Mining Global Magazine – December 2019

TURNING PROJECTS FROM UNDERPERFORMING TO OUTSTANDING

DE C E MB E R 2 0 19

www.miningglobal.com

RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN 2020

LEADING THE INNOVATION CONVERSATION

MINING FOR A GREENER FUTURE Realising a unique opportunity to develop multiple revenue streams from its White Mountain anorthosite mine in Greenland

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FOREWORD

W

elcome to the December issue

sustainability while promoting educa-

of Mining Global magazine.

tion around digitisation.

This month’s cover star, Hudson

We also analyse EY’s top 10 business

Resources, is realising a unique oppor-

risks and opportunities for the mining

tunity to develop multiple revenue

industry in 2020 and profile DRA

streams from its White Mountain

Global. The diversified global engineer-

anorthosite mine in Greenland. The

ing, project delivery and operations

resulting GreenSpar and Anocrete

management group is using a holistic

products have a diverse range of

approach to unite metallurgists, geolo-

uses, from paints to e-glass fiber.

gists, miners and management on the

“I never really understood how powerful storytelling could actually be,”

best path to profit recovery.

If you’re wondering what’s next for

Florence Drummond tells Mining

the industry, read our review of Mines

Global. Drawing on her own experi-

and Money: London. Europe’s largest

ences working as a machine operator

mining event covered everything from

for Rio Tinto, she is harnessing the

bauxite to battery metals and asked:

power of social media to allow the

is the coal industry dead? For the

voices of Indigenous women in mining

answer to that question, and a whole

and resources in Australia (IWIMRA)

lot more, read on.

to be heard.

Also in this edition, the Global Mining

Do you have a story to tell? Email daniel.brightmore@bizclikmedia.com

Guidelines Group’s (GMG) Chair

to join the conversation with Mining

Michelle Ash holds forth on the chal-

Global.

lenges facing the industry and how the organisation is supporting safety and

Enjoy the issue!

Daniel Brightmore, Editor w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

03

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DAN BRIGHTMORE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MATT HIGH

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CONTENTS

28

RESOURCING THE FUTURE LONDON – REVIEW

42

96 Events

58 70

100

80 DRA GLOBAL: HELPING MINING COMPANIES REALISE THE BIG PICTURE FOR THEIR PROJECTS

10

HUDSON RESOURCES: MINING FOR A GREENER FUTURE WRITTEN BY

DAN BRIGHTMORE PRODUCED BY

RICHARD DEANE

DECEMBER 2019

11

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

HUDSON RESOURCES

DEVELOPING MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS FROM ITS WHITE MOUNTAIN ANORTHOSITE MINE IN GREENLAND

H

udson Resources celebrated the safe arrival of the first bulk shipment of anorthosite (calcium feldspar) from its

White Mountain (Qaqortorsuaq) Greenland mine in August this year. It’s set to be the first of many shipments taking advantage of a unique orebody 12

with a +100-year mine life.

“The journey to the commencement of production of the anorthosite at White Mountain in February 2019 has taken seven years,” explains President and Director Jim Cambon. With a 50-year permit in place, we embarked on our 12-month plan to develop the mine site in 2018. The creation of the mine and associated infrastructure was a CA$45mn construction project utilising a modular approach, with 1200 tonnes of steel brought in to the remote Greenland location by barge. “That barge is now our dock at the deep-water port,” adds Vice President of Operations, Jerry Janik, who recalls the logistical challenges of commissioning the process plant during the Arctic winter. “It was -40°C when we first commissioned the site – 12 months earlier the plant was just a slab of concrete. The execution of the DECEMBER 2019

13

2005

Year founded

40

Approximate number of employees

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

HUDSON RESOURCES

14

“ IT WAS -40°C WHEN WE FIRST COMMISSIONED THE SITE – LAST YEAR THE PLANT WAS JUST A SLAB OF CONCRETE. THE EXECUTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS AND MET ALL OF OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM A SAFETY, COST AND SCHEDULING PERSPECTIVE” — Jerry Janik, Vice President, Operations, Hudson Resources

construction phase was a great success and met all of our expectations from a safety, cost and scheduling perspective. It’s a great reflection of the excellent team we assembled, boosted by the skilled workforce here in Greenland and the engineering led

by CWA Engineers in Vancouver.”

Greenland is a self-governing administrative jurisdiction of Denmark with control of its mineral rights. With no land claim issues, Hudson deals directly with the Greenlandic people and has very strong support from the local communities. Greenland is a mining friendly jurisdiction with a competitive fiscal regime that provides a sound financial basis for the future of White Mountain. The Greenland School of Minerals and Petroleum Råstofskolen is also located near White Mountain; it has toured the facility.

Anorthosite, which is 30% aluminum, offers Hudson the opportunity to develop products with multiple revenue streams. Hudson’s GreenSpar is derived from the igneous mineral plagioclase, which yields the hardest feldspar with the highest refractive index, and offers a distinct advantage as a premium mineral extender for

DECEMBER 2019

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘HUDSON RESOURCES – ANORTHOSITE PIT 360º’ 15 interior paints requiring very good

agreement with a leading fiberglass

abrasion resistance. Its use can also

producer in a market expected to be

result in a stronger finish and cost

worth $17.4bn by 2024. It can offer

savings as resin filler in clear coatings.

significant technical, financial and

The paint, coatings and polymer

environmental advantages, including:

industries are forecast to become a

energy savings in excess of 10%;

US$31.8bn industry by 2023.

reduction of melt times by up to a third;

GreenSpar can also be used as a

a lower heavy metal content; reduced

replacement for kaolin in the production

wear and tear on refractories and

of E-glass fiber most commonly used

reduced NOx, SOx and CO2 emissions.

in the reinforced polymer composite

GreenSpar also offers a source of

industry in high-end fiberglass for

alumina and could be a replacement for

wind turbines, cars and boat parts,

bauxite, without producing any of the

and sporting equipment. Hudson has

associated waste and tailings. The

already signed a 10-year off-take

global high purity alumina market was w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

HUDSON RESOURCES

16

worth $1.8bn in 2015 and is expected

8km long, it’s massive, it’s homogeneous

to rise to $5.8bn by 2022. In addition to

and has very few contaminants –

this trio of established markets, Hudson

which is key for industrial mineral

has also discovered that, by adding

projects. We could deliver shipments

phosphoric acid to its anorthosite it

consistently for over 100 years with

can produce strong, heat resistant

this deposit. Even though Greenland

white cement (Anocrete).

is logistically challenged, being on

The White Mountain mine is the

tidewater offers excellent opportunities

source for all of these opportunities.

to bring anything in by ship and load out

“There are some competing minerals

to Western Europe or the US for $25

out there, potentially, but there are no

a tonne. It’s extremely cost effective.”

competing orebodies for anorthosite,”

Technology has played a big part in

reveals Janik. “White Mountain is

operations planning at White Mountain,

unique in its size, the orebody itself is

where the management team knew

DECEMBER 2019

that the remote location would offer limited workforce resources. “The entire process plant is automated,” explains Janik, “to the point where you can run it off an iPhone or iPad. I could walk around the plant and see it fully controlled. You could actually be in a loader filling rocks into the plant feed hopper and still be able to monitor the plant and see how it’s running. We also have an internet link directly with our automation consultant in Denmark, so if we do have any issues, they’re able to log in from Denmark and help us troubleshoot online.

E XE CU T I VE PRO FI LE

Jim Cambon Jim Cambon, President & Director, Hudson Resources, has over 30 years’ international business development and project management experience in the mineral exploration, consulting and engineering industries with a focus on Arctic projects. He has held senior positions with engineering firms AMEC and Bateman. Jim was Co-Founder of Mongolian exploration company QGX Ltd., which was acquired for $300mn in 2008. Cambon served as the Honourary Consul for Mongolia for eight years, and obtained a Bachelor of Science (Geology) from the University of Western Ontario.

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

17

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Conquering the mountain When Hudson Resources needed a tailored solution to meet its crushing and grinding needs at the White Mountain anorthosite mine in Greenland, Weir had the answer. Anorthosite’s dust can interfere with magnetic separation so Hudson commissioned Weir to deliver a crushing and fine grinding system using high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR). “The Enduron HPGR requires little to no water for size reduction and has 30% less power consumption versus standard crushing circuits,” explains Weir’s North American HPGR Manager Tim Lundquist. “Since Hudson is creating a dry product in a remote location both of these factors were vitally important to the success of the operation.”

Hudson’s Vice President Jerry Janik was impressed: “What Weir provided was unique.

It enabled us to generate sand and less dust during the second stage of crushing.”

Used in mining applications for the last 30 years, HPGR reduce particles by compressing and crushing the feed between two counter rotating, parallel rollers with a small gap between them. This forces the rocks against each other and compresses the feed’s density to 80% of its solid volume, exceeding their compressive strength with equal pressure being applied to particles of all sizes.

WHY HPGR? Decrease your energy consumption by up to 30% Reduce recirculation and wear within your crushing circuits Enhance your downstream mineral liberation Reduce your maintenance requirements Substantially reduce your water consumption

With their excellent throughput capacity, low maintenance requirements and energy efficiency, high pressure grinding rolls are fast becoming a go-to for greenfield projects looking to maintain their margins despite commodity price pressures and declining ore grades. On average, 53% of a mine site’s energy consumption is attributed to crushing and grinding ores accounting for almost 10% of a site’s production costs. Where HPGR technology has replaced traditional methods of crushing and grinding customers have seen energy savings, and substantially improved mineral liberation.

“Weir’s goal

is always to provide a solution and not just a product,” pledges Lundquist. “When the opportunity arises to work with a company like Hudson we take a look at the entire process as part of offering equipment.

Additionally, we undergo testing to verify our solution will meet the client requirements and do not stop working until our promises have been met.” enduron@mail.weir www.global.weir

HUDSON RESOURCES

The green benefits of White Mountain are highlighted by the fact that

engaged Thor because we needed

Cambon believes it will be a zero-waste

help with ship loading,” explains

facility in the future. “We are running as

Cambon. “With our floating dock, we

lean as we can energy wise,” he says.

required a system to take material out

“We’re also looking at putting in a wind

of our warehouse, transfer it to the

turbine and solar panels in the future.

dock, and then into a ship’s hold. We

We’re even looking at tidal energy

worked with Thor to produce a simple

because we are on a fjord that has

system robust enough for the Arctic,

significant tides – there’s an opportunity

and it did an excellent job delivering

to harness that energy.”

a solution beyond the capacity of

Hudson has been able to quickly

20

component in the operation, we

what we need right now. It allows for

progress White Mountain to the

expansion – we can load a ship at

production stage with the help of some

a thousand tonnes an hour with the

key partners. “As it’s such a major

equipment Thor provided.”

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘HUDSON RESOURCES – ANORTHOSITE READY FOR FIRST SHIP’

DECEMBER 2019

Weir was also commissioned to supply the in-plant crushers. “The ones we’re using are high pressure grinding rolls,” reveals Janik. “They’re somewhat different than what you’d normally expect. The fine dust can interfere with the magnetic separation. What Weir provides is unique, enabling us to generate sand and less dust during the second stage of crushing.” Elsewhere, Lillegaarden was employed to head up the electrical work at the plant.

“I’ve been in this business for 30 years and can say it’s the cleanest, most high-quality layout I’ve ever seen,”

21

E XE CU T I VE PRO FI LE

Jerry Janik Jerry Janik, Vice President, Operations, Hudson Resources, has extensive knowledge in design, operation, management, and optimisation of industrial minerals facilities with a focus on paints and specialized mineral applications.

Jerry began his industrial mineral career at the Nephton Nepheline Syenite operation in Ontario, which produces a product similar to Hudson’s GreenSpar. Janik was manager of the operation during a period of major capital expansion.

Jerry holds diplomas in geology and mineral processing from Sir Sandford Fleming College School of Natural Resources in Lindsay, Ontario.

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

THANK YOU HUDSON RESOURCES FOR CHOOSING THOR AND CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT!

MOVE MOUNTAINS! Thor global enterprises ltd. Is a leading manufacturer of bulk material handling equipment for applications ranging from mining, recycling and aggregate to agriculture, coal, mineral and port terminals. Founded in 1969, thor global has grown significantly over the years in order to provide innovative solutions with unparalleled service and technology worldwide.

LEARN MORE

Hudson’s lunar research White Mountain anorthosite is being tested by space agencies as a potential lunar simulant to be used for testing lunar equipment such as rovers, and as a potential building material using Hudson’s CO2 free Anocrete concrete.

Future lunar missions are planned to travel to the Lunar Highlands and the Lunar Poles where the main geological environment is anorthosite (very similar to Hudson’s anorthosite in Greenland). Lunar anorthosite was collected by the Apollo missions in the early 1970s.

Hudson is collaborating with lunar scientists at the University of Tokyo, who are at the forefront of space research. The University of Tokyo developed petrological sections and

conducted tests which confirmed that Hudson’s anorthosite is very similar to the Lunar Highland material in texture, grain size and constituent minerals. Hudson and the University of Tokyo are also in discussions with regard to collaborating on research and development on concrete applications using Hudson’s CO2 free Anocrete concrete.

Hudson has provided material to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for evaluation to use in its testing facilities for rover simulations. The company has also held preliminary discussions with the European Space Agency regarding utilising Hudson’s anorthosite for lunar research.

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

23

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“ WE’VE GOT 14,000 TONNES OF PRODUCT SITTING IN A WAREHOUSE, SO WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED ON SUCH A SKINNY BUDGET IS REMARKABLE” — Jim Cambon, President and Director, Hudson Resources 25 confirms Janik. “In fact, they’re so

Savannah, so what we’ve accomplished

good we stole one of their project

on such a skinny budget with a small

managers to become our own site

team is remarkable.”

manager,” he laughs.

Hudson has big plans to increase

Long-term, Cambon believes it’s important to have sustainable rare

capacity and grow the markets, as

earth supplies outside China and

Cambon believes demand will outstrip

suggests Hudson is well placed to

supply in the next 24 months. “We are

advance another of its Greenland

in discussions with a number of groups

projects with a high ratio of neodymium

about potential strategic partnerships

at Sarfartoq. “The Chinese have

going forward, which would give us

control of the market and are even

more horsepower. That’s something

investing in rare earth projects outside

we’ll look at as a way to grow the

of China to further control it. Because

company and add shareholder value,”

of the value of neodymium in creating

he says. “We’ve got 14,000 tonnes

these super magnets you need to have

of product sitting in a warehouse in

that supply outside of China. I think it’s w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

HUDSON RESOURCES

GREE N B E N E F I T S AT W H I T E M O U N TA I N

• The Greenland operation is a simple quarry with a crushing and magnetic separation facility • No water or chemicals are used to process the anorthosite • Minimal impact to the local landscape

26

• Reduced CO2 by up to 15% for every tonne used by E-Glass producers • Will make paints and coatings last longer • Ability to produce alumina without toxic red mud tailings • Ability to produce CO2 free white cement

DECEMBER 2019

just a matter of time. We keep going through these cycles where exploration ramps up, but then the Chinese lower rare earth prices. Eventually they will run out of material, or will want to use it internally, and that’s going to be a huge problem for the rest of the world.

Realising sustainable, green, environmentally friendly rare earth projects is an important challenge to meet and one where we’ll look at finding the right partners to tackle.”

Next year, Cambon expects White Mountain to be producing material for paint and E-glass customers, and hopefully rockwool too. “We are in detailed discussions with a fair number of potential off-take partners,” he says.

“I think by 2021 we’ll be sold out.

We won’t have the ability to take on new customers until we can expand; it’s a nice problem to have. By year three we’ll be looking at doubling the size of the operation. I think that’s just the reality of the demands we’re going to see for anorthosite.”

w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

27

LEADERSHIP

WRITTEN BY

DAN BRIGHT MORE

28

LONDON – REVIEW Mines and Money returned to London for the 17th edition of Europe’s leading mining event. Welcoming 2,000 delegates to the capital city’s Business Design Centre, 150 mining companies were in attendance — ranging from exploration juniors to established producers and majors — for three days of insights and networking. Mining Global brings you the lowdown on this year’s hot topics

DECEMBER 2019

29

All photos Š London Mines and Money w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

LEADERSHIP

M

ines and Money: London welcomed industry guru Robert Friedland to the main stage for the event’s first

keynote speech. Shooting from the hip, and holding forth on everything China-US trade

war to global warming, the serial entrepreneur predicted the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) will be a huge opportunity for the mining industry and investors: “Copper demand is going to be psychedelic!” he purred.

The numbers back up the self-confessed “exhippy” and his predictions for exponential rise in demand. The average combustion engined 30

vehicle requires 20kg of copper, a hybrid 40kg, and a plug-in EV 109kg, while the cars of the future will need as much as 163kg of the metal.

Sales are expected to rise from two million units in 2018 to 21 million units by 2030.

Several long-term trends are driving growth in copper demand and are expected to amplify in the coming decades. Along with the wider uptake of EVs, the boom in consumer electronics, the increased use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency — coupled with the need for battery storage solutions — all require significant amounts of copper to function, with analysts forecasting a ten-fold rise in demand by 2050: A reason why Friedland was keen to talk up the potential of his company, Ivanhoe Mines’ projects in the Democratic DECEMBER 2019

31

Republic of Congo (DRC).

The rise of copper will herald “the revenge of the miners” declared Friedland, whose no-nonsense appraisal of the industry’s likely inability to meet demand for the strategic metal had the packed auditorium hanging on his every word.

“Human beings wanting everything, all of the time and moving to cities will drive that growth in demand,” he said, alluding to the opportunity for the industry to make a positive contribution to the fight against air pollution and the w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

LEADERSHIP

“ I ’ve always felt that in the beginning you need to learn small and grow locally to manage risk before investing for the decades ahead” — Philip Pascall, CEO, First Quantum

challenge, Manook sought to emphasise the Association’s support for the deployment of all low emission technologies.

“The World Energy Outlook 2019 report, alongside the recently published Southeast Asia Energy Outlook, is a reminder from the International Energy Agency that any credible energy and climate policy must focus on all fuels and technologies,” she said.

“The Outlook forecasts that coal will

32

quest for net-zero emissions. “Copper

remain the most significant contributor

is rare and hard to find, but without it

in global energy supply, particularly in

we don’t have a modern world. Lithium-

developing economies in South and

ion batteries are made out of copper,

Southeast Asia. Reliable, stable elec-

guys. So, when we start moving fully to

tricity grids are vital to supporting the

electric vehicles we’re going to need

development of industries, businesses

a telescope to actually see the copper

and public services that are

price. The big giga factories are com-

the foundations of modern societies.

ing. The industrial revolution starts in

Alongside this, coal is key to the materi-

2023 and it just builds for the rest of

als — the steel, cement and concrete

the decade.”

— that are used to build our societies.”

For these reasons, she argued that

IS THE COAL INDUSTRY DEAD?

“transitioning to clean energy, doesn’t

The World Coal Association’s Chief

mean transitioning away from coal”,

Executive Michelle Manook was the

which is still forecast to contribute 25%

coal sector’s sole representative at this

of the global electricity mix in 2040

year’s conference. Her presentation

while supporting what she called “the

was at odds with Friedland’s analysis

intermittency of renewables”. Manook

that being in the coal business was “like

affirmed that cleaner coal is real but

peddling crack cocaine”. Rising to his

needs more action. She highlighted

DECEMBER 2019

33

the work being done with USC (ultra-

cycle), which also offers future potential

supercritical) power plants in Japan and

for hydrogen production linked with

China, where advanced air quality con-

CCUS (carbon capture use and stor-

trol systems are yielding non-carbon air

age) technologies, what Manook called

emissions well below common stand-

“the final step on the pathway to zero

ards in North America and Europe.

emission coal�.

Calling for a recognition of the reality of energy demand, she pledged the

EVS & BATTERY METALS

coal industry remained committed to

Driving new pathways towards a

the zero emissions pathway and would

greener future represents a real oppor-

be supporting advanced technologies

tunity for the mining industry. This

such as gasification to produce gas

was explored across several debates

from coal and other fossil fuels through

and keynotes seeking to examine

IGCC (integrated gasification combined

the battery metals revolution and the w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

LEADERSHIP

“ Transitioning to clean energy doesn’t mean transitioning away from coal” — Michelle Manook, Chief Executive, World Coal Association 34

initiatives being introduced to promote

and cobalt – to meet expected demand

both exploration and production.

for EVs.

Renault Nissan Mitsubishi’s Catherine

Will Smith, Chief Investment Officer

Girard pointed out that guidelines and

at Westbeck Capital Management,

regulations around cutting greenhouse

said there was “no clear winner”

gas emissions were increasingly chal-

among these “new energy metals”.

lenging for the car industry and a major

Jacqui Murray, Deputy Director of the

factor in the automotive sector’s deci-

UK’s Faraday Battery Challenge, also

sion to embrace change. Striking an

stressed the importance of tin, rare

urgent tone, Girard warned that, with

earths, vanadium and manganese.

its seven-year production cycles, 2030

Murray’s team has been working with

environmental targets were “tomorrow”

the UK government, spending £274mn

for a sector that will need to secure the

to push innovation in the battery

raw materials — copper, nickel lithium

space, driven by pressing concerns

DECEMBER 2019

35

around air quality and climate change.

new mines for battery metals remains

“Automotive is facing the cliff edge for

a big issue and he urged “securing

combustion engines,” she added. “If

offtake should be a priority”.

you look at the plot of CO2 emissions for the fleet averages of volume auto-

RARE EARTHS

motive manufacturers, they are moving

Analysis of the rare earth elements

from what was around 170g of CO2 per

(REE) market was provided by Roskill’s

km driven 10 years ago to new regula-

Battery & Electric Vehicle Materials

tions for 2030 stipulating 67g.” Moving

Manager, David Merriman. Reviewing

from today’s average of 110g can only

the REE supply chain as a whole, he

be achieved through EVs she stressed.

identified the clear bottlenecks for pro-

Crucial to achieving these goals,

duction outside Asia, heightening fears

Smith noted that while “Europe is push-

of Chinese dominance in a strategic

ing the agenda” for a greener future,

metals market contributing towards w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

LEADERSHIP

rising tensions in the China-US trade war. With three decades of investment in mining, refining and trade, Merriman observed, China has simply made more effort to develop the resource with further support for metal and alloy production where rare earths are vital for the manufacture of magnets used in MRI scanners and in smart devices.

However, while Light REE supply remains strong in China, Heavy REE supply is stretched with environmental legislation restricting development.

36

RESPONSIBLE MINING & RESOURCE NATIONALISM IN AFRICA Throwing the spotlight on working with stakeholders in Africa, intriguing panel

into account the needs of the local

discussions on resource nationalism

people,” he said. “For a long time, we

and responsible mining gave a platform

have been abused by our investors. We

for lively debate. Zambia’s Minister

need to ensure we protect our people

of Mines and Mineral Development,

and our country.”

Richard Musukwa, was asked if African

Arguing that any fiscal choices

countries were in danger of “biting

made were not a “knee jerk” reaction,

the hand that feeds” with stricter fis-

Musukwa pointed out that sometimes

cal regimes. Musukwa mounted a

it’s a matter of dealing with compa-

robust defence of the region’s need to

nies which have broken the law with

fight for the best deal for its citizens.

regards to the terms of investment and

“Multinational companies operating in

have failed to meet their contracted

countries like Zambia need to have a

commitments, which must be hon-

social license to operate which takes

oured to ensure sustainable mining

DECEMBER 2019

from Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Darren Davis, CEO & President of Ma’aden gave his perspective on the global mining industry. He spoke about Ma’aden’s development over the past decade, which has seen the 40,000 ounces of year gold producer increase that yield ten-fold. Adding the world’s largest bauxite to aluminium industry chain, creating the world’s third largest exporter of phosphate fertiliser, and joining forces with Barrick for a copper joint venture, Saudi Arabia has proved to be fruitful ground for the company’s expansion driven by a $25bn investment over ten years. “Much of Saudi operations in the future. “We feel very

Arabia’s resources remain undiscov-

strongly that, as the mining companies

ered and it’s a part of the world yet

make a fair return on their investment,

to receive the full attention of the

our communities must also be trans-

international mining industry,” he said.

formed,” he urged. “We would like the

“Under the radar, it’s been a very good

mining houses to be open and trans-

place to invest, where gold and base

parent and ensure that they are our

metals prospectivity is high.”

partners. Africa’s governments remain committed to providing fiscal regimes

WOMEN IN MINING

that are simple, predictable, stable and

Among the notable winners at this

anchored under the rule of law.”

year’s Mines and Money Awards in London were Elaine Dorward-King,

SAUDI ARABIA

recognised as the Most Inspirational

Following a keynote ministerial address

Woman in Mining. The Executive Vice w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

37

LEADERSHIP

Cornwall, focused on metals which will be key to a low-carbon future.

Michelle Ash, Chair of the Global Mining Guidelines Group, was acknowledged as the Technology Innovator of the Year. Ash was recently announced as the CEO for Dassault’s GEOVIA software division and is the former Chief Innovation Officer of Barrick Gold.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD First Quantum’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Philip Pascall has seen it all across five decades in the

38

mining and minerals sector. The industry legend was the recipient of 2019’s President for Sustainability at Newmont Goldcorp has over 30 years-experience in the mining, chemical and engineering consulting sectors, integrating technical and cultural complexity combined with operational strategy.

Lucy Crane may be at the start of her career in the industry, but her work as an exploration geologist for Cornish Lithium saw her named Young Rising Star in Mining. Her company’s efforts in developing a UK supply chain for battery metal aim to create a new mining industry in DECEMBER 2019

Lifetime Achievement Award, which he

“ Copper demand is going to be psychedelic!”

— Robert Friedland, Founder, Ivanhoe Mines 39

followed up with a ‘fireside chat’ on

risk before investing for the decades

the final day of the conference.

ahead.” Addressing the issues mining

Looking back at his successes, he

has with its reputation and, in the light

joked about his “life sentence” in the

of protests during IMARC, its image, he

sector but stressed the importance

offered this insight: “Do you use the prod-

of understanding that while mining

ucts that the mining sector produces?

was a global business, reacting to

There’s an education process that needs

the requirements of each country

to take place about the value we bring.

of operation and acting transpar-

It’s often less a criticism of mining and

ently throughout a mine’s life was

more about explaining how countries

vital. “Going in big is difficult,” he

are benefiting from the industry.”

explained. “I’ve always felt that in the beginning you need to learn small and grow locally to manage w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

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H AV E Y O U S E E N O U R O T H E R T I T L E S ?

YEAR IN REVIEW

42

RESOURCING THE FUTURE Mining Global looks back at the successful strategies implemented by some of the world’s leading mining companies in 2019 WRITTEN BY

DECEMBER 2019

DAN BRIGHTMORE

43

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T

he mining sector began the year reeling from the tailings dam disaster at Brumadinho. In the aftermath,

Mining Global examined the implications

for the future of mining in Brazil and beyond. Safety, allied to sustainability, is now a hot topic demanding to be 44

addressed by improved regulation and technological innovation, supported by organisations like the Global Mining Guidelines Group (profiled in this issue on page 58). Meanwhile, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), battery storage and renewable energy has seen a renewed focus on the tech metals that will make a green future possible. As 2019 draws to a close, we highlight some of the biggest success stories from the past year.

DECEMBER 2019

45

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PT MERDEKA: REDEFINING INDONESIA’S MINING SECTOR

With significant work completed on

Two years into the development of

substantial growth and exceeded

a major project in Indonesia, the Tujuh

expectations. “Now, three years

Bukit Project in East Java, mining firm

later, we’ve constructed and commis-

PT Merdeka Copper Gold has become

sioned a new mine and produced

accustomed to setting an example in

over 300,000 ounces of gold,”

the mining sector. “The technical min-

reveals Moorhead.

the project, Merdeka has achieved

ing potential of Indonesia is huge,” says Colin Moorhead, Executive Director of Merdeka. “It has some of the biggest gold and copper deposits in the world.

What we’ve aimed to do is create an 46

internationally respected, high standard and high integrity mining company.”

“ WHAT WE’VE AIMED TO DO IS CREATE AN INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED, HIGH STANDARD AND HIGH INTEGRITY MINING COMPANY” — Colin Moorhead Executive Director PT Merdeka Copper Gold

DECEMBER 2019

READ MORE

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘CORPORATE VIDEO – MERDEKA COPPER GOLD’ 47

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HOW LARGO RESOURCES IS MINING BRAZIL’S VANADIUM EFFICIENTLY AND SUSTAINABLY When a winning strategy is executed by talented, passionate professionals in favourable conditions, the results can be spectacular. Last year, Largo Resources experienced just that when vanadium production at its Maracás Menchen mine in Brazil went up 2% year on year, reaching 2,595 tonnes.

This helped drive a record full year production of 9,830 tonnes, representing 48

an increase of 6% over 2017, and the strongest full year of production since operations began in 2014. The company subsequently reported revenues of CA$521.4mn – a 211% increase year on year. A strategic mineral company utilising the latest technologies, Largo is focused on the production of high purity vanadium flake and vanadium powder. A transitional metal, vanadium steel alloys are used in the production of gears, axles and crankshafts. The metal is also in demand for energy storage solutions, a fast-growing component of the infrastructure needed to accommodate the global shift to renewable energy.

DECEMBER 2019

“ CONSIDERING THE CURRENT SUPPLY AND DEMAND, WE SHOULD SEE A VERY STRONG MARKET FOR VANADIUM OVER THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR YEARS” — Paulo Misk, COO and President, Largo Resources

49

READ MORE

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CLICK TO WATCH : ‘ONE X ONE WITH CHRIS BUNCIC, ASCENDANT RESOURCES PRESIDENT AND CEO’ 50

ZINC IS IN THE ASCENDANCY IN HONDURAS

Upon the release of Q3 results for

The El Mochito mine in Honduras has

very pleased with the mine’s perfor-

undergone a dramatic rejuvenation at

mance in Q3/19, demonstrating

the hands of Ascendant Resources,

considerable production growth over

which acquired the site in December

the previous strong quarter. The deci-

2016. When Mining Global spoke with

sion we made in the first half of the

CEO Chris Buncic earlier this year,

year to increase investment in under-

El Mochito’s zinc production had dou-

ground development work in order to

bled and its revenues were growing

access high-grade areas within the

rapidly – making it the leading miner in

mine has proven very beneficial for us

Honduras. Since then the operation

as we report record head-grades and

has gone from strength to strength.

contained metal production this

DECEMBER 2019

2019, Buncic commented: “We are

51

quarter.” In meeting market demands for the industrial metal, he puts the mine’s renaissance down to a ‘Mining 101’ approach with a programme of optimisation, rehabilitation and workforce training.

READ MORE

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IMPACTAGRI: DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTING FARMING IN AFRICA

should be a core component of this

Mining companies are some of the

many ways and at all stages in the life

biggest landowners and economic

of a mine. “The best way to create real

contributors across the region. As

jobs in Africa and reduce the impact

such, ImpactAgri’s Founder and CEO,

on the environment is through well-

Jon White believes they have a unique

designed farming systems done in

opportunity and responsibility to

a socially conscious way,” he says.

develop economic diversification strat-

ImpactAgri is helping mining compa-

egies based on the sustainable use of

nies contribute to and benefit from the

land and water resources. Agriculture

economic, social and environmental

52

DECEMBER 2019

strategy, where the needs of mining and agriculture in rural areas overlap in

impacts of sustainable agriculture with projects including: the planting of Pongomia trees to transform contaminated mine sites; transforming the Copperbelt with inclusive agriculture and enabling the sustainable sourcing, processing and export of shea butter in Burkina Faso.

READ MORE

“ IF YOU CAN CREATE HIGH-VALUE AGRI-PROCESSING THAT’S INCLUSIVE AND MAINTAINS EMPLOYMENT LEVELS THEN THOSE JOBS CAN LAST FOREVER” — Jon White, Founder & CEO, ImpactAgri 53

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ALACER GOLD: GAME-CHANGING GOLD MINING IN TURKEY

Antal. “We have a clear pathway to

The Çöpler Sulfide Expansion Project

and above the reserve base.”

increasing our oxide production over

(CSEP) was delivered 13million hours Lost Time Injury (LTI) free, and with a Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 1.84 per million hours – a record that Chief Operating Officer Stewart Beckman describes as a “stellar” achievement for the more than 3,000-strong team responsible for construction, and the operations team who are responsible for ramping up 54

and running the new plant to support Alacer’s Çöpler Gold Mine. Since Mining Global spoke with Beckman’s team, operations have strengthened at both the company’s oxide and sulfide plants with year to date production of 290,127 ounces at consolidated AISC of $714 an ounce. “At the oxide plant, our ongoing Çöpler in-pit and nearmine exploration success continues to add incremental oxide ounces to this year’s production, allowing us to further increase our oxide production guidance range to 150,000 to 160,000 ounces,” reveals Alacer’s President and CEO Rod DECEMBER 2019

READ MORE

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘ALACER GOLD: EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES AND TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE WITH SAP S/4HANA®’ 55

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HOW CODELCO IS PROMOTING INCLUSION & DIVERSITY IN CHILE’S MINING SECTOR “Diversity is our pledge to reflect as a company what we should protect and defend as a society: respect for every human being.” Codelco’s commitment to diversity and inclusion now lies at the heart of Chile’s state-owned copper miner, beginning in 2015 with two significant actions. Codelco’s Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Director, Irene Schlechter Kutscher, 56

explains that the company’s Gender Diversity Corporate Policy is a directive aimed at promoting work-life balance and improving gender representation.

In tandem, it began the implementation of the Chilean Norm 3262, the first ISO standard for gender equality at work in the world. Leading by example, Codelco is allied with the efforts of International Women in Mining (IWiM) which this year launched its Mining Together campaign. Meanwhile, the emergence of organisations like Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia bodes well for the industry’s future.

DECEMBER 2019

57

“DIVERSITY IS OUR PLEDGE TO REFLECT AS A COMPANY WHAT WE SHOULD PROTECT AND DEFEND AS A SOCIETY: RESPECT FOR EVERY HUMAN BEING” — Irene Schlechter Kutscher Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Director, Codelco

READ MORE

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TECHNOLOGY

GLOBAL MINING GUIDELINES GROUP: 58

LEADING THE INNOVATION CONVERSATION WRITTEN BY

DAN BRIGHT MORE

The Global Mining Guidelines Group’s (GMG) Chair, Michelle Ash, discusses the challenges facing the industry and how the GMG is supporting safety and sustainability while promoting education around digitisation

DECEMBER 2019

59

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TECHNOLOGY

T

he Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) is a network of representatives from mining companies, OEMs, OTMs, research

organisations, consultants and regulators around the world who collaborate to tackle challenges facing the industry. Founded in 2013, its original goal was to urge mining companies to come together to consider comminution technologies, reduce energy consumption and improve their sustainability efforts.

Joining together with SMART, they started the conversation around automation, interoperability and safety; becoming a hub for collaboration and innovation focused on technological enablement.

60

“How do we get the mining ecosystem to work collaboratively? What does interoperability in test automation mean?” GMG Chair Michelle Ash remembers the big questions facing the industry at that time: “I think the challenge for the organisation at its inception was most probably a little too early, because automation technology was still the domain of the major mining companies, while others were still playing catch up.” She recalls that members’ needs at that time were focused on the emergence of electric vehicles and the battery metals required. “It was a topic that got mining companies to start collaborating on setting guidelines for our supplier community, to try to get some of this technology into our mining sites and make an impact on sustainability performance, reduce diesel usage and improve health outcomes for our industry’s employees.”

DECEMBER 2019

61

GUIDING THE INDUSTRY Gathering a head of steam, the organisation has since released several guidelines covering battery electric vehicles (EVs), communication systems and automation. “We’re just through launching guidelines on functional safety and interoperability,” Ash says.

“We’ve matured a lot as an organisation, to the point where we can address our main aim and get the mining ecosystem to embrace collaboration.”

The GMG looks at how technologies such as IIoT, predictive analytics w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

TECHNOLOGY

and AI can transform the industry, how they might be implemented and what the business case looks like. “We aim to fast track their implementation and therefore speed up the rate of transformation across the sector,” confirms Ash. “We’re expanding our reach and are able to talk about these topics across North and South America, through Europe and Australasia, because we’ve got members all over the globe with a diverse range of companies active in our ecosystem.” Prominent leadership

“ WE’VE MATURED A LOT AS AN ORGANISATION, TO THE POINT WHERE WE CAN ADDRESS OUR MAIN AIM AND GET THE MINING ECOSYSTEM TO EMBRACE COLLABORATION” — Michelle Ash Chair, GMG Group

62 E X E C U T I V E P R OF IL E

Michelle Ash Michelle Ash started her career in Australia but her work has taken her across Southeast Asia, Africa, North and South America, in senior roles including that of Chief Innovation Officer at Barrick where she focused on how innovation can drive productivity and be harnessed to deliver alternative business models. With 20 years’ experience in the mining and manufacturing sectors and a focus on business improvement and change management at the likes of Mitsubishi, Ash was named on the 2016 list of ‘100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining’. Outgoing Chair at the GMG, she has just taken up a new role with Dassault Systèmes (3DS) as CEO of its GEOVIA software division.

DECEMBER 2019

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘ANDREW SCOTT: MINING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION’ 63 members include the likes of mining

level open to all who wish to participate

majors Barrick, Anglo American and

in workshops, seminars and communi-

BHP with newcomer Inmarsat (a leader

ties of practice without having to con-

in global, mobile satellite communica-

tribute financially. Ash believes it’s vital

tions). Along with Komatsu, Caterpillar

to encourage juniors and tech startups

and others, members can vote on the

to join the innovation conversation and

release of GMG guidelines and take

support growth in the sector.

part in summits to steer the strategic direction of the organisation on key

INCREASING COLLABORATION

topics such as the workforce of the

In her two years as Chair of the GMG,

future, climate change, interoperability

Ash is proud of the progress made in

and functional safety.

increasing collaboration as the organi-

The four grades of membership on

sation has widened its global reach.

offer ensure that voices across the in-

“We’re now starting to get regula-

dustry spectrum are heard, with the first

tors wanting to be part of GMG,” she w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

TECHNOLOGY

“ WE’VE ESTABLISHED A REGULATORS’ SUBCOMMITTEE SO THEY CAN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATIONS IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. THE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION AND PARTICIPATION, AT ALL LEVELS, HAS BEEN QUITE PHENOMENAL” — Michelle Ash Chair, GMG Group

64

adds. “We’ve established a regulators’

national Council on Mining and Metals

subcommittee so they can learn from

(ICMM) with its focus on supporting the

each other and some of the technol-

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

ogy implementations in other jurisdic-

“These are important conduits through

tions. The membership expansion and

which we connect their members to our

participation, at all levels, has been

work and further promote collabora-

quite phenomenal.”

tion,” confirms Ash, who also highlights

The GMG is “collaboration native”

the GMG’s commitment to education

and benefits from alliances with many

through its working relationships with

of mining’s leading institutions such as

the likes of Curtin University (one of

Australasian Institute of Mining and Met-

Australia’s leading mining schools) and

allurgy (AusIMM), Canadian Mining In-

Canada’s University of Alberta. “Not

novation Council (CMIC) and the Inter-

only do we engage their students, we

DECEMBER 2019

GM G MEMB ER SPOTLIG HT

Inmarsat Inmarsat is a high-profile addition to the GMG family, recently becoming its 25th leadership member. A world leader in satellite communications, it has a lot to offer the mining industry.

In collaboration with Knight Piésold UK it is delivering remote tailings dam monitoring with real-time analysis. Inmarsat’s satellite-enabled IoT (Internet of Things) solution collects data from a range of industry standard sensors via edge connectivity such as LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), before it is transferred across Inmarsat’s L-band satellite network to a single cloud dashboard. This enables mining

companies and national regulators to gain a comprehensive view of the status of their dams with granular metrics such as pond elevation, piezometric pressures, inclinometer readings and weather conditions displayed in one place, no matter where the mine is located. The solution also features sensor-agnostic capabilities, so it can work with both existing sensors and new devices.

“They offer support for even the smallest, and most remote, mining companies to consider the benefits of tailings data management and enhance safety across the industry,” confirms GMG’s Chair Michelle Ash.

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65

TECHNOLOGY

“ HOW DO WE LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGIES TO CREATE GREATER SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY WEALTH FOR THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT WE WORK WITH?” 66

— Michelle Ash Chair, GMG Group run workshops at their facilities, making connections to different parts of the mining ecosystem through academic research and a focus on the new technologies coming through that will inform future guidelines,” explains Ash.

REACTING TO TRENDS The GMG is alert to the changing landscape of issues affecting the industry.

Prominent among these is concern regarding cybersecurity. “It’s a topic that’s really only started becoming the remit of mining companies over the last DECEMBER 2019

couple of years,” notes Ash. “The leading mining companies have audit risk committees briefing their organisations on their in-house capability, but I’m really proud that over the last 18 months we’ve established a cybersecurity working group at GMG to offer those learnings to our whole mining community.”

Tailings management is an issue that has dominated headlines across the sector this year following the tragic dam collapse at Brumadinho in Brazil.

“Tailings dam design, management and ultimate eradication is something we at the GMG take very seriously,” says Ash. “We’re taking a collaborative approach to finding solutions and have provided detailed information of the publicly available projects for our members and the wider mining community through our website. From there, we can find the space for that collaborative work to flourish. We’re currently working at a strategic level with the ICMM’s independent review of tailings dam storage facilities.”

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67

TECHNOLOGY

68

368

Number of participants

97

Corporate members

38

Countries of activity DECEMBER 2019

operations. “That’s why battery EVs are so fundamentally important to the electrification of our operations,” maintains Ash. “More broadly, we’re looking at ways the industry can dramatically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.”

Ash sees it as the industry’s mission to not only create wealth for mining companies and governments but for the communities it serves and operates in, and asks: “How do we leverage technologies to create greater social and community wealth for those communities that we work with?”

The GMG’s quest for answers to questions like these starts with its main goal for 2020 - expanding membership to push participation levels so it can keep driving the innovation conversation. “We want to publish initial guidelines for continued education programmes around developing technologies,” reveals Ash. “We want to support mining companies with their digital transformations and help them understand the potential that lies in upskilling today’s workforce while training the workforce of the future.”

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69

O P E R AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E

IWI

70

DECEMBER 2019

M A K I N G VO I C ES H E A R D

MRA 71

Florence Drummond is committed to starting conversations that allow the voices of Indigenous women in mining and resources across Australia to be heard WRIT TEN BY

DAN BRIGHT MORE

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O P E R AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E

I

ndigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA) launched in 2018, shaped by the experiences of its founder,

Florence Drummond. Conceived to offer a platform to showcase the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the sector, its aim is to support inclusion and diversity while signposting the pathways

that can guide others towards a career in the resources industry.

“The genesis for IWIMRA was my own 72

experience working in the industry as a machine operator,” explains Drummond, who was previously employed at Rio Tinto’s Weipa bauxite operation in Queensland and now works as the Project Supervisor for Indigenous Engagement Strategy at BHP. “I worked in a remote location and struggled to really find opportunities to grow and progress within my career. When you’re physically isolated, you tend to feel you’re not part of the innovations that are happening in the industry. So, it was important to reach out and see if there was any support, specifically for Indigenous people – but there wasn’t any. It’s what led me to start the conversation on Facebook, to make social connections and identify if anyone else was feeling the same frustrations.”

DECEMBER 2019

73

Acknowledging that there are many groups for women in mining, she instead highlights the lack of educational opportunities for Indigenous people as a further barrier to getting their voices heard. “How can we bring it back to basics with an approach that’s both comprehensible and accessible, while something that we, as Indigenous women, could feel safe participating in?” Finding the answer to that question, led Drummond to a simple discovery. w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

O P E R AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E

“I never really understood how powerful storytelling could actually be,”

is one of several steps on the road

she explains. “What we’ve found with

to empowerment.

IWIMRA is we started to share people’s

74

Indigenous women through IWIMRA

“During my time at Rio Tinto, and now

stories, people that I knew already in

at BHP, they have been supportive of

the workplace - whether they be an

what I’m trying to establish,” she con-

operator, a diesel fitter – and then with

firms. “I think we’re all still learning, and

the engagement we got from social

it’s great to see the initiatives that are

media I started reaching out to other

being created. We cross-section with

operations people that were in the

schemes like the government’s Recon-

sector across the country. It’s such an

ciliation Australia with Reconciliation

amazing feeling because these women

Action Plans (RAPs), which provides

that we were bringing together, their

a framework to support the national

voices, we all share the same story and

reconciliation movement and create

have experienced the same difficulties.”

meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal

Drummond believes that uniting these

and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

DECEMBER 2019

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘A CONVERSATION WITH FLORENCE DRUMMOND – AUSIMM BULLETIN OCTOBER 2019’

Drummond maintains IWIMRA will

So how do we then start to progress

aim to develop a solution beyond the

into those leadership and decision-

conversations it inspires but, for now,

making roles? Because essentially,

she is still on the quest to learn more

here in Australia, all of our operations

about the specific problems Indig-

are on Aboriginal land and 60% of

enous women face and how best to

them are within Indigenous communi-

support them. “The hurdles we have

ties. So, we’re always going to have

identified, like financial literacy,

this engagement with the conver-

access to education and opportunities

sation that we have with our RAP.

for progression, require the building

Therefore, we must involve Indige-

of the right partnerships to move the

nous people and their businesses.

situation forward,” she says. “The

At the same time, we need to figure

bulk of our women, and our Indig-

out a pathway into building beyond just

enous people, are in operational roles.

those entry level roles in the industry.” w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

75

O P E R AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E

Reconciliation Australia

76

“Reconciliation Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Reconciliation Australia’s pledge is underpinned by a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) programme, which provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement. Schools and early learning services can develop a RAP through Narragunnawali.

Workplaces can be supported to develop one of four types of RAP: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate.

DECEMBER 2019

A RAP is a strategic document that supports an organisation’s business plan. It includes practical actions that will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which it operates. The RAP programme contributes to advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation by supporting organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each of the four RAP types (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate) set out the minimum elements required from your organisation to build strong relationships, respect and opportunities within your organisation and community.

Drummond notes that, though mining companies are starting to do great things with their inclusion and diversity initiatives in the workplace, they need support from organisations like IWIMRA to contribute more effectively to the greater good. “Creating tools and problem solving together can be much more positive,” she asserts. “We need to build the capacity for Indigenous communities far beyond the workplace.”

IWIMRA’s conversation around professional development for the Indigenous workforce across Australia’s

“ T HE HURDLES WE HAVE IDENTIFIED, LIKE FINANCIAL LITERACY, ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRESSION, REQUIRE THE BUILDING OF THE RIGHT PARTNERSHIPS TO MOVE THE SITUATION FORWARD” — Florence Drummond, Co-Founder, Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA)

mining sector is gathering momentum with the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the

for Drummond, confirmed they are

Australasian Institute of Mining and

on the right path. “We met women

Metallurgy (AusIMM). “We’ve planted

from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, all

a seed,” says Drummond proudly.

over the world. To make alliances

“It will help to offer a pathway for Indig-

and know we all share the same

enous people to be present at events

story was truly heartwarming.” A pas-

for mining leaders and support us in

sionate advocate for human rights,

our efforts to create a structure where

Drummond was thrilled to be the only

we can start to provide practical and

Torres Strait Islander delegate from

accessible solutions.”

Australia at the United Nations’ 63rd

Attending this year’s International

Commission on the Status of Women

Mining and Resources Conference

in New York, attending with the sup-

(IMARC) in Melbourne was IWIMRA’s

port of the National Rural Women’s

first international engagement and,

Coalition and the National Aboriginal w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

77

O P E R AT I O N A L E X C E L L E N C E

Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 are important for Australia’s mining industry but more so for the communities it operates in. “It does help to build the capacity of Indigenous women living in these communities, and support these communities through the elimination of poverty, improving the quality of sustainable living and the quality of water and energy choices. Bringing the focus back to these Indigenous communities, where people are likely to stay and not leave for better opportunities, because of the cultural

78

and spiritual connections to their homeland, is something IWIMRA and Torres Strait Islander Women’s

wants to work with the government

Alliance. “It definitely gave me a

to support further.”

clearer understanding of how much

Drummond points out that the

we still need to do to work towards

wave of innovation sweeping through

greater visibility and getting our voice

the mining sector risks leaving Indig-

out there,” she says. “Our goal is to

enous communities behind, either

continue to reach out to these women,

through driverless truck programmes

make sure we’re not forgetting any-

reducing the number of jobs available

one and just say that we’re here and

or, more importantly, tech initiatives

they’re not going to be invisible. We

that require the kind of up-skilling

aim to build on the international con-

that preclude communities where

versation and take the learning from

educational development opportuni-

what’s working well overseas.”

ties have been lacking. “We’ve pretty

Drummond notes that the UN’s DECEMBER 2019

much missed the chance already to

upgrade into all these areas that are

when it’s no longer needed,” she says.

actually going to be relevant to the

“When equality of opportunity has

future,” she laments. “So, how do we

been delivered we’ll know our work is

build a capacity in terms of business-

done. Now, I really do feel that inclu-

es for people to then start to service

sion and diversity are part of a very

the mines? This can then deliver eco-

engaging organic conversation. So,

nomic empowerment and financial

the best that we can do as IWIMRA

capability for indigenous people, and

is to be part of these conversations,

support the next generation.”

bring our presence to the decision-

Drummond was concerned that people would see IWIMRA as “just

making process and influence that in a positive and sustainable way.”

another women’s group”, but conversations she’s having with industry figures have convinced her that now, more than ever, it is vital for communi-

79

ties to raise their voices. “I’ll dissolve it

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Risks and opportunities for mining in 2020 Mining Global analyses the annual EY report focused on the biggest risks and opportunities for the mining and metals industry in 2020 WRITTEN BY

DECEMBER 2019

DAN BRIGHTMORE

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T O P 10

10

RISING COSTS

With the adoption of new technologies and issues around regulation, the complexity of mining increases and so do its associated costs. A focus on productivity can help manage the impact of rising costs. Companies need to realise the benefits automation and the growing maturity in the use of data can bring; driving a reduction in production costs per tonne. EY recommends: a focus on sustainable cost reduction programmes; innovation through long-term partnerships; divesting non-core assets; reviewing supplier/service contracts and capital tied up in stockpiles; outsourcing; back office 82

automation and strategic joint ventures to realise economies of scale.

DECEMBER 2019

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09

INNOVATION

Being prepared to innovate and rethink how operations are run can lead to substantial productivity gains. Innovation can be the bridge to crossing over some of the major hurdles in the mining sector today. Faced with declining ore grades, the increased need to mine in remote locations, the cost of energy and infrastructure, rising operational complexity and the need to improve water management, radical approaches may be required and can succeed. Rio Tinto is leading the way with a ‘Mine of the Future’ programme embracing autonomous haulage systems and automated drilling systems linked to a centralised operations centre in Perth, connecting mines, ports and rail systems. w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

T O P 10

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08

REPLACEMENT OF PRODUCTION

“Lower exploration budgets, fewer major discoveries and declining grades in existing deposits are particularly concerning when you consider that the outlook is for growing mineral demand as a result of the global growth and the demands of new world infrastructure,� explains Paul Mitchell, EY Global Mining & Metals Advisory Leader. He notes that, despite some recovery, those budgets are still half what they were in 2012. To avoid the predicted supply crunch, EY advises strategies to increase access to capital, the acquisition of existing projects or mines and the leveraging of innovative technologies to uncover new resources while extracting further value from current ones.

DECEMBER 2019

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07

CYBER

While data can hold the key to increasing productivity and reducing costs, as a business goes digital its “threat surface� increases exponentially due to the expansion of the IT footprint through such areas as IoT sensors, data analytics and AI. This ramping threat has seen organisations spend more on cybersecurity, improving their defences to embed security-by-design. EY recommends that every cybersecurity transformation should promote three key principles across culture, governance and capabilities: excellence in security fundamentals, a strong governance program allied with a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

T O P 10

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06

MAXIMISING PORTFOLIO RETURN

“Miners need to think more broadly about how to maximise their returns and adopt new approaches that may be radically different from those of the past. Mining companies will also need to re-evaluate their appetite for risk to ensure they are not missing out on new opportunities by taking a complacent or conservative approach to allocating capital,� warns Mitchell. To improve their options, EY suggests looking at opportunities to transform funding, rethinking a portfolio and exploring joint ventures.

DECEMBER 2019

05

HIGH IMPACT RISKS

New to this year’s list, EY asks: “Does the traditional risk matrix work for a mining company?” Mitchell concedes most mining companies have a clear understanding of their critical risks and are able to mitigate the visible, high frequency risks across their business. However, he warns that critical risks are often static on a company’s risk register in the same “format” for years. “Companies need to assess portfolios in terms of what would happen if something radical happens. For example, what if energy becomes free, then what happens to copper? There is a massive technological breakthrough in the composition of plastic or other advanced materials - how does that affect demand for metals?”

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T O P 10

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04

REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT

A global transition towards a low-carbon economy is making significant progress, driven by climate change fears and a strong focus on sustainability across industry sectors. Subsequently, the pressure is on the mining industry to reduce the impact of its carbon emissions and energy use. Mining majors are responding to the need to act with minimisation strategies including renewable energy, the electrification of mines and a focus on Scope 3 emissions. The transition to clean energies represents a huge opportunity for the industry to provide the minerals - lithium, cobalt, copper, aluminium and nickel - that will enable the storage of renewable energy harnessed through the use of solar and wind technologies.

DECEMBER 2019

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03

DIGITAL

EY has previously highlighted that digital initiatives, such as the use of predictive analytics to reduce maintenance costs and improve equipment availability, have focused on solving bottlenecks and have not always been truly transformative. The challenge remains to better manage data to extract value and insights from it to drive operational excellence and real change. Mitchell urges the need to get the foundations right enabling people and data capabilities with connected data throughout an operation. The mantra “automate the science, enable the art� can aid the extraction of value to make better decisions.

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T O P 10

02

FUTURE OF WORKFORCE

Talent management practice often mirrors the commodity price cycle: miners hire rapidly in upswing and shed excess resources during the downturn. “Companies are grappling with understanding what the workforce might look like in the future, and where they can attain these skills - build or buy?” asks Mitchell. “Given the competitive 90

market for digital and data-related skills, they might be hard to get into the mining sector, given the tarnished brand we have versus other sectors.” EY stress the importance of finding ways to retain senior employees and minimise the effects of attrition while looking at ways to build, recruit or borrow the capabilities needed for transformation to flourish across an organisation. Big questions remain: how will you equip future leaders with the skills needed to manage teams in a digital age? What creative strategies can you employ to ready your workforce for the future? Should you be looking at benchmarking to work toward best practices as an industry?

DECEMBER 2019

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T O P 10

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CLICK TO WATCH : ‘XAVIER: THREE LOCAL COMPANIES HAVE APPLIED FOR BAUXITE MINING LICENCES’

DECEMBER 2019

01

LICENSE TO OPERATE

License to operate was named the biggest risk by 44% of those surveyed by EY and remains at the top of the list for another year.

The disruption of social responsibility and broader stakeholder demands is intensifying, increasing expectations of shared value outcomes from mining projects. “The extended period of elections and resultant government changes has brought uncertainty to the political environment which has created volatility in the commodity markets,” explains Mitchell. “In addition, the sector is facing greater scrutiny from end consumers, demanding a transparent ethical supply chain as well as a lower carbon footprint.

Shareholder activists are also driving many miners, particularly those with coal assets, to reshape their portfolios by either reconfiguring existing operations or executing divestments.”

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WINNING THE GOLD METAL !

your local contact

more information

It‘s the teamwork that leads a project to success!

Our expertise for your success in: Process studies Process related developments Finite element calculations Hardware solutions

EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH | Hohe-Flum-Str. 37 | 79650 Schopfheim | Germany | +49 7622 29-0 | info@ekato.com

Close collaboration with EKATO for the Çöpler Sulfide Expansion Project As for many other mineral processing projects, EKATO accompanied the Çöpler gold project over the last years.

Already in the early design stages an intensive exchange and discussions between the end customer, engineering company and the equipment suppliers like EKATO took place.

As the experience with other similar projects has shown in the past, this collaboration is increasingly limited to not just the equipment but to an extended scope of supply, which is appreciated by customers. In these cases, EKATO, with more than 85 years of experience in mixing technology and state-of-the-art testing equipment in its technical center, offers much more than just agitators.

This additional scope can be quite extensive and cover all types of agitated applications in the plant flowsheet.

For Anagold’s Çöpler Sulfide Expansion Project, EKATO designed and delivered agitators for all large agitated applications including the POX autoclaves‘ agitators.

EKATO also performed several studies in its technical center. One of these series of tests was related to the optimum feed pipe locations and geometries in the first autoclave compartment. These tests in the model scale were then backed up by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies which were carried out in-house as well.

Other services included the assessment of slurry rheology data, supplied by other parties. The consideration of the appropriate slurry rheology is crucial for the proper operation of the agitators, especially for the large atmospheric tanks with capacities up to several thousand cubic meters. For this particular project, additional CFD simulations were prepared to double-check the designs of these tanks. EKATO’s capabilities also allow to extend this scope, provided during the design and construction phase, to the start-up and operation of the plant.

3D model of a world scale POX autoclave

Of course EKATO’s solutions are not limited to process related issues. The reliable mechanical design of the agitators, including the in-house manufactured mechanical seals and supply systems, ensures a maximum life time of the equipment with longest service intervals.

This overall reliability has not only been proven in this particular project but in many other projects in mineral processing.

Pilot autoclaves in EKATO‘s R&D Center

www.ekato.com

EVENTS & A S S O C I AT I O N S

The biggest industry events and conferences WRITTEN BY DAN BRIGHTMORE from around the world

96

29–30 JAN 2020

Mining for and with the Electric Vehicle [ LONDON, UK ] Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), and the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies (ABMEC), Mining for and with the Electric Vehicle will address the fundamental supply and demand dislocation seen with sources of supply for the key ingredients in lithium-ion batteries for EVs and renewable energy systems. The event provides a platform for mining, processing and manufacturing interests to come together and examine value creation opportunities as the global adoption of new technologies ramps up. Presentations will focus on: developments in the sources, supply and processing of lithium, cobalt and tin; safe use of electrical vehicles in mining; and the latest mining equipment available for manufacturers.

DECEMBER 2019

3–6 FEB 2020

97

Investment in African Mining Indaba [ CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA ] Investing in African Mining Indaba celebrated 25 years of championing Africa’s mining industry in 2019. Aiming for its biggest event yet, the 2020 edition will unite 750 investors, mining companies, governments and industry stakeholders with the shared goal of advancing mining on the continent. Highlights include Sustainable Development Day, the Investment Battlefield for emerging projects and a focus on diversity with Women in Mining featuring the likes of Newmont’s Executive Vice President, Elaine Dorward-King. Mining 2050 will also provide a platform to analyse operational optimisation, green and sustainable technologies, a startup spotlight, IIoT and digital transformation, among other hot topics.

Anglo America Chief Executive Mark Cutifani; Barrick CEO Mark Bristow; Hon. Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources, South Africa; and Kimberly A. Reed, President, EXIM Bank, will be among the featured speakers.

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EVENTS & A S S O C I AT I O N S

17–19 FEB 2020

Coaltrans India 2020 [ GOA, INDIA ] India’s largest coal event will bring together 700 major players and decision makers for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing and deal-making.

Pre-conference roundtables will cover key topics including the Chinese market, India’s recession and the focus on renewables to meet net-zero goals. The 98

big debate hosted by Rahul Bhandare of Knowledge Infrastructure asks: ‘Is

1–4 MAR 2020

PDAC 2020

burning coal in India’s best interest?’.

[ TORONTO, CANADA ]

Elsewhere, confirmed speakers include:

Marking its 88th year, PDAC (Pros-

HS Bajwa, Director of Traffic, Ministry of

pectors and Developers Association

Railways, Government of India; Sarah

of Canada) proudly leads Canada’s

Liu, Vice President, Fenwei Energy Infor-

mineral exploration and development

mation Services; and Pradip Sil, Head

community. Founded in 1932, and with

of Procurement, Tata Power. Keynotes

more than 7,500 members worldwide,

will address the impact of 2020 iron ore

its mission is to promote a globally

lease expirations on the Indian market,

responsible and sustainable minerals

Indonesia’s emergence, the rise in

industry. Pitched as the world’s

demand for petcoke, the trader’s

leading mining convention, over

perspective on changing coal trade

25,000 visitors from 135 countries

flows and India’s future energy mix.

will descend on Toronto next spring to

DECEMBER 2019

23–24 MAR 2020

Future of Mining Australia [ SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA ] The third edition of the Future of Mining Australia conference is organised in conjunction with Australia’s Mining Monthly and gives a platform to over 400 mining leaders – comprised of c-suit executives, heads and managers of mining operations from enterprises around the globe – to debate and define share ideas and learn about the new

the future of the industry in Australasia

technologies and processes presented

and beyond at the Knowledge

by 1,100 exhibitors. The 2020 Mineral

Exchange. The Insight Stage will

Outlook keynote will be delivered by

showcase the latest technologies from

Catherine Raw, Chief Operating

leading companies like Caterpillar,

Officer, North America at Barrick Gold

Inmarsat and Komatsu, while the Future

Corporation, who will examine the

of Mining awards will recognise leaders

impact of mergers and acquisitions

in Operational Excellence, Innovation

across the gold sector. Practical

and Environmental Stewardship. More

seminars will offer advice on building

than 80 speakers will deliver keynotes

an investor toolkit and sustainable

on everything that matters in mining

mining approaches, while the annual

today: from exploration, development

awards gala will recognise Canada’s

and leadership to sustainability, optimi-

industry innovators.

sation and digital transformation.

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99

100

DRA GLOBAL: HELPING MINING COMPANIES REALISE THE BIG PICTURE FOR THEIR PROJECTS WRITTEN BY

DAN BRIGHTMORE PRODUCED BY

RICHARD DEANE

DECEMBER 2019

101

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DRA GLOBAL

DRA GLOBAL IS DELIVERING INNOVATION TO THE MINING SITE, TURNING UNDERPERFORMING PROJECTS INTO OUTSTANDING ONES

D

RA Global (DRA) is a diversified global engineering, project delivery and operations management group. Founded

in 1984, its impressive track record spans over three decades. With expertise in the areas of 102

project development, mining, mineral processing, plant optimisation, operations & maintenance and related water, energy, and infrastructure requirements, the company successfully delivers comprehensive solutions to the resources sector.

DRA has detailed design and construction at its core but also supports major innovations to drive cost savings at the PEA (Predicted Energy Assessment) level while focused on guiding these projects through to construction.

Brent Hilscher, DRA’s Director of Process for Western Canada, was brought in to broaden the company’s global footprint and start its Vancouver office. Expanding DRA’s impressive array of services, Hilscher brings expertise in ore sorting, floatation, grinding and extraction. “Typically, when you look at a block model, there won’t be huge DECEMBER 2019

103

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DRA GLOBAL

C O M PA N Y FACT S

• 4,300 staff worldwide • 4,500+ projects completed globally • 3 decades of experience

variability in the grade of the deposit and every block looks like it’s 100% ore,” he explains. “But, when you take that block and you crush it, you normally find that half of the rocks that leave your gyratory are waste rocks. Extraction is a resource and cost intensive process, so, there’s a lot of potential to take that crushed material and reject a certain amount, allowing us to boost mill feed grade while using less power and water.”

DRA employs many distinct technologies for bulk and particle sorting.

For bulk sorting prompt gamma neutron

104

activation analysis (PGNAA) is one of the most common, where the ore is scanned and exposed to neutrons.

Gamma rays are re-admitted from the

“ EVERY ROCK IS SCANNED INDIVIDUALLY WITH TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF ANALYSING EACH PARTICLE TO TELL YOU WHAT’S ORE AND WHAT’S WASTE” — Brent Hilscher, Director of Process, Western Canada, DRA Global

DECEMBER 2019

ore with specific signatures a result of the atoms contacted which can, for example, reveal how much copper is in the ore on the conveyor. “Particle sorting is where I probably spend most of my time,” adds Hilscher. “Every rock is scanned individually with technology capable of analysing each particle to tell you what’s ore and what’s waste.”

During this process, a variety of sensor methods are used to improve efficiency. “Dual energy

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘DRA GLOBAL OVERVIEW’ 105 x-ray transmission (XRT) looks at

gold ore, it could be that the estimated

the density of particles and does so

gold value is determined based on iron,

by compensating for the size of the

titanium, and zirconium, things you

rock using two energy levels of x-ray,”

might not often think of being associated

explains Hilscher. “The technology has

with gold,” adds Hilscher. “It could

advanced to the point where we can

also be that the waste has a certain

look at the density profile of a block

quantity of things that the ore does not,

rather than the average density of the

so you could create reverse correla-

rock and use that characteristic profile

tions with the XRF.” Other techniques

to tell the difference between ore and

include the use of lasers which assess

waste.” DRA also deploys XRF, which

the brightness of the rock and its

provides a profile of the heavier ele-

translucent characteristics. However,

ments and can detect copper, lead,

not all approaches are fruitful. Hilscher

zinc, titanium, zirconium and more to

has worked on more than 40 major

help determine the ore’s value. “If it’s a

projects, where his team have had little w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

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DRA GLOBAL

CLICK TO WATCH : ‘BRENT HILSCHER FOR DRA GLOBAL’

108

success with electromagnetic sensors,

metric for operations where, for example,

and admits that “you want to keep an

we’ll look at how much gold or copper

open mind but some techniques work

is recovered at the end of the process.

better for certain ore types, so it’s

When we do ore sorting, we’ll often

important to match the right analysis

throw away 5% or more of the valuable

approach to the specific site”.

minerals, so we developed a metric to

Allied to the practical dynamics of

learn the actual value of what’s being

the sorting process, Hilscher believes

lost where the operating costs for

ore sorting economics are crucial.

the extraction and tailings facilities

“Building an economic model for every

are incorporated into that recovery

project tells us what the optimum

number. Discarding a low-grade rock

operating conditions are going to be.

would have a positive impact on profit

A key metric is profit recovery.

recovery, which rewards us for throwing

Normally, metal recovery is a driving

away rocks we’re losing money on.”

DECEMBER 2019

Preparing an economic model for

payback period for a specific project.

each project helps DRA build the best

“For Brownfield projects we’re usually

algorithm to support the second phase

targeting a payback of six months,”

of testing with a bulk sample. “The eco-

says Hilscher. “That seems to be what

nomic model is able to show us the best

mining companies are looking for

sorter operating conditions,” confirms

these days and it’s certainly achievable

Hilscher. “We can see the best upgrade

for a lot of these ore sorting projects. For

ratio for the ore sorter to be running at,

Greenfield, it’s even easier because

so that once we get into the large-scale

your CAPEX is so much lower. For

test, we’ve got the correct algorithm

example, for a single sorter Brownfield

and operating setpoints for the deposit.”

system, it might cost $5mn to install a

That test work and algorithm sup-

200 tonne per hour system, but with

ports the economic model, allowing

the ore sorting equipment incorporated

DRA to more accurately define a

into your design at the beginning of

E XE CU T I VE PRO FI LE

Brent Hilscher Brent Hilscher has 20 years’ experience in mining and mineral processing. He has operated and supervised mineral processing plants, published papers, patented technologies, and been a speaker at over a dozen conferences and universities in Canada and around the world. Brent has led design and construction projects for Teck, Goldcorp, New Gold, Barrick, Xstrata, Agnico Eagle, and many others. He won the CMP Bill Moore Award for technical excellence in 2013, and served as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

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109

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technology combinations, including: X-ray transmission (XRT); X-ray

Focusing on pre-concentration adds previously uneconomic zones to ore and mineral reserves, and improves the effectiveness of ore blending management programs. Processing low-grade stockpiles, even waste dumps, and selective upgrading generates value from previously uneconomic material. This leads to reduced tailings, less environmental impact, reduced milling energy requirements — all which add value to the life of the operation.

fluorescence (XRF); induction; optical-color and 3D laser.

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The STEINERT test center in Walton, KY, provides real-world, real-time tests of our many sorting solutions for today’s ore-processing needs. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specialized application requirements.

“ METALLURGISTS TEND TO BE WORRIED ABOUT RECOVERY. GEOLOGISTS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUNCES AND POUNDS IN THE GROUND. MINING GUYS ARE FOCUSED ON TONNES, WHILE CEOS ARE COUNTING THE DOLLARS. I’VE FOUND THAT THE ECONOMIC MODEL DOES A GREAT JOB OF BRINGING ALL THOSE PEOPLE TOGETHER AND HELPING THEM SEE THE BIG PICTURE” — Brent Hilscher, Director of Process, Western Canada, DRA Global

Hilscher worked on a silver mine 12 months from closure due to constantly declining grades. Ore sorting was investigated to get the grades back up.

“We did the test programme, we got the samples and discovered that nine out of 10 of their rocks were below cut-off grade,” explains Hilscher. “But one out of 10 of their rocks was extremely valuable. So, it was a very easy sort. We could have used XRF, XRT, laser, any one of those would have worked, so we scanned the rock with a conservative approach only throwing away 60% of the rock to begin with. We eventually achieved double the feed grade, with over 95% silver recovery.”

DRA has worked for many years to develop approaches to dense media

construction, the cost can be halved.”

separation (DMS) that use fluids of

In greenfield designs there is also an

suitable density so that the minerals

opportunity to reduce project capital

lighter than the fluid float and those

while maintaining or increasing designed

that are denser sink. Hilscher’s team

production. Hilscher notes that instead

is also developing conservation tech-

of spending $100mn on a new mill, a

nologies to meet the changing needs

smaller mill with sorters could produce

of the sector. “Ore sorting is just part

the same product for $70-80mn.

of our tool kit for project revitalisa-

“Spending a little more on your ore sort-

tion. DMS coarse particle recovery,

ing system up front can lead to a clear

modular construction and many others

win for the overall project,” he confirms.

are looked at for each new project. w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

111

DRA GLOBAL

Bel Air Bauxite

112

In 2017 DRA Global was awarded the contract for the development of a port facility and associated infrastructure for the export of bauxite, by Alufer Mining in Guinea. The Alufer Bel Air Mine project was DRA’s first causeway development, which expanded the company’s exposure within the marine environment. Bel Air was expected to have an initial production rate of 5.5 million tonnes per annum and included a 22.5km haul road running over eight river crossings, an export facility with the ROM tip that feeds a 6500-tonne live capacity stockpile, and a causeway extending 1.4km into the Atlantic Ocean, where a barge load out berth was constructed.

DECEMBER 2019

The scope included all the necessary infrastructure to operate the facility: construction camp, wellfields, power generation, offices, laboratory, workshop and a bailey bridge across the Koundinde Work on the project commenced in January 2017 and was completed in August 2018 before commercial production was achieved within the first six months of operation. Alufer is on target to reach its annual production rate of 5.5 million wet tonnes by the end of 2019. DRA Global’s extensive material handling, earthworks and infrastructure design capabilities have contributed significantly to the success of the project.

113 Hydrofloat is a new coarse particle

so they can test solutions in their own

recovery flotation technology, which

operations.” The solutions DRA offer

we’ve started installing for clients,” he

leverage the company’s relation-

confirms. “It uses the slurry current to

ships with key tech partners including

assist in the flotation of exceptionally

Tomra, Steinert, Eriez, Scantech,

coarse particles.”

Rados, Minesense and others.

Hilscher notes that mining has his-

Safety is a hot topic in the industry

torically been hesitant to innovate but

today. Given the tragic impact of

the adoption of ore sorting technolo-

recent dam failures in Brazil, Hilscher

gies into the mainstream has proved

is particularly interested in developing

the exception because the results

DRA’s services to provide alternative

are so dramatic. “It comes down to

tailings solutions. “We’ve done a lot

education,” he says. “We need to make

of work on dry stack tailings, which is

mining professionals aware of the

becoming a more popular option for

benefits from emerging technologies,

plants,” he says. “Even within dry stack w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

DRA GLOBAL

designs, there are optimisation opportunities. Instead of sending all the tailings sand to a filter plant, you may have a two-stage cyclone plant first.

The coarsest fraction is used for roads and earthworks, the fine fraction goes to the existing tailings pond (or co-disposal piles), and the mid-size material is filtered. This compromise reduces tailings pond sizes by two thirds while also removing most of the fines and clays that are so difficult to filter.

“Of course, sensor sorting, DMS, and 114

coarse particle flotation all have a tailings pond benefit because if you can take those worthless rocks and keep

“ BUILDING AN ECONOMIC MODEL FOR EVERY PROJECT TELLS US WHAT THE OPTIMUM OPERATING CONDITIONS ARE GOING TO BE” — Brent Hilscher, Director of Process, Western Canada, DRA Global

DECEMBER 2019

them coarse you are able to put them in a waste pile or road bed. That’s a direct reduction to your tailings pond size. The pond dam won’t need to be expanded as often, and that tends to make them much safer,” he adds.

Hilscher believes that in order to drive innovation, all metrics and operational concerns need to be addressed. It’s a weighty issue where he argues a balance must be struck.

“Metallurgists tend to be worried about recovery. Geologists are concerned

1984

Year founded

4,300 Number of employees

115

about ounces and pounds in the

achieve all of these goals simultaneously.

ground. Mining guys are focused on

We can drive growth, while making

tonnes, while CEOs are counting the

tailings ponds smaller, use less water,

dollars,” he muses. “I’ve found that

less energy, and produce less CO2.

the economic model does a great job

All of this simply by rejecting the

of bringing all those people together

worthless rock earlier in the process.

and helping them see the big picture.

It’s the future for sustainable mining

How do the ounces, tonnes, and

and something we’re really excited

recovery feed into making a deposit

about at DRA Global.”

as economical as possible? What can we do to reduce the environmental impact and also make the mine more profitable? With ore sorting, and other preconcentration techniques, we can w w w.mi ni nggl o b a l. com

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