All aboard Q2 2015 by AEL Mining Services

Athletes roasting at the Mielie Marathon

AEL supports student development at Wits Chemistry Society's career day

AEL Egypt touches the hearts of children

ALL ABOARD Second Quarter 2015 I Ethics Line: 0800 205 280

Dear Colleagues

Contents 3

Welcome aboard our new Managing Director, Edwin Ludick

AEL’s Head of Mining Optimisation makes strides at IOQ

AEL supports student development at Wits Chemistry Society’s

annual career day

Abigail Arosie, AEL’s Global Manufacturing Excellence Manager

believes in the power of collaboration

WEETR - Looking toward the future with electronic blasting

systems 8

Quality Book Review

Increasing our Visibility

Meet Quality Champion John Samb

10 Benning making his mark! 12

Recognising top performance at the Tube Drawing Plant

Athletes roasting at the Mielie Marathon

AEL Egypt touches the hearts of children

Babies on board

Wayne’s Word

AEL CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

Welcome aboard our new Managing Director, Edwin Ludick

Editor’s Note

Welcome to the latest issue of our employee newsletter displaying how AEL teams across the AEL world push our performance above and beyond. Our employees have constantly proven their resilience and determination to achieve success built on the foundation of our Group values of being bold, being innovative, going green, being engaged and being responsible. The past quarter has been bursting with victories achieved through employees’ display of boldness and benevolence. Some of our highlights include:

AECI announced the appointment of Edwin Ludick as Managing

AEL Knowledge Transfer where we commend our Global Mining Optimisation Manager, Simon Tose, one of the bastions of AEL’s intellectual property, who consistently evolves AEL’s expertise in the technical field.

Director of AEL effective from 24 July 2015. Edwin joined Chemserve as a Human Resources Manager

AEL Engagement focuses on nurturing future generations of engineers and scientists by providing career guidance at Wits Chemistry Society’s annual career day.

in 1991, was appointed to its Executive Committee in 2008 and to its Board in January 2010. He joined AECI's Executive Committee later in 2010.

Under our AEL Showcase section, we celebrate the resounding success of yet another WEETR which saw AEL experts on the ground convening for two days of presentations and knowledgesharing.

Edwin has served as Managing Director at four companies in the specialty chemicals cluster and as Chairman of several

AEL Movers & Shakers showcases AEL’s human capital. We chat to Abigail Arosie, Global Manufacturing Excellence Manager who prides herself in driving solutions for a sustainable future.

others. He is currently also a member of the Specialty Chemicals Executive Committee. He has a BCom (Hons) degree from UNISA.

AEL Pay it Forward keeps you abreast of our CSI initiatives globally, read about Egypt’s endeavours to enhance school facilities in Marsa Alam.

We welcome Edwin to the AEL family and wish him every success in his new role.

AEL in the Field reminds us that our employees make fine hosts! Read all about the blood, sweat and tears during the epic Mielie Marathon! Finally, in our AEL Family section, we celebrate the birth of the newest additions to the AEL clan and get a dose of motivational morsels in Wayne’s Word. We look forward to hearing from you our valued readers; please submit your stories from your site, office or home for the next issue by emailing eubulus.pillay@aelms.com. As we gear up for the next phase of 2015, let us keep the alignment between our personal objectives and our company’s business objectives to better serve the market. Eubulus

Cover Image: Students at the WITS Chemistry Society Career Day

Contact Details: Eubulus Pillay - All Aboard Editor I Tel: +27 11 606 0313 I Fax: +27 11 605 0000 I eubulus.pillay@aelms.com I www. aelminingservices.com

All Aboard © AEL Mining Services

Second Quarter 2015

All Aboard © AEL Mining Services

Second Quarter 2015

Simon Tose, Global Mining Optimisation

detailed how AEL has tested and developed

Investing in the knowledge transfer of industry best-practice

Manager, was elected as a board member of

ways to ensure safety and ease-of-selection

to graduates is one of AEL’s greatest priorities as we believe

the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ).

of explosives and initiating systems in

this significantly contributes to job creation and addresses skill

situations where a specific additional hazard

shortages.

AEL KNOWLEGDE-TRANSFER

This was confirmed following the IOQ’s AGM

may exist.

on 16 April, before the start of the institute’s

Simon Tose g Global Minin r anage M n io t a is im Opt

With this top of mind, AEL participates in the annual Wits

annual conference, which brought together

Tose and one of his colleagues, AEL’s

Chemistry Career Day. This year’s event took place on Friday, 17

260 registered industry delegates this year.

Blasting Science Manager, Sandy Etchells

April at Senate House, University of the Witwatersrand. AEL’s

participated in the Sub level caving

objective was to help equip students with information about their

workshop: Technical Developments in

career prospects after obtaining a degree in chemistry.

Tose has represented AEL at several international key symposia, conferences and colloquiums over the years.

AEL ENGAGEMENT

AEL supports student development at Wits Chemistry Society’s annual career Day

AEL’s Head of Global Mining Optimisation makes strides at IOQ

Breakage, Fragmentation, Flow and Recovery in Sub Level Caving (SLC) at the Fragblast

AEL representatives at the event included Brenda Hadley, HR

11 Conference from 24-26 August in Sydney,

Business Partner; Steton Tembe, Technologist and Ayanda

Australia.

Zici, Marketing Assistant from our Human Capital. Research & Development and Marketing divisions respectively. They answered

They looked at the design and optimisation of

questions about AECI group bursaries and AEL’s student vacation

the blasting in a sub-level caving application,

work opportunities.

and focussed on the AEL product offerings such as Ring software, electronics, sticky

The day proved to be a great success as our stand attracted over

emulsion, and expertise in other massive

300 students with whom we had the opportunity to discuss AEL’s

mining operations, to enable this.

leadership position in the explosives industry as well as career opportunities across AECI’s group of subsidiaries.

Tose, a well-respected and highly

Congratulations to Simon Tose on being a

accomplished industry stalwart, has

motivational leader who is a driving force

The students were excited to engage with AEL and asked

published several ground-breaking papers

to the team enabling them to craft future

questions pertaining to bursaries; vacation work; graduate

including “A scientific perspective of blasting

innovation!

programmes as well as opportunities for biochemistry, pure chemistry and chemical engineering graduates within AEL and the

in hot holes and reactive grounds”, which

AECI group. The overall impressive by students was that AEL is the employer of choice.

Students engaging with AEL experts at the exhibition

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Second Quarter 2015

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Second Quarter 2015

AEL MOVERS AND SHAKERS

AEL SHOWCASE

Abigail Arosie, AEL’s Global Manufacturing Excellence Manager believes in the power of collaboration.

ALL ABOARD CHATTED TO ABIGAIL – an avid fitness and sports enthusiast who shares insight into her role at AEL. All Aboard: Give us a brief background of

keep abreast with what is coming up on the

your career path.

technology front. I enjoy innovation which

Abigail: After qualifying as a Chemical

makes work and life easier.

Engineer I started as a Production Engineer at Johnson Matthey. I then became the

All Aboard: Do you see yourself as a leader

Continuous Improvement Manager at

or a team player?

Kraft Foods and Manufacturing Excellence

Abigail: None of us is as wise as all of us. I

Manager at Unilever.

see myself as a leader who harnesses the

Delegates at the WEETR exhibition

WEETR 2015 - Looking toward the future with electronic blasting systems

collective talent in teams. All Aboard: How long have you been employed by AEL Mining Services?

All Aboard: What is your vision/ goal for the

Abigail: This July marked my first

future within AEL?

anniversary at AEL.

Abigail: I believe AEL has the opportunity to realise its vision by leveraging talent through

All Aboard: What does your portfolio entail?

collaboration. My aim is to nurture the talent

What are your key responsibilities?

in our human capital.

Electronic products were the hot topic at the 2015 Workshop for Explosive Engineers and Technical Representatives (WEETR), which took place between 24 and 25 June at the Velmoré Hotel Estate in Pretoria.

Abigail: Operational Excellence seeks to increase the efficiency of AEL operations,

All Aboard: Tell us something interesting

simplify processes and eliminate waste.

about yourself?

I lead a team responsible for providing

Abigail: My claim to fame is growing up in

guidance on the use of proven diagnostics,

the same neighbourhood as Charl Langeveld

lean methodologies and tools to improve

(ex Proteas Cricket team player) and Peter

business processes and performance across

De Villiers (Springbok Rugby Coach 2008 –

the value chain. We do this through on-the-

2011). Lol! Maybe that’s why I am an avid fan

job coaching, training, auditing and leading

of both these sports.

Kicking off the event, which saw AEL delegates from across the globe convene for two days of fascinating presentations, Executive: Technology, Liesel de Villiers outlined the company’s ambitious plans to sell 4 million electronic units by 2017. She said that this means both new and existing customers will need to be converted to electronic systems, which will be aided by improvements to AEL’s current options in addition to new products which will be revealed in the near future.

improvement projects. All Aboard: What are your interests, All Aboard: What is your modus operandi?

hobbies or sporting activities away from the

Abigail: I engage with my team by adopting

office?

three essential principles to leadership:

Abigail: Running is one of my passions. I

humility, clarity and courage.

enjoy the outdoors and am also a member of

Johann Smit, Director of Marketing at DetNet, AEL’s electronic technology enabler, explored some of these innovations, including the 4G chip which is expected to go on trial later this year.

the AEL Running club. I often participate in All Aboard: What are we doing to stay

a race on Saturday mornings. Every now and

relevant and on the cutting edge?

then I can be spotted watching a Blue Bulls

Abigail: By adding to my core competencies

match at Loftus Versfeld stadium. Fitness

and continuously improving my knowledge

and sport are in my blood!

and skills, I am able to stay relevant. I also 6

turing c a f u n a Global M anager, M Excellence osie r Abigail A All Aboard © AEL Mining Services

The improvements to electronics will see the integration of data to enable real-time analysis and optimisation decisions with a future focus on automation and autonomous mining, Smit told

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All Aboard © AEL Mining Services

Second Quarter 2015

delegates. Christo Peltz, product manager at AEL, then detailed the stringent testing processes that AEL’s electronic detonators must undergo in order to meet the highest of standards. These detonators must still be functional even after major stress testing, including surviving 1 750 direct impact hits, being dropped from a 5 metre height in various orientations and withstanding temperatures ranging from -20°C to 80°C. Peltz also told the fascinated audience how these detonators have been tested to withstand lightning strikes, not only in order to fail-to-safe but to also remain functional after a hit. This is achieved because the design of these detonators allows energy to be channelled out to ensure the current never reaches sensitive electronic components. Over the two days, the attendees at WEETR engaged with each other to learn from their colleagues through case study presentations of how AEL’s products and services are being received globally. The delegates learned about the implementation of electronics in Australia from Sean Rodger and Bruce

Lee; vibration and air-blast monitoring in Botswana with Tshepo Modise; explaining precise drilling for precise timing in Indonesia with Carlos Paz and the application of a centralised blasting system in Zimbabwe with Vincent Tsoriyo. These presentations gave insight into the successes and challenges global markets are having and how AEL is assisting to overcome these for customers. For example, Tsoriyo’s presentation estimated that by implementing a Vertical Drop system one mine could reduce transport times of their explosives by up to 80%, giving the mining house an advantage in an extremely competitive market. WEETR 2015 proved a great success by imparting knowledge about how AEL is constantly innovating ways to save the customer time and money, while simultaneously keeping processes safe and efficient. The conference also demonstrated that by working closely with one another and being supported by cutting-edge technology and expertise, AEL is perfectly positioned to reach the goal of selling 4 million electronic units by 2017.

AEL QUALITY

INCREASING OUR VISIBILITY

Quality Book Review: The Power of Communication

The Nitrates plant at Modderfontein is piloting a new communications platform for Quality – the new noticeboard is designed to be easily updated and visually appealing to anyone who wants an update of Quality at AEL.

Linnea Cloete

When I first picked up The Power of Communication

world of business and how through this effective

by Helio Fred Garcia I was concerned it was going

communication you can achieve brilliant results.

to be another one of those academic tomes filled with heavy jargon and step-by-step lists on how

The Power of Communication is divided into three

to technically communicate. I was pleasantly

parts. The first, Leadership and Communication is

surprised to learn that the writing is of a similar

about connecting with audiences. These focus on the

style to Malcolm Gladwell (of Tipping Point and

concepts of:

Meet Quality Champion John Samb

Outliers fame). It is conversational and Garcia uses fascinating examples to explain key points, often

• Words matter

where famous people or companies communicated

• Taking audiences seriously

well or communicated poorly and the lessons learnt

• Words aren’t enough

from these.

• Speed, focus, and the first mover advantage

All Aboard: What is your role at AEL? John: I am a Supplier Quality Assurance Officer that ensures the incoming materials are fit for purpose. My role in AEL is to prevent non-conforming materials from entering into the manufacturing process. My expertise lies in packaging material, packaging qualification and transportation of explosives with these materials.

• Initiative and manoeuvring

Essentially The Power of Communication is an interesting look at how communication can help or hurt a cause. It also provides lessons on how to build effective communication skills. While I am not usually sold on military style leadership Garcia’s book builds on the U.S. Marine Corps’ legendary publication Warfighting, and it is effective.

The second part, Strategy and Communication, is about planning and execution. This chapter focuses on goals, strategies, and tactics. In other words, the planning and preparation of communications.

All Aboard: What do you value about working to AEL? John: I value my colleagues who are specialists in different fields and who are willing to help when I am in need. At AEL, Safety is the most important thing. We are encouraged to take care of ourselves and the environment at work and at home. This teaching has increased my awareness of safety and it makes me proud to work for a company that puts my safety first.

Part three, Building Skills, is about getting good at communicating well and provides four chapters that deal with areas of performance; the physicality of audience engagement; content, word choice, framing, and meaning; audience attention, and how hearts and minds work. Essentially it is putting it all together,

All Aboard: How is Quality important to you? John: In Quality you get what you want. Most people want good quality in areas of life. Nobody is willing to compromise on quality. In my life, I place high importance on quality. This drives me to produce quality work in my area of operation.

allowing you to become a habitually strategic communicator.

Garcia took a book that has been used as a guide on strategy doctrine in the Marine Corps, and

This book is for anyone who wants to be more

showed how the same lessons and principles

effective with communication, because all of the

apply to effective communication in the everyday

principles can apply to most business situations. I

All Aboard: Who is your role model in life and why? John: My father is the most caring man I have ever met.

highly recommend the The Power of Communication!

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All All Aboard Aboard © AEL © AEL Mining Mining Services Services I Second I Second Quarter Quarter 20152015

He has always been the biggest role model in my life. He is an inspiration every day as he stands by me no matter what, through both happy and sad times. As I grow older, I tend to look to the lessons my father taught me and transfer these to the children around me. All Aboard: What is the most exciting thing to ever happen to you? John: The most exciting moment for me was an indoor football match while at school, when I was 15 years old. I managed to score a winning goal, there were many spectators and I felt like a champion when the school’s principal congratulated me. All Aboard: What is one thing you want to do before you die? John: I would like to take my family on a flight to an exotic destination for a holiday.

All Aboard: If a movie were made about your life, what would the title be and who would star as you in the movie? John: “Light at the end of the tunnel” starring my son. I always believe that there is hope and any challenge can be overcome with a positive attitude. My son’s zest for life makes him a main player in my life.

AEL ENERGY

Benning making his mark! Mark Benning, Divisional Director North East Africa, accomplished a mean feat by conquering the Alpe D’Huez in the French Alps. Armed with great courage, he proved his resilience and overcame obstacles to emerge

I finally got up Alpe d Huez on 19th May. Seems many

I got to the top after 1h40:31:32; 20 minutes - faster

victorious by fulfilling one of his greatest cycling goals.

things conspired against me making this ride. I was

than planned in13.75km at an average pace of 7mins

supposed to do this last year, but my wife, Mandy,

19secs per km. The temperature at the top was 7.1°C

couldn’t get a visa so it was postponed.

according to Garmin and confirmed on the public

A detailed account by Mark Benning...

thermometer. My average speed was 8.2km/h, total Alpe D’Huez is a cycling legend.... and it didn’t get to be

Then, after driving for 6 hours within 40kms of Bourg

ascent 1108m; average cadence 49rpm and average

that way by being an easy climb! All road cyclists have

d’Oisans (the town at the bottom of Huez) we were

HR 159bpm.

probably thought about cycling Alpe D’Huez one day.

told the tunnel had collapsed and we had to make a 5 hour detour via Italy and the Alps to get here. Due to

Just to put this into context the record for this climb

With 21 hairpin bends over 13.8km and an average

the late arrival I did not get out early and was met by

is 37minutes 35 seconds held by Marco Pantini in the

gradient of 8%, it’s not the longest or steepest climb, but it

inclement weather.

1997 Tiour de France.

to 15 minutes of climbing for most of us - are the steepest

To exacerbate the situation, two days before the climb

The wind chill factor on the way down at 70km/h froze

part, averaging around 11%.

I was bitten by a Mountain Pyrenees dog while on a

my feet and my hands, I couldn’t go faster as the roads

training ride. No pain, no gain. I started the ride in

were wet and slippery and the bike didn’t like it. They

On the way up it is surreal to think you are climbing the

pouring rain and winter gear with a temperature of

were numb for 30 minutes once I got back to base.

most famous mountain of the Tour de France.

about 15°C.

is relentless. The first 6 bends up to La Garde - around 10

Overall, this was a great experience. It gave me a lot

Mark on the route

After 20 minutes I was overheating and stopped to

of respect for the TDF riders who ride this mountain

strip down the arm warmers and windbreaker, then

on the penultimate day of the race, after 110kms in

The 13.8-kilometres of tarmac slithers its way from Bourg

again later I stopped and removed the leg warmers.

the saddle and two huge climbs en route to the iconic

d’Oisans to the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez in the French

Then it was all the way to the top. More rain, mist, sun

mountain peak.

Alps.

and wind.

Although Alpe d’Huez is a regular fixture of the Tour de France now, it was not used in the race until 1952, providing the location of the Tour’s first ever summit finish. The climb wasn’t used by the Tour again until 1976, when both the sport and the resort had rapidly developed. Since then, the climb has made Tour champions, and broken the hearts and bodies of many others – and not just racers. The climb has become a ‘must do’ ascent for cyclists, and is a mecca for bike-bound pilgrims every year when the snow melts away.

Mark facing the challenge head-on

Mark braving the adverse weather conditions Schematic - the route up

Second Quarter 2015

AEL MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE

On 17 July the Tube Drawing Plant (TDP) half-yearly awards ceremony took place at the Modderfontein Golf Club. The event hosted by Thulani Mhlongo, ISAP - TDP Manager focused on the plant’s performance for the first half of the year and offered commentary on the number of business objectives that were met. Mhlongo and the management team updated the employees with detailed presentations outlining the previous six months performance and shared new insights on the projected performance for the second half of the year. Plant employees were commended for their hard work, dedication

and exemplary performance with performance awards. The celebrating of employees’ performance raised staff morale and will undoubtedly drive them to achieve higher performance levels.

AEL IN THE FIELD

Recognising top performance at the Tube Drawing Plant

Athletes roasting at the Mielie Marathon Vagner Pinto, Operations Manager ISAP, presenting the awards

Paul Eagar, Executive: Initiating Systems Operations

The 37th AEL Mielie Marathon took place on Sunday, 25 January 2015 in Welkom. In this year’s extreme weather conditions of intense January heat, the marathon attracted

“Congratulations to all our TDP employees for their consistent performance over the past six months. Their contribution adds value to our organisation.

250 participants. The first leg of the 42km long route was manageable for the runners as the heat was moderate but the last leg saw the athletes trudge along in the blistering sun along

This event is tailored to encourage our employees to deliver on their objectives. Having employees whose personal objectives are aligned with those of the company, results in great success,” said Thulani Mhlongo, TDP Manager.

the new route that included a trail through Odendaalsrus before heading to the finishing strait in Welkom. The AEL Mielie marathon is a qualifying race for the coveted Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Ultra Marathon. Joseph Molaba from Team Bidvest was first Thulani Mhlongo, TDP Manager adressing employees

Benjamin Madire, Continuous Improvement Engineer, MC at the event

across the finish line with a personal best of 2:18:23 and Helen Squirell-Amstrong won the ladies’ category with a time of 3:27:33. Several veteran athletes also participated in the marathon. 75 year old Arthur Curry, the ex-Chairman of Welkom Harriers, came all the way from Durban just to participate. Curry was instrumental in establishing the marathon in the 1980’s. AEL employees are proud to be a part of an event of such

The AEL Team of race marshals ensuring smooth running of the day

great stature and look forward to hosting the event next January.

The TDP Management team and proud team members

Second Quarter 2015

AEL PAY IT FORWARD

AEL Egypt touches the hearts of children

AEL FAMILY

Babies on Board AEL proudly introduces our latest inventions… Congratulations to the mums and dads who have engineered new improved models of themselves. May your babies bring you great joy!

In the recent edition of the Blasting News (Quarter 1 2015), AEL Egypt’s Corporate Social responsibility Programme in the Red Sea Governate town of Marsa Alam, which is the nearest town to the Sukari Gold Mine where AEL has a bulk operation, was introduced. Following an analysis of the various options for embarking on such a programme by the Human Capital Officer Ahmed Ilmirghany, it was decided to focus on the needs of a number of schools in the town. In collaboration with the local Islamic Authority a series of visits identified and prioritised the issues Petronella Mofokeng’s precious baby girl, Reabetswe, born on 19 May 2015.

that most urgently required attention. These were categorised as ‘quick fixes’ and ‘longer

and the top needs were agreed upon with each of the school authorities. These included the provision of fresh drinking water and covered areas to provide shade during the student breaks. Although this is a company initiative, the reigns of responsibility for making things happen on the ground were taken up by Hannes Swanepoel, Regional Manager Egypt. Much of the equipment and materials for the project were purchased by the company, and Hannes and his operational team worked after hours and during their roster breaks to install and erect the various items in the schools including 10 fire extinguishers, 5 fire hydrants, 20 whiteboards, 3 industrial drinking water coolers, an electric bell, 20 electric wall mounted fans (temperatures get to 50 degrees Celsius in the hot

summer months), a sound system. A large covered

British International School (NCBIS) as part of a

area to provide shade will also be installed.

project.

Leanda-Marsha’s cute little girl, Avelo, born on 10 January 2015.

However, Hannes and his family went even further

In thanking her, Mark Benning, Managing Director

Why is Compliance Important?

and made a heart-warming personal contribution

wrote in a thank you letter to Chinelle ‘Our time

Compliance is important because it is:

by giving their time and energy to re-decorating the

is one of the most precious things we can give,

classroom of the kindergarten children at the school

especially when it is to someone who truly needs it.

in Marsa Alam.

I have no doubt that what you have done will leave

Legal Requirement IT’S THE LAW!

an impression with the children who have benefitted Hannes’s wife Charmaine and two daughters,

from your charity and I trust that you have enjoyed

Chinelle and Carika-Jane, joined him for a few days

the experience of giving to those less fortunate than

in Marsa Alam and together they set about painting

you. It takes a special person to do what you have

artful murals. This no doubt enhanced the learning

done. I hope you are proud of yourself because you

environment.

have every right to be.’

Wayne’s Word Risk Of Non Compliance

Customer Satisfaction Consumer Protection

GOOD BUSINESS SENSE!

Investor Confidence

In addition, Chinelle raised more than 1,000 items of stationery from her fellow students at the New Cairo

Part of motivating a team that displays efficiency, often requires a reality check. Who better to take on this challenge than one of our fearless leaders, Wayne Du Chenne - Executive: SADC. He has a knack to crack the toughest nut and bring out the best. His latest serving is a famous Dutch proverb:

He who has butter on his head, should stay out of the sun. Definition: If you're not perfect, you'd better tone down, take stock of yourself and re-align with the team. His sometimes acerbic-tongued titbits help to sharpen team focus and realign synergies.

compliance@aeci.co.za

Sylvia Maloka’s adorable daughter, Katlego, born on 19 December 2014.

Hannes Swanepoel’s family painting the murals

term’ projects. The visits highlighted a number of critical areas where such a programme could assist

Sibusiso Khumalo’s handsome little boy, Modise Khumalo, born on 9 December 2014.

Second Quarter 2015

A 2000-ton blast just happened here.