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THIS EDITION • Kestrel pulls off clean sweep of major rescue titles • Fears new bidding system will shut out junior explorers • All the colour of Queensland’s Battle of the Mines comps • The next big thing - industry experts share their views
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NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
1
COVER IMAGE: Lady Loretta geologist Adam Campbell inspects ore from the new Xstrata Zinc mine. Photo: Roslyn Budd
November 2012
3 Exploration spotlight
FEATURES 13 Ivanhoe Australia Feature
An updated JORC Code brings a raft of changes, including tougher standards for disclosure of cut-off grades used in calculating mineral resource estimates. Meanwhile the introduction in Queensland of a competitive cash bidding process for highly prospective coal, petroleum and gas tenements has drawn industry outcry.
14 Coal and Gas Update News in brief across the coal and gas industries.
16 Industry Update - Hard Rock A comprehensive wrap of exploration and operations in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
8-9 Uranium unleashed
18 Between Shifts
The lifting of Queensland’s uranium mining ban is expected to spark an explosion of exploration activity, and Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady believes the region could crank into production sooner than many people think.
22 Whitsunday Promotion 24 Building NW Queensland
10 The next big thing
25 Drilling and Exploration 26 Living Remotely
From automation to virtual reality training programs and military drone technology penetrating new fields, industry experts discuss the developments set to change the face of mining as we know it.
27 Heavy Machinery Review 28 Building Mining Communities
12 Five-star treatment
30 Emergency Response and Rescue 31 Wet Season
Coal mining giant BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance will require all light commercial vehicles on its sites to meet top crash safety rating standards by 2016.
32 Training 33 Shutdowns 34 Regional Engineering Teams
36-40 Battle action
35 Big Boys’ Toys
This edition brings four pages of competition highlights, characters and colour from mining industry rugby league tournaments in north-west and central Queensland.
36 Battle of the Mines
CONTACTS p. (07) 4755 0336 f. (07) 4755 0338
Managing editor:
......................... Robert
Dark m. 0417 623 156
Email: ............................................................... info@miningadvocate.com.au
Journalist: ............................... Bruce Macdonald m. 0418 154 016
Address: ......................................... U3/11 Carlton St, Kirwan, Q, 4817
Sales: ................................................p. (07) 4755 0336 m. 0417 623 156
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Advertising booking deadline January edition: December 19 All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced in part or in full by any means without written permission of the managing editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.
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NEWS
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Kestrel in rescue comp clean sweep This CQ crew beat interstate rivals to continue its 2012 winning streak, writes Belinda Humphries. The Kestrel Mine Rescue Team has made a clean sweep of this year’s prime underground competitions by taking out the national title. The team, from the Emerald area, won the 50th Australian Mines Rescue Underground Competition in October ahead of eight other teams from Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. Rio Tinto Coal Australia says it is the first time a mine has won the three rescue competitions open to Queensland sites in the same year – with the national honour following Kestrel’s triumphs in the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Memorial Cup and the EK Healy Cup. “No other site in Queensland has achieved this record and it is a reflection of the team’s strong work ethic and safety leadership,” Kestrel mine general manager operations John Coughlan said.
The team is now eligible to represent Australia in the International Mines Rescue Competition in Poland in 2014. As well as being named overall winners of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service Memorial Cup and EK Healy Cup competitions this year, Kestrel won the George Carbine Shield for excellence in first aid and captain Derrin Powell won the Matt Best Trophy for best captain at the EK Healy challenge. Queensland Mines Rescue Service operations manager and chief assessor Ray Smith said the only thing the Kestrel team had not won this year was the Chief Inspector’s Trophy, awarded during the EK Healy Cup competition for theory work. “Not bad for a team that was thrown together two weeks before the QMRS Memorial Cup,” he said “For them to take out everything is full credit
to Darren Prince, their main trainer from Queensland Mines Rescue.” Mr Smith said Queenslanders had been proud to see the interdistrict shield stay in the state for another year, after it was claimed by Oaky No. 1 in 2011. The 2012 Australian Mines Rescue Underground Competition included a day of competition at Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine and a day at Mastermyne’s Myne Start training facilities in Mackay. The New South Wales teams of Angus Place and North Wambo placed second and third in the national competition. They were followed by central Queensland’s Grasstree mine, Appin colliery, North Goonyella mine, the Tasmanian team, Newcastle and Crinum. The competition was followed by a presentation dinner attended by 250 guests at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on October 19. Kestrel Mine Rescue Team captain Derrin Powell, who has been in the team for eight years,
The Crinum team works on a patient in an Australian Mines Rescue Underground competition scenario. Photo: Damien Carty
said the group was delighted and overwhelmed to come away with the win from what had been a challenging arena. “I’m proud that the team performed so well across such a
wide range of safety exercises,” Mr Powell said. • Presentation night social pics - Page 18 • Blackwater rescue hat-trick - Page 30
NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
Land lockout fear A new tenement bidding regime has sparked industry outcry, writes Belinda Humphries.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) fears juniors will be shut out of prime exploration ground. Photo: Roslyn Budd
Mining juniors fear Queensland’s new cash bidding system for tenements will lock them out of the best prospects. Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) regional manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory Bernie Hogan said the membership was generally very displeased with the policy. “If forced to compete on a cash basis, the smaller exploration companies are never going to win out against multinationals for the most prospective land,” he said. The new competitive cash bidding process will apply to companies seeking the right to explore on highly prospective coal, petroleum and gas resource tenements in Queensland. Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps announced the change in October, saying the move to a competitive
process would maximise the benefits associated with these resources to all Queenslanders and discourage exploration permits being warehoused for on-sale. “Through competitive cash bidding, companies will bid for the right to explore highly prospective land made available through tender and a preferred tenderer will be identified through a rigorous assessment process,” he said. Mr Cripps criticised the “predictable rhetoric” from the resources sector protesting the change and said peak groups failed to note the Queensland Government’s strong encouragement of junior explorers through significant investment under the $18 million Greenfields 2020 program. “Junior explorers will not be shut out in Queensland, with only
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highly prospective resource areas put to a cash tender; tenements for which smaller companies would, in all likelihood, not be able to independently demonstrate works programs to satisfy government requirements for rapid development,” he said. Mr Cripps said there would continue to be non-cash land releases in greenfield and underexplored areas. Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said even larger companies within the QRC membership were uncomfortable with the policy. “They have the cheque books to be able to successfully bid for these tenures but they acknowledge it’s the juniors that are better at efficient use of capital at exploration stage,” he said. A cash bidding system would essentially price out the juniors, who had been at the forefront of exploration in Queensland, Mr Roche said. “Reflecting on the experience in NSW, where the former government accepted very large payments for exploration ground, it does also give rise to concerns about a moral hazard for the Government,” he said. “If they are accepting large payments for exploration tenure, can the community be confident that the Government is therefore not conflicted if that company comes along and seeks to turn that into production tenure?” Mr Roche said the best way of getting returns to the community from the exploitation of the State’s non-renewable resources was through a royalty tax system, rather than putting barriers in the way of exploration.
JORC Code cracks tackled An updated JORC Code is set to tighten up requirements for companies to provide information on cut-off grades and other key assumptions used in calculating mineral resource estimates. Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee executive member Steve Hunt flagged the changes, saying industry feedback during a review of the code showed companies’ inconsistency in disclosing such information was a big issue. The key role of the JORC Code is to ensure consistently high quality and transparent reporting of exploration results and estimates of mineral resources and ore reserves to the market. The new version is expected to be approved as part of the ASX listing laws before the end of the year and there will be a 12-month transition period to introduce it. While the code previously encouraged discussion of the cut-off grades used in resource and reserve calculations, many people had failed to do this, Mr Hunt said.
He said it would now be mandatory to provide specific comment on the basis companies had chosen to use regarding cut-off grades in these calculations. “What the new code is asking is that there should be a clear discussion of it – it may mean the figures or, if not giving the figures, then explaining the basis of the assumptions. They can’t say nothing,” Mr Hunt said. Inconsistency on this point made it hard for people, including investors, to compare and understand the exploration results and assets of companies, he said. North Queensland mining consultant Ross Thomas said the cut-off made a significant difference to a resource total and it gave a much truer reflection of a project’s potential if that figure was declared. ‘’If I was a company representative making a resource statement I only need to make a small percentage change in the cut-off grade to have a significant impact on the overall resource calculation which no doubt has commercial implications’’ Mr Thomas said.
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NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
5
Golden dawn for Mt Carlton A new mine in Bowen’s hinterland is kicking into gear, writes Belinda Humphries. Construction work at North Queensland’s Mt Carlton goldsilver-copper mine is almost complete and excitement is building as the commissioning phase begins. Evolution Mining chief operating officer Mark Le Messurier said about 300 people were working on the site at the start of November, mainly in construction. Many were due to demobilise before Christmas - leaving the operating workforce and some commissioning personnel. “It’s getting exciting. We’ve seen the new processing plant and mine infrastructure grow before our eyes and we’re nearing the end of the construction phase,” Mr Le Messurier said. “We have had the mining workforce in place since April and we’re currently recruiting the people who will work in the processing plant.” Commissioning of the site’s 800,000-tonne-per-annum processing plant is expected to begin in late November and finish in January. Project construction started in December 2011 and
mining is well under way at Mt Carlton’s A39 silver pit and the V2 gold, silver and copper pit. The mine site, 150km south of Townsville in the Bowen hinterland, has a 12-year mine life based on known resources. However Evolution is spending $5 million on exploration in the area this financial year alone. “Our tenements are located within a highly prospective, multi-million ounce gold province with excellent opportunities to expand our existing resources,” Mr Le Messurier said. The development of the $170-$180 million operation is a positive for the region at a time when the Bowen Basin coal industry has been shedding hundreds of jobs. Evolution Mining expects to employ about 135 people on site when the mine is in full production, with an expected output of about 85,000 ounces of gold in concentrate per year to be shipped to two smelters in China. Mr Le Messurier said the company had worked hard to recruit locally, running workshops in Ayr, Bowen and
The Mt Carlton mining operation, 45km north-north-west of Collinsville, under construction.
Townsville to alert people to the opportunities at the new mine. Whitsunday mayor Jennifer Whitney said there was a buzz in the region due to various resources projects nearing realisation, which was great news for economic growth. She expected action within 12
months on the GVK Hancock Coal and Adani coal projects, which involve rail and port developments in the Bowen area. “It will be a massive jobs boost for Bowen,” Cr Whitney said. Projects like Mt Carlton and QCoal’s expansion plans in the Collinsville area also
contributed to local employment opportunities, she said. Evolution Mining, formed through a merger of Catalpa Resources and Conquest Mining, is Queensland’s No. 1 gold producer. •Whitsunday feature – Pages 22-23.
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REGIONAL ROUND-UP
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Cape York
Townsville-Mount Isa
Cape Alumina says it is “full steam ahead” for its Pisolite Hills bauxite proposal after the Queensland Government declared it a significant project. The controversial project was placed on hold in 2010 when the company said buffer zones the former Labor government imposed under the Wild Rivers Act made it unviable. Cape Alumina managing director Graeme Sherlock said the Newman Government’s commitment to due process and a new regulatory regime for Cape York had given the company the confidence to revisit the project. “Given the amount of work that we have already done on the Pisolite Hills project, we will be able to fast-track its development and submit the EIS (environmental impact statement) for the Commonwealth and State governments’ consideration by the end of 2013,” Mr Sherlock said. The proposed mine site would include part of a property purchased by “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s family, with plans for a wildlife reserve, and has copped flak from critics including actor Russell Crowe as well as conservation groups. Cape Alumina said the Pisolite Hills bauxite project would boost economic activity by $1.2 billion and create or sustain more than 1700 jobs over the operation’s 15-year life.
The push to improve rail transport between Mount Isa and Townsville gained steam as the newly formed North Queensland Resources Supply Chain Steering Committee met for the first time. Chaired by Xstrata Copper’s Steve de Kruijff, the 11-member committee includes executives from Incitec Pivot and Blackwood coal, Richmond Mayor John Wharton, MITEZ (Mount Isa Townsville Economic Zone) executive officer Glen Graham and various transport industry fiugures. “The idea is to ensure infrastructure and efficiency is maintained and improved for the future through improving rail infrastructure and roads,” Mr de Kruijff told The North West Star. Cr Wharton told ABC Radio the rail line between Mount Isa and Townsville was carrying top-shelf product, but was not operating as efficiently as it could. “It’s not a matter of not having enough freight, it’s a matter of more efficiencies that can be gained... the railway line is not up to the state of the coal lines,” he said.
Rockhampton Too big to dig? The debate on fat as a workplace safety issue raged after reports on the case of Blackwater miner Ian Mattson. The “morbidly obese” miner, deemed unfit to operate heavy machinery because of a significant risk of a sudden cardiac arrest, recently won a legal challenge against his job loss. A Rockhampton Supreme Court justice had previously upheld a health assessment finding against the 160kg-plus miner, but three Court of Appeal justices set the report aside and awarded costs, The Morning Bulletin reported. Justice Margaret McMurdo found the relevant legislation scheme was “not concerned with the risk of a worker developing an illness or other condition in the future” but was about fitness for work at the time of assessment. Mr Mattson told local press he may be a big man, but he was fitter than most. He said there were plenty of people working at Curragh mine who were a lot bigger than him and still able to do their jobs. “Out at Curragh, I’m a baby,” Mr Mattson said.
Emerald Gregory mine workers came together at the Mayfair Tavern to mark the end of an era as the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance coal operation closed in October. Outgoing CFMEU Gregory Mine Lodge president Kevin Stockton was among those hanging up his hard hat, taking voluntary redundancy after 32 years at Gregory. “Tonight means a lot. It’s a gathering for people who have worked together for a long time - a final send-off for a group of workmates that spent much of their life together,” Mr Stockton told CQ News. BMA in September announced its plans to cease production at the open-cut mine, part of the Gregory Crinum complex near Emerald, from October 10. The company said the operation was no longer profitable in the economic environment of falling prices, high costs and a strong Australian dollar. “The Crinum underground mine will continue to operate along with the Gregory coal handling preparation plant. The remaining operations will be made more competitive by the removal of the high-cost Gregory production,” BMA asset president Stephen Dumble said.
Roma Brisbane-based developer Consolidated Properties is tapping into the rich vein of opportunity in the Surat Basin, with plans to construct Roma One Business Park at a cost of $50 million. It recently finalised the purchase of a 55ha site for $3.5 million and construction is expected to begin early next year on what will be the only broad-hectare commercial development of its kind in the resource-rich region, The Courier-Mail reported. In addition to 28 commercial lots, the site also has approval for an 850-person accommodation village and an 80-room motel. Ray White Metro agent Gary O’Shea said Roma’s property market had strengthened across the board on the back of billions of dollars of investment by major oil and gas companies, The Chronicle reported. Recent infrastructure investment has included a $14 million upgrade to Roma Airport.
Ipswich Hundreds of people gathered at Redbank to commemorate the lives of more than 1470 workers killed in over two centuries of mining in Queensland. The state’s 5th annual Miners Memorial Day service was held at the Collingwood Park Sports Complex on September 19. CFMEU industry safety and health representative Greg Dalliston said it was important to remember that while it had been 18 years since Queensland’s last major mining disaster, not a year had gone by without a fatal incident since 1882, The Queensland Times reported. Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps described Miners Memorial Day as a very important day on the mining industry calendar in Queensland. Meanwhile, the Collinsville Miners Memorial Day ceremony attracted a strong attendance on October 13, marking the 58th Anniversary of the disaster when seven coal miners died in a carbon dioxide outburst at the State No 1 tunnel, the Bowen Independent reported.
NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
7
Not alone in feeling isolated Resources sector families are reaching out to one another, writes Belinda Humphries. Kim White knows the difficulties of family separation caused by a fly in-fly out roster and her recent shift from Ipswich to Gladstone has also made her familiar with the isolation that can accompany such a move. Mrs White, whose husband is employed by John Holland on one of the Curtis Island LNG construction projects, is reaching out to others in similar situations through a new Mining Women Support Group in Gladstone. While the group is going well and a story in The Observer attracted much positive feedback, she admits she was a bit shocked at a few of the online responses. “Harden up and stop the whining you reap what you sow and there is a price for everything including BIG MONEY!” said one posting. Another stated, “we’re supposed to feel sympathetic to a group of people working for corporations who are decimating our area both socially and ecologically? Oh do come on.” But Gladstone Regional councillor Rick Hansen said such negativity was coming from a minority group and that the community overall was mostly welcoming to newcomers. “I applaud Kim for doing something like this,” he said of the support group. “It is needed in the community and welcomed by most.” He said the council also had services to welcome newcomers including morning teas, promotional “Gladstone Bags”
and a community advisory service. Mrs White started the Gladstone group after coming across a Facebook page of Victoria Murray, the Yeppoonbased founder of the Mining Women Support Group. “I have big hopes for the future, to have the opportunity to support women in any type of isolating situation in Gladstone – whether they have relocated because of the construction boom, whether their husband works away on Curtis Island or at one of the mines,” she said. Husband Andrew started work at Curtis Island in April and was originally working four weeks on-one week off, leaving Mrs White and baby Adelaide at Ipswich – where she had a close network of family and friends, but was missing her husband. “There was also the heartbreak
of knowing my husband was missing our baby’s development – so much happens in such a short period,” Mrs White said. Now, while he works long hours, at least they are together as a family in Gladstone. “But I’ve gone from having a great support network to knowing really no one except my husband’s work colleagues,” Mrs White said. “I knew there must be heaps of people in the same boat.” Mrs White said she had noticed that when she told people the family was there for the LNG construction it did not always meet with a positive response. “Which is understandable – people like us are putting a strain on the infrastructure and I guess changing the lives of people,” she said. But Mrs White said she and Andrew loved Gladstone and were becoming very attached to the area, although they may only be there for 12 months.
Kim White and daughter Adelaide.
Photo: Chrissy Harris
Support network spreads its reach across the regions Mother of five Victoria Murray started the Mining Women Support Group in Yeppoon in July and launched another in Rockhampton three weeks later due to the great response. The groups now have about 40 members between them. Mrs Murray and husband Maurice were farmers, but when the floods two years ago ruined their crops Mr Murray had to find other work – turning to the mines. He was recently working as
Victoria Murray Support group founder
a contractor at the Newlands coal mine, until a number of people were let go.
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Mrs Murray started the Yeppoon group after hearing from her husband about families that had found the lifestyle difficult and due to her own experiences in grappling with Mr Murray’s absences. “It is really starting to spread. I’ve had a lady from Townsville get in touch on the Facebook page and have linked her up with the wife of a miner who my husband works with,” she said. “We’re also looking to start one in Mackay.”
While she had since become aware of other mining family networks such as FIFO Families, Mrs Murray said she hadn’t known about such groups when she started her support initiative. Further information is available on Mrs Murray’s Mining Women Support Group Facebook page or by calling her on 0437 270 676. People interested in joining the Gladstone Mining Women Support Group can call Kim White on 0402 241 454
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NEWS
November 2012 |
Camp crew ready to get mobile Map to Mine director and field manager Mick Clarke is one of many in the resources sector to welcome the Queensland Government’s lifting of the ban on uranium mining. Mr Clarke described the reversal as “one little ray of light� following what he sees as the previous government’s determination to kill the resources industry. Given his people and company had experience in uranium exploration, they were ready to jump straight on board the minute someone gave the green light, he said. Mr Clarke and Dee Rodwell, Map to Mine’s director and administration manager, work closely with exploration companies to provide project management, personnel, vehicles, field gear and equipment plus whatever else is required for a fully equipped, highly mobile, state-of-the-art camp. Mr Clarke said he had spent the best part of 18 years enduring “old style� field camping in the resources industry. But these days, clients such as exploration and drilling companies expect much better conditions. Mr Clarke is well aware of what’s required and his goal is to ensure the most cost-efficient and comfortable field camping solutions, regardless of terrain type or location, for small to medium operations. “We’ve got 20 LandCruiser 4WDs and trucks, plus 26 fully airconditioned, modular buildings – these are mostly
The Mining Advocate
Committee guides industry restart Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced the membership of the Uranium Implementation Committee which will establish a best-practice framework for the recommencement of uranium mining in Queensland. The Committee – chaired by Central Highlands councillor Paul Bell - will look at issues including how the uranium industry works in other states, regional and community development opportunities, safety and logistics, approval processes, rehabilitation and royalties. Uranium mining has not occurred in Queensland since 1982 and has been effectively prohibited since the election of the Goss Labor Government in 1989. Mr Newman said uranium exports would earn Queensland tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades, providing thousands of jobs across rural and regional areas. Amid public debate over the potential export of Queensland uranium via Townsville or Abbot Point ports, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said there were two currently approved uranium export ports in Australia – Darwin and Adelaide – and that it may not make a lot of sense to create another. Meanwhile Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen is calling for the development of a thorium mining sector in conjunction with the restart of uranium mining in Queensland. “Thorium is also found in North Queensland and it is being hailed as a clean and green nuclear fuel because it is easier to use, safer, and produces up to 10,000 times less long-lived radioactive waste than uranium,� he said.
A Map to Mine employee carries out sampling at a remote exploration site.
converted shipping containers – which serve as living quarters, crib rooms, offices, kitchens and other essential amenities,� Mr Clarke said. “In addition, a remote satellite internet and phone link allows workers to stay in touch via social media and do online banking. But more importantly, it affords real-time communications for efficient operating and safety, while satellite television provides evening entertainment in airconditioned comfort.� Map to Mine works primarily in Queensland. However, the business is looking to move into the Northern Territory and South Australia.
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NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
9
Uranium resources unlocked A policy turnaround is expected to spark a rash of activity, writes Belinda Humphries. Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady believes north-west Queensland could be producing uranium within three years following the lifting of a state mining ban. Cr McGrady, a strong uranium advocate, described the Newman Government move as a shot in the arm for the industry and for the region. “What this decision has done is given new impetus to the industry, people now have a lot more confidence about the future,” he said. The known uranium resource in Queensland is currently valued around $18 billion, according to the Australian Uranium Association. AUA communication director Simon Clarke believed it was likely to take at least four to six years to get any new uranium mine into production in Queensland. Among the complications was the low uranium price, about $US43 a pound on the spot market in late October, largely as a result of decreased demand in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster.
“But the story is much brighter in the medium and long-term,” Mr Clarke said. There were strong signs of nuclear reactor expansion resuming in China and confidence in a market emerging quickly in India, where Prime Minister Julia Gillard recently opened uranium trade discussions, he said. Mr Clarke believed the Queensland Government’s decision to lift the uranium mining ban would spark an immediate increase in activity around Mount Isa. Uranium companies in Western Australia had spent a record $100 million on exploration in the 12 months following proclamation of legislation allowing uranium mining in that state. “So it has an immediate stimulatory effect on that activity and on the value of the shares of the companies on issue,” he said. Paladin Energy holds a cluster of deposits in the Mount Isa area, including the key Valhalla-Skal project, with a total resource of about 140 million pounds of uranium, while Laramide Resources’ Westmoreland project
Yellowcake at the Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia.
near the Northern Territory border has an established resource of more than 50 million pounds. Mega Uranium is among the other players in North Queensland, holding uranium resources at Ben Lomond and in the Georgetown area. Cr McGrady said Federal Resources, Energy and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson had assured him that if the state ban was lifted the resources of his department would be made available to assist Queensland with its regulatory regime.
It was now up to the state mines department to work with industry and the politicians to get a regime in place to expedite the granting of mining leases, he said “There are two companies I know that have been drilling, doing the environmental work, negotiating with indigenous people and to my knowledge have some agreement, all that has been done over the past year,” Cr McGrady said. “I think it (the start of production in Queensland) will be quicker than some people think.”
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A spokesman for Lagoon Creek Resources, the Australian subsidiary of Laramide, said that company was preparing a scoping study for the Westmoreland project and would intensify its drilling efforts as a result of the mining ban lifting. General manager Evan Hughes would not provide a timeframe for mine start-up. “We see ourselves ready to start the process towards permitting and the regulatory process which ends with building a mine, but it depends how long that process is going to take,” he said. Paladin Energy chief executive officer John Borshoff said the Western Australian experience was of a four-year wait for regulatory approvals alone before starting uranium mining. He believed the total timeframe to get a new project off the ground would be to six to eight years. “We would like it to be shorter, but that’s how it is, and on top of that uranium prices are depressed at the moment, so at these prices it’s hard to justify project goahead,” he said. “However everybody is confident that uranium prices will improve. It is probably one of the few commodities with a looming supply deficit.”
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NEWS
November 2012 |
The next big thing With technology such as driverless trucks already in operation in the Australian resources sector and miners expanding their frontiers as far as outer space, thanks to Planetary Resources’ asteroid exploration plans, The Mining Advocate asks what is “the next big thing”? A range of experts have offered their views, highlighting the developments they believe will significantly change the mining industry in the near future.
A technological revolution with vast horizons Queensland Nickel and Waratah Coal owner Professor Clive Palmer
Automation evolution and the end of FIFO as we know it CSC vice-president – chemical, engineering, natural resources, manufacturing and consumer Mike Horton
Commodity markets go for gold MineLife founding director and senior resource analyst Gavin Wendt
The development within the open-pit mining industry of automation and driverless equipment is just the beginning of the next mining revolution. Extensions of military drone technology will place workforces operating mine equipment across the industry in clean, safe locations just a short commute away from homes. This is just the foot in the door though as this technology morphs into extraction of currently inaccessible or uneconomic reserves. How far the extension of this is to be applied to the underground mining industry - removing safety, heat and ventilation restrictions, or developed for the extraction of submarine commodity reserves in the rich ocean depths, or following the Mars Rover into space and setting up remote interplanetary operations, is limited by engineering imagination and new technologies. With the absence of human access, how long before we shrink the technology with smaller access roads, removing geotechnical constraints and allowing us to probe deeper into earth’s crust for extraction of currently inaccessible rare and precious ore? Finally, with the nanoprobes and remote access, how soon will we be drilling down and leaching out our target prizes of gold and rarer metals in-situ?
For me (the next big thing) is quite straight-forward – it’s a concept we call OT-IT convergence. IT is the traditional back-end IT (information technology) – OT is the operations technology, it could be any piece of equipment or engineering at the actual mine site, the front end. As automation starts to come on to the mine site it has to integrate with the IT system to be able to work. That’s really the enabler for large-scale automation. There are several steps to get to that – and some of the steps are already under way. In the end it will all come together so that from one end of the mining process to the other it can be automated - no one has done that yet. That’s the next big thing, and it’s going to address a few key issues – the skills shortage that we have in Australia, efficiency concerns and the issue around high salaries, for instance for truck drivers. It helps with safety as well, as you are able to move people from the really dangerous parts of the mines. It means the fly in-fly out (FIFO) workforce for mines is going to be reduced to what is required to maintain the equipment on site rather than operate it. It’s also going to affect the style of person that is going to be needed to work for the mining companies.
With all of the ongoing doom and gloom in financial markets, it’s important to maintain some perspective and take a look at the facts. The world’s population is continuing to grow - hitting an estimated 7 billion people late last year – and at current rates will reach 10 billion by 2050. All of these people need to be fed, housed and clothed, in turn generating huge demand for raw materials. As they become more affluent, they will demand more of the everyday items we take for granted. The resource boom is therefore far from over. Commodity markets are being driven by emotion and sentiment, not long-term reality. Most commodities are getting harder to locate and more expensive to produce, with all sorts of enhanced political risks. Gold is the perfect example.Total average operating costs for the gold industry are estimated to be around $1500 per ounce. Continuing strong demand combined with major supply-side factors are the reasons why I remain convinced of a major upside with respect to the gold price. I have confidence that the price can comfortably reach the $US2000 per ounce mark into 2013 and as high as $US5000 over the coming decade.
Real-time virtual reality mine training Queensland Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health Stewart Bell
Getting to grips with change The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute director Professor Chris Moran
Cheaper, faster, smarter drilling Northern Territory Geological Survey director Ian Scrimgeour
Driving forward with innovation Rio Tinto head of innovation John McGagh
The Mining Advocate
Immersive virtual reality mine training will allow trainees to experience first-hand all the sights and sounds of the mine environment without any of the risk. They will experience life-like mine conditions but be able to respond to emergency scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. The Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS) has built Queensland’s first virtual reality immersive mine-training facility at Redbank. In partnership with Vale Australia, SIMTARS modelled a mine in detail to include all above and underground equipment and infrastructure including the operating longwall continuous miners, loaders, shuttle cars, belt systems, support, ventilation devices and safety equipment. Real-time virtual reality mine safety training is the way of the future. There are obvious benefits to the mining industry. A better skilled workforce means a safer working environment, better safety awareness and operational efficiency, and fewer days lost through injury.
There is some big thinking required around transition. We’ll see new technologies coming in and some of those in their own right will create significant change, such as the driverless trucks. The next big thing we need to deal with is to treat these technological changes to the mines as a transition rather than a single step. We can picture the end point where things are automated and talking to one another and controlled remotely – that’s good. But look at where we currently are with operating mines with no or limited automation – we can’t leap from where we are today to the end point of automation, we are going to have introduction along the way of various technologies and as that occurs we will need a whole different planning framework around the way we think about and manage mines. The second big thing we need to deal with in the next 15 years is how the sets of skills we have across mines and companies can best be marshalled to improve productivity given the changes in technology that may occur.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to find mineral deposits outcropping at surface, the challenge is to improve discovery rates through an improved ability to generate and test targets at depth. Although the development of improved geophysical technologies and modelling will be increasingly important in better targeting at depth, it is possible that the real step change in deep exploration and discovery may come through development of cheaper, smarter and faster drilling technologies. An example of this is work being undertaken by the Deep Exploration Technologies CRC, based out of Adelaide. The plan is to develop automated drill rigs with lighter drill strings and innovative drill bits to drill cheaply and safely to great depths, and to combine this with real-time downhole analysis whilst drilling is still under way. The kind of innovations that are being considered include using downhole motors and coiled tubing to enable holes to be steered, logged and analysed remotely.
The challenge we face at Rio Tinto is the same across the sector – how do we meet the world’s growing appetite for resources when supply is becoming more complex and more costly. At Rio Tinto we see innovation as the key to meeting these challenges and making our operations the best in their sector through mining better, safer and faster. We have a robust pipeline of technologies that we plan to bring into our operations in the coming years and we have already taken significant steps to make “the next big thing” a reality through our Mine of the Future program. At our iron ore business in Western Australia we’re focused on operating the first significantly autonomous iron ore mine by combining autonomous drilling, semiautonomous blast loading with autonomous trucks and a wide range of advanced sensing and telecommunications technologies . . . We’ve also got plans to roll out our AutoHaul train program and our advanced survey systems. Autonomy is just one part of our Mine of the Future program, we’re also looking at innovations in the areas of tunnelling and recovery.
NEWS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
11
Hot topics
there are many factors impacting their business. We hope to continue to work with industry constructively.” September’s state Budget had brought confirmation of the royalty rise – taking the rate from 10 to 12.5 per cent a tonne for coal valued at between $100 and $150, and from 12.5 to 15 per cent for coal attracting higher prices. At the time, Rio Tinto Coal Australia managing director
Bill Champion expressed shock and disappointment at the size of the hike. But the CFMEU was in no mood to dish out tea and sympathy for the big miners. “The companies are using this as a bit of an excuse to trim the fat and make sure they maintain their bottom line and huge profits,” CFMEU Queensland district president Steve Smyth told ABC News. Stephen Bartholomeusz, writing for Business Spectator, said that in seeking to milk the resources sector’s perceived super-profitability, the federal and state governments had chosen to ignore the industry’s long-term sustainability. “Maybe it didn’t matter when commodity prices were at stratospherically high levels; levels high enough to accommodate the escalating costs and increasing tax and royalty takes,” he said. “Now that they’ve come down to earth, however, the miners will have no choice but to look for ways to slash the costs that they can (the mining services companies and contractors are in for a tough time ahead) or else to shut down projects that don’t generate appropriate returns.” The industry has put a proposal to the Queensland Government to inflation-proof the new royalty rates by indexing the thresholds.
community knowing that there’s now something in place for the next couple of years,” he told ABC News. Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union district president Stephen Smyth said the deal maintained important protections and moderated the most extreme elements of the mining company’s agenda. “It could have been reached a year ago, had BHP not taken an ideological approach that prioritised picking a fight with its workforce over coming to a reasonable deal,” he said.
The CFMEU said key elements of the three-year deal included: safety inspectors to be covered by the agreement; flexibility in rostering; a local housing agreement to support families choosing to live in local towns; and superannuation contributions up from 9 per cent to 12 per cent. The agreement covers about 3000 workers at the Goonyella-Riverside, Peak Downs, Crinum, Blackwater and Saraji mines. ABC News reported comments from CFMEU general secretary Andrew Vickers that the latest enterprise agreement for BMA workers would have been voted down if coal prices were higher. Mr Vickers described the agreement, which included a 15 per cent pay rise over the next three years, as the best the union could have expected under the circumstances. “It’s not as good as what we set out to achieve and had prices stayed where they were when the negotiation process started we would have had a better outcome and we wouldn’t have had 40 per cent opposition to the agreement,” he told ABC News. BHP Billiton has since dropped a $2.4 million compensation claim against the CFMEU that had been based on allegations of union members acting illegally in December 2011, The Morning Bulletin reported. The legal action was launched at the height of the industrial relations battle.
Rise in royalties Mining companies have flagged more cost-cutting measures, including workforce downsizing, as a result of the increase in Queensland coal royalties. The news came via a Queensland Resources Council survey of 37 coal company chief executives, with many warning they risked premature closure of operations and that projects in the pipeline may be deferred or cancelled. QRC chief executive Michael Roche said also the group’s metalliferous and gas sector members were concerned they would be targeted next for a royalty increase as the State Government continued its quest to bolster its revenue base. Mr Roche said in The Courier-Mail: ``There is a clear recognition (within business) that in the bureaucracy and key parts of government there’s a worrying complacency about the potential adverse impacts from the royalty changes.” Treasurer Tim Nicholls told the paper he was surprised and disappointed by the QRC statements. He said the Government was determined to ensure Queenslanders received a fair return from the coal and other resources they own. ``As the companies themselves have acknowledged,
Industrial dispute Coal miners in Central Queensland have accepted a new work agreement, ending a two-year industrial relations battle between BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance and the unions. BMA said the enterprise agreement was supported by 1359 employees, representing 60 per cent of those who voted. APN newspapers reported that it was the first poll since each side entered Federal Government-assisted mediation and the first with union backing. BMA president Stephen Dumble told APN after the deal had passed that: “after this length of time, it is not about winners and losers.” The lengthy industrial action was blamed for a 1 million-tonne fall in coal production across the five BMA mines still operating. “It’s been enormously difficult,” Mr Dumble told APN. “Particularly in recent months when we’ve seen the impact of rapidly falling prices for our (coal) and this continuing strength in the Australian dollar.” President of the Moranbah Traders Association, Peter Finlay, described the agreement as a relief for local businesses. “We’ve been waiting for this EA to be signed for some time and it’ll certainly get rid of a lot of tension in the
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NEWS
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
BMA sets five-star standard The top of the
A new safety plan is being phased in across the big miner’s sites, writes Bruce Macdonald. The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has introduced five-star crash rating standards for light commercial vehicles at its mining sites throughout central Queensland. The move, welcomed by vehicle testing authority ANCAP, has created a flurry of activity within the research and development ranks of leading manufacturers in Australia which are not yet compliant. BMA introduced the initiative in October, but softened the safety plan with a phase-in period which gives fleet suppliers and contractors until January 1, 2016 to meet the requirements of a five-star rating. Smaller site contractors who keep their work vehicles beyond the standard warranty period of three years will face a previously unexpected cost burden, but BMA believes the time period before full implementation is reasonable. Australia’s most popular ute for the past 15 years, the Toyota HiLux, is rated at four stars and only the top-of-therange SR5 dual cab boasts ESC
(electronic stability control), traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution plus six airbags. Toyota chose not to upgrade safety ratings for its work vehicles during a model revamp last year but has indicated that by 2013 all the HiLux range will pass the ANCAP five-star test. Such is the popularity of the HiLux it has even outsold passenger vehicles in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the nation’s leading mining locations. German manufacturer Volkswagen stands to benefit from the BMA policy with the introduction into Australia of its 4WD Amarok ute, which is five-star compliant, as is the new Ford Ranger. Light commercial vehicles have traditionally lagged behind other vehicle categories and this was underscored last year when results of ANCAP tests on 12 such vehicles revealed only five received the maximum safety rating. ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh praised Holden and Isuzu earlier this year when the
range Toyota HiLux SR5.
top-of-the-range Colorado and D-Max (which share a common platform) received five-star ratings. BMA manager external affairs
Dianne Collier said the alliance’s decision was driven by safety concerns for its employees and an internal review of its policies
and relevant legislation. “In the past, BMA would purchase or lease a vehicle and then fit a range of aftermarket equipment intended to improve safety,” she said. “This introduced complexity and cost, and more importantly did not always translate into enhanced safety outcomes.” Ms Collier said new contracts for BMA fleet vehicles would be filled with five-star ANCAPrated vehicles. “By purchasing and leasing five-star ANCAP vehicles, we put our employees in the safest vehicles available. This will enable our business to focus on its core competency, leaving the design of vehicles to the manufacturers who are undeniably the experts,” she said.
Minelec project sparks award A $1.1 million refurbishment of Incitec Pivot’s product distribution centre in South Townsville has earned Minelec honours in the annual Electrical Contractors Association awards. The Townsville-based electrical contractor won the industrial installations and mining category at the North Queensland Annual Excellence Awards. Minelec acted as principal contractor for the four-month Incitec Pivot job, which included the upgrade or replacement of mains cabling, the switchroom, main switch board and distribution
boards, conveyor drives, an automatic blending system, automatic weighing and bagging system, pneumatics system, general lights and power, and demolition of redundant plant. Minelec managing director Colin Norris said the highly corrosive environment at the centre, which handles fertiliser, created extra challenges. The industrial installations and mining category of ECA and Master Electricians Australia’s national awards was won by Melbourne-based Wattrix for its work fitting out mining refuge chambers.
Ivanhoe feature
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
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Pybar digs in at Ivanhoe sites Pybar Mining Services has been announced as the preferred contractor to run Ivanhoe Australia’s mining operations at Kulthor and Starra 276 over the next 26 months. Pybar is currently undertaking all development mining at Kulthor and Osborne while Byrnecut is responsible for development at Starra 276. “Ivanhoe commenced production stoping of lower Osborne, the first of the organisation’s mines in the same area, in February 2012 using its own equipment and people to supply ore to the shaft which would hoist the rock to the processing plant,” Ivanhoe general manager operations Neal Valk said. “Starra 276 is scheduled to commence production in January 2013. However, after reviewing all requirements, it was decided a new strategy, that of putting all production and development into a single scope of work, would achieve the best results. “Ivanhoe went through
a tender process followed by further discussions with interested parties, after which Pybar was selected as the preferred contractor to undertake the development and production work at Starra and Kulthor. “It’s anticipated that, subject to further approvals being sought from the Ivanhoe board, work will begin on both operations in November.” Mr Valk said the contract included about 6800m of development and 3.6 million tonnes of copper-gold ore. In addition, Pybar will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of all heavy equipment and drilling on site as well as light vehicle and ancillary equipment maintenance. “Regarding employment, a proportion of Ivanhoe staff currently working in these roles will be considered for transfer to similar roles with Pybar so they can remain involved with the Kulthor and Starra projects,” Mr Valk said. He said the strategy had been
developed to ensure Ivanhoe could meet its production targets. “Using the skills and competency of the major contractor allows flexibility to change the mine plan as needed but also to extend the mine plan as further resources are converted into the production schedule,” he said. “And with the new, single
A jumbo rig works underground at Ivanhoe Australia’s Kulthor deposit.
scope of work direction firmly in place, Ivanhoe is looking forward to a close contractor relationship
which will see the delivery of safe and mutually beneficial production targets.”
Plant upgrade powers ahead Five Finnish-built Wartsila engines have been transported to the Osborne site in north-west Queensland as part of the operation’s $12 million power station upgrade. The first, which arrived in early June this year and has been shown to produce 4 megawatts of power, has been installed and commissioned. It is anticipated that the second, which has commenced commissioning on diesel before being tested on gas, will be up and running in early November. It would almost generate sufficient power to satisfy the entire site’s requirements, Ivanhoe general manager operations Neal Valk said.
The third engine is being prepared for connection in early December. The “old” diesel engines No. 4 and No. 5 – which have been running for the past 15 years – will be turned off and decommissioned later this month. “The old engines worked efficiently and met needs of the site,” Mr Valk said. “Each engine has over 70,000 hours on the clock. However, their replacements are more environmentally friendly and will run more efficiently.” The new engine No. 4 was due to be commissioned in early 2013 and No. 5 later that year, he said.
Ivanhoe Australia is creating a long term future in North West Queensland, developing multiple mining projects in gold and a variety of base metals. With clear priorities and goals established for both Exploration and Operation, Ivanhoe Australia continues to progress as both an explorer and producer. With an exciting portfolio and a vision to build a substantial Australian based company focusing on the exploration, and development of major copper-gold, molybdenum-rhenium and uranium deposits , it is another step in our enduring partnership for prosperity with this great Australian region. For further information visit our website www.ivanhoeaustralia.com
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INDUSTRY UPDATE COAL AND GAS
Corporate kudos
November 2012 |
50 employees operating from offices in Mackay and Newcastle, and a Darwin office is opening in November.
Wesfarmers Curragh has announced changes to the operation of its mine in response to lower coal prices and a strong Australian dollar.
Coal Train Australia chief executive officer Karla Way-McPhail .
The Yeppoon-based co-founder and chief executive officer of underground mining contractor Undamine Industries and registered training provider Coal Train Australia has claimed a major gong at the 2012 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards. Karla Way-McPhail won the Hudson Private and Corporate Award which is open to women in the private and corporate sectors. Former PM Kevin Rudd’s wife Therese Rein took the top award, the 2012 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year, and the Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award for her work with the Ingeus group and Assure Programs.
G&S taken over Calibre Group has taken over Mackaybased firm G&S Engineering Services in a $100 million cash and shares deal. G&S will continue to operate under its existing management team and brand, while Calibre will acquire all shares in the businesses in a transaction expected to be completed late November. G&S managing director Mick Crowe said
Environmental acquisition GSS Environmental has become part of SLR Consulting Australia through a recent merger-acquisition. GSS Environmental is a top-three environmental consultant to the coal industry in Australia, with clients including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Xstrata and Centennial Coal. It has
Ensham Resources has reduced thermal coal production from 5 million tonnes per annum to 3mtpa as a result of deterioration in the global coal market.
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The company planned to lay off about 250 personnel by December in addition to 150 job losses announced in August.
Ensham Resources chief executive officer Peter Westerhuis said register now @ miningpeople.com.au the measures were a direct result of greatly reduced coal prices, making many areas of the Ensham open-cut uneconomic and unsustainable. It also flagged a reduction in contract labour hire workers and use of Bundi stacks up contractors at the site. MetroCoal has announced the “Our intention to export between 8 and completion of its scoping study for the 8.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal Bundi thermal coal project in the Surat for FY13 remains unchanged, with all Basin, a proposed longwall operation coal supply contracts to be met,” expected to cost $994 million to develop. Wesfarmers Curragh general manager “We are very pleased that the results Craig McCabe said. confirm the project is financially The company said it also planned to have a limited shutdown of some mining activities for three weeks during the Christmas holiday period.
Oaky Creek contractors chopped he was excited about realising the growth opportunities from joining Calibre.
would be reducing the workforce across its operations by about 600, including contractors and permanent positions.
Ensham reduces output
Curragh cuts costs
From mid-November Curragh will revert the majority of its heavy mobile fleet and associated activity from a sevenday roster to a fiveday roster.
The Mining Advocate
Xstrata Coal has confirmed a reduction in contractor numbers at its Oaky Creek coal operations. “This decision has been made as part of an ongoing review of our Australian coal operations in response to industrywide pressures including low coal prices, high input costs and a strong Australian dollar,” manager – media and external communications Francis De Rosa said.
Xstrata Coal in September announced it
viable,” MetroCoal chief executive officer Mike O’Brien said. “Work will now continue on environmental approvals and preparation of a prefeasibility study.”
Newlands plans revealed Xstrata Coal’s environmental impact statement for the expansion of Newlands coal mine, near Glenden, was recently released for public feedback. It proposes to expand open cut and underground mining activities, which would extend the life of the mine until 2042.
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INDUSTRY UPDATE COAL AND GAS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
Tunnel-boring task for Thiess Thiess has been awarded a $134 million contract by Saipem Australia to construct a tunnel for the Santos GLNG Project in Gladstone. The 3.4m diameter tunnel will be built under a section of water known as The Narrows to Curtis Island to serve as the conduit for a gas transmission line. Thiess will construct the 4.3km tunnel using a tunnel boring machine and the concrete segments used to line the tunnel will be cast onsite.
Underground pipe under way Construction has commenced on Santos GLNG Project’s 420km underground gas transmission pipeline from its gas fields to Gladstone. Santos GLNG Project pipeline manager Greg Jones said Saipem Australia was constructing the pipeline, which was scheduled for completion in less than two years. Mr Jones said burial of the pipe was due to start in Arcadia Valley in early November and once this was completed the area would be backfilled and rehabilitated.
New sections approved Delivery of Australia Pacific LNG’s 525km gas transmission line has advanced with Queensland’s Coordinator-General approving two new sections of pipeline. These include a 44km section of pipeline within the Callide Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area and a 27.5km section of pipeline within the Gladstone State Development Area.
Processing work awarded QGC has awarded a contract worth up to $80 million for the first stage of natural gas processing facilities in the Surat Basin for the Queensland Curtis LNG Project. A joint venture of Transfield Services and Clough Projects Australia won the contract, which involves frontend engineering and planning for gas compression facilities, bulk earthworks, piling and concrete foundations. The work, to be done at QGC’s Woleebee
Brisbane B risbane
Dalby D allb by
Creek development block, south-west of Wandoan, and its Bellevue development block, east of Miles, is expected to be completed in early 2013.
Tarong powers down
to improve beneficial co-existence of underground coal mining and the operation of agricultural farms and homesteads. Bandanna aims to produce first coal exports in the second half of 2014 to coincide with the forecast completion of Stage 1 of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal.
Tarong Power Station is withdrawing two generating units from service for at least two years or until wholesale electricity demand improves. Tarong Power Station site manager Dennis Franklin said the decision was due TRADE LABOUR HIRE to owner Stanwell “SUPPLYING THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB” Corporation TRAINING “LEARNING TO STAY SAFE” operating in an Registered Training Organisation No. 31908 over-supplied PROJECTS “JOB SATISFACTION FROM START TO FINISH” energy market Electrical Contractors License Qld 66397 , NSW 128976C , NT C2197 with lower than forecast electricity demand.
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UCG deal Carbon Energy has signed an international technology licence agreement with Chinese coal giant Shanxi Coal to be its exclusive underground coal gasification (UCG) technology partner for the Shanxi Province. Carbon, which has developed a UCG facility producing syngas at Bloodwood Creek west of Dalby, described the agreement as a significant milestone.
Mr Franklin said this decision also affected the adjacent Meandu Mine. “Stanwell introduced a Tel. 1300 732 881 : Offices – Brisbane / Townsville fourth fleet in www.jamestech.com.au early 2011 as a short-term flood recovery measure,” he said. “With the coal stockpile now returned to preCougar pounces on Mongolia flood levels and the cold storage of two Cougar Energy has signed a Tarong units, Meandu Mine will return memorandum of understanding to the normal operation of three fleets in with Hulaan Coal Corporation - a January 2013.” Mongolian-focused, Canadian-owned Up to 64 roles will be lost at the power resources company. station, and about 40 contactor positions Cougar Energy chief executive officer at the mine. and managing director Rob Neill said the MOU would allow Cougar to undertake Progress at Springsure Creek due diligence on Hulaan’s coal resources Bandanna Energy has submitted and those under its direct management a mining lease application for its in Mongolia, and assess their potential Springsure Creek project south-east of for UCG development. “Once a Emerald in central Queensland. The suitable coal resource is identified, we application was developed following will negotiate the terms under which consultation with community members, a subsequent UCG project could be the Central Highlands Regional Council developed,” Mr Neill said. and the Queensland Government. Cougar developed a UCG pilot project Bandanna said the layout and design of the proposed mine plan had been adjusted to minimise impacts and
Glladstone Gladston G
in Kingaroy, which was suspended on environmental grounds under the Bligh Government.
Moranbah M oranbah
Mackay M ackay
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GEA hands out gongs The Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) 2012 Industry Award recipients were announced recently at the RBS Morgans Gala Dinner, held in conjunction with the Golding Industry Conference. The Forty Calis Memorial Award was presented to Terry Purcell of Purcell’s Lineboring and Engineering, while the Wayne Peachey Memorial Award was presented to Steve Beale, founder of MIPEC. The 2012 Industry Hall of Fame inductee was Colin Walz, who commenced business in 1976 as a subcontractor and has gone on to develop a leading industrial construction business employing more than 400 staff.
MAIN honours announced Locally owned engineering company JSIS took top honours at the 2012 MAIN (Mackay Area Industry Network) Industry Awards. MAIN managing director Narelle Pearse said JSIS were worthy recipients of the coveted chair’s award, selected from across the category winners. The 2012 education and training award went to Techserve (SME winner) and Hastings Deering (large company winner), a community development award went to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, the export award went to JSIS and IESA, while the safety award went to JP Piping Systems (SME winner) and Mastermyne (large company). The innovation award went to MRA and the young leader award to Rob Arnold from Hastings Deering.
Miner backs microbial research The University of Queensland has signed a five-year, $1.25 million industry alliance with global miner Vale to build a hub of geomicrobiological knowledge. Microorganisms found in deposits from Vale mining operations will be investigated for potential industrial applications; their genomes will be studied and mapped, and possible mechanisms for optimising their metal processing functions will be investigated and trialled.
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INDUSTRY UPDATE HARD ROCK
Business blooming
November 2012 |
New plan for Aurukun leases The State Government will seek new expressions of interest for the development of the Aurukun bauxite resource in far north Queensland.
The Mining Advocate
copper-gold find. The company reported some very high gold assays in surface samples, including one of 102g per tonne gold and another of 38.9g per tonne gold. “Lady Mary is shaping up to be a very important new find for us,” chief executive Geoff Hiller said.
Premier Campbell Newman said the former Bligh Government had run Extra kick from Kulthor a flawed strategy whereby it would lease the bauxite to a company under Ivanhoe Australia has announced a the condition significant upgrade it established to the mineral a refinery or resource estimate expanded refinery for Kulthor mine – capacity. North West Qld Specialists part of its Osborne
Equipment Hire
Metallica Minerals has entered a binding agreement with Bloom Energy for the sale of scandium oxide from the SCONI project in North Queensland. Metallica and Bloom Energy will work together to ensure that SCONI is designed and developed in a manner that will allow Metallica to supply Bloom Energy with its scandium oxide requirements for its future growth plans. “The agreement with Bloom Energy calls for the sale of scandium oxide at a price and quantum which underpins the commercial rationale to develop the SCONI project,” Metallica managing director Andrew Gillies said. “With Bloom Energy as a baseload customer, we can proceed with confidence throughout our feasibility studies and accelerate towards project development.”
Lady Loretta delivers Ore production has begun ahead of schedule at Xstrata Zinc’s $303 million Lady Loretta mine, 140km north-west of Mount Isa. Deliveries of zinc-lead-silver ore from the site into Mount Isa for processing started on September 24. The early production accompanies ongoing development of the underground mine, with full-scale commercial mining set to start mid-2013. Lady Loretta will deliver about 1.2 million tonnes of ore per annum in full production. The project was originally expected to commence first ore production by the end of 2013, but in May this
year Xstrata decided to accelerate development of the mine by developing the upper ore bodies independently of the deeper underground resources.
Boost for Roseby project Altona Mining has discovered a new copper deposit at its Roseby project near Mount Isa. The discovery at Turkey Creek is located about 2km east of the 100-milliontonne Little Eva deposit. “The deposit clearly has potential to provide additional feed to the proposed Little Eva plant,” Altona managing director Alistair Cowden said. “There are a great number of similar targets to Turkey Creek within our 1500sq km tenure.”
“It was tried and copper-gold U Crane Hire failed, and with operation in the U Boomlifts and Scissor Lifts the looming Cloncurry region. U Truck Hire carbon tax and U Tilt Trays, Drop Deck and Extendables The contained U Vehicle / Accident Recovery skyrocketing metal content of U Prime Mover and Low Loader electricity prices, the measured and U Forklift Hire it’s difficult to U Telehandlers indicated resource U Riggers see how a new has increased by refinery will more than 60 per Ph: 07 4743 3366 Fax: 07 4743 8511 ever be possible Mobile: 0412 634 760 cent for copper and Email: enquiries@barklyhire.com.au in Australia gold. 9 Enterprise Road, Mount Isa QLD again,” he said. Ivanhoe Australia “However, my said the measured Government has and indicated held discussions resource for with interested Kulthor totalled parties and the 7.4 million tonnes appetite to mine at 1.6 per cent the Aurukun copper and 1g per bauxite is real and substantial.” tonne gold, while the inferred resource The Government expected to shortlist totalled 5.4 million tonnes at 1.3 per bidders by April next year to participate cent copper and 0.9g per tonne gold in a tender process for the right to develop the resource, he said.
Funds for mine rehab
Sellheim gold sale Maximus Resources has sold the Sellheim alluvial gold project in the Drummond Basin region of central Queensland to a private consortium for $400,000. The company said the new owner was keen to finalise the transaction to allow operations to recommence as soon as possible.
Gold-rich find at Lorena Malachite Resources says follow up assays of samples from the Lady Mary prospect at its Lorena project near Cloncurry have confirmed it is a very promising new
Water treatment capacity at the old Mount Morgan mine site in central Queensland will significantly increase following the installation of three new evaporators purchased for $1.2 million. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is also investing a further $470,000 in equipment upgrades to improve the operation of the onsite lime dosing water treatment plant. Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the upgrades were vital additions to the ongoing program to rehabilitate the old Mount Morgan mine and address water quality issues in the Dee River.
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The Mining Advocate | November 2012
Environmental tick for Paradise Paradise Phosphate’s proposed open-cut phosphate mine north-west of Mount Isa has received the green light from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Queensland Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell said the department had completed the assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Paradise South phosphate project. Mr Powell said the mine would produce up to seven million tonnes of rock phosphate each year and the operating expenditure on the mine project was expected to be about $200 million per year over the 20year mine life.
Shutting the refinery is one option on the table, with the company saying it faced challenging global market conditions, particularly related to high fuel oil prices and exchange rates and a low alumina price.
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The review – to be completed in January - will assess the timing and cost of gas delivery to Gove and converting the refinery to gas; the potential suspension of refinery operations until economic conditions improve; and the opportunity to increase bauxite mining and export.
AWU national secretary Paul Howes said Rio Tinto was responding to short-term economic pressures when the long-term fundamentals for the aluminium sector were strong. Shutting down the refinery, which employs about 1500 people, would decimate the regional economy, Mr Howes said.
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“The benefit to the regional economy will be approximately $150 million per year. “The construction stage of the mine will create 250 jobs with a further 325 jobs created once operation of the mine has commenced. “While the EIS process is now finalised, Paradise South will need to obtain some final approvals from EHP and other government agencies before construction can commence.”
Gove refinery at risk Pacific Aluminium is undertaking a strategic review of its Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery in Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory.
QAL trims workforce
Pacific Aluminium is working with the NT and Federal governments to explore options that would enable the refinery to use gas as a lower cost source of energy, instead of heavy fuel oil.
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“Concentrated phosphate ore will be produced on site before being shipped from the site for sale to domestic and export markets,” he said.
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“It’s important that Rio works closely with the Territory and Federal governments, and with unions, to use this review process to secure the longterm viability of the operation,” he said.
Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) is restructuring its operations, shedding 128 jobs, to ensure the Gladstone refinery can compete successfully. QAL chairman Armando Torres said the aluminium sector in Australia was facing extremely difficult market conditions due to a high exchange rate, higher costs of production, low metal prices and new taxes. “The organisational restructure is a necessary step in the process of protecting QAL’s long-term viability and ensuring the refinery is stable and profitable under all market conditions,” he said. Since July 1, 128 roles have been removed from the organisational structure. QAL said 93 were roles that had been left vacant as a result of people leaving the business over the past three and a half months and those workers would not be replaced. The company said a further 35 people would leave the business by way of redundancy. “This has been a challenging time for all involved and we have worked hard to protect jobs wherever possible,” Mr Torres said.
sourced nickel ore as feedstock for the Yabulu refinery outside Townsville.
The Queensland Nickel Group has started mining at its Brolga nickel project about 50km north of Rockhampton, with first ore to be received at the Palmer Nickel and Cobalt Refinery in December.
“The business has held tenements in this area for several decades and in the 1990s transported ore by rail to the refinery for several years,” managing director Phil Collins said. “With the improved processing and nickel recovery technology that we now have at our plant it made a lot of sense to revisit and reactivate a domestic ore supply source.” A feasibility study is under way into increasing mine production to 2 million tonnes of nickel ore per year from 2014.
The company has secured approval to mine 400,000 tonnes annually and will use the project to supplement overseas
The company has also started work on a project to convert refinery roasters to run on coal seam gas instead of heavy fuel oil.
Queensland Nickel starts mining
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The first of the 12 roasters to undergo the oil-to-gas conversion at the Yabulu plant is expected to be taken offline in February for 30 days for the work.
Red tape review Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney will chair a special cabinet committee to examine the impacts of government regulation on the mining industry in a bid to lower the industry’s cost structures. Mr Seeney said the Resources Cabinet Committee’s review of red tape would provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address regulations that miners believed hindered their efficiency.
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BETWEEN SHIFTS
November 2012 |
MAIN Industry Awards night
The Mining Advocate
PHOTOS: Damien Carty
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
Helen Caruso (Mastermyne), Pearle and Tom Clarke (G & S Engineering), and Vivienne Gayton (Mastermyne).
Kevin Forbes-Smith (Group Engineering) with Andy Hammond, Lyn Forbes-Smith, Kim Harrington and Brendan Donnelly (all CQ University).
Tony Caruso, Carol Martin and Greg Martin (all from Mastermyne).
Deidre Schil, Josh Dorrington, Peter Shaw, Mick Clements and Stephanie Allen (all Linked Group Services).
Brendan Webb (Hastings Deering), Nikki Wright (REDC) and Amanda Camm (REDC).
Mike Crouther (Aurecon), Steve Cutting (Aurecon), and Darrell Saunders (Hastings Deering) with Lisa Saunders.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise official launch Parliament House, Brisbane
Shane Charles (TSBE), Matthew Ostwald (TSBE), Nathan Fenner (KPMG) and John Lemmon-Warde (KPMG).
Henry Wagner (Wagners) and John McCormack (Pirtek Industries).
Nancy Sommerfield (Western Downs Regional Council), Andrew Faulkner and Michael Todd (both Arrow Energy), Marlyn McInnerey (USQ), and Brian Pidgeon (Toowoomba Regional Council).
Australian Mines Rescue Underground Competition presentations
PHOTOS: Damien Carty
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
Darren Everett (Peabody), with Marita Everett, Sophie Dorney, and Dallas Dorney (Peabody).
Leith Luckel (QMRS) with Abbey Luckel, Amanda Smith, and Ray Smith (QMRS).
Derrin Powell, David O’Regan, Anthony Appleton, Luke Jaavuo, and Steve Bullough (all Rio Tinto Coal Australia).
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BETWEEN SHIFTS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
Golding Industry Conference, RBS Morgans gala dinner
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PHOTOS: Craig Chapman
Yaralla Sports Club , Gladstone
Paul Kelly, Philippe Michel, Rob Gourley, Kane Davison and Bill Wuertz (ALE ECRHeavylift).
Geoff Burton and Darren Eising (both from RBS Morgans) with Carly Hobbs (Gladstone Engineering Alliance).
Michael O’Meara, Shane Newbery and David Jenkin (all from Cutting Force), with Laurence Stitt (Convergenious).
Lance McKay (ToxFree Solutions), Les Salter (Prime Rentals) and Matt Inglis (Inglis Survey and Mapping).
Col Walz and Mark Adamson (both from Walz Group) with wives Desley and Michelle.
Bevin and Kerry Rose with Ann and Brian Crossley.
Civil Contractors Federation National Conference welcome function
PHOTOS: Romy Bullerjahn
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns
Amanda Allan, Josh Allan and Harry Katsanevas (Position Partners).
Harmony Thuresson and Chris Reynolds (Civil Contractors Federation ) with Jaime Aiden (Komatsu).
Jack Horton, Scott Haladay and Ashley Smith (Viewpoint Construction Software).
Jennifer and Phillip Sutherland (Civil Contractors Federation).
Dawn Butler, Deborah Whelan and Karlien Taylor (JCB Construction Equipment).
Joe Edwards and Diana Edwards with Jeremy Sole (NZ Contractors Federation).
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BETWEEN SHIFTS
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Battle of the Mines rugby league tournament Cloncurry Showgrounds
Josh Sarmardin (RoadTek), Ben Major (George Fisher mine), Duck Bailey (CuDeco) and Leander Melville (Boulia Shire Council).
Dayna Daisy, Kimberly Larkin and Tamike Venz (all from Spinifex State College).
Kaye Smith and Bailey Nardoo (Central Primary School) with Taelah Nardoo (Xstrata Copper).
Lauren McConnell (Virgin Australia), Bryce Forbes (Xstrata George Fisher) and Talisa Le Grange (Virgin Australia).
Mitchell Hudson (PCYC) and David Hudson (QR) - father and son competing in Battle of the Mines for CuDeco Eagles.
Kathleen Dempsey, Jody Clarke (Incitec Pivot Phosphate Hill) and Megan Ah-One.
Yarwun 2 official opening
PHOTOS: Chrissy Harris
Yarwun alumina refinery, Gladstone
David Yeoman, Lisa Sidney, Becki Shill and Andrew Staunton (all from Rio Tinto Alcan).
Errol Rowland, Greg Doyle and Rob Long (Rio Tinto Alcan).
Geoff Caton and Ken Neill (Golding).
Peter Anderson (Rio Tinto Alcan) and John Barnard (Alstom).
Matt Ovenden and Melissa Case (Bechtel).
Michael Ison (Australian Aluminum Council) and Michael Twomey (Gove Resources).
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The Mining Advocate | November 2012
NT Resources Week gala dinner
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PHOTOS: Christopher Knight
Darwin Convention Centre
Chris Rickard and Mike Marren (Professional Public Relations), with Andrew Roberts and John Williams (ConocoPhillips).
Paul Carmignani, Jonathan Stow, Sarah Fischer, Troy Smith and Brian Grimmer (Present Group).
Lloyd Jones and Doug Daws (both from Northern Manganese) with John Lamb (Shaw Contracting).
Brett Gundry (Northline), Eric Smart and Paul Morgan (VETASSESS), and Ross O’Dwyer (Northline).
Amanda Holton and Leatrice Grundy (Qube Energy).
Ray Cron (Patrick Stevedoring), Debbie Hill (Supagas) and Adam Ladlow (Patrick Stevedoring).
Queensland Engineering Excellence Awards
PHOTOS: Michael Warrington
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Glen Sorensen (Hyder Consulting) with Ronan Carney and Len Taplin (Project Services).
Kinta Miles, Jason Miles, Ali Falahat Nejad and Maryam Hessary (all Clough).
Chris Laporte, Chris Safonoff and Kenn Hall (all FKG Civil).
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Whitsunday promotion
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Region markets ‘the good life’ The Whitsunday Regional Council and its marketing and development arm have rolled out a major web-based campaign to lure mining industry workers in the northern Bowen Basin to live in the region. The campaign is underpinned by the many and varied lifestyle attractions which the region has built its reputation upon. Tourism has long been a strong dollar earner for the region but with a downturn in the industry post GFC, the council’s marketing experts have turned their attention to the coalfields and their cashedup workers for a new revenue stream. The initiative is already working according to Ray White Real Estate principal, Mark Beale, who has offices in Airlie Beach and Cannonvale. The council has created a comprehensive “liveability” document showcasing the region’s many positive features
and potential growth. As an adjunct to that document, which can be found at www. whitsunday.qld.gov.au, the Whitsundays Marketing and Development body has created a concise profile of the region under the banner: “Living in the Whitsundays is living the good life!” The organisation launched a slick new website in August to better showcase the region. Economic development coordinator Elouise Lamb said that since the Living Whitsundays site had been launched in early August, 1587 individuals had visited the site for a total of 2035 visits. Mr Beale said he was encouraged by the number of mining workers moving into the area, mainly in the Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket areas close to Airlie Beach. He said the typical couple moving into the area were in the 35 to 45 age bracket with one or
FAST FACTS Population: 35,608 throughout the Whitsunday Regional Council area. Predicted to top 50,000 in 20 years. Top five employment industries: accommodation and food services; retail trade; agriculture, forestry and fishing; construction; and transport, postal and warehousing. Investment: $26.8 billion in projects planned and under way in region. Median house prices (based on Real Estate Institute of Queensland figures): $297,000. Bowen $300,000; Cannonvale $498,000. For more detailed information visit www. livingwhitsundays.com.au two children. “Generally they are finding the prices cheaper here than where they come from,” Mr Beale said.
Debbie and Shane Savy moved from the hustle and bustle of Sydney nine years ago in search of a better quality of life. Debbie started her own photographic business with the help of Shane, who is now working the Bowen Basin as a truck operator. They own a property close to the tourist centre of Airlie Beach. The couple are pictured with children Kai, 6, Nathaniel, 10, and Royce, 18. Photo: deb@tropix.com.au
QCoal expands output with new operations QCoal aims to expand its business to produce 20 million tonnes of coal for export each year by 2018, with a raft of projects under construction or planning between Collinsville and Glenden in central Queensland. Chief financial officer James Black attended the Major Projects Summit in Bowen in September, when he highlighted the supply opportunities that growth would present. He said QCoal was committed to maximising local industry participation
and its contractors would give preference to suppliers of Australianmanufactured equipment that was competitively priced and complied with the relevant standards and specifications. QCoal is the majority owner of the Sonoma mine near Collinsville, an open-cut operation producing about 4 million tonnes per annum of metallurgical and thermal coal. Mr Black told the Major Projects Summit that the company’s 1.8mtpa
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Jax mine south of Collinsville would be in production by the end of the year, as would the smaller Cows coal project. Construction on the Drake mine, also south of Collinsville, is due to start in 2013 following project approvals and first coal from the open-cut operation is expected in 2014. That 6mtpa project is expected to create 480 operational jobs, compared with 100 at Jax and less than 20 at the Cows coal project. But the jewel in QCoal’s crown is
the Byerwen coal project 20km west of Glenden, being developed with JFE Steel. Mr Black said the mine was expected to employ up to 1000 people at its peak in operational roles and produce 10mtpa of high quality hard coking coal per year. Construction is expected to start in early 2014 and first coal is expected in 2015. QCoal has rail and port capacity contracted for export through Abbot Point Coal Terminal for the projects.
Whitsunday promotion
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
23
Businesses tooling up Engineering businesses in the Whitsunday region traditionally associated with the agriculture and marine industries are shifting focus to the Bowen Basin mining sector. Mick Cutuli purchased the Main Engineering Company in Proserpine seven years ago and hasn’t looked back, posting up to 20 per cent growth per annum in the years since. Mr Cutuli dramatically expanded the business three years ago via a multimillion-dollar investment in a 1000sq m shed and machining equipment. Managing director of RTM Engineering in Bowen, Russell Mayhew, is another success story. He started off as a small concern 22 years ago providing specialised engineering solutions to fruit and vegetable farmers. The Bowen Basin mining boom provided the solution to a dilemma Mr Mayhew grappled with every year, keeping his staff occupied during quiet times in the agricultural industry.
“We now have a staff of 70 and continuity of work right through the year,” he said. RTM Engineering (an acronym for Russell and wife Therese Mayhew) specialises in mine shutdown work, a challenge Mr Mayhew enjoys. His staff also specialise in abrasive blasting, application of protective coatings on plant and equipment, sheet metal fabrication and welding solutions. Both bosses see a bright future for their businesses even though there has been a slowdown in the coal industry in recent months. Mr Cutuli has found a lucrative niche market tooling parts for mining plant. He uses contractors on mining sites who provide technical specifications for parts and provides a quick turnaround on those parts, minimising equipment downtime. The main focus of the business prior to Mr Cutuli taking over was in agriculture, heavy machinery maintenance and marine work.
Abbot Point Coal Terminal outside Bowen.
Pointy end of project nears GVK Hancock Coal has moved a step closer to bringing its Queensland coal projects online, by signing an agreement over the construction of its T3 terminal at Abbot Point, near Bowen. The deal with Korean conglomerate Samsung C and T Corporation and Brisbane-based Smithbridge Group followed Federal Government approval of the terminal development. The terminal and a 495km rail link would take coal from the group’s planned Alpha and Kevin’s Corner projects in the Galilee Basin for export. A GVK Hancock Coal spokeswoman said construction would begin in 2013 across the mine, rail and port infrastructure, pending all approvals including financial close.
“Whilst at early stages, it has been foreshadowed that there could be up to 200 permanent jobs focussed on the port operations and northern rail operations,” she said. “This is separate to the construction, which has been conservatively estimated at about 650 at peak over the three years of construction in regard to the port.” The spokeswoman said it was generally not the group’s approach to mandate where employees may live, but “we are aware that the Whitsundays is a very enticing environment for people to consider.” The number of ships calling at Abbot Point is expected to increase to about 800 in 2020 and a maximum of 1600 in 2032, compared with 174 bulk carriers in 2011-12.
Alternative path for Collinsville power station Undaunted by the Federal Government’s failure to financially support closing the Collinsville power station, owner RATCH-Australia is developing alternative options. Executive general manager business development Geoff Dutton said these avenues stood to benefit the region, the environment and the company. Plans for the Collinsville site include developing a solar photovoltaic power
plant of about 20 megawatts capacity. In addition, a grant is expected to support design and project development work on a solar thermal power plant. The company is also talking to gas suppliers about the possibility of developing two gas-fired power plants on the old power station site. Mr Dutton said RATCH-Australia undertook an internal review of
the Collinsville site prior to the Government’s cessation of Contract for Closure Program negotiations. This revealed that despite the coalfired station’s non-commercial viability, the site was a valuable asset with excellent redevelopment potential. “The plant won’t be demolished but decommissioning has started and we anticipate that will be completed by the end of the year,” Mr Dutton said.
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“It will be then maintained by a small crew until our ultimate plans are finalised.” Commenting on the dumped Contract for Closure Program - a clean energy initiative - Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said there had been a material gap between the level of compensation generators sought and what the Government was prepared to pay.
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24
BUILDING NW QUEENSLAND
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Ros gets the big picture This professional photographer has an eye for the north west’s charms, writes Jan Green. Roslyn Budd’s passion for living and working in Mount Isa is reflected in the thousands of corporate, environmental/ landscape and “people” images she has shot in the 17 years she has lived there. Ros, who owns and runs Outback Photographics, arrived in Mount Isa with husband Steve and children Lisa and Scott with the intention of staying for two to five years. But they fell in love with the place, its people and the lifestyle so the short-term plan became a long-term one. “One of the main reasons we chose Mount Isa is it’s one of the few mining communities where people can live and work in the town,” Ros said. “We didn’t want a FIFO lifestyle. For us it was more important we could both be home and with the kids.” Ros worked in an underground
An aerial view of Lake Moondarra, Mount Isa.
Roslyn Budd Outback Photographics
geology role with Mount Isa Mines for more than 12 years before branching into training co-ordination. “After a while, I wanted a change in direction so I worked
for a junior exploration company managing an exploration drilling program in the north west…until the GFC hit and everyone in the company was retrenched,” she said. It was at that point Ros decided to build up her part-time photographic business into a fulltime one, focusing on commercial, industrial and portrait images. It has been an astute move as her years of underground mining experience and an understanding of safety aspects within the mining environment have given her an edge over other photographers.
Photo: Roslyn Budd
“With an understanding of how mines work, I’m able to minimise disruption time which can lose companies thousands of dollars for every hour down,” she said. Ros readily admits to being “a bit of an ambassador for Mount Isa” and, as such, takes every opportunity to promote the town. “Recently, I helped the Mount Isa Chamber of CommerceImparja team put together a promotional video which I really enjoyed doing,” she said. Her ambassadorial role also extends to doing part-time work for Xstrata, introducing new
people to the town when they are considering Mount Isa as a place to live. From a photographic perspective, Ros’s personal passion is for landscape and nature photography. She also opts for a natural, earthy style when doing portrait photography. “Between all the different subjects and photographic projects, I have the perfect opportunity to showcase all that’s good, exciting and unique in this amazing part of the world,” she said. To sample her work visit www. outbackphotographics.com.au
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DRILLING AND EXPLORATION
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
25
Skills push for growth industry The burgeoning coal seam gas sector demands an army of trained drill crews, writes Jan Green. As drilling companies bring in new rigs from offshore and work to prove up more gas to supply the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants under construction in Queensland, pressure to ensure the workforce is adequately skilled is mounting. Energy Skills Queensland chief executive officer Glenn Porter said that body’s role in the rush to discover and drill for coal seam gas was in assisting industry to understand workforce needs. “This involves workforce
planning to determine how many drillers, tool pushers, rig managers, lease hands, derrickmen are required for each job; the sort of skills these people need; putting programs in place to train new workers; and upskilling the existing workforce to a higher level to meet the demands of what is a growing industry,” he said. “Up until coal drilling and exploration crashed in the last two to three months, there was a huge shortage of CSG drillers in Queensland, but with the
Companies are drilling about two new CSG wells a day in Queensland according to peak industry body the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association. Photo: Robert Garvey
ramping up of the industry, coal’s loss has been CSG’s gain.” Mr Porter said offshore contracts to purchase Queensland gas guaranteed drilling and exploration jobs for the foreseeable future. He understood about 1000 Queensland wells would need to be drilled in the next 12 to 18 months, and that about 30,000 wells would be required to maintain supply over the 30 years of the three major LNG
projects now in development. “At the moment, coal seam gas is one of the few growth industries, not only in the resources industry, but also in Australia,” Mr Porter said. “However, as it’s an industry fraught with safety and environmental risks, ensuring the workforce is competent is absolutely essential.” Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) chief
operating officer, eastern region, Rick Wilkinson said that peak body’s members were drilling about two new CSG wells a day across Queensland. “In the first quarter of this year we drilled 160 holes and in the second that increased to 207,”he said. “We are really ramping up and I think the trend will continue as we build production capacity to meet domestic and export markets”.
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Aquifer Coal Coal
Aquifer Aquifer
The Brisbane-based WellDog Australia team has developed a new way of using downhole pressure sensors to monitor aquifers in coal seam gas (CSG) fields. The potential for aquifer “cross communication” – where coal-seam drilling and production might trigger water to spill to or from a nearby aquifer – has been the cause of widespread concern among communities and environmental groups. But WellDog says installing its downhole pressure sensors in observation wells allows CSG companies to accurately detect changes as small as 5mm in aquifer water levels. The monitoring occurs in real time and
continuously throughout the life of CSG operations. WellDog chief technology officer Quentin Morgan said the AquaTracker innovation had received immediate take-up from the CSG industry, with Arrow Energy the first to implement it – installing sensor packages in eight wells in the Surat Basin. WellDog has also commercialised its GasMapper coal seam testing technical service, allowing resource companies to detect and map underground gas characteristics before mining without drilling the extra wells required by slower, more expensive “core sampling” techniques.
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26
LIVING REMOTELY
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Camp lunches pack a punch A North Queensland business aims to carve out a niche in the site services market. Therese McInnes believes it’s the simple things like her packed lunches that set her work camp service business apart. Ms McInnes is the director of Project Facilities Management, a North Queensland business targeting relatively small camps, such as exploration and mine construction sites. “We’re trying to put a more personal touch and offer more options,” she said. Ms McInnes said most sites offered a salad buffet of lunch options for the workers to put in containers each morning, but she believed individual lunches were a better option. “After the third day they don’t
know what to pack up for lunch and get really frustrated,” Ms McInnes said. She said providing tailor-made packed lunches was more cost effective as it meant less food was wasted. “Our concept is trying to get it like a motel-type system,” she said. “When you book into camp you can tick off items on a menu and have your lunch pre-made to be picked up as you walk out the door after a nice breakfast, then come back for a buffet meal at night-time.” She said Project Facilities Management used biodegradable, paper-based
Therese McInnes Project Facilities Management director
packaging for the packed crib meals. The business also planned to offer touches such as a site snack
bar and motel-style swipe cards to control workers’ access to their rooms and particular areas of the camp. Based in Bowen and Townsville, the business has a team of 18 staff ready to mobilise for their next job. Ms McInnes had remote catering experience with ESS for about seven years before starting her own operation, which kicked off with work for Evolution Mining’s exploration and construction camps at Twin Hills and Mt Carlton in North Queensland. Ms McInnes admitted that catering on remote sites had its challenges. “At Mt Carlton we were originally catering for about 100 people with one oven, and out of a donga,” she said.
Packed lunches made to order.
“It comes down to time management – and the staff we have are all just too happy to get in there and do it.”
Cairns company boasts all the right moves for mining A patented mobile accommodation unit conceived, designed and built in Cairns is making inroads into the resources industry. Pioneer Transportables director Graeme Smith said his company addressed the problems of economically accommodating workers in remote locations, specifically on linear projects where the worksite moved in stages. Transportable Accommodation Modules (TAM) require no site preparation or footings. They are delivered to site prewired and plumbed - including a sewage treatment plant - and are fully finished inside and out. “This means a fully functioning camp can be up and running in just a few hours from arrival on site,” Mr Smith said.
“It can be transported by semitrailer or by ship to any mine site quickly, easily and economically.” Fully mobile configurations include: • Accommodation modules • Site offices and classrooms • Crib rooms and medical facilities • Kitchens, dining rooms and laundry facilities • Sound stages Units can be relocated in one day depending upon distances and no development, building or environmental approvals are required. The modules, which are built of structural steel, are permanently trailer-mounted and can be parked almost anywhere, complete with water
and sewerage systems as a selfcontained unit. A standard three-bedroom TAM with ensuite includes a wide covered deck, airconditioning, internet connection, television and a DVD player in each bedroom. Pioneer Transportables is the result of Mr Smith, a Cairns based builder-consultant, working with builder and mining infrastructure manager Allan Hockley and builder and engineer Peter Lennox to investigate gaps in temporary remote accommodation. “Pioneer Transportables mobile camps can be economically placed near to or on preliminary or shifting work sites, providing substantial savings by reducing travelling
Transportable Accommodation Modules meet remote living demands.
times to and from work sites,” Mr Smith said. “Leasing costs are from $560 per day for a four-man camp and
offer real cost savings in terms of dramatically reducing travel times to site and set-up and relocation costs.”
HEAVY MACHINERY REVIEW
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
27
Truck taps bullet-train science The drive control system that powers Japan’s renowned Shinkansen bullet trains has been incorporated in Hitachi’s new EH5000AC-3 rigid dump truck. The truck features Hitachi’s new Advanced IGBT AC Drive System, which the manufacturer says is designed to deliver an unrivalled level of efficiency. It is Hitachi’s largest rigid dump truck and incorporates a Cummins QSKTTA60-CE diesel engine able to generate 2125 kW (2850 HP) at 1900 rpm and meet EPA Tier 2 emission requirements. The new drive system features
control feature for improved comfort and frame reliability, and skid control to enhance stability and steering correction to keep operators on track. Hitachi says other improve-
sensors on all four wheels and uses additional feedback from various sources to enhance the slip/slide control feature. New control systems in the EH5000AC-3 include a pitch
ments in this model include superior visibility around the machine perimeter - achieved through the integration of strategically positioned mirrors and cameras, as well as wider
Loader has the Z-factor
The EH5000AC-3 Hitachi’s largest rigid dump truck
Redpath gets to grips with beams Mining contractor Redpath Australia has developed a machine it says is capable of erecting steel beams in underground mines more safely and at a faster rate than the current process using cranes. The Redigrip PSM (Precision Steel Manipulator) is an advanced hydraulically-controlled manipulator that can lift beams weighing up to 1.2 tonnes with a reach of up to 8m. Its development has seen Redpath short-listed for an NSCA National Safety Award of Excellence. The Redigrip combines mining machinery parts with those used in forestry and agriculture to create a new tool with uses across a range of sectors. “The safety and productivity benefits are incredible,” Redpath Australia health, safety, environment and quality manager Graeme Christie said. “The Redigrip eliminates the need for a conventional crane
front glass in the cab. A new high arch design with bolt-fastened cab support requires reduced assembling time and ensures streamlined serviceability during engine overhauls.
Volvo’s new quarry-sized wheel loader features a Z-bar linkage to provide high breakout force. Distributor CJD Equipment displayed the Volvo L250G at the recent Goldfields Mining Expo in Western Australia. CJD spokesman Steve Gunn said the Z-bar linkage helped the model provide more powerful digging of hard materials. The L250G also features the Volvo OptiShift system and load sensing hydraulics, with variable-flow axial piston pumps enabling stronger lift and tilt functions. “With a high lift capacity, fully loaded buckets and other attachments can be elevated to a maximum height while fast hydraulic speeds mean quickload cycles for faster production,” The Volvo L250G wheel loader Mr Gunn said.
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28 Building Mining Communities
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
SUPPORTED BY BHP BILLITON CANNINGTON
New crash kits Stab Fast units will be on hand for accidents in the Nebo area thanks to industry assistance. The Nebo State Emergency Services (SES) has a new weapon when it comes to responding to motor vehicle accidents thanks to support from Hail Creek mine and Isaac Regional Council. The SES has been able to purchase Stab Fast vehicle stabilisation units which include hooks, wedges and struts that attach to vehicles to minimise movement and allow emergency crews access to casualties quickly and safely. Nebo SES controller, Isaac Regional Council, Alex McPhee said the group was grateful for the support received through the Nebo Community Benefits Scheme. Hail Creek mine also donated vehicle cutting equipment which has assisted the Nebo road crash rescue unit in multiple vehicle crashes. Mine general manager operations Rowan Munro said the Hail Creek operation had been proud to partner with Isaac
Regional Council to provide support to the Nebo community through the Nebo Community Benefits Scheme since 2003. “The SES provides an invaluable service to the community by assisting people
in need in a variety of situations from motor vehicle accidents, to natural disasters and education for the community,” Mr Munro said. “We value the SES’s commitment to making the roads around Nebo and Hail Creek mine a safer place for all, especially as our mine employees use these roads on a daily basis.”
Moranbah State High School Students Mollie McKay and Ciaran Friel discuss a Diprotodon jaw in situ with Queensland Museum’s Dr Scott Hocknull.
Partnership helps unearth the past Wombat-like animals the size of small cars, the world’s largest lizard and giant crocodiles were just some of the fossils local students recently came face to face with at a dig site near Nebo. Nebo SES members Alex McPhee and Kerry Cook and Hail Creek mine community relations graduate Kylie Devine display a Stab Fast vehicle stabilisation unit.
Coal giant backs student app A new smartphone app able to connect more than 17,000 students from across Mackay with local retailers will soon be a reality thanks to a partnership between BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) and Study Mackay. The technology, part of the Student Discount Project, is designed to assist with cost-of-living pressures for students. Study Mackay chairman Professor Pierre Viljoen said the project would target local high school students over 15 years of age as well as those at TAFE, university or language colleges with the aim of offering discounts and rewards via new smartphone app technology. “It’s a win-win situation,” he said. “Students feel more supported in the region being able to access
exclusive discounts which assist their cost of living and local businesses will generate a larger and sometimes new market.” BMC asset president Michael Rosengren said the BMC Education Initiative Advisory Group recognised the Student Discount Project could help to address cost-of-living pressures, which were highlighted in a community needs assessment conducted by the business in 2010. “To ensure a diverse economy for Mackay into the future, supporting student life and maintaining a population of younger people in the region must continue,” Mr Rosengren said. The discount program is expected to be launched in February 2013 during CQUniversity orientation week celebrations.
QGC sponsorship is tutu good Natural gas company QGC will be Queensland Ballet’s principal partner for the next three years. The partnership, unveiled at the recent preview of the 2013 season, will allow Queensland Ballet to further its activities in Brisbane and in regional areas across Queensland. Queensland Ballet’s new production of Giselle will premiere at Toowoomba’s
Empire Theatre in 2013 as part of an extensive regional tour that will take in six regional Queensland centres including Gladstone. The tour will be complemented by expanded education initiatives including workshops and school programs. Queensland Ballet chief executive Anna Marsden said the partnership with QGC
was the most significant in the company’s 53-year history. QGC managing director Derek Fisher said QGC shared Queensland Ballet’s commitment to giving back to the community. “We’re delighted to be able to partner with Queensland Ballet and to provide opportunities for young people in regional areas to further their ambitions in the performing arts,” Mr Fisher said.
Moranbah State High School’s earth science class and Nebo State School were given a rare insight into what roamed the region more than 30,000 years ago thanks to the Queensland Museum and BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal. The annual dig is part of a broader three-year partnership between the Queensland Museum and BMC, which also includes an exhibit for Nebo Museum, an exhibition for the Queensland Museum, museum development officer support and megafauna-themed educational loans kits for schools around the state. The dig site, located at BMC’s South Walker Creek mine, is being systematically excavated - revealing a range of creatures from Australia’s past including the partial remains of Diprotodon, the world’s largest marsupial. During the recent dig, students learned from Queensland Museum vertebrate palaeontologist and senior curator Dr Scott Hocknull about the animals and the process of fossil discovery and preparation. “We are finding dozens of fossils from tiny fish scales to giant limb bones of extinct megafauna, some with tooth marks from crocodiles. This indicates that South Walker Creek was once home to enormous crocodiles, giant lizards and the world’s largest kangaroos,” Dr Hocknull said. “It’s the first time we have been able to excavate a site in the tropics year to year. “The discoveries will provide some answers to one of science’s most perplexing questions: what are the megafauna, how did they live and what drove them extinct? “We are also working closely with local traditional owners Barada Barna to ensure any items of cultural heritage are identified.”
Proudly supporting mining communities Cannington
Building Mining Communities 29
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
SUPPORTED BY BHP BILLITON CANNINGTON
Corporate challenge has industry on the run
Cowboys game development manager Ryan Mahoney and NRL squad member Tyson Martin at the Longreach School of Distance Education. Photo: Catherine Mims
Still Try Time for Cowboys The 2012 NRL season may be over for the North Queensland Cowboys, but they are still kicking goals. A recent trip for the Try Time! program saw team members cover 5500km to visit schools in Weipa, Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach and Rockhampton. The Try Time! program – delivered in partnership between BHP Billiton, North Queensland Cowboys and Education Queensland – has engaged with 70 schools and a total of 8000 students throughout 2012. It involves players visiting regional schools to deliver messages addressing key social issues that can have a negative impact on learning. These include social media issues such as Facebook and cyber safety, the importance of looking after emotional and mental health, and the impacts of bullying. Cowboys community relations manager Fiona Pelling said the program was specifically developed for regional schools in the Cowboys and BHP Billiton Cannington mine catchment areas. “It’s widely recognised that students from rural and remote areas do not have the same
opportunities as those from urban or larger centres,” Ms Pelling said. “This program aims to restore that balance, specifically in the education area where social issues can have a significant impact on learning. “By using players to engage students, we can pass the footy around, have a bit of fun and also integrate some serious messages about topics such as bullying and cyber safety.” Ms Pelling said the recent trip that took in Mount Isa, Winton and Longreach was well received by the schools involved. “Trips like these are also a great opportunity for our players,” she said. “It’s great for them to experience first-hand the issues faced by regional schools and also meet kids they wouldn’t usually get to engage with. “In Longreach, our guys sat in on a class at the Longreach School of Distance Education, on, which was such a thrill for the students and the he players.” The Try Time! program runs from January nuary to December each year.
The 10th annual TP Human Capital Corporate Team Triathlon saw record breaking participation from a number of industries including mining and related sectors. Queensland Nickel, Xstrata, Toll NQX and Toll North teams were among the enthusiasts. Co-sponsor Queensland Nickel entered five teams led by accountant and planning superintendent David Hunter, senior electrical engineer Simon Sorbello, maintenance technician Liam Murphy, process technician Keith Hooper and occupational health nurse Kate Sedon. Winners in the six categories were: corporate mixed, Long Tan Aquatics; corporate female, Back2health/On-Running1; corporate male, Beyond Running; non-corporate female, Skinworx; non-corporate male, Top Brand Cycles; noncorporate mixed, Top Brand Cycles. “The TP Human Capital Corporate Team Triathlon promotes health and wellbeing within the workplace, highlighting the incredible benefits that exercise in the workplace can deliver for employees, employers and businesses,” company director Clayton Cook said.
Queensland Nickel competitor Sam Contarino pounds his way along The Strand in the TP Human Capital Corporate Team Triathlon.
Community day good as Gold A XXXX GOLD community day in Mount Isa has raised $15,000 to help expand the North ht Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service’s night operations across northern Queensland. Rugby league legends Steve and Kerrod ere Walters, as well as local hero Scott Prince, were among the guests. orr NQ Rescue chief executive officer Alex Dorr said the donation would help put the recent purchase of four night goggles to good use. “It’s great to have such an iconic Queensland brand come on board and support the service. This money will enable us to maintain our 24-hour coverage in the region and ultimately help save more lives,” M addison Hull, 4, tr Mr Dorr said. ies out th e pilot se scue helicopter up Mount Isa locals were invited to see the rescue at. close and join a gold coin donation barbecue,, while local footy b fans were treated to some footy tips from Mountt IIsa R Rugby League and XXXX GOLD representatives.
XXXX regional director for Queensland Geoff Cockerill presents a $15,000 cheque to NQ Rescue’s Alex Dorr.
Scott Prince enjoys a run with some Mount Isa footy players.
Proudly supporting mining communities Cannington
30
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RESCUE
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Blackwater team takes hat-trick A Bowen Basin crew continues its dominance in open-cut rescue, writes Belinda Humphries. BMA’s Blackwater operation has bagged a hat-trick with its win at this year’s Queensland Open Cut Mines Rescue Service Challenge. Blackwater pipped teams from Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside to be named overall winner of the competition for the third year running. Queensland Open Cut Mines Rescue technical committee secretary Tom Wood said no mine sites had volunteered to host the 2012 competition so it was held at the Combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane, with each competing mine contributing $10,000 for costs. Mr Wood, who acted as chief assessor, said the teams had been very closely matched. He said also that Queensland Fire and Rescue Service representatives assisting had been surprised by the high standard of skills the mines rescue personnel displayed.
“We had the QFRS assessing the fire event and they were really impressed with the level of fire fighting the guys did down there,” Mr Wood said. “In vertical rescue we use a different technique and they were impressed with the rope work and the road crash rescue as well.” As well as the top three placegetters, the 2012 event drew teams from the Gregory Crinum, Saraji, New Acland and Callide operations plus a New South Wales entry from Bengalla. They were tested in categories including vertical rescue, road accident rescue, search and rescue using breathing apparatus, fire and multi-casualty response. Team members also faced individual practical tasks and a theory test. On its way to victory, the Blackwater team top–scored in the vertical rescue, breathing
Victorious Blackwater team members Steve Weber, Sean Daly, Mathew Daly, Luke Ricciardi, Brett Truelson (captain), Joel Hopes, Matt Svenson and Mick O’Connor.
apparatus, theory and individual practical events. Sean Daly from Blackwater received the highest
theory mark and Brett Truelson from Blackwater was named best captain.
The Blackwater team takes on the fire exercise.
New stretcher just the ticket for workers in a tight spot A boiler shutdown involving repair work inside the narrow confines of a steam drum has prompted Queensland Alumina Limited to develop a tailor-made rescue strategy in case of emergency. A steel stretcher was designed and built by primary shutdown contracting group Clyde Babcock and Hitachi to fit the steam drum entrance – which is about the size of a large watermelon. QAL’s First Response Team
efficient patient stabilisation were key to the success of the rescue operation,” boiler for a mock rescue. recovery team superintendent John Burden said. “The custom steel stretcher will be a part of future steam drum rescue plans.” The QAL alumina refinery in Gladstone operates its own boilerhouse, with seven coalfired boilers, and boiler number the “patient” comfortably and seven is undergoing a major efficiently. shutdown. The plant also has “Good communication, accurate injury assessment and three gas-fed package boilers. The custom
stretcher in use
(FRT) used the custom made stretcher in a rescue exercise in October. The equipment helped the crew to extract
The open-cut rescue competition has been running since 1978. “Between 1984 and 1998 we used to have three zones – northern, central and southern - and we used to have six teams in each zone. So there were 18 teams competing at three sites and then we’d have the State finals. That was when the mining companies really put a lot into it,” Mr Wood said. “Unfortunately a lot of them have fallen by the wayside and don’t put competition teams in anymore.” Mr Wood said while the Queensland Open Cut Mines Rescue Service Challenge had attracted only coal operations this year, the BHP Billiton Cannington emergency response team from north-west Queensland had attended in 2011. He said open cut challenge organisers planned to work with organisers of the Northern Australian Emergency Response Competition in Darwin to attract some of those teams to the 2013 challenge. Blackwater was invited to the Hunter Valley open-cut competition in New South Wales in October as a result of winning the Queensland event on September 21 and 22. The team came second to Integra mine.
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WET SEASON
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
31
Push to ease release conditions Many coal operations remain hamstrung by a build-up of water, writes Belinda Humphries. The Queensland Resources Council has been pushing for an easing in discharge rules early this wet season so coal mines struggling with excess water can get on top of the problem as rains arrive. Even with a shift from State Government, QRC chief executive Michael Roche said dealing with the water that had built up on Bowen Basin sites would be a multi-year task. “For some mines the sheer quantities of water they’re holding are such you couldn’t physically deal with all that water in one season - that’s despite the fact you have a plethora of pumping equipment, pipes around the sites,” he said. “They’ve engineered themselves in readiness, but realistically I think for some mines this could be a three-year task. Depending on the type of wet season we have, the risk is always that the
rains that deliver good flows in water courses (setting up the conditions to allow discharges) can also be rains that top up the water being held by mines.” The QRC had been involved in discussions with the Newman Government and believed a new system regarding discharge conditions would be in place soon, Mr Roche said. Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell said the Government was committed to facilitating the managed release of mineaffected water but would not compromise on protecting the drinking water in regional towns and maintaining the health of river systems. “EHP continues to prioritise applications to allow for the release of legacy water held on mines where applicants can show they can meet the water quality conditions,” he said.
Mr Roche said it was important to start tackling the problem as soon as possible for environmental reasons, as the water would become saltier the longer it sat. There was also the huge cost to the operations of managing the water – such as shifting it when they needed to access areas - and the fact it was impeding production. Mr Roche said the industry was seeking conditions that would be less rigid about the quality of water at the point of discharge and focus more on the quality once dilution had taken effect downstream. “We can’t, obviously, place at risk water quality for downstream users – be that agricultural users or for drinking water at towns downstream,” he said. “That’s a given, but we believe there is plenty of headroom to be able to discharge more of this water without getting into the territory of affecting water quality.” Mr Roche said in late October
Some sites are dealing with the legacy of high rainfall over two wet seasons.
Queensland coal mines were holding about 250 gigalitres of water they would like to discharge. “This is not just about the after-effects of the 201011 cyclones and flooding rains, there is also an impact from last wet season,” he said A Bureau of Meteorology climatologist said the last two wet seasons had been La Nina
years, where conditions in the Pacific Ocean had acted as a strong driver for rainfall. Conditions this season were neutral – neither La Nina or El Nino (which sparks very dry seasons) - indicating the wet season would not be out of the ordinary, Northern Territory Climate Services Centre senior climatologist Joel Lisonbee said.
Water knowledge on tap
A peak industry group has launched a Water in Mining Specialist Network.
The Australian Water Association (AWA) has launched an initiative to help mining organisations share skills and expertise on water issues and management. The Water in Mining Specialist Network will promote and develop understanding of water management in the mining industry, and highlight best practice case studies. AWA national membership manager Michael Seller said the network was set up following approaches from mining companies who believed thet AWA had a greater role to play in the sector. He believed the AWA would be able to bring the professional skills of its membership to consider current water management challenges
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in the industry, such as the difficulties in discharging water build-up from Queensland coal sites, and help lobby for appropriate changes in regulatory conditions. “The network will assist in providing unbiased and scientific information to both the water and mining industries, and work with key organisations such as the Minerals Council of Australia,” he said. “What we really want is for mining companies to join the initiative, and share information on relevant water issues and challenges. By working together we can advocate for the protection of our precious water supplies, whilst still getting the most out of our important resources.”
32
TRAINING
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Whitsunday mine skills plan A workforce development body aims to set up a new practical training hub for resource sector companies, writes Belinda Humphries. A quarry outside Bowen has been earmarked for a joint training facility to help mines hone their employees’ skills. Whitsunday Industrial Workforce Development is leading the charge to develop the operation, which it hopes to see up and running in 2013. Manager Wendy Bradley said WIWD was an industrydriven initiative with a focus on attracting, skilling and retaining workforce as demand in the region grew.
“Part of that was identifying some of the gaps - and one that was identified was that we really needed a practical training facility, somewhere the companies running mines can train people,” she said. North Queensland Bulk Ports had agreed in principle to make available a large area of land near the Abbot Point coal port, including a fully licensed quarry site, Ms Bradley said. One mining company has already agreed to supply
equipment and WIWD is looking into the availability of government grants to cover items such as fencing and administration offices. “Because industry wants it, we’re looking for industry to drive it – WIWD will act as facilitators…we’ll manage it for them but they need to talk to us about what they can contribute to establish it,” Ms Bradley said. The initiative would target people engaged to work on mines in the Bowen and Galilee basins, as well as further afield, who needed extra skills, she said. “Whether it’s young apprentices or those requiring cross training – they can do it in
a safe environment rather than taking them straight on to a busy mine site,” Ms Bradley said. It may be used to help bring skilled overseas workers up to Australian standards for mining industry positions, she said. The large site would be suitable for training in a range of skills, from operating a haul truck through to tasks like surveying or vegetation mapping and management. Ms Bradley said it would not run in competition with established training businesses, but would act as a practical training venue for the use of all registered training organisations. WIWD is also launching a
Kinetic hands out 2012 awards BMA has been awarded Best Training Processes and Practices in the resources company category at the Kinetic 2012 Training Awards. The organisation was recognised for significantly simplifying staff training and building its training and development capability. Kinetic Group chief executive officer Derek Hunter said the BMA workforce embraced improvements and there was a definite sense of ownership and engagement from both the corporate and site side of operations. Kinetic 2012 is the first training awards held by Kinetic Group since a rebranding. It was formerly the Mining Industry Skills Centre. New Horizons Safety & Training won the registered training provider category for Best Training Processes and Practices for the second consecutive year for its mine
BMA manager training and development Andrew Clegg, centre, receives the award from WorkPac chief executive officer Praanesh Prasad and Kinetic Group chief executive officer Derek Hunter.
site training centre. The resource company category winner for the 2012 Innovation Award was HSE Mining, while an RMIT University and SAGE Didactic joint venture won the registered
training organisation category. Leighton Contractors’ Jess Martin won the Apprentice of the Year award, and Jake Smith of Xstrata Mount Isa Mines was named Trainee of the Year.
Unified to Qualified (U2Q) scheme that will see mining companies pay about half the cost of training apprentices who will work with host businesses in the Whitsunday region. Towards the end of the apprenticeship training they would gain mine–site experience, Ms Bradley said. “There is an expectation but no obligation for the apprentice to actually go to the mine (when qualified),” she said. Ms Bradley said one mining company had committed to support 10 apprentices in a pilot program from January and others were expected to follow.
SkillsTech and LNG group take a bow for pipeline centre SkillsTech Australia’s $1 million partnership with Santos GLNG has won it the Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award at the 51st Queensland Training Awards. SkillsTech Australia Institute director Mary Campbell said it was a proud moment. “This Australian-first, specialised coal seam gas and gas transmission pipeline training centre, in partnership with Santos GLNG, is the direct product of our hardworking staff and the productive relationship developed with the employer,” Ms Campbell said. “This award is for outstanding collaboration providing exemplary skills development between an employer and training organisation. It is a credit for both of our organisations. “This partnership is a wonderful example of what a TAFE institute can achieve with industry, delivering training that aligns with their needs and providing Queenslanders with employment opportunities.” Other Queensland Training Awards winners included Aaron Bond, employed by Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa, who was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Pioneer State High School student Lachlan Brand, working with Hastings Deering, who was named Schoolbased Apprentice of the Year.
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SHUTDOWNS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
33
Brick road to smelter success In May 2011, Xstrata Copper North Queensland announced its long-term vision to secure the future of its Mount Isa operations by expanding mining and concentrate production, while phasing out copper smelting in the city by the end of 2016. With its last smelter rebrick maintenance shutdown completed in early 2010 and a previous Isasmelt furnace campaign life that maxed out at three years, it seemed Xstrata Copper would have to completely shut down smelting operations for 30 days of furnace rebricking work twice during the remaining five years of operation, at a cost to the business of more than $45 million in capital outlay and lost production time. This forced the team at Xstrata’s Mount Isa Copper Smelter to think strategically about how they might get the most productive and efficient performance out of the smelter over its remaining operating years while minimising production time lost due to maintenance. The solution, which focuses on reduced temperature rates and revised settings, will extend the life of the furnace from three to four years, ensuring only one shutdown will be required between now and 2016, when smelting operations in Mount Isa wrap up. Xstrata Copper said this would result in a capital expense saving of almost $13 million, and a productivity boost equivalent to about $10 million by adding an additional 30 days of copper anode production - otherwise lost to maintenance shutdown to the smelter’s output over the next five years. Major credit for the improved
her workplace and industry, Ms Yunus was awarded the Young Achiever Award at the prestigious 2012 PACE Zenith Awards. “Ms Yunus assisted the team in the investigation and recommended, trialled and monitored the implementation of a number of initiatives as well as some of her own solutions,” Mount Isa copper smelter general manager Paul Telford said. Mr Telford said one of the key solutions Ms Yunus and the team of Xstrata Copper metallurgists implemented was reducing the firing rate during heat up from 85 per cent to 60 per cent. “Think about the bricks in our Isasmelt furnance like cakes in an oven. If the oven heats up too quickly, the outside of the cake will burn and the inside won’t cook,” Mr Telford said. “By reducing the intensity of the heat as the Isasmelt furnace heats up, it allows the bricks to heat slowly and more evenly all the way through, optimising the efficiency of the furnace while preserving the outer surface of the bricks. Other solutions
Lucya Yunus Xstrata Copper chemical engineer
operating practices which have overcome the problem of accelerated brick wear has been attributed to the copper smelter Isasmelt control room operators
and the team of metallurgists, including 27-year-old chemical engineer Lucya Yunus. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to
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the team uncovered included revising temperature trip settings, setting the maximum allowable temperature of 1250 degrees on each heat up and rolling out new operational key performance indicators to monitor the Isasmelt temperature process and control. The project resulted in the lowest brick wear rate (only 5mm per year) of any Isasmelt furnace in the world at the end of the 2011 campaign, representing a 96 per cent reduction on the expected annual brick wear rate of 115mm per year, and a marked improvement relative to the accelerated wear rate of 260mm per year observed in December 2010. Mr Telford said in addition to the productivity gains and capital expense savings, Xstrata Copper’s team of metallurgists and operators managed to maintain a 0.8 per cent copper loss in rotary holding furnace slag through compliance with the key performance indicators across the smelting operations.
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REGIONAL ENGINEERING TEAMS
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Thinking outside the square A Mackay team draws on the industry around it to spur innovation, writes Belinda Humphries. MRA director Doug Lithgow is passionate about the importance of regional engineering expertise. The electrical controls and automation engineering firm that Mr Lithgow founded in Newcastle with fellow director Ken Hipwell set up shop in Mackay four years ago. “When MRA decided we needed to be in Queensland, I personally was absolutely determined that we would be where the action was and that we would have best quality engineers in the field, not capital-city ivory-tower engineers,” Mr Lithgow said. “That’s quite a passion of mine. I think it’s an important nation-building activity. “You don’t want everything concentrated in capital cities and you want the kids in regional areas, if they’re excelling in a field, to have the opportunity
Doug Lithgow MRA director
to work locally and not have to migrate to Brisbane, Sydney or Perth to get exposure to the leading edge of engineering.” Mr Lithgow said a prime driver in the innovations MRA was renowned for was “getting amongst it” and understanding the problems in industry.
The four-strong MRA Mackay team of professional engineers includes an R&D element to focus on emerging technology and how it can be applied to assist clients. MRA’s work was recently recognised with an innovation award at the 2012 MAIN (Mackay Area Industry Network) Industry Awards. This recognised the MRA rail vision system – which uses emerging vision technology to pick up problems with the closing mechanisms in coal wagon doors. Mr Lithgow said the system applied high-end technology to a problem which had usually been dealt with manually, that is by posting workers at coal dump stations to visually check the doors as wagons unloaded. The first unit developed has been operating at the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group coal terminal in New South Wales for about nine months to prove the technology. Mr Lithgow said introducing
The MRA rail vision system in action at a New South Wales coal terminal.
the technology to the coal transport system should reduce the risk of derailment caused by accidental load dumps, reduce track maintenance by ensuring less coal was leaking from faulty doors, and reduce spills at loadout facilities. As well as checking the wagon doors, the system will alert operators to other defects such as broken springs or seized wheels.
Mr Lithgow, who was behind the original concept, said the system had been developed by MRA’s Newcastle and Mackay teams. The company is ready to start supplying the devices to the Queensland coal network and is looking into offering a userpays service where MRA would install, operate and maintain the systems at key points.
Engineers Australia celebrates projects of excellence Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Cardno have been recognised for their joint efforts in rebuilding Grantham in the aftermath of the 2011 Queensland floods. The organisations won the Engineering Leadership Award at the Engineers Australia Queensland Division’s 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards. The Gateway upgrade project, a joint venture by Leighton and Abigroup, received the top
award of the night - the R.W. Hawken Award for Engineering Excellence in Queensland. Engineers Australia Queensland Division president Steven Goh said the judges found this project to be outstanding. “The works of the second Gateway Bridge had to retain the lines of the 25-year-old Gateway Bridge, but with significantly improved detailed designs and construction
to provide increased safety, security, cost-effectiveness and a substantially improved design life,” he said. Forty projects from throughout the state were entered into this year’s Queensland Engineering Excellence Awards. Winners included: Innovation Award - RG Tanna Stockpile 22, submitted by Wagstaff Piling; Sustainability Award - Portsmith Landfill Closure,
submitted by Cairns Regional Council, Golder and BMD. Excellence awards in various categories went to Metricon Stadium - submitted by Arup; Shift Handover Solutions (SH2) - submitted by Sedgman and 5D Consulting; Portsmith Landfill Closure - Cairns Regional Council, Golder Associates and BMD; the Ukhaa Khudag coal handling and preparation plant - submitted by Sedgman; South Brisbane upgrade project
- Queensland Rail; Toowoomba Range rail flood recovery submitted by Queensland Rail, Golder Associates and Thiess; Toombul jacked box - Thiess John Holland; and Logan Water Alliance - submitted by an alliance comprised of Logan City Council, Tenix, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Cardno. Owen Custom Products won a small business excellence award for its solid state technology for dragline swing pedals.
BIG BOYS’ TOYS
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
35
SuperMoto men primed to fly Queensland 2012 SuperMoto champion Jarrod Koppe is adamant there’s nothing like the sport to get the adrenalin pumping and test a rider’s skills. As racing involves executing . o ac tion jumps, tight turns and coping with perMot u S in e track variations of dirt and bitumen opp J a r ro d K while riding a dirt bike fitted with with 17-inch road wheels and slick racing tyres, the pastime is not one for the faint-hearted. According to Mr Koppe, SuperMotoo is not only gaining popularity with n those who enjoy the thrills and take on the challenges, it’s also one of the best spectator sports around. The Nautiz X1 is promoted as the perfect But some are prepared to do more blending of a smartphone and a rugged h. than just sit on the sidelines and watch. handheld. Such is TP HumanCapital director The device runs on the Google Android Clayton Cook’s enthusiasm for 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or a Windows any MotoCross and SuperMoto, his company Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system, ace has agreed to sponsor Future Sport’s race the release date of which is yet to be team for the 2013 season. confirmed. “We feel it is important to look outside de The combination of small size and light yof the box when considering communityweight - at 180g - puts it in a class with based sponsorships, and a big reason we other popular smartphones, but with ng chose SuperMoto was because they visit o: Fiona Hardi ot h P ruggedness unmatched by any consumer The Nauti e. p op z X1 has been and Jarrod K regional areas to showcase the sport,” he said. designed device, a company spokesperson said. Clayton Cook for rugged ou tdoor use. The Townsville-based Future Sport race Built for the toughest conditions in real challenge and something completely team also competes locally every weekend. work and play, the Nautiz X1 meets stringent different from all the other bike sports,” he However, for the moment, their main focus is military standards for withstanding humidity, vibration, drops and said. on 2013’s Queensland and Australian SuperMoto extreme temperatures. “And with a lot of younger competitors championships. It is waterproof and impervious to dust and sand. coming up through the ranks, the challenges “I’ll be defending my Queensland title in the The Nautiz X1 runs on a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor and – which I really love - are getting tougher all premier S2cc – 450cc class, but the Australian title 512 MB of RAM, which allows top-notch performance in the field. the time.” is the one I really want after coming second – I Features include vivid image displays and graphics or customised Mr Cook said the TP Human Capital staff missed out on first by seven points - last year,” Mr work software and 2GB of onboard memory, expandable via a worked closely with mining industry employers Koppe said. MicroSD card slot. and employees and believed many in the “The 2013 racing calendar hasn’t been released The 4-inch touch screen is sunlight-readable and scratch-resistant. industry enjoyed the spectacle of MotoCross yet but we estimate the championships will be run On the Nautiz X1’s rear face, a five-megapixel autofocus camera and and SuperMoto. in the first half of the year.” true LED flash allow crisp photographs to be taken, even in dark “By supporting Jarrod and his team, we are Mr Koppe has raced in all motorcycle disciplines environments. helping make the sport accessible to mining over the last 15 years. However, SuperMoto is the The phone provides voice and high-speed data transmission towns and supporting their communities,” one he enjoys the most. worldwide over GSM or CDMA networks. Mr Cook said. “It’s about contributing to the “I’ve been Australian champion on the flat track And for those off the beaten track, embedded GPS, E-compass communities we operate in and I think sports such but SuperMoto is my favourite. It’s a good mix, a and G-Sensor keeps users on the right track. as SuperMoto offer a lot of entertainment value.”
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2012 Cloncurry Battle of the Mines
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
Birds of a feather on footy field Ronald Major has a thing about birds. Eagles actually. He coached the CuDeco Eagles to runners-up in the 2012 Battle of the Mines in Cloncurry. That was after a season coaching the Cloncurry Eagles in the north western QRL competition. It was the second year CuDeco fielded a team and success in getting to the finals this year represented the junior miner’s increasing presence in the north western mining industry.
The Eagles benefited from talent picked up from the absent Century Chariots. Many of the Chariots players had competed in an All-Blacks carnival the weekend before, which forced their withdrawal from the Battle of the Mines competition. It didn’t hurt also that Major’s nephew Kierran Moseley was able to run on. Moseley was visiting family before flying down to join the Penrith Panthers under-20s squad for
CuDeco Eagles coach Ronald Major with players Corey Moseley, Drew Major and Kierran Moseley.
the 2013 competition. He recently finished high school at Kirwan in Townsville. That’s the same stable that has produced the likes of NRL and Queensland State-of-Origin representatives Sam Thaiday and Jacob Lillyman. There’s a lot riding on the 18-year-old forward’s shoulders as he becomes the only
Cowboys roped in for fun Jason Taumalolo and Chris Grevsmuhl are the best of mates. A week after going head to head for New Zealand and Australia respectively in the trans-Tasman test played in Townsville, the NQ Toyota Cowboys teammates were in Cloncurry teaching skills to a group of country kids. The training session took place on Cloncurry Showgrounds before the 2012 Battle of the Mines. Taumalolo said they were there to spread the (Cowboys) word with the locals and have a bit of fun. Play on the day of the Battle of the Mines reminded him of the football he played when he was younger, he said. “There are a lot of quick and nippy players out there and there is the odd run-over player,” he said. “You get the different variety of players and they all come in different shapes and sizes I guess. “I’m surprised there is such a big tournament like this and everyone gets to come down in a
small area like this in Cloncurry. I am glad everyone has enjoyed coming here and enjoyed a game of footy.” Taumalolo said he and Grevsmuhl failed to get away unscathed from the throng of child admirers for whom he also had some advice. “The kids, yeah, you get the odd kick in the shin. The kids
were enjoying our company and we were enjoying theirs. The mums and dads were pretty happy, I guess, seeing their kids play with us,” he said. “Probably the best coach for rugby league would be your mum and dad. So whatever mum and dad say is pretty much what you should do and don’t give up and keep dreaming.”
Cowboys players Chris Grevsmuhl and Jason Taumololo with Gemma Green.
Cloncurry product in recent memory to play in the National Rugby League. He said the hardest game he has played in yet was for Queensland under18s against the Blues at ANZ Stadium before the second State-of-Origin game this year. The Battle of the Mines was a good excuse to come home, he said. “Good to come back and play for the home side including playing with my brother and cousin and mates I grew up with,” Moseley said. Major said he was pleased with the way the team came
together. After training around split shifts and the late inclusion of invitation players, he said the team rarely had a chance to train together before coming into what was a pretty hard competition. “Our first game was just to get the feeling of the ball and get to know the other players because we are all from different areas,” Major said. “To make the finals, I am proud of them.” The CuDeco Eagles were looking forward to returning in 2013, he said.
Dingoes re-enter the fray after year out of the game The Ernest Henry Mine Dingoes rugby league team is back. The Dingoes took a sabbatical last year from the Battle of the Mines and spent time rebuilding and gathering support for another campaign. New faces and a new attitude saw the locals win two games against the Cannington Cougars and the Mico Devils. They gave finals contenders CuDeco Eagles a fright in the last game by keeping them to 16-8, and came in third place overall. Coach Jason Beaumont said Ernest Henry, an Xstrata operation north of Cloncurry, ran two crews and the team only came together as a single unit the day before the event. “I think they jelled really well and did a great job,” he said. “We have been training for about four months. I think the boys have done credit to themselves and Xstrata. “Three, two, one for me would have been lock Andy McGrath for his gruelling defence and endless hit-ups, prop Sene Faaeteete and Samier Waters at fullback. “A lot of the blokes have been saying, ‘I am in for next year’, including our halves combination Ash and Luke Milwood. “A lot of people have come together, like our volunteers. It is a good community event and a marvellous job. At the end of the day it is all for charity and that’s why we are here. Otherwise it is a good day out for the whole mining community and Cloncurry.”
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2012 Cloncurry Battle of the Mines
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
37
Zinc X-Men keep their shine Zinc again proved to be the hardest metal in north-west Queensland at this year’s Battle of the Mines. It was a combination of Kiwi size and skill and a seasoned team that bought them home 22-8 against the CuDeco Eagles in the final to claim victory for the second year running. While all sides had their star players, X-Men could boast the likes of Pana Pana Uate who has returned to live with his father in Mount Isa after spending a season in Newcastle playing for the Knights. That was with his three-time Dally M winger of the year brother, Australian and New
South Wales representative Akuila Uate. The battle also unearthed a few surprises including a couple of backs who had never played rugby league before. Among them was halfback Hamish Crisp, who was mentioned for his contribution to the team’s success. Like many of the X-Men, Crisp hails from New Zealand and brings the sort of talent that makes Kiwi coaches wail “we were robbed” when they cross the ditch. Crisp has only been in Australia for two years and spent 12 months in Perth before coming east, where he quickly won a jersey in the Mount Isa
rugby union representative team. A surveyor in Xstrata’s underground copper mine, Crisp said he felt the pressure in his first ever game of rugby league, where they won 10-6 against the Ernest Henry Mine Dingoes. “It is a bit different and I am still getting used to it but it is pretty good,” he said. “There’s more contact and it is a bit simpler than union with the breakdown rules, but I am enjoying it. It is something new.’’ The X-Men failed to have it all their way, with the Eagles getting the better of them 14-12 in the fourth game of the day. While he put the key to the campaign down to defence in the middle, captain and co-coach John Venz said he expected continuity to contribute to the teams continued success. “Like I said, we are all one -
Zinc X-Men halfback Hamish Crisp.
we all come from the same line; the Kiwi connection. We work together at George Fisher (and) we have a few boys from the
smelter. Other than that it comes down to playing on the day, playing for each other and playing for our charity.”
Refs in a league of their own Cougars captain Tony Jaques with props John Stanley and Robert Beale.
Hard-hitting initiation It is a long way, and a long time away, from the Blackwater coalfields where Cannington Cougars captain Tony Jaques played football in his prime. “This is my first year in Battle of the Mines and I am very impressed with the turn-out,” said 44-year-old Jaques. “Everyone having a go and everyone enjoying themselves. There’s been nothing malicious there at all. It has been really good fun. It was good hard footy but very clean. I would certainly do it again.” Jaques said he was surprised at the amount of passion that went into the event. “Very surprised actually, it is not game of touch football,” he said. “They were hitting hard but everyone has done pretty well considering the amount of preparation we had.”
Spare a thought for the refs. Cloncurry High School deputy principal Peter Keen and Xstrata raise borer Bernie Maye spent more than three hours each on the oval enforcing standards during the Battle of the Mines. They were relieved at the grand final by Mount Isa-based Queensland Rugby League development officer Scott Kyle. The heat of competition was fanned by temperatures of more than 35 degrees on the Cloncurry Showgrounds. The two refs drank an estimated 10 litres of water over the seven hours of competition. Both whistleblowers have long rugby league careers and the scars to prove it. And both see it as a way of giving back to their communities. A dyed-in-the-wool “bush teacher” Keen brings to the job a pedigree that is hard to match. As the son of a soldier, he joined the army early and went into the artillery corps as a soldier before switching career paths and undertaking officer training at Duntroon Military College. Keen’s teaching career came later in life and has developed hand in hand with a continued association with rugby league. His time as a teacher and footy coach in Hughenden has borne fruit.
to the
Zinc X-Men for winning The Australian Workers Union (AWU) shield for the second year running
Keen taught and coached Cowboys Toyota Cup representative Chris Grevsmuhl, who played for the Kangaroos under-20s team against New Zealand the weekend before the annual Battle of the Mines. “I grew up playing rugby league and enjoyed it,” Keen said. “In the last eight years teaching I have either coached, reffed or served on junior or senior club committees. I see it as a way of giving back to the game and the community you live in. “(As a teacher), it is a good way to connect with kids outside school and allow them to see me in a different setting.” Maye is also coach of the under-13 Blackstars in Mount Isa. He came to the Isa on invitation from some footballing mates from Toowoomba who’d already made the move. Twenty four years later and Maye and his wife remain committed to the inland city. “I look at it as giving back what some old heads taught me,” Maye said. “It is not just about footy but also about respecting elders and helping develop decent people. They have to behave and make an effort at school. If they’re suspended (for example) they won’t get a run.” Oh and refereeing under the Cloncurry spring sun? Just another day in paradise, they said.
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Central Highlands Battle of the Mines
The Mining Advocate | November 2012
Crusaders cruise in The Callide Crusaders dominated for the third year in a row at the Battle of the Mines tournament in Middlemount. The three-peat competition champions remained undefeated throughout their games - taking down Grasstree 7-2, and Lake Lindsay 4-2. They secured their win in a close final game against the Kestrel Kings 5-4. Ex-NRL and State of Origin player Steven Bell played with the Kings, who just missed out on the title. “You know what, we went really well, you know, the team didn’t know each other before the match and we came together really well and had a few close ones there,” Bell said. The Callide team has been victorious for three years running despite being low on players. Queensland Rugby League development and education officer Andrew Lawrence said their success rested on the support of the other teams. “They only come over with a small contingent each time so
they rely on the other teams to help them out, which is really good that they do. They did really well,” Lawrence said. Only four teams took part this year, and the winner was determined in a round-robin style play-off. Lawrence said that he hoped to see more teams sign up to the battle in future years. “It depends on the mining industry itself,” he said. “We’ve lost teams this year
Central Highlands Battle of the Mines winners for 2012, the Callide Crusaders.
because of the downturn in the industry, so if it boosts back up again next year then we
should get more teams involved. Hopefully it’s just a matter of time before more teams from the
Bowen Basin get involved and I think it should just get bigger and bigger.”
Community scores from footy The community spirit of a small mining town raised up to $2000 for the Central Family Support Association at the annual Central Highlands Battle of the Mines competition.
The Grasstree Groundhogs lost 7-2 to the Callide Crusaders at Middlemount.
Supporters from Middlemount and beyond helped to collect the money for the local charity organisation. Central Highlands Rugby League president Pat Booker said the competition really brought the community together. “It’s been fantastic, the way that the games were played, and the sportsmanship was brilliant,” Ms Booker said. “One of our community events each year is to raise funds for a charity and this year we’re raising for a respite centre in Central Highlands for children with disability. ” Anglo American HR manager for Capcoal and Foxleigh mines, Sandra Thomson, was at the event supporting the Grasstree Groundhogs and the Lake Lindsay Battlers.
“We (Anglo American) like to get involved from certainly a sponsoring side of things, we’ve sponsored both of the teams Grasstree and Lake Lindsay,” Ms Thomson said. “I think it’s (Battle of the Mines) not just important for the guys out there playing, but also for the families who come out.” Middlemount Panthers vicepresident Marni Duffy said the rugby league was a great way to bring together the local mining families. “These types of tournaments are instrumental in the community,” she said. “A lot of the Central Highlands clubs rely on volunteers and community support, with a lot of families coming and going and FIFO. The clubs rely on people that just love their footy.”
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40
Central Highlands Battle of the Mines
November 2012 |
The Mining Advocate
All in the family Family alliances and rivalries made this year’s Central Highlands Battle of the Mines tournament personal. The last game of the Middlemount carnival saw Anglo’s Lake Lindsay Battlers go up against local rivals the Grasstree Groundhogs. It was a battle of the families, with Grasstree’s father and son combo Col and Luke Shackleton going up against Lake Lindsay’s father and son duo Boyd and BJ Vickers. Grasstree Groundhog father Col Shackleton said his son had been showing him a thing or two on the field. “He’s teaching me a few tricks
still and he’s getting me running all around the field,” Shackleton said. Meanwhile, Lake Lindsay dad Boyd Vickers said it was good to get out on the field as a family duo and that his son BJ would be keeping an eye out for his old man. “It feels good to be out playing together, there’s 27 years’ difference between us. The opportunity came up for us both to play so we took it with both hands,” Vickers said. Brothers-in-law Joel Duffy and Ryan Hansell went head to head in the final game, well and truly cementing the rivalries between the Grasstree
Lake Lindsay Battlers father and son football duo Boyd and BJ Vickers.
Groundhogs and the Lake Lindsay Battlers. Duffy’s wife, and vicepresident of the local rugby league club, Marni Duffy, said the rivalry was all part of the game. “I have to say there is a bit of a rivalry between Lake Lindsay and Grasstree because they’re the two mines based here, and Joel and Ryan have the rivalry because they’re brothers-in-law,” she said. “It’s good, because this kind of competition really re-energises the sport and can really help to encourage people to be a part of the community.”
The Xstrata Coal team (pictured) had a resounding victory over rivals BMA in their recent charity rugby union match at Tieri.
Xstrata wins Tieri clash Xstrata Coal smashed its losing streak in the annual charity rugby union clash with BMA, downing its rivals 60-24 this year. Teams from the two coal groups hit Tieri’s No.1 Oval on September 15. Xstrata Coal - which last won the clash in 2010 scored the first try. BMA hit back with two, but Xstrata quickly retaliated - finishing the first half with a score of 19-all. After half time Xstrata Coal increased their pace and fought solid BMA defence to win the game. BMA donated $5000 to Xstrata Coal’s chosen charity, RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter service.
Eight junior U-13, U-15 and U-17 representative teams also competed from the Central Highlands, Mackay and Rockhampton throughout the day. Queensland Rugby Union CQ regional development manager Daniel Hooper said the day was hugely successful and proved a great launching pad for the junior rugby season. St George Queensland Reds players Jono Lance and Dallan Murphy ran a junior clinic for more than 30 children during the day. The annual Xstrata Coal Rugby Union Charity Day is part of a company partnership with Queensland Rugby.
Grasstree Groundhogs family combo Col and Luke Shackleton.
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24/10/12 11:03 AM
As the leaders in rental and maintenance we provide a one-stop shop solution for your business. With 40 years industry experience in providing fleet services, and experience in maintaining our own fleet of over 3,600 vehicles, we deliver unrivalled commercial fleet solutions. Our team of 150 mechanics, 30 detailers, and other qualified staff, are well equipped to meet all your maintenance needs through our network of 17 branches throughout Australia. Combine all that with our mobile servicing and our on-site maintenance facilities, and it’s no wonder we can do it all.
To speak with your local Sargent representative call 1800 077 353.
www.sargent.com.au
FLT0048
NISSAN FLEET. WE KNOW THE DRILL.
Nissan Fleet understand the challenges of industry and offer turnkey solutions through our extensive dealer network, ensuring vehicles are mine site ready without the hassle. With over 190 dealers and locations that are serviced Australia wide, we’ll keep your Nissan hard at work. To see how Nissan Fleet can provide a solution that’s right for you, contact Joeanne Fox your Northern Region Fleet Sales Manager.
CONTACT DETAILS Joeanne Fox | Fleet Sales Manager, Northern Region T: 07 3345 0600 M: 0414 625 468 E: Joeanne_fox@nissan.com.au