COMMENT
SEPARATING THE GOOD FROM THE NOT AS GOOD IT SEEMS AN OBVIOUS THING TO SAY, BUT MINING IS A MANY-TIERED PROCESS. EXTRACTING THE PRECIOUS METALS AND ORES FROM THE GROUND IS JUST ONE STEP IN THE MINING VALUE CHAIN.
PAUL HAYES paul.hayes@primecreative.com.au
F
rom production to crushing and screening to mineral transportation and beyond, the mining industry embodies an expansive journey involving a seemingly endless series of people, equipment and expertise. A critical cog in this cycle is mineral processing. Whatever’s extracted from the ground doesn’t become what it needs to be on its own, and without processing and beneficiation all that digging would be wasted time. That’s why this issue of Australian Mining is shining a light on mineral processing, looking at some of the evolving methods, new technologies and developing equipment that are advancing this vital aspect of the industry. We examine innovative and improved equipment like apron feeders and vibrating screens, new products that can help keep processing equipment in the best possible condition for a long on-site life, and new technologies such as automation that can help to make material characterisation safer and more efficient than ever before. Elsewhere in this issue, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices take centre stage in the first of a three-part Australian Mining series breaking down Deloitte’s Tracking the Trends 2022 report. The first instalment examines how miners can utilise ESG as a means to create value in the resources sector, with leading experts providing their thoughts on key areas. But it’s also important to remember that ESG not limited to ‘environmental’, and that is something Kal Tire has really wrapped its arms around.
The tyre services company’s managing director discusses how the organisation is constantly taking steps in developing its social and governance practices to create a safe and appealing workplace. Looking at some commodities, increased activity in Queensland’s Bowen Basin shows there is definitely plenty of life left Australian coal, the chief executive officer of Liontown Resources explains how the company is setting itself up to be a big lithium player with the Tier 1 potential of its Kathleen Valley project, and we ask the question: is Australia about to go platinum? As the COVID pandemic starts to (somewhat) recede and restrictions are wound back in many parts of the country, in-person events are back on the agenda – and the 2022 Women in Industry Awards taking place in April are a perfect example. Ahead of the presentation, we speak to several of the finalists, each of whom represents some of the outstanding success achieved by women in traditionally maledominated industries, including mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and infrastructure. And, as usual, we cover the latest mining equipment and technology in our products section.
Paul Hayes Editor
FRONT COVER
Over the last few years, First Quantum Minerals Limited has commissioned some of the largest mineral processing equipment ever built. To help increase production at its Cobre Panama mine from 85Mtpa to 100Mtpa, the company engaged vibrating equipment specialist Schenck Process to deliver three of the largest banana scalping screens ever produced. These 85-tonne machines were designed and built at Schenck Process’ production facility in WA and will handle 8000tph. This month’s cover image shows the first of these ‘mega’ screens being lifted onto its isolation frame in preparation for testing.
Cover image: Schenck Process
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AUSTRALIANMINING
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APRIL 2022
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