Australian Mining December 2012 by Prime Creative Media

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SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

VOLUME 104/12 – DECEMBER 2012

www.miningaustralia.com.au

NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT Prospect Awards

INNOVATION Recognising and rewarding

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Metals Outlook

2013 IN VIEW Metals prices ahead

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Maintenance

2012: The Year that was A new dawn for mining

PROBLEMS, SOLUTIONS Keeping your site running

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Look Back

9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS EDITION

2012 IN THE MIRROR Story of the year

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AD_AMROCDEC_12.pdf

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AM.DEC12.PG003.pdf

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COMMENT

Mining What goes around...... Australian

Copyright Reed Business Information Published 12 issues a year by Reed Business Information (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia Tel: (02) 9422 2999 Fax: (02) 9422 2966

Associate Publisher – Martin Sinclair Email: martin.sinclair@reedbusiness.com.au

A disconnect between the mining boom peak and the history of commodity prices has caused much of the ‘mining boom is dead’ panic.

t seems almost impossible that the first six months and last six months of Journalists – Vicky Validakis Tel: (02) 9422 2964 2012 actually occurred with Email: vicky.validakis@reedbusiness.com.au in the same year. Brent Balinski Tel: (02) 9422 2408 The two tell such a dif Email: brent.balinski@reedbusiness.com.au ferent story about the min Alex Heber Tel: (02) 9422 2884 ing industry that they almost Email: alexandra.heber@reedbusiness.com.au seem the complete opposite QLD and SA Sales Manager – Sharon Amos Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 of one another. Mob: 0417 072 625 Email: sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au From the highs of Janu WA Representative – Jamie Wade ary, the massive recruitment Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au drives and companies flush RBI Manufacturing & Electronics Group: with cash to the lows of Au Production Co-ordinator – Tracy Engle Tel: (02) 9422 2707 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 gust and September where Graphic Designer – Dave Ashley companies cut costs, and South Africa – Bob Stephen Stephen Marketing staff, wholesale, closing mines PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa to save money, it was a roller Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA – Jonathan Sismey coaster ride. RBI If the process from the 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 peak of the boom at the start Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com of this year to the beginning Larry Arthur RBI of a plateau around July was Suite 203, 3700 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 much slower, then there is Tel: (1) 949 756 1057 Fax: (1) 949 756 2514 little doubt there would be as Email: lharthur@ix.netcom.com Printed by GEON many people acting as if the 20 Baker Street, Banksmeadow, NSW 2019 sky is falling in as there are Tel: (02) 8333 6555 now. While there is no doubt that commodity prices have tapered off from these previ All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be ously unheard of highs, the reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. simple fact remains that these SSN 0004-976X prices we currently have are Reader Services – 1300 360 126 still high. Subscription Rates – Australia (surface mail) $140.00 (incl GST) But the man on the street New Zealand A$148.00 Overseas A$156.00 does not understand that, be cause they don’t understand just how low the iron ore, gold, and coal prices have previously been. There is that lack of his A D Average _ A MNet K Distribution I N D E C _ 1 2 torical . p d f knowledge. Pa ge 1 5 / 1 Period ending March 2012 I had an interesting 7,996 Editor – Cole Latimer Tel: (02) 9422 2352 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au

Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au conversation recently with some people working in the finance side of the industry, and they commented that this year was the first time that the man in the street knew the iron ore price every single day, both its ups and downs. They said that these peo ple came to view $190, $180 per tonne as almost a ‘nor mal’ price, and understand ably thought that when pric es fell to a more stable $90 to $120 per tonne that the

entire bottom had fallen out of the market. He added that what they failed to appreciate is that iron ore prices were lan guishing for decades before hand, and at one point were only around $12 per tonne. Pocket change essentially. This disconnect between current prices and the appar ent ‘end of the mining boom’, and where mining has actual ly come from is what is caus ing most of the panic. This is exacerbated to a

degree by many of the young er workers in the industry who have never experienced the real cyclic nature of the mining and resources sector. When you are only used to the good times, anything else is a bit of a shock. The mining boom as such isn’t really over. Yes, we’ve reached the peak, but prices are still as tronomically high and next year we are likely to see the stabilisation of many of these more volatile commodities, as well as the spike predicted to occur in gold and copper. The big story of coal and iron may have reached a peak, but it is far from over. And the story of the rise of gold and copper is just be ginning.

FRONT COVER

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ON the front cover we’ve featured the sun rising over an iron ore stacker in Port Hedland. In this edition we’ve gone and looked back at the year that was, and also attempted to give an insight into the year that may be. Working with IBISWorld we’ve tried to paint a picture of the future of the typically volatile metal prices, predicting what may rise and what may fall. We’re also showcasing the winners of the 9th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, which have recognised and rewarded innovation and excellence in the industry.

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Contents Features ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE

December 2012 issue

Mining Mental Health

Four must have productivity improvements Part one of a two part series on productivity................................................ p16

MAINTENANCE & MONITORING

Maintaining direction Innovation is the key to continual maintenance ............................................... p18

GME

The GME Wrap up What happened in the Goldfields ............... p22

LOOK BACK

2012 in Perspective The year that was .................................. p24-26

HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS

Fluid power The latest products ..................................... p28

THE PROSPECT AWARDS

Excellence in Mine OH&S ......................... p32 Innovative Mining Solution ........................ p34 Excellence in Environmental Management .............................................. p36 Explorer of the Year................................... p38 Contribution to Mining.............................. p40 Employer of Choice.................................... p42 Minerals Processing Plant of the Year ........ p44 Young Achiever.......................................... p46 Mining’s Woman of the Year ..................... p48 Manager of the Year .................................. p50 Contractor ............................... p52 A D _ A MofK the R CYear J AN _ 1 0 . pdf Pa ge Community Interaction .............................. p54

December 2012

AustralianMining

Unsustainable rosters harming workers….p10

Hard Rock Mine of the Year ..................... p56 Coal Mine of the Year ............................... p58 Australian Mine of the Year ...................... p60

2013 Metals Outlook

Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT ................................ p6 NEWS .......................................................... p8 PRODUCT FOCUS: Process Control & Instrumentation..................................... p20-21 JOBS .......................................................... p62 p64 1Q&A 1 ........................................................... 2 / 1 1 / 0 9 , 9 : 5 4 AM EVENTS ..................................................... p66

The year ahead for commodities….p12-14

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

Australia AT RISK, Rinehart says Gina Rinehart’s book launch saw the mining magnate take the government to task, Vicky Validakis writes.

ina Rinehart has warned mining industry has been posiAustralia risks becom- tive, ‘we need to do more’, adding another “Greece, ing that investors were critical Spain or Portugal” unless it cuts to the nation’s prosperity “disgovernment debt and lifts its couraged by bad policies, even competitiveness. hated”. Rinehart was speaking as Rinehart says that making she launched her new book, Australia an attractive investNorthern Australia and Then ment destination was critical, Some: Changes We Need to adding it is an issue of which Make Our Country Rich at an “too few Australians are realevent in Sydney late last month. ising the consequences”. “People overseas aren’t goAustralian Mining asked ing to buy our produce because Rinehart which policies she we’re Australians and we’re nice thought needed the most attenpeople,” she said. tion. “One of the things that I’m “There’s two in particureally concerned about is the lar,” she answered. cost competitiveness of our “That is new and increasindustry because our industry ing taxes such as MRRT, or the doesn’t sell on the local mar- carbon tax, and then there’s ket, it sells on the world mar- also the cost of regulations.” ket.” Rinehart explained that for Rinehart, who is chairman a recent project in Queensland, of iron ore miner Hancock over 5000 approval processes Prospecting and owns a stake had to be submitted. in A the Alpha D_ A M Jcoal A Cproject, S E P _ said 1 2 . p d “Now f P afor g ea big 1 company, 1 6 / 0 8 while the investments in the say a BHP or a Rio, they have

floors of people working on these approvals, this where it is so difficult for small businesses, or even medium businesses because small businesses have to go through exactly what the bigger ones have to go through and it is really hard for small businesses to go through the myriad of approvals,” she told Australian Mining. Rinehart’s 220-page book is described in its preface as “a compendium of speeches, articles and images” and states Rinehart “offers the reader a comprehensive insight into her thoughts about national prosperity” and an “intimate glimpse” of her life and times. The launch date was chosen to coincide with the 60th anniversary of her late father Lang Hancock’s flight over the rain-soaked cliffs of Western Australia’s Pilbara where he / discovered 1 2 , 1 the 0 : Hamersley 5 5 A M iron ore deposits.

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HEADLINES

Latest mining news Australian Mining presents the latest news affecting you from the boardroom to the mine and everywhere in between. Visit www.miningaustralia.com to keep up to date with what’s happening. Atlas Copco expands into China

Both Rio and Paladin have made submissions to the Foreign Investment Review Board expressing concerns about the sale, The West Australian reports. While the companies have made no public comment about their submissions there’s speculation the miners, who own their own uranium deposits, did not want Yeelirrie developed because of the already weak fundamentals in the uranium sector. Paladin and Rio also used their submissions to highlight that while Canada stipulates uranium mines must be operated by groups 51 per cent Canadian owned, no such rules apply in Australia.

Mining equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco is close to securing a 75 per cent stake in Shandong Rock Drilling tools as it expands further into the Asian market. The 75 per cent stake will give Atlas a controlling share in the rock drilling manufacturer, and the deal also includes a stake in a steel mill. So far the purchase price remains confidential and Atlas Copco has made no comment on the deal. Atlas Copco’s management has previously hinted at making acquisitions in order to grow its business, and despite the global slowdown the company has strong cash reserves.

Is there dark matter at the bottom of a gold mine

Paladin and Rio attempt to block BHP deal

The instrument was also placed inside a large water tank and it’s hoped both measures will shroud it in enough insulation to isolate dark matter that would be undetectable on the surface. If the test, known as the Large Underground Xenon experiment, goes to plan the data could be used to answer age-old questions about the universe and its origins.

Controversial mining tax changes

Australian Mining gets the latest news every day, providing up to the minute information on safety, news and technology for the Australian mining and resources industry.

Scientists in the United States are Rio Tinto and Paladin Energy have sensitive dark matter detector was searching for dark matter at the attempted to scuttle BHP Billiton’s lowered into the mine, and it’s now bottom of a South Dakota gold mine $430 million sale of the Yeelirrie AD_ A M to T Canadian R E F Egiant B _ 1 2 as . part p d off a world P a first g eexperiment. 1 5 / 0 1sitting / 1more 2 , than3a:kilometre 2 9 and P Ma uranium deposit Tread-AustralianHorizontal1-2pg2Page half AM below the earth’s surface. Earlier this month1 the 12/19/11 world’s most 1:15:13 Cameco.

The Federal Government is considering making controversial changes to the mining tax in order to stop state governments stealing its revenues. A panel commissioned to examine the distribution of GST wealth has suggested revising the mining tax in order to close a loophole that allows states to gouge MRRT revenue by raising royalties. Treasurer Wayne Swan has already flagged withholding GST revenue from states as a penalty for raising

royalties, but no decision will be made about changing the mining tax until the panel’s final report is out. The Government is likely to win support from the Greens and independent MP Rob Oakeshott for a plan to close the loophole. The move comes as WA Premier Colin Barnett flags his own changes to state royalties.

Glencore-Xstrata create world’s largest commodities trader Glencore International’s $30 billion takeover of mining giant Xstrata has been approved by shareholders, but a multi-million dollar bonus package for executives has been voted down. The merger will create the world’s largest commodities trader, and analysts say the company could pursue aggressive takeovers of smaller miners in the future. In response to shareholders voting down a $200 million bonus package for executives, Xstrata chairman John Bond, has resigned.

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MINING MENTAL HEALTH

Taking its U

npredictable shift work rosters in the mining industry are having further reaching physical and psychological effects on workers and their families than first thought, new research has found. The Australian Coal and Energy survey, conducted by researchers at Griffith University has highlighted the mixed experiences of workers in the sector. “We saw a complex set of reactions among mining and energy workers to shift work,” professor David Peetz from Griffith University’s Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing, said. “Some were happy, others not. Among those working shifts, views were evenly split on whether they wanted to abandon shift work altogether and go back to day jobs. However, most employees had very little say over their hours and shift arrangements – half had no say at all.” According to the research 61 per cent of mine and energy workers had no say in how many hours they worked a week, 70 per cent had no say in their types of shifts, 74 per cent had no say in which shifts they worked on particular days, and 79 per cent had no say in start and finishing times. Peetz said lack of control over work hours is being attributed to increasing levels of depression among shift workers and resulting in an increased use of a variety of prescription drugs. However, we can say at this stage A D _ A MA B L D E C _ 1 2 . p d that, for those workers who clearly

TOLL Changing and unsustainable work rosters are harming miners.

want and are unable to attain fewer hours of work, there appears to be a significant impact on depression, and a greater use of sleeping tablets, antacids and anti-depressants. “The respondents showed sleeping difficulties. And when you had lack of control combined with wanting to work fewer hours, it not only made mining and energy workers more likely to feel unsafe, it also had negative health effects, including on psychological health,” Peetz said. The survey has also found that job quality is taking its toll on women in particular in the industry. “A number of aspects of job quality were worse for women. More fef Pa ge 1 9 / 1 1 / 1 2 , 2 male than male miners felt they had

little say or feared losing their jobs,” associate professor Georgina Murray explained. Uncontrollable shift work is leaving employees feeling tired, emotionally drained and unsafe at work and the lack of control over working hours seems to be having a flow on affect when it comes to family life with approximately one third of reported cases saying couple’s working hours were ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ in sync. “The lack of say was having a flow-on effect. Their partners often confirmed that their spouses were indeed too tired or emotionally drained to function properly and that it affected them. Mining and energy workers : 3 4 PM and their partners were less satisfied

with their free time or with how much they felt part of their community than were the broader Australian population,” Peetz said. Of those surveyed 50 per cent of employees were working more hours than they would prefer, with only 39 per cent working the number of hours they would prefer and just 11 per cent would prefer to be working more hours. “This has major implications for labour turnover and costs. Despite the high wages, the mining industry has one of the highest quit rates. It appears many employees find the working arrangements too difficult and leave, while many who remain would rather work fewer hours,” he said.

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METALS OUTLOOK

2013 METALS OUTLOOK Iron Ore

Did someone say the iron ore sector is dead? While it has crashed in a spectacular fashion over the last few months of 2012, the story of iron ore is far from over. The metal has been one of the most volatile within the mining sector over the last five years. Just prior to ‘boom 1.0’ and the global financial meltdown, iron ore had begun to come into its own, with miners actually hitting their peak revenues in the first major boom, and while they spiralled like most other commodities, by the time ‘boom 2.0’ started iron ore was well placed to support the massive demand from China for steel to develop its burgeoning economy. But now that the most recent boom is winding down what is the future for iron ore? According to the latest IBISWorld reports, while iron ore prices have dipped at the end of this last financial A D _year, A M Loverall A N J industry U N _ 1 2rev. p enue is expected to have increased

December 2012

AustralianMining

As we come off the peak of the mining boom, many have dire predictions for the future of the mining industry, but what is the real future for metal prices? Cole Latimer, Vicky Validakis, and IBISWorld investigate.

at an annualised rate of around 20.5 d per f cent P a over g e the 1 five 1 5years / 0 5through / 1 2 , 2012-13.

And yet iron ore prices are still in a 3 : state 4 8 ofPflux. M And this is set to continue over the coming years, despite the prices growing as China’s demand weakens. As has always been the way, the performance of iron ore will be closely tied to the needs of China and Japan’s steel industry, and the extremely strong Australian dollar, Existing iron ore mines will continue to produce and ride out the current downturn, battered, but still strong. BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto will all prove this is the case as they continue to export, and actually increase their rates, as according to IBISWorld “by 2017-18, Australia’s iron ore production and exports are forecast to total 800 million tonnes and 784.5 million tonnes respectively. “Establishment numbers are expected to grow by 1.6 per cent per year while employment will increase by an annualised 9 per cent to reach 18 823 [workers].” On top of this, Australia has the advantage of being located within the Pan Asian sphere compared to fellow iron ore miner Brazil, while at the same time being a relatively low cost producer of iron ore. Iron ore prices while remain volatile in the coming future through to 2017-18, with oversupply being one of the main problems as larger block mines expand. Overall industry revenues are

expected to increase annually at a rate of more than 12 per cent over the next five years, reaching $115.5 billion by 2017-18.

Gold

The Australian gold rush experienced over the last few years is set to continue, buoyed by continued investor interest in the metal. The gold industry is expected to generate $14.8 billion of revenue in 2013, an increase of 5.1% of the back of a higher output rate. Australia’s gold production is set to increase to about 282 tonnes, with the value of gold exports forecast to be $18.8 billion. The price of gold is expected to rise as concerns over the European debt crisis continue, with the growth of the metal expected to continue into the new year. Because gold tends to perform better in times of economic uncertainty – when investors buy more gold than they sell as a safeguard against furthering financial crisis – the current drivers are set to continue as new uncertainty surrounds the U.S.A’s ‘fiscal cliff.’ However, some predict that rising supply of the product could constrain growth prices slightly. High gold prices push the incentive for production but with mines becoming deeper, production costs rise. It is expected that as Australia’s total output will be less than what is addwww.miningaustralia.com.au

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METALS OUTLOOK

ed by new projects as output from “Gold is an alternative currency some existing mines decline as they and an alternative investment. It’s approach resource depletion. one of the few things that is looking The long-term, high risk nature fairly positive.” of greenfields exploration for gold, A recent report by Pricewaterand the resources needed to fund houseCoopers Australia shows that it, suggest that gold exploration and share prices have failed to match production will remain in the hands the 142 per cent increase in the gold of large companies. This trend will be price over the past five years, rising emphasised by the large amount of only 60 per cent in Australian dollar capital required for open-cut mining terms during the same period. at depth and high processing costs “This reflects the greater options associated with processing deeper available to gold investors, such as sulphide ores. exchange traded funds, and the inSandra Close, a director of Sur- creasing use of recycled gold,” said biton Associates, agrees that the PwC Energy, Utilities and Mining production of gold will rise as new leader Jock O’Callaghan. projects come on board. “The challenge for gold miners “With several new and rejuve- now is that they can no longer assume nated projects coming on stream in their shares are the best way for inlate-2012 and in 2013, we should vestors to gain exposure to the gold see production rise,” she said. price,” he said. She went on to say that “overall, producers took advantage of Copper the higher gold prices and made the Copper has an enviable position as most of their deposits by treating one of the world’s most used metals, which mean that the future of copslightly lower grade ore. “What is most critical is the mar- per is one of the brightest in mining. And Australia’s position as one gin between sales prices and costs.” Tony McDonald, managing di- of the world’s major copper mining rector and CEO at Cerro Resources, countries means it is well placed to said he expects the metal price to re- ride out this profitable future. Within the last year alone, the inmain steady. dustry “I think it’s still very buoyant and S H L 1 9 5 6 _ D E X _ U L E L _ S E . p is d expected f P a gtoegenerate 1 1 around 6 / 0 8 positive,” he told Australian Mining. $7.09 billion in revenues.

In the current 2011-12 financial year the copper mining industry is expected to generate around $3.38 billion in profit, rising to a projected $10.2 billion in total revenue by 2016-17. According to IBISWorld “profit is expected to grow at a slightly faster pace than revenue due to the economies of scale”. Much of this growth is expected to be driven by the boom in China and other emerging BRIC nations’ infrastructure and industry, although the global demand for copper “was [this year] adversely affected by much weaker conditions in construction and manufacturing sectors globally”. But despite the current gloom there is positivity. Earlier this year, BHP CEO Marius Kloppers pointed out that this demand will likely outstrip current supply. Speaking in Florida he pointed out that copper production will need to grow by 80 per cent by 2025 just to keep up with the forecast demand; and that this is a situation which will only happen if copper prices become higher and ‘incentivise’ investment in their supply. / 1 2However , 4 : 2 this 4 Pwill M become a problem as many of the high grade

ore bodies begin to wind down and they hit lower grade ores. Chile’s massive Chiquicamata has moved from an open cut pit to an underground mine to access these lower grade ores at a lower cost. Australia’s own Xstrata Ernest Henry mine did the same earlier this year as well. The global closure of many copper refineries, such as Rio Tinto’s throughout Europe and Australia, and Xstrata shutdown of its refineries in Queensland will only drive the importance of exports. Yet supply will begin to stabilise again as a few upcoming high grade mines such as Sandfire’s DeGrussa mine, are slated to begin full production next year, and Aditya Birla restarts its Mt Gordon operations. With more demand than supply “the outlook for the industry suggests that revenue growth will be strong over the five years through 2016-17,” according to IBISWorld, which reflects the “increases in copper ore output, a decline in the value of the Australian dollar and fairly stable US dollar copper prices”. As previously stated, the economic growth of emerging first world nations will drive much of the global demand Continued on page 14

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December 2012

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METALS OUTLOOK

Continued from page 13

in copper – such as China and India increasing consumption to develop their electricity infrastructure, as well as nations such as Japan, which is looking to rebuild much of its infrastructure which was damaged by the 2011 tsunami, and Germany, which is seeing growth in its manufacturing industry. IBISWorld added that “firming global growth is expected to underpin the solid growth in the demand for copper, providing support for prices and capacity expansions. “Overall, industry revenue is expected to grow by an annualised 7.5 per cent over the next five years through 2016-17.”

Nickel

Despite the high level of nickel output in Australia, falling overall demand levels for steel has led to a subdued demand for nickel as prices are pushed down. Retreat from the unsustainably high nickel prices of 2007 has seen revenue in the sector fall by 17.7 per cent over the last five years. However while the nickel ore industry in Australia accounts for only 0.1 per cent of overall economic activity, IBISWorld reports that industry performance is expected to grow from 2013, reaching an annualised revenue rise of 6.6 per cent to a total of $3.72 billion. But as nickel prices are highly sensitive to shifts in demand and supply, performance of the industry is highly reliant on trends in nickel output, international nickel prices, and the value of the Australian dollar. This means China’s decision to reduce its infrastructure build will have an adverse affect on the industry in 2013, with traditionally big miners also predicting a shift. According to Western Australia’s mines minister Norman Moore, nickel exploration is expected to drop further in the year ahead. Moore said the price falls had already caused “much pain” to nickel producers, with companies making significant layoffs over the last 12 months. Xstrata closed the Cosmos mine and sacked 150 workers due to the declining market, and last year the company also closed the Prospero mine for the same reason. BHP have also shed jobs and cut the production of nickel, blaming challenging market conditions for the cut, highlighting that nickel producers are showing caution in both the commitment to new projects and the expansion of existing ones 14

December 2012

AustralianMining

Copper and gold are the two metals with the brightest future for Australian miners.

because of the high volatility in the nickel prices. A spokeswoman for BHP Billiton told Australian Mining that soft demand from the stainless steel sector and low prices were affecting the sector. ‘Short term nickel prices reflect current economic uncertainty,” she explained. “Our long term view of the nickel has not changed (late stage commodity, strong demand growth) and our investment strategy is not based on short term fluctuations in the market. The view for nickel is positive as a late stage commodity” However, an expected decline in the strength of the Australian dollar has some predicting a revenue hike could become a reality in 2013. Rising output and higher prices could yield a revenue gain of up to 7.9 per cent in 2013 an annualised expansion of 6.6 per cent means revenue could reach $3.72 billion by 2016. Production costs are expected to increase as the fuel and chemicals required to service the industry rise.

Silver/Lead/Zinc

Often described as notoriously volatile, silver’s rise is expected to continue with strong demand from China. A recent report by the Beijing Antaike Information Development Co, an information centre on the Chin-

ese metals and industries markets, provided good news for silver prices with analysts forecasting China’s silver demand to increase as much as 10% in 2013 from investors looking to preserve their wealth. Foster Stockbroking senior analyst Craig Brown told Australian Mining that the relationship between gold and silver is undeniable. “Historically there has been a pretty good correlation between gold and silver prices,” he said. “Usually investors move to silver in the event they can’t afford gold.” Silver production and prices are expected to increase into 2013 as industrial production returns to stronger growth worldwide, increasing demand for the metal. “As long as the outlook for gold stays positive, the outlook for silver stays positive,” BNP Paribas metals strategist Anne-Laure Tremblay said “When gold peaks, silver will likely correct more sharply, although this is still some time away … most likely not until the end of 2013 or beyond.” HSBC’s latest Silver Outlook report states silver prices are expected to remain firm throughout 2013. “Investor sentiment will be a key determinant of silver prices going forward, especially in the short term,” it writes. The medium and long-term out look for zinc and lead also looks

strong. The urbanisation of developing economies and the consequent increased demand for infrastructure and construction will support the increased production of the metals. The International Lead and Zinc Study Group predict that 2013 will see lead metal usage in China grow by 4.8 per cent this year and 4.7 per cent and say this will lead to an increased demand. Requirements from vehicle producers, power applications, and mobile systems is also expected to drive the demand for lead up. Australia’s production of zinc is forecast to reach 1.99 million tonnes by 2016-17, up from 1.59 million tonnes last year. The growth reflects the opening of new mines in the sector including Dugald River in Queensland which is estimated as having 30.8 million tonnes of ore. The mine expects to produce 200,000 tonnes of zinc, 25,000 tonnes of lead and 900,000 tonnes of silver per year over 23 years. Exports of metals are set to stay in line with production over the next few years amounting to 1.57 million tonnes by 2016-17. Australian producers are also expected to benefit from a decline in the value of the Australian dollar with revenue expected to reach $6.83 billion as mine operators focus on costeffective expansions and new mines. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMTYCDEC_12.pdf

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TWO GREAT COMPANIES

ONE BRIGHT FUTURE For decades, you’ve known Tyco Flow Control as a leading global manufacturer of valves and controls. We’ve been a key partner to the mining and mineral industry supplying world-class products, under acclaimed brands such as Keystone, Clarkson, Biffi, Morin, Lunkenheimer and Richards. But now Tyco Flow Control has merged with Pentair, one of the pre-eminent names in water, fluid, thermal management and equipment protection. By combining our two companies, we will be even better equipped to meet your needs, with more products, more applications and an even greater reach worldwide. Rest assured, we’re dedicated to serving our customers better, solving the mining industry’s most critical challenges and delivering excellence in everything we do. Welcome to a bright future with the new Pentair Valves & Controls.

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AM.DEC12.PG016.pdf

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ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE

Four “MUST-HAVE” productivity improvements We bring you part one of our two part series on the Four Must Haves for productivity. John Jessop & Eduardo Gallesty write.

A D _ A MF L E O C T _ 1 2 . p d f

Pa ge

ypically, new ore reserves are more technically challenging than at any time in history, and are located in remote or politically complex regions. As mining companies look to ramp up production, they face a host of complex challenges. Mining companies thus need to find new ways to achieve increases in productivity to meet demand. This is not the first time mining companies have needed to innovate to get a dramatic increase in productivity. The mining industry has already been through a number of technological “step changes” that have facilitated radical productivity gains. For example, the gradual mechanisation of underground mining in the first 1 8 / 0half 9 / of1 the 2 , 20th 1 0century : 5 7 inAM cluding the development of

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conveyors, loading machines and drill rigs dramatically increased tonnage per worker. More recent advances like longwall-mining equipment, driverless trucks and recent developments in remote operations and control systems, enable today’s miners to produce many times the ore with fewer workers and better safety than ever before. The challenge is that the last step-change of technology has now been exhausted: haul trucks are already big, pits are already supersized, and infrastructure is being pushed to its limits. As mining enterprises aspire to achieve gains, elements of manufacutring concepts are now being investigated for their application in mining. In this quantum leap scenario, the “mining factory” connects and orchestrates the

production processes to optimise throughput and profitability based on ore body quality variations, production capacity and market demand. The materials handling process is increasingly automated, and new technologies enable continual, rather than batchbased, movement using traditional methods such as rail or truck. To support these greater levels of efficiency and automation, software and business processes need to transform alongside physical systems. This change is taking the form of greater integration, visibility and “intelligence” within and among operational technology (OT) production control systems and information technology (IT) that manage the company’s critical assets, logistics, planning and operations.

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AD_AMALANOV_12.pdf

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AM.DEC12.PG018.pdf

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MAINTENANCE & MONITORING

Maintaining

DIRECTION Innovation is the key to continual maintenance.

n an increasingly overpopulated maintenance solutions market, innovating to meet the changing needs of clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs is key to the success of any business. But becoming a strong player in the market is no easy task as companies tend to stick to what they know when it comes to maintenance and repair solutions. This is especially true in the current climate; projects are being put on hold and so is the maintenance of machinery with which to get the job done. However, in this increasingly competitive market, investing in education and design technology is a way many companies are finding gaps in the markets to gain new opportunities into the mining sector. AAcompany inEWollongong D _ A MK S O C T _ 1NSW, 2 . p Leussink Engineering, has done just

that, ignoring the negative press over how local industry slowdowns may affect the maintenance supply chain, and instead have focused on ways to meet the needs of the mining sector head on. After a client came to the company, asking it to manufacture a product on an OEM arrangement, an opportunity to service the unique demands of the mining sector presented itself. Director and design engineer, Jason Leussink said his company was perfectly positioned to provide the attention to detail that would give clients an added competitive advantage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a product that has never been outsourced before by this large player in the mining industry, so to thea g client d give f P e 1a level 2 1 of / 0advantage 9 / 1 2 , and confidence in our methods we

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December 2012

AustralianMining

approached the task in a different of mining boomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has the potential manner to what industry normally to slow down trade for maintenance expects,â&#x20AC;? Leussink said. companies, Leussink says that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;proâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We sent two of our engineers viding reliable solutions to a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to one of their facilities in the U.S.A problem at affordable pricesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will to thoroughly learn the manufactur- ensure ongoing success as clients ing techniques and what the require- return for solutions they know and ments trust. 1 0 : were. 5 3 AM â&#x20AC;&#x153;This global company has factoâ&#x20AC;&#x153;There will always be the need ries across several countries produc- for mining in Australia and while ing their own machinery. We have mechanical solutions are used to since begun to machine and repair extract the resource then we believe these OEM parts successfully in our our diverse business model, as it has factory in Wollongong, NSW,â&#x20AC;? he in the past, should fare well through told Australian Mining. to the next cycle,â&#x20AC;? he told Australâ&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of this particular custom- ian Mining. erâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements are This is increasingly for equipment used in likely as more operaHaving a diverse cutting coal out of untions look to keep their approach to derground mines.â&#x20AC;? current quipment runLeussink Engineer- maintenance on ning rather than puring has been operating in site and off is chase new capital equipthe Wollongong region the best way to ment. for more than three decAnd with a new ades and has tradition- approach it. investment in the edually provided industries cation and training of with engineering services, prototyp- staff, from apprentices right through ing, emergency repair work, machin- to senior engineers, Leussink said the ing, manufacturing and welding solu- business in just growing in strength tions. as a result. With so many years experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;The response has been overin the maintenance game, the min- whelming so far. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mining cusing sector was the natural next step tomers are now able to explain their for the company, with the scope of engineering problems and Leussink services offered wide. Engineering has the ability to underâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We target the manufacturing stand their needs, re-design and simof new and repairing of old mining ulate software engineering changes, equipment used to aid in the remov- produce revised engineering drawal of the mining resource. ings and then manufacture and asâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We also target any mechanical semble to world best practice,â&#x20AC;? he engineering component that requires told Australian Mining. repair, modification or replacement,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This allows our customers to Leussink explained. focus on what they do best, and that While the much publicised â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;end is mining.â&#x20AC;? www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMVEYJUL_12.pdf

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PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT

Convector cooled convertors

The converter measures 180x90x95mm and weighs around 1.5kg. sNAPteC Australia has recently released the GB2-360 360W, a convector cooled DC/ DC converter that is fully encapsulated to provide extra protection against humidity, dust shock and vibration. Input and output is through heavy duty screw terminal connections, and an integrated heat sink allows for full power operation in temperatures up to 50°C. Higher temperature operation is achievable however this will reduce maximum output power. several standard models have typical input voltages of 12V, 24V, 48V, 96V and 110V and typical output voltages of 12V, 24V, 48V and 96V. Customised models can also be made for any particular output or input voltage requirement, along with models that are suitable for battery charging. the convertors are chassis mount and fixed through bolts and provide full output protection. • Snaptec Australia 02 9676 2344 www.snaptec.com.au

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High speed linear position sensor tURCk has released its latest high-speed motion control devices – the new LI inductive linear position sensors for industrial applications. Designed for closed loop applications, new electronics For closed loop applications. architecture in the device increases the effective output rate of the sensor from 1 to 5 kHz. In conjunction with the short signal run time (130 µs) and the highly resolved ssi output, the inductive linear position sensors can achieve the performance of potentiometers but without their disadvantages. Unlike potentiometers, the LI sensors offer permanent protection to IP67, provide non-contact measuring and are absolutely wear-free. the magnetic field immune sensors are suitable for measuring axes with high-speed controls such as is used in injection molding machines. • • • Turck 1300 132 566 www.turck.com.au

Sine wave inverters High voltage meters Westek has released the new Vitrek model 4700 six Digit, Precision High Voltage Meter. According to the company it is suitable for measurements to 10 kV rms, and by means of the Vitrek HVL range of precision attenuators, Has phase to phase measurement. can be extended to measure to 35, 70, and 100 kV rms. the Vitrek model 4700 Precision High Voltage Meter is suitable for measurement at frequencies as low as 0.01 Hz to 600 Hz while providing true rms (tRMs) as well as DC measurements and is capable of high speed analysis by virtue of a DsP providing up to 60 filtered readings per second. the instrument is therefore well suited for the calibration of HiPot and VLF testing systems for loss angle and other applications. the voltage meter has a basic accuracy of 0.03% DC and 0.1% true RMs AC. It has dual inputs and provides differential or phase-to-phase voltage measurement, and can be powered by an optional lithium-ion battery pack providing up to 11 hours between charges. • Westek 1300 937 835 www.westek.com.au A D _ A MQ U I A U G _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 2 0 / 0 7 / 1 2 ,

December 2012

AustralianMining

AJ Distributors presents the latest MeanWell’s 500W DC/AC modified sine wave inverters, According to the company they can be used to power portable equipment, lighting fixtures and home appliances in locations where main power is not readily available. they can be constructed as an energy-saving power station by adding external lead-acid batteries with solar panels. the ‘free energy’ received through the built-in MPPt solar chargers can be stored into the battery bank and then transformed into AC output through its inverter stage. the MPPt function has 98 per cent high conversion efficiency. • AJ Distributors 1300 282 186 www.ajdistributors.com.au

Dynamic accelerometers seIkA BDk3, BDk10 and BDk100 accelerometers feature high overload resistance with integrated electronics for dynamic measurement of vibration and acceleration in the frequency range 1Hz to several kHz. the sensor electronics require only minimal power and work in conjunction with the capacitive primary transformer characterised by low error and high long term stability. the dynamic accelerometers are capacitive spring-mass accelerometers with integrated sensor electronics. • Control Devices 02 9330 1700 1 2 :www.controldevices.net 2 0 PM

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Brought to you by

PRODUCT FOCUS: TEST & MEASUREMENT

Passive junction boxes

Oval gear flowmeters

TUrCk has extended its range of passive junction boxes with two active iO-Link variants, complementing the company’s current product line which includes standard junction boxes with Combine 16 switching elements in 4, 6 and 8 input connectors and a multi-pole a 16 bit IO link signal. cable output. The iO-Link junction boxes combine 16 switching status elements in a 16-bit iO-Link signal, bringing 16 switching signals from the machine to the control cabinet via a single standard cable. instead of assigning each signal to the individual wire of an m23 master cable, terminating and routing them into the control cabinet with expensive multi-pole cables, the iO-Link junction box only requires a single standard m12 cable. The signals can come from proximity switches, pushbutton actuators, optical switches or temperature sensors with a switch output. According to the company these junction boxes are optimal when a large number of signals have to be routed from the machine to the control cabinet. Like TUrCk’s standard passive junction boxes, the iO-Link junctions are provided with LeDs that indicate the switching status of each individual input. The junction boxes can be connected to PNP or NPN LeD circuits. The passive junction boxes are available as 4, 6 and 8 channel versions. The outputs of the devices are available with a straight female connector, side female connector or fixed cable output in 2 or 10 m lengths. TUrCk’s extensive line of products includes advanced sensors, measurement, instrumentation, connectivity, interface and networks for factory & process automation markets that meet clients’ application demands. • Turck turckaustralia@turck.com www.turck.com.au AD_ _ 1 0 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 6 / 0 3 / 1 0 , 3 : 1 4 PM

Trimek Flow Products has released a new range of Dimak flowmeters – the oval gear meters. Dimak, through Trimec Flow Products, provide a range of oval gear flowmeters which provide high levels of accuracy and repeatability for a wide range of most clean liquids irrespective of viscosity In sizes of 4mm to 100mm. and conductivity, including fuel oils, additives, chemicals, food bases, paints, viscous emulsions, insecticides, alcohol and solvents, either pumped or gravity fed. The Dimak oval gear flowmeters come in size from 4mm to 100mm in aluminium, stainless steel and ductile iron for flow ranges from 0.04 l/h to 1500 l/m. its features include modular process connections; no requirement for flow conditioning; high accuracy, repeatability and reliability. • Trimec Flow Products www.trimec-fp.com.au

www.miningaustralia.com.au

PC controlled torque tester Si instruments now offers a versatile PC controlled torque tester. The mecmesin Vortex-i is available in Australia and New Zealand and brings quality control measurement straight to the point of manufacture. its simple set-up means manufacturers can test clockwise and counter-clockwise torques of packaging components. it is designed for r&D and routine measurements, providing users with detailed results data and reporting capabilities. Users have the choice of viewing a graphical ‘live’ display of the test for observational purposes, or multiple test results in tabulated form for comparison and evaluation purposes. • SI Instruments 1300 298 621 www.si-instruments.com.au

AustralianMining

December 2012

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GOLDFIELDS MINING & ENGINEERING EXHIBITION

GME 2012 wraps up Unseasonal rain was no deterrent for Kalgoorlie’s GME.

he Goldfield Mining and Engineering Exhibition has wrapped up in Kalgoorlie, with organisers saying the event was a success despite the unseasonal downpour. With more than 230 exhibitors displaying their many products, GME 2012 saw visitor numbers down slightly from last year after two days of unseasonal rain hammered Kalgoorlie. “Obviously the weather hasn’t been to kind to us this week and that’s impacted on the show to a certain extent,” Reed Mining exhibition director Paul Baker said. However, Baker was confident that exhibitors were able to make great industry contacts via the show, and said this was a testimony to its ongoing success. “There’s been some good contacts made this week by exhibitors and that’s the main thing, that they meet good quality people, so it’s about A D providing _ A M B R aEplatform M A R _ 1for 2 them . pd to do business,” he said.

Baker added that with world first products featured at the show, many unveilings and new initiatives, the mining industry was looking for “new innovations which will help with cost-effectiveness, increasing efficiencies and improving safety. “What trade people see at the show are products and services that help them do that,“ he added. Highlights of the three days included a safety talk by Beaconsfield mine disaster survivor Brant Webb who shared his experience of the mine collapse highlighting safety issues on mine sites. Webb explained Chaired by Lainie Anderson, a that while safety in Australian mines director of Mining Family Matters, was improving, it was important to the discussion was a highlight for keep issues of safety in the spotlight. visitors as the women discussed their “We have to try and keep that varied experience in the mining insafety culture up,” he said. dustry, what inspires them and their “Accidents don’t happen, they’re hope that more women would see caused.” the industry for the opportunities it The Women in Mining Panel could offer. Discussion also saw a packed crowd Anderson said the popularity of highlighted how imporf gather P a gtoe hear 1 about 1 7 / the 0 2issues / 1 2fac, 1 the 2 : panel 1 1 P M ing women in the industry. tant the event was.

“The women in mining panel discussion is always a really big hit at the Reed mining events. People are so engaged with it and it’s such a fantastic topic,” she told Australian Mining. The AngloGold Ashanti career stand was also a hit with visitors as the company looked for skilled and non-skilled employees to potentially work with them at their new Tropicana mine, located 330 km north of Kalgoorlie.

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AM.DEC12.PG024.pdf

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2012 RETROSPECTIVE

A LOOK BACK at 2012 While it started with high hopes, the industry has ultimately been shaken by this rough year.

his year has been an Annus Horrilibus for the Australian mining industry. One that will, for a long time, be recorded as the year in which it suffered some of its worse downturns. Worse even than the effect of the global financial crisis. It began much in the same vein as 2011, with high commodity prices, certainty in the market, and a positive outlook. Every man and his dog were looking at how to exploit the seemingly unending upturn in mining. And the industry was more than happy to get more people on board, with Rio Tinto alone starting a massive recruitment drive for 6000 new workers in the Pilbara. New mines were slated for the Pilbara and Queensland’s Bowen, Surat, and Galilee basins. It looked as though the sector was only starting to get in gear. And then at the midway point of the year we saw a sudden shift. 24

December 2012

AustralianMining

Much of it precipitated by the mining tax. The Mineral Resources Rent Tax was launched in July, and while it hasn’t had an immediate affect, the discontent it caused in the industry had a ripple effect throughout the nation. Especially as the predicted revenues it was forecast to generate will not reach the benchmark needed, which is understandable when the tax fails to raise a single cent. This has left a massive blackhole in the Government’s budget as it leant too heavily on the industry to supplement its over reaching budget. Much of the cause of this budget gap was the massive downturn in iron ore prices, and to a lesser degree coal prices – which the government, in its apparent wisdom, decided were the only minerals that required increased taxation. BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, and Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project all suffered as Chinese demand lowered - forcing them

to cut, delay, defer, and cancel. their various projects. BHP cut back the most in the Pilbara, putting its port expansions on hold, slashing its contractor workforce, and pushing back deadlines or deferring them completely. However it wasn’t just BHP that was taking the knife to its workforce.

Cutting to the bone

It seemed as though every week brought a new round of layoffs and job cuts, or worse – mine closures. One of the major cutbacks was by Xstrata, which announced that it would cut around 600 workers from its coal operations alone. This didn’t include its planned shutdown of the Cosmos nickel mine in Western Australia. Fortescue, which was previously the darling of the industry, was forced to cut back costs as its operations all ran on a predicted iron ore price that was well above the continually slumping commodity levels.

Within the space of a week its share price slumped 14 per cent, it was forced to sell off its power station, and even stop company barbecques. Unions struggles mixed with the downturn also caused a breaking point for BHP in the east, as it shut down two unprofitable coal mines in its BMA joint venture with Mitsubishi. Within the space of months it closed its Norwich Park and Gregory mines. Even more shockingly, BHP announced that it would completely defer its planned multi-billion dollar expansion of the Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. However, this move, which sent shockwaves throughout the country, wasn’t wholly unexpected. Rio also closed its Blair Athol coal mine ahead of schedule, and announced that it would continue cutting costs around 10 per cent globally, in an effort to battle the rising costs of doing business coupled with Continued on page 26 www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMBARDEC_12.pdf

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AM.DEC12.PG026.pdf

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2012 RETROSPECTIVE

NSW allowed for uranium exploration in the state’s west, stating that it would open entirely new areas for the industry. Late in the year Queensland also gave the go-ahead. “The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has just been in India selling the benefits of Australian-produced uranium to India, prompting many in the community to ask about the industry’s potential in Queensland,” Newman explained. “It’s been 30 years since there was uranium mining in this State, and in that time Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia have carved out successful uranium industries that deliver jobs and prosperity to their regions,” he said, adding that it was time QLD did the same.

Continued from page 24

the falling price of commodities. Gina Rinehart’s operations across the country also suffered. Roy Hill has been forced to cut back its staff and defer its planned infrastructure and rail projects as well. Her eastern joint venture coal operations with GVK have also seen bumps in the road, as green and environmentalist groups fight against her Alpha mine and its associated infrastructure and GVK scrambles to find the funding for its planned infrastructure.

Taxing times

On top of these cut backs and the impost of the Mineral Resources Rent Tax, the industry was also slugged with the Carbon Tax as well as rising state royalty rates. It is no coincidence that the announcement of Queensland premier Campbell Newman’s increase in royalty rates was soon followed by a number of coal miners cutting back their workforce in the state. New South Wales and Western Australia also upped the level of royalties. WA put a new royalty rate on magnetite fines, and New South Wales upped AD_ A M 1the 2 Dcost D Eof C doing _ 1 2 busi. pd ness in coal.

The way ahead

Despite being a bleak time for iron ore miners, other have shone as gold prices rise.

The news got worse for miners A ray of light as the government attempted to go Many mines continued operations, back on its promise to cover the dif- new workers joined the workforce, ference between the increased royal- and in a massive step for Western ty rates and the mining tax, and was Australia, NSW, and Queensland supported by the Greens and envi- uranium mining took a step forronmentalist groups in its efforts to ward. In Western Australia Toro Energy was the first company to do so. However it was not all bad news receive environmental approvals for f forPthe a gminers e 1 of 9other / 1 1commodities / 1 2 , 2 : its 3 7Wiluna P M uranium mine, setting a precedent for others to follow. and metals.

While the industry has certainly ridden a series of massive high and lows for the year, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. While we have reached the peak of the apparent boom, we are far from the bottom, and prices are set to stabilise. Times may be tough, but they are from the worst the industry has faced, and even then it still rode through the storm.

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FLUID POWER – HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS

Portable particle counting

Fluid pressure detection

ONe of the main reasons for hydraulic breakdowns can be attributed to contamination so determining fluid cleanliness, and managing your pro-active maintenance program is the first step to ensuring failures, machine down-time and oil Determines fluid cleanliness. consumption are reduced. A portable particle counting system for oil based liquids, the PAMAS S40, features a wear resistant ceramic piston pump which guarantees a constant flow. Featuring a simple-to-use touch screen, the device allows for intuitive operations, making an operator’s job easier, while a built-in battery allows for two hours of running time and a data storage of more than 500 measurements. the system can be used for both batch sampling and online measurements, ensuring it is versatile enough to work in a variety of applications. Additional accessories include low and high pressure modes, viscosity of up to 200cSt, a rang of calibrations, software options, a Skydrol compatibility system and options for lube oil applications. • PAMAS www.pamas.de A D _ A MB I S D E C _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1

0U [OPZ I\ZPULZZ `V\ ULLK OHYK WYVK\J[Z UV[ H OHYK [PTL ([ )PZHSSV` ^L THRL (\Z[YHSPH»Z ILZ[ X\LUJOLK HUK [LTWLYLK Z[LLS IHJRLK I` Z\YWYPZPUNS` ÅL_PISL J\Z[VTLY ZLY]PJL +LSP]LYPUN [HPSVYLK ZVS\[PVUZ [OYV\NO V\Y UH[PVUHS KPZ[YPI\[PVU UL[^VYR ^L KLSP]LY [OL YPNO[ WYVK\J[Z MVY `V\Y WYVQLJ[ N\HYHU[LLK @V\ JV\SK ZH` ^L ILUK V]LY IHJR^HYKZ

December 2012

AustralianMining

iNNOvAtive hydraulic solutions are key in ensuring impacts to operating costs and machine down-time are kept to a minimum. the health and safety of workers on mine sites, particularly underground where hydraulics are part of day-today work practices, mean new designs which reduce the risks associated with working fluid power equipment systems are highly sought after by the mining sector. At the recent hunter Manufacturing Awards hydraulic solutions provider, Custom Fluidpower, was given the hMA Board Award in recognition of their new detection device, aimed at improving the safety of underground mines. the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) which is helping to develop the device, said the aim of the project was to ‘produce a method of detecting hydraulics fluid pressure in hoses to reduce the risks associated with stored energy by means of a non-evasive device’. “through a process of research, testing, data collection, and design, Custom Fluidpower has succeeded in developing a proven prototype of a non-invasive hand held device for the purpose of detecting hydraulic hoses under pressure,” ACARP announced. While still in the prototype stage, field testing will start in coming weeks, with the new device expected to be released to market in early 2013. the company said the device will act as a last line of defence to provide a safer environment for people working with fluid power equipment and systems. “the pressure detection device is a great example of the company’s zero harm philosophy with regard to nil injection injuries and high pressure fluid safety in our industry,” Custom Fluidpower’s interim CeO Graeme vennell said. “Our focus as a company is on engineering innovative solutions to improve our customers’ existing fluid power systems or assist them develop new or unique fluid power systems.” • Custom Fluidpower www.custom.com.au

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With many drilling rigs shipped around the world, there will be times when the replacement of parts will be necessary in ensuring the safety and productivity Designed for heavy duty drilling. of sites. Norden hydraulic Connections has a range of hydraulic couplings, manufactured by Snap-tite, designed specifically for the mining, oil and gas industries. Choosing to use the Snap-tite h series means the replacement of couplings is quick and easy with the Snap-tite h series used in the original manufacturing of offshore rigs and mining equipment. the range offers various combinations, sizes, and variations of quick disconnect couplings, ensuring that Snap-tite h series couplings can be utilised for any application. Specially designed for the high-pressure service required for off-shore drilling, the Snap-tite 75 Series has an acme thread for easy installation and is rated as fire safe, ensuring it is safe for use in wellheads and for drilling blow out prevention circuits. Snap-tite 71 Series is a dry break, push-to-connect, high pressure connector with large flow chambers. the coupling’s flush face allows for easy containment inspection and cleaning. it is designed for up to 10,00 psi and also available in a range of steel products and variations of seals Snap-tite h Series is a high-flow quick disconnect coupling for use on hydraulic-pneaumatic applications and in the handling of many gases and fluids. Designed to exceed MiL-C-51234, it has a working pressure is 11,000 psi. it is available in 316 stainless steel, aluminium and brass, and comes with a wide range of seals. • Norden www.norden.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Servicing the Mining Industry for 30 years All Products and Services exceed MDG41 requirements Mining dedicated Service and Supply Centres with pressure testing facilities Specialists in Open Cut and Underground applications for all soft and hard rock mining All Service and Supply Centres ISO9001:2008 accredited RTO Registered by VETAB Project Management for machine overhauls and hose refurbishment NATA certified hose testing facility Experience across all OEM mining equipment manufacturers National fleet of mining specific mobile service units

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

The 9th Annual PROSPECT AWARDS The Prospect Awards again gathered the cream of the industry to recognise and reward excellence.

n a warm summer’s evening the mining industry gathered together to celebrate the best and brightest. The night, which recognises and rewards excellence right across the mining industry, saw more than 300 people in attendance. The awards themselves were down slightly in the number of finalists compared to the previous, when the Prospects were held in conjunction with AIMEX and at the height of the mining boom. However it still managed to attract more than a hundred entries over 15 different categories. It demonstrated that despite the downturn and uncertainty currently pervading the industry, there is still hopefulness and innovation in the sector. And it was needed, as the mining industry has taken a battering this year, with the falling price of many commodities, a rise in royalty rates, and the imposition of what

The night saw more than 100 finalists across 15 different categories.

later turned out to be an impotent Mineral Resources Rent Tax, which earlier this year had created so much fear and doubt. As usual, the innovation category was the most hotly contested in the awards, with the Australian Mining team forced to whittle the number of finalists down from around 40 down to only 15. It was a similar story for the Excellence in Mine OH&S

category, with contestants ranging from the major miners themselves right through to small family owned businesses. The night held a number of surprises for the winners and finalists, as some miners and companies went ahead and swept the awards. Safety was also a major theme running throughout the night, with many mines and companies basing their applications and technology on the provision of greater safety while working on site. Xstrata’s multiple developments on a number of different coal and metal sites demonstrated their individual workers’ innovation, while Anglo American’s astonishing record of achieving 22 years straight without a single lost time injuA D _ A MS H E N O V _ 1 2 . p d f P a g e 1 1 7 / 1ry0at/ its 1 electrical 2 , 9 :maintenance 2 3 AM department was a welcome For close to a decade the awards have recognised innovation.

December 2012

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002249_SHL2249_LUBWD_AM_HB_60x210_2.1.indd 1

surprise for those at the event. Fatigue management was also a focus, with Optalert’s latest development making a show. However it was not just technology that was making an impact on the night. There was also recognition of the numerous groups that provide mental and social wellbeing to workers and the greater mining community.

Numerous counselling and mental health groups made an appearance as finalists at the night. There was also a wealth of companies that made engaging with their communities a major priority, and showed the evolution of the mining industry from the old ‘just dig it out’ mindset into the companies which are now a part of their communities. Many of the finalists also actively demonstrated a commitment to their local Indigenous communities as well. Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Indigenous employment program was a standout initiative on the night. Overall the Prospect Awards again achieved its aim in November. It recognised, and rewarded those who are achieving extraordinary things in the mining industry, and highlighted that even amidst what many are touting as a downturn, innovative and excellence still exists.

More than 300 people attended the night.

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Excellence in Mine OH&S For helping miners to help themselves, Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has won the EXCELLENCE IN MINE OH&S award. Cole Latimer reports.

or the development of its Manual Task Risk Assessment tool (MTRA), Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has won the Excellence in Mine OH&S award. It was created after the miner realised that “workplace injuries sustained while undertaking everyday manual tasks are statistically over-represented in our business”. Speaking to Australian Mining, Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’ occupational therapist Joel Edson explained that “basically we identified – and it was mentioned at the awards – situational awareness, and understanding of the risks that our workers are exposed to, and really trying to fill the gap between what is generally academic knowledge around manual task risks and trying to apply that to the workforce. “So working with our workers we’re able to apply some academic concepts at a level that they understood and were aware of and that they could apply to their daily work and over the last 18 months we’ve been able to come up with something that they see as valuable and have taken ownership of and are able to apply across their tasks,” Edson said. The tool can be used to clearly, and simply, assess the risk of sustaining both acute and cumulative injuries while carrying out manual tasks, and visually illustrates the risk factors that can lead to manual task related injury. It works as a guide to assess the hazards and to better understand the risks associated, and is capable of being applied to all roles throughout the mine’s operations. To use the MTRA tool “the operator simply 32

December 2012

Xstrata’s Joel Edson accepting the award from Boom Logistics, which is holding the Manual Task Risk Assessment tool.

identifies the weight being handled or the speed of movement and postural requirements of a task they are about to undertake; the operator moves the appropriate dials on the tool face and the mechanical gearing within automatically moves the risk indicator dials to display the immediate risk level association with performing that task”. According to Xstrata, since the development of the MTRA it has helped to create a more self aware workforce with a full developed understanding of potential hazard, and how to observe, account for, and mitigate potential risks before they occur. Edson added that “it is really about awareness and that situational awareness of being able to approach a situation and understand

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the direct risk factors that are associated with the manual tasks that the workers perform daily. “So it is about being able to approach a task and to be able to approach that task knowing that it’s a hard industry, it’s heavy work, so acknowledging that and being able to understand those direct risk factors has made them able to approach that situation knowing that they are at risk and being able to apply procedures, processes and behaviours that can lead to safer production.” Xstrata added that the task of “empowering and upskilling our people to better protect themselves is something to which we are happy to commit”. Following this, Edson said “it’s one of those things, these concepts – we don’t want to be impeding, getting

in the way of the work that they do day to day. “And being able to approach it in a way that gives them ownership and gives them ways to apply it that they see fit in terms of the way that they operate, has been very helpful and empowering for them to be able to take it on and use it in the ways that they see fit. “So the feedback has been very positive; it has been an ongoing challenge. We don’t see this as an overnight solution and we’re prepared to commit to it for the long-term sustainability. But it’s been very positive.” The tool has been trialled across Xstrata’s North Queensland underground mining, maintenance and metallurgical processing, smelting, and refining operations.

What the judges said The Manual Task Risk Assessment tool developed by Xstrata Mount Isa Mines, is an innovative and novel approach to tackling one of the most frequent injuries plaguing the mining industry today – manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries. They have shown great commitment to developing a solution that is highly useable, highly visible and very specific to the hazard being addressed. The process to develop the tool involved workforce consultation and ideas, and a period of trialling and feedback. Various different forms of the tool have been developed to suit different areas of the mining and processing operations. A great idea which will attract workers to use it much more than a simple paper based tool. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Innovative Mining Solution Optalert has won the INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION award for the development of its game changing fatigue management system. Alex Heber reports.

ptalert has been awarded this year’s coveted Innovative Mining Solutions accolade at the 9th annual Prospect Awards for its revolutionary fatigue management system. The system has been specifically deigned to improve operator efficiency and safety, providing an innovative solution to the real challenge of operator fatigue. With 15 finalists in the running this was a highly competitive category, Optalert took out the award over the likes of Xstrata’s Structure Cassette, Orica’s PrimeSafe and Caterpillar Global Mining’s geared offset prototype. James Walker, acting CEO of Optalert told Australian Mining that winning this award was very unexpected and that it was amazing to be recognised at the Prospect Awards. “I’m blown away! This is amazing, fatigue is a major issue and to be recognised tonight is just fantastic,” Walker said. When asked about the journey towards developing a viable product for market, Walker told Australian Mining that a lot of money has been invested and there has been a lot of trial and error. “It’s only in the last 12 months that we’ve actually got a product that we’re really proud of,” he said. Taking more than eight years to develop, Optalert uses patented operator glasses to accurately measure the operator’s level of alertness by measuring the velocity of the operator’s eyelid 500 times a second using a tiny invisible LED built into the frame of the glasses. The data recorded from the glasses can then be utilised by a control room or dispatch to monitor the real time drowsiness levels of their entire fleet, anywhere in the world via the Optalert 34

December 2012

Optalert’s acting CEO James Walker accepting the award from BASF’s Ben Rix for its fatigue management system.

Fatigue Risk Profiler (FRP). The FRP enables managers to identify the overall alertness levels of their fleet, or drill down to view more in depth patterns via Driver in Detail or Peer-to-Peer Analy-

sis reports using the online IRIS (Individual Risk Indicator System). Over time, this data is used to quantify the Fatigue Risk Index of your operators and can be a tool for assess-

ing operator job suitability, as well as ideal rostering and break times. Awareness and acceptance are two major components that are key to getting technology like this off the

The fatigue management system actively measures operator fatigue in real time on site.

AustralianMining

ground, yet to be effectively implemented a collaborative approach between management and those on the ground needs to be undertaken. “The key part for this [Optalert] technology working is that management of the mine needs to be committed to fatigue. If management is on board then the operators understand it is being implemented for their safety,” Walker said. Australian Mining has previously reported a drop in fatalities year on year in Queensland, in October Queensland Mines Inspectorate Annual Performance Report showed a decrease in the number of deaths on site, falling from three in the FY2010-11, down to one in 2011-12. The QLD minister for natural resources, Andrew Cripps, said that while this figure was an improvement, there was still plenty of work to be done. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Environmental Management For its drive to educate workers and ‘leave no trace’, CITIC Pacific’s Sino mine has won the EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT award. Brent Balinski writes.

or its drive to minimise its impact on the environment and ‘leave no trace’, CITIC Pacific’s Sino iron ore mine was the winner of the 2012 Prospect Award for Excellence in Environmental Management. “Leave No Trace was initiated in May 2010 when we entered into a three-year partnership with not for profit organisation Leave No Trace Australia, to develop a workforce recreation management program,” the company told Australian Mining through a spokesman. “The aim was to establish a sustainable recreational culture and encourage desired recreational behaviours among employees and contractors. Leave No Trace was originally made available online but is now available with the standard site induction or delivered to groups by the site environment team.” Leave No Trace is a national non-profit organisation that promotes responsible outdoor travel and recreation, through partnership and education of its partners. CITIC, along with Buru Energy and BHP Billiton, is a Resource Industry Partner with LNT. “Leave No Trace is in line with our company values and ensures that we make a positive contribution to the Cape Preston environment before, during and beyond our operation of the mine and associated infrastructure,” stated CITIC. “When you have a FIFO project workforce numbering in the thousands, the impacts of reckless behaviour can result in undesirable impacts to the environment and personal safety. Leave No Trace is designed to encourage people to enjoy the recreational opportunities in the Pilbara region and to do so in a safe responsible and sustainable manner 36

December 2012

CITIC was awarded for its innovative push to minimise workers’ recreational impact on the Pilbara.

to minimise the impact on the environment. “This is achieved through a compulsory training and induction program for those wishing to pursue recreational opportunities off-site, in addition to a program to create a culture of sustainable recreational practices. This approach is in line with our environmental policy that commits us to the prevention of pollution and protection of the environment.” CITIC (which also earned a nomination for Hard Rock Mine category for its Sino Iron mine), believes that initiatives such as Leave No Trace help foster a positive relationship with the community it works in, and brings with it numerous gains. “Community involvement is a critical element to the success of the Sino Iron project. Building sustainable long-term working

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relationships and community partnerships enables the development of lasting social, environmental and economic benefits,” it said. The company is also involved with the Pilbara Road Safety initiative, which was launched in Karratha towards the end of 2010 by the state’s then police and road safety minister, Rob Johnson. “CITIC was one of the founding industry members involved with setting up the Pilbara Industry Road Safety Alliance (PIRSA). It comprises of stakeholders who are major road users and road authorities within the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Road travel is identified as one of the Sino iron project’s major risks and CPM takes this responsibility seriously through our involvement in the Pilbara Industry Road and Safety Alliance,” the iron ore mine said.

PIRSA’s goal is a proactive approach to road safety, identifying issues facing road users and safety improvements on roads in the region. Promoting safety on the road and environmental responsibility when enjoy the outdoors are both, the company says, examples of how it “recognises the importance of influencing desired behaviour.” “Our environmental department runs various awareness sessions aimed at driving a culture that can make a difference. The Leave No Trace program is part of the initiatives to create a culture focusing on sustainability practices and a culture that cares.” The Excellence in Environmental Management winner for this year sees Leave No Trace as part of the company’s broader vision of encouraging “a culture that cares”. “CPM recognises the importance of influencing

desired behaviour. Our environmental department runs various awareness sessions aimed at driving a culture that can make a difference,” CITIC’s spokesman said. “The Leave No Trace program is part of the initiatives to create a culture focusing on sustainability practices and a culture that cares. “The program could quite easily be adapted for other organisations or even industries. We have had discussions with Leave No Trace Australia to expand the program as a ‘Green Card’ concept, where programs such as ours could be registered and acknowledged by regulators and improve the awareness on sustainability issues on a much broader scale.” And being an award winner, surely the recipient has a few folks in the business that it’d like to thank for the program’s success. “Everyone involved in this initiative must be congratulated on this achievement. The Leave No Trace program has been a major success for both CITIC Pacific Mining and the environment in which we operate. Without senior management support a program like this does not get off the ground. Without a dedicated team to roll out the program it does not become a success. We also appreciate the recognition from Australian Mining.”

What the judges said Excellence in one area generally leads to excellence in others. CPM have used innovative means to not only improve environmental awareness through recreational activities but created a new concept of socio-environmental benefits for all stakeholders. This idea could lead toconsiderable benefits at this site and others, in areas beyond just environmental considerations. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Explorer of the Year For developing an entirely new way for the industry to uncover unknown deposits, the CSIRO has won EXPLORER OF THE YEAR. Brent Balinski reports.

he CSIRO, in conjunction with foreign space agencies, has developed a world-first mineral resource mapping tool, earning it the Prospect Award for Explorer of the Year. The ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emissions and Reflection Radiometer) maps, the first satellite-derived mineral maps of their kind on a continental scale, were generated via a ten-year archive of space data from NASA and Japan Space Systems. “The new suite of mineral maps will enable mining companies to increase the efficiency and viability of their exploration efforts,” said CSIRO at the time. “They are already changing the way that geoscientists look for mineral deposits by providing more accurate and detailed information than ever before.” The goal of the maps, the sample of which was unveiled at the end of 2011 with the ASTER geoscience map of Western Australia, is “public, web-accessible digital geoscience products generated from satellite ASTER data.” The WA Centre of Excellence for 3D Mineral Mapping (guided by CSIRO) converted raw ASTER readings into 14 maps by mineral groupings. The technology itself works via the use of reflectance and emission spectroscopy data collected from satellite, airborne, field, and drill cores and “is a noncontact and non-destructive method that measures electromagnetic radiation from different parts of the wavelength spectrum, from the visible to where we can sense heat,” it said. “This naturally reflected or emitted radiation penetrates only the top few microns of geologic materials; 38

December 2012

The CSIRO’s Melissa Quigley enjoying the award for aiding in the future exploration of Australia.

importantly the wavelength range also spans diagnostic absorptions of a wide range of materials.” Until now there have not been global scale mineral maps of the Earth’s surface. The CSIRO has been working towards “transforming these raw ASTER images into seamless, continent wide mosaics of mineral information, and then making these web available for use in standard GIS systems for explorers.” The continent-wide ASTER maps were launched at the 34th International Geological Congress in August at Brisbane, featuring CSIRO CEO Dr Megan Clark and Dr Chris Pigram, the CEO of Geoscience Australia. “The first continental mineral maps in the world

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are such a huge achievement for this group,” said a CSIRO spokeswoman, accepting the award on behalf of CSIRO research scientist Tom Cudahy. “They’ve got a group of geologists and scientific programmers and they’re the ones that have introduced the code and the protocols and done the ground validation and truthing to produce the mineral maps.” The continent-wide map launched this year, like the earlier, state-wide version, is aimed at increasing the efficiency and viability of exploration, mapping out mineral components in rock and soil. The maps, which have a Google Earth-like zoom function, brought together input from a host of agen-

cies, co-ordinated by the Centre of Excellence. These included Geoscience Australia, state and territory geological surveys, AuScope, iVEC, NCI, JSS, NASA and the US Geological Survey. CSIRO explained the usefulness of the maps as like having an “extra tool” at a miner’s disposal. “Once you’ve got a huge area that you want to explore, if you have these mineral maps, it’s an extra tool that explorers can use to be able to look at this big area and then narrow it down to more prospective places,” said the CSIRO spokeswoman, who hastily added that it didn’t take all the work out of mining, of course. “You still have to bang the rocks, you still have to get out there in the field, but

it’s just reducing that huge area into a more prospective area and save you time and make you more efficient with your work.” In August Kentor Gold announced that it had uncovered several previously unknown copper gold zones at the Jervois copper silver gold project in the Territory. “The ASTER maps are a very valuable exploration resource,” Kentor’s managing director, Simon Milroys, stated. The CSIRO said on its blog that “after the ASTER maps revealed some previously unknown ‘areas of interest’ Kentor’s senior project manager Rudy Lennartz scoped an area of about one square kilometre 350km outside of Alice Springs. “Spot readings showed what Mr. Lennartz describes as ‘a lot of good copper, a couple of good gold assays and possibly lead and silver’.” Milroys said at the time that the map is a great example of CSIRO cooperating with industry.

What the judges said ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) geoscience maps, a CSIRO development was launched at the International Geological Congress in Brisbane. The new satellite technology was first employed on the Kentor Gold Jervois project in the NT in August 2012, following a decade of planning and development. ASTER geoscience maps are now seen as the international standard with many countries seeking to adopt the system for enhancing their own resource exploration activities. Potential alternate uses for ASTER maps are foreseen, including their use in agriculture. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Contribution to Mining For its assurance of safety on site, Safescape has won the CONTRIBUTION TO MINING award for Laddertube. Brent Balinski reports.

addertube has earned Safescape this year’s Contribution to Mining Award. It was originally concieved of in 2003 by Steve Durkin, a mining engineer with well over a decade of experience, who was working as a mining engineer in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, when he began researching an escapeway installation that promised to be safer, cheaper, lighter and more durable than conventional steel mesh solutions. “His extensive research into escapeway installation techniques revealed the industry was paying too much for Safescape, recieving its award from Siemens, was recognised for increasing safety on site. a product not ideally suited to underground mining,” the who also presented Durkin The invention is designed our Safescape team do each company said. with the Prospect Award), for raised bored rises of one and every day, but also proThe result of seven years comes in segments of 2.1 me- metre, but larger rises can be vides positive publicity and of testing was LadderTube, tres in length, 60 kg in weight accommodated. The product recognition in the broader which was introduced to the and 960 mm in diameter. meets and exceeds AS1657. business community. world of hard rock mining The tube’s sections can The Prospect Award, and “Safescape’s key product/ in 2010. be linked into a ladder of any all the other forms of recog- service is the manufacture, Laddertube is a modular length and put together at a nition that Safescape has supply and installation of Ladladder made out of sturdy, rate of 50 metres a day. The received for its work, are of dertube,” explained Durkin, lightweight LLDPE (low- sections are overlapped and course good for the compa- who hopes to bring the prodensity polyethelene), a plastic are then bolted into place. ny’s reputation and its chanc- duct to more and more mines material. Unlike steel, it will Once assembled it pro- es of spreading its business throughout the country and not corrode in salt water. Dur- vides a “safe, secondary across the globe. the globe. kin’s product, which featured means of egress”. “Receiving this award “Our installers travel the on ABC’s The New Inventors It’s sealed,protecting min- not only provides important length and breadth of AusA D _ A MF O U O C T _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 1 4 / 0 9 / 1 2 , 2 2 PM (hosted by James O’loghlin, ers from rock, water, and dirt. recognition of 3the: hard work tralia installing Laddertube

December 2012

AustralianMining

and have also travelled to Spain and Papua New Guinea and will soon be completing an installation in the US.” It’s only a small operation, but Durkin and his team are looking to ramp things up as awareness of LadderTube’s benefits increase. “Our installers and administrative team are based in Bendigo, Victoria, and our manufacturing facility is in Forrestfield, Perth Western Australia. We currently have 15 employees and will be increasing this number in January 2013.” And what does the recognition mean for Durkin and his company? He has his sights set overseas. “Given Australia sets the standard for safe mining practices and is recognised internationally as a high quality manufacturer, export opportunities were a logical focus,” he said. “While reputation and word-of-mouth remain key to long-term prosperity, electronic communication almost completely removes any barriers which could exist because of our location and allows interaction with potential clients worldwide.”

www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Answers for Mining.

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Employer of Choice Rio Tinto has been recognised as the EMPLOYER OF CHOICE for its commitment to indigenous workers. Alex Heber reports.

he single largest employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, Rio Tinto Iron Ore, has been recognised as the Employer of Choice for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to Indigenous training and employment through their Work Ready programs. Accepting the award on behalf of the program organisers, Rennae Downsbourough told Australian Mining it was great to be recognised amongst industry peers. “It’s great to be recognised for the great work that’s being done in this area,” she stated. A local initiative from the communities near Rio’s Pilbara mines; these pre-employment training programs actively provide literacy, numeracy and health and safety education as well as driving training, usually through a government funded college, to Indigenous people looking for employment. Taking a collaborative approach, the work-ready program is a 16-20 week structured course covering life skills and the minimum training required to gain and maintain meaningful, full-time employment. “Our work-ready programs aim to give unemployed Aboriginal people the skills to gain full-time, meaningful employment. We adopt a no-barriers approach to address common obstacles such as lack of driving licences, poor literacy and numeracy, limited training and employment opportunities, family life balance, fitness for work, and work adjustment issues,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore explained. It provides qualifications and skills such as Certificate II in Resource Infrastructure Work Preparation; elevated work platforms; fork lift operation; occupational health and safety; Senior First Aid; 42

December 2012

The Indigenous training program has seen more than 160 graduates since it began in 2006.

personal finances; basic computing; resume preparation; budgeting; literacy; numeracy, and finally access to support from two full time driving instructors to assist participants in gaining a provisional driver’s licence. While Rio Tinto admits the training is tailored to its business needs, graduates are welcomed to take jobs with contractors or outside the mining industry. Rio told Australian Mining they are committed to growing sustainable indigenous business capacity, training and employment opportunities. “Presently we are benefiting from a significant Aboriginal contribution to our expansion program in Western Australia,” the company said. In July 2011, 30 Aboriginal people graduated from one of the Roebourne workready programs, of these 29 moved into employment at a Rio Tinto site, and more than half of this number were women.

AustralianMining

More broadly, since 2006, more than 160 Rio Tinto work-ready program graduates have achieved resource industry employment, 37 per cent of which are women. The courses have been expanded and are now running in many parts of Western Australia including Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Roebourne, Roebourne Regional Prison, Karratha, South Hedland, Carnarvon, Nullagine, Onslow, and Perth. One graduate of the work-ready program, who goes by the name of Tyson, is now employed as a trainee emergency management officer at Rio’s Dampier operation, something he thought was always out of his reach. “I applied for a few jobs, but didn’t have the work experience to be employed in the mining industry; at that stage I lacked confidence. “I successfully completed the 12-week program and a work ready advisor encouraged me to apply for a traineeship in emergency management. I went through the

recruitment process and was offered the job,” Tyson said. Tyson’s advice to others looking to get into the mining industry is to not give up. “There are opportunities. You just have to give it your best shot,” he said. The work ready program has helped hundreds of Aboriginal people move into the workforce over the past six years, benefiting not only participants but also their families and communities. In Roebourne alone there have been 90 successful graduates that went on to full time employment. Rio Tinto has been approached by the Wirrpanda Foundation to assist in job placements for participants on their programme in Perth. The Wirrpanda Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to promote role models and healthy life choices to young Aboriginal people. In addition to this, it also provides direct support with

mentors and peer support program as well as indirect support through initiatives like the Roebourne women’s group.

What the judges said This programme addresses one of the most critical and important issues facing not only the mining industry, but also the country as a whole. The initiatives of local indigenous groups have, with the active support of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, resulted in a pre-employment training programme which has the potential to integrate unskilled and untrained indigenous workers into the mining (and other) industry, offering secure long-term employment. Its wide acceptance and the number of centres where the programme is being offered reflect its value. It offers an opportunity for communities to move away from welfare dependency and develop a sense of purpose and direction. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Prospect Consulting are proud sponsors of the Employer of Choice category of the 9th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards. Congratulations to all individuals and companies that have been recognised as the best, brightest and most innovative in the Australian mining industry in 2012. Since 1993 Prospect Consulting has provided outstanding Recruitment and Operations Consulting services to the resources and energy sectors nationally. We have been helping organisations maximise their people and business performance. Whether it has been providing Recruitment Process Outsourcing services to meet bulk recruitment needs, delivering tailored safety programs or implementing a global management operating system on behalf of a client, our approach is simple:

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Minerals Processing Plant of the Year For a unique approach to safety in the wake of tragedy, Xstrata Coal’s Newlands CHPP is the MINERALS PROCESSING PLANT OF THE YEAR. Alex Heber reports.

strata Coal’s Newlands surface operation’s coal handling preparation plant has taken out this Year’s Minerals Processing Plant of the Year Award. It was recognised as a direct result of thinking outside the box when it comes to risk management and essentially providing a safer work environment following a fatality at another site in 2008 when a bin discharged its load while the cabin of a vehicle was in the drop zone. Xstrata’s Newlands coal handling preparation plant is located in Northern Queensland’s Bowen Basin and has an annual production capacity of 11 million tonnes. The Newlands project employs 1,227 people and exports steaming and coking coal to the international market. Speaking openly about fatalities, Xstrata said that they have focused on identifying the root cause of the issues in order to identify contributing factors and improve actions taken onsite. After the 2008 fatality, winning this award shows just how important it is to continuously review and improve processes to maintain a safe mine environment. CHPP manager Russel Muller accepted the award on behalf of the Newlands Coal team in Queensland,

to proceed underneath the rejects bin. “It took a little it of work but we worked together with our consultants and our supplier and we got it done,” he told Australian Mining. Working closely with Logicamms, an extensive testing and commissioning process has now proven that if a trailer is not detected then the system will now not allow the bin to discharge, totally eliminating the prior hazard. Importantly the system does not use optics or radar that may be affected by the environmental conditions, and automatically disarms the reject dump bin control the moment the truck leaves the drop zone. Xstrata have flagged that the tag readers may be utilised in the future to improve the positioning and loading of trailers. Xstrata Coal’s Russel Muller accepting the award from Schenck Process.

saying that it was a team effort and thanked Xstrata Coal for their support. “Xstrata Coal has driven the innovation. After the tragedy, we lost a person on one of our sites, they [Xstrata] made sure we put processes in place so it wouldn’t happen again,” he told Australian Mining. Muller explained that in an effort to eliminate the chance of this ever happening again and to remove the

risk of a potentially fatal hazard of serious crush injury Newlands began reviewing a number of solutions. It took a long time to decide on implementing the fail safe tag reader system, an idea that came to Muller whilst racing go karts on the Gold Coast, proving that sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones. “Once we identified the correct tags and the reader system we got some consult-

ants in to help us do that work, the tag readers had to have a very narrow band so they could only read a narrow band, so there was no possibility of the bin or anything else opening. “It was a failsafe system,” he said. Using specific codes, the system is designed to know exactly what sort of equipment is coming under the bin and can determine when it is safe for the reject truck

What the judges said Following the bin fatality at another site that drove this project, most operators simply changed procedures to require truck drivers to reverse under bins. This introduced other risks, which may in the end prove more dangerous than the risk being avoided. It is good to see a company develop a system that addresses a problem without introducing other problems.

The tag system was developed as a direct response to a bin fatality on another Xstrata coal mine site, which saw an accidental bin discharge crush a man to death.

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www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Winner of the 2012 Australian Minerals Processing Plant of the Year Award. Xstrata Coal’s Newlands Surface Operations.

weighing

feeding

screening

automation

Schenck Process Australia Pty Ltd Ground Floor 65 Epping Road North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia T 1300 551 645 Australia wide T + 61 2 9886 6800 outside of Australia sales@schenckprocess.com.au www.schenckprocess.com.au

Schenck Process Australia’s International Sales Manager, Mat Stancic, pictured left, congratulates Russell Muller, Coal Handling Preparation Plant Manager from Xstrata Coal’s Newlands surface operations for winning the 2012 Australian Minerals Processing Plant of the Year Award for their tag reader system. A minerals processing plant that has improved productivity, safety, environmental standards and has reached notable milestones using new technology, innovative processes or techniques.

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Young Achiever Already on the fast track to a stellar career with Rio Tinto, Caris House has been recognised as the YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR. Alex Heber reports.

t the age of only 23 Caris House has already achieved so much in her short yet remarkable career, and being recognised as the Young Achiever of the year is now another notch in this young woman’s belt. Since beginning her career at Rio Tinto in 2009 as a graduate, House has risen in rank to become the health and safety superintendent of Technical Assurance, with six direct reports. “I commenced my career with Rio Tinto as an unsure graduate, wondering if resources was the arena where my Occupational Therapy degree ‘should’ take me,” she explained. “It was not long before I realised that the word ‘should’ needed to be replaced with ‘can’. “I won’t lie,” she added, “it took dedicated effort to ‘shine’ in an industry where there are a range of talented and intelligent people. I worked extremely hard in a range of personal and professional traits to demonstrate that I really could, and wanted to be, the youngest superintendent in the business.” Already recognised as a finalist for two Sam Walsh Safety awards for thinking outside the ‘normal’ stream of health and safety delivery, House has made integral innovative contributions to the way onsite health and safety is managed at Rio Tinto. House’s passion for working in the resources sector comes from collaborating with a range of people from different backgrounds, assisting them to understand why health and safety protocols are delivered in a particular manner “Watching people within and exterior to my team learn and understand new concepts is rewarding and drives me to come to work 46

December 2012

Caris House has had an extraordinary career, and been behind innovative health and safety delivery, all by the age of 23. Image: WA CME.

everyday. My passion has transitioned to my amazing team members and I am committed to advocating their dreams and career goals,” House said. Mining and the area of resources is a dynamic and challenging world where the risk profile continuously evolves, fostering a culture of best practice can prove at times a daunting task especially when like House one works in an international world where there is limited or no precedent for some health and safety issues. “I find it motivating to challenge to strive for best practice in a world where health and safety is not always well understood. I aim to alter delivery style so that

AustralianMining

it resonates and intrinsically motivates the workers in a sustainable way,” she said. Accepting this award on House’s behalf was Rennae Downsborough, a colleague of House. She told Australian Mining that for such a young person House is a dedicated leader within Rio Tinto. “She very much has a strong support for the new graduates coming through and she’s dedicated not only to her own work and doing well but also in supporting and helping out other young graduates reach their potential,” Downsborough said. As a young achiever, House has dealt with the issue of being so successful so young, saying it can be

viewed somewhat negatively. “People generally respond with ‘awwww’ and the wideeyed expression when they become aware of my age! Older people generally say age is no barrier, so surely this statement can be reversed! “Young blood in the business drives attitudinal change and injects innovation, executing safety and health in an empowering manner where people understand why,” she said. House is definitely a high achiever, not only is she climbing the ranks at Rio, she is also studying a masters degree and assists her partner in the running of their sheep farm in Gnowangerup, which she says keeps her both balanced and grounded.

Driven to make positive contributions everyday in other people’s lives, House believes that “within the resources sector there is a constant requirement to learn, because we want a lasting and sustainable change, there is no end point, we can always improve and do things differently”.

What the judges said Dynamic – Caris’ ego and enthusiasm are only matched by her generous acknowledgement of the teams she has worked with along the way. Sharing, learning and mutual motivation of so many others is obviously a big part of her success. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Mining’s Woman of the Year For her tireless efforts in promoting the achievements of women in the mining industry, Paula West has won MINING’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR award. Alex Heber reports.

aula West has taken out this year’s prized Mining’s Woman of the Year Award for her tireless work promoting positive female leadership and development within the mining and engineering sectors. In an industry known for its male dominance, West has actively fought to change these stereotypes, proving to be an advocate and role model for women in the mining industry. “Getting myself out their and showing the world what we do is very important, women are notoriously bad at self promotion and highlighting our achievements,” West told Australian Mining. Working in a heavily male dominated environment where women make up only nine per cent of the workforce at Kwinana in Western Australia, West believes the development of leadership, diversity, and equal opportunity for women will not happen on its own and that an active forum is necessary to bring about positive change. “The biggest challenge we face as women in this industry are the stereotypes, it’s not in a lot of manager’s cultures to work with women, we have to work a lot

West has been recognised for her efforts in promoting women on site.

harder to prove ourselves more,” she said.

However, West highlighted that the industry is

West developed the entire lubrication schedule for the HIsmelt plant in Kwinana.

December 2012

AustralianMining

slowly changing, with positive advancements towards achieving stronger work life balances, family policies and flexible working hours. All of this is assisting women in the industry advance. West’s passion for engineering began early on, as a child she visited mine sites and was fascinated by all the large machinery, a fascination she was lucky enough to transform into a fulfilling career. After graduating from Curtin University in 2003, West began work at HIsmelt, developing the lubrication schedule for the entire plant, ready for start up.

This proved vital for the future reliability of the plant. Landing her first ‘real’ engineering role as a port engineer for the Dampier Port Authority, West quickly gained experience working with a multi-million dollar maintenance budget to ensure the smooth running of the largest port in Australia, she was also fortunate enough to work on the construction of the Bulk Liquids Berth Jetty, an $80 million project. Rising through the ranks at Alcoa, West is now a senior mechanical engineer for the Calcination and Shipping Port at Alcoa’s Kwinana Refinery. A role she finds challenging yet enjoyable because of the supportive structure Alcoa has implemented to benefit its female employees through the Australian Alcoa Women’s Network (AWN) of which West is an active member. Through the AWN, West has been responsible for organising training and development opportunities for women on site as well as promoting women in industry to the wider community through AWN Community initiatives such as the Future Women of Industry Program for high school girls. Developing strong women in mining is clearly a goal of West’s, when asked what advice she gives to other women looking at pursuing a career in the mining sector she said the most important thing is to “research and understand what you’re getting yourself into, talk to people in the industry, take site tours and learn to understand the people you work with so you can tailor your communication to their needs”. West has also previously been recognised by the Board of the College of Mechanical Engineers (BCME) as the Young Mechanical Engineer of the year. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Mine Manager of the Year For his leadership of Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine, John Turner has been recognised as the MINE MANAGER OF THE YEAR. Cole Latimer reports.

or his tireless efforts in leading the team at Centennial Coal’s Mandalong mine and driving its performance, John Turner has won the Mine Manager of the Year award. The Mandalong Mine is Centennial Coal’s most successful underground mining operation. With more than 380 people working around the clock, seven days a week, the Mandalong mine requires a strong leader to ensure its operations run smoothly. Speaking to Australian Mining, Turner explained that in making the mine successful “we set ourselves a vision about three years ago to become the safest, most sustainable, and most productive underground coal operation in Australia. “And we’ve shown steady improvement over the last couple of years. In 2011 we were the highest producing underground mine in NSW. And we’ll continue to work towards that vision of being the most efficient underground coal operation in Australia,” Turner said. A qualified mining engineer and mine manager with extensive underground coal mining experience, Turner leads what he believes are one of the best senior management teams in the mining industry to drive the successful performance of Mandalong. Regarding his win, Turner stated that “I’m extremely proud to win this award, I think it’s one of the most important awards out of the [awards] night. “But as I said when I won the award, it’s a reflection not so much on myself but also on the support I get from the senior management at Centennial Coal; but most importantly from my senior management team inside.” Since 2006 Turner has man50

December 2012

Turner thanked his team for Mandalong’s success and the development of the mine’s future.

aged the mine and has helped it grow from an operation producing 3.5 million tonnes of coal in 2007 to 5.5 million tonnes in 2011. This increase of 2 million tonnes made Mandalong the highest producing underground longwall mine in NSW and the second highest in Australia during that year. As one of the highest producing underground coal operations in Australia, Turner is particularly proud of Mandalong’s mine design. “From my point of view it’s important to have control of a mine to start with, so we gain control, understand where the bottlenecks are, do simple things, to remove bottlenecks where we need to improve performance, make improvements, see where the

AustralianMining

bottleneck moves to, then work our way through the process,” he told Australian Mining. “And that’s the way in which we’ve improved our production from 3.5 million tonnes to 5.5 million tonnes last year.” The coal mine design addresses environmental concerns regarding subsidence while allowing Mandalong to maximise the available resource. To maintain Mandalong’s minimal subsidence levels, Turner has ensured that Mandalong has adopted state of the art subsidence prediction techniques and continually participates in subsidence based research. Mandalong has been involved in research around geotechnical engineering,

subsidence management and aerial/satellite geospatial systems to ensure the mine is a leader in this area. He has also guided Mandalong in playing a key role in developing a more personalised approach to subsidence management plans by working with individual landholders to minimise the potential impacts of subsidence on local properties. With sustainability playing an integral part in Mandalong’s vision, Turner understands the importance of good environmental management and the role sustainability plays within the mining industry, and Mandalong’s, future. Looking for innovative ways to secure a sustainable future for Mandalong, he

has been instrumental in the implementation of the world first VAM-RAB (Ventilation Air Methane-Regenerative After Burner) unit, which converts methane into carbon dioxide. This will be the first trial of the innovative VAM-RAB unit at an operating mine, and if successful, represents a technological solution to the global problem of fugitive methane emissions. Safety has also been a key aspect, with Centennial Coal’s general manager – health safety environment and community, Peter Smith, saying that “John and his management team have worked long and hard to build upon Mandalong mine’s understanding and adoption of health and safety behaviours. “John took a more personal approach in embedding Centennial’s safety messages and behaviours by working with his workforce to find the best ways to implement safer work practices. Smith went on to say that “he truly values each of his employees’ health and their safety. It is due to John’s approach to safety that we have seen Mandalong continually strive to build a safer workplace”. Turner added to this by stating that “we’ve got an extremely good work force and the fact that we’ve been successful over the last couple of years has helped us to continue to recruit good people, and really, we’ve got good people at all levels”.

What the judges said John’s leadership has been demonstrated in the mine’s growth in production and forward thinking design which address both environmental and subsidence issues. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Contract Miner of the Year For creating a world first processing circuit design, Ausenco has won the CONTRACT MINER OF THE YEAR award. Cole Latimer reports.

or the delivery of innovative and world first contract mining engineering services, Ausenco has been awarded the Contractor of the Year award. The group worked with Newcrest at its Cadia East project and created a new, and world first way to process ore. The mine, run by Newcrest and which is soon to be the world’s deepest panel cave and Australia’s largest underground mine, is currently expanding and needed to develop its supporting infrastructure accordingly. An initial trial plant by Newcrest at the mine site had already confirmed that the existing communition circuit would be “severely limited by the increased competency and hardness of the Cadia East ore”. As part of the project Ausenco was contracted by Newcrest to upgrade the existing low grade concentrator at the original Cadia Hill project, which was commissioned in 1998, to enhance throughput and recovery, but with only minimal energy consumption. According to Ausenco “the challenge for [the company] was twofold – not only was the Cadia East ore harder than the Cadia Hill ore, but the proportion of fines in

Ausenco’s Frank Mellish accepting the award from Atlas Copco’s Joe Farrugia.

the run of mine (ROM) ore in the early years of panel cave mining was expected to be much lower than those from the open pit Cadia Hill mine. Both of these factors contribute to increased energy consumption and reduced plant throughput”. After studying a number of alternatives, including stand alone plants and various forms of upgraded plants, the contract mining engineering firm came to a unique design decision.

The communition circuit infrastructure at the Cadia East mine in NSW.

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AustralianMining

Speaking to Ausenco’s chief marketing officer, Frank Mellish, he explained to Australian Mining that “I guess for us we’re always looking for ingenious ways to deliver better results for our clients, and Cadia East is an underground mine where we had to take another look at how we were processing and how we were concentrating, and the client was generous enough to allow us to be ingenious”. In its ‘ingenious’ push, Ausenco designed a new

communition circuit for the existing concentrator which allowed for the treatment of harder ore from the much deeper mine. While Mellish could not comment on exact tonnage capacities, he did state that “the depth of the mine demanded that we do things differently. And both from an environmental point of view and from an output point of view there were significant improvements”. It created an innovative circuit incorporating High Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) technology prior to the Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill to improve efficiency of throughput – a world first circuit design. This design is the first use of HPGR technology used to do this, and will not only reduce carbon emissions, but has increased efficiency by around 25 per cent, increased mine life expectancy, and will result in greater profits for the site. “The resulting operation is robust and responsive to

changes in ROM feed competency and size, both in the short and long term. Additional flexibility is provided through the ability to recycle ore around the HPGR without the need, and associated dust and capacity issues, for fine screening,” Ausenco added. Commissioning of the Cadia East underground mine, which is being constructed at a cost of about $1.9 billion, is expected to be completed during the second half of 2012. This new project at Cadia is expected to increase the annual production rate at the Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) to around 26 million tonnes per annum, with the medium term objective that Cadia East will increase annual production at CVO to approximately 800 000 ounces of gold and 90 000 tonnes of copper. Speaking about the mill’s progress so far, Mellish told Australian Mining “it only becomes operational in the middle of next year, so we still have a way to go, but so far so good”. Mellish went on to congratulate his team on the award, stating that “I think it’s a great testament to the fact that we do look for ways to save our clients money, and so I guess for us it’s about delivering value for money to our clients, and in this case to Newcrest Mining”.

What the judges said Ausenco have shown initiative in developing an innovative technical solution for their mining client. Their solution provides benefits in terms of productivity, consistency, resource recovery, and cost savings. Not only does their processing method improve outcomes for the mine, it also has benefits for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Community Interaction For working directly with the community to provide jobs in the mining industry, The Resource Channel has won the COMMUNITY INTERACTION award.

or the development of a regional Fly In Fly Out hub, The Resource Channel has been voted as the winner of the Community Interaction award. The Resource Channel, an employment news website which launched in 2010 and claims a global reach of 400,000 people per month, partnered with the South Australian district of Grant to try to develop a FIFO workforce from Mount Gambier. The resources recruitment news company, in its short history, has gained awards including the Best National Website at the Australian Web Awards and the Reuters International Best Industry Website. It stresses that it is not a recruitment website per se and is very different from one, and doesn’t sell resumes to employers or simply collect ads from job boards. “We do have current vacancies that are listed, but what really differentiates us is we track projects and we report to the job market who’s been awarded which particular work packages so that they know who’s employing on which particular projects,” said Jody Elliott, a director and founder (along with Lisa Costa), shortly after winning the award. “We also offer a platform for industry employers to communicate their own job-related news. It’s really intended as a one-stop shop for those working in the sector and those looking to get a start to keep abreast of what’s happening employment-wise.” The plan that Australian Mining’s judges chose to recognise as an outstanding contribution to Community Interaction involved aligning workers out of jobs due to the downturn in the area in and around the District Council of Grant with the 54

December 2012

The Resource Channel’s Jody Elliot accepting the award from Xstrata Coal’s Lee Smith for its FIFO Hub initiative.

demand for mining labour. Timber industry difficulties and the closure of some parts of Kimberley Clark Millicent’s operation had left some without jobs. Elliott’s company was approached by Grant, whose mayor saw an availability of labour and a big potential for a fly-in, flyout workforce. There were already between 20 and 30 FIFO workers in town, noticed mayor Richard Sage, “if you look at the airport and the number of cars that are left there.” Elliott explained “what they wanted to do was to create in Mount Gambier out there a regional FIFO hub for the mining sector. “So we worked with them in developing a model, and that’s proven to be simple and highly effective, and

AustralianMining

we think has enormous leverage and potential across the rest of Australia in engaging the skills in regional Australia with the demand in the mining sector.” The company describes the model as a “ready-made and practical solution for employers seeking skills”. The group carried out a total of 13 one hour sessions, beginning in June, for locals to provide them with an overview of the industry, how the industry is structured, what it’s like to work remotely on a FIFO roster, the minimum requirements for the industry, how it impacts families, as well as the opportunities available. The Resource Channel then carried out a survey on the regional workers to discover if they had trans-

ferable skills, and their willingness to work on remote mine sites. Its model provides a cost effective and practical mechanism to engage Australians in the mining industry from regions that may not otherwise have had that opportunity, while also allowing people to remain living in regional areas. The innovative scheme went successfully, with a strong expression of interest after the pilot ran its course. “We did have an employer come to the region. Unfortunately two weeks later was when we experienced I guess a bit of a downturn in the industry,” remembered Elliott, who of course believes there’s massive potential in the FIFO hub idea.

“Up until that point we had someone ready to go and willing to do FIFO from that sector. But all of course is not lost because once the sector picks up again the information is there, the community is ready to go, the airport is already prepared.”

What the judges said A great initiative from a non-mining community to assist the wider community to share in the wealth and excitement of the minerals industry, the project is inclusive of local government, includes other government initiatives and importantly includes using material from last year’s winner Mining Family Matters’ ‘Survival Guide for FIFO Families’. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Australian mining Advert_297x235_FINAL.indd 1

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AM.DEC12.PG056.pdf

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Hard Rock Mine of the Year For a multi-facted approach, taking into account the mine’s deposit and community, Newmont’s Boddington mine has won the HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR award. Alex Heber reports.

ewmont’s Boddington gold mine has been voted as the Hard Rock Mine of the Year. Since reopening in 2010 the mine was expected to become the nation’s largest gold mine, according to WA premier Colin Barnett. At the start of last year it had reserves of 20 million ounces of gold and 2.4 billion pounds of copper, and is estimated to produce more than one million ounces of gold annually once production is fully up and running. Accepting the award was Brian Watt, director of communications and public affairs, he told Australian Mining it was a result of looking for opportunities and innovating. “This is a great thrill, I accept this on behalf of 1700 men and women who work extremely hard at our Boddington mine and for the rest of the folk who work across Newmont’s Asia Pacific region,” he said. The mine has been recognised not only for its production and work practices, but also the work culture that it instills on site. Newmont’s

Newmont’s Brian Watt accepting the Hard Rock Mine award from Atlas Copco’s Joe Farrugia.

forward thinking strategies aim to achieve gender equality; these have been a key point of difference for the Boddington mine. Newmont has actively strived to alter the stereotypical masculine culture of a mine site to become more inclusive of women, increasing the number of women working across project, and

Family friendly rosters have been a focus for Newmont.

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AustralianMining

becoming an integral part of the community. “If you look at equality in all of its forms you can manufacture it, or the other way is to look at creative ways to create opportunities for everyone, and that’s what our Boddington folk have done,” Watt said. In particular, the team at Boddington saw an oppor-

tunity to keep trucks moving by inviting women in the local area to come and drive a truck whilst their children are at school. “Danny Foley, one of our mining superintendents saw an opportunity between crib breaks when the drivers stop driving haul trucks, to keep those trucks moving. He saw the opportunity to invite women in the local area, after they’ve dropped their kids off at school to drive a truck. “Between dropping the kids off and picking them up in the afternoon there’s five hours of productive time, if you want to, come and drive a truck,” Watt said. Creating a work/life balance through steady rosters and providing vital community services has been another key achievement for the Boddington mine, with the benefit of a long life predicted to be more than 30 years, Newmont has implemented facilities in the community after recognising that the area had very limited or no family focused facilities or respite care.

“We have in Boddington a true gift, it’s going to have a long life of at least another 30 years of operations, so that gives us the opportunity to grow a sustainable business and part of that is to live locally and work at the mine,” Watt said. The mining industry has in the past copped a lot of flack for unstable and difficult rosters, to combat this Newmont implemented a steady work roster to provide a better work/life balance for its miners, and focus promoting the importance of family. Newmont’s Boddington mine has also achieved this focus on the family through the development of a ‘Long Day Care’, which it identified as part of its feasibility studies in 2005. It was recognised that Boddington and its surrounding communities had very limited or no family focused facilities such as play groups, child care, occasional care, or respite care as well as before and after school care. The lack of long day care facilities was also identified as a risk to the business through attraction and retention of quality workforce, therefore it was a project that had the interests of the whole community. The establishment of the long day care centre, named “Boddington Early Learning Centre” has been one of great collaboration between Newmont, local government and government and the local community is able to reap the benefits.

What the judges said Newmont has actively worked what is considered to be one of the best gold deposits in Australia, and has been driven in its development of the community surrounding the operation. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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E-Force Simba now with BUT 45 boom

Proven BUT 45 boom Since its launch in 2005, the BUT 45 heavy duty boom has delivered strength, sturdiness, precision and reach. Now, this boom is available not only on the Boomer range – it is available on the latest Simba and Boltec rigs as well. 15 models in the range Across 15 different models, the BUT 45 boom’s high precision substantially reduces positioning time between holes. Simba E series For Simba rigs the increased carrying capacity enables use of the RHS 35 rod handling system and the boom to be extended to 1.6m, 1m for heavy loads. It can also carry Atlas Copco’s most powerful rock drills. Find out more go to www.e-forcefamily.com Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Australia, Freecall 1300 366 880, www.atlascopco.com.au

AM.DEC12.PG058.pdf

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10:46

9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Coal Mine of the Year For not only increasing the throughput on site, but also the safety culture, Anglo American’s Capcoal surface operations have won the COAL MINE OF THE YEAR award. Alex Heber reports.

nglo American’s Capcoal mine has been awarded Coal Mine of the Year for its massive efficiency and output increases combined with an astonishing improvement in safety with a huge drop in injury numbers. The mine’s coal preparation plant manager, Luke Dimech, accepted the award on the night, telling Australian Mining at the time that it’s been a great year for site, as Anglo American took out the award. “It has been a great year and this is just excellent,” Dimech said. “The trophy cabinet is going to look fantastic and more importantly the troops back at the mine will be stoked!” Located approximately 143 kilometres from Emerald in Central Queensland, the operation is comprised of two open cut mines, Lake Lindsay and Oak Park. This tier one metallurgical coal deposit has an estimated coal inventory of 1500 million tonnes, with reserves of 217 million tonnes. However what saw it win the award is the change in the site over the last 18 months, during which time Capcoal’s surface operations have seen

Anglo American’s Luke Dimech and Aaron Puna accepting SEW’s award for the Coal Mine of the Year award.

significant lifts in productivity due to improved equipment performance, remote maintenance operations, and an unwavering focus on safety and achieving zero harm. Dimech attributes the efficiency, output, and safety successes to a change in culture on the site, going on to stat that “it was clearly

a change of mindset for the miner; just everyone getting on board, looking after the little things and the big things followed from that”. On top of this was the recent upgrade to its coal handling preparation plant (CHPP) which has enabled it to increase throughput to 15 million tonnes of coal per

Capcoal’s coal handling preparation plant increased throughput to 15 million tonnes per annum.

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AustralianMining

annum. In the last 12 months Capcoal’s surface operations have slashed its total recordable case frequency rate by 75 per cent, including seeing its electrical maintenance workshop achieve 22 years lost time injury free in July of this year. It has also managed to safely introduce a rope shovel into its Lake Lindsay operations, and implemented a remote monitoring system to identify equipment issues before they become a serious problem. “The introduction of the 4100XPB rope shovel has been a huge success, proving to be the right fit for our overburden removal requirements and allowing us to take advantage of double side loading. Anglo American is now the Australian leader in rope shovel performance,” Capcoal surface operations general manager Aaron Puna said. Capcoal increased its conveyor’s weekly throughput by 50 per cent. In 2011, Capcoal itself found facing a serious skills shortage; so

enlisting ‘out of the box’ thinking they partnered with the National apprenticeships Program to establish an Advanced Entry Trade Program aimed toward mature-aged candidates. Through a focused effort on the optimisation of assets, improved maintenance strategies and risk management Capcoal has vastly improved their results, producing 6.8 million tonnes of ROM of hard coking and ulverised coal injection (PCI) coal this year alone. Looking ahead, Capcoal has a strong focus on innovating processes, implementing new mining techniques and technology to continue to create opportunities for the people and communities they’re involved with.

What the judges said The mine has been achieving significant safety improvements concurrently with production increases. www.miningaustralia.com.au

AD_AMSEWDEC_12.pdf

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12/11/12 2:43 PM

AM.DEC12.PG060.pdf

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9TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WINNERS

Australian Mine of the Year Anglo American’s Capcoal operations have swept the Prospect Awards, and taken out the MINE OF THE YEAR award for 2012. Brent Balinski reports.

or its massive lifts in productivity and output, and its exemplary safety record, Anglo American’s Capcoal Surface Operations has won the Prospect Award for Mine of the Year. Capcoal consists of two underground and two open cut mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, south-west of Middlemount; where it is the town’s main employer. “This award has meant a lot for our team at site as it recognises and acknowledges the effort everyone has put in,” said Aaron Puna, Capcoal’s surface general manager, who accepted the Prospect award on behalf of the site. Puna has been overseeing open cut operations at the site for two years, working as a mine manager at 24 and becoming a general manager at 32. Capcoal’s mines produce high-quality coking and PCI coal for Asian and European steelmakers. It has been investing in upgrades at the site, which has significantly boosted throughput and productivity. “Over the past 18 months, Capcoal Surface has experienced significant lifts thanks to our people delivering improved equipment performance, maintenance availabil-

Anglo American Capcoal’s general manager Aaron Puna accepting the award sponsored by MMD.

ity, and reliability,” Puna told Australian Mining. “Our mining operations have also undergone considerable improvement driven by excavator and dragline performance. “The introduction of the 4100XPB rope shovel has been a huge success, proving to be the right fit for our overburden removal requirements and allowing us to take advantage of double side loading. Anglo American is now the Australian leader in rope shovel performance.

“We have the world’s first AC drive 8750 dragline (built in 2008) on site and it is now performing to expectation,” Puna explained. Coal handling preparation has also received attention. “The CHPP upgrades we have delivered have allowed the entire Capcoal complex, which includes Grasstree, Aquila, Bundoora and Surface to process 15 million tonnes per annum. “Equipment performance, effective cost management in tight markets and the

The mine runs a number of graduates programs, including one for mature age applicants.

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optimisation of mine plans to reflect market downturn have also delivered outstanding results.” Besides the gains in extraction and preparation of its product, which is moved by rail 360 km north-east to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal for export, the company is rightly proud of the improvements it’s made to safety. “Our Electrical Maintenance Department achieved 22 years Lost Time Injury Free this year which is outstanding,” pointed out Puna. “Most importantly, safety has improved because our people have shifted their focus and done all they can to help us achieve Zero Harm. “The whole team has reduced our Total Recordable Case Frequency Rate by 75 per cent since 2010, while at the same time delivering efficiencies in the way we mine and process coal and manage our equipment. “We’ve implemented a process of improvement which has seen our lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) reduce from 1.9 to 0.87 and our total TRCFR improve, dropping from 2.5 to 1.09.”

Anglo American also sees its role in the Middlemount community, where most of its employees live, as an important one, and not just in terms of being an employer. “As Middlemount is an Anglo American town where many of our employees live and raise their families, playing a role in that community is very important for us,” Puna explained. “In addition to playing an active role in the community, we deliver an annual social investments program to support local groups and associations, such as purchasing new equipment for the local school like new electronic noticeboards and providing $25,000 to fund a local chaplain each year. “We are also committed to providing a pipeline of opportunity for local residents and school leavers – some may be second and third generation employees – through cadet programs, mature aged apprenticeships, family friendly rosters and modified work hours to support personal circumstances.” And what does the mine see as its role in the broader Australian community and the resources sector? “In terms of Anglo American’s standing in the resources sector in Australia, we are focused on consolidating performance at all sites to maximise the output of our current assets,” Puna said. He went on to say that the award (in addition to Coal Mine of the Year) was something that the site’s workers should jointly take credit for. “This award has meant a lot for our team at site as it recognises and acknowledges the effort everyone has put in,” he said. “I really value the effort and commitment of my team and both awards are something all our people can be proud of.” www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Innovation

through experience Established in 1978, MMD designed and patented the Twin Shaft Mineral Sizer. To complement the robust Twin Shaft Sizer, MMD has also designed and developed a range of heavy duty Apron Plate Feeders, to be used in conjunction with sizers on both static and mobile Installations.

An independent company that focuses on Sizing and developing IPCC sizing solutions, MMD works with customers to develop systems adapted to their needs and has an unmatched record for the development and supply of effective trend setting static, semi and fully mobile sizing systems for mining a wide range of minerals around the world.

An exemplary track record of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Innovation through experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has led MMD to being an integral part of the global mining industry and a byword for productivity and reliability.

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AM.DEC12.PG062.pdf

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MINING JOBS

To advertise a new job contact Hussein Azzan at 02 9422 2851

To see the latest jobs available visit www.miningaustralia.com.au, which is updated daily. ElEctrical tEchnical advisor company: mmG location: laos description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver. The purpose is to provide support and coaching to the Lao Supervisors and Electrical crews through mentoring and on-the-job training as well as ensuring safety, work quality, and plant equipment availability in a day-to-day Electrical maintenance operation. You will coach and develop Lao nationals for localisation, implement department plans and work with the Electrical team to promote safety culture and deliver set departmental KPI’s. You will manage a portfolio of quality assets to deliver consistency and growth in returns. To be successful in this role you must possess an Electrical Trade qualification and a Post trade qualification to Certificate level. High Voltage Operator Authorisation is preferable. Good knowledge of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems ideal. apply online at our website, http://careers.mmg.com/jobsearch tax advisor (intErnational and australia) company: mmG location: mElbournE description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver. You will be responsible for preparing tax effect balances and tax returns for MMG group, and ad hoc research and consulting on Australian and non-Australian tax issues. Success in this role will be demonstrated by ensuring continued accuracy, integrity and timeliness in delivering taxation information and advice to support MMG’s commercial decision making and in MMG meeting its tax compliance and reporting obligations. Familiarity with SAP and experience with tax accounting and tax return preparation software will be looked upon favourably. You will have extensive experience in a chartered environment, will be CPA or CA qualified, and seeking a move into an in-house role. A degree in Commerce or Law will also be highly regarded. apply online at our website, http://careers.mmg.com/jobsearch EntErprisE infrastructurE architEct company: mmG location: mElbournE description: MMG Limited is a mid-tier global resources company which explores, develops and mines base metal deposits around the world. We are headquartered in Melbourne and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. We are seeking an Infrastructure Architect to develop the overall ICT Infrastructure direction for MMG in support of the functional needs and priorities of the business. The role will create and maintain the roadmaps that translate the direction into delivered services. The role will govern all infrastructure initiatives to ensure projects deliver the agreedAbusiness D _ Aoutcomes. MN O R D E C _ 1 2 . p d f Pa ge 1 5 / 1 1 / 1 2 , To be considered, candidates should typically have broad IT Infrastructure skills covering Computing and Storage, Networking and Telecommunications, Identity, Security, SOE management, Databases, Data Centres and a well-

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December 2012

AustralianMining

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developed understanding of Enterprise Architecture concepts and practices. Candidates with relevant qualifications at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or with equivalent industry experience will be viewed favourably. apply online at our website, http://careers.mmg.com/jobsearch maintEnancE dEfEct Elimination EnGinEEr company: EnErGy rEsourcEs of australia location: northErn tErritory description: Energy Resources of Australia is a publicly listed company that has mined and produced uranium oxide from its Ranger mine in the beautiful and rugged Alligator Rivers area. This roles purpose is to oversee and manage the Rio Tinto defect elimination strategy for fixed plant equipment. You will be responsible for managing small project teams and overseeing internal processes to overcome identified quality or equipment defects. You will be required to establish and retain a high level of awareness of “normal” operating parameters and general equipment condition, providing timely advice to operations and maintenance supervisors on suitable courses of action for proactive maintenance and operation. As a minimum you will need a mechanical or electrical Engineering Degree and strong working knowledge of mining equipment. Exposure to root cause analysis or business improvement processes such as Lean and Six Sigma will be an advantage. to apply, email your cv to era.recruitment@riotinto.com sEnior ElEctrical & instrumEntation EnGinEEr company: EnErGy rEsourcEs of australia location: northErn tErritory description: Energy Resources of Australia is a publicly listed company that has mined and produced uranium oxide from its Ranger mine in the beautiful and rugged Alligator Rivers area. You will have previous experience with the operation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems within a large scale process plant. You will also be responsible for the delivery of capital upgrades to the plant and sign off on design and engineering standards for project approvals. Key elements for the role include Management and coordination of all project processes from budget preparation, financial approvals, schedule and cost estimates, risk and quality management, project execution and closure. You must have a tertiary qualification in Engineering – Electrical or I&C, knowledge of relevant electrical safety acts, regulations, standards and international codes and experience with SCADA systems. The successful candidate will be involved in technically challenging projects whilst working within a cohesive team of dedicated professionals that operate in line with a strong safety philosophy. In recognition of your skills and experience you will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including an employee share scheme and medical assistance. to apply, email your cv to era.recruitment@riotinto.com advisors 1 : hEalth 4 4 &PsafEty M

company: mmG location: QuEEnsland description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver. We are seeking two enthusiastic and professional Safety and Health Advisors for the Dugald mine site in northwest Queensland. This role will initially work at the mine development site to assist in the implementation of health and safety policy, procedure and practice. Responsibilities include providing line management with guidance, technical support and assistance on OHS matters, working with our site team to develop a systematic approach to managing safety injury prevention and visible safety leadership and ensuring site compliance with OHS legislation and corporate requirements. You’ll need to be an established practitioner in the field of workplace health and safety, ideally within mining, heavy earthmoving or construction. You’ll hold qualifications in Health and Safety and ideally and will have obtained your S1, S2, S3. Applicants who also hold Lead Auditor/Lead Investigator qualifications will be highly regarded. apply online at our website, http://careers.mmg.com/jobsearch

human rEsourcEs manaGEr company: mmG location: tasmania description: MMG is one of the world’s largest producers of zinc as well as a substantial producer of copper, lead, gold and silver. The Rosebery Operation is an underground mine located in the township of Rosebery on Tasmania’s picturesque West Coast. We seek a Human Resources Manager for this operation on either a residential or drive-in-drive-out basis. The purpose of this role is to work in partnership with the site to implement human resource programs and methods that maintain a safe working environment, develop individual capability and promote well-being. Candidates must have extensive experience within a HR function, ideally within the mining or construction industry and be competent in the areas of Human Resources Management, Employee & Industrial Relations, Manager Coaching and Career Advisory. Candidates with HRM qualifications at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or with equivalent industry experience will be viewed favourably. apply online at our website, http://careers.mmg.com/jobsearch GEotEchnical supErintEndEnt company: titan rEcruitmEnt location: laos description: Titan Recruitment is a leading specialist Engineering, Mining and IT&T Recruitment Consultancy, having successfully placed highly skilled professionals in engineering, mining and technical jobs throughout Australia and internationally. Our client is an Australian based ASX listed company with portfolio of growth projects in Asia and South America. You will be responsible for overall management of Geotechnical function on site, collecting, analysing and evaluating geotechnical data and liaising with the geology and mining engineering teams to provide technical support and ensure accurate planning throughout the mine site. You must be degree qualifications in Geology/Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline, have several years experience on an operational mine site, performing duties relevant to the above description and have knowledge of geotechnical analysis and 3D modelling software. to apply, email your cv to roanna.Watson@titan.net.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Q&A

Q and A Jamie Wade catches up with FLSmidth’s Automation general manager Darryl Stevens to discuss mineral sampling. JAMIE WADE: How has mineral sampling changed? What have been the most significant changes and developments that you’ve observed? DARRYL STEVENS: There’s significantly greater focus on ore quality today. A decade or more ago sampling was required, but it wasn’t the prime target – production was. Today production is still the driver but at the correct quality. Today, iron ore companies will not load ships unless they can sample. The risk of having ships rejected at port due to inferior ore is a growing reality. In the early days of shipping iron ore the buyer accepted the sellers’ quality report because they had limited quality control systems. Today, both the buyer and the seller have installed sampling systems which provide comparison results to check the quality of shipped ore. Both the buyer and the seller are also demanding greater functionality and uptime so sampling systems to ensure continuous control. JW: Why is accurate sampling of ore important? DS: It boils down to economics. An iron ore mine, for example, has an average life from 20 to 40 years so it’s important to mine and sell that material at the optimum grade. It’s best practice to mine so stock piles have blended low and high grade ore to optimise the material sold. Blending high grade with low grade where there is maybe five per cent or eight per cent difference in iron content can have a significant effect on the value of a mine towards the latter part of its life. Sampling provides the control to achieve these results. JW: What are the key factors driving

companies to adopt good sampling practices? DS: Ore prices and volumes transported and their effect on profitability are two key factors driving good sampling practices. A sound understanding of sampling theory and its application provide mining companies with the best solutions. That’s driven suppliers such as FLSmidth to provide advice and equip64

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AustralianMining

strated expertise in sampling. Best practice involves taking a primary sample from a conveyor – or the primary area you’re sampling from – and then degrees of subdivision both in sample volume and particle size to arrive at a sample for analysis which is representative of the original primary ore. JW: In terms of mineral sampling what are the end users at port demanding in inspection and risk assessment? DS: Given the volumes of ore moving through ports – loading and unloading – it’s critical to have reliable, functional and low maintenance sampling systems. Hold ups and delays at port for any reason are extremely costly. To minimise disruptions in this part of the supply chain there is an increasing trend towards automated sampling systems. JW: What are the benefits of automated port sampling and quality control systems? DS: There are significant cost savings to automating port sampling and quality control systems and much more reliability in the process with an automated sampling system. Fully automated sampling systems combined with automated sample preparation and analysis provides not only savings in infrastructure cost but reductions in labour costs and potential OH&S considerations. The monitoring and control of automated systems can be performed from a single location.

ment that consistently conforms to industry standards. Not all sampling devices conform to sampling theory and consequently may produce inaccurate or biased results that can influence the quality of samples taken. The decisions based on these erroneous results can have a strong economic impact. JW: What are the benchmarks in engineering mechanical sampling

systems to ensure quality control demands are met without compromising the productivity on a mine site? DS: The clear benchmarks are conformance to international standards. Generally specific ISO [International Organization for Standardization] standards provide the guidelines to enable the correct selection of process and equipment to achieve a robust sampling system. It is essential to engage designers and suppliers who have demon-

JW: What key message or messages would you like to convey to the mining community about mineral sampling? DS: The sampling process plays a big role in controlling exploration, mine development, ore processing and shipment. The whole mining process becomes optimised using correct sampling practice. The use of sophisticated software to optimise stockyard and blending control requires quality data which can only be obtained from quality sampling. The whole mining process becomes optimised using correct sampling practice. www.miningaustralia.com.au

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EVENTS

Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Social Licence & Stakeholder Engagement 3-5 December Royal on the Park Hotel, Brisbane Feedback from heads of exploration and projects from mining, and land based oil and gas companies, has shown that social impact issues and stakeholder engagement are significant matters. This conference will address the main issues around social impact, social impact assessment, social licence and stakeholder/community engagement in depth, with presentations and case studies from respected industry professionals. • Resourceful Events 02 9279 2222 www.sociallicenceinresources. com

• SACOME 08 8202 9999 www.sacome.org.au

surrounding contractor operated mines for both the mine owner and contractor. With the contract mining industry set to grow in the coming years, various processes need to be improved right from the tender negotiation stage down to mine site operations to ultimately achieve production objectives. • Resourceful Events 02 9279 2477 info@resourcesfulevents.com www.beaconevents.com

Australian Mining Safety Conference 1 May Brisbane

9th South Australian Exploration and Mining Conference 7 December Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide

It is designed to provide an gain ideas from each other which from PIRSA and the University opportunity for active SA mineral will collectively improve the State’s of Adelaide have also joined the explorers and miners to present chances of mineral discovery and committee. Contract Mining Australia succinct technical updates to improved mining developments. The Conference registration fees 4-6 December their peers of activities on their The conference is organised by a are kept low to encourage a broad Hilton Hotel, Brisbane flagship mines and exploration voluntary committee representing attendance and the modest profits Contract Mining Australia is projects. Participants will gain a the local branches of professional are intended to be invested in Australia’s student-related activities in the local A D _ only A Mevent T R catered E 2 F to E B _ 1 comprehensive 2 . p d f appreciation P a g e of1the 1 0 /associations 0 1 / 1 (AIG, 2 , ASEG, 1 1AusIMM, : 5 1 AM EmulsionPlant122x210Ad.pdf addressing key issues and risks diverse1/5/12 activities in8:26:42 the StatePMand GSA & SACOME). Representatives professional associations.

Hot on the heels of its successful conference in Perth, Australian Mining will be holding its second mining safety conference in Brisbane. The event aims to bring together mine safety professional who focus not only on site OH&S nut also general work health and well being. It covers the gamut from safety in underground mining, automation safety, safe practices and technology in drilling and blasting, and issues affecting worker mental health. To find out more about the event and how you can be a part of it, contact us today. • Australian Mining 02 9422 2352 editor@miningaustralia.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au

TREAD EMULSION PLANTS

Engineered, Industry Innovative Technology

Operational Configurations Siemens operational panel interface • Touch panel with fully closed loop frequency drive control • Manually controlled through pot and switch set points Capabilities to accommodate MICROSPHERES or ALUMINUM to blend with final storage Nominal Plant rate MINIMUM: 100/kg – 220/lbs per minute MAXIMUM: 301/kg – 662/lbs per minute Power: Electric or Hydraulic

CMY

In Plant or Containerized (20’ or 40’) Construction

The worldwide leader for providing solutions to the Explosives Handling Equipment Industry since 1957.

www.TREADcorp.com 66

December 2012

AustralianMining

BRISBANE OFFICE: TREAD Australia Andre Fouche Business Manager – Australia & Asia afouche@TREADcorp.com

WORLD HEADQUARTERS: TREAD Corporation 176 EastPark Drive Roanoke, VA 24019 USA 540-982-6881 www.miningaustralia.com.au

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Clean Up with Blackwoods

BLA/JMM/1212/KUD

Factory, Workshop and Warehouse Cleaning Products

Contact your nearest Blackwoods branch or representative and ask how we can help you with all your cleaning needs.

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REDA

ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SYSTEMS

High-Pressure Pumps for Mining Reliable Operational Performance

Maximize Uptime with REDA High-Pressure Pumps REDA* electric submersible pumps offer efficient mine dewatering and can be customized as required. REDA ESPs have been running continuously for more than 4 years in two mines in Queensland, Australia—reducing downtime and operator costs. Engineered for best-in-class reliability, Schlumberger REDA high-pressure submersible bore pumps and underground booster pumps provide a single lift to the surface. www.slb.com/espmining

Global Expertise | Innovative Technology | Measurable Impact