17 minute read
MINING SERVICES
STRONGER AND HARDER STEEL INCREASES UPTIME
PROVIDING HIGH-STRENGTH AND ABRASION-RESISTANT STEEL TO THE INDUSTRY IS A SPECIALTY FOR BISALLOY STEELS, BUT THE COMPANY ALSO HAS A MAJOR FOCUS ON SERVICES AND SUPPORT THAT REALLY SETS IT APART.
Bisalloy Steels is the only manufacturer of high-strength, abrasionresistant, quenched and tempered steel plate in Australia.
Due to its highly trusted products, and their widespread use, BISALLOY (the product itself) has become the name for quenched and tempered performance steels in the country and across parts of Asia.
Bisalloy’s steel is typically used for wear-resistant, structural and armour applications and is all manufactured in its base in Unanderra, near Wollongong in New South Wales.
Bisalloy Steels national business development manager of mining Geoff Lewis told Australian Mining its specialised quenched and tempered steel is a niche product within the steel industry.
“The plate has very unique properties that allows it to be used in very high-wear or abrasive applications, and the reason it’s able to hold up is in the properties of the steel,” Lewis said.
“Hardness is very important, but the range of Bisalloy products and their properties also allow for the plate to be processed into varying applications where abrasion resistance and toughness are needed.”
As a specialist performance Australian steel manufacturer and supplier, Bisalloy Steels responds to customer demands and market changes quickly and is committed to and focused on continuous product development.
“Our strategy is to work very closely within the Australian mining industry. We want to work with the mining companies and the mine sites, but also with the associated companies that deal with mines; for example, mining contractors and engineering houses,” Lewis said.
“We want to listen to what their needs and requirements are for wear technology, and work with them in further developing existing products, or helping to develop new products that increase wear life to contribute to greater uptime.”
Bisalloy high-strength steel is also used when it comes to transport equipment and structural components such as trays, low loaders, trailers, dump trucks and excavator buckets.
By using BISALLOY, mines and mine equipment fleets can not only increase their uptime, but also their payload.
“For most applications, both types of steel, high-strength BISALLOY STRUCTURAL steel and abrasionresistant BISALLOY WEAR steel, are designed and used in varying parts of the equipment,” Lewis said.
“By working with mines, contractors, and engineering houses, Bisalloy offers local technical sales support that can provide every opportunity at the design phase to ensure equipment is as light and strong as possible, enabling them to carry more material and reduce the regular maintenance cycle by having a longer lasting material in their equipment.”
The Australian steel industry is continuously working toward technology advancement through ongoing collaboration with companies in the field.
“Bisalloy has been servicing the mining industry for over 40 years. Our products have continued to be developed and evolve over time, and that’s by listening to the market’s needs,” Lewis said.
“Bisalloy being an Australianowned company is not just about production. It also offers support for the market to discuss with our local in-country technical and research and development team about wear technology, and for us to listen to what the mine sites are aiming for.”
The Bisalloy technical team is also based in Unanderra at the head office and production site. That team is primarily responsible for product development and quality, but also for supporting the mining sector with visits, discussing wear technology and technology developments, and advancements in mining applications.
In addition to the sales and technical team, Bisalloy has a national distribution and dealer network with dealers in every state.
“That includes not just capital cities but also in regional Australia as well,” Lewis said.
“That enables Bisalloy products to be held closer to the end user, which in this case is the mines. Those dealers can offer from full plate to an extensive capability of processed parts of Bisalloy steel to the mines and services companies.” AM
BISALLOY SPECIALISED QUENCHED AND TEMPERED STEEL IS A NICHE PRODUCT WITHIN THE STEEL INDUSTRY.
BISALLOY STEEL IS TYPICALLY USED FOR WEAR-RESISTANT, STRUCTURAL AND ARMOUR APPLICATIONS.
BME UNVEILS AXXIS TITANIUM RAISING PIPES TO SUPERIOR LEVELS
One of the world’s most advanced electronic blast detonation systems – AXXIS Titanium –has been launched by Omnia Group company BME. Further enhancing the safety levels, manufacturing quality and performance of the popular AXXIS range, AXXIS Titanium secures BME’s position as a global leader in electronic delay detonator design. The new system brings exciting new features to improve safety, while performance is boosted by the increased blast duration per detonator, more units per blasting box and precise firing accuracy. The logger can now do the programming, scanning and testing, while the controller starts up and firing at the blasting point from the view site can take as little as two minutes. This flagship product seamlessly integrates with BME’s software systems and hand-held digital tools, developed as part of the company’s continued focus on digital advancement on mines.
• bme.co.za
CAPS GENERATORS FILL ANY NEED
An ISO 9001 certified company with over 30 years of flotation experience, Superior Industrial has a large range of pipe floats used in mining, water treatment, sewerage, aquaculture and dredging. The unsinkable floats with a high buoyancy are suitable for floating cables, pipes and hose diameters from 25mm to 1000mm. With marine grade 316 stainless steel fasteners, the heavy-duty, high-impact, rotomoulded polyethylene floats have locating pin slots for easy installation. Passive radar and light reflective stripes are also available. With superior quality, reliability and precision manufacturing by engineers, all products are expertly fabricated to suit any application and comply with international standards. Additionally, the team of design and manufacturing experts offers technical support within all industries. With a global reach, the range of pipe floats is container-friendly and available for worldwide shipping.
• superiorindustrial.com.au
LASETLO – TRAIN LOAD OUT SYSTEM
CAPS has launched a new range of generators to complement its existing AIRMAN and KOHLER products with outputs ranging from 9kVA to 794kVA. The company has used its 41 years of experience in the Australian mining industry to develop the right features for tough conditions, using worldclass componentry from Perkins engines, Leroy Somer alternators, and Deepsea controllers. All models come with high-quality super-quiet acoustic enclosures, double-wall bounded fuel tanks and many safety features such as Earth leakage, electric fuel-level sensor, low -uel alarm, fuel gauge, battery isolator, rain cap, lifting points and emergency stop button. If CAPS generators are being used as backup power, the manufacturer also offers an automatic transfer switch to start and stop units when power is lost and restored.
• caps.com.au
LASE has released a laser-based volume measurement system to quickly measure wagons and open doors in the front or back of train load out stations. The system consists of up to six LASE 2D laser scanners that communicate with the LASE system application software and continuously record measurement data. Two of these 2D laser scanners are placed in front of the train loading/ unloading station centered above the tracks to measure the volume of each wagon. Two more are then positioned laterally next to the track and measure the walls of the wagons in horizontal scan planes, as well as the speed and positions of the wagons. Two more 2D laser scanners are placed behind the train loading/unloading station to measure the respective fill level or checks whether the wagon has been completely emptied.
• lase-solutions.com
HEXAGON LEVELS UP COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM MICROMINE FORMS ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE
Hexagon Mining has introduced a significantly improved version of its collision avoidance system, consolidating powerful technology into just two hardware components: a smart antenna and a five-inch LCD display. Version 10 of the HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System – known simply as CAS 10 – protects drivers and equipment with 360-degree operator awareness for vehicles, assets and operators in open-pit mines. Besides collision avoidance, MineProtect integrates systems for operator alertness, object detection, personal protection and vehicle intervention by sharing the same hardware. The smart antenna integrates GPS, RF, Wi-Fi, LTE and ultra-wide band time of flight technology and the in-cabin, touchscreen display features modern UI/UX consistent with Hexagon’s other onboard solutions. This creates a better driving experience, reduced deployment and training time, reduced supply chain complexity and increased operator adoption.
• hexagonmining.com
HOVERMAP GOES FROM GOOD TO GREAT
Micromine has further expanded its suite of digital mining products with Micromine Nexus, a web-based platform that offers a central, secure and streamlined data storage solution for mining projects. The company developed Nexus in response to customer feedback and built it to be scalable, customisable, user-friendly, and able to satisfy data security and regulation requirements. The launch of Micromine Nexus brings significant benefits to the way mining companies manage project data and collaboration, while also progressing Micromine’s longer-term vision for building a fully-connected ecosystem. The past year has seen Micromine add several other software before Nexus, catering to exploration, mine planning and mine scheduling.
• micromine.com
THE HEART OF THE MINE
Emesent has launched Hovermap ST for autonomous LiDAR (light detection and ranging) mapping, using a new technology to build on a solid reputation of mining data capture. The original Hovermap has been tried and tested since 2019 in some of Australia’s largest mines, including by Northern Star Resources, Evolution Mining and Glencore. With a new Automated Ground Control feature, Hovermap ST speeds up survey workflows and improves accuracy without having to stop at each survey point. Once an array of Emesent ground control targets are placed around the survey environment, Hovermap ST can conduct a survey without stopping in motion to produce up to 600,000 points per second. Hovermap’s Tap-to-Fly autonomy feature also enables guided exploration in previously inaccessible areas beyond line of sight and communication range.
• emesent.io
The lifeblood of your mine relies on the healthiest of hearts. That’s why Weir Minerals provides GEHO pumps for operation all day every day, in the most sustainable way possible. The GEHO piston diaphragm pump is a crankshaft-driven pump, usually driven by a gearbox, motor and variable speed drive. The pump diaphragms protect the moving parts from the abrasive slurry, and the pump non-return valves remain as sole wear parts. Constant innovation means that Weir’s GEHO positive displacement pumps have been trusted across the globe for over 100 years. Whether it’s transporting ore, tailings or feeding processes, this rugged range handles the toughest conditions with might. High pump efficiency (up to 96 per cent) means lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint, with high availability due to their heavy-duty industrial design.
• global.weir/industries/mining
WOMEN IN RESOURCES TAKE A BOW
THE 2022 WOMEN IN INDUSTRY FINALISTS REPRESENT THE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS ACHIEVED BY WOMEN IN TRADITIONALLY MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRIES.
IFM EFECTOR’S RACHAEL ASHFIELD IS THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS AMBASSADOR.
This year’s finalists demonstrate the exceptional value women have brought to industries in the past 12 months.
The awards are designed to recognise women who work in mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and infrastructure.
Women in Industry ambassador Rachael Ashfield said the awards give women an opportunity to highlight key aspects and career-defining moments of their many years of success and dedication.
The ifm efector marketing manager became the Women in Industry ambassador following her 2020 nomination for the Business Development Success of the Year category, which she subsequently won.
Ashfield has progressed her career steadily, moving from executive assistant to marketing assistant, and now leading the department.
Ashfield encourages women from across the relevant sectors to grow themselves professionally.
“I am proud of being the ambassador for the Women in Industry Awards, as it means what I do – and the way I do it – are accurate reflections on what ifm strives to accomplish every day,” Ashfield said.
“I want to wish all the women nominated not only the best of luck but moreover, the recognition, support and help to raise the profile for all these wonderful women in the mining, engineering, manufacturing, process control, commercial road transport industries that can go unnoticed.
“Well done to all those nominated.”
A number of companies picked up multiple nominations.
Weir Minerals scored nods for cyclone specialist Katherine Walton in Business Development Success of the Year, and graduate engineer Monique Yap for Rising Star of the Year.
Bosch Australia (two), Norske Skog (two), KPMG (two) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD (four) all scored multiple nominations.
Komatsu Mining’s director of strategy and performance Christine Morris has been nominated twice for the Excellence in Mining Award and the Mentor of the Year Award.
Transport Women Australia board member Merry Manton snagged nominations for the Safety Advocacy Award and Excellence in Transport.
Categories for the 2022 Women in Industry Awards
Social Leader of the Year Proudly sponsored by Komatsu “Komatsu’s philosophy is passed down from generation to generation through our principles, strategies and the belief that corporate social responsibility is part of our core business and the value we create,” Komatsu Mining director strategy and performance Christine Morris said.
“In regions across the globe, Komatsu continues to provide products and solutions which address social needs and give back to communities where we do business by leveraging the skills and passion of our people.
“We seek to play an active role in supporting the long-term success of society through sustainable efforts that reach far beyond Komatsu, which is why we have decided to sponsor the Social Leader of the Year category.
“This is our opportunity to recognise the women who are driving change in this category – breaking down barriers and creating new possibilities for the next generation.”
Finalists: • Anne Williams – plant operations manager – rail, John Holland • Jane Tiller – ethical, legal and social advisor, Monash University • Jo Withford – senior project engineer, Transport for NSW • Penelope Twemlow – director,
KPMG
KOMATSU MINING’S CHRISTINE MORRIS IS NOMINATED FOR TWO DIFFERENT AWARDS.
• Pranjal Pawar – project manager,
Development Victoria
Excellence in Engineering Proudly sponsored by BAE Systems “The Women in Industry Awards is a unique platform that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women in engineering in Australia,” BAE Systems Australia engineering director Martin Bartlett said.
“BAE Systems is committed to progressing women and addressing gender diversity and balance in the industry. These awards afford us an opportunity to publicly promote our commitment. We are delighted to once again sponsor the Excellence in Engineering category in 2022.” Finalists: • Amelinda Ilardi – project manager, ANCA • Ashleigh Fulcher – mechanical engineer, Viva Energy Australia • Brownyn Evans – chief executive officer, Engineers Australia • Narelle Dobson – director special projects, Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD • Rachel Barrett – senior verification and validation engineer,
Bosch Australia
Excellence in Mining Proudly sponsored by Weir Minerals “Weir Minerals is very excited and proud to be supporting the Women in Industry’s Excellence in Mining category, highlighting inspirational female leaders, pioneering initiatives and exceptional talent of today and tomorrow,” the company stated.
“The Women in Industry Awards align with Weir’s own global inclusion and diversity agenda to ensure we develop a culture where everyone’s
GINA RINEHART IS NOMINATED FOR THE INDUSTRY ADVOCACY AWARD.
voice is heard, and where we care for, respect and encourage each other, helping to champion gender equality within our business and our industry.”
Finalists: • Carly O’Loughlan – director, Ore
Contracting WA • Carrie Heaven – superintendent mine services, Glencore • Christine Morris – director strategy and performance, Komatsu Mining
Rising Star of the Year Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco “At Atlas Copco, we believe that diversity in business is a critical driver for our long-term success,” the company stated.
“The Women in Industry Awards are a special way in which we can show our commitment to advancing the gender balance in industry.
“As a global company, Atlas Copco recognises the link between diversity and innovation and, as we say, ‘there is always a better way’, and contributing to these awards is just one way that we can show that Atlas Copco recognises the talent and achievement of females across our industry.”
Finalists: • Deanne Heier – product performance specialist, Norske Skog • Isabella Freeman – project manager,
RoadTek/Department of Transport and Main Roads, QLD • Kirstie Looke – crude scheduler,
Viva Energy Australia • Louisa Jansen – site engineer,
Fulton Hogan • Monique Yap – graduate engineer,
Weir Minerals
Safety Advocacy Award Proudly sponsored by BOC “BOC has been proudly supporting the Women in Industry Awards for the past seven years. The awards encourage and recognise the success of women in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated, including road transport, logistics, rail and bulk handling, infrastructure, mining and engineering,” the company stated.
“The calibre of nominees and winners each year demonstrates considerable leadership and commitment to their various sectors and aligns with BOC’s focus on the pursuit of excellence in industry.
“BOC believes the awards are an important event, and it’s critical companies continue to support the participation of women in industry and shine the light on the women who are true role models in leadership.”
Finalists: • Ainsley Fish – project systems representative, RoadTek/
Department of Transport and Main
Roads, QLD • Grace Kube – graduate process engineer, Norske Skog • Merry Manton – board member,
Transport Women Australia • Sabrina Sequeria – project engineer,
Lighting Protection International • Stephanie O’Dwyer – manager health, wellbeing and innovation,
BlueScope Steel
Industry Advocacy Award Finalists: • Gina Rinehart – executive chairman, Hancock Prospecting • Hermione Parsons – director,
Deakin University Centre for
Supply Chain and Logistics • Jo Sainsbury – director, Kickass
Women • Kylie Ward – Asia Pacific HR director, Stantec • Megan McCracken – chair, NAWO
Business Development Success of the Year Finalists: • Katherine Walton – cyclone specialist, Weir Minerals • Kylie Hollonds – managing director,
GF Oats Australia • Lacey Webb – founder and director,
Resource Hub • Louise Johnson – scientific specialist, BOC • Puneeta Chellaramani – director,
KPMG Australia
Mentor of the Year Finalists: • Angela Wiggins – chief counsel,
BAE Systems Australia • Christine Morris – director strategy and performance, Komatsu Mining • Kylie Fraser – president of consumer and healthcare group, Linfox • Larissa Rose – director consultant,
Glowing Green Australia • Lidia Trehane – software engineering manager, Bosch
Australia
Excellence in Transport Finalists: • Catherine Baxter – chief operating officer, Metro Trains • Heather Jones – director, Pilbara
Heavy Haulage Girls • Kirstyn Glass – rail operations consultant, Trapeze Group Asia
Pacific • Merry Manton – board member,
Transport Women Australia • Penny Ford – executive director (transport planning services),
Department of Transport and Main
Roads, QLD
Excellence in Manufacturing Finalists: • Cori Stewart – chief executive officer, ARM Hub • Heidi Bergman – director of manufacturing sciences and technology, Seqirus • Julie Jones – general counsel and company secretary, Matrix
Composites and Engineering • Noelle Parlier – chief engineer,
PACCAR Australia • Sabrina Sequeria – project engineer,
Lighting Protection International • Shay Chalmers – director, Strategic
Engineering Australia AM
The 2022 Women In Industry Awards will be held in Melbourne on Thursday April 7.
