making the case for mining in Canada to support mining research and innovation G. Winkel, SMART, and T. Demorest, Syncrude Canada Ltd. One industry voice towards establishing compatible technology systems T. Skinner, SMART Systems Group

People and Communities Confronting the Cycle Chair: Tom Broddy, Manager, Engineering, Taseko Mines Limited This session will bring together the key players needed to ensure a healthy institutional and industry relationship. The panellists will explore linkages between the economy, educational institutions and our industry, and look for ways to strengthen the bonds that tie us together. Confirmed panellists to date: Colin Joudrie, Director, Business Development, Teck Resources Limited Andy Stradling, Consulting Metallurgist, Technology Group, Teck Metals Ltd. Bern Klein, Department Head, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering Joe Ringwald, Vice-President, Operations, Brett Resources Chuck Edwards, Director, Metallurgy, AMEC Americas Limited

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Finance and Risk Management Technical/Project Risks and Crises Chair: Franco Oboni, President, Oboni Riskope Associates Inc. From landmines to mines and their logistic network risks C. Oboni and F. Oboni, Oboni Riskope International Climate change and Canadian mining: opportunities for adaptation J. Prno, Trailhead Consulting, T. Pearce and J. Ford, ArcticNorth Consulting, F. Duerden, Ryerson University, and D. Marshall, David Suzuki Foundation Risk mitigation: threats your mother never warned you about M. LaLonde and R. Colbourne, Canpro Global Best practices in using discrete event simulation (DES) modelling for project evaluation C. Stewart, TSG Consulting

Innovation/Technology Doing our Part — Canada’s Advancement of Mining Technology Chair: Malcolm Scoble, Professor, Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia Thermal fragmentation: reducing mining width when extracting narrow precious metal veins J.-P. Brisebois and D. Brisebois, Rocmec Mining Financial feasibility of integrating mineral carbonation into proposed mining operations at the Turnagain nickel site, northern BC S. Hindle and M. Hitch, University of British Columbia CANMET-MMSL alternative binder technology A. Pratt, K. Tarr and J.-M. Fecteau, CANMET-MMSL Qualitative observations of dipper performance and design concerns for oil sands use T. Joseph, University of Alberta, and N. Shi, JPi

Be there. Find the answers.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

People and Communities

TUESDAY AM 2

First Contact

Projects

Chair: Claudia Sandoval, Environmental and Community Relations Manager, The Grosso Group

Canada – North

Building community relations and community development strategies from the ground up: a case study of the Inmet Mining/Monkey Forest experience in a complex socio-political context A.C. Alvares da Silva, C. Odell, G. MacDonald, Monkey Forest Consulting, and C. Ford, Inmet Mining So your geologists have been kidnapped — now what? M.B. Lytle, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants A glance at first encounters between communities and mining A. Bambaren, Independent Consultant Starting it right! I. Thomson, On Common Ground Consultants Inc.

Chair: Marc Wen, Senior Project Manager, Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Addressing northern challenges at BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.’s EKATI Diamond Mine E. Denholm, BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc., EKATI Diamond Mine The Meadowbank project, Nunavut D. Gourde, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. Western Copper’s Carmacks copper project P. West-Sells, Western Copper Corporation An update on the Wolverine Mine development in the Yukon R. Mah, Yukon Zinc Corporation

Finance and Risk Management

Best Practices

Project Design, in a Financial Crisis

Energy Conservation

Chair: Mauro Chiesa, Independent Consultant

Chairs: Steve Quon, Industrial Marketing Manager, Mining Sector, BC Hydro – Power Smart, and Mel Harju, Principal/Energy Advisor, Maxemiser Energy Services The importance of efficient mass flow balance in crushing and screening plants F. Romero, Telsmith, Inc. Identifying opportunities to reduce the consumption of energy across mineral process and recovery plants M. Bongiovanni, Schneider Electric Global efficiency concept — a DSM tool used on price-efficiency decisions C. Pitis, BC Hydro – Power Smart Energy-efficient technologies for the mining industry B. Klein, M Scoble, University of British Columbia, and A. Bamber, BC Mining Research Ltd.

Following the financial crisis of the last two years, cash-flow sustainability and soundness are now the key objectives in assessing mining project financing. A panel of experienced advisors and financiers will bring a global perspective on the key trends that they have seen in the market in the last 30 months.

Innovation/Technology Mine Planning and Management Systems Chair: Anthony Finch, Divisional Manager, Snowden Group Autonomous vs manual haulage trucks — how mine simulation contributes to future haulage system design J. Parreira and J. Meech, University of British Columbia Grade uncertainty in stope design T. Elkington, and A. Earl, Snowden Group Application of decision networks in mine management systems S. Chung, S. Seroukhov and C. McElman, Modular Mining Systems Canada Enterprise optimization: releasing value through better planning decisions G. Whittle, Whittle Consulting

People and Communities Community Engagement Chair: Robert Boutilier, President, Robert Boutilier & Associates CSR at Canadian mining operations overseas: learning from multiperspective collaborative case studies K. Webb, Ryerson University Community engagement best practice: What’s being recommended and does it work? B. Bradshaw, University of Guelph Is your community capable of issuing a durable social licence? R. Boutilier, Robert Boutilier & Associates Social indicators for mining in Ancash, Peru: combining community objectives, technical considerations and community relations insight to design a practical framework C.J. Odell and M. Scoble, University of British Columbia

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Best Practices

Finance and Risk Management

Geotechnical — The Profitable Way

Mind the Shareholders (NI 43-101)

Chair: Robert Gill, Division Manager and Principal Consultant, Snowden Group

Chairs: Greg Gosson, Technical Director, Geology and Geostatistics, AMEC Americas Limited, and Deborah McCombe, Executive Vice-President, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.

Risk analysis of mining the 4700 crown pillar O.N.S. Beruar, Vale Inco, and V.N. Kazakidis, Laurentian University Real-time monitoring of cemented paste backfill W. Bawden, M. Grabinsky and B. Thompson, University of Toronto Design and construction of the East Dump at Antamina J.D. Hogarth, M. Hawley, Piteau Associates Engineering Ltd., and J. Pottie, Compañía Minera Antamina S.A. Tailings dam design practices which reduce cost and risk H. McLeod and H. Plewes, Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd.

TUESDAY PM

Projects Canada – East Chair: Guy Saucier, General Manager, Corporate Development, Met-Chem Canada Inc. The Totten Mine project B. Danyluk, Vale Inco LaRonde extension: project update F. Mercier-Langevin, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. – LaRonde Division Resource expansion at the Renard diamond project, Québec M. Manson, Stornoway Diamond Corporation IAMGOLD Corporation, Westwood project E. Tremblay, IAMGOLD Corporation Discovery and development of the Canadian Malartic gold deposit R. Wares, Osisko Mining Corporation

Review of the 2004 JORC Code P. Stephenson and P. Stoker, AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Pty Ltd. Proposed changes to NI 43-101 — an update R. Holland, British Columbia Securities Commission NI 43-101 made a difference in protecting shareholders? G. Gosson, AMEC Americas Limited Qualified Persons — Why do we need them? H. Parker, SME Resource and Reserve Committee CIM’s role in NI 43-101 modification D. McCombe, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.

Innovation/Technology Implementing Technological Change Chair: Michael Lewis, Vice-President, Corporate Sales and Marketing, Modular Mining Systems Maximizing the overall effectiveness of teleoperated underground loading and haulage equipment J. Paraszczak, Université Laval Process design and change management for successful deployment of technology in mining L. Mottola, Mottola Consulting, and M. Scoble, University of British Columbia Achieving 15% productivity improvement at a South African coal mine S. Riano, Modular Mining Systems Inc., and T. Chigova, Modular Mining Systems SA Implementing technical change: a selection of Rio Tinto case studies D. Adams, Rio Tinto Changing the way we look at conventional mining R. Siggelkow, W. Siggelkow and S. McIntosh, HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc.

MANAGEMENT & FINANCE DAY Perspectives on Valuation — May 12 8:00 8:20

Networking Break Opening Remarks John Morganti, President, Morganti Advisers Inc.

Session 1: Perspectives on Market Valuation of Properties and Companies Chair: Bob McKnight, Vice-President, Corporate Development, Selwyn Resources Ltd. 8:30 Precious Metals (Keynote Speaker 1) Martin Murenbeeld, President, DundeeWealth Economics 9:00 Base Metals Greg Barnes, Research Analyst, TD Newcrest 9:30 Uranium, Potash, Coal, etc. David Davidson, Research Analyst, Paradigm Capital 102 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Session 2: From Feasibility Study to Financing Chair: Chris Adams, Metals and Energy Capital, Macquarie Group Limited 10:30 Getting to the Feasibility Study Lawrence D. Smith, Senior Manager of Project Evaluations & Strategic Analysis, Barrick Gold Corporation 11:00 Banking/Financing Viewpoint: Beyond the Feasibility Study David Laing, Director, Mining – Endeavour Financial 11:30 Capital Punishment: What Went Wrong Speaker TBA 12:00 Management and Finance Day & Board of Trade Luncheon

Be there. Find the answers.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

People and Communities

WEDNESDAY AM 1

Fish or Fishing Rod?

Projects

Chair: Ron Nielsen, Senior Director, International Centre for Business Innovation and Sustainability (ICBIS)

Latin America I

Impact and Benefit Agreements: Are they working? J. Prno, Trailhead Consulting, and B. Bradshaw, University of Guelph Global best practices in sustainability reporting and assurance A. Gillam, AMEC Americas Limited Institutional assessments: emerging best practice in sustainable economic community investment R. Scott, Golder Associates Ltd. Benefits from sustainable development and community investments C. Perras, Rio Tinto Mining companies, multi-sector partnerships, and sustainable community economic development C. Matossian, EEM Inc.

Chair: Edson Ribeiro, Department Director, Strategic Planning and Project Evaluation, under the Global Exploration Division, Vale SA Development of the Salobo project M.L. Silva Godoy, M. Guimarães Bergerman, P.H. Godoy and M. Nankran,Vale SA Jaguars Caeté gold project in Brazil TBA, Jaguar Mining Inc. The Onça Puma nickel project, Brazil TBA, Vale SA Salitre project R. Busato Belger, N. Abdanur Junior, L. Lís de Andrade Cantuário and R. Ribeiro Liporaci, Fosfertil

Best Practices

Innovation/Technology

Health and Safety

The Next New Thing I

Chair: Marcel M. Djivre, Structural Staff Manager, Mining Division, Wardrop Engineering Courageous safety leadership at Teck R. Sheremeta, Teck Resources Limited Reducing miners’ exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) using real-time measurement M.G. Grenier, CANMET-MMSL Lesson learned from the Sullivan tragedy — a regulator’s point of view A. Hoffman, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Improving heat stress management — new research-based knowledge S. Hardcastle, CANMET-MMSL, NRCan, C. Allen, Vale Inco, and G.P. Kenny, University of Ottawa EKATI Diamond Mine safety guarantee R.L. Morland, BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.

Chair: Jean-Marc Demers, Senior Director, Business Management and Strategic Development, CIM Energy management R. Quenneville, Endress+Hauser Canada Ltd., and J. Hundrieser, Endress+Hauser Germany Induction motors and PWM drives — the ideal solution for large hoist applications S. Mulley, Converteam Ltd. Practical ventilation control implementations A. Tonnos, BESTECH, and C. Allen, Vale Inco The “One Network” — mining network standardization case study G. Anderson, S. Beer and P. Hellhake, Rajant Corporation

Session 3: Global Outlook Chair: Jane Spooner, Vice-President, Micon International Limited 14:00 The Implications of Trends in Base Metals and Gold Financing and Acquisitions Activity (Keynote Speaker 2) Michael Chender, Founder & CEO, Metals Economics Group 14:30 Economic Outlook for Financing (Brazil, Russia, India, China) Warren Gilman, Managing Director, CIBC Hong Kong 15:00 Networking Break

Session 4: Panel Session – Mining Developments in Latin America within the Global Context Moderator: David Clarry, Independent Consultant 15:30 There will be a panel discussion on the topic noted above. Panel members to be confirmed. 16:30 Wrap-up & pitch for 2011

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February 2010 | 103

People and Communities

Labour Market Transition

Aboriginal Inclusion — Successes I

Chair: Ryan Montpellier, Executive Director, MiHR

Chair: Ed Beswick, Environmental Manager, Hard Creek Nickel Corporation

Selection and training of mining operators at Barrick Veladero: strategic factor for mining sustainability Z. Gavelan, Minera Argentina Gold S.A. – Barrick Gold Hire first, train later S. Junor, Cameco Canadian mining credentials program — support for labour market transitions B. Kirby, MiHR Innovative employee transition and development practices at Teck P. Dillon, Teck Resources Limited

Best Practices

Aboriginal inclusiveness from the perspective of Aboriginal communities J. Young, HB Global, and K. Brown, Klahoose First Nation A successful First Nations consultation program for mine expansion: best practices from Highland Valley Copper G. Meadows, Hemmera Partnering for mutual benefit — NWCC School of Exploration & Mining C. Ogryzlo, Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association L. Whyte, Association for Mineral Exploration BC, and L. Sterritt, BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association

Applying New Concepts in Mine Haulage and Automation

Best Practice

Chair: James Lipkewich, Director, Canada Coal, Hatch

Maintenance and Reliability

Dual truck mobile sizing solution G. Davis, FLSmidth RAHCO Inc. Scooptram automation for a safe and sound working environment M. Krasser and O. Tryggvesson, Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB Trolley — Is it in your future? J.D. Wientjes, Komatsu America Corp. – Mining Division AutoMine Lite — single loader automation system T. Heimonen, Sandvik Mining and Construction

WEDNESDAY AM 2

Projects

Chair: Ted Knight, Regional Manager, Risk and Reliability, Hatch Modelling the optimal haul truck retirement age C. Ryan, Teck Resources Limited Get more from existing mining equipment through reliability S. DiMatteo, Ivara Corporation Business pain? Maintenance can help! R. Davies, Keyano College How the use of life-cycle costing can drive the correct maintenance (in different economic conditions) on large mobile assets and help customers save millions M. Basson, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Latin America II

WEDNESDAY PM

Chair: Rob Henderson, Senior Vice-President Technical Services, Kinross Gold Corporation

People and Communities

Lobo Marte project E. Villalobos Farallon Mining Ltd. — the G-9 Mine story D. Whittington and N.R. MacRae, Farallon Mining Ltd. Teck’s Andacollo hypogene project T. Watson, Teck Resources Limited Penasquito project — achieving success in challenging times B.P. Olson, Goldcorp, Inc.

Innovation/Technology The Next New Thing II Chair: Jean-Marc Demers, Senior Director, Business Management and Strategic Development, CIM Using magnetic liners to reduce costs and improve efficiencies T. Keough, ACR Group Inc. Switched reluctance drives: the ideal feeder drive N. Hampton and S. Prochazka, Synergy Engineering Ltd. Heating iron ore slurry to improve filtering efficiency prior to pelletizing R.E. Wood and W. Young, Inproheat Industries Mine reconciliation — for better or worse! P. De Mark, R. Riske, C. Morley and S. Helm, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants 104 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Aboriginal Inclusion — Successes II Chair: Ed Beswick, Environmental Manager, Hard Creek Nickel Corporation Partnership success with the Northwest Powerline Coalition J. North, Northern Development Initiative Trust First contact — Who are the current stakeholders in the Peruvian mining industry? A. Polo Y La Borda, CRU Analysis BC’s model for mineral revenue sharing with Aboriginal communities J. Shimkus, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Aboriginal employment panel L. Hodgson, Northgate Minerals Corporation – Kemess Mine Relationships with Aboriginal people: a key component to any northern development K.G. O’Callaghan, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

MINE NEW KNOWLEDGE Be there. Find the answers.

SOCIAL PROGRAM TURN OFF THOSE BLACKBERRY® SMARTPHONES. AN ARRAY OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN PLANNED THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. BE SURE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS EARLY OR YOU’LL MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN. SATURDAY, MAY 8 BC Museum of Mining – Men of the Deeps Concert Come and enjoy the sweet sounds of Men of the Deeps, North America’s only coal miners’ choir. An underground tour of historic Britannia Mine is available for all those interested. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served prior to the concert. Departure for museum visit from the Vancouver Convention Centre: 15:00 | Departure for cocktail and concert: 16:00 | Return: 21:00 | Cost: $98 (concert) or $105 (museum visit and concert) MONDAY, MAY 10 CIM Awards Gala The CIM Awards Gala pays tribute to all those who have contributed to the sustainability of our industry. The evening, emceed by Fred Keating and sponsored by Caterpillar and its Canadian dealers, sees the return of Destino, who are back by popular demand. Reception: 17:00 in the Foyer of the Ballrooms | Dinner: 18:00 | Location: Ballrooms, Vancouver Convention Centre | Cost: $150

SUNDAY, MAY 9 CIM Coal and Industrial Minerals Reception Cocktails, appetizers, networking and fellowship are on the menu at the Coal and Industrial Minerals Society Welcome Reception. Remember to bring your business card to participate in draws for some fabulous gifts. Time: 14:00 to 16:00 | Location: Room 201 | Cost: Free Opening Reception The Opening Reception of the CIM Conference and Exhibition, sponsored by Komatsu, is not to be missed if you are looking to mix and mingle. Participants will be treated to a buffet while enjoying a variety of entertainment. Time: 18:00 to 21:00 | Location: CIM Exhibition floor | Cost: Included in the registration fee TUESDAY, MAY 11 Student-Industry Luncheon The luncheon is a must-attend event for students looking to start building their network of contacts. Time: 12:00 to 14:00 | Location: Room 203 | Cost: Included with the student registration fee VIP Reception Senior industry leaders and invited guests will gather for a high-powered networking session. By invitation only. Time: 16:30 to 18:00 | Location: Room 201 Women in Mining Forum Reception – “Past • Present • Future” A reception featuring an inspirational keynote speaker, will immediately follow the Women in Mining Forum. Everyone is invited to attend. Time: 17:00 to 19:00 | Location: Ballroom A, Vancouver Convention Centre | Cost: $25 (access to the reception; the forum is included with the registration fee) P&H Reception and Dance Fireworks will dance across the Vancouver sky as the dance floor is flooded with party-goers well into the wee hours. Time: 20:00 to midnight | Location: Ballrooms, Vancouver Convention Centre | Cost: Free

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 Management and Finance Day & Board of Trade Luncheon Invited guest speaker Pierre Gratton, President and CEO, Mining Association of British Columbia, will talk about the Renaissance of BC Mining. Time: 12:00 to 14:00 | Location: Ballroom D | Cost: $69

Further networking opportunites Looking to grow your network of contacts? A lunch and cocktail reception have been planned on Monday and Tuesday, May 1011, from 12:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 18:00, respectively. Eat, meet and explore the exhibition. Note: The lunch and one drink ticket are included with the delegate registration fee. February 2010 | 105

2 MINE NEW CAREERS MINING IN SOCIETY The Mining in Society show is industry’s chance to connect with the public — its potential customers and future employees. Held from Sunday, May 9 to Tuesday, May 11, MIS will feature pavilions displaying seven main areas of mining — Exploration, Mining, Processing, Sustainability, Products/Fabrication, Education and Safety — allowing visitors to ‘’take a walk’’ through the mine cycle. On Sunday, adventurous visitors to the show can attempt the huge climbing wall, provided by The Edge Climbing Centre. Also, just in time for Mother’s Day, a draw for a diamond, courtesy of the De Beers Group, will be held on Sunday afternoon. Exhibiting at MIS is free — CIM provides the space and facilities. More than 2,000 students have already signed up to attend. Visit www.mininginsociety.com and find out how you can participate.

Organizing Committee Claire Thomson, Mining Association of BC • Diane Mitchell, BC Museum of Mining • Karin Greenless, Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. • Laura Clinton, PDAC • Patricia Dillon, Teck Resources Limited • Patty Moore, Wardrop Engineering • Shannon Norris, AME BC • Shannon Rhames, TANGENT Office Solutions • Sheila Stenzel, Mineral Resources Education Program of BC • Tammy Stevens, Wardrop Engineering • Jill M. Tsolinas, Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. • Alex Gerhardt, consultant

STUDENT PROGRAM SPONSORED BY BHP BILLITON, THE STUDENT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP STUDENTS CREATE A NETWORK OF INDUSTRY CONTACTS — IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO START. When registering for the CIM Conference and Exhibition, students get a free one-year membership to CIM, in addition to the possibility of accessing numerous networking opportunities, the latest in innovative technologies and technical knowledge: • Technical Program and free online access to the technical presentations • CIM Exhibition, Mining in Society show and CIM Job Fair. • Guided tours of the CIM Exhibition • Women in Mining Forum (all delegates are welcome) • CIM Opening Reception on Sunday (includes two drink tickets) • Cocktail in the CIM Exhibition on Monday and Tuesday evening (includes drink tickets) • Lunch in the CIM Exhibition on Monday • Student-Industry Luncheon on Tuesday • P&H Reception and Dance on Tuesday night • CIM Coal and Industrial Minerals Reception • and more! 106 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

CIM Student Poster Competition Be one of the geoscience and engineering students who will showcase their talents to leading industry professionals on a wide range of topics — from geology and mining to processing and sustainability. Up to $4,000 in total cash prizes will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students.

Student-Industry Luncheon Build your network of industry and peer contacts, and learn about business and career opportunities. Be ready to bring your A-game — and creating a business card to distribute at this and other events shows you are serious in establishing relationships. This is also a great opportunity to share the industry knowledge you’ve just tapped into during the conference. A guest speaker from BHP Billiton is planned.

Attend the events. Plan your future.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

PARTICIPANTS (to date) AME BC Atlas Copco BC Museum of Mining Canadian Mineral Processors Coal Association of Canada De Beers Canada Equity Federated School of Mines Finning Golder Associates Ltd. Kal Tire Northgate Minerals Corporation – Kemess Mine Knelson Mineral Resources Education Program of BC Mining 4 Miracles & BC Children’s Hospital Mining 4 Miracles Mine Rescue Team Mining Association of Canada Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) Northwest Community College/School of Exploration and Mining NRCan – Minerals & Metals Sector Pacific Museum of the Earth PDAC – Mining Matters PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Suncor Energy Swank Interiors Tarsis Teck Resources Limited Teck Trail Operations Thompson Creek Metals UBC: NBK Institute of Mining Engineering

WOMEN IN MINING FORUM PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

Lyn Anglin

The Women in Mining Forum, moderated by Lyn Anglin, president and CEO of Geoscience BC, will feature a panel of some of the brightest women in the mining industry today who are in different stages of their careers and work in a variety of fields. The panellists will share their personal experiences of working in this industry. This is a not-to-be-missed event for women and men alike.

Speakers include: • Sophie Bergeron, superintendent of continuous improvement, Xstrata Nickel • Barbara Caelles, professional geoscientist • Carol Ellis, professional geoscientist and investment banking professional, PI Financial Corp. • Julie Gelfand, vice-president of sustainable development, Mining Association of Canada • Judi L’Orsa, grant administrator, Smithers Exploration group • Karla Mills, professional engineer and project manager, Wardrop Engineering • Courtney Mitchell, sole proprietor, CSM Consulting • Michelle White, recent graduate, the University of Victoria A reception will follow the Women in Mining Forum at 17:00 and will feature an inspirational keynote speaker. Although access to the forum is free, there is a $25 fee for the reception. Date: Tuesday, May 11 | Time: 15:00 | Location: Ballroom A, Vancouver Convention Centre | Cost: Free for all delegates

CIM JOB FAIR Sophie Bergeron

Barbara Caelles

Judi L’Orsa

Karla Mills

Julie Gelfand

Carol Ellis

Looking to change jobs, grow your skills or take your career in a new direction? Find out who’s hiring in the industry at the CIM Job Fair being held in the CIM Exhibition. Companies who’ve already signed on include: Agrium Partnership, Cameco, De Beers Canada Inc., Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Goldcorp, Imperial Oil Limited, Ledcor Industries Inc., Rio Tinto and Teck Resources Limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access a large number of potential employers, and all under one roof!

www.cim.org/vancouver2010

Courtney Mitchell

Michelle White

February 2010 | 107

GUEST PROGRAM THE GUEST HOSPITALITY SUITE IN THE MACKENZIE ROOM AT THE FAIRMONT WATERFRONT HOTEL WILL OPEN FOR BREAKFAST EACH MORNING AT 7:30 FROM MAY 10 TO 12. A COMPLIMENTARY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED FROM 7:30 TO 9:00. THE SUITE WILL ALSO BE THE DEPARTURE POINT FOR THE GUEST EVENTS.

Brain Boosting Secrets Terry Small is a master presenter and learning skills specialist. He has been on CTV, BCTV, CKNW and Global, and has been featured in every major newspaper in Canada. He guarantees increased confidence and more fun in learning. Based on cutting-edge neuroscience research, this session will give you the tools to boost your brain power and improve your thinking and health. Brain Boosting Secrets is packed with tips, stories, ideas and strategies to help you improve your greatest asset â&#x20AC;&#x201D; your brain. Date: Monday, May 10 | Time: 9:00 to 10:30 | Location: Guest Hospitality Suite | Cost: Included with the guest registration fee

Cooking Class at Quince This hands-on cooking class begins with a chef demonstration. The group then breaks off into teams to prepare appetizers, and moves to the storefront gallery to enjoy the first course and paired wine. The class continues with preparation of the main course and dessert, all enjoyed with wine at a harvest table. Date: Monday, May 10 | Time: 11:00 to 14:00 | Cost: $180 (includes transportation, cooking class and three-course lunch) | Dress: Casual

Whistler Day Trip Travel the majestic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and enjoy spectacular views of the Howe Sound and the Coast Mountain Range. The bus will stop for photo opportunities along the way at Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls. Guests will be treated to a fully guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Centre, host to the bobsled, luge and skeleton events of the Olympics. As well, the Nordic venue at Whistler Olympic Park will provide the chance to explore the trails and recreational facilities. Date: Tuesday, May 11 | Time: 9:00 to 17:30 | Cost: $210 (includes transportation via coach with escort guide and lunch) | Dress: Casual with good shoes

Vancouver City Tour & Visit to the Museum of Anthropology This cultural tour begins along the shores of English Bay, where participants can get a first taste of West Coast First Nations art â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an Inukshuk stone figure standing on the shores of False Creek. The group will then visit the Museum of Anthropology, acclaimed for its spectacular architecture and unique setting on the cliffs of Point Grey. Guests will enjoy lunch at the Watermark Restaurant on Kitsilano Beach. The tour will continue on to Douglas Reynolds First Nations Gallery, where there will be an opportunity to purchase a local handmade First Nations piece of artwork or jewelry. Date: Wednesday, May 12 | Time: 9:00 to 12:00 | Cost: $50 (includes transportation via coach with guide, lunch not included) | Dress: Casual

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3 MINE NEW INNOVATIONS CIM EXHIBITION LOOKING TO STRIKE A DEAL, GROW YOUR NETWORK OF CONTACTS OR FIND OUT WHAT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IS? YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE WILL BE AT THE CIM EXHIBITIONâ&#x20AC;Ś WHERE WILL YOU BE?

EXHIBITORS (to date) COMPANY

BOOTH

3G Software & Measurement GmbH 212 3M Canada Company 633 48e Nord International 1322, 1328 A.W. Chesterton Company Ltd. 500 ABB Inc. 823 Abresist Corporation 629 Acklands-Grainger Inc.. 742 ACR Group Inc. 1450 Active Control Technology Inc. 1005 Agrium Partnership 1510 AirSep Corp. - Commercial Products Division 1245 Albarrie Environmental Services Limited 1405 Algosys Inc 1332 Allied Construction Products, LLC 908 Altis Tec Ltd. 404 AMC Mining Consultants Pty Ltd. 1046 AMEC 925 Arctec Alloys Limited 201 Armtec 444 Atlantic Industries Limited 723 Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Canada BNS1, 0547 Ausenco 1431 Austin Powder 1421 Australian Trade Commission 0423, 0427, 0526, 0522, 0425, 0524 B.I.D. Canada Ltd. 1144 Baldor Electric Co. 1444 BASF Construction Chemicals 700 Bateman Engineering Technologies 846 BBA Engineering 1220 Beijing CMRC Science & Technology Development Co. 746 BESTECH 1401 BHP Billiton - EKATI Diamond Mine 517 Biodisk Corporation 1231 Boart Longyear Canada 951 Breaker Technology Ltd 616 Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc 1001 Bucyrus Canada Limited 317 BUTLER Manufacturing Company 1105 Cameco Corporation 1509 Canadian Association of Mining Equipment & Services for Export 740 Canadian Mining Journal (CMJ) 1106 Canadian OnSite Inc. 650 Carlo Gavazzi Canada Inc. 1517 Carlson Software 1237 Cattron-Theimeg Canada Ltd. 1234 Cavotec Canada Inc 727 Cement Association of Canada 1313 Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) 934 CG Industrial Specialties Ltd. 1020 Chemline Plastics Limited 310 Clifton Associates Ltd. 1241 Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. 1050 Compact Filter Technic GmbH 407 Conspec Controls Ltd 1404

COMPANY

BOOTH

Continental Conveyor Ltd Converteam Canada Inc. Cover-All Buildings Systems Inc. Cubex Limited Cummins Western Canada Custom House, A Western Union Company CWA Engineers Inc. Datamine Canada Inc. De Beers Canada Inc. DELKOR AMERICAS Derrick Corporation DMC Mining Services DownerEDi Mining - Mineral Technologies DSI Mining Canada Dualam Plastics, Inc. Dumas Contracting Ltd. Dyno Nobel Canada EasiFile Canada EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. Elasto Plastic Concrete Emeco Canada Endress+Hauser Enduride Canada USA Engineering Seismology Group Canada Inc. (ESG) Exactra Inc. Expander Explosives Partnership F.E. Schulte Strathaus GmbH & Co. KG Festo Inc. Firestone Speciality Products Flairbase Inc. Flanders Electric Motor Service Flip Productions Ltd. FLSmidth Dorr-Oliver Eimco Fluor Canada Ltd FMC Technologies Four Leaf Solutions Inc Fransen Engineering Ltd Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. fsc limited Fuller Industrial Corp. G Plus Industrial Plastics inc. GEA GROUP (GEA Barr-Rosin and GEA Westfalia Separator) Gemcom Software International Inc. General Electric General Kinematics Genivar GKM Consultants inc. Global Inspections-NDT, Inc. Global Site Solutions Inc. GMSI (GijimaAst Mining Solutions International) Goldcorp Golder Associates Ltd. Grindex Pumps

www.cim.org/vancouver2010

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EXHIBITORS (to date) COMPANY Groupe Stavibel Inc. GUNDLACH Equipment Corporation Hatch Hedweld Engineering Pty Ltd. Hella, Inc. Hepburn Engineering Inc. High Strength Plates and Profiles Inc. HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc. Hyco Canada ULC Illumiti Inc. Imperial Oil Limited Imperial Oil Ltd. Independent Mining Consultants Inc Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. InfoMine Inc. InnovExplo Inc. Innoveyor Inc. INPRO/SEAL Inproheat Industries Inspectorate America Corp. Intec Export Intelligence Ltd. / South Africa South Africa Integrated Mining Technologies Inc. Intersystems ioGlobal Pty Ltd ITT Water & Wastewater Ivara J. Lanfranco Jebco Industries Joest Inc. Johnson Industries Ltd. Kal Tire Klassen Specialty Hydraulics Inc. Klohn Crippen Berger Knelson Gravity Solutions Krupp Canada Inc. L.P. Royer Inc. Larox Canada Layfield Group Ledcor Industries Inc. Leica Geosystems Inc. Les Industries Fournier Inc. Liebherr-Canada Ltd. Linatex Corporation of America Line Power Mfg. Corp. Loesche GmbH Luff Industries Ltd. LYNN Co Ltd. Maccaferri Canada Ltd. Machines Roger International Inc. MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited Makloc Buildings Inc. Mala GeoScience Marco Systemanalyse und Entwicklung GmbH Maschinenfabrik Köppern GmbH & Co. KG Matrikon Inc. Maxam Bulk Services McDowell Brothers Industries McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. MDH Engineered Solutions Corp. ME Elecmetal Mecanicad 110 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

BOOTH 1320 441 1101 233 1228 1217 645 1301 451 1233 1511 711 1210 608 301 1341 209 304 1235 305 0340, 0342, 0344, 0346, 0347, 0345, 0343, 0341 1420 308 1448 1129 1207 706 641 510 1400 911 448 326 516 822 1325 1007 1221 0926, 1507 1216 1342 701 619 647 508 929 1219 324 1329 1011 919 330 409 413 804 1249 1433 1418 1224 433 1324

COMPANY MegaDome Meglab Electronique inc. Met-Chem Canada Inc. Metcon Sales & Engineering Ltd. Metso Michelin North America Inc. Micromine North America Mincom Mincon Mining Equipment Mine Cable Services Corp Mine Design Technologies Mine Hoists International Ltd. Mine Site Technologies Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MiHR) Mining Technologies International Inc. Minova Canada Inc. Mintec, inc. MIRARCO - Mining Innovation MMD Mineral Sizing Montali Inc. Motion Metrics Int’l Corp. MPI Mobile Parts Inc. MTU Mullen Trucking LP Multicrete Systems Inc. Multotec Canada Ltd MWG Apparel Corp National Mine Service Natural Resources Canada - CANMET-MMSL NCS Technology Inc. NL Technologies Inc. Noramco Engineering Corporation Nord Gear Ltd. Nordic Mine Technology Inc. Nordmeyer GmbH & Co. KG North American Construction Group North Fringe Resources Inc. NOV Monoflo Novariant Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Optical Cable Corporation Orica Canada, Inc. OSIsoft (Canada) ULC Outotec (Canada) Ltd. P&H Mine Air Systems P.R. Engineering Limited Pacific Bit of Canada Inc. Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. Penticton Foundry Ltd Percon Construction Ltd. Peter Kiewit Sons Co. Petro-Canada Lubricants PhotoSat Pipeline Systems Incorporated Piteau Associates Engineering Ltd Placer Gold Design Plafolift Polar Mobility Research Ltd. POLARIS Laboratories, LLC Polycorp Inc. Pompaction Inc. Potti Corp.

BOOTH 1321 1335 1323 606 333 941 1440 1133 801 630 906 708 1110 905 1000 632 1310 628 533 1031 625 323 933 724 1147 1117 1108 1209 731 709 607 542 550 1409 411 809 710 1247 322 417 1428 410 1041 BNS2 1246 1416 622 406 1423 210 1417 329 1408 1008 1123 1200 1333 540 1107 909 1218 1425

Mine the exhibition. Find the solutions.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

EXHIBITORS (to date) COMPANY

BOOTH

Precismeca Limited Procon Mining & Tunneling ProMinent Fluid Controls PSI Fluid Power Ltd. QMASTOR Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University - Solar Power Car R.A.S. Industries Ltd. R.D.H. Mining Equipment Rajant Corporation Randy Smith Training Solutions Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Rexnord Canada LP Rezplast Manufacturing Ltd. Richwood Rimex Supply Ltd. Rio Tinto Rockwell Automation ROSTA Inc. RST Instruments Ltd. Runge Mining (Canada) Pty Ltd. Sandale Utility Products Scantech International Pty Ltd. Schneider-Electric Schwing Bioset, Inc. Scott Construction Group / AECON Sepro Mineral Systems Corp SEW-Eurodrive Co. of Canada Ltd. Shaft Drillers International Shareate Tools Ltd. Shell Canada SIEMAG M-TEC Inc. Siemens Canada Limited SimMine Simson Maxwell SlideMinder -Call & Nicholas Instruments Inc SM-Cyclo Canada SME - Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration SMS Equipment Inc. SNC-Lavalin Snowden Soprema Southwestern Mfg Inc. Sprague-Masering Stanco Projects Standard Machine Ltd. Stantec Starkey & Associates STC Footwear Superior Safety Inc. Svendborg Brakes Synergy Engineering Ltd. Takraf Canada Inc. Technosub Industrial Pumps Teck Resources Limited TECO-Westinghouse Motors (Canada) Inc. Tega Industries Canada Telsmith, Inc. TEMA Systems, Inc. Terra Remote Sensing Inc. Terra Vision / Commodas The Northern Miner Thermo Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

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COMPANY Thomas Engineering Ltd. / MDL Canada Thunderbird Mining Systems Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd. TRE Canada Inc. Trimay Wear Plates Ltd. Triple D Bending Trumer Schutzbauten Canada Ltd. Tundra Sales Inc. Unicast Inc. Unified Alloys United Petroleum Products Urecon Ltd. URS Global Mining Partners Vancouver Gear Works Ltd. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Voith Turbo Inc. Volvo Penta Canada W.S. Tyler Canada Wabi Iron & Steel Corp. WAGENER Schwelm GmbH & Co. KG Wajax Industries Wardrop Engineering Wellsite Masters Ltd. Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd. Westech WesTech Engineering Inc. Westeel Storage Solutions Western Canadian Screens Ltd. Western Protection Alliance Inc. Westpro Machinery Inc. WestRon Pumps, Compressors & Blowers Wilson Mining Products Wire Rope Industries Ltd. WireCo WorldGroup Wolseley Engineered Pipe Group Xstrata Technology Canada Ltd. York Portable Machine Tools ZCL Composites Inc.

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INNOVATIONS SHOWCASE By Marlene Eisner THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION FLOOR WILL BE PACKED WITH HUNDREDS OF EXHIBITORS SHOWCASING SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET. FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING IN YOUR SECTOR TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, SALES OR MINE ANALYSIS. THERE’S EVERYTHING FROM CUTTING-EDGE SOFTWARE THAT CAPTURES 3D REAL-TIME IMAGES, TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT MINE VENTILATION PIPING, SNUG-FITTING SEALS THAT REDUCE SLURRY LEAKAGE, PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE.

Predict the future Hatch is introducing its Life-of-Mine Simulation tool, a new software developed using discrete event simulation software (Arena), to accurately model, predict and analyze your life-of-mine plans. This tool can be used to support resource planning, equipment fleet sizing, scenario analysis and operations scheduling. The Mining Simulation tool can also be used to generate performance forecasts, and provides early identification of potential problems or constraints in mine operations. A robust (Excel-based) interface allows users to manually input data, or import from a variety of data sources, including Mine 2-4D. The Mining Simulation accurately portrays development faces and production stopes in any configuration, and includes the ability to analyze complex shift patterns and crew rotations, equipment parameters and assignments, task timings, and predecessors for many resource plans over the life of the mine. This tool provides flexibility to represent any mine configuration and provides detailed reports in minutes. As well, a log of all tasks completed across the planning period facilitates the creation of user-defined reports. Accurately predict your theoretical advancement and production across your life of mine, determining potential constraints, critical paths for development, and the required equipment, trucking and teams to support your operations. Booth #1101

A smooth glide Baldor is offering the Dodge Hydraulic ISAF (HISAF), ideally suited for large bulk handling conveyors. Its rugged design makes it the perfect replacement for SAF pillow blocks. Available from 5 7/16 to 15 in. bores, this product utilizes a built-in hydraulically assisted, adapter-mounted installation and removal system. Dimensionally compatible with industry standard SAF pillow blocks, the HISAF can be used in most industrial applications requiring grease-lubricated spherical roller bearings. It can be quickly installed and removed; installation is approximately 15 minutes, compared to an hour or more for traditional SAF bearings. To remove a bearing, a separate hydraulic piston is used to push the 112 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Turn up the heat and save Inproheat is introducing an iron-ore concentrate slurry heating system that improves filtering efficiency prior to pelletizing. Engineers have long known that the efficiency of filtering iron ore concentrate slurry can be significantly improved by pre-heating the slurry ahead of the filters. However, heating large quantities of dense slurry by conventional means is inefficient and high maintenance. When an integrated steel producer in Mexico discovered that submerged combustion as a means of pre-heating iron ore concentrate provided a competitive advantage through operational efficiency, they retained Inproheat to design and manufacture a SubCom slurry heating system. The system consists of five natural gas combustion chambers mounted in an iron ore concentrate storage tank. It features a heat recovery unit whereby the exhaust gases are used to preheat the incoming slurry stream, giving the system an overall thermal efficiency of 95 per cent. As a result, the steel company realized significant improvements in filtering efficiency, which enabled them to increase the capacity of their pelletizing plant without installing additional filters. Booth #1235

bearing off the shaft, eliminating the need for heavy tools or torches. The HISAF is the only bearing in the industry with integral hydraulicassist for mounting and dismounting. The tandem seal configuration on the HISAF provides for longer bearing life by keeping grease in and contaminants out. A triple-lip inner seal, in combination with a re-greasable LOR aluminum outer seal, ensures that contaminants can’t penetrate the bearing cavity, making it an ideal choice for harsh environments. Optional end covers are also available. Booth #1444

Mine the exhibition. Find the solutions.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

3D picture perfect 3G Software & Measurement will be introducing another milestone for surveying and planning of surface blasts. Their recently released merging function for BlastMetriX3D enhances, eases and speeds up the use of 3D imaging technology for complexly shaped rock faces. The Austrian specialists manufacture 3D imaging systems for the acquisition and assessment of rock, terrain and object surfaces. Their innovative systems — JointMetriX3D, ShapeMetriX3D and BlastMetriX3D — are popular due to their ease of use and economic efficiency. 3G’s systems are applied in more than 25 countries all over the world, mostly for geological mapping, blast surveying (profiling), or general

documentation and assessment purposes. The latest version allows for a comprehensive surveying of geometrically demanding rock surfaces using several photos taken from various locations and processing them into one single 3D image. Their minimum burden concept optimizes surface blasting and their intuitive 3D mapping software drastically reduces field time. Industries benefiting from the technology include tunnelling, mining and quarrying, engineering geology, rock mechanics and rock engineering, as well as blasting. Booth #212

A cement mixer

Performance enhancer AMC Mining Consultants will be introducing its Operational Review, Benchmarking and Optimization Service. This process combines reviews by highly experienced mining engineers, meaningful comparison with like operations, and a formal optimization process that recognizes real-world mining constraints and the inter-relatedness of capital investment, run-of-mine quality and throughput. Working alongside stakeholders, they validate input and conclusions, and earn their respect so that conclusions are accepted and recommendations embraced. AMC’s team includes experienced professionals that understand mining operations and processes and has a strong track record, offering a formal benchmarking service since 1993. Operational reviews use customized AMC assessment tools and methodology to identify key drivers and major bottlenecks in the mining process, and opportunities for improvement are proposed. Benchmarking and optimization often follow an operational review and focus on maximizing effectiveness and efficiency. Benchmark comparisons are made against AMC’s extensive database on more than 40 mining operations that have participated in this process. The optimization stage, which often uses AMC’s “Hill of Value” process, identifies the practical levers to pull and models the possible settings and consequences. Booth #1046

Mini-me HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc. will be introducing its new miniature miner technology. This system consists of several semi-autonomous machines, compact enough to fit into a shaft cage. Since there is no need for an operator to be on them, they can be controlled from a remote location. This allows these machines to operate in areas where it is too dangerous, or simply not large enough for standard equipment. The fleets facilitate efficient narrowvein mining by systematically boring into mineral, chasing a vein and extracting pure ore. They are excellent for machine retrieval, since they can quickly and efficiently uncover buried machines while keeping the operator safe and avoiding damage to the vehicle. Video surveillance is also a valuable application for this technology. They function by communicating with HARD-LINE’s advanced MINE AREA NET infrastructure and are controlled using the company’s advanced tele-operation stations. Not only do these machines offer superior safety advantages, but they reduce costs significantly by reducing waste rock and simplifying machine retrieval messages. Booth #1301

www.cim.org/vancouver2010

Cement Association of Canada is introducing Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) with cement, a common method for the safe treatment, management and reuse of contaminated waste. Developed in the 1950s, the technology is widely used today to treat mine tailings and hazardous waste. S/S is being used on key sites in Canada and around the world, contributing to the sustainable redevelopment and reclamation of both urban and industrial properties. S/S involves mixing Portland cement into contaminated material, which reacts chemically with water in the material being treated, to prevent the escape of hazardous constituents into the environment. Solidification refers to changes in the physical properties of the waste; stabilization refers to chemical changes in the hazardous constituents in the waste, that convert them into a less soluble, mobile or toxic form. S/S can be used for a wide variety of contaminants in many types of contaminated material. Soil, sediment and sludge impacted with an array of organic and inorganic contaminants have been treated successfully using S/S. There are two distinct methods to treat contaminated material: cement may be mixed directly into hazardous material on-site or it may be excavated and transported off-site for treatment. Booth # 1313 February 2010 | 113

The Fuller advantage Fuller Industrial is introducing Project Advantage, an innovative proprietary software developed to improve and simplify the elements of accuracy, efficiency, transparency, time and cost-effectiveness in the EPCM procurement/Fuller Industrial supply relationship. Project Advantage produces exact shop-quality production drawings directly from the same engineering data that created the ISOs provided by project engineers, ensuring design integrity and avoiding translation errors. Fuller Industrial undertook a multi-million dollar production facilities refitting program to achieve the most advanced large bore, carbon steel pipe fabrication shops in North America, featuring serialized bar-coded production with CNC pipe profiling and welding. This has fostered complete transparency, allowing EPC’s to access on-line, to-theminute tracking of any piece/project. By implementing this lean production process, Fuller Industrial is able to offer attractive pricing, as well as the flexibility required for volume orders and unique ISOs. Fuller will also be introducing proprietary after-market service software and technology that will extend Project Advantage beyond the factory gate with the same effects of efficiency and cost control seen in our manufacturing process extended to preventative maintenance in the field. Booth #1028

Scan-tastic results

Experience mine control Micromine will be showcasing its range of innovative software solutions and services, which encompass the entire exploration and mining process — from capturing, managing, visualizing and understanding a mine site, to controlling and reporting on mine production. Micromine’s products include: MICROMINE – exploration & mine design MICROMINE allows the capture, management and interpretation of critical mining and exploration data. It provides an in-depth understanding of your project so you can target prospective regions more accurately, increasing the chance of your project’s success. GBIS – geological data management Micromine’s geological data management solutions enable data to be effectively captured, validated and stored, even from diverse sources. It provides extensive, advanced, industry specific functionality for analyzing, interpreting and reporting geological data. GBIS uses a scalable data model, which can be tailored to meet specific exploration and mining requirements. PITRAM and DOME – mine production and mine control PITRAM is a broad mine management and control system for underground and surface mines. It records, monitors, controls and reports on all functions within a mine site. Implementation also includes the deployment and support of GPS and HPGPS hardware and communications systems for data capture. DOME is a mine production management system that integrates and reports data from multiple sources in real time, utilizing the latest database and web technologies. Booth #1440

Thomas Engineering will be showcasing three products. The MDL Dynascan is an affordable threedimensional laser scanning system combining a high-speed scanning laser head, differential GPS system, and inertial guidance system in one portable pod. This rugged unit can be mounted on a vehicle and by simply driving around the site, create detailed 3D survey-quality data for topographical mapping. The Void Scanner 150 is designed to operate in demanding underground mining environments to measure voids, stopes and rock faces in unsafe or difficult-to-access areas. The VS150 may be deployed conventionally using a survey tripod or by remote control. Lightweight and simple to use, the dual-axis motorized instrument scans 200 points per second and comes with MDL’s software to display laser point clouds in 3D, in real-time as data is acquired. MDL’s C-ALS is a miniaturized 3D Cavity Auto Laser Scanning system. With a diameter of just 50 millimetres, it can be deployed through bore holes to survey inaccessible spaces, underground voids and cavities. The laser head can measure the 3D shape of the void and its surface reflectivity. Control software provides in-screen video from the camera and a real-time 3D view of the void as it is scanned. Booth #1006. 114 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Mine the exhibition. Find the solutions.

May 9-12, 2010 | Vancouver, BC

Smooth sealing

Not a pipe dream MECANICAD will introduce MECANIVENT™, which uses co-polymer polypropylene for ventilation ducts used in underground mining. Ease of installation and reduced transportation costs save the customer time and money. More importantly, co-polymer’s low coefficient of friction and the MECANIVENT™ air tight pipe design result in a reduced air flow resistance factor — from 25 when using metal to 2 to 3 with the plastic design. This substantially reduces the number of fans required to push fresh air over long distances. In addition, since the co-polymer polypropylene sheets meet UL-94 HB standards, this design brings an added margin of safety to the mining operation. There are two key benefits of this design: reduced air flow resistance and reduced power requirements and consumption. Both metal and plastic systems will provide the required flow of fresh air to support an operation; however, the plastic design accomplishes the task at approximately one-third the installation and annual cost of the metal design. Add in the long-term wear benefit (corrosion resistance) and the payback time is reduced even more. Booth #1324

Unicast Inc. will be introducing the Ceramic Lined Diverter Valve (CLV), a recent innovation designed specifically to address the challenges of short wear life and leakage frequently found with ball check valves in the transport of slurry. It features ceramic liners for extended wear life and a precision-aligned gate for a perfect seal. The entire valve housing is completely lined with ½ in. cast ceramic liners designed to withstand abrasiveness. A one-piece seat with exact flange diameter of the valve is sandwiched between the upper and lower housing to reduce exposed surface area as well as to eliminate turbulence and cavitation. A proprietary rubber coating on the drive arm further ensures all exposed highwear areas are armed for maximum durability and longest wear life in high-abrasive environments. The Unicast CLV puts control back in the hands of the operator with a manually controlled gate, which is precision-aligned with the seat for a perfect seal. As the operator switches between inlets, the gate cuts through the slurry like a knife without leakage or subsequent damage to the valve. Both the gate and seat are comprised of high chrome white iron for maximum strength. Booth #949

Dependable leakage control A.W. Chesterton is a global leader in fluid sealing solutions — extreme duty pump seals, hydraulic seals, specialty coatings and composites, and lubrication technologies. One of the biggest challenges when pumping slurry mediums is controlling leakage. Water usage in most mining process facilities is becoming more and more a priority, placing pressure on operations to reduce the amount used to contain the aggressive slurries from entering the stuffing box. A.W. Chesterton has real-world experience providing sealing solutions for the mining industry. In conjunction with the Canadian company, EnviroSeal, and using their innovative technology, we are able to drastically reduce or eliminate the use of flush water in centrifugal pumps, mixers and agitators. A.W. Chesterton offers a combination of mining-specific mechanical seals and packing plus a SpiralTrac Environmental Controller technology that takes advantage of the centrifugal forces that are naturally occurring in the seal cavity or stuffing box of a pump. Flow patterns are developed by this technology that remove the abrasive solids away from these components so the chance of failure is drastically reduced. Booth #500

Rope trick WireCo WorldGroup will be introducing its high-performance hoist ropes for surface and underground mining applications. Applying thorough design and manufacturing controls, they are the only wire rope manufacturer in the world that is QPL qualified, API certified and registered to ISO 9001, AS-9100 and Lloyd’s Register quality systems. Union, a WireCo WorldGroup brand, is committed to providing the broadest range of wire ropes for all surface mining applications. Its years of experience in the field, combined with the latest metallurgical practices and unique design capabilities, have enabled them to continue to innovate and provide the most cost-effective line of mining ropes in the world. Their complete line of shovel and dragline ropes and structural strand boom pendants offer service and reliability. CASAR is a world leader in the manufacture of mining ropes for underground mining. Special features include galvanizing, compacted strands and a plastic layer between steel core and the outer strands. Benefits include increased reliability of the hoisting system and reduced downtime due to less servicing and fewer rope changes. The higher breaking strengths of CASAR Special Mining Ropes allow for an increase of payload for the same diameter. The increased capacity of the shaft will lead to increased profitability of the mine. Booth #1306

www.cim.org/vancouver2010

February 2010 | 115

1 DÉVELOPPEZ DE NOUVELLES CONNAISSANCES

BIENVENUE À VANCOUVER Le Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM 2010 se tiendra à Vancouver du 9 au 12 mai, en liaison avec BC Mining Week. Le thème de cette année, L’industrie minière – Fondements pour un monde meilleur, reflète le rôle prépondérant joué par cette industrie dans le développement social et technique des collectivités et des sociétés à l’échelle mondiale. Le programme technique de l’événement, qui s’inspire de ce thème, sera axé sur les principaux enjeux technologiques, environnementaux et sociaux avec lesquels notre industrie est appelée à composer aujourd’hui. Le programme de cette année comporte un volet axé sur l’Amérique latine, lequel vise à rendre compte de la croissance rapide du secteur des mines dans cette région et des liens étroits qu’elle entretient avec l’industrie minière nord-américaine. Parmi les faits saillants du Congrès figure la séance plénière, qui sera animée par Rex Murphy, journaliste canadien de renom. Le thème de la séance plénière de cette année, Premier contact, met l’accent sur l’importance pour notre industrie d’entretenir de solides relations avec les collectivités et de faire montre de responsabilité sociale dès l’amorce d’un projet. Nous vous invitons à ne pas manquer Les mines dans la société. Ce salon, dans le cadre duquel seront présentés une série de stands interactifs, vise à mieux faire connaître l’industrie minière aux participants sur un ton animé et vivant. Il est ouvert au public et l’entrée est gratuite. Ne ratez pas cette occasion unique de participer au Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM 2010 à Vancouver. C’est beaucoup plus qu’un événement sur l’industrie minière! Sean Waller Président du Congrès

Patty Moore Coprésidente

116 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

SÉANCE PLÉNIÈRE Poser des fondements solides Pour que les projets industriels soient une réussite, il est nécessaire d’établir et d’entretenir de solides relations avec les collectivités qu’ils touchent. Illustrant l’importance de cette étape dans le processus, le thème de la séance plénière de cette année est « Premier contact ». Rex Murphy animera une discussion au sein d’un groupe de géants de l’industrie sur la nécessité d’établir de solides relations avec la collectivité dès l’amorce d’un projet et de faire preuve de responsabilité sociale. Les panélistes inscrits jusqu’à maintenant sont Don Lindsay, président et chef de la direction de Teck Resources Limited, Anthony Kelly, associé et coordonnateur à la formation, Company for Social Response, Pablo De la Flor, vice-président des affairs corporatives, Compañía Minera Antamina S.A., et Ronald Thiessen, chef de la direction et directeur, Hunter Dickinson

ATELIERS DÉBUTEZ DU BON PIED. INSCRIVEZ-VOUS À L’UN DES ATELIERS DU DIMANCHE 9 MAI AU PALAIS DES CONGRÈS DE VANCOUVER, IMMEUBLE OUEST. SOYEZ CERTAIN D’ÊTRE PRÉSENT À LA RÉCEPTION DE BIENVENUE À 18 H.

Atelier sur la gestion énergétique intelligente Cet atelier traite de divers sujets, depuis la conjoncture économique actuelle et l’exploitation minière jusqu’aux émissions de gaz à effet de serre et l’électrification des sites. Des études de cas et des histoires de réussites illustreront de véritables possibilités pratiques d’économiser de l’énergie dans l’industrie minière. Les participants acquerront une connaissance approfondie des étapes à suivre pour intégrer la gestion énergétique à leurs activités quotidiennes. Animation : Stephen Dixon, conseiller en efficacité énergétique | Heure : de 9 h à 17 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants et partenaires de BC Hydro, 100 $)

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9-12 mai 2010 | Vancouver, C.-B.

Premières Nations : Apprendre ensemble

lignes directrices sur les exigences de contenu des rapports techniques ainsi qu’un aperçu du nouveau régime de responsabilité civile prévu dans la loi canadienne sur les valeurs mobilières.

Cet atelier, organisé par Learning Together, traitera des relations entre l’industrie minière, les leaders autochtones et leurs collectivités. L’accent sera mis sur l’importance de la participation et de l’expérience des Autochtones pour augmenter les connaissances en matière de pratiques exemplaires. Bien que les attentes et les définitions en matière d’engagement et de collaboration soient particulières à chacun, la participation à ces études de cas réelles permet de bien comprendre ce qui pourrait fonctionner dans le cas de votre collectivité ou de votre entreprise. Animation : Lana Eagle, membre du conseil, et Juan Carlos Reyes, directeur général, Learning Together | Heure : de 9 h à 17 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants, 100 $)

Norme canadienne 43-101 Information concernant les projets miniers Ce cours présentera un survol de la Norme canadienne 43-101 et d’autres normes relatives à l’information minière, les modifications proposées à la Norme canadienne 43-101, certaines questions fondamentales concernant la conformité de l’information technique, les

Animation : Greg Gosson, directeur technique, Géologie et géostatistique, Exploitation minière et métaux, AMEC Americas Limited, et Deborah McCombe, vice-présidente exécutive, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates | Heure : de 9 h à 17 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants, 100 $)

Introduction à l’exploitation minière et à la minéralurgie Ce cours couvre les concepts de base de l’exploitation minière et de la minéralurgie : comment trouver et construire les mines, comment traiter le minerai et éliminer les déchets, comment commercialiser les produits miniers et quelques idées sur l’avenir de l’exploitation minière. Ce cours s’adresse à ceux qui n’ont que peu ou aucune connaissance de l’exploitation minière ou de la minéralurgie, mais qui travaillent dans l’industrie ou avec des gens de l’industrie. Animation : Scott Dunbar, professeur agrégé, Department of Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering, University of British Columbia | Heure : de 9 h à 15 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants, 100 $)

APERÇU DU PROGRAMME TECHNIQUE Projets Lundi après-midi

International

Mardi Canada – Ouest avant-midi (1)

Mardi Canada – Nord avant-midi (2) Mardi après-midi

Canada – Est

Mercredi avant-midi (1)

Amérique latine I

Mercredi avant-midi (2)

Amérique latine II

Mercredi après-midi (1) Mercredi après-midi (2)

Gestion du risque et finances Défis liés à la gestion de projet Risques et crises (aspect technique et projet) Conception de projet dans un contexte de crise financière Regard sur l’actionnariat (Norme canadienne 43-101)

Innovation et technologie SMART

Populations et collectivités Faire face au cycle

Pratiques exemplaires Environnement et gestion de l’eau Économie d’énergie

Journée de finances et de gestion minières

Faisons notre part Premier contact – Progrès du Canada en matière de technologie minière Aménagement Engagement Géotechnique – minier et systèmes communautaire Une façon de de gestion faire profitable Mise en œuvre Donner un Santé et du changement poisson ou sécurité technologique enseigner à pêcher? La nouveauté Marché du Application de Perspectives en du jour I travail : gérer nouveaux concepts matière d’évaluation une transition de roulage et marchande d’automatisation dans de propriétés et le contexte minier de sociétés La nouveauté Intégration des Entretien et De l’étude de du jour II Autochtones – fiabilité faisabilité au Réussites (1) financement (ou comment éviter le rejet) Intégration des Regard sur Autochtones – le monde Réussites (2) Panel – Développements miniers en Amérique latine : contexte mondial

REMARQUE : Veuillez vous référer aux pages 99-104 pour la version complète du programme technique qui se déroulera en anglais seulement.

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De nouvelles façons de faire pour une exploitation minière plus écologique Photo courtoisie de Teck Resources Limited

En raison de la croissance de la sévérité de la réglementation, des normes de sécurité des travailleurs et des exigences des consommateurs, l’industrie minière doit étudier l’utilisation de techniques de caractérisation de pointe à toutes les étapes du cycle d’extraction des ressources. Cet atelier traitera des sujets suivants : techniques analytiques de pointe pour caractériser les résidus miniers afin de respecter les modifications à venir dans la réglementation relative à l’information sur l’environnement; nouvelles méthodes de restauration des parcs à résidus miniers; et mise en valeur des dépôts dans les parcs à résidus et les vieilles mines. Organisation : Jeffrey Cutler, directeur des sciences industrielles, Canadian Light Source Inc. | Heure : 9 h à 17 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants, 100 $)

Obtention d’un permis social d’exploiter la ressource : la réalité Cet atelier permettra aux participants d’acquérir une connaissance approfondie des difficultés croissantes que doivent surmonter les sociétés du secteur de l’extraction pour obtenir un permis social afin d’exploiter la ressource. Dans le cadre d’une discussion, des chefs de file de l’industrie, du gouvernement, de la collectivité, du secteur juridique et du milieu des affaires s’attarderont sur les sujets suivants : les pressions actuelles qui ont une incidence sur l’obtention des permis sociaux et les implications; les leçons appris des échecs et des succès des autres; les pratiques gagnantes; et les étapes que l’industrie de l’extraction devrait entreprendre pour réduire au minimum leurs risques sociaux. Animation : À déterminer | Heure : de 9 h à 17 h | Coût : 350 $ (étudiants, 100 $)

Initiative Vers le développement minier durable (VDMD) 2004-2010 de l’AMC Dans cet atelier, plusieurs personnes prendront la parole sur différents aspects de VDMD, dont les suivants : son histoire et son fonctionnement; des exemples d’amélioration du rendement découlant de

l’initiative; les similitudes et les différences entre VDMD et d’autres initiatives de responsabilité sociale d’entreprise dans l’industrie de l’extraction; le point de vue des différents membres du groupe de la communauté d’intérêts au sujet de VDMD; et l’avenir de VDMD. Animation : Julie Gelfand, vice-présidente, Développement durable, Association minière du Canada | Heure : de 9 h à 12 h | Coût : 150 $ (étudiants, 25 $)

La gestion des résidus pour une exploitation minière durable Dans cet atelier, les participants étudieront en survol le plan directeur de gestion des résidus de l’AMC. Ils verront également des lignes directrices pour la mise en œuvre et l’application du plan selon les expériences des sociétés membres. Une attention particulière sera portée au guide de vérification et d’évaluation et à la relation entre les guides et les indicateurs de rendement en matière de gestion des résidus dans le cadre de l’initiative VDMD de l’AMC. Animation : Elizabeth Gardiner, vice-présidente, Affaires techniques, Association minière du Canada | Heure : de 13 h 30 à 16 h 30 | Coût : 150 $ (étudiants, 25 $)

CCIM – Atelier sur l’innovation Un atelier interactif d’une demi-journée sur ce qu’est l’innovation, les barrières à l’innovation rencontrées dans les organisations, les défis du transfert technologique et l’importance des cultures corporatives et des processus. Des chefs de file de l’industrie présenteront des études de cas, suivie d’une discussion sur des aspects d’intérêt spécifique pour les participants. L’atelier s’adresse à tous les congressistes travaillant en exploitation minière et en exploration qui sont impliqués en technologie et à tous ceux intéressés par l’innovation. Formateurs : Peter Kondos, directeur principal, recherche et développement, Société aurifère Barrick; John F.H. Thompson, vice-président, technologie, Ressources Teck Limitée; William Westgate, Global Mining and Mineral Extraction EBO, 3M, et Alicia Blancarte, directrice exécutive, Conseil canadien de l’innovation minière | Heure : 13 h 30 à 16 h 30 | Coût : 150 $ (étudiants, 25 $) 118 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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9-12 mai 2010 | Vancouver, C.-B.

EXCURSIONS COMPLÉTEZ VOTRE CONGRÈS AVEC UNE EXCURSION À L’UNE DES EXPLOITATIONS MINIÈRES DE LA COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE. RÉSERVEZ TÔT – LES PLACES PARTENT RAPIDEMENT!

Teck Coal Limited – Mine Greenhills

Photo courtoisie de Teck Resources Limited

La mine Greenhills, située dans le sud-est de la Colombie-Britannique, est exploitée en vertu d’une entente de partenariat conclue entre Pohang Steel Canada Limited et Teck Ressources Limited. Le site minier compte 10 892 hectares de sols de charbon, dont environ 2 200 hectares sont actuellement en exploitation, ou en voie d’exploitation, et une réserve de 89 millions de tonnes de charbon épuré. Le système de gestion de qualité de Greenhill est conforme à la norme de qualité ISO 9001 et son système de gestion environnementale est conforme à la norme environnementale ISO 14001. Date : Jeudi 6 mai • Heure : Départ à 7 h, retour vers 19 h – 20 h • Coût : 900 $ (comprend la navette en direction et au retour de l’aéroport, l’avion nolisé et le repas du midi)

Northgate Minerals Corporation – Mine Kemess South Située à 430 km au nord-ouest de Prince George, la mine Kemess South est la plus importante mine d’or et de cuivre à ciel ouvert à avoir été exploitée dans le centre-nord de la Colombie-Britannique. La mine produit plus de 2,5 millions d’onces d’or et 620 millions de livres de cuivre. Le complexe Kemess South est constitué d’une mine à ciel ouvert produisant 52 000 tonnes par jour; de deux broyeurs (semi-autogène indépendant et à boulets traditionnels) suivis d’une flottation traditionnelle; d’une installation de stockage des résidus de première catégorie; et de l’hébergement pour plus de 400 employés à temps plein. Approchant de la fin de sa production, la mine Kemess devrait cesser ses activités au début de 2011, à moins que des réserves additionnelles de minerai soient mises au jour. Date : vendredi 7 mai • Heure : Départ à 7 h, retour vers 19 h – 20 h • Coût : 1 200 $ (comprend la navette en direction et au retour de l’aéroport, l’avion nolisé et le repas du midi)

Hillsborough Resources – Mine de charbon Quinsam La mine Quinsam est une mine souterraine de charbon thermique dont la production annuelle peut atteindre 520 000 tonnes de charbon épuré. Propriété exclusive de Hillsborough Resources, la mine est située à 27 km au sud-ouest de Campbell River, en Colombie-Britannique. Son exploitation a débuté à ciel ouvert en 1987, la production souterraine ayant commencé en 1990. Depuis 1994, 100 % du charbon extrait provient des activités souterraines. Quinsam produit du charbon bitumineux pauvre en soufre et hautement volatil. Le charbon est relativement dur, ce qui signifie moins de schlamms et une bonne facilité de manutention. Date : Samedi 8 mai • Heure : Départ à 7 h, retour vers 19 h – 20 h • Coût : 600 $ (comprend la navette en direction et au retour de l’aéroport, l’avion nolisé et le repas du midi)

Photo courtoisie de Northgate Minerals Corporation

Teck Resources Limited – Highland Valley Copper Highland Valley Copper est la plus importante mine de cuivre à ciel ouvert du Canada et est située dans le centre-sud de la ColombieBritannique. La mine produit des concentrés de cuivre et est également un important producteur de molybdène. Elle utilise des camions et des pelles mécaniques ainsi que les méthodes traditionnelles de forage et de sautage. La production de métal sous forme de concentré à partir du minerai fait appel au broyage semi-autogène et à la flottation traditionnelle. La durée de vie de la mine change à la suite d’une estimation prévoyant de nombreuses décennies additionnelles d’extraction et de production de concentré de son complexe de dépôt minéral, d’extraction et de traitement de première catégorie. Date : Jeudi 13 mai • Heure : Départ à 7 h, retour vers 19 h – 20 h • Coût : 250 $ (comprend la navette et le repas du midi)

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PROGRAMME SOCIAL ÉTEIGNEZ VOTRE BLACKBERRY. UNE FOULE D’ACTIVITÉS SOCIALES ONT ÉTÉ ORGANISÉES TOUT AU LONG DU CONGRÈS AFIN DE MAXIMISER VOS POSSIBILITÉS DE RÉSEAUTAGE. RÉSERVEZ VOS PLACES TÔT POUR ÊTRE SÛR DE NE RIEN RATER. LE SAMEDI 8 MAI BC Museum of Mining – Concert du groupe The Men of the Deeps Laissez vous emporter par Men of the Deeps, la seule chorale en Amérique du nord composée entièrement de mineurs de charbon. Une visite des installations historique de la mine Britannia est disponible. Cocktails et amusebouches seront servit avant le concert. Départ pour la visite du musée : 15 h | Départ pour les cocktails et le concert : 16 h | Retour : 21 h | Prix : 98 $ (concert) ou 105 $ (visite du musée et concert)

LE DIMANCHE 9 MAI Réception de la Société du charbon et des minéraux industriels de l’ICM Cocktails, amuse-bouche, réseautage et camaraderie sont au menu de la réception de bienvenue de la Société du charbon et des minéraux industriels. N’oubliez pas d’apporter votre carte professionnelle qui vous permettra de participer au tirage de fabuleux cadeaux. Heure : De 14 h à 16 h | Lieu : Salle 201 | Prix : Gratuit Réception d’ouverture Si vous cherchez une occasion de rencontrer des gens et d’échanger avec eux, vous ne voudrez certainement pas manquer la réception d’ouverture du Congrès et Salon commercial de l’ICM, commanditée par Komatsu. Un buffet et de nombreux divertissements seront offerts aux convives. Heure : De 18 h à 21 h | Lieu : Salle d’exposition de l’ICM | Prix : Compris dans les frais d’inscription

LE LUNDI 10 MAI Gala de l’ICM Le Gala de l’ICM rend hommage à toutes les personnes qui contribuent à la pérennité de notre industrie. À la demande générale, cette soirée animée par Fred Keating et commanditée par Caterpillar et ses concessionnaires canadiens mettra de nouveau en vedette Destino. Réception : 17 h dans le hall des salles de bal | Repas : 18 h | Lieu : Salles de bal, Vancouver Convention Centre | Prix : 150 $

LE MARDI 11 MAI Dîner de réseautage étudiants-industrie Un conférencier traitera d’un sujet qui intéresse les étudiants d’aujourd’hui qui souhaitent faire carrière dans le secteur minier. C’est une occasion à ne pas manquer pour les étudiants qui commencent à bâtir leur réseau de contacts. Heure : De 12 h à 14 h | Lieu : Salle 203 | Prix : Compris dans les frais d’inscription des étudiants Réception VIP Des chefs de file chevronnés de l’industrie et des invités se rassembleront pour une séance de réseautage de haut niveau. Sur invitation seulement Heure : De 16 h 30 à 18 h | Lieu : Salle 201 Réception du forum La place des femmes dans l’exploitation minière : passé, présent et futur Le forum sur La place des femmes dans l’exploitation minière, qui se tiendra à 15 h, sera suivi d’une réception de deux heures au cours de laquelle les participants auront l’occasion d’entendre le récit captivant d’une conférencière invitée. Heure : De 17 h à 19 h | Lieu : Salle de bal A, Vancouver Convention Centre | Prix : 25 $ (pour l’accès à la réception; le forum est compris dans les frais d’inscription) Réception et danse P&H Le gala P&H attisera vos sens alors que les feux d’artifice illumineront le ciel de Vancouver et que les fêtards se trémousseront sur la piste de danse jusqu’à tard en soirée. Heure : De 20 h à minuit | Lieu : Salles de bal, Vancouver Convention Centre | Prix : Gratuit pour tous les participants

LE MERCREDI 12 MAI Dîner de la Journée de finances et de gestion minières et de la Chambre de commerce Le conférencier, Pierre Gratton, président et chef de la direction, Mining Association of British Columbia, parlera de la renaissance de l’exploitation minière en Colombie-Britannique. Heure : De 12 h à 14 h | Lieu : Salle de bal D | Prix : 69 $

Autres occasions de réseautage Élargissez votre réseau de contacts. Un dîner et un cocktail auront lieu le lundi 10 mai et le mardi 11 mai, de 12 h à 14 h et de 16 h 30 à 18 h, respectivement. Venez vous régaler tout en faisant des rencontres et en explorant le Salon commercial. Remarque : Les frais d’inscription des participants au Congrès comprennent le dîner et un billet donnant droit à une consommation. 120 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

2 SONDEZ DE NOUVELLES CARRIÈRES LES MINES DANS LA SOCIÉTÉ Pour les membres de l’industrie, le salon Les mines dans la société est l’occasion de tisser des liens avec le public, en l’occurrence avec leurs clients potentiels et leurs futurs employés. Dans le cadre de ce salon qui se tiendra du dimanche 9 mai au mardi 11 mai, les participants pourront visiter des pavillons représentant les sept principaux aspects du cycle de l’exploitation minière : l’exploration, l’exploitation, le traitement, le développement durable, les produits/la transformation, la formation et la sécurité. Le dimanche, les visiteurs à l’esprit aventureux pourront gravir un énorme mur d’escalade fourni par The Edge Climbing Centre. En outre, le tirage d’un diamant aura lieu dans l’après-midi du dimanche (juste à temps pour la fête des Mères), gracieuseté de De Beers Group. La participation au salon à titre d’exposant est tout à fait gratuite; l’ICM fournit l’espace et les installations. Plus de 2 000 étudiants ont déjà confirmé leur présence à l’événement. Visitez www.mininginsociety.com/fra pour de l’information sur comment participer.

Comité organisateur Claire Thomson, Mining Association of BC • Diane Mitchell, BC Museum of Mining • Karin Greenless, Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. • Laura Clinton, PDAC • Patricia Dillon, Teck Resources Limited • Patty Moore, Wardrop Engineering • Shannon Norris, AME BC • Shannon Rhames, TANGENT Office Solutions • Sheila Stenzel, Mineral Resources Education Program of BC • Tammy Stevens, Wardrop Engineering • Jill M. Tsolinas, Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. • Alex Gerhardt, consultant

PARTICIPANTS À CE JOUR AME BC • Atlas Copco • BC Museum of Mining • Canadian Mineral Processors • Coal Association of Canada De Beers Canada • Equity • Federated School of Mines • Finning • Golder Associates Ltd. • Kal Tire Northgate Minerals Corporation – Kemess Mine • Knelson • Mineral Resources Education Program of BC Mining 4 Miracles & BC Children’s Hospital • Mining 4 Miracles Mine Rescue Team • Mining Association of Canada Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) • Northwest Community College/School of Exploration and Mining NRCan – Minerals & Metals Sector • Pacific Museum of the Earth • PDAC – Mining Matters • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP • Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. • Suncor Energy • Swank Interiors • Tarsis • Teck Resources Limited • Teck Trail Operations • Thompson Creek Metals • UBC: NBK Institute of Mining Engineering

FOIRE DE L’EMPLOI DE L’ICM Vous souhaitez changer d’emploi, vous perfectionner ou réorienter votre carrière? Pour être au fait des perspectives d’embauche dans votre secteur, assistez à la foire de l’emploi qui se tiendra dans le cadre du Salon commercial de l’ICM. Parmi les entreprises ayant déjà confirmé leur présence figurent Agrium Partnership, Cameco, De Beers Canada Inc., Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Goldcorp, la Compagnie Pétrolière Impériale Ltée, Ledcor Industries Inc., Rio Tinto et Teck Resources Limited. Ne manquez pas cette occasion de rencontrer de nombreux employeurs potentiels réunis sous un même toit!

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PROGRAMME DES ÉTUDIANTS COMMANDITÉ PAR BHP BILLITON, LE PROGRAMME DES ÉTUDIANTS VISE À AIDER CES DERNIERS À SE CRÉER UN RÉSEAU DE CONTACTS DANS L’INDUSTRIE. IL N’EST JAMAIS TROP TÔT POUR DÉMARRER SA CARRIÈRE! Lorsque les étudiants non membres de l’ICM s’inscrivent au Congrès, ils deviennent gratuitement membres pendant un an. Leur participation au Congrès leur donne également accès à plusieurs occasions de réseautage ainsi qu’aux plus récentes technologies de pointe et connaissances techniques de l’industrie, par l’intermédiaire des activités suivantes : • Programme technique et accès en ligne gratuit aux présentations techniques • Salon commercial, foire de l’emploi et salon Les mines dans la société de l’ICM • Visites guidées du Salon commercial de l’ICM • Forum sur Les femmes en exploitation minière dans l’industrie minière (tous les participants sont les bienvenus) • Réception d’ouverture de l’ICM, le dimanche (comprend deux billets donnant droit à une consommation) • Cocktail qui se tiendra dans le cadre du Salon commercial de l’ICM, le lundi et le mardi soir (comprend des billets donnant droit à une consommation) • Dîner sur les lieux du Salon commercial, le lundi • Dîner de réseautage étudiants-industrie, le mardi • Réception et danse P&H, le mardi soir • Réception de la Société du charbon et des minéraux industriels de l’ICM • et plus encore!

Concours d’affiches pour étudiants de l’ICM Faites partie des étudiants en sciences de la terre et en génie qui exposeront leurs connaissances devant d’éminents professionnels de l’industrie. Votre affiche peut porter sur une vaste gamme de sujets, de la géologie au développement durable en passant par l’exploitation minière et la minéralurgie. Au total, jusqu’à 4 000 $ en argent seront remis à des étudiants du premier cycle et des cycles supérieurs.

LES FEMMES EN EXPLOITATION MINIÈRE PASSÉ • PRÉSENT • FUTUR Les participants au forum sur Les femmes en exploitation minière dans l’exploitation minière, animé par Lyn Anglin, présidente et chef de la direction de Geoscience BC, auront l’occasion d’assister aux témoignages des membres d’un panel de femmes parmi les plus en vue de l’industrie minière d’aujourd’hui, lesquelles sont à différentes étapes de leur carrière et travaillent dans divers domaines. Les Lyn Anglin panélistes feront part aux participants de leur expérience de travail dans l’industrie. Il s’agit d’un événement à ne pas manquer, tant pour les hommes que pour les femmes. Les panélistes sont les suivantes : • Sophie Bergeron, chef d’exploitation, Amélioration continue, Xstrata Nickel • Barbara Caelles, géoscientifique • Carol Ellis, géoscientifique et professionnelle des services bancaires d’investissement, PI Financial Corp. • Julie Gelfand, vice-présidente du développement durable, Association minière du Canada • Judi L’Orsa, responsable de l’administration des subventions, Smithers Exploration Group • Karla Mills, ingénieure et chargée de projet, Wardrop Engineering • Courtney Mitchell, propriétaire unique, CSM Consulting • Michelle White, récemment diplômée de l’Université de Victoria Le forum sur Les femmes en exploitation minière dans l’exploitation minière sera suivi d’une réception, à 17 h, au cours de laquelle les participants auront l’occasion d’entendre le récit captivant d’une conférencière invitée. L’entrée au forum est gratuite, mais des frais de 25 $ sont exigés pour assister à la réception. Date : Le mardi 11 mai | Heure : 15 h | Lieu : Salle de bal A, Vancouver Convention Centre | Prix : Gratuit pour tous les participants

Dîner de réseautage étudiants-industrie Profitez de ce dîner de réseautage pour établir de nouveaux contacts avec des pairs et des membres de l’industrie ainsi que pour vous informer des perspectives de carrière et des possibilités d’affaires dans votre domaine. Préparez-vous à projeter l’image d’une personne branchée sur son milieu. N’oubliez pas de concevoir une carte professionnelle que vous pourrez distribuer pendant ce dîner et à l’occasion d’autres activités du Congrès; vous démontrerez ainsi le sérieux de votre démarche de réseautage. Le dîner de réseautage est également une excellente occasion d’échanger sur les connaissances acquises au sujet de l’industrie dans le cadre du Congrès. Une allocution d’un conférencier de BHP Billiton est au programme. 122 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

Sophie Bergeron

Barbara Caelles

Judi L’Orsa

Karla Mills

Julie Gelfand

Carol Ellis

Courtney Mitchell

Michelle White

PROGRAMME DES INVITÉS CHAQUE MATIN, DU 10 AU 12 MAI, LA SUITE DE RÉCEPTION DES INVITÉS, SITUÉE DANS LA SALLE MACKENZIE DU FAIRMONT WATERFRONT HOTEL, SERA OUVERTE POUR LE PETIT-DÉJEUNER, DÈS 7 H 30. UN PETIT-DÉJEUNER CONTINENTAL SERA OFFERT GRATUITEMENT JUSQU’À 9 H. LA SUITE SERVIRA DE POINT DE DÉPART POUR LES ACTIVITÉS ORGANISÉES À L’INTENTION DES INVITÉS.

Les secrets de la stimulation du cerveau Terry Small est un maître conférencier et un spécialiste de l’aptitude à l’apprentissage. M. Small a participé à des émissions sur CTV, BCTV, CKNW et Global et a écrit dans tous les principaux journaux du Canada. Il promet une confiance en soi accrue et un apprentissage plus amusant. Cette séance basée sur la recherche de pointe la plus récente en neuroscience vous fera acquérir les outils qu’il vous faut pour stimuler la puissance de votre cerveau, élargir votre esprit et améliorer votre santé. La séance Les secrets de la stimulation du cerveau comprend plein de conseils, d’anecdotes, d’idées et de stratégies pour vous aider à faire croître votre actif le plus important : votre cerveau. Date : Le lundi 10 mai |Heure : De 9 h à 10 h 30 | Lieu : Suite de réception des invités | Prix : Compris dans les frais d’inscription des invités

Cours de cuisine à Quince Ce cours de cuisine pratique commence par une démonstration de notre chef. Le groupe se divisera ensuite en petites équipes pour préparer les entrées, puis se déplacera vers le comptoir de service pour savourer le premier service et le vin d’accompagnement. Le cours se poursuivra avec la préparation du plat principal et du dessert, et le tout sera accompagné de vin à la table de la salle à manger. Date : Le lundi 10 mai | Heure : De 11 h à 14 h | Prix : 180 $ (comprend le transport, le cours de cuisine et le repas de trois services) | Code vestimentaire : Décontracté

Voyage d’un jour à Whistler Voyagez de Vancouver à Whistler en empruntant la majestueuse autoroute Sea to Sky qui offre des vues spectaculaires sur la baie Howe et la chaîne Côtière. L’autocar s’arrêtera pour permettre aux passagers de prendre des photos à Britannia Beach, à Shannon Falls et à Brandywine Falls. Les invités seront conviés à une visite guidée du Centre des sports de glisse de Whistler, où auront eu lieu les épreuves olympiques de bobsleigh, de luge et de skeleton. Ils pourront ensuite explorer les sentiers et les installations récréatives du site des sports nordiques au Parc olympique de Whistler. Date : Le mardi 11 mai | Heure : De 9 h à 17 h 30 | Prix : 210 $ (comprend le transport par autocar avec guide et le repas du midi) | Code vestimentaire : Décontracté et bonnes chaussures

Visite de la ville de Vancouver et du musée d’anthropologie Cette visite culturelle débute le long de la baie English, où les participants auront un premier contact avec l’art des Premières Nations de la côte Ouest sous la forme de l’inukshuk qui se dresse sur les berges de False Creek. Ils visiteront ensuite le musée d’anthropologie, qui est réputé pour son architecture spectaculaire et son emplacement unique sur les falaises de Point Grey. Les invités prendront leur repas du midi au Watermark Restaurant à Kitsilano Beach. La visite se poursuivra à la Douglas Reynolds First Nations Gallery, où ils auront l’occasion d’acheter une œuvre d’art ou un bijou d’un artisan local des Premières Nations. Date : Le mercredi 12 mai | Heure : De 9 h à 12 h | Prix : 50 $ (comprend le transport par autocar avec guide — repas non-inclus) | Code vestimentaire : Décontracté

February 2010 | 123

3 DÉCOUVREZ LES DERNIÈRES INNOVATIONS SALON COMMERCIAL DE L’ICM VOUS CHERCHEZ À FAIRE UNE BONNE AFFAIRE, ÉTENDRE VOTRE RÉSEAU DE CONTACTS OU DÉCOUVRIR LES PLUS RÉCENTES TECHNOLOGIES? VOTRE AUDITOIRE CIBLE SERA PRÉSENT AU SALON COMMERCIAL DE L’ICM… ET VOUS, OÙ SEREZ-VOUS?

Exposants à ce jour COMPAGNIE

KIOSQUE

124 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

COMPAGNIE Continental Conveyor Ltd Converteam Canada Inc. Cover-All Buildings Systems Inc. Cubex Limited Cummins Western Canada Custom House, A Western Union Company CWA Engineers Inc. Datamine Canada Inc. De Beers Canada Inc. DELKOR AMERICAS Derrick Corporation DMC Mining Services DownerEDi Mining - Mineral Technologies DSI Mining Canada Dualam Plastics, Inc. Dumas Contracting Ltd. Dyno Nobel Canada EasiFile Canada EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. Elasto Plastic Concrete Emeco Canada Endress+Hauser Enduride Canada USA Engineering Seismology Group Canada Inc. (ESG) Exactra Inc. Expander Explosives Partnership F.E. Schulte Strathaus GmbH & Co. KG Festo Inc. Firestone Speciality Products Flairbase Inc. Flanders Electric Motor Service Flip Productions Ltd. FLSmidth Dorr-Oliver Eimco Fluor Canada Ltd FMC Technologies Four Leaf Solutions Inc Fransen Engineering Ltd Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. fsc limited Fuller Industrial Corp. G Plus Industrial Plastics inc. GEA GROUP (GEA Barr-Rosin and GEA Westfalia Separator) Gemcom Software International Inc. General Electric General Kinematics Genivar GKM Consultants inc. Global Inspections-NDT, Inc. Global Site Solutions Inc. GMSI (GijimaAst Mining Solutions International) Goldcorp Golder Associates Ltd. Grindex Pumps

KIOSQUE 1229 741 748 901 1027 744 309 316 1501 844 1432 910 443 401 648 1016 1017 408 610 307 1422 1442 1151 1140 1250 1248 807 512 751 1427 1331 1223 808 817 718 826 1051 1146 1513 232 1028 1340 1410 1109 501 334 1334 1318 531 230 848 1515 1023 1048

Explorez le salon commercial. Trouvez les solutions.

9-12 mai 2010 | Vancouver, C.-B.

Exposants à ce jour COMPAGNIE Groupe Stavibel Inc. GUNDLACH Equipment Corporation Hatch Hedweld Engineering Pty Ltd. Hella, Inc. Hepburn Engineering Inc. High Strength Plates and Profiles Inc. HLS HARD-LINE Solutions Inc. Hyco Canada ULC Illumiti Inc. Imperial Oil Limited Imperial Oil Ltd. Independent Mining Consultants Inc Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. InfoMine Inc. InnovExplo Inc. Innoveyor Inc. INPRO/SEAL Inproheat Industries Inspectorate America Corp. Intec Export Intelligence Ltd. / South Africa South Africa Integrated Mining Technologies Inc. Intersystems ioGlobal Pty Ltd ITT Water & Wastewater Ivara J. Lanfranco Jebco Industries Joest Inc. Johnson Industries Ltd. Kal Tire Klassen Specialty Hydraulics Inc. Klohn Crippen Berger Knelson Gravity Solutions Krupp Canada Inc. L.P. Royer Inc. Larox Canada Layfield Group Ledcor Industries Inc. Leica Geosystems Inc. Les Industries Fournier Inc. Liebherr-Canada Ltd. Linatex Corporation of America Line Power Mfg. Corp. Loesche GmbH Luff Industries Ltd. LYNN Co Ltd. Maccaferri Canada Ltd. Machines Roger International Inc. MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited Makloc Buildings Inc. Mala GeoScience Marco Systemanalyse und Entwicklung GmbH Maschinenfabrik Köppern GmbH & Co. KG Matrikon Inc. Maxam Bulk Services McDowell Brothers Industries McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. MDH Engineered Solutions Corp. ME Elecmetal Mecanicad

KIOSQUE 1320 441 1101 233 1228 1217 645 1301 451 1233 1511 711 1210 608 301 1341 209 304 1235 305 0340, 0342, 0344, 0346, 0347, 0345, 0343, 0341 1420 308 1448 1129 1207 706 641 510 1400 911 448 326 516 822 1325 1007 1221 0926, 1507 1216 1342 701 619 647 508 929 1219 324 1329 1011 919 330 409 413 804 1249 1433 1418 1224 433 1324

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MegaDome Meglab Electronique inc. Met-Chem Canada Inc. Metcon Sales & Engineering Ltd. Metso Michelin North America Inc. Micromine North America Mincom Mincon Mining Equipment Mine Cable Services Corp Mine Design Technologies Mine Hoists International Ltd. Mine Site Technologies Mining Industry Human Resource Counci (lMiHR) Mining Technologies International Inc. Minova Canada Inc. Mintec, inc. MIRARCO - Mining Innovation MMD Mineral Sizing Montali Inc. Motion Metrics Int’l Corp. MPI Mobile Parts Inc. MTU Mullen Trucking LP Multicrete Systems Inc. Multotec Canada Ltd MWG Apparel Corp National Mine Service Natural Resources Canada - CANMET-MMSL NCS Technology Inc. NL Technologies Inc. Noramco Engineering Corporation Nord Gear Ltd. Nordic Mine Technology Inc. Nordmeyer GmbH & Co. KG North American Construction Group North Fringe Resources Inc. NOV Monoflo Novariant Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Optical Cable Corporation Orica Canada, Inc. OSIsoft (Canada) ULC Outotec (Canada) Ltd. P&H Mine Air Systems P.R. Engineering Limited Pacific Bit of Canada Inc. Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. Penticton Foundry Ltd Percon Construction Ltd. Peter Kiewit Sons Co. Petro-Canada Lubricants PhotoSat Pipeline Systems Incorporated Piteau Associates Engineering Ltd Placer Gold Design Plafolift Polar Mobility Research Ltd. POLARIS Laboratories, LLC Polycorp Inc. Pompaction Inc. Potti Corp.

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Exposants à ce jour COMPAGNIE Precismca Limited Procon Mining & Tunneling ProMinent Fluid Controls PSI Fluid Power Ltd. QMASTOR Queen’s University - Solar Power Car R.A.S. Industries Ltd. R.D.H. Mining Equipment Rajant Corporation Randy Smith Training Solutions Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Rexnord Canada LP Rezplast Manufacturing Ltd. Richwood Rimex Supply Ltd. Rio Tinto Rockwell Automation ROSTA Inc. RST Instruments Ltd. Runge Mining (Canada) Pty Ltd. Sandale Utility Products Scantech International Pty Ltd. Schneider-Electric Schwing Bioset, Inc. Scott Construction Group / AECON Sepro Mineral Systems Corp SEW-Eurodrive Co. of Canada Ltd. Shaft Drillers International Shareate Tools Ltd. Shell Canada SIEMAG M-TEC Inc. Siemens Canada Limited SimMine Simson Maxwell SlideMinder -Call & Nicholas Instruments Inc SM-Cyclo Canada SME - Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration SMS Equipment Inc. SNC-Lavalin Snowden Soprema Southwestern Mfg Inc. Sprague-Masering Stanco Projects Standard Machine Ltd. Stantec Starkey & Associates STC Footwear Superior Safety Inc. Svendborg Brakes Synergy Engineering Ltd. Takraf Canada Inc. Technosub Industrial Pumps Teck Resources Limited TECO-Westinghouse Motors (Canada) Inc. Tega Industries Canada Telsmith, Inc. TEMA Systems, Inc. Terra Remote Sensing Inc. Terra Vision / Commodas The Northern Miner Thermo Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific 126 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

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COMPAGNIE Thomas Engineering Ltd. / MDL Canada Thunderbird Mining Systems Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd. TRE Canada Inc. Trimay Wear Plates Ltd. Triple D Bending Trumer Schutzbauten Canada Ltd. Tundra Sales Inc. Unicast Inc. Unified Alloys United Petroleum Products Urecon Ltd. URS Global Mining Partners Vancouver Gear Works Ltd. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Voith Turbo Inc. Volvo Penta Canada W.S. Tyler Canada Wabi Iron & Steel Corp. WAGENER Schwelm GmbH & Co. KG Wajax Industries Wardrop Engineering Wellsite Masters Ltd. Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd. Westech WesTech Engineering Inc. Westeel Storage Solutions Western Canadian Screens Ltd. Western Protection Alliance Inc. Westpro Machinery Inc. WestRon Pumps, Compressors & Blowers Wilson Mining Products Wire Rope Industries Ltd. WireCo WorldGroup Wolseley Engineered Pipe Group Xstrata Technology Canada Ltd. York Portable Machine Tools ZCL Composites Inc.

KIOSQUE 1006 904 1148 1222 332 1047 216 505 949 544 442 1104 1024 827 945 833 220 1122 523 506 800 605 617 527 234 1009 200 649 1043 600 306 1316 229 1306 922 1243 1142 716

history Porphyry deposits (Part 3)* By R.J. “Bob” Cathro, Chemainus, British Columbia

“At no point on the globe are there developments of greater importance, or that are likely to have a more profound effect on the future of the copper industry. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that the Utah Copper Company is the pioneer in solving the question of the world’s future copper supply.” ~Stevens, 1907

Daniel Jackling (1869-1956); reprinted with permission of Utah State History

Samuel Newhouse (1853-1930), an underappreciated figure who made a major contribution to the development of the Bingham Canyon Mine as the president of the Boston Consolidated Mining Company. Courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society

Between 1900, when Samuel Newhouse obtained British financing for The Boston Consolidated Mining Company (the American subsidiary), and 1910, when it was taken over by the Utah Copper Company (UCC), the two companies competed vigorously to control the Bingham Canyon porphyry copper deposit. It was a struggle that Boston Consolidated should have won because it held the better land position. However, the outcome helped establish the reputation of Daniel Jackling as “the father of the porphyries.” Before moving to Republic, Washington, in 1900 to build a cyanide mill for Canadian interests headed by Clarence McCuaig, Daniel Jackling had established a reputation as a metallurgical engineer who specialized in cyanide milling at gold mines. While working for Joseph De Lamar at Mercur, he had been given an opportunity to join, as a junior member responsible for the mill tests, the engineering team that investigated the feasibility of developing Enos Wall’s Bingham copper property. His exposure to the senior members of that team and to the new mineral deposit model at Bingham enabled him to see that the future of copper mining would depend on scale of production, surface mining, and mechanization rather than on grade alone. That experience made a profound and lasting impact on his life. Daniel Cowan Jackling’s early rise from an impoverished background reads like a character in a Horatio Alger novel. He was born on a farm at Appleton, Missouri, in 1869, was orphaned two years later, and was raised on farms by relatives who, fortunately, recognized his intelligence and made sure he received an education. He graduated from the state Normal School and went on to complete a science degree in 1892 at the Missouri School of Mines, at Rolla. After teaching for a year at the School of Mines, he spent three years working as a miner, assayer, mill hand and metallurgist, mainly in the Cripple Creek camp in Colorado, where he met the Charles MacNeill group. His next assignment took him to Mercur, Utah, where he became construction and metallurgical superintendent for De Lamar at the Golden Gate Mine, which operated the largest cyanide gold mill in America. When he left Republic in 1901, he returned to Colorado to become a consultant to MacNeill’s United States Reduction and Smelting Company, which operated two mills at Colorado City that treated ore from mines at Cripple Creek. That gave him the opportunity to describe his ideas about Bingham to them. With their encouragement, he returned to Utah, and with the assistance of Hartwig Cohen, De Lamar’s former general manager, was able to secure an option from Wall by mid-1903. This led to another crucial examination of Wall’s property by a team composed of MacNeill, Spencer Penrose, his brother R.A.F. Penrose (a distinguished geologist) and Jackling, and then another detailed sampling program by consultant F.H. Minard. Minard reported that weathering of the sulphide zone had resulted in a surface zone of leaching about 15 metres thick with an average grade of about 0.75% Cu. It was underlain by a zone of chalcocite enrichment about 30 to 50 metres thick that averaged about 2% Cu, which was underlain, in turn, by unaltered primary ore averaging about 1.1% Cu. He estimated that the reserves of the enriched zone * This chapter is derived mainly from Krahulec (1997) with some additional background information from Parsons (1933) and Rickard (1932). In addition, Ken Kruhalek provided invaluable help in obtaining photos and other information. February 2010 | 127

economic geology outlined to date totalled approximately 8,150,000 tonnes at A. Chester Beatty. Now the timing seemed right, either an average grade of about 1.6% Cu. because they were better acquainted with the geology, or That was good enough for the MacNeill group, which were aware of improving technology, or perhaps the copper organized Utah Copper Company in June 1903. Jackling was market looked better. In any case, the large amount of given 50,000 shares, which he shared with Cohen. The new money involved and remaining doubts about the success of company acquired all but 20 per cent of Wall’s 75 per cent treating such low-grade ore made them conduct yet another interest in the property for $420,000 and De Lamar’s 25 per careful investigation. This one involved 16 junior engineers cent interest for $125,000 — a total price of $545,000. De at a cost $150,000 and took seven months, which Parsons Lamar, who had made the safe and sensible decision not to (1933) called “probably the most elaborate and thorough invest in the project, missed out on a fortune. However, when ever undertaken.” The report, written by Krumb, envisaged he died in New York on December 1, 1918 at the age of 75, probable ore reserves of about 35 million tonnes, with a fair his obituary in the Times claimed that he had made more than possibility of twice that amount, and it both confirmed the $20 million in Western mining. It also noted that he was pres- previous grade estimate and agreed with the development ident of the Dome Mine Company in Porcupine, Ontario, and approach. vice-president of the International Nickel Company. Guggenheim Exploration Company agreed to underUCC raised about $750,000 through the sale of bonds to write $3 million of bonds, its smelting affiliate bought about its Colorado backers, which provided enough money to con- $4.5 million of UCC stock, and ASARCO agreed to build a struct a 270 tonne-per-day test mill at Copperton, at the smelter and signed a long-term smelting contract. In mouth of the canyon. It was designed to verify the accuracy February 1907, the brokerage firm of Hayden, Stone & of the mine sampling, to determine the rates of recovery at a Company did another $1.5 million underwriting. This prolarger scale, and to test various crushing and concentrating vided enough funding for a huge integrated processing plant devices. Jackling quickly assembled a team of former milling and Jackling, as general manager, managed to construct it in associates from Mercur and second-hand equipment from a remarkably short time. It included: steam-shovel stripping Colorado, and had the test mill operational by April 1904. and open pit mining, which began in August 1906; the However, UCC still lacked enough capital to construct the 5,500 tonne-per-day Magma mill (the largest electric gravity large project that Jackling envisaged, including a steam- concentrator in the world), which was completed in June shovel stripping operation, so the mine had to be initially 1907; a 13,000 HP steam power plant; the company town of prepared for underground stoping. Garfield; and the conversion of the railway to standard Jackling now began to show the strength of his personality gauge. In addition, ASARCO completed a 2,050 tonne-perby enlisting the financial support of Daniel Guggenheim of day copper smelter near the mill in August 1906. The mill Guggenheim Exploration Co. and American Smelting & and smelter were constructed at the north end of the Refining Co. (ASARCO). This was a family enterprise started Oquirrih Mountains, 25 kilometres from the mine and close by the patriarch, Meyer Guggenheim, who had established prosperous lace, embroidery and wholesale grocery businesses in Philadelphia after immigrating in 1848. In 1879, following an urge to find something bigger for his seven sons to participate in, he bought a half-interest in a silver mine at Leadville, Colorado. After a bonanza lode was discovered, the family then invested in a lead smelter at Pueblo, Colorado, which they gradually leveraged into a vast enterprise. In the period between 1906 and 1912, the words Guggenheim and copper were to become almost synonymous. The Guggenheim group had been approached several times previously by Wall or De Lamar about investing in Bingham but had always refused. The group employed many of the leading names in American mining as engineers or consultants, men such as John Hays Hammond, Henry Map of the Bingham Canyon camp, ca. 1910. The two initial open pits are shown on “The Hill”; the peripheral lead-silver zones were being exploited with deep-level drainage/haulage tunnels and aerial tramways (Krahulec, 1997). Courtesy Krumb, Seeley W. Mudd and of the Society of Economic Geologists 128 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

economic geology For technical leadership in developing Boston Consolidated’s claims, he hired Louis S. Cates, a young MIT graduate, as his general superintendent. Boston Consolidated failed because Samuel Newhouse made a serious misjudgement when he became involved in another large copper project, the Cactus Mine in southwestern Utah, at the same time that he was building the Bingham project. It involved a 900 tonne-per-day A wide-angle view of the Bingham Canyon Mine, situated on “The Hill” at the junction of Bingham Creek (left) and Carr Fork (right), ca. 1908. Stripping of overburden and leached cap is well advanced on the Utah Copper mill, power plant, railroad and long property at the bottom of the hill; stripping has also started on the Boston Consolidated property near the top of drainage/haulage tunnel, and he even the hill (from USGS Professional Paper 111, 1920). introduced steam shovel stripping there a few months before it arrived at Bingham. to the Great Salt Lake, where water was plentiful and there The Cactus project failed, taking much of Newhouse’s forwas plenty of space for tailings disposal. Remarkably, UCC tune with it. The direct effect on Boston Consolidated was began to pay dividends in October 1908. that it became financially strapped and the Arthur mill Parsons (1933), who wrote the first detailed history of wasn’t completed until July 1909. The company had to be the Bingham Canyon Mine, was obviously quite close to sold to UCC in 1910 for shares worth $18.8 million. If Daniel Jackling and his book reads like the authorized Newhouse and Jackling had switched positions, Boston Jackling biography. When you read Parson’s account, and Consolidated would probably have been the surviving entity. even Rickard (1932), you quickly forget that Boston How good was Cates? He had been so astute and consciConsolidated ever existed. Krahulec (1997) has written a entious in protecting Boston Consolidated’s interests during more objective account based on a thorough review of the the years leading up to the merger that Jackling hired him, historical record during the period 1903 to 1910. It confirms and he stayed 20 years until becoming the president of the old adage that winners get to write the first version of Phelps Dodge in 1930. Parsons recounted this conversation history and shows that Samuel Newhouse deserves a signif- that took place between the two men after the merger: icant share of the credit for the development of the Bingham Cates: “I have made quite a lot of trouble for you off and on and Mine. Rather than being a weak follower, for example, you don’t think much of me anyway. I haven’t any desire to sit Boston began steam-shovel stripping three months before around doing nothing for two years just to collect salary on my UCC, and construction of its 2,700 tonne-per-day Arthur contract; so, it looks to me as if I might as well tear it up and mill near the Magma mill was started in July 1906, three get on my way.” months before UCC started work on the Magma mill. Jackling (after looking out the window for what seemed to Boston Consolidated held an important strategic advan- Cates an hour): “No, you haven’t shown much tendency to tage over UCC — its claims were higher on the hill, which cooperate with us. But one of the hardest things to find is a man gave it greater ore reserves above the level of Bingham Creek who works wholeheartedly in the interest of his employers. I and meant that UCC would be prevented from open pit min- rather admire you for your spunk. Stay around if you want to ing close to the common boundary in order to prevent its pit and we’ll find something for you to do.” wall from encroaching on the Boston property. Its main dis- Newhouse wasn’t left penniless. He still had part of his real advantage was that the leached cap became thicker (over 30 estate holdings in Salt Lake City, which included the city’s metres) with higher elevation and the oxide-sulphide first skyscrapers, the Boston and Newhouse buildings boundary was more irregular. As a result, Boston had to do (which still stand), and the Newhouse Hotel. In 1919, he more stripping before it could expose the enriched ore moved to a chateau that he had given his sister outside Paris, beneath and was forced to begin production in October where he died in 1930. CIM 1903 from an underground high-sulphide skarn orebody grading 5% Cu. Also, its initial porphyry ore grade was References lower than UCC’s (1.5% versus 2.0%). These were not serious problems that influenced the final result. Krahulec, K.A., (1997). History and production of the West Mountain (Bingham) mining district, Utah. In D.A. John & G.H. Ballantyne (Eds.), Geology and ore deposits of the Newhouse was a flamboyant entrepreneur with several Oquirrh and central Wasatch Mountains, Utah. Society of Economic Geologists decades of experience in mining. Although he came from a Guidebook, Vol. 29, pp. 189-218. completely different world than Jackling’s engineering backParsons, A.B. (1933). The porphyry coppers. New York: The American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. ground, he had George Hearst’s nose for ore and was an astute judge of talent. In his first successful endeavour at Rickard, T.A. (1932). A history of American mining. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. Bingham, Thomas Weir was his technical expert and helped Stevens, H.J. (Ed.). (1907). The copper handbook. Houghton, Michigan: The Stevens him turn Utah Consolidated’s unsuccessful Highland Boy Copper Handbook Company (published annually). gold mine into the first successful copper mine in the camp. February 2010 | 129

metallurgy The beginnings of mineral processing research in Canada (Part 2) By Fathi Habashi, Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering, Laval University

Mineral discoveries In the 18th century and, more significantly, during the 19th century, many important mineral deposits were discovered in Canada. Documenting and disseminating information on these discoveries fell to the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys in Ottawa, a task it performed ably.

Canada. The quest for gold led to the building of first the famed Cariboo Road and later the railways, making the settlement of the West possible. Had it not been for these developments, the colony would likely have not been part of Canada and would have been claimed by the new American Republic to the south.

Fossil fuels The coal industry, which forms the backbone of the metallurgical industry, is concentrated in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton region. In Canada, coal was first discovered there in the 1720s before being found in other Canadian regions. In addition to its metallurgical uses, coal was also used as a fuel for steam locomotives when railways came to Canada. The first oil well in North America was drilled in 1857 by Canadian James Miller Williams (1818-1890) at Oil Springs near Sarnia, Ontario. When World War II threatened the tropical sources of natural latex for rubber, Sarnia was selected as the site to develop synthetic petroleumbased rubber for war materials. The Polymer Corporation was established by Dow Chemical at the request of the Canadian government. More oil was piped from Alberta to Sarnia, soon making oil refining and petrochemical production the mainstays of the city’s economy. The large salt beds found under Sarnia were a source of chlorine and another significant ingredient in the city’s successful economy.

Copper The Acton Mine in Quebec, which operated from 18591864, was once considered the most important in the world. In 1888, a large copper deposit was discovered at Britannia in British Columbia. From 1925 to 1930, the Britannia Mine was the largest copper producer in the British Empire. The mine, now a National Historic Site, produced 50 million tonnes of ore over its 70-year history. Iron From 1736 to 1883, the Forges Saint-Maurice produced iron from local bog iron ore to supply settlers and the military. The first iron works in Upper Canada, the Marmora

Gold Gold was discovered in 1858 in British Columbia which, at that time, was a preserve of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The company officially discouraged settlement because it interfered with the lucrative fur trade. Nevertheless, news of the discovery spread rapidly and soon tens of thousands of largely American prospectors arrived in the province. By The Saint-Urbain operation featured coke oven beehives (top of image) and two blast 1860, however, gold was depleted in the region and furnaces. many of the miners had either returned to the United States or dispersed further into the British Columbian wilderness in search of unstaked riches. Ironworks near Peterborough, Ontario, began production This diaspora resulted in other gold rushes on the in 1822 with two charcoal-fired blast furnaces, a forge with Columbia River. In 1896, rich placer gold deposits were two sets of water-powered hammers, and special hearths discovered in the Yukon. The discovery of gold in British for the production of iron bar. Unfortunately, the operation Columbia proved to play a pivotal role in the unification of could not hold its own for long against the more modern 130 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

metallurgy

ironworks of Ontario and Nova Scotia, which employed coke-fired blast furnaces. Between 1871 and 1873, the Canadian Titanic Company, which was controlled by English capital, built two blast furnaces for processing titaniferous iron ore at Saint-Urbain-de-Charlevoix, about 110 kilometres north of Quebec City. In 1901, the Dominion Iron and Steel Company built the first integrated steel works at Sydney, Nova Scotia. Steel products were first manufactured in Canada in the 1880s. By the early 1900s, steelmaking centres had been established at Hamilton and Sault Sainte Marie in Ontario and at Sydney in Nova Scotia. Iron and steel production, which had grown gradually until World War II, accelerated rapidly as the post-war economic boom created a tremendous demand for steel.

Asbestos Although the fireproof properties of asbestos were known to the Greeks and Romans, true industrial-scale use of the mineral took off only after large deposits were discovered in Quebec in 1874. Asbestos mining in Quebec, which commenced on a small scale in 1877, was the precursor, by many years, of asbestos mining in Russia and South Africa, which began in 1895 and 1900, respectively.

founded at Buckingham, Quebec, in 1897. The company built one of the world’s earliest electric phosphorus plants to produce elemental phosphorus.

Nickel In 1883, a rich copper discovery was made accidentally near what is now Sudbury, Ontario, during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Soon, the Canadian Copper Company was established. In 1886, ore from the Sudbury area was sent to New Jersey for smelting by the Orford Copper and Sulfur Company. However, it was found that on smelting, the ore produced a pale yellow metal and not red copper, as expected. On analysis, the product was found to be a nickelcopper alloy. Of the numerous attempts made to separate the nickel from the copper, one was especially promising. In 1891, a technique that later became known as the Orford process was developed. The process used sodium sulphate, a waste product of a nearby nitric acid plant, as a flux. In 1902, the Canadian Copper Company and the Orford Copper Company merged to form the International Nickel Company, which later became known as INCO. The Orford process remained in use until 1948, when it was replaced by the controlled cooling process. Lead and zinc During the 1890s, following notable discoveries at Rossland, Kimberley and elsewhere, the first major lead smelters were erected in British Columbia. The Sullivan lead-zinc deposit at Kimberley, which was discovered in 1893, proved to be one of the largest in the world. In 1902, the Betts process was applied to refine lead electrolytically. Two years later, Canada’s first flotation plant was erected at Rossland, British Columbia. During World War I, the first hydrometallurgical zinc plant was constructed at Trail in British Columbia.

Asbestos deposits in Quebec

Phosphate rock In the second half of the 19th century, Britain’s growing fertilizer industry depended on mines in Quebec and Ontario for its phosphate supplies. The first of these mines started in 1850 and was most active between 1878 and 1892. By 1895, output had declined owing to the discovery of significant deposits in Florida. Despite competition from south of the border, the Electric Reduction Company was

Silver In 1903, silver was discovered at the southern end of Long Lake in northern Ontario. The discovery was made by two railwaymen during the construction of the newly formed Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway. The locality became known as Cobalt because the local silver ore contained appreciable amounts of cobalt. By 1911, there were more than 100 mines in operation. However, the town’s glory was short-lived and by the late 1920s, the boom was over and the town of Cobalt began to decline. Titanium In 1941, the presence of ilmenite on Quebec’s North Shore was confirmed following exploration work carried out by the Quebec Ministry of Mining. In 1946, after February 2010 | 131

metallurgy

A chunk of Quebec’s massive ilmenite deposit

intensive drilling by Kennco Explorations, the Canadian subsidiary of Kennecott Copper, an immense ilmenite deposit was discovered in the Allard Lake area, near a small lake that would be named Lac Tio. Located 43 kilometres northeast of Havre-Saint-Pierre, this deposit was recognized as the world’s largest ilmenite deposit. This was unusual because ilmenite is usually found as black sand at the mouth of rivers. In 1948, Quebec Iron and Titanium Corporation (later, QIT-Fer et Titane) was founded to extract iron and titanium dioxide from the ilmenite ore using electric furnaces, which were the first of their kind in the world.

American Cyanamid Company and many other leading chemical and processing companies were based. In 1892, electrical engineer Thomas Leopold Willson (1860–1915) unsuccessfully attempted to compete with the entrenched Hall process and tried to produce aluminum by reducing aluminum oxide in an electric furnace. He then tried to produce calcium from lime and to use it to make aluminum. In doing so, he obtained a fragile black crystalline that generated a gas on treatment with water. Being inflammable, the gas was presumed to be hydrogen. It was still mysterious because, unlike hydrogen, it burned with a luminous flame. Later, chemists at the University of North Carolina correctly identified the gas as acetylene. The confirmation of the gas as acetylene was based on Wöhler’s 1862 preparation of calcium carbide. He had heated a zinc-calcium alloy with coal and noted the reaction of the resultant substance — calcium carbide — with water to form acetylene. Wöhler’s work had been largely regarded as a mere laboratory curiosity. Willson, however, had found a cheap method to prepare calcium carbide and acetylene on large scale. Not long afterwards, in 1895, it was discovered that calcium carbide, when heated in an atmosphere of nitrogen, formed cyanamid. From cyanamid, itself a fertilizer, ammonia and a number of other products could be made. Willson, who was was born in Princeton, Ontario, into a Loyalist family who had fled America during the

Niagara Falls and the development of the mineral processing and chemical industries The electrification of Niagara Falls was a major step forward in the industrialization of Canada. It made the use of electrical energy for metallurgical applications possible. The Niagara Falls Power Company, the forerunner Left: Thomas Leopold Willson (1860–1915); Right: A plaque in Woodstock, Ontario, commemorates Willson and his contribuof the modern public utiltion to the chemical industry. ity, was founded in 1893 as the pioneer producer of electricity on a large scale from water power. Revolution, went to school at Hamilton. At the age of 21 he Niagara Falls also became the first centre of the coun- left for New York. In 1898, after discovering the method try’s electrochemical industries. It was there that The for large-scale acetylene production, he founded Union Carborundum Company, Union Carbide and Carbon Carbide in Spray, North Carolina. He was confident that Corporation, Hooker Electrochemical Company, acetylene would soon replace city gas used by municipaliMathieson Alkali Company, Acheson Graphite Company, ties for illumination and heating. He then returned to Norton Company, Aluminum Company of America, Canada in 1914 to organize the Union Carbide Company of Canada at Welland, Ontario. CIM 132 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

technical abstracts Exploration and Mining Geology Journal Evaluation of the Efficiency of Several Airborne Electromagnetic Systems: Exploration Implications L.Z. Cheng, Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Québec R.S. Smith, Fugro Airborne Surveys, Ottawa, Ontario M. Allard, Xstrata Zinc, Saint-Laurent, Québec P. Keating, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, M. Chouteau, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Département des Génies civil, géologique et des mines, Montréal, Québec J. Lemieux, M.A. Vallée, Fugro Airborne Surveys, Ottawa, Ontario D. Bois, Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Québec D.K. Fountain, Fugro Airborne Surveys, Ottawa, Ontario

Geological Society

Excerpt taken from abstracts in EMG, Vol. 18, Nos. 1 to 4. Subscribe— www.cim.org/geosoc/indexEMG.cfm

ABSTRACT A comparison of data from INPUT, GEOTEM, and MEGATEM airborne electromagnetic (AEM) systems over the Aldermac deposit, Québec, Canada, has been undertaken to evaluate the relative efficiency of these systems for the detection of small, deep conductors. The Aldermac orebody was mined between 1933 and 1934 to a depth of 200 m. A deeper mineralized zone was discovered in 1987. The MEGATEMII system was used to acquire 90 and 30 Hz data over the deposit in 2003 as part of a research project. These MEGATEMII data were compared with data acquired by other AEM systems (GEOTEM and INPUT), and the results show that the MEGATEMII response is ten times larger than the other systems. For the dB/dt response, 30 Hz gives a better signal-to-noise ratio, whereas 90 Hz has a better signal-to-noise ratio on the B-field. The data were evaluated by numerical modeling. The deposit was best represented by a complex model, comprised of two weakly conductive bodies to approximate the alteration halo, two deeper prisms representing known ore bodies, and three bodies ranging in thickness from 3 to 6 m and resistivity from 12 to 20 ohm.m representing the chargeable overburden. This implies that the MEGATEMII system is able to see a small conductive body at more than 200 m depth in an area where the response is contaminated by conductive overburden. RÉSUMÉ Une comparaison de données d’INPUT, de GEOTEM et de MEGATEMII sur le dépôt d’Aldermac, Québec, Canada a été entreprise dans la présente étude, afin d’évaluer l’efficacité relative de ces systèmes aéroportés pour détecter les petits corps conductibles profonde. Le gisement d’Aldermac a été exploité entre 1933 et 1934, jusqu’à une profondeur de 200 m. Une lentille plus profonde a été découverte en 1987. Dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche, le système (AEM) électromagnétique aéroporté MEGATEMII a été utilisé pour acquérir les données à 90 et 30 Hz sur le dépôt en 2003. Ces données MEGATEMII ont été comparées avec les données acquises par d’autres systèmes AEM (GEOTEM et INPUT), et les résultats ont montré que la réponse MEGATEMII est dix fois plus grande que les autres systèmes. 30 Hz donne le meilleur rapport signal au bruit pour la réponse dB/dt, alors que 90 Hz donne le meilleur rapport sur le champ de B. Les données mesurées sont évaluées par des modélisations numériques. Le dépôt a été le mieux représenté par un modèle complexe, comprenant deux corps à faible conduction représentant l’auréole d’altération; deux prismes plus profonds représentant des corps minéralisés connus; et trois corps variant de 3 à 6 m et ayant une résistivité de 12 à 20 ohm.m, représentant le mort-terrain chargeable. Cela indique que le système MEGATEMII est capable de voir un petit corps conducteur à plus de 200 m en profondeur dans une région où la réponse est contaminée par un mort-terrain conductible. February 2010 | 133

technical abstracts Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly Use of the Cone Expansion Test to Assess the Potential for Longitudinal Seam Failure in Extruded AZ31 and AM30 Mg Alloy Tubes J. Hiscocks, L. Jiang, J.J. Jonas, Department of Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec P. Martin, K.P. Boyle, CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada R. Mishra, General Motors Research & Development Center, Warren, Michigan, United States

Effect of Magnesia Addition on Physical Properties and Slag Attack Resistance of Ultra-Low Cement Castables (ULC) Y. Kutmen Kalpakli, Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy, Department of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey S. Yilmaz, Istanbul University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey

Excerpts taken from abstracts in CMQ, Vol. 48, No. 2. Subscribeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;www.cmq-online.ca

134 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

ABSTRACT Magnesium generally has limited ductility which, in the case of extruded tubes, may be further reduced at the extrusion seams. These are locations where the material flow separates and rejoins during extrusion and are unavoidable when a hollow profile product is continuously extruded. When this type of magnesium tube is stressed along the circumferential direction, as in hydroforming, tube ruptures consistently occur along the extrusion seams. The aim of this project was to investigate the propensity to fail at these locations by means of cone expansion tests. These were performed to failure on batches of both magnesium AZ31 and AM30 tubes, at several temperatures and compression rates. In this paper, the role that microstructural changes at the seams such as those associated with precipitate dispersions, local texture changes, grain size changes and entrained material, play in failure is discussed. The sources of these irregularities in the extrusion process are discussed and some means of removing or mitigating them are presented. The most important cause of fracture is shown to be the voids present at the interface between the slowly and rapidly flowing streams of the material within the die. The effects of the extrusion parameters on the extent of such void formation are considered.

ABSTRACT In this study, tabular alumina and seawater magnesia were used to synthesize in situ Al2O3-MgO spinel castables. SecarÂŽ 71 cement was used as a binder. In order to produce in situ formation ofAl2O3-MgO spinel castables, the effect of MgO content on refractory properties was investigated by adding to the mixture at the proportions of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 wt%. Using 5 wt% content of MgO decreased the bulk density of castables to 3.03 g/cm3 and increased the porosity to about 17.43%. In situ spinel formation in samples led to the expansion in its lattice as well as an increase in the porosity. On the other hand, 5 wt% MgO had a positive effect on Cold Crushing Strength (CCS) of the castable. SEM investigations of fired samples were carried out to compare the effect of MgO addition and in situ phase formation on the physico-mechanical properties of castables. The effect of MgO content on the mechanism of slag penetration of ultra-low cement castables (ULC) for steel ladles was examined and the penetration layer was chemically analyzed.

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Mining – Your Foundation for a Better World By Sean Waller, president and director, Candente Copper Corp., CIM District 6 vice-president, and general chair of the CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010

anada is a global leader in mining, not only in its ability to unlock the value of mineral deposits, but also in the transfer of leadingedge best practices in the areas of safety, technology, finance, corporate social responsibility and community development. It is imperative that we continue to take the lead in these areas and, to this end, we can all play an important role. CIM is working hard to support Canadians and Canadian mining companies, both on the home front and abroad. It liaises closely with various governmental departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has demonstrated world-class leadership in the area of resource and reserve definition, and was selected by the Canadian government to develop the newly established Centre for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility. In keeping with CIM’s extended global reach, the CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 will have a significant international component. When the 2010 organizing committee met for the first time more than a year ago, one of our early tasks was determining an appropriate theme for the conference. A number of excellent suggestions were put forth, all of which revolved around the importance of mining to people and communities, and the continued development of the global standard of living. The chosen theme for this year’s conference, “Mining – Your Foundation for a Better World,” is a reflection of the historical role that mining has played in the development of 138 | CIM Magazine | Vol. 5, No. 1

communities, countries and economies, and an affirmation of the impact mining has on everyday life. Mining is clearly a global activity, and the CIM Conference and Exhibition has customarily reflected this. The tradition continues at this year’s conference, with an emphasis on the strong mining industry ties between North America and Latin America. The Plenary Session, Technical Program, and Management and Finance Day all include significant Latin American components. Pablo De la Flor, vice-president Corporate Affairs, Compañía Minera Antamina S.A., will join this year’s honorary chair, Don Lindsay, president and CEO of Teck Resources Limited, and an impressive lineup of speakers at this year’s Plenary Session. The Technical Program includes two sessions dedicated to Latin American mining projects, and a number of other presentations will also address social and community development in Latin America. The final session of Management and Finance Day will entail a panel discussion of industry executives and experts on the business side of the global mining industry, centred on the theme of “Mining Developments in Latin America within the Global Context.” The CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 in Vancouver is just around the corner and the organizing committee, a host of dedicated volunteers and the CIM national office are working hard on finalizing last-minute details to ensure delegates, exhibitors and visitors enjoy the best mining conference in North America. Vancouver has just welcomed the world for the Winter Olympics — what better venue for welcoming the mining world to the CIM Conference and Exhibition 2010 this coming May. I look forward to seeing you there! CIM

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