Australian Mining May 2022 by Prime Group

COMMODITY SPOTLIGHT DIVERSITY IN MINING VOLUME 114/4 | MAY 2022

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COMMODITY SPOTLIGHT DIVERSITY IN MINING VOLUME 114/4 | MAY 2022

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A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE SHOWCASING HARD ROCK MINING

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SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908

COMMENT

CELEBRATING OUR INDUSTRY – TOGETHER RELAXED COVID RULES AND OPEN BORDERS HAVE ALLOWED US TO COME TOGETHER AGAIN.

PAUL HAYES paul.hayes@primecreative.com.au

e finally did it. We were able to hold the 2021 Australian Mining Prospect Awards in March. Of course, the fact we had to hold the 2021 iteration of the awards in the early months of 2022 underlines the challenges we’ve had in actually being able to come together as an industry over the past couple of years. But events are now back and, as the most esteemed and prestigious awards for the mining and mineral processing sector, the Prospect Awards were a fantastic way to celebrate the success of the industry. In much the same way the sun reliably rises in the east and sets in the west, the Australian mining industry powers on every day. The COVID pandemic, border restrictions and supply-chain issues have undoubtedly taken their toll, but mining remained resilient in the face of so many challenges. The sector has stayed the course and when the virus has found its way to a mine, stringent safety protocols have been followed and there has been minimal impact on operations. One of the biggest indicators of the strength and resilience of the Australian mining industry has come in the form of recordbreaking exploration spending and capitalraising at the end of last year. Companies spent close to $1 billion on exploration in the fourth quarter of 2021, almost double from the same period a year earlier, while capital-raising increased more than 70 per cent – to $3.17 billion – compared to 2020. Another key driver of mining’s growth has undoubtedly been the evolution of environmental, social and governance (ESG)

practices and the push towards a more sustainable industry. Australian mining long ago realised the importance of sustainability, and the sector is a leader in the journey towards zero emissions as the path to decarbonisation continues to augment. Several companies are moving towards zero-emission rail freight technology, green steelmaking practices have continued to take hold, smart technologies and digitisation have helped to create more efficient mining practices and reduce waste, carbon-capture technologies are becoming more prevalent, and renewable energy sources are being used more and more. As mining continues to diversify its approach to a sustainable future, so too are companies recognising the importance – and value – of a diverse workforce. If a person feels their identity is being appreciated and valued by an organisation, they’re going to give more of themselves to that organisation. It’s been an eventful time since the industry was able to come together for an event like the Prospect Awards, but as we continue to learn to love with COVID we’re all going to be seeing more of each other. It’s an exciting time for us and for our industry..

FRONT COVER

This edition of Australian Mining, takes a close look at hard rock mining, with a number of feature articles on the equipment, technology and processes that are vital in this key area mining. We also examine the importance a diverse workforce, as well as some of the most important technological tools for a modern mine site. We celebrate the 2021 Australian Mining Prospect Awards, with a look at the winners in all 13 categories and, as usual, we cover the latest mining equipment and technology in our products section.

Cover image: Komatsu Paul Hayes Editor

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IN INTHIS THISISSUE ISSUE

20 20

PROSPECT AWARDS

Mining’s night of nights R ecognising and rewarding innovation and excellence throughout the mining industry.

INDUSTRY PROFILE

AngloGold Ashanti: The gold standard in sustainability Looking to sustainable power generation to reduce carbon footprint.

56 42

GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP

Engaging the next generation of the gold mining sector The National Gold Education Program is inspiring future leaders in the resources sector.

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Keeping up with the Kimberley M aking a name as one of the most resource-rich areas in Australia.

HARD ROCK MINING

Facing the hard challenges head-on I nnovative and effective solutions for the Australian hard rock mining sector.

DIVERSITY IN MINING

MINERAL PROCESSING

U ltimate performance when it comes to the crunch T he efficiency of thyssenkrupp gyratory crushers in primary crushing is second to none.

REGULARS

Diversifying the industry M ining companies understand the value of a diverse workforce.

5 COMMENT

FUTURE FOCUS

88 PRODUCTS

The Arabian Shield: Mining’s new hub I nsights from the Future Minerals Forum.

88 AUSTRALIANMINING AUSTRALIANMINING 6 6 DECEMBER MAY 2022 2021

8 NEWS

90 EVENTS

A Partner, who knows your challenges To meet society’s ever-growing demand for metals and minerals, your teams are working in increasingly challenging environments. To help you find ways to lower your costs, speed production and help mitigate environmental and safety concerns, Komatsu offers a robust portfolio of underground hard rock mining equipment and advanced technologies.

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NEWS

THE LATEST MINING AND SAFETY NEWS AUSTRALIAN MINING PRESENTS THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE MINE AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN. VISIT WWW.AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING. CAT AUTONOMOUSLY HAULS ONE BILLION TONNES IN 2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING GETS THE LATEST NEWS EVERY DAY, PROVIDING MINING PROFESSIONALS WITH UP-TOTHE-MINUTE INFORMATION ON SAFETY, NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MINING AND RESOURCES INDUSTRY.

CATERPILLAR IS LEADING THE CHARGE IN INDUSTRY AUTOMATION.

Caterpillar trucks equipped with Cat MineStar Command have made mining history by autonomously hauling approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of material in 2021. This brings the total material autonomously and safely hauled using Command to more than four billion tonnes since 2013. To date, trucks equipped with Caterpillar’s autonomous haulage system (AHS) have travelled more than 147 million kilometres with zero lost-time injuries. That is nearly the

same distance as travelling from the Earth to the sun. “Safety and sustainability continue to be top values in the mining industry. We are now entering our ninth year with zero lost-time injuries with Command for hauling, a testament to its safety record,” Caterpillar Resource Industries vice president Marc Cameron said. “A recent five-year study by one of our customers autonomously hauling iron ore reported an 11 per cent reduction in fuel usage – resulting

in a 4300 tonne-per-year CO2 emissions reduction – 11 per cent increase in hourly production, 50 per cent higher maximum truck travel speed, and 35 per cent improved tire life.” The Command hardware and technology is currently deployed on the Cat 789D autonomous water truck (AWT) at Rio Tinto’s Gudai-Darri mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the world’s first AWT. Connected with Cat MineStar technology, Command for hauling on

the 789D integrates the truck, tank and water-delivery system. The Cat water-delivery system delivers variable waterflow based on truck speed, and the system’s variable displacement pump automatically starts and stops when the truck slows or comes to a halt, preventing overwatering and poor traction at intersections. “We continue to explore new avenues with Command for hauling to make strides toward the fully autonomous mine site and recently surpassed a major milestone of more than 500 autonomous trucks,” Cat Mining general manager Sean McGinnis said.

THIESS GETS WIN AT MOUNT HOLLAND LITHIUM Thiess has been awarded a fouryear contract by Covalent Lithium to deliver mining services at the Mount Holland lithium mine in Western Australia. Covalent Lithium is a joint venture between Wesfarmers and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, one of the world’s largest lithium miners. Under the contract, Thiess will deliver drill-and-blast services, mining of overburden and ore, and equipment maintenance with a strong focus on community

development and environmental protection at Mount Holland. Thiess executive chair and chief executive officer Michael Wright said the company was very pleased to be selected by Covalent to undertake mining at the Mount Holland mine. “This award recognises our team’s ability to deliver sustainable mining solutions and deliver enduring value for our clients across diverse commodities,” he said. “We look forward to working

with Covalent Lithium to safely position their operations for optimal efficiency, productivity and cost performance, and contribute strongly to a clean-energy future.” The Mount Holland mine produces lithium-bearing ore that is concentrated and refined to produce lithium hydroxide, a critical mineral used to enable electric vehicles and battery-based energy storage systems. In September 2021, Covalent signed a lease with the WA Government for a new Kwinana

AUSTRALIANMINING

lithium refinery, which is expected to produce approximately 45,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year, once the plant has been completed. Global output of lithium is expected to rise by about 600,000 tonnes of lithium LCE between 2021 and 2025, compared with the 240,000 tonnes added between 2016 and 2020, according to Fitch Solutions. Thiess commenced mobilisation and early mining operations in January.

MAY 2022

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NEWS

RINEHART AND TWIGGY TOP AUSTRALIA’S RICH LIST AGAIN

GINA RINEHART IS THE RICHEST PERSON IN AUSTRALIA.

Australia’s top 10 richest people of 2022 have been revealed, with mining magnate Gina Rinehart topping the list for the second year in a row and Fortescue Metals Group’s Andrew Forrest not far behind her. The 2022 The List: Australia’s Richest 250 has reached a record combined value of $520.2 billion, compared to $470.07 billion in 2021. Rinehart is the richest person in Australia, with a massive $32.64

billion wealth, while Forrest comes in a close second with a wealth of $31.77 billion. Businessman, politician and mining mogul Clive Palmer comes in at number seven, nearly doubling his wealth from 2021 to be valued at $18.35 billion. Rounding off the top 10 is former Glencore chief executive officer Ivan Glasenberg, valued at $9.1 billion. The 2022 List also reveals the top 25 donors, with Forrest donating more than anyone else on the list,

giving more than $109.6 million. The average wealth on the 2022 list is $2.08 billion, compared to $1.88 billion in 2021, and there are now 131 billionaires. The highest money-making sectors from the list are property (59), technology (29), investment (28), retail (27), mining (22), manufacturing (14), healthcare (13), financial services (12), agriculture (10), and construction (10). The average age of those on the

list is 65 years old, and there is a record of 29 new names on the list this year. “The technology revolution is heralding a shift from ‘old’ industries such as mining and manufacturing to newer online sectors, bringing significant change to the ranks of the country’s wealthiest individuals. It has also helped create a record number of new names on the list, with 29 debutants,” list editor John Stensholt said.

THUNDERBIRD IS GO WITH GR ENGINEERING DEAL GR Engineering has won a $179.5 million contract with Kimberley Mineral Sands (KMS) for a processing plant at the Thunderbird operations in Western Australia. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract will begin with limited work until a final investment decision (FID) is made by KMS to pursue the project. The FID is expected in mid-2022 and the project would then be delivered over about 18 months. GR Engineering managing

director Geoff Jones said he was proud to continue the relationship with KMS at the Thunderbird operations. “We are extremely pleased to have been engaged to perform a key role in the development of the world-class Thunderbird mineral sands project,” Jones said. “GR Engineering has been associated with the project over a number of years and it is exciting to see this project progress to the next stage of development. “GR Engineering looks forward to KMS emerging as a significant AUSTRALIANMINING

new global producer in the mineral sands sector.” KMS has been engaged with GR Engineering for the Thunderbird project since 2017, giving the latter a good understanding of the project. In 2018, GR Engineering was awarded a similar $366 million EPC contract at Thunderbird to commission and test a wet concentrate plant, mineral separation plant, low temperature roasting plant, administration buildings, bore fields and high voltage power distribution.

MAY 2022

KMS – and, by extension, the Thunderbird operation – is a joint venture between Sheffield Resources and TGH Australia Investment. Upon announcing the contract with GR Engineering, Sheffield also announced an offtake agreement with Yansteel for all of the stage one magnetic concentrate volume from the Thunderbird project. This means 80 per cent of the revenue from stage one production has been covered by offtake contracts for KMS.

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NEWS

BOWEN COKING COAL GETS ENVIRONMENTAL WIN Bowen Coking Coal’s wholly-owned Isaac River project in Queensland’s Bowen Basin has been granted a sitespecific Environmental Authority (EA) from the Queensland Government. Bowen Coking Coal has also had the Isaac River Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) schedule approved by the State Government. The Isaac River project was one of the first coal projects to have an upfront PRCP and schedule assessed and approved.

The mining lease application (MLA) has also taken a big step forward after the company has entered into an agreement with the Isaac Regional Council that resulted in the removal of the sole objections against both the EA and MLA. Bowen Coking Coal managing director and chief executive officer Gerhard Redelinghuys said the EA approval was a major milestone and the project was on its way to becoming another of Bowen’s new mines.

“The project requires only a modest capital investment as it is planned to leverage off existing third-party infrastructure,” he said. “Isaac River will contribute additional high-quality metallurgical coal to the company’s sales mix, complimenting the Bluff and Broadmeadow East/Burton projects, which are on track for near-term exports.” The Isaac River project is located in the central Bowen Basin,

approximately 30km to the east of Moranbah in Central Queensland. Coal prices have risen to all-time highs in recent times on the back of increased demand from Asia, coupled with supply shortages fuelled by the crisis in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions against Russia. The MLA and federal environmental approval under the EPBC Act are underway and are expected to be completed early in the third quarter of this year.

COAL PRICES HAVE RISEN TO ALLTIME HIGHS IN RECENT TIMES.

FORTESCUE EXPLORING GRAVITY-CHARGED ELECTRIC TRAINS Fortescue Metals Group has commenced the development of a regenerating battery-electric iron ore train project, the Infinity Train, with its newly acquired company Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). In a world-first development, the Infinity Train will utilise the gravitational energy generated on the downhill loaded sections of Fortescue’s rail network to recharge its battery-electric systems, without any additional charging requirements for the return trip to reload. The development of the project

aims to support the delivery of Fortescue’s industry-leading target to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. “The Infinity Train is an important project to be developed together with WAE, as we work to deliver on our target to decarbonise our mining operations by 2030,” Fortescue chief executive officer Elizabeth Gaines said. “The Infinity Train has the capacity to be the world’s most efficient battery-electric locomotive. The regeneration of electricity on the downhill loaded sections will remove the need AUSTRALIANMINING

for the installation of renewable energy generation and recharging infrastructure, making it a capitalefficient solution for eliminating diesel and emissions from our rail operations.” The self-sustaining system will increase operational efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and eliminate diesel and the associated CO2 emissions from Fortescue’s iron ore trains. Fortescue’s current rail operations consumed 82 million litres of diesel in the FY21, accounting for 11 per cent of Fortescue’s Scope 1 emissions.

MAY 2022

This diesel consumption and associated emissions will be eliminated once the Infinity Train is fully implemented across Fortescue’s operations, significantly contributing to Fortescue’s target to be diesel-free by 2030. The UK-based WAE will remain a strongly independent company to accelerate its growth, while its leading industrial battery technology division will be closely coordinated with Fortescue Both companies will be managed by Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).

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NEWS

MARDIE A 100‐YEAR SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITY: BCI MINERALS MARDIE WILL COMPRISE NINE EVAPORATION PONDS, SALT AND SULPHATE OF POTASH CRYSTALLISERS.

BCI Minerals’ Mardie Salt and Potash project will provide jobs for approximately 500 workers during construction of the world-scale project south of Karratha in Western Australia. Mardie will produce over five million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of salt and is slated to be the first salt operation in Australia producing high-value sulphate of potash (SOP) fertiliser as a by‐product. The project will have an operational workforce of 200 and will comprise

nine evaporation ponds, salt and SOP crystallisers, plus salt washing and SOP process plants. Product will be shipped onto capsize vessels from a 2.4km jetty with a conveyor system. Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan joined BCI Minerals’ board, leadership team and stakeholders at the Pilbara project site recently as construction of the site was officially launched. According to the company, Mardie is forecast to contribute approximately

$4 billion of gross regional product to northern Australia over a minimum 60‐ year operating life. BCI Minerals managing director Alwyn Vorster said after many years of project de-risking, studies and approvals, construction commencement was an exciting milestone on the path of creating Australia’s largest solar salt project that will rank third in global scale. “Over the last year, BCI already invested more than $50 million in early

works, including expanding the village to 200 beds, creating trial ponds and commencing work on the seawater intake infrastructure,” Vorster said. “Now we are building momentum with full steam construction and it is exciting to see key long lead items such as the seawater pumps arriving at site ready for installation. “Mardie is a fully integrated operation from seawater intake to ship loader and we will not have to rely on third-party infrastructure.”

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BACKS KALGOORLIE NICKEL PROJECT Ardea Resources has received Major Project Status (MPS) for its $1.165 billion Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP), which incorporates a new mine and processing plant in Western Australia. The project will see cobaltnickel ore processed into mixed hydroxide precipitate for use as a raw material in the growing international battery market. Projects awarded MPS have access to extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including having a single-entry

point for Australian Government approvals, project support and coordination. Ardea managing director Andrew Penkethman said the Federal Government’s recognition of the project would advance the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project towards development through streamlined approvals and access to additional sources of potential funding. “Globally significant nickel-cobalt projects like the KNP, combined with a benign environmental setting are a rarity,” Penkethman said. AUSTRALIANMINING

“With the award of Major Project Status, Ardea is well placed to provide a significant sustainable and ethical supply chain for the lithium-ion battery sector, from the best resources operating jurisdiction in the world, being Western Australia. “Ardea look forward to continuing to work with all stake holders as the company continues to advance the KNP.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said declaring MPS had major economic benefits for all.

MAY 2022

“With 1500 jobs each year for the three-year construction and 500 jobs a year for the 25-year operation, this project is a major project and will get every support possible from my Government,” he said. The Kalgoorlie Nickel Project commitment follows a $119.6 million investment by the Federal Government to build an integrated nickel manganese cobalt battery material refinery hub in the Kalgoorlie region – the first facility of its kind anywhere in Australia.

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COMMODITY SPOTLIGHT

IS COAL THE KEY TO CLEAN ENERGY? AS THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION CONTINUES TO RAMP UP, SOME MIGHT THINK THE FUTURE OF COAL IS IN JEOPARDY. BUT EXPERTS SEE AUSTRALIAN COAL ON THE HORIZON FOR DECADES TO COME.

n terms of trade, the Australian coal industry has consistently upheld the country’s export figures and shows no sign of slowing down. Australia trails only Indonesia as a global leader in thermal coal exports, having set sail on about 213 million tonnes (Mt) of thermal coal in 2019– 20, worth an estimated $20 billion. This was more than double the figures reported in 2002–03, when the country exported just 100Mt. Over the same period from 2019–20, Australia exported 184Mt of metallurgical coal, largely for steelmaking, valued at $41.3 billion. All of this was enabled by several advantages in geology, geography and technology that have been afforded to Australia’s coal sector. The quality of Australian coal is rated as comparable or superior to other global sources in almost every

AUSTRALIAN COAL IS SOME OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY IN THE WORLD.

category in which one can rate coal’s quality. This includes its content of ash, sulphur, phosphorous and alkalis, as well as its strength at hot and cold temperatures. The benefit is that a lesser volume of coal must be burnt to create energy (thermal coal) or indeed steel (metallurgical), for example. Much of this high-quality coal is exported to India, China, Japan or South Korea. In fact, more than three quarters of the 181Mt of metallurgical coal exported from Australia in 2019 went to these four countries, which, globally speaking, would be called Australia’s neighbours. This combination of high-quality coal and relatively shorter shipping routes has allowed the coal industry to underpin Australia’s economy for the better part of a century. Yet as cleaner energy technologies are developed, coal’s name has become dirtier. AUSTRALIANMINING

Global Minerals marketing principal Allon Brent has more than 35 years’ experience in the international minerals and metallurgical industries, having held senior management roles in marketing, technology, business development and operations – much of which was for BHP. He sees coal as an integral part of the world’s lengthy transition to decarbonise. “I think the coal industry needs to be seen as a bridging commodity that will be required in the transition to cleaner energy,” he told Australian Mining. “Even if technology such as hydrogen was developed tomorrow, you simply couldn’t build the steelmaking capacity required overnight. “But such technology doesn’t exist, so it’s going to take 10 to 20 years or more to develop.”

MAY 2022

And while coal miners only account for roughly 15 per cent of Australia’s mining workforce, the contribution of these mines is significant. In 2019–20, coal mining royalties to the Australian Government totalled $5.2 billion, as coal currently pays one of the highest royalty rates per tonne of any commodity at seven per cent. Tony Le Bas also had an extensive career with BHP spanning more than 30 years as a metallurgist-comemarketer for coking coal. He believes this economic contribution should be highlighted. “The Minerals Council of Australia does a pretty good job at showcasing that impact,” he said. “But I also think the coal mining companies do a good job in their local communities by providing donations to support local groups and organisations. “I think it’s done quite well now, and it’s just a matter of continuing to do that.”

COMMODITY SPOTLIGHT

TONY LE BAS LIVED AND WROTE THE BOOK ON METALLURGICAL COAL AFTER ALMOST 20 YEARS WITH BHP.

The New South Wales Government has recognised this contribution in the past year with the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund. The fund was launched in April 2021 to set aside $25 million in coal mining royalties per year to strengthen the future of these local communities as coal is phased out in coming decades. In December 2021, NSW Shadow Planning Minister Paul Scully wrote to the Deputy Premier Paul Toole calling for an expert panel to assess how these funds were distributed. And on April 1, 2022, that panel was approved. This will assure that NSW coal mining communities are well looked after as the commodity on which they were built slows down towards 2050. “We are a significant producer of high-quality coking coal used to make Australian steel at Port Kembla and we make a sizeable contribution to the state’s royalty revenue,” Scully said. Former Treasurer turned Premier Dominic Perrottet added that these

communities would be far from forgotten moving forward. “Hundreds of millions of dollars will be invested in these communities over coming years to ensure jobs and investment in our vital regional areas,” Perrottet said. “We want to ensure mining towns continue to have highly skilled wellpaid jobs in growth industries that will lock in their economic security long into the future, so young people have the opportunity to remain in the town where they grew up.” Indeed, an Australia without coal mines will present a starkly different reality to the standard to which people have become accustomed. Furthermore, Le Bas explained what a world without Australian coal mines might look like. “We would see a serious shortfall in high-quality thermal and met coal throughout the world,” he said. “You’d have poorer-quality coal, meaning the production of a megawatt of electricity or a tonne of steel would need to burn more coal. “So the fall out of that is there would be more emissions. “There would be more uncertainty in relation to supply around the world because we are a stable supplier. With what’s going on in Russia at the moment, I think stability is very important for coal consumers around the world.” Raising a valid point, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has only served to highlight the world’s reliance on coal power. Brent summed up this balance of power – pun intended. “I think it’s all come to a head with the Russian invasion of the Ukraine,” he said. “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy didn’t ask Australia to send solar panels, he asked for a little bit of coal.”

Exemplifying a stark reality for those shooting down Australian coal, it appears the world needs it now more than ever. “The coal industry really should advertise these things more,” Brent said. “Part of the problem is that people think it’s either carbon or zero-carbon and there’s nothing in between. “The story should be that Australia can use our best quality,

AUSTRALIANMINING

ALLON BRENT WAS BHP’S IRON ORE MARKETING MANAGER FOR 11 YEARS.

MAY 2022

well-regulated coal to actually help the world reduce emissions while we all maintain our standard of living. “There’s a perception that the transition should be so easy, when in fact it’s everything but. “We can still make a big reduction in emissions by just being smarter and using higher quality materials, including higher quality coking coal.” AM

INDUSTRY EVENTS

THE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN A VITAL ASPECT OF INDUSTRY GATHERINGS.

LET’S GET TOGETHER RELAXED COVID RULES AND OPEN BORDERS HAVE ALLOWED THE RETURN OF FACE-TO-FACE EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY – AND THE RESOURCES SECTOR COULDN’T BE HAPPIER.

vents are back. Not virtual events, not online gatherings, not Zoom conferences. Genuine faceto-face industry events, where people from all around Australia can actually get together with colleagues in-person to discuss their business, check out new products and technology, and maybe event celebrate some wins. One of the first major events on this year’s calendar was the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, which were held in Brisbane on March 17. As the only national awards program to stop, take a look at what the mining industry is doing, and reward those who are excelling and going above and beyond, the Prospect Awards have been sorely missed – and the event did not disappoint. “The Australian Mining Prospect Awards is one of the most prestigious events for the mining and minerals processing industry,” Kai Rönnberg, vice president of minerals sales at Metso Outotec, which was named winner of the Minerals Processing of the Year Award, said.

Attended by people from all across the country, some of the most important names in mining were on hand for the presentation of 13 major awards, from Australian Mine of the Year through to Excellence in Environmental Management (see award write-ups from page 20). Judging by the turnout at many of the events – not to mention the happy looks on people’s faces – the

return to in-person opportunities has been well received throughout the resources industry. “I feel there is a bit more of an enthusiasm, a bit of an energy about coming out (to events),” Swift Networks head of partnerships, content and marketing Adam Aduckiewicz told Australian Mining at the Future of Mining Conference in Sydney in March.

“It’s a positive vibe in the room. “You see some old faces and then you see some new ones, and everyone’s got some fresh ideas. “It’s really important to come to these because it’s been so long without them. We’ve had conferences cancelled, we’ve had things shut down, we haven’t been able to touch base with each other. IN-PERSON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN EMBRACED.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

INDUSTRY EVENTS

“Being able to see what’s going on, what’s been happening behind the scenes for the last two years since everyone’s been locked down, it’s a really great opportunity.” The Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow Newcastle, held in early April, was an opportunity for the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and others in the resources community to share ideas, build relationships, and stay abreast of current and future innovations in the sector. The roadshow’s key theme, ‘Harnessing intelligence: Driving social value through technology’, saw attendees delve into a number of important topics, including decarbonisation and understanding the footprint and handprint of the whole value chain. Delegates at the Mining Innovation Roadshow were able to come together to discuss the fact that agility is essential for companies that want to make changes in the mining sector. As the last two-plus years have shown, things can change quickly and those who can adapt are more likely to succeed into the future. The aforementioned Future of Mining Conference saw industry decision-makers gather to discuss their zero-emission and zero-entry roadmaps designed to help them

PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY HAVE MISSED VALUABLE FACE-TO-FACE NETWORKING CHANCES.

meet future sustainability targets. “It’s an incredible opportunity to see what else is happening in industry and talk to people face-toface,” James Dampney, Hexagon Mining vice president – drill and blast, told Australian Mining. “Because, really, the collaboration opportunity is far more significant when you’re in-person and (you can share) the little magic moments when you suddenly have a spark that’s an incredible idea. “I think that’s what happens in these industry events.” It’s not strictly about networking,

though. Hearing what colleagues have to say in their presentations – where they can discuss results and break down their own experiences – can be vital for people throughout the sector. “The presentations … in terms of interesting content that is practical and that you can take back into your business or understand more opportunities to work with customers, I think that’s really interesting,” Dampney said. The Women in Industry Awards, held in Melbourne on April 7, were a fantastic opportunity to

come together to celebrate the outstanding success achieved by women in traditionally male-dominated industries, including mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk-handling, waste management, rail and infrastructure. Women in Industry ambassador Rachael Ashfield said the awards gave women an opportunity to highlight key aspects and careerdefining moments of their many years of success and dedication. “I am proud of being the ambassador for the Women in Industry Awards,” she said. “Well done to all those nominated.” All of this is not to say, of course, that online events don’t have their place and won’t be an important part of the industry’s future. But with any number of industry events on the 2022 horizon – Diggers and Dealers, QME, the International Mining and Resources Conference to name a few – the appetite to get together is clearly strong. It’s been an eventful time since the industry was able to come together for events like these but, as ever, the mining and resources sector remains the backbone of Australia – and will no doubt continue that role long into the future. AM

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MAY 2022

AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Australian Mine of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

MINING’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS THE 2021 AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WERE A CHANCE TO REWARD THOSE WHO ARE EXCELLING AND GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND, RECOGNISING AND REWARDING INNOVATION THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY.

ining has always been a part of Australia’s landscape, playing a major role in the development of the nation from its earliest days. With the sector remaining vigorous and innovational, for more than a decade the Australian Mining Prospect Awards have been the only national awards program to take a step back and appreciate what the mining industry is doing by rewarding those who are excelling and going above and beyond, recognising and rewarding innovation. Established in 2004, the annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards are distinguished as the most prestigious and acclaimed awards in the country’s mining and mineral processing industry.

Australian Mine of the Year

The most prestigious gong of the night, the Australian Mine of the Year Award commends a site that has not only reached its production goals, but has also implemented commendable safety controls, environmental and sustainability programs, and/or has shown its capacity to innovate in order to drive the industry ahead. The award also recognises an exceptionally well-performing and achieving mine. It is imparted to a winner of one of the other categories, further adding to the prestige of the award. And with two other wins on the night – Hard Rock Mine and Lifetime Achievement – Roy Hill Holdings was a worthy recipient of the Australian Mine of the Year Award. Roy Hill’s chief executive officer Gerhard Veldsman felt especially proud and honoured by the company’s accomplishments. “Being named both Hard Rock Mine of the Year and Australian Mine of the Year is a great honour and one we are all very proud of,” he said. “In the financial year 2021,

THE ROY HILL TEAM TOOK HOME MULTIPLE AWARDS.

Roy Hill achieved outstanding improvements across both safety and production despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. “We’re also pleased to have progressed significant new projects and growth opportunities, providing more jobs and increased royalties and revenues for state and federal governments, helping fund critical infrastructure and services.” Hancock Prospecting Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Rinehart’s Lifetime Achievement Award coincided with her 30th anniversary as executive chairman of Hancock Prospecting, making this recognition that much more momentous. “This exceptional period in Roy Hill’s history has been achieved under the inspiration and leadership provided by our executive chairman, Mrs Gina Rinehart, who quite fittingly was recognised tonight for her outstanding contribution to the industry in general,” Veldsman said. AUSTRALIANMINING

“Just one of the things Mrs Rinehart has led has included driving that we speed up the payment of the bills of our loyal suppliers. “And we are proud to say we are now one of the two fastest payers in the industry, further improving our relationships with our suppliers.” Roy Hill is a renowned mining operation, representing the next generation of integrated iron ore mining, rail, and port projects. The company’s Marra Mamba iron ore deposit is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, one of the world’s premier iron ore provinces. The mine delivered record iron ore shipments in FY21, which were seven per cent higher than FY20 and five per cent higher than FY19, achieving the best onrecord equivalent annual run rate of more than 60 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in the fourth quarter of FY21. The FY21 operating performance was achieved despite the impact of

MAY 2022

wet weather, as well as COVID-19 restrictions that required many Roy Hill employees to remain onsite for extended periods during WA’s border lockdowns and the disruptions to emplyees based in eastern states. A comprehensive COVID-19 risk management strategy remains in place and, at the time of the awards, Roy Hill had not recorded a single case of COVID-19 at its Pilbara mine (including both direct employees and contractors), or at its remote operations centre in Perth. Roy Hill certainly has form at these awards, having received the Minerals Processing of the Year nod in 2020 for its development of the innovative Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator (WHIMS). Capturing high-grade ultrafine material that would otherwise end up as tailings, the WHIMS plant reduces waste and provides additional shipped ore without increasing the volume of material mined. AM

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AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Coal Mine of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

COAL MINE OF THE YEAR

t was a big night for Yancoal Australia, with the company taking home three awards. As a leading Australian coal producer, the gong for Coal Mine of the Year for its Yarrabee mine was a big one. “It is absolutely amazing to have won this award for the recognition of the last two to three years’ worth of effort,’ former Yarrabee mine manager Cris Shadbolt said on the night. The Coal Mine of the Year Award recognises a coal mine that is performing well or has carried out an innovative project or program. Located near Blackwater in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the Yarrabee coal mine has been operational since the 1980s as a small-scale pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal producer. After its 2009 acquisition by Yancoal, the focus moved to exploration to establish additional reserves and

strategic mining methods to exploit a structurally challenging high stripping ratio operation. Yarrabee now produces ultra-low volatile, semi-anthracite PCI coal, exporting to steelmakers in Asia via the Port of Gladstone. Yarrabee has undergone a period of significant cultural and operational transformation over the last two years, resulting in a positive impact across the business. Yancoal prioritises its commitment to implementing a long-term strategy for growth and opportunity. It remains focused on investing into the Australian resources sector, realising operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and sharing services. Its long-term business priorities include projects, personal and building business transparency, compliance and efficiency. “This is a really good reward for the team on-site, the corporate team for supporting us and the mining

COAL MINE OF THE YEAR MAY HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST OF YANCOAL’S THREE AWARDS.

industry in general,” Shadbolt, who is now operations manager at Yancoal’s Moolarben Coal operations, said. “Yancoal plans to head in the same direction for 2022.” Beyond Yarrabee, Yancoal’s Queensland mines include the Middlemount Joint Venture, as well as

Moolarben, Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley Warkworth, Stratford-Duralie, Ashton, Austar and Donaldson in New South Wales. It also manages the Cameby Downs and Premier coal mines in Queensland and WA, respectively, on behalf of Yankuang Energy. AM

MINERALS PROCESSING OF THE YEAR

METSO OUTOTEC’S HIGMILL AT THE SUNRISE DAM MINE IN WA.

hen Metso Outotec was awarded the Minerals Processing of the Year gong at the 2021 Prospect Awards for its HIGmill increasing gold recovery at the Sunrise Dam mine in WA, it was the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. “It is great recognition for the teams at Sunrise Dam and Metso

Outotec who worked together on this project and were determined to turn challenges into this great success,” Kai Rönnberg, Metso Outotec vice president of minerals sales, told Australian Mining. “We were excited to become a finalist in this category and ecstatic to be selected as a winner amongst such high-quality entries.” The Minerals Processing of the Year Award is designed to recognise a mine, company or project that AUSTRALIANMINING

has developed or carried out an innovative or unique minerals processing program that increased efficiency, productivity or safety. The HIGmill at the Sunrise Dam mine certainly fits the bill. As of June 2021, the HIGmill is the world’s largest stirred mill supplied into a pyrite concentrate regrind duty. It grinds pyrite/arsenopyrite flotation concentrate to 10μm in order to expose refractory gold for leaching. Following a successful collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti, the recovery enhancement project at Sunrise Dam was delivered very quickly – installation time for the complete upgrade project was approximately six months while, prior to these works, the HIGmill delivery time was 30 weeks. “The HIGmill, along with Vertmill and stirred media detritor make up Metso Outotec’s unmatched portfolio of stirred mills,” Bjorn Nielsen, Metso Outotec’s vice president of stirred mills and HGPR, told Australian Mining. “Stirred milling technology has been widely embraced, as it has a number of process, environmental and economic advantages over

MAY 2022

conventional ball mills. The HIGmill, for example, offers strong internal classification, excellent energy efficiency and high machine availability. “This translates to a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions and lower cost of ownership for end users. It also enables improved flow sheets that require fine and ultrafine grinding.” Nielsen, like Rönnberg, was keen to acknowledge the award was the result of a huge team effort. “We are very grateful to be involved with AngloGold and the team at Sunrise Dam on this project,” he said. “Their engagement and dedication, as well as the hard work put in by the whole team from Metso Outotec, contributed to achieving an estimated average increase in gold recovery of six per cent. “The mill is achieving the design product size and continues to provide consistent and steady operation, with minimal operator input. Since the life of key wear components has been extended, the mill does not need to be stopped for regular wear inspections, resulting in higher mill availability for the site.” AM

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PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS

The Excellence in Mine Safety, OH&S Award is proudly sponsored by

EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY, OH&S

ancoal Australia’s Yarrabee Coal Mine took home the Mine Safety, OH&S Award, at the 2021 Prospect Awards. The Excellence in Mine Safety, OH&S Award recognises a mine, company or project that has developed or carried out a program that increased safety, removed risk, or cut worker issues on a project or mine. Having been operational since the 1980s as a small-scale PCI coal producer, the mine has transformed and grown substantially since its acquisition by Yancoal in 2009. In recent years, Yarrabee has undergone a period of transformation which has yielded excellent results across all aspects of the business, but with growth and transformation comes increased emphasis on mine safety. Yancoal currently supports around 4400 full-time employees, sourcing the

majority of its staff members from the local communities in which it operates.

“Yancoal is committed to safe work practices,” chair Baocai Zhang said in a statement on the company website.

EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY, OH&S WAS AMONG YANCOAL’S THREE WINS ON THE NIGHT.

“There is active and consistent engagement with all employees, empowering them to identify and address foreseeable safety risks and injuries and we actively supported industry-wide initiatives”. Yancoal’s long-term strategy includes focusing on implementing operational efficiencies across all mines, maintaining a commitment to reduce costs and to support future growth opportunities and capital improvement. Likewise, it aims to operate site and corporate functions to the highest standards of corporate governance, reporting via transparent, compliant and efficient processes. Speaking at the awards, former Yarrabee mine manager Cris Shadbolt – who was also named Mine Manager of the Year – said the company never loses sight of what is most important when it comes to a mine site. “The people are first,” he said. “Without them the operation means nothing, so let’s put them first.” AM

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

old Fields Australia and EDL’s Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project was honoured with the Excellence in Environmental Management Award, which recognises a mine, company, or project that has developed or carried out an innovative, environmentally focused program. EDL is a global producer of sustainable, distributed energy helping the world transition from traditional energy sources to decarbonised solutions. Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Peru, South Africa and West Africa (including the Asanko JV). Under a 10-year agreement, Gold Fields and EDL embarked on the Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project to deliver Australia’s largest hybrid renewable energy microgrid. This is the first time wind generation has

been utilised at such a large scale at a mine site in Australia. Located in Leinster, Western Australia, the microgrid delivers an average of 50–60 per cent clean energy with 99.99 per cent reliability. The project has set a new global benchmark for renewable energy and is set to have far-reaching impacts on hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid industrial operations across Australia and the globe. The microgrid uses hybrid technology, combining wind turbines, solar and battery power. Expertly configured additional hardware and an advanced control system ensure the reliability of supply and power quality are maintained, and the innovative inclusion of wind generation acts as the major source of generation in the hybrid energy mix. The use of wind generation as the major renewable energy component created additional challenges, requiring innovative approaches in controls engineering to integrate AUSTRALIANMINING

THE GOLD FIELDS TEAM WAS HONOURED WITH THE EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AWARD.

wind technology in the generation mix while maintaining power quality and reliability. “The sight of the five wind turbines, nicely positioned adjacent to the Leinster–Sandstone Road, is a showpiece of what can be achieved by taking courageous decisions and demonstrating true leadership in how we can sustainably energise our mines in remote environments,” Gold Fields executive vice president Australia Stuart Matthews told Australian Mining. “Gold Fields is very proud of

MAY 2022

having delivered on our commitment to building a modern, sustainable hybrid renewable energy solution at the Agnew gold mine. “As a company, we believe in the impacts of climate change and have a strong commitment to making a positive contribution to CO2 emissions reduction in our business. “The project has also delivered great motivation for our workforce, who want to work for a company that delivers tangible outcomes in relation to its ESG priorities and sustainability vision.” AM

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AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Mine Manager of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

MINE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

ancoal’s former Yarrabee Coal operations manager Cris Shadbolt was recognised with the 2021 Mine Manager of the Year Award, an accolade which he said came as a huge surprise. “(It) was a bit of a shock, actually, and I was extremely proud just to be nominated let alone win the award,” he said. “This award isn’t about me, though; it is the acknowledgment of the combined efforts of a passionate team and entire site that I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to lead.” Also winner of the 2021 Coal Mine of the Year Award, the Yarrabee operation in Queensland has been an undoubted mining success story, serving as a trusted partner to Asian steelmakers with its distinctive pulverised coal injection (PCI) product. The mine’s achievements wouldn’t be possible without the

contribution of Shadbolt and his team. For Shadbolt, cultivating a people-first operation was his most fulfilling accomplishment at Yarrabee. “Reflecting on my time at Yarrabee, the most significant achievement for me … was the time spent in growing and developing our people,” he said. “The opportunities that are presented for every person on-site to develop, learn and become a part

of something greater is amazing and being able to personally contribute and watch the growth in our people and their success across all levels is very rewarding.” During his time at the mine, Shadbolt introduced the Yarrabee Way – Safety Culture Framework, which focuses on developing an on-site culture of a more engaged team, with the end goal of achieving a safer, more inclusive and better performing workplace.

CRIS SHADBOLT (LEFT) AND BILL MCKINSTREY (RIGHT).

Shadbolt said Yarrabee Way was heavily influenced by Yancoal’s broader business objectives. “As a site we reflected on the key fundamentals that make Yancoal a great business and then applied them very specifically to the needs and wants of our site as defined by our people,” he said. “From this guidance we developed four main projects that were each owned by the management team on-site and guided and sponsored by myself. These projects focused on safety, proficiency, cost and development. “As a team we then developed strategies around communication and site ownership. Every project had direct input from every level of the business and all ideas were heard and actioned.” Shadbolt is now the operations manager of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal operation in New South Wales, which comprises four open cut mines and three underground mines. AM

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT AWARD

andvik Australia was bestowed with the Indigenous Engagement Award upon the implementation of its 2020–22 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This award recognises collaboration between Aboriginal-owned businesses and mining and minerals process companies operating in Australia. All finalists were commended for their notable efforts to engage Aboriginal people, commerce and processes within their respective organisations. In acceptance of the award, Sandvik’s Melita Hegarty emphasised the significance of such initiatives within Australian organisations and Sandvik’s passion for its Innovate RAP. “We are so grateful to be recognised in the category of Indigenous Engagement,” she said. “This really is an award where everyone wins, as this work is so

important to not only the business and First Nation’s businesses, but it’s creating a better Australia for everyone.” Sandvik’s Innovate RAP outlines actions that work towards achieving its contribution, vision and commitment to reconciliation in Australia. As part of its Innovate RAP, Sandvik established several noteworthy partnerships with Aboriginal-owned companies which have increased camaraderie and cultural awareness, as well as spending with Indigenous businesses. Yakeen Safety was named Sandvik’s first Major National Indigenous Supplier Agreement in July 2021 and now provides personal protective equipment requirements for all Sandvik divisions across Australia. Earlier in 2021, Sandvik also established a relationship with Geared Up Culcha, an Aboriginalowned and operated promotional products supplier, to produce all of Sandvik’s RAP merchandise which is AUSTRALIANMINING

available to staff for purchase through an internal system with the aim to increase cultural awareness inside the organisation. Following these collaborative pursuits, Sandvik also partnered up with Mirri Mirri Productions to provide virtual cultural awareness training to self-enrolled employees. Sandvik’s Innovate RAP stipulates that by August 2022 the organisation aims to increase the Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander employment rate to four per cent, double the current rate of two per cent. Reconciliation Australia formally endorsed Sandvik’s Innovate RAP and welcomed the organisation as a member of the RAP community involving more than 1000 dedicated corporate, government, and not-forprofit organisations that have formally committed to reconciliation through the program. AM

SANDVIK’S MELITA HEGARTY EMPHASISED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INITIATIVES LIKE THE COMPANY’S INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN.

MAY 2022

CONGRATULATIONS FROM CRC INDUSTRIES

MINE MANAGER OF THE YEAR. As a solution provider to the resource industry, CRC Industries understands how essential Mining Managers are to any mining organisation. CRC is again a proud supporter and sponsor of the Prospect Awards’ Mine Manager of the Year category. Management of a mine operation is no mean feat and includes responsibility for teamwork, safety, quality and customer focus among others – fundamentals which also align to CRC’s own Global Operating Principles. Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and award winners.

PH 1800 224 227 info.au@crcind.com WWW.CRCIND.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Contract Miner of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

CONTRACT MINER OF THE YEAR

ader Group has been supporting the mining industry since 2005 and has grown from a single-man band to a company that now has a presence in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas and is represented by 1600 employees. The company prides itself on delivering its maintenance services quickly and efficiently, keeping its employees online and running strong. In a mining industry where maintaining uptime is crucial to profitability, this is a god-send. Recognised with the Contract Miner of the Year Award, Mader said its accomplishments were testament to the company’s unrivalled service. “Mader is not your typical mining contractor. We provide unique and flexible ‘tap on, tap off’ maintenance services that make a real difference to our customers’ everyday operations in helping them achieve plant availability and production targets,” the company said in a statement. The “tap on, tap off” service means there are no minimum engagement

periods or lock-in contracts for Mader clients, enabling them more freedom of choice. “The flexible nature of our services enables customers to access specialised technicians during peak load periods, or for short or extended engagements to support their scheduled or unplanned equipment maintenance. “Consistently striving to better support our customers and evolve with industry trends, 2021 saw our Australian operations introduce several new services, thus helping to enhance returns and improve operational efficiencies for customers.” Mader can reactively mobilise small to large teams of tradespeople in quickly changing landscapes to meet customers’ demands. This proven business model has now been successfully rolled out more than 20 times across new service areas and regions since company inception. With a blue-sky business model, Mader has cultivated an inclusive workplace culture built on principles of mateship and camaraderie. This is a big reason the company continues to

MADER GROUP HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 2005.

be such as a strong performer in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector. “It is evident the investment by Mader in its people, culture and

other business infrastructure is reflected in our ability to attract and retain high-quality tradespeople, who provide superior services for our customers.” AM

EXCELLENCE IN IIOT APPLICATION

oolon’s Brilliant Connected Lights took out the Excellence in IIoT Application Award, which recognises an outstanding implementation of IIoT that enhances mining and minerals processing operations. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to a network of connected physical sensors that communicate with each other and provide feedback to specific industrial applications. This enables data collection and exchange in real-time to improve operations and facilitate improved productivity and efficiency within operations. Coolon understands that mine sites invest in digital transformation in pursuit of cost reductions, productivity gains and safety improvement. It believes the main aim of site digitisation is to link every piece of equipment, plant infrastructure and personnel together to achieve full

transparency. This will lead to the ability to assess and predict operational disruptions in real-time, keeping people safe and a plant operating at the top of its productive output.

Coolon has been developing and manufacturing robust light fittings specifically for the harsh conditions of Australian mining sites for 19 years. With a track record of providing

COOLON’S BEN COOPER ACCEPTING THE EXCELLENCE IN IIOT APPLICATION AWARD.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

sophisticated electronics and highly resilient fittings that can maintain flawless uninterrupted operation for over 10 years, Coolon fittings provide the perfect host for innovative IIoT nodes. From fixed plant lighting right through to tunnel lighting, Coolon’s industrial product range can be customised to suit individual requirements. Coolon industrial mining senior account manager Ben Cooper was honoured by the award. “This is the recognition of a lot of hard work in a space that we are not usually renowned for,” he told Australian Mining. “We have manufactured a lot of heavy industrial lighting that’s manufactured in Australia to the highest quality, but we are now pivoting into smart technologies that will leverage us as a light supplier into something that can support our customers infinitely more.” AM

United. Inspired.

Why choose Epiroc? Inclusion and diversity is key to growing fresh and innovative ideas and solutions for our customers. In the 150 countries where we operate, we encourage our employees to take ownership of their development and careers with support from their leaders. We are committed to giving our employees every opportunity to succeed in a culture of innovation, diversity and collaboration, combined with a caring atmosphere.

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epiroc.com/en-au/careers

AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Innovative Mining Solution Award is proudly sponsored by

INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION

eographe Research took home the Innovative Mining Solution Award for the Geographe Ball Stud Remover Tool (BSRT). The Innovative Mining Solution Award recognises a mine, community or project that has developed a unique mining solution – and Geographe Research was a deserving winner. Geographe’s BSRT is a safe and efficient hydraulic pressing system, able to release six ball studs from mining haul trucks in 20 minutes. Gone are the days of stuck ball studs – the BSRT improves safety and efficiency while reducing effort and downtime. Geographe research development and innovation manager Sean Martin told Australian Mining the company understood fitters’ frustrations; the BSRT is designed to remove the pain that substandard

tooling and time-consuming processes create, leaving a safe, simple and easy maintenance event. An industry leader in the resource and industrial sectors, Geographe Research is a go-to supplier for quality parts for heavy machinery. Recognising that delays caused by poor tools or service can cost millions, the company is committed to innovation and consistency. The resolve to produce parts that provide high performance has kept Geographe Research at the forefront of the mining world for over half a century. This commitment has seen the company boom from its humble beginnings in 1968 into a diverse and dedicated business able to supply and distribute over 50,000 different products. Martin said this determination had only been strengthened by the Prospects win, adding that it

has “fundamentally reinforced our resolve to keep searching for better and safer ways of maintaining heavy earthmoving equipment”. But winning awards isn’t the end goal for Geographe Research or the BSRT. A trial phase is currently underway

GEOGRAPHE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION MANAGER SEAN MARTIN

GEOGRAPHE’S BSRT CAN RELEASE SIX BALL STUDS FROM MINING HAUL TRUCKS IN 20 MINUTES.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

for a BSRT version supporting larger series trucks so even more customers can benefit from this awardwinning tool. “Our customers have told us that they are experiencing similar challenges removing ball studs on other CAT trucks within their fleets. From that feedback, we’re currently in the trial phase with a BSRT version to suit CAT 777 Haul Trucks,” Martin said. Eventually, all popular CAT trucks in the 7 series range will have access to a BSRT tool to save maintenance time and provide a safer overall process, with trial phases set to begin later in the year. “We’re all very keen to unearth the next maintenance gamechanger,” Martin said. “We believe our next tooling project to be released late this year, a Steering Taper Repair and Inspection Kit (STRIK), may do just that.” AM

MINING INNOVATION ROADSHOW BRISBANE | 2 JUNE 2022

Austmine’s Mining Innovation Roadshow enables the mining community to collaborate, innovate, build relationships and exchange ideas about the future of the industry. Senior leaders will explore the theme Harnessing Intelligence: Drivers of Social Value “Optimising our People, Processes, and Technology.” REGISTER NOW https://innovationroadshow.austmine.com.au

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS

The Safety Advocate of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

SAFETY ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

FENNER’S VICKI WUST DESCRIBED WINNING THE SAFETY ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD AS “SUCH AN HONOUR”.

enner Conveyors received the Safety Advocate of the Year Award, which recognises and rewards safety excellence across the Australian mining industry. Vicki Wust, Fenner’s general manager of safety, training and technical, was bestowed with the honourable recognition in the category upon the implementation of a list of safety initiatives in the pursuit of total safety for Fenner’s employees. “It is such an honour to win this award, but it isn’t just for me, but for everyone in the team because we can’t change the safety culture in Fenner if it’s not from the ground up all the way to the director level,” Wust said on the night. “There’s been a lot of hard work around our whole workforce to put our programs in place and start managing safety from ourselves first, rather than being policed in order to create a safe workplace. “It’s that real cultural shift and, to me, it’s a sign of saying Fenner

Conveyors is on the right track, and it’s nice to be recognised within our industry for that.” As part of the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, this recognition serves of great significance due to the shortfalls in the health and safety areas of mining, which industry regulations continue to tackle more and more rigorously. The presentation evening showcases the best operations, projects, and innovations developed by mining and mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies, ensuring outstanding individual and team performances are recognised. Wust’s safety strategy is underpinned by adopting a universal approach that spans within the company’s workforce and is designed to encourage everyone to play a part. “We’ve done what we call a VOC program, and that’s for critical operations. So assessing the equipment that is actually highrisk that our employees work with,” Wust said. AUSTRALIANMINING

“We’ve also implemented a revamped onboarding and induction program and made sure that rolls out over a three-month period from the new starters coming in. “We were sitting at 94 per cent of the entire workforce at that stage had completed the process and so we were really engaging everyone through that.” Fenner strives to revolutionise safety within the mining industry with intelligent conveying products and services. More recently it has been transforming mine safety with its iBelt BeltGauge. BeltGauge provides mobile monitoring solutions that reduce the need for manual inspections of mine sites, which can result in grave ramifications for the safety of personnel on-site. It is available in a fixed or mobile unit – the fixed unit provides 24–7 autonomous monitoring, removing the need for any technicians on-site performing hazardous tasks. While the mobile unit doesn’t eliminate technicians from the site, it reduces the risk of damage to

equipment, the conveyor system and, most importantly, the person performing the scan. Fenner also implemented Safe Act Observations – SAOs – which allow employees in the field to take the time to observe the job at hand. “It’s to make the person stop and think whether the job has all the risks covered, managed, and controlled and they just have that safety discussion,” Wust said. “This has had a real link to our total recordable injury frequency rates (TRIFR) and severity rates going down. For instance, back in June 2019 we were sitting at 4.40, and then by June 2021 we were sitting at 1.50. That’s a 62.9 per cent reduction. “In January 2021, it was the first time Fenner had ever achieved under a two TRIFR in its whole lifetime of operations, which we then hit below one in August.” These incredible achievements have set the tone for safety in the industry, resulting in the win by Wust and the whole team at Fenner Conveyors, who are doing wonders for the safety of their workers. AM

MAY 2022

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AUSTRALIAN MINING

PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

PROSPECT AWARDS

The Hard Rock Mine of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by

HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR

oy Hill Holdings was named Hard Rock Mine of the Year in recognition of its record production performance, improved safety, and the progression of several significant and strategic growth projects. This included the development of its autonomous haulage system, the introduction of new crusher infrastructure, and an expansion of the Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator (WHIMS). Roy Hill chief executive officer Gerhard Veldsman said 2021 was a fantastic year for the company. “Under the guidance of our executive chairman Gina Rinehart and owners, Roy Hill has achieved so much since first ore was actually produced and shipped in 2015,” he said. “Despite all the challenges of COVID, we have had our best safety year ever, we have had our best production year ever, and we have managed to actually secure some growth opportunities that will set us up really well into the future.

“I really want to thank everybody for the Hard Rock Mine of the Year on behalf of everyone here at Roy Hill.” It has indeed been a big year for Roy Hill. Last year, Mineral Resources partnered with Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill to investigate the development of a new iron ore export facility in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Stanley Point Berth 3 in South West Creek is shaping as a viable option for the major iron producers to expand their export capacities. The agreement would see Roy Hill provide services to MinRes and Hancock to develop and operate the facility, including rail haulage and port services. As a greenfield project, Roy Hill has had the rare opportunity to embed a range of technologies from its outset to optimise delivery across its supply-anddemand chain. The use of technology and innovative thinking have become defining features of the company’s iron ore operation.

Roy Hill recently announced it will purchase the world’s first fully battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive from Pittsburgh-based Wabtec, transforming the cost of transporting iron ore from pit to port. The FLXdrive locomotive will arrive on Australian shores in 2023 when Roy Hill will use it to haul iron ore through the heat of WA’s Pilbara. Roy Hill currently operators four Wabtec ES44ACi Evolution Series diesel-electric locomotives, which typically measure 2.7km. From 2023, the FLXdrive will replace one of the diesel-electric models. Roy Hill will also convert its mixed fleet of 77 haul trucks from manned to autonomous use, having signed a contract in early 2020 with leading global mining equipment and services provider Epiroc in partnership with automation specialist ASI Mining. This year’s Hard Rock Mine of the Year Award comes after Roy Hill’s WHIMS plant was named winner of the Minerals Processing of the Year category at the 2020 Prospect Awards ceremony.

Capturing high-grade ultrafine material that would otherwise end up as tailings, the WHIMS plant reduces waste and provides additional shipped ore without increasing the volume of material mined. It was also painted a unique and eye-catching pink colour in support of the company’s executive chairman Gina Rinehart’s longterm commitment to breast cancer research and improved care, treatment, and patient support. This year’s other Hard Rock Mine of the Year nominee was New Century, which acquired the Century Mine when it ceased production in 2016 and has executed an economic rehabilitation plan comprised of upgrading the mine’s existing world-class infrastructure. This rehabilitation was completed in August 2018 when the mine successfully entered production. Roy Hill’s vision is to be a highperforming iron ore business where people contribute, realise their full potential and help to build the best mining company in Australia. AM

THE HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR AWARD WAS RECOGNITION OF A STRONG YEAR FOR ROY HILL.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

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PROSPECT AWARDS 2021

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS

The Lifetime Achievement Award is proudly sponsored by

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

ancock Prospecting’s executive chairman, the Hon Dr Gina Rinehart AO, was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Prospect Awards. The Lifetime Achievement award recognises an individual who has contributed to the mining industry through their entire career. It is the most prestigious individual recognition award within the Prospect Awards and is determined through recommendations made by the judging panel. The Lifetime Achievement Award coincides with Rinehart’s 30th anniversary as Hancock Prospecting executive chairman. Under her leadership, Hancock Prospecting has gone from a company facing many difficulties, including financial, to the most successful

private company in Australian history, as well as one of the most successful private mining companies in the world. “On accepting this award I’d like to pay tribute to everyone in our industry. We are at our core nationbuilding, mining is the backbone of Australia,” Rinehart said. “When mining does well, so does Australia.” Hancock’s majority-owned Roy Hill was also recognised on the night, winning Australian Mine of the Year and Hard Rock Mine of the Year. Addressing her mining colleagues, Rinehart said the should all be immensely proud of their contribution to Australia, and of an industry to which she has dedicated most of her life. “My parents told me Dad was on the early morning shift when I was around one year old, and my job was to crunch up papers in his Pilbara office when he’d finished with them,” she said.

“As you can probably tell, I’m over the moon with this lifetime award, thank you.” Rinehart has had a busy 12 months. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division as part of the Australia Day 2022 Honours list. The mining magnate, who was one of only 25 Australians selected for the honour this year, was recognised for “distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives and to sport as a patron”. This year saw Hancock Prospecting file for environmental approval for a 20 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) iron ore mine on the Mulga Downs station in the Pilbara, WA. The proposed area is located within an area of existing pastoral and mining land use, with transport of the ore proposed via the Great Northern Highway to Port Hedland for export.

THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD COINCIDES WITH GINA RINEHART’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AS HANCOCK PROSPECTING EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN.

AUSTRALIANMINING

THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECOGNISES AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE MINING INDUSTRY THROUGH THEIR ENTIRE CAREER.

According to the proposal filed with the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority, facilities will be developed to support production of up to 20 million tonnes of ore per annum (Mtpa) over a minimum 30year period. Also this year, Hancock Prospecting signed a development agreement to lead a bankable feasibility study on the Hardey iron ore project in the West Pilbara owned by the Australian Premium Iron joint venture. Under the terms of the development agreement, Hancock will lead the development and operation of the project subject to a final investment decision. As part of her acceptance speech, Rinehart highlighted that Australia’s minerals are largely in the north, far from city amenities. “Isn’t it time to bring in a special economic zone like the more than 7000 special economic zones operating very successfully around the world, including in countries that compete with us and others who may not always be our friends?” she said. “Our mining sector has delivered for the whole of Australia over many decades, opening up remote and rugged areas such as the Pilbara where I loved growing up. The mining industry provides employment opportunities, infrastructure and revenue in remote places, where little opportunities existed before. “Let’s celebrate that mining contributes more to our nation than any other industry.” AM

MAY 2022

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COMPANY PROFILE

ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI: THE GOLD STANDARD IN SUSTAINABILITY IN 2008, ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI SET ITSELF EMISSIONS-REDUCTION TARGETS LONG BEFORE IT WAS FASHIONABLE TO DO SO. NOW THE COMPANY IS LEADING THE SUSTAINABILITY CHARGE. ALL IMAGES: TONY MCDONOUGH

he gold industry might be a star contributor to global economies, but it’s not a star promoter of its achievements, AngloGold Ashanti chief executive officer Alberto Calderon believes. “We’ve done a horrible job (of getting the message out),” Calderon said at a Melbourne Mining Club luncheon in March. “We are liking the defensive and we should be on the offensive.” In November 2021, the World Gold Council (WGC) released a report indicating that in 2020 its member companies contributed $US37.9 billion ($50 billion) to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries with which they operate. WGC member companies paid $US8.7 billion ($11.5 billion) in wages, $US7.6 billion ($10 billion) in tax payments, while a significant contribution of $US26 billion ($34.3 billion) was made through in-country procurement. It is estimated this created $US21.6 billion ($28.5 billion) in indirect value to local suppliers. Gold is facing more competitors in the investment world, with cryptocurrencies posing a particular threat to the commodity. However crypto is more volatile and isn’t a physical asset. It’s also more carbonintensive than gold. According to Our World in Data, it is estimated Bitcoin emits 114 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 per year, while Ethereum – a blockchain-based software platform that houses its own

IN 2022, ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI WILL LAY OUT A NEW 2030 EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGET.

cryptocurrency – contributes 63Mt of CO2 emissions per year. Bitcoin and Ethereum are considered the two most popular cryptocurrencies, and these statistics don’t consider the footprints of Tether, Dogecoin, Solana and so forth. In contrast, the world’s listed gold companies emit a combined 78Mt of CO2 per year, and within that, AngloGold contributes 2.3Mt of CO2 emissions per year. In 2008, AngloGold committed to a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2022. While the company didn’t see consistent gains until 2015, its emissions intensity has dropped by approximately 69 per cent since then.

This has been achieved by many different measures, including improving electrical power generation at the AngloGold’s mines in Tanzania and Guinea, installing heat pumps in South Africa, and completing the Eastern Goldfields pipeline to the company’s Sunrise Dam and Tropicana gold mines in Western Australia. This enabled the two WA mines access to natural gas rather than rely on diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as power sources. In October 2021, AngloGold committed collectively with members of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), to a goal of netzero scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2050 or sooner. ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI’S SUNRISE DAM GOLD MINE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

Calderon said it’s encouraging to see the wider gold industry banding together for the greater environmental cause. And there’s more where that came from. “Small as the gold industry is in the global context, we’ve seized the urgency of reducing our environmental footprint,” he said. “Dramatic changes in the industry’s power consumption by 2030 are expected to almost halve emissions among WGC members. “That’s not wishful thinking; the reduction will come through decarbonisation of national power grids, changes in production profiles of mines – notably the continued tapering of energy-intensive production from South Africa, and changes in power sources for those that remain.” In 2022, AngloGold will lay out a new 2030 emissions-reduction target and continues to explore further measures to decarbonise. Calderon said the company is “pretty confident” it can reduce its Australian emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. Harnessing energy transition will play a big role in this. “It’s renewables,” he said. “This first push is fundamentally power. After 2030, it’s going to be truck electrification, but initially, power will be a key driver. “In some places you can do it better than others. But across the board,

COMPANY PROFILE

ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS HAVE DROPPED BY 69 PER CENT SINCE 2008.

it’s going to be all about substituting electricity, either for renewables or for hydro.” As AngloGold looks to sustainable power generation to reduce its carbon footprint, the company understands it has a higher obligation to address its Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are those generated in the supply chain and are derived from assets not owned or controlled by the organisation in question. Calderon said Scope 3 is the “elephant in the room”. “If you do a great job on (scope) 1 or 2, you do nothing,” he said. “I think the world needs to look at 1, 2 and 3, and mining companies, even though it’s not their sole responsibility, they have to work with their clients in addressing this because if not, nothing is done.” Calderon said the gold industry is in a strong position when it comes to Scope 3 emissions, and it’s the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale that have the largest carbon footprints in the supply chain. A WGC report, ‘Gold and Climate Change: Current and Future Impacts in 2019’, found a large proportion of the gold industry’s Scope 3 emissions were attributed to upstream activities. Purchased goods and services utilised by reporting gold mining and refining companies (ie the main materials and inputs supplied for use in

the process of gold production) made up 21 per cent of total upstream Scope 3 emissions. WGC also considered the Scope 3 contributions of waste, transportation, capital goods, and business and employee travel as part of the report. In contrast, the WGC found the gold industry’s downstream Scope 3 emissions to be very small, suggesting they made up less than one per cent of gold’s annual GHG emissions at the time.

“Refining and recycling is immaterial, contributing a miniscule proportion of gold’s total annual emissions,” the report stated. “The minimal level of GHG emissions associated with gold in storage or circulation has significant implications when we consider how investors and wider stakeholders might perceive gold in relation to climaterelated risks.” The WGC said the findings could also influence how gold is perceived

as a facilitator of climate change mitigation. Net-zero promises and targets continue to dominate the headlines, as they should. While the gold sector leads the way when it comes to emissions reduction, it has an important role to play in inspiring other mining companies to follow suit. An environmental bellwether in 2008, you can be rest assured AngloGold Ashanti will be a keen contributor to the cause. AM

UNDERGROUND AT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI’S TROPICANA GOLD MINE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

EDUCATION

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE GOLD MINING SECTOR THE GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP’S NATIONAL GOLD EDUCATION PROGRAM IS INSPIRING THE FUTURE LEADERS OF AUSTRALIA’S GOLD INDUSTRY.

THIS TERM MARKS TWO YEARS SINCE THE GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP EXPANDED ITS GOLD EDUCATION PROGRAM.

ustralia’s mining workforce continues to surge, as the Gold Industry Group actively educates students about the benefits of working in the gold industry. More than 20,000 workers and 5000 apprentices have entered the mining industry in the past year, according to the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said Australia’s historically low unemployment has highlighted the importance of further investment in skills initiatives. The Australian Government’s investment of $2.8 billion for new trade apprenticeships in this year’s Federal Budget will seek to upskill apprentices, give employers benefits and simplify the current system of incentives. But the Gold Industry Group is working at a grassroots level,

educating school students about the benefits of a career in gold, as well as the sector’s value to the community and broader economy. The Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program will expand further next term with the addition of Careers Gold Class Sessions, delivered online or inperson, to secondary schools across Australia. This comes following the overwhelmingly positive feedback and a growing demand. This term marks two years since the Gold Industry Group expanded its gold education program across Australia, changing perceptions and inspiring tens of thousands of students about the gold industry in more than 1200 primary and secondary schools through exclusive, free Gold Resources Kits and dynamic, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths)based Gold Class Sessions. More than 1200 of the popular Gold Resources Kits have been AUSTRALIANMINING

delivered to primary and secondary schools across all states and territories since 2020, bringing gold-focused history, science, mathematics and sustainability lessons to thousands of students and teachers.

STUDENTS LEARN THAT SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.

MAY 2022

The exclusive kits, which feature gold and rock samples from Australian mines, plus a variety of resources linked to the Australian Curriculum, are exciting students and exposing them to the infinite opportunities in the gold sector.

MORE THAN 100 HANDS-ON STEM GOLD CLASS SESSIONS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED BY GOLD INDUSTRY WORKERS.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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Carter said it had been rewarding to see the majority of students raising their hands at the end of each session when asked who wants to explore a career in gold, with teachers indicating 95 per cent of students want to find out more about careers after using the kits. “I am thrilled this year we will be offering a record 1000 Gold Resources Kits, introducing a new careers session and expanding our session delivery into other states given the fantastic response we’ve had,” Carter said. The program’s Gold Class facilitators are workers within the gold industry from Gold Fields, Gold Road Resources, Northern Star Resources, Bellevue Gold, Evolution Mining, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, St Barbara, Agnico Eagle, the Perth Mint, Ramelius Resources and Westgold Resources. They represent the wide range of careers available, including metallurgists, environmental advisors, exploration geologists, human resources advisors and personal assistants, through to general managers and vice presidents. Passionate Gold Class facilitator and Gold Fields project geologist Craig Talbot has delivered five sessions and is eager to do more. “Being a facilitator in the Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It offers a fun, interactive way to show students just how interesting gold and mining can be through engaging, hands-on activities and presentations. “Seeing a room full of hands in the air at the end of the session when I ask the question, ‘Who would like to have a career in the gold industry?’, shows just how powerful these sessions can be.” AM

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More than 100 hands-on STEM Gold Class Sessions have been delivered by gold industry workers at 25 primary and 23 secondary schools across Perth, Kalgoorlie, Kambalda, Norseman and Boddington. All received enthusiastic feedback from both teachers and students. Developed in conjunction with Australian Earth Science Education, the sessions provide students in years 4, 5 and 6 with workplace scenarios where they use problemsolving skills to move a gold bar using a pulley system and learn how safety is paramount. Secondary school students in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 closely analyse geological and geophysical maps to identify an area with potential for gold mining. The Gold Industry Group chair and gold class facilitator Kelly Carter said she was delighted to see the program attracting such a high volume of interest and demand for further engagement. “The response we have seen to the program to date is testament to the strong connection our community has to the Australian gold sector and presents a huge opportunity to engage with our workforce of the future on the wide range of opportunities available,” she said. “Our employees are the sector’s greatest advocates, and the education program provides a huge opportunity to share that enthusiasm and showcase the depth of roles available. “Our exclusive Gold Resources Kits and unique Gold Class Sessions highlight the industry’s sustainability practices and projects, as well as its far-reaching community impact, and are exciting students about exploring a career in Australia’s diverse gold sector.”

MEASURE VISCOSITY AND YIELD STRESS OF A CONCENTRATED MINERAL SLURRY REAL-TIME AND IN-LINE

MAY 2022

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

THERE IS A GROWING FOCUS ON DEVELOPING COMMODITIES SUCH AS RARE EARTHS AND BATTERY MINERALS IN THE KIMBERLEY.

KEEPING UP WITH THE KIMBERLEY NESTLED IN THE FAR NORTH OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AND WITH A LONG HISTORY OF MINING, THE KIMBERLEY IS SHOWING THE WORLD THAT IT IS NO LONGER JUST THE PRODUCER OF RARE DIAMONDS, BUT A REGION FULL OF RESOURCES POTENTIAL.

hen people think of mining in Western Australia, their thoughts inevitably go

the Pilbara region. However, directly north of that iron ore hub, the Kimberley region is making a name for itself as one of the most resource-rich areas in Australia. Companies with current mining operations in the Kimberley include Mt Gibson Iron, Northern Minerals and Pantoro. There are also oil and gas companies operating in the region, such as Theia Energy, Shell Australia, and INPEX. According to Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) director of policy and advocacy, Rob Carruthers, the Kimberley has great potential for mining operations, with a diverse range of minerals currently being produced and many more known to exist in the region.

“From diamonds to gold, rare earths, mineral sands, iron ore and oil and gas, operations in this region are far-reaching and span four local government areas,” Carruthers said. “For those lucky enough to live and work in the Kimberley, where the desert meets the sea, its natural beauty and wonderous landscapes are endless. “The region is known for its waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, abundant wildlife, fresh-water swimming holes and white sandy beaches. “The lifestyle in the Kimberley is laid back and the opportunities for recreational activities are vast.” Carruthers said in many ways, operations in the Kimberley reflected the ever-evolving nature of the mining and resources sector across WA. “Some of the key staples of WA’s mining economy – notably gold and iron ore – are still being produced in the region. And while the Argyle mine AUSTRALIANMINING

has ceased operations, there remains an appetite to explore for diamonds in the Kimberley,” he said. Rio Tinto ceased mining at the iconic Argyle diamond mine in the East Kimberley in 2020. The Argyle ore body was discovered in 1979 and mining of the alluvial and surface deposits commenced in 1983. Prior to 1998, no plans had been finalised for the mine to continue past 2002. But Rio Tinto’s decision to build an underground mine below the existing open pit operations in 2005 led to an extended mine life to 2020. More than 865 million carats of rough diamonds have been produced at the Argyle mine in its 37 years of operations, making it the world’s largest supplier of coloured diamonds. “Most famous are the region’s pink diamonds, of which Argyle produced 90 per cent of the world’s supply,” Carruthers said. “The mine went into closure and shut down mode in 2020 but the

MAY 2022

Kimberley remains on the radar for its potential in the diamond space. Some recent exploratory drilling has been undertaken to the east of Argyle at Ellendale, a former working diamond mine where new prospects have now been identified.” But despite the closure of the region’s most well-known mining operation, Carruthers said there was plenty of potential for further operations. “As we have seen in other regions of WA, there is a growing focus on and interest in developing commodities such as rare earths and battery minerals,” he said. “Northern Minerals’ Browns Range project has highlighted the region’s potential as a rare earths producer and helped generate exploration in other areas of the Kimberley. “Meanwhile, explorers in the region are actively seeking battery minerals such as lithium, copper and nickel, which are growing in importance as

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

THE KIMBERLEY IS POSITIONED CLOSE TO ASIAN MARKETS, WHICH IS BENEFICIAL FOR EXPORTERS.

the world shifts towards widespread electric vehicle use and increasingly seeks renewable energy solutions.” The Kimberley has a long history of mining, dating back to when gold was first discovered in Halls Creek in the late 1800s. Indeed, gold is still being mined in the region, with Pantoro operating two underground mines near Halls Creek. Carruthers said another established mineral being extracted in the Kimberley was iron ore. Mt Gibson Iron’s flagship project is located on Koolan Island in the Buccaneer Archipelago, 140km north of Derby. The former BHP mine boasts Australia’s highest grade hematite ore reserves, averaging more than 65 per cent Fe. “More recently, the Kimberley has emerged as a producer of rare earths such as dysprosium, lutetium and terbium, which are important ingredients in the manufacture of modern electronics, medical imaging, permanent magnet motors used in wind turbines and hybrid and electrical vehicles,” Carruthers said. “Northern Minerals Limited’s Browns Range project located 170km south east of Halls Creek is a globally significant dysprosium deposit and a pilot plant project producing rare earth carbonate at the site is ongoing. Hastings Technology Metals is also looking to develop a rare earth deposit at the Brockman Project, south-east of Halls Creek. “Another developing project in the region is Sheffield Resources’ Thunderbird Mineral Sands project, where preliminary groundworks, initial mine-site construction and a trial mining program have been completed. The company anticipates further

developing the project during 2022 and the mineral sands deposit is considered to be one of the highest-grade globally. “From an energy perspective, Shell’s Prelude Floating LNG project and INPEX’s Ichthys project both lie off the Kimberley coast and contribute substantially to the region. Other energy projects in the region include Theia Energy’s Great Sandy Desert Project.” CME’s recently-released economic fact sheet data shows the direct contribution of 56 member companies to the Kimberley region in 2020–21 amounted to $177.17 million, including more than $55 million in wages and salaries paid to 391 full-time workers who live locally. Those member companies spent an additional $121.68 million supporting 182 Kimberley businesses, 38 community organisations and three local governments. Carruthers said the resources industry played an important role in

giving back to the local communities. “Mining and resources has always been a strong contributor to Kimberley communities, particularly in relation to education and training initiatives that help provide employment opportunities,” Carruthers said. “Both INPEX and Shell operate graduation and vacation programs, while Northern Minerals’ trainingto-work program at its Browns Range project is aimed at delivering training programs that will equip local participants with skills to open up career opportunities – in mining and beyond. “Mt Gibson Iron, meanwhile, has been a strong supporter of Aboriginal education in the Kimberley in partnership with the Clontarf Foundation and the Shooting Stars and SHINE programs. “Pantoro has supported the Halls Creek community through the provision of equipment and resources to the Indigenous-owned and operated THE ARGYLE ORE BODY WAS DISCOVERED IN 1979.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

Lamboo Station, sponsorship of the Indigenous Art Award at the Halls Creek Remote Community School and contributions to community projects like the regional Christmas presents drive.” Carruthers said a number of mining and resources operations also support and work with the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help build local small business capacity and increase local procurement. The community support activities of CME member companies have only increased across the state since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include INPEX’s partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which has helped provide a helicopter for use in the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the Kimberley – a particularly important feature during wet seasons when communities involved cannot be reached by road or plane. Carruthers said from an infrastructure perspective, the Kimberley Marine Support Base project was a proposed $110 million facility that would service a range of sectors, including mining, oil and gas, agriculture and the cargo industry. “The project comprises a floating marine offloading facility, along with associated onshore terminal facilities, which would provide for 24 – 7 operations, regardless of tide depth,” he said. “If the project proceeds, it would provide a streamlined and costeffective logistics solutions for the region.” The future of the region’s mining and resources sector looks strong and well set up to be a significant contributor to the national economy. “Along with other regions in Western Australia, it is likely that we will begin to see significant development and growth of critical minerals and rare earth projects in the Kimberley,” Carruthers said. “Northern Mineral’s pilot plant is operational and producing, which will allow assessment of a larger full-scale commercial development. “It’s also expected that the Kimberley’s suitability will continue to be assessed for the production of renewable hydrogen and other future energy projects. “It’s envisioned that more traditional commodities, like gold and iron ore, will continue to have important roles to play in the region. “We expect exploration in the Kimberly to continue to be strongly driven by developing demand for a range of commodities, including rare earths, mineral sands, lithium, copper and nickel.” AM

HARD ROCK MINING

KOMATSU’S WX04 LOAD HAUL DUMP IS DESIGNED FOR NARROW VEIN APPLICATIONS.

FACING THE HARD CHALLENGES HEAD-ON

s Australia’s miners seek operational efficiency in response to expected increases in international demand for precious minerals, Komatsu has been there. Komatsu Australia’s launch of a suite of four underground loaders and the infrastructure to support them comes after several years of research and occurs during its centenary year of service to the mining and construction industries. While gold remains Australia’s primary hard rock resource, world automakers also are seeking reliable access to sophisticated metals for their move towards electric vehicles, and Australia is at the forefront of supply. This marks is the first time Komatsu Australia has entered the hard rock market with a concerted hard rock mining solution, the most dedicated program of its type in the local sector. Komatsu has made the move with the unique challenges of the Australian hard rock mining sector at the forefront of the company’s strategy.

KOMATSU HAS MADE A MAJOR COMMITMENT TO AUSTRALIA’S HARD ROCK MINING INDUSTRY WITH THE SECTOR’S UNIQUE CHALLENGES FIRMLY IN MIND. Two high-technology hybrid drive underground loaders, uniquely equipped with durable independent electric motors in each wheel, headline a substantial investment by Komatsu to provide a complete service solution to miners and contractors. “Providing hard rock miners with reliable underground loaders is part of a broader understanding of the need to assist their overall productivity in the face of global competition,” Komatsu Australia product manager mining Joshua Foale said. More than 70 established Australian hard rock mines are likely to be joined by others as demand grows, increasing the need to achieve cost efficiencies as competitive pressures mount. Komatsu will enter hard rock mining with two large-capacity technologyleading hybrid-electric loaders and two conventionally-powered smaller machines designed for narrow vein operation. The hybrid Komatsu WX22H and WX18H load haul dump (LHD) loaders each claim the lowest total operating costs in their class. AUSTRALIANMINING

KOMATSU’S ANALYSIS SHOWS THE CONVENTIONALLY POWERED KOMATSU WX07 SEVENTONNE LOADER IS 14 PER CENT MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN ANY OTHER MACHINE IN ITS CATEGORY. THE WX04 FOUR-TONNE VERSION OFFERS 20 PER CENT MORE BREAKOUT FORCE.” Komatsu’s analysis shows the conventionally powered Komatsu WX07 seven-tonne loader is 14 per cent more productive than any other machine in its category. The WX04 four-tonne version offers 20 per cent more breakout force in its class, based on published information.

MAY 2022

Hybrid loaders

Komatsu’s WX22H and smaller WX18H achieve up to 20 per cent increase in tonnes moved compared to conventionally powered loaders, with up to 20 per cent decrease in fuel costs, based on operating trials. An independent life cycle analysis identified a 30 per cent reduction in operating costs. Improved work cycle performance is achieved by use of high-efficiency electric traction motors in each wheel, making conventional mechanical power drive largely redundant, resulting in substantial reductions in operating costs. The Kinetic Energy Storage System (KESS) is at the heart of the switched reluctance hybrid drive, which captures and reuses braking energy from each of the four wheels. The heat energy generated when the machine stops abruptly at the dig face is captured by the bi-directional KESS loop instead of being lost to the atmosphere. KESS stores and releases three megajoules of energy, supplementing power from the conventional diesel engine for greater acceleration

HARD ROCK MINING

KOMATSU MOVED INTO AUSTRALIAN HARD ROCK MINING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE SECTOR IN MIND.

to maximise cycle performance. A smart traction system provides smoother acceleration and results in less tyre wear and component degradation. It generates less inertia at each stop, significantly reducing potential damage to the drive train. Fewer underground emissions, lower heat rejection and greater operator

comfort are all intended benefits of the hybrid system. Komatsu’s 22 tonne WX22H produces 320kW (429hp), while the smaller WX18H produces 280kw (375hp). Both engines are rated to the strictest Euro V requirements for emission control, and both utilise the

same KESS, capable of delivering 410kW (550hp), effectively doubling power delivery on demand.

Seven-tonne and four-tonne narrow vein hard rock loaders

Komatsu has designed these machines with maximum productivity in mind.

The WX07 is the forerunner of a new breed of LHD loaders utilising improved chassis, power train and operator cabin environment. Large-capacity fuel tanks – 243 litres in the WX07 – allow longer operational cycles between refuelling. Cabin access, visibility and ergonomics have been optimised and critical service points have been placed at ground level to minimise the need for technicians to climb or use ladders to reach key areas. A new, more efficient bucket design enables greater penetration into a load pile for fast bucket-filling. The Komatsu WX04 delivers 97kW (130hp) and the WX07 delivers 160kW (215hp).

Rock solid construction

Komatsu’s range of hard rock mining machines goes a long way in establishing new standards of strength and durability. “In developing our machines, we have been specific in providing protection for critical structural components, linkages and joints,” Foale said. “Reliability has been a paramount consideration in the design of long-life moving parts. “In the case of our hybrid drive machines, there are no commutators, brushes or rotor windings to replace, and our wiring systems are double insulated. AM

THE WX18H LOAD HAUL DUMP IS A LEADING CHOICE FOR MINES LOOKING TO UNLOCK HYBRID TECHNOLOGY POTENTIAL.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

MINERAL PROCESSING

ASTEC QUATERNARY CRUSHER DELIVERS FOR QUEENSLAND COPPER MINE AROUND THE WORLD, COPPER PRICES HAVE SURGED AS ECONOMIES REBOUND FROM THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC. ONE COPPER MINER IN NORTH-WEST QUEENSLAND IS SET TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR THIS PRECIOUS COMMODITY.

opper Resources Australia (CRA) has undertaken a major redesign of the crushing plant at its Rocklands copper mine 20km west of Cloncurry in Queensland. According to CRA concentrator manager Chris Davidson, the underperforming plant required a significant upgrade in the form of increased crushing power. “The previous set-up was a threestage crushing circuit delivering a product size outside the parameters of the primary ball mill,” Davidson said. “So we needed a crusher that would optimise the mill’s throughput.” Astec’s Kodiak 350+ Cone Crusher was the answer. “We expanded the operation to a four-stage circuit and introduced the K350+,” Davidson said. “Now we’re achieving a final product size of P80 10mm, which is the optimal feed size for the mill. And that improved efficiency has resulted in greater overall production capacity.” According to Shaun Quinn, Astec Australia senior account manager – materials solutions, the compact size of the Kodiak 350+ belies its production capabilities. “Kodiak crushers are the heaviest in their class, applying greater pounds per horsepower into the crushing function,” Quinn told Australian Mining. “This is a 350-horsepower machine with the same amount of clamping force as the 400-horsepower machine, but in the compact footprint of the smaller K300.

“The Kodiak 350+ is an ideal replacement for older cone crushers in brownfield operations, and the control system can be operated either as a standalone system or integrated into programmable logic controllers in new applications.” Astec has installed more than 60 Kodiak cone crushers throughout Australia in applications ranging from hard rock crushing to recycling. At CRA’s Rocklands copper mine, the Kodiak 350+ is proving its worth. “Not only has it delivered the heavyduty crushing power we were looking for,” Davidson said. “The K350+ has been a very cost-effective addition to our operation. “If you consider the competitive upfront cost, and the additional benefits of significantly increased output and enhanced reliability, we’re more than happy with our investment in the Kodiak 350+.” Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS) distributes Astec’s Kodiak cone crushers to the mining sector Australiawide and to all sectors in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia. Managing director of MPS, Shane Czerkasow, said reliability was one key factor that set Astec equipment apart from its competitors. “The Kodiak 350+ cone crusher is fit-for-purpose. It’s been designed and built for use in the rugged Australian mining environment,” Czerkasow said. “That’s the Kodiak’s competitive advantage. “In the case of the 350+, decades of experience and innovative design have combined to produce a highly-reliable,

THE KODIAK 350+ HAS BECOME INTEGRAL TO THE CRUSHING CIRCUIT AT ROCKLANDS COPPER MINE.

low-maintenance, operator-friendly crushing unit.” The Kodiak incorporates a unique roller bearing design that Astec said increased energy efficiency and reduced operating costs by up to 50 percent. In addition, the crusher is equipped with the Kodiak control system (KCS), which allows for continuous monitoring and on-the-fly adjustments.

But according to Davidson, performance and reliability is only part of the picture. “We’ve found Astec to be very easy to deal with,” he said. “They’re professional and responsive and their aftermarket support has been excellent. Overall it’s been a very good experience for us, and with the Astec Kodiak 350+ the results speak for themselves.” AM

ROCKLANDS COPPER MINE HAS BEEN REINVIGORATED BY COPPER RESOURCES AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

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HARD ROCK MINING

ELPHINSTONE WR820 MAXIMISES PRODUCTIVITY ELPHINSTONE, THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NAME IN AUSTRALIAN-PRODUCED UNDERGROUND MINING EQUIPMENT, HAS DEVELOPED A RANGE OF HEAVY-DUTY HARD ROCK SUPPORT VEHICLES THAT CONTINUE THE WELL-KNOWN LEGACY OF THE COMPANY’S 45 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

ased in Burnie, Tasmania, Elphinstone is an industryleader in the design, manufacture and support of quality equipment for the global underground, and surface mining industries. The company specialises in underground support vehicles comprising graders, water cannons, water tanks, agitators, scissor lifts, delivery, and fuel and lube trucks, with more variants planned for future development. The WR820 range of underground specialised support vehicles includes a 10m³ and 8m³ agitator, and a 16,000-litre water tank fitted with rear and side water sprays for dust suppression. Headlining the range is the Elphinstone WR820 Agitator 10m³, specialising in the bulk transport of concrete to backfill voids, continuous pours and construction. The agitator bowl has a guaranteed maximum capacity of 10m³, mixing wet or dry products with variable speed control. The robust, heavy-duty design of the WR820 utilises high-tensile steel to reinforce the frame in high stress areas. The frame includes belly guard access and front suspension A-frame, with Caterpillar nitrogen-charged suspension cylinders, providing controlled axle oscillation and vertical dampening. Elphinstone Australasia regional sales and support manager Tim Waller told Australian Mining the WR820 platform shares its design origin with the Cat AD22 underground haul truck which features the Cat C11 engine and powertrain. The engine and associated powertrain provide haulage speeds on grade equivalent to production equipment, resulting in increased productivity across the mining fleet. “Ensuring haulage trucks are not held up by support equipment travelling in the mine is paramount to the productivity of the mine and safety of the operator,” Waller said. The C11 engine is also found in

THE WR820 AGITATOR 10M3 POPULATION CONTINUES TO EXPAND THROUGHOUT AUSTRALASIA.

several other Caterpillar products and applications. Component commonality shared across many applications, provides the highest level of reliability and durability, as well as superior parts availability and product support worldwide through the Caterpillar Dealer Network. “This allowed us to design and manufacture a range of larger underground support machines such as the WR820 10m³ Agitator, WR820 8m³ Agitator, WR820 Water Cannon and WR820 Water Tank,” Waller said. Safety is one of the most important aspects of any piece of mining equipment, and the WR820 is engineered according to Australian and International Standards to ensure that it complies with all relevant safety requirements. One of the most important safety features of the WR820 is the braking system. The WR820 is fitted with heavyduty service brakes and an integrated automatic engine retarder and exhaust braking system which provides confidence to the operator when hauling downhill into the mine. Other safety features include fuel water separators made of nonflammable material, firewalls and heatshields, machine interlocks,

AUSTRALIANMINING

centralised isolation points, and an optional integrated fire suppression system. Handrails and steps are designed in accordance with safety regulations, and all handrails are painted green and positioned for three-point access to the cab and other areas of the machine. Also integrated into the WR820 is a standard ROPS/FOPS (roll-over protective structure/falling object protective structure) in both open cab and the optional enclosed cab configuration. “All machines are comprehensively tested at the Elphinstone test facility to ensure the machine is fully operational and all safety systems are functioning as designed,” Waller said. Onboard machine diagnostics allow operators or technicians the ability to rapid fault-find, increasing the availability and productivity of the machine. Operator comfort and ergonomics are also important to the productivity of the machine. To be able to operate at higher speeds the operator needs to feel safe, secure and comfortable. “Combined with the front suspension and optional air-ride seat, the ergonomic, user-friendly intuitive controls, and excellent visibility provide unrivalled comfort for the operator,” Waller said.

MAY 2022

Domestically, the WR820 Agitator 10m³ is a proven performer with greater than 15 machines operating on sites throughout Australasia. Large mines and high-production requirements mean miners are seeking high-productivity solutions where a single machine can replace multiple machines in the same application. This reduces mine congestion, operating costs, and environmental impact. With the world’s biggest mining companies pledging to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, Elphinstone’s is seeing a growing trend towards battery electric vehicles (BEV). Elphinstone sees a big future for battery-powered underground machines, but says the race is on to develop a sustainable BEV solution as technology develops at a rapid pace. “Elphinstone are currently on the battery-electric vehicle journey, after receiving a Federal Government grant to develop BEV solutions on our current machine platforms,” Waller said. Elphinstone has formed an experienced and capable BEV development team and foresees the design and testing of an Elphinstone BEV mining support vehicle prototype in early 2024. AM

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HARD ROCK MINING

AND POOF, THE ROCK’S GONE NOBODY DOES ON-SITE CRUSHING LIKE ROCKS GONE, WITH THE RELEASE OF ITS DURABLE, ECONOMICAL AND INCREDIBLY SAFE CRUSHING SOLUTION, DYNAMIC FORCE CRUSHER 9. DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, THIS CRUSHING SOLUTION WILL TAKE THE MINING INDUSTRY BY THE HORNS.

ocks Gone is a family-owned and run Western Australian business providing unique on-site crushing solutions to the mining and civil industry. When Rocks Gone founder Tim Pannell was looking for an economical solution to improve the production potential of sedimentary rock such as ironstone, gravel ridges and limestone, he imported a rotary rock crusher and set up a contracting business. The machine proved ineffective in the harsh WA conditions and, as a result, Pannell began designing and developing a machine that would perform under such extreme conditions and match his expectations around functionality and durability. This concept has gone through many iterations and patent listings, developing into the Dynamic Force Crusher 9 (DFC9). “The Dynamic Force Crusher 9 has been manufactured to a standard that means it can work 24–7, it’s able to go all year without a major service,” Pannell told Australian Mining. “The whole machine has been developed with economics front of mind. It had to be effective in civil and mining. Everything else that could do the job was not even on the same

THE 32-TONNE MACHINE ACTS MUCH LIKE A GIANT CHEESE GRATER.

economic scale; it was just way too expensive to maintain and operate. “The DFC9 can do much bigger volumes, much cheaper, much quicker. “Time is money, and the actual cost of production is very low as well.” The DFC9 is a hydraulic tyne machine designed to crush, rip, mix and level sheetrock that’s either exposed or submerged where rock strengths of up to 80Mpa are likely to be encountered. This process leaves the ground level and is immediately trafficable with two passes.

The 32-tonne machine essentially acts much like a giant cheese grater, peeling away rock one layer at a time up to a depth of 600 millimetres. Adopting the DFC9 into road construction reduces the need to cart in additional crushed material or remove waste rock generally associated with traditional dozer ripping methods. Designed to be as robust and straightforward as possible to minimise downtime and consumable costs, the more robust ground-engaging tools mean the machine can crush most rock

THE DYNAMIC FORCE CRUSHER 9 HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED SO IT CAN WORK 24–7.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

types with minor damage to wear parts. “It doesn’t take much to save millions [of dollars] straight up because the cost of getting the rock from a borrow pit, processing it, then carting it to the road is expensive,” Pannell said. “Whereas this is processing the rock in-situ, meaning the carbon footprint of the entire project is substantially reduced. “The last project we did on a haul road equated to a 35 per cent reduction in the material the client had to haul from borrow pits, resulting in significant time saved. “The DFC9 then used this spare time to process exhausted borrow pits, creating thousands of cubic metres of readily usable base material.” Not only does the DFC9 prove to be economically unmatched, but it is also incredibly safe, having met all necessary safety regulations and international fabrication standards, with a team of safety consultants and quality specialists overlooking the entire build. “We brought them in not to design the machine, but to check on us the whole time,” Pannell said. “We have several layers of redundancy in our safety and we are very confident that each layer has resulted in a superior quality machine.” Rocks Gone marries its constant research and development with its durability, simplicity, and costeffectiveness design philosophy. The result is the revolutionary, reliable and economic Dynamic Force Crusher 9. AM

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HARD ROCK MINING

DRILLING INTO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET FIRMLY POSITIONED AS A GLOBAL FORCE IN THE OEM INDUSTRY, EXPLORATION DRILL MASTERS IS NOW DIGGING DEEP INTO THE LOCAL MARKET. ONE OF THE COMPANY’S MAIN STRENGTHS IS ENGINEERING CUSTOM PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS.

xploration Drill Masters (EDM) is a well-established original equipment manufacturer (OEM) providing the mineral exploration industry with a large range of products such as drilling rigs, rod handling solutions and other associated equipment. Established in 2008, EDM is located in Santiago, Chile, a central part the country’s thriving mining industry, which is one of the largest copper and lithium producers in the world. Santiago is a highly industrialised city in Latin America’s most economically stable region and, as such, EDM has access to extensive resources, materials, and skilled personnel. Its position near major international ports means the company can utilise multiple shipping lines running vessels all over the world. EDM general manager Nigel Smith told Australian Mining that one of the company’s main strengths was the ability to engineer custom products and solutions for its clients. “We have a large in-house engineering department and have become well known for being a highly innovative company that has been ahead of the curve with the development of ground-breaking solutions that greatly reduce or eliminate manual handling in the drilling process, as well as providing clients with custom rigs for special projects,” he said. “As such, we have gained a reputation for being one of the

most flexible and creative drill rig manufacturers in the industry.” EDM has a wide range of standard top drive drill rigs for exploration, from 13,500kg to 43,000kg pullback capacity and with total flexibility to meet the clients’ requirements in terms of the configuration required. The standard range consists of multipurpose, dedicated diamond and dedicated reverse circulation (RC) rigs, all of which can be skid-, track-, or truck-purpose-mounted and come with a vast array of options depending on the clients’ requirements. “Our newly released EDM MK-2 Rod Feeder has been supplied into Australia with great success and continues to gain traction quickly,” Smith said. “Australia is well known to have some of the highest safety standards in the drilling industry and the MK-2 Rod Feeder is an attractive prospect for contractors who are looking to upgrade their fleets to hands-free drilling capabilities as quickly as possible. “We have worked in collaboration with a local drilling contractor in developing the MK-2 Rod Feeder and that has ensured that it is appropriate for Australian industry requirements.” The Australian contractor carried out extensive field trials, allowing EDM to hone its design and ensure the unit offered drilling contractors exceptional performance in terms of productivity and longevity. This is a crucial development for drilling safety, with EDM being the only independent system on the AUSTRALIANMINING

market that can work with any topdrive rig and selected chuck drive rigs. More than 40 units have been ordered since its launch in 2021. It’s a “plug and play” safety upgrade with little or no modification required to existing drill rigs, allowing contractors to upgrade their operations to the highest levels of safety without needing to buy new machines. “Drilling safety has always been central to everything we do at EDM. It has been our main focus from day one, whether it’s with new industry developments or creating retrofit safety solutions for existing equipment,” Smith said. “Every drilling contractor wants maximum metres drilled while keeping their crews as safe as possible and this is something that we have been able to achieve through our close collaborations with clients.” EDM has also worked hard to develop its engineering resources and to design flexibility into its production model. The company’s dynamic engineering department understands that each project, location, and client is different and requires customised

equipment to maximise performance on their specific projects. “This level of flexibility also means we can deal more easily with industry changes and evolving supply chain issues and react quickly to changing market trends and stay ahead of the curve,” Smith said. “These elements really set us apart from other rig manufacturers.” EDM is currently in the development stage of creating a new mid-range top-drive diamond rig to add to its product range. The rig will be an economically viable option for all contractors, small and large, allowing them to add multiple rigs to their fleet without compromising safety and productivity. The company is also evaluating options to manufacture equipment in Australia to further enhance its offering and increase support to its growing client base. “The last few years have been challenging, but EDM is on a strong trajectory of growth and we are very excited about the opportunities that are arising in 2022 and beyond,” Smith concluded. AM EDM PROVIDES THE MINERAL EXPLORATION INDUSTRY WITH A LARGE RANGE OF PRODUCTS.

MAY 2022

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HARD ROCK MINING

BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR HARD ROCK MINING EQUIPMENT EPIROC HAS LAUNCHED THE MULTI-TASK FACE DRILL RIG BOOMER M20, THE WORLD’S FIRST HOSELESS BOOM DESIGN WITH PROTECTED HYDRAULICS ELECTRONICS AND SENSORS.

lobal original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Epiroc has a long history of focusing on innovation that strengthens safety, energy efficiency, ergonomics and productivity while lowering customers’ total cost of ownership. Epiroc Underground Division global manager of branding and communication Ann-Sofie Andersson said the company produced its first rock drill in 1905. “In 1936, we introduced the socalled Swedish Method, meaning that lighter and mobile equipment was used,” Andersson said. “This meant that drilling could be conducted by one person with one machine compared to the previous method that required more labour. This ground-breaking method revolutionised the drilling industry and laid the foundation for our international activity.” Epiroc’s history began in 1873 when the company – then called Atlas – was founded in Stockholm, Sweden. Epiroc and Atlas Copco share their history until June 18, 2018, when Epiroc was distributed to Atlas Copco’s shareholders and became a stand-alone listed company. “Epiroc’s products and customer solutions are rarely the most inexpensive upfront when compared to some other manufacturers, but we strongly believe that Epiroc’s best-inclass equipment and services provide the most long-term value for our customers,” Andersson said. “Sustainability is very important for our mining customers, and our focus reflects that. “We like to say that our innovation agenda goes hand-in-hand with our customers’ sustainability agenda.” With its years of experience in the hard rock mining sector, the company recently launched the multi-task face drill rig Boomer M20, the world’s first hoseless boom design with protected hydraulics electronics and sensors. Specifically designed to minimise unplanned maintenance while maximising uptime and performance, the Boomer M20 is developed to meet

THE BOOMER M20 HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO MEET HARSH CONDITIONS.

harsh conditions and holds advanced technology and productivityenhancing functions – and is also available in a battery-electric version. The main benefits prioritised by the Boomer M20 are excellent precision and productivity, reduced maintenance costs and increased predictability, as well as improved safety and operator working conditions. Andersson said safety, productivity, energy efficiency and ergonomics are always factors Epiroc prioritisese when developing new machines. “When we develop new solutions, we do it in close collaboration with our customers, we listen to their needs and challenges to ensure we develop innovative solutions that support in exceeding their targets and overcoming their challenges,” she said. “Our role is to ensure that our customers can work in the safest, most sustainable and efficient way possible. Our innovations are needed if the global community is going to succeed with its ambition to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while also providing for a growing population.” Andersson said another great example of how Epiroc innovates with safety as its highest priority was the introduction of the Boltec M10 and E10 rock bolt rigs.

AUSTRALIANMINING

“They really are a true investment in safety for everyone in the mine,” Andersson said. “They come in two versions, M10 and E10, and are designed to give increased productivity and bolt installation quality thanks to intelligent options and compatibility with different bolt types. “Thanks to a new operator control panel, reduced noise levels and better visibility, operator ergonomics are also improved. And it comes of course with an optional battery-electric driveline.” Andersson said Australian miners were very experienced and on the forefront when it comes to technological solutions. “We position ourselves as a leader in Australia by providing top modern equipment and solutions; for example, within the areas of automation, digitalisation and electrification,” she said. “Epiroc’s acquisition in 2021 of Australian company Kinetic Logging Services, which provides miners with advanced geophysical logging services, is one example of how we are supporting our local Australian customers.” Epiroc has a leading offering within battery-electric vehicles, with a large global presence of units in the field. Andersson said the company aimed to offer a complete range of emissionsfree equipment by 2030.

MAY 2022

“Underground, we aim even higher; as soon as in 2025 we will offer all equipment with an emissions-free alternative,” she said. “However, electrification is not new to us. Most of our underground drilling rigs have been electrified by cable for many years and in 2016 we launched our first fully batterypowered machines. “Our broad offering covers not only capital equipment but also, for example, Batteries as a Service, conversions of existing diesel fleet to battery-electric, charging solutions and electrical infrastructure.” Andersson said the result of battery-electric vehicles was a safer and healthier underground working environment. This contributes to a sustainable future and a smaller environmental footprint. The company also has a marketleading position in automation and autonomous operations for drilling, loading and hauling. “We have an OEM-agnostic approach, which means that our automation solutions work on all types of machines, including those not produced by Epiroc,” Andersson said “With our mixed fleet autonomous solutions, customers can also make integrations with other manufacturers’ vehicles, and we have proven installations around the world.” AM

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DIVERSITY IN MINING

MINING COMPANIES UNDERSTAND THE VALUE IN MANAGING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE.

DIVERSIFYING THE INDUSTRY HAVING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE IS MORE THAN JUST TICKING A BOX. MANAGING A DIVERSE WORKPLACE IS CRUCIAL TO ENSURING WORKERS FEEL VALUED, APPRECIATED, REPRESENTED AND INCLUDED.

traditionally maledominated industry, mining is often difficult to enter for minority groups. While many mining companies now have procedures in place to attract women and Indigenous Australians, for example, to the industry, a key issue lies in how the workers are then managed. Mining companies understand the value and need to manage a diverse workforce. This is becoming increasingly critical for the workforce strategies like talent attraction and retention, and career development. Mining operations where the workforce better reflects the community in which it operates, have increased mine productivity.

However, understanding the richness of diversity in diverse workforces is mostly limited. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that organisations in the top quartile for gender or racial and ethnic diversity are more likely to have financial returns above their national industry median. Companies in the bottom quartile are statistically less likely to achieve above-average returns. Libby Mettam is Deputy Leader of the WA Liberal Party; Shadow Minister for Health; Mental Health; Disability Services; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, and is also the chair of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee. The committee is conducting an inquiry into sexual harassment AUSTRALIANMINING

against women in the fly-in, fly-out mining industry that was initiated by Mettam after the release of several concerning firsthand reports. “I had read in a state newspaper about women who had experienced a range of distressing and also very tragic situations, and our thought was to initiate the inquiry to put a spotlight on this issue, but also to make some clear findings and potentially some important recommendations to government,” Mettam told Australian Mining. “It is a challenging area because we are looking at really affecting a level of cultural change in a maledominated industry. But this inquiry was looking at really putting a spotlight on an issue which, quite frankly, we shouldn’t be looking at in the year 2022.

MAY 2022

“It’s also worth pointing out that it follows a former inquiry into workplace sexual harassment from the Australian Human Rights Commission that found female mine workers were more than twice as likely to be sexually harassed as their male counterparts and that 40 per cent of those in the mineral industry workforce had experienced some form of harassment in the past five years. “We were looking at levels of harassment and we had also heard more serious issues of assault and rape as well.” A lot of women in the industry believe they were hired to fulfil a quota for the company and didn’t feel the level of respect from coworkers that their male colleagues received.

DIVERSITY IN MINING

“While these efforts to encourage women to be well represented are vitally important, it’s also vitally important that there is that education within the workforce that ensures women are supported in exactly the way they should be,” Mettam said. Heather Jones, chief executive officer of the Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls, told Australian Mining that key performance indicators (KPIs) and quotas mean little without training. “There has to be training so that we can deliver the best we can, because if we’re putting females in an industry where they’re not trained and they can’t do the job properly, we’re creating a much more dangerous situation too,” she said. “I know of women who’ve left the mining industry after being in there for over 20 years because new people coming in are only being given a job because of KPIs, not because of their capability. “I think if we are going to have a diverse workplace that is safe and acceptable for everybody, we need to be putting a lot more emphasis into training and training properly.” Not only is gender diversity in mining hugely important, but so is cultural, racial and religious diversity. The mining industry has long worked with Aboriginal people in its operations, with Indigenous Australians often helping in major exploration discoveries. National Native Title Council chair Kado Muir told Australian Mining that Aboriginal people have been mining in Australia for thousands and thousands of years. “The big shift to taking that another step further was the discovery of the Goanna patch by some of the elders, which was possibly the last eluvial gold find in the (WA) Goldfields,” Muir said. “That was a discovery by some of the old Aboriginal elders who even pegged, developed the mine and sold it to Western Mining in about 1950 or thereabouts. The difference, though, is that with the advent of technology the Aboriginal people in this region progressively became excluded from the big mining operations. “The inbuilt bias that corporations brought into it – largely being owned by white settlers or white Australians, and usually by people outside of the regions in which we live – resulted in a lot of Aboriginal people being excluded from the gold-mining activities, which since the initial days of contact was part of the way of life for a lot of Aboriginal people in this region.”

Recent years have seen been a bigger push for a more representative workplace, with an increasing number of initiatives to onboard more Indigenous Australians to the resources sector. Muir said that corporations should set up the values and the principles to which they ascribe and actually enforce them to break the bias. “Looking at the experience of some young Aboriginal people on mine sites, just the daily interaction is couched with these biases and it’s critical that management enforces the values and basically re-educates people that are hardwired culturally, but also within the workplace,” he said. “I think the two parts are critical, as it’s not always just the workplace, but it’s also the inbuilt cultural bias that people bring into the situation.” Less discussed in the industry is religious diversity. At a societal level there is widespread religious bias, and this is no different in the mines themselves. Australian Federation of Islamic Councils chief executive officer Keysar Trad told Australian Mining that while there are Muslim engineers who work in the mines, there are things that can be

implemented to make it a more attractive career path for practising Muslims. “There needs to be access to certain things, such as plenty of water for ablution and private space for praying,” Trad said. “And, depending on the number of Muslims who were there, once we have three or over we can hold the Friday service, and you only need about 20 minutes for that. “So apart from this, there’s regular issues that might arise in any workplace, such as bullying and harassment and racial or religious abuse. But these are not specific to any industry. They can be found anywhere. “What the mine operators must ensure is that they have adequate policies to address workplace bullying and harassment and racial abuse.” Mining conditions are also very harsh, which proves to be a challenge for Muslim workers during Ramadan. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars

IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A BIGGER PUSH FOR A MORE REPRESENTATIVE WORKPLACE.

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MAY 2022

of Islam and lasts 29–30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating. “You still have your meal if you’re working on night shift. You just need to make arrangements with your foreman to take those 20 minutes or so to have your meal at the stipulated times,” Trad said. Having diverse staff is also beneficial when it comes to organising shift work and public holidays that celebrate Christian events. “What you’ll find is that if a Muslim worker is told, ‘look, I’m going to give you that day off but I’m going to need you at Christmas, you’re going to be shifted to work on Christmas Day’, they will be quite happy to do that,” Trad said. Diverse workplaces foster greater ideas, talent and productivity, not only is it more morally beneficial for mining companies to adopt a more representative workforce, but it is proven to help mines become more efficient, safer places to work. AM

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

THE ARABIAN SHIELD: MINING’S NEW HUB AUSTMINE’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHRIS GIBBS STEWART SHARES HER INSIGHTS FROM THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM. THE CONFERENCE HAD REPRESENTATIVES FROM 31 COUNTRIES, CONNECTING KEY PLAYERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS ACROSS THE MINING VALUE CHAIN TO START A TRULY GLOBAL CONVERSATION ABOUT THE REGION’S MINING POTENTIAL.

n January I visited Riyadh to attend the Future Minerals Forum as a guest speaker of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals Resources, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To say I was surprised by what I found is an understatement. My preconceived notion of the Kingdom was incorrect, and what I discovered was a modern, energised country, with a sense of purpose, fantastic young people, and a bold vision for the future.

The Kingdom knows that its future does not lie in its oil reserves, and it has put together a vision for 2030 which focuses on technology, sustainability and its people. The Kingdom is already investing heavily in its vision and has established the largest green hydrogen project in the world. It is also transforming its tourism sector and is bolstering its critical infrastructure, including a major focus on water. Mining is seen as a key component

of this economic transformation with an estimated $1.3 trillion in untapped mining potential including such commodities as gold, copper, zinc, and iron ore. With the mineral potential of the Arabian-Nubian Shield which extends into Africa and the rich mineral deposits of Central Asia to the north, the Kingdom is positioning itself as the hub of mining of this rich region. The Future Minerals Forum provided a platform to explore the

SPEAKERS AT THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM WITH AUSTMINE’S CHRIS GIBBS STEWART (FAR RIGHT).

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potential of the Kingdom and the wider region. The two-day conference had representatives from 31 countries for high-level talks on the future of the mining industry and it was agreed that deeper collaboration on mining across the region was needed to unlock the industry’s full potential.

Mining ministerial

The Kingdom has an opportunity to position itself as a regional hub for mining, finance, and mineral

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

knowledge, and the conference provided a platform to discuss how the region might work together to attract investment and develop mining projects. Before the conference, there was a mining ministerial roundtable with 28 countries involved. The ministerial focused on sustainability issues surrounding the industry and the need for regional cooperation. The meeting also discussed what role metals and minerals could play in the global energy transition, as well as the role each nation in the region could play in developing sustainable and responsible mineral value chains. From all accounts, the ministerial discussion was highly productive, and it provided the foundation on which the forum was built. Developing and bringing mining to the region that will be beneficial to countries and communities requires regional cooperation as well as deeper collaboration. Those attending the ministerial committed to meet again, bringing the regional hub one step closer to fruition.

Talent attraction

How young is too young to attract our youth to a mining career? According to a panel organised on this topic, young people’s interest needs to be sparked early because

ATTENDEES PREPARE FOR THE EVENT IN SAUDI ARABIA.

once he or she reaches high school, it is too late. Families play an important role in where people choose to work, and better education in what a mining career looks like is required. Young people also do not want to be associated with an industry that is perceived as destroying the planet.

More stories about the positive impacts of mining, particularly on communities, are necessary to give young people a sense of purpose, including more of a focus on technology. Many don’t realise that mining is not just big pits and remote workers with plenty of people employed in urban centres. Examples

of big tech companies that work in mining need to be talked about, with the likes of Google, Amazon, and Microsoft being active players within the mining value chain. Finally, we are always preaching to the converted and we need to change tact and understand who the key influencers are and what the right

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

channels are to engage young people. This includes using non-traditional communication channels and people outside the industry. This will take an industry-wide effort that needs to be global in scope.

Women in mining

You would think in a country like Saudi Arabia that this topic might be off the table, but the Kingdom is driving for more participation of women in the workforce and has reached its initial targets in just a few years. And in this context, it was fantastic to have a frank discussion about mining with some amazing women from the Kingdom, Australia, Botswana, the US, and the UK – a truly international perspective. The panel touched on a range of issues from the value women bring to corporations, and what the hygiene and safety considerations are for women on site. Importantly, we were not speaking to an audience of women, but one of men who can truly influence the future of women in mining in the Kingdom.

Dr Dina Al Nahdi, a leading entrepreneur in the environmental space, led the panel discussion. She was the first woman to be on the Saudi Board of Industry, and she represents mining at a senior level. “Shaping the future of mining is defining and building a critical mass of women in the sector,” she said. “Currently, women are represented an estimated seven per cent to nine per cent of the global mining workforce, which on a global level is very low.” All countries need to do better in boosting female mining participation.

Other key messages

•T he international women in the mining community can support each other with mentorships and lessons learned. • Technology enables more female participation and can make mining a more attractive career for young people. • Bold leaders are needed to set the example of encouraging and appointing women to key positions, particularly at senior levels.

•M ake it easy for women to opt-in, reduce barriers, provide flexibility and support family needs. nconscious bias is holding women •U back, so keep this in check when considering promotions and hiring. Mashael Al-Omair, who was part of the panel, is the first female metallurgical engineer at Ma’aden and hopes to establish Women in Mining in Saudi Arabia. She is a young woman who is leading the way and gave a very honest account of her experience as a trailblazer. If Mashael represents even a fraction of the next generation of miners, there is no doubt the Kingdom will be a mining powerhouse in no time.

Could the region become the Silicon Valley of mining?

Where there is a will, there is always a way, and creating the foundations of a Silicon Valley is already part of the 2030 vision. The next steps are building a strong ecosystem that will enable start-ups, technology innovators,

entrepreneurs, and investors to come together. But with other mining powerhouse nations to compete with, the Kingdom needs to focus on its competitive advantages. Given mining is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world, the conversation naturally turned to how the Kingdom should position itself around energy and the sources of the future. This not only includes the green hydrogen projects, but investments in other types of renewables such as solar. With such a strong capital base, the Kingdom can lead the way in applying renewable energy to mining, as well as making it less energy-intensive. This opens up opportunities in mineral processing for the Kingdom, particularly given its strategic location. Building a mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector will also be key to a Silicon Valley positioning. The METS sector in the Kingdom is in its nascent stage and this needs to be fostered, along with international players, to allow for modern mining to flourish.

M V

What does it mean for our METS sector?

There is no doubt the first Future Minerals Forum connected the key players and business leaders across the mining value chain to start a truly global conversation about the region’s mining potential. With a focus on sustainable mining and the value of technology and innovation, the first-mover advantage for Australian METS will be a bonus. Ma’aden is looking for partners and has plans to modernise its mining practices. The Australian METS sector is already working in the Middle East and the wider region, giving even more opportunity to supply products and services, particularly in automation, digital and environmental solutions. The Kingdom is looking to engage globally and believes achieving its national objectives comes only by participation for all segments. With its commitments to achieving a sustainable economy, preserving the environment, and increasing community and business participation in mining, we are well placed to be part of the story. Please contact Austmine if you are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or the region so we can include you in any communications and activities to ensure our members can be the first to engage when the opportunities arise. Email Austmine at membership@austmine.com.au AM

THE FUTURE MINERALS FORUM PROVIDED A PLATFORM TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL OF THE KINGDOM AND THE WIDER REGION.

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MAY 2022

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TRANSPORTATION

FREIGHTLANCER OFFERS A SAFE AND RELIABLE RESOURCE FOR FINDING TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS.

MINING’S FREIGHT WUNDERKIND INSTILLING TRANSPARENCY, RELIABILITY AND SIMPLICITY INTO THE TRANSPORTS AND LOGISTICS INDUSTRY, FREIGHTLANCER TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF ORGANISING FREIGHT CONTRACTS AND PARTNERSHIPS.

he Australian mining industry, like so many other sectors, has been navigating supply chain disruptions for more than two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent extreme weather events have highlighted further hindrances to the sector. Major flood events in SA, QLD and NSW not only halted operations at some mines, they also restricted ground transport, with freight particularly affected.

The SA Government declared a major emergency in late January following flooding and storm damage to critical road and rail routes between Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. The Stuart Highway was flooded, meaning key mining areas such as Coober Pedy and OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill mine were cut off by road. A fractured supply chain means companies have had think outside the box to get stock from A to B, often stepping outside their comfort

zone to consider alternative transport providers. A combination of a marketplace and management system, Freightlancer offers a safe and reliable resource for transport solutions, especially in the mining industry. Transport is about trust, and companies using Freightlancer know the providers with whom they’re dealing. Transparency on trip history goes along with the fact shippers can provide reviews of transport providers with which they’re connected. FREIGHT IS CRITICAL TO THE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE MINING SUPPLY CHAIN.

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MAY 2022

“In the past, people have dealt with a range of different providers with urgent freight or pick-ups and there’s never really been accountability,” Drew Davis, Freightlancer’s general manager – sales and business development, told Australian Mining. “When things go wrong, a company might do a load for one carrier and it doesn’t go well and then use a different carrier the next time, but no one else in the industry knows things haven’t worked out or things haven’t been done safely. “The idea for our platform, with every carrier that’s on our system, is we provide a safe and reliable escrow payment system. So there’s no standoff between shippers and carriers when money’s released. “We’re streamlining that process so when people are booking freight they know who’s coming to collect their goods.” Freightlancer has become increasingly important in the current climate, which comes as the demand for alternative transport has swelled. “The current environment has created a number of unique challenges,” Davis said. “There’s more freight moving, there’s carrier shortages. As a result, there’s more businesses looking for alternatives to existing logistics processes and existing carriers. “In doing that, businesses might have long-standing relationships … to go outside those relationships, it’s hard to know where to start. “That’s where a system like ours helps; you know what’s competitive because it’s a marketplace.

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You know there’s safety, reliability and accountability. “Also, a lot of companies are moving freight to places they wouldn’t have in the past. And, once again, they’re forced to look for alternatives to their existing carriers. We’ve seen a significant increase in requests for new contracts, new partnerships, and new methods and ways to move freight.” Whether it’s the delivery of heavy equipment, chemicals or other materials, freight is critical to the productivity and efficiency of the mining supply chain. Many mining companies are large corporations with extended procurement processes. Any way to expedite approvals can save time and money. “There’s businesses that use Freightlancer for the one-off movements, but the more they use us they realise not only pricing but a lot of time-saving in that management process,” Davis said. “For example, rather than going out and getting three quotes that are mandatory for most mining companies, it’s all done and it’s all automated and it cuts down on the time to organise a movement.” It’s one thing to organise a move, but it’s another to refine it. And given mining freight can consist of many different components, configurations can be difficult to unify. Freightlancer

FREIGHTLANCER CAN EXPEDITE A MINING COMPANY’S FREIGHT PROCUREMENT PROCESS.

thrives in streamlining logistics. “Sometimes there’s not one carrier for a mining project that can move heavy equipment, as well as smaller goods, as well as organised cranes,” Davis said. “So we have a team of experienced logistics

coordinators to help with those projects. “Mining procurement managers don’t have to be involved in the whole process; they can come to Freightlancer and get that holistic service.” In a world that’s more turbulent and

unpredictable than ever, simplicity could be the most important business consideration of all. Freightlancer repairs inconsistencies and removes the stress that often comes from the transport and logistics industry. Seems like a logical choice. AM

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TECHNOLOGY

UNLOCKING EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE GROWTH IN MINING SALESFORCE CAN ASSIST MINING COMPANIES ACROSS FIVE CORE AREAS: VALUE PRICING, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, PARTNER/SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS, SAFETY AND EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE, AND DATA INTEGRATION AND ANALYTICS.

n 1999, a milestone customer relationship management (CRM) system was launched, that would see all of a customer’s software and critical data hosted on the internet and made available as a subscription service. Salesforce pioneered the “software as a service” model that quickly spread across the technology industry. From the start, Salesforce has sought to change the world for the better through technology that builds stronger relationships between companies and customers, employees and far-flung teams, governments and

citizens, and between people who want to make a difference. Salesforce recently conducted a webinar alongside Austmine, the leading not-for-profit industry association for the Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector. The webinar was focused on exploring and unlocking efficient and productive growth in mining at a rapid pace. The mining industry has been collecting and storing process data for a long time, and it is now focusing on leveraging that data to drive business insight.

SALESFORCE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND STRATEGIC ADVISOR IN THE OFFICE OF THE CEO CRAIG WALKER.

Digitalisation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is enabling mining companies to extract more

SALESFORCE WAS A FUNDAMENTAL TOOL IN TRANSFORMING DOWNSTREAM AND UPSTREAM BUSINESSES IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.

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MAY 2022

contextualised information across their business and operation, breaking down silos through the integration of systems and collaborations between business units and their teams. This approach, sometimes referred to as digital transformation, is empowering companies to take full advantage of powerful data analysis tools and techniques. Descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics are now common terms used by the industry and the application of these methods is delivering tangible value back to mining companies. Salesforce senior vice president and

TECHNOLOGY

SALESFORCE CAN ASSIST WITH AUTOMATION AT A LARGE SCALE FOR PROCESSING.

strategic advisor in the office of the chief executive officer, Craig Walker, said Salesforce was a fundamental tool to transform the downstream and upstream businesses. Walker joined Salesforce from Shell, where he had 32 years of oil and gas experience with key assignments in all regions in both the upstream and downstream of the business. As a global chief information officer (CIO) of one of Salesforce’s largest customers, he has a deep understanding of the challenges that face a modern CIO. At Shell, he was responsible for the Salesforce executive relationship. Walker has found considerable similarities between mining and the oil and gas industry. “It’s heavily driven by being as productive as you can and managing the production based on what is going on in the economic situation in the world,” he said. “So having your right trading department, having that information linked back through the supply chain, understanding what your production is, asset uptime, preventive maintenance, safety and environment are all incredibly important in this upstream mining world. “But, of course, we all know that however well we work on those we only need a shift in the commodity prices and we’re in trouble.” Salesforce was fundamental in transforming the downstream and upstream businesses during Walker’s time at Shell, . “It was quite a journey that we went on, and I think a lot of people when they first think about Salesforce think about customer because it’s called Salesforce,” he said.

“If you replace the word customer with employee, or with engineer with asset manager, supplier with thirdparty logistics company, whatever it might be, you can build that single view of that entity and then link the rest of the data with it. “One large project we did, which actually went live just after I left, was to deliver that single view of the customer; it was called Shell Sphere. We were talking about a scope of over 100 countries, $30 billion in spend, 30,000 suppliers and all of that data was siloed. “We wanted to really improve the performance by actually having proper data that we understood. This was about real data shared day-in, day-out between ourselves and third parties.” Miners have recognised that there is a tremendous opportunity to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety with data analysis if their teams can access it, understand it, and apply it to real-world situations. Salesforce Service Cloud account executive James Thompson said cloudbased platforms allow the company can enable real-time decisions across assets and increase exploration and geology analytics for development and maintenance for digital twin. “We can give you an end-to-end view of how your planning, design, construction and maintenance was digitally enabling maintenance operations and give you the real-time field force management,” he said. “Within the extraction process, our solutions can offer IoT-based platforms using sensors and image data for central monitoring and control, intelligent dispatching and digital drill and blast.

“We can assist with automation at a large scale for processing, giving you energy and performance optimisation, inventory optimisation, digital procurement and real-time logistics management can help improve your supply-chain logistics. “With support functions, Salesforce can fully automate the back office, giving you planning and pricing analytics while digitising the control tower.” Salesforce principal solution consultant Ron Shpilman said by using the company’s system, it is able to connect mining operators and planners with vendors, suppliers and the project team. The company can also use Salesforce AI and automation to improve safety, as well as productivity and efficiency. “As part of our mining operations, we need to plan and execute essential maintenance and repair projects. We have thousands of data points already that are currently managing spreadsheets and other documents,” Shpilman said. “What used to take hours of work is now a matter of minutes. I can now review and amend shifts, publish them to my supplier coordinator and at the right time send them to my engineers on their mobile app, perfectly avoiding the email clutter and phone calls and confusion.” Thompson said Salesforce could assist miners across five core areas: value pricing; operational efficiency; partner–supplier relationships; safety and employee experience; data integration and analytics. Value pricing will achieve real-time end-to-end visibility on production costs to optimise commercial strategy,

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while operational efficiency will digitally coordinate field interventions, transform maintenance using IoT and predictive analytics, also driving productivity through collaboration. Salesforce can decrease procurement and logistics costs through collaboration with suppliers and other partners, and can also automate and digitise payment cycles. Salesforce can increase safety and adapt workforces to a new normal, coordinate a mining company’s workers and contractors with an optimal match of skills and tasks, and drive sustainability with initiative measurement and greater engagement. With the large amounts of data available to miners, Salesforce can break down silos of data and uncover insights through efficient data visualisation, such as interactive and cascading dashboards. “We empower people to unlock the industry to its full potential,” Thompson said. “With our technology we look to pivot to a people-centric model, which will help engage and improve employee and contractor experiences. “Salesforce can manage and extract value from the supply base, building trust and efficiently managing partners along with other external stakeholders, whilst training and upskilling your workforce and, most importantly, keeping safety at the core of everything we do.” Salesforce will host a webinar in May featuring global business development officer Antonio Sciuto, open to Austmine members and non-members. He will discuss how Salesforce can help mining companies navigate a digital transformation. AM

MATERIAL HANDLING

DANA: DRIVING EXCELLENCE IN MINING GEARBOXES ARE A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO ANY MINING OPERATION, ENSURING THE FLOW OF ORE AND AGGREGATE REMAINS CONSTANT IN MATERIAL HANDLING. ENTER DANA SAC AUSTRALIA.

ana has supported Australian mining operations for nearly half a century, providing high-torque drive components that optimise machine performance and maximise yields in bulk material handling. The company offers Brevini planetary, helical and bevel helical gearboxes, gearmotors, slewing drives, winches and winch drives, GWB industrial driveshafts, and other motion systems for a wide range of mining applications. As part of a long-term commitment to local customers, Dana SAC Australia has steadily increased the production of shafts, housings and the use of local suppliers in bearings and fabrications. Dana has a head office, engineering centre and production facility in Sydney, as well as branch offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, to attend to any customer requests or concerns. The company specialises in gearboxes with hydraulic and alternating current (AC) drive technology for low-speed, high-torque equipment and the company produces reducers that are particularly suited to slewing drives. All of Dana’s gear units are rated in accordance with ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation)/DIN

(German Institute for Standardisation) standards for continuous duty, and the company’s Australian engineers are able to calculate application-specific gear and bearings lives for all standard and special composition units. Later this year, Dana will begin offering upgrades that more precisely address torque demands of mining applications with two new monoblock models and three split-case models in its line of Brevini helical and bevel helical gearboxes. The company has also made serieswide design enhancements to its helical and bevel helical gearboxes that improve power density. “Mining and bulk materialhandling customers rely on heavyduty gearboxes to keep the flow of ore and aggregate moving and support sustained profitability,” Dana SAC Australia managing director Greg Bunn said. “Long known for their unmatched reliability and durability, Brevini helical and bevel helical gearboxes have been refined to offer performance improvements that enhance productivity and further benefit the bottom line.” Offering nominal output torques up to 1100 kilonewton metres (kNm), Brevini helical and bevel helical gearboxes provide the modularity and flexibility needed to optimise the performance of stationary mining applications.

They have been redesigned with best-in-class torque density to deliver more power from a smaller package, which improves efficiency, reduces weight and minimises lubrication requirements. Brevini helical and bevel helical gearboxes can be supplied with lowtemperature housings and special seals that support operations in extreme environments. Additionally, they are available with a wide range of shaft configurations, ratios, seals and painting systems suitable for any application. Dana also recently introduced three new planetary drives with wide ratio ranges, better power density and modular designs that enhance the performance of Brevini winch applications. Available now, the new drives offer output torque ratings from 80kNm to 130kNm and extend Dana’s leadership in supplying flexible, high-performing solutions for mining customers worldwide. “As mining applications grow in size to meet more demanding market requirements, planetary drives face increased torque requirements within existing design envelopes,” Bunn said. “We have expanded and revamped our line of planetary drives to deliver enhanced performance, efficiency and flexibility within an industry-leading, power-dense package.”

DANA SUPPLIES MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF MINING APPLICATIONS.

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MAY 2022

DANA’S INDUSTRIAL PLANETARY GEARBOX – HIGH POWER SERIES.

Dana offers Brevini BWE winches that feature a compact, high-speed piston motor for efficient operation in mining, with 13 different sizes that support lift capacities from 990 kilograms to 30 tonnes. Designed and engineered with bestin-class safety, efficiency and control, these high-performance winches have a modular design and are suitable for electric motor input. Furthermore, Dana SAC Australia offers an updated range of gear motors and gearboxes based on three product types: parallel shaft helical, inline helical, and right-angle helical bevel. The housing material is GG20GG22 cast iron, with the gears made of quality case-carburised steel. Input options include electric motor with and without brakes, Brevini integrated motor, or IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) or NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) mounts to suit users’ preferred brand of electric motor. Dana also provides options for pneumatic and hydraulic motor inputs, as well as a solid input shaft. The range is European designed and manufactured and is interchangeable with other European manufacturers. Ideal for applications such as conveyors, mixers and small winches, Brevini K series gearboxes feature a monoblock housing designed for higher efficiency and greater strength. They offer flexible connections as well as integral backstops. Dana SAC Australia serves as a single source for high-quality, precision-made gears and drives that deliver reliability year after year. The company has extensive expertise in the cost-effective design and manufacturing of custom-made gears, as well as complete drives that address industry-specific accreditations, certifications and plant approvals. Whether a customer requires a standard product or a solution specifically engineered for their needs, Dana can deliver the right solution that checks all the boxes for performance, durability, reliability, serviceability, turnaround times and long-term value. AM

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MINERAL PROCESSING

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH WHEN IT COMES TO CRUSHING BLASTED HARD ROCK IN ORE AND NATURAL STONE MINING, THE EFFICIENCY OF THYSSENKRUPP GYRATORY CRUSHERS IN PRIMARY CRUSHING IS SECOND TO NONE.

t the heart of any mining operation is the mineral processing machinery, and this equipment needs to be robust and reliable to withstand the often-harsh conditions of the regions in which Australian miners operate. Global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) thyssenkrupp has built its reputation on producing a strong portfolio of mineral processing machinery that can not only withstand the tough and varied climate of the Australian mining sector, but also thrive in it. Thyssenkrupp product line manager for mining Luke Bennett told Australian Mining that focus is a key element of the company’s success and its ability to position itself as a leader in the sector. “We have a vast portfolio available to us on a global platform, but we understand what we are good at in our regions (in Australia) and are able to focus on this portfolio of equipment to bring the market leading technology to our clients.” Bennett said. “We are positioned in Australia, working with a higher knowledge of Australian standards and those of our local clients.” Thanks to this portfolio offered by thyssenkrupp, proven solutions are available for every need, allowing raw material processing to proceed with maximum efficiency and at the lowest possible cost. Bennett said these proven solutions were a major reason Australian mining operators choose thyssenkrupp for their mineral processing needs. “We believe the technology speaks for itself and mine operators are seeing from other installations the benefits our equipment offers,” Bennett said. “We have the largest feed opening on gyratory crushers, the highest installed power and machine throughput. We continue to question the mineral processing equipment selection to develop new equipment to benefit, not just clients’ processing requirements, but also to help improve the whole plant design by using less concrete, having smaller underground cavities as well as other benefits.

THYSSENKRUPP HAS BUILT ITS REPUTATION ON PRODUCING A STRONG PORTFOLIO OF MINERAL PROCESSING MACHINERY.

“This equipment is all in thanks to our clients, who accept and trust our technology and work with us to go the next step.” Chief sales officer and service director for thyssenkrupp, Uwe Zulehner, added that this wide range of equipment gives customers the choice to select the best machinery to suit their specific needs. “We have a highly developed portfolio of equipment to choose from so a tailored solutions first starts with selecting the right piece of equipment, which will offer the client a complete asset-life benefit to suit their needs,” Zulehner said. “Once this selection is made it is still a standard machine, from there we can tailor wear liners, profiles, drive power, cooling requirements, automation controls, maintenance and service equipment to best suit the project.” Bennett highlighted thyssenkrupp’s AUSTRALIANMINING

range of primary gyratory crushers as a prime example of how the company is able to provide machinery based on the customers’ needs. The Australian mining sector has seen a lot of success with the company’s crushers, with several of the nation’s biggest and best mine sites specifically choosing the OEM’s equipment. In 2019, Roy Hill contracted thyssenkrupp to supply a gyratory crusher for its iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region as its primary and first above-ground jaw gyratory crusher to be installed in Australia. The high-performance design made for more cost-effective operations, lowering Roy Hill’s servicing and maintenance costs. In 2020, thyssenkrupp was awarded consecutive contracts to supply two gyratory crushers and a radial stacker

MAY 2022

for the Iron Bridge Magnetite Project, a joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Iron Bridge and Formosa Steel IB. The Iron Bridge project is for a large magnetite mine located roughly 145km south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara. Delivery of first ore is scheduled for mid-2022. The high-capacity crushers are required for the 22 million tonnes per annum of high grade 67 per cent Fe magnetite concentrate product that will be delivered. Bennett said thyssenkrupp was able to offer a complete package when it comes to its primary gyratory crushers. The company’s crusher offerings include all sizes up to the largest in the market, from standard feed openings to the largest feed opening offered. “We offer standalone machines or we can provide a complete primary

MINERAL PROCESSING

THE COMPANY HAS THE LARGEST FEED OPENING ON GYRATORY CRUSHERS.

set-up which has been developed of many years and numerous installations,” Bennett said. In combination with other carefully matched components, thyssenkrupp creates highly efficient, complete crushing systems – as stationary, semimobile or mobile solutions depending on customer needs. With crushing chambers of varying designs, these machines have either a high crushing ratio for preparing raw materials for secondary crushing, or a low crushing ratio for reducing overburden for transportation by belt conveyors, and can reach throughput rates of up to 15,000 tonnes per hour. Bennett said selection of the right machine was the most essential step for customers in order to maximise the productivity and economy of the machinery, and highlighted serviceability, robustness and competitive pricing as key benefits for clients. “More and more serviceability is coming into the light during the equipment-selection phase, and when developing a machine this is an essential part of the design phase,” Bennett said. “Maintenance needs to be safe, easily accessible and to be conducted within the clients’ maintenance times.” Zulehner said, according to feedback provided by thyssenkrupp’s satisfied customers, that the

company’s equipment is state of the art, exceeding expectations, and above all is reliable with customers seeking OEM technical support. “Feedback from our clients is how we have built our reputable products,” Zulehner said. “We use their feedback to improve all aspects, safety of machine operation and maintenance, ease of maintenance, as well as longevity of wear items.

This type of customer-centric consideration is a key pillar of thyssenkrupp, supported by its number of service centres and approach to customer service. Thyssenkrupp operates multiple service centres near its customer sites, including in Port Hedland and Perth in Western Australia, Mackay in Queensland, and in Melbourne. “These service centres provide continuous support to customer

operations for shutdowns, maintenance and off-site repairs,” Zulehner said. “Having a strong and stable workforce helps us to deploy the same personnel to the same sites and machines. “This increases their knowledge of specific sites which results in more effective on-site support and potentially reduces shut down times.” Zulehner said the company had supply contracts with individual clients who benefit from long-term cooperation. “In addition, thyssenkrupp offer ongoing technical support with machine-upgrade opportunities, comminution plant improvement studies, and liner life improvement solutions,” he said. “Specific off-site repairs and workshop assemblies reduce site operational costs, while ongoing site training for operators and maintenance crews increase thyssenkrupp’s equipment availability.” Building on the experience of more than 80 crushers installed in the last 15 years around the globe and operating successfully in all climate zones of the world, thyssenkrupp machines advance its customers in primary crushing under the toughest conditions. Due to its dedication to customer service, ability to adapt its equipment to achieve the best outcome for its clients’ needs, and a reputation for resilient and reliable machinery, thyssenkrupp will continue to be a significant player in Australia’s booming mining and resources sector for years to come. AM

THYSSENKRUPP IS ABLE TO PROVIDE MINING EQUIPMENT SUITABLE FROM PIT TO PORT.

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MINERAL PROCESSING

SKF: MINING’S MILL MASTERS SKF’S MILL MONITORING PROGRAM ANTICIPATES FAILURES BEFORE THEY OCCUR, PROVIDING A REAL-TIME SOLUTION TO ENSURE MINING COMPANIES MINIMISE DOWNTIME AND MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY.

DUE TO AGE, MANY HORIZONTAL GRINDING MILLS IN THE SECTOR ARE REACHING A TIPPING POINT.

orizontal grinding mills (HGM) are a critical cog to any mining operation. Their efficiency is paramount to a mining company’s overall success. If an HGM breaks down it could result in thousands, if not millions, of dollars in lost revenue and plants should therefore be regularly monitored to ensure there are no major faults that can cause imminent breaking points. This is where SKF comes to the fore. SKF is a specialist at maximising the reliability and output of mining machinery and has a team dedicated to optimising and monitoring rotating equipment using world-class IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) technology and systems. To support the mining sector’s constant desire to boost productivity, SKF’s rotating equipment performance (REP) division established its IIoT driven Mill Monitoring Program, enabling miners to better observe and understand their HGMs in real-time. SKF digitalisation project delivery manager Miller Ollukaran said a modern and sustainable IIoT driven Mill Monitoring Program was becoming increasingly relevant. “As the mining industry moves into the future, it’s getting more and more important to find smarter

ways to secure the availability of HGMs with reduced maintenance requirement and cost,” he told Australian Mining. “So we are in constant dialogue with operators from a current state where they might be firefighting and lifelike, supporting them to become more proactive. This ensures the mill operation and reliability is more predictable, which minimises human interaction and costs.” SKF has broken down the solution into four distinct segments: connect, detect, inform and improve.

As SKF’s IIoT-driven condition monitoring systems combine and portray different data types from machine control systems and sensors, the company’s specialists do the examining. “Through our Australian-based remote diagnostics centre, SKF has got experienced analysts who detect any issues by interpreting data using a combination of analysis tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and automated machine learning,” Ollukaran said. “We then present these insights to our clients in an easy-to-understand machine-health dashboard, advising them when problems are arising, what they are, what the underlying causes are, and possibly even how to resolve it.” While some larger mining companies may have in-house millmonitoring teams, a proportion of miners won’t have those frameworks in place, meaning HGMs are going unmonitored or taking hand-held data readings, which is costly and happens only periodically. Due to age, many HGMs in the sector are reaching a tipping point. An old mill is a troublesome mill, so it is imperative support systems are introduced. Major mining companies in the Goldfields have been relying on SKF’s Mill Monitoring Program to keep their HGMs on track, using weekly reports to ensure the old plant is running cost effectively

SKF IS ENABLING ITS CLIENTS TO PROCESS MORE ORE, MORE OF THE TIME.

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and any changes are detected at an early and, most importantly, manageable stage. The miners have not only leant on SKF’s expertise but also its wealth of data to make informed decisions in real-time. To facilitate this, the clients are provided online access to the data. “These days, it’s not enough to just have a report,” SKF REP digital solution manager Jens Lodders said. “What is very important is SKF’s domain knowledge, because this is what we do best. “You can have automated systems, but if you don’t bring the domain knowledge, the hardware or software is not maximised, as you can only detect and optimise so much without having people investigate into the data. “Combined with our application engineering expertise, we define learning patterns, set alarm bands, correlate process and vibration data for generating maximum insights. “Clients get access to the data, which enables them to monitor it and say, ‘Okay, how do we look today? Can I run it longer? Can I make it to the next shut, and do I reach the availability of the mill which I am accountable for?’ “No one is willing to take bad chances these days and an IIoTdriven Mill Monitoring Program provides transparency at all times, meaning users are always in control.” Having the ability to anticipate failures before they arise not only saves maintenance costs but decreases downtime, ensuring HGMs can process more ore, more of the time. This is a core purpose of SKF’s Mill Monitoring Program. SKF meets mining companies at different stages of their operation, and by leveraging the Mill Monitoring Program smart decisions can be made within the broader context. A miner can assess its mine life and with the assistance of SKF, comfortably evaluating whether an HGM needs to be replaced or upgraded. At the end of the day, a mining company is judged on profitability, and being able to make intelligent decisions at the right times based on qualified data is therefore a huge advantage. AM

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MATERIALS HANDLING

A SKIRTING SYSTEM FOR ANY MINING ENVIRONMENT AS A CONVEYOR SPECIALIST, TS GLOBAL UNDERSTANDS THE FRUSTRATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MATERIAL WASTAGE. THIS IS WHERE THE SKIRTING SYSTEM COMES TO THE FORE.

S Global director Graham Holford believes that being a specialist in the conveyor service industry is crucial. “Product knowledge is key,” he told Australian Mining in a February feature. “The conveyor service industry has moved into an area where there’s a lot of generalists … and many of these companies are belt-manufacturing or belt-splicing companies that try to do a lot of mechanical work.” TS Global is a prime example of a specialist, having established itself as a master in conveyor componentry, with understanding the ins and outs of conveyors as part of its DNA. Peter Noor, TS Global’s New South Wales sales engineer, believes being a specialist not only means a customer will get the best service, but it can also have valuable flow-on effects. “(Being a specialist is) definitely important because it allows you to understand the systems and be very intimate with how equipment is supposed to work,” he told Australian Mining.

“When you’re across all these intricate details of fine-tuning a system and making sure the system is working, you get extended wear-life out of components. “You get the equipment working how it’s supposed to operate, you also don’t get potential failures or issues that could lead to equipment damage or belt damage, which can be very expensive.” A key component of TS Global’s service offering to the mining industry is its market-leading skirting systems, which are designed to prevent material spillage and control dust around the tail end of the conveyor. Given conveyors are used for many unique mining applications across different distances in varying environments, customisability is important to ensuring a skirting system fits the bill. “When you are looking to manufacture a skirting system for a certain conveyor, it’s not always going to be the same,” Noor said. “There’s not going to be the same dimensions between every conveyor. You always have (to consider) the

3D RENDER OF A CONVEYOR SYSTEM WITH SAFETY GUARDS.

purpose of the conveyor, when it was built and the limitations when they were building the conveyor. “That all influences how your skirting system will look.” TS Global has skirting systems for underground and above-ground settings, which are adjustable and can be fitted onto an existing or as part of a new conveyor. The company has stainless steel or polyurethane (poly) options depending on the environment and the wear risks in play. As TS Global evolves its offering, the company has created secondary seals that provide a safety net to the primary skirting systems. Noor said these were proving especially popular in the mining industry. “Our polyurethane skirting bolts onto the back of the hard skirt. The poly skirting is manufactured from a soft poly compound with exceptional

TS GLOBAL OFFERS A MARKET-LEADING RANGE OF SKIRTING SYSTEMS TO THE MINING INDUSTRY.

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MAY 2022

abrasion resistance and elasticity, which allows the skirt to adapt to the belt,” he said. “This allows it to ride the belt. If the belt is experiencing any movement, it’s flexible enough to follow the profile of the belt. Any material that makes its way underneath the hard skirt will be captured by that soft secondary seal. “This is a product we recommend when sites are seeing spillage and accelerated wear to traditional rubber skirt material.” TS Global is capable of providing an end-to-end service, including design, manufacture, installation and ongoing maintenance. “At TS Global, we go from the initial stages of measuring on-site and examining every aspect of the skirting system. We take into consideration anything that could impact on the system, such as material being carried, how the material is being presented by the incoming conveyor, belt speed and length of skirt.” Noor said. “We then move on to the design phase, where we come up with a design which is as unified as possible.” TS Global then drafts the skirting system with real-life measurements specific to a company’s mining environment and obtains approvals. Following any feedback or amendments requested by the client, the company then moves to the manufacturing stage. Once a skirting system is manufactured and installed, TS Global is always on call to ensure the system is operating at optimal performance. “We ensure our relationship with our clients is intimate in a sense that we want to provide service throughout the whole process. If we install a part and there are challenges, we will adjust our design or go out to site to have a look at what the problem is,” Noor said. “We always follow through the process and ensure the client is happy and satisfied.” AM

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DIGITAL MINING

ELEMENT 25 FINDS ITS DIGITAL SWEET SPOT ELEMENT 25 HAS JOINED FORCES WITH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST I4 MINING AS THE COMPANY LOOKS TO STREAMLINE ITS BUSINESS AND THE BUTCHERBIRD MANGANESE OPERATION.

lement 25 is building a world-class zero-carbon manganese business, with its Butcherbird project in Western Australia becoming a key piece in the global electric vehicle (EV) puzzle. Butcherbird has a nameplate production capacity of 365,000 tonnes per annum and, after achieving a record production day in January, the project is operating at full tilt as it optimises production and transitions through a four-stage development timeline. Organisational transformation requires a trusted partner and as Element 25 grows, the company has teamed up with combined artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) platform, I4 Mining. Launched by Rayven in October 2021, I4 Mining’s suite of interoperable digital mining solutions is designed to help miners quickly adopt Industry 4.0 technology while delivering measurable results and ensuring profitability in the present from pit to port. I4 Mining seeks to consolidate and simplify a data-intense industry and unify multi-faceted businesses through a holistic approach. Element 25 managing director Justin Brown said I4 Mining arrived at just the right time for the emerging miner. “We’re in the first year (of production), where we figure out which bits are working well, which bits need to be worked on and we know a little bit about what our needs are,” he told Australian Mining. “So I4 Mining’s timing was good because one of the things we’ve been wrestling with is how do we bring disparate threads of information together to form a coherent picture of the business and how it’s progressing and how it’s performing against KPIs (key performance indicators) and so forth.” Butcherbird is a contained operation from pit to port, which includes a processing plant and a logistics solution connecting the project to the Utah Point facility at Port Hedland in WA.

Element 25 needs to synchronise several different components to ensure Butcherbird is firing on all cylinders. This is where I4 Mining comes to the fore. “For us to understand Butcherbird and de-bottleneck the process, we need to know where the bottlenecks are,” Brown said. “We need to know the mine fleet’s performing to the required level and is moving the right material at the right volumes in the right timeframes. “We need to know the processing plant is doing what it’s supposed to do. We also need to know that different ore types impact differently on the pumps, the ore sorters and other different components of the plant. “Having those available to us in near real-time gives us control over where the problems are or whether things are just coming along or whether we’ve got more headroom regarding the capacity of the plant to generate a few more tonnes in a given period.”

I4 MINING SEEKS TO SIMPLIFY A DATAINTENSE INDUSTRY AND UNIFY MULTIFACETED BUSINESSES.

Element 25 is currently implementing I4 Mining on a pilot basis, whereby the company employs the solution small-scale to see how its business responds. All things being equal, this will be the start of a long and fruitful partnership. Not only is I4 Mining a suitable solution for synchronising Element 25, but the miner aligned with Rayven in other ways. “There’s not a lot of solutions around that are nimble and flexible

ELEMENT 25’S BUTCHERBIRD MANGANESE PROJECT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

enough to work with, with a business of our size and slight uniqueness being a manganese operator,” Brown said. “A big iron ore miner might go to some of the big multinational global software companies and choose solutions that probably cost you $10 million to install and had been around for 30 years and far more than what we would need. “I4 Mining’s attractiveness to us was the company could come in at a level that we needed them to and develop up with us rather than us taking on some gargantuan software giant where we’d use five per cent of it to give us what we need in the immediate sense. “I4 Mining can give us that five per cent but, untested yet we hope the company can grow with us to continue to build the system for our needs.” Pairing an emerging miner with an emerging solution seems like a perfect match. As Element 25 and I4 Mining come together, an inspired new partnership could pave the way for a new frontier in data consolidation in the mining industry. AM

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TECHNOLOGY

A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION IN GOLD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY RENOWNED FOR RUGGED RELIABILITY IN INDUSTRIES WITH INTENSELY CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS AND EVER-EVOLVING DEMANDS, DERRICK CORPORATION PRODUCTS OFFER THE FINEST SOLUTIONS FOR THE GOLD PROCESSING SECTOR.

or more than 70 years, Derrick Corporation has pioneered the development of finescreening solutions to serve diverse industries. The company also introduced polyurethane screens to the gold processing industry in the early 1980s. Derrick is a family-owned and operated company with a global presence focused on pioneering fineseparation technology. Since 1951, Derrick has manufactured innovative technologies serving the mining and industrial, oil and gas drilling, and civil construction industries. The company’s polyurethane Polyweb screens have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in numerous mining applications. The abrasionresistance and non-blinding properties of these unique polyurethane screens offered extended service life with minimal maintenance to maximise efficiency and productivity. Applying this advanced technology to gold processing has allowed the industry to reap myriad benefits. Efficient recovery is assured by

TRILOGY SURFACE TECHNOLOGY IS THE COMPANY’S MOST ADVANCED SCREEN SYSTEM.

leaching circuit screen technology that demonstrates firm commitment to advancing gold processing. These solutions include trash screens, urethane inter-stage screens, carbon sizing screens, dewatering screens, tails safety screens, as well as other processing stages. Derrick has seen significant success at mining operations around the globe, including at Newmont’s Nevada operations in the US, where the company recently increased capacity at the site with the installation of its Hyperpool and Dual Pool technology. At the site, older-style Derrick screening machines in use at the process operations limited plant capacity and gold recovery. To increase recovery, two process changes were required – to increase tonnage through the mill and to convert two parallel CIP trains into a single train twice as long. Existing equipment was unable to handle the increased tonnage required to achieve the higher recovery goal. The alternative to upgrading with new equipment was to replace all tanks and adapt the process to basket screens for AUSTRALIANMINING

the inter-stage screening process. Hyperpool vibrating screens were adapted to fit into the inter-stage tank for CIP duty. The conversion was completed in four hours, resulting in minimal process downtime. The result was over triple the capacity, rising from about 800USGPM (gallons per minute) per machine with the previous equipment to nearly 2500USGPM per machine with the new Hyperpool technology. Panel life increased from eight weeks to more than 16 weeks. In addition to the process advantages, panel changing time was reduced drastically. Panel changes can be completed on the Hyperpool in fewer than five minutes, compared with more than four hours on the previous machine design. Derrick now offers Trilogy surface technology, its most advanced screen system. Trilogy is composed of individual thermoplastic components that may be assembled into various configurations for added flexibility. This innovation can increase recovery, while reducing cost by enhancing productivity and profitability.

MAY 2022

With Trilogy, Derrick was able to develop its own urethane inter-stage screen, the G-Vault. The combination of the urethane’s abrasion-resistant properties and non-blinding technology results in screen systems with higher throughput, increased life and less maintenance. The G-Vault also helps decrease carbon loss, decrease in tank bypass and reduction of waste to tails. Through Trilogy, Derrick has transitioned its screening surface from a flat thermoset urethane screen to a thermoplastic three-dimensional urethane screen. This innovation employs a modular approach in which the screen surface is combined with a robust support structure that can be joined together easily. This modularity gives Derrick the ability to increase screening area in the same footprint. Trilogy screens feature tapered openings which highlight its nonblinding characteristics, the ability to withstand higher material temperatures and increased capacity. Trilogy also carries on the pedigree of its predecessor’s extended service life and high open area – all of which lead to increased gold recovery. With the development of Trilogy, Derrick has succeeded in maintaining its incumbency as the industry leader in fine–screening solutions. Derrick offers solutions for fine screening in gold processing plants that address reducing maintenance and operating costs, improved equipment reliability, improved kiln performance and efficiency, and increasing gold recovery. The company’s pioneering spirit is best demonstrated by its research and development team’s long-term commitment to continuous innovation. Derrick’s quest to reinvent itself is exemplified by its ever-growing portfolio of international patents. It offers clients leading-edge solutions and around-the-clock, award-winning service to maximise separation efficiency. Derrick’s products are renowned for their rugged reliability in industries known for intensely challenging environments and constantlyevolving demands. AM

TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING A BATTERY-POWERED FUTURE THE MINE OF THE FUTURE IS LIKELY TO BE AUTOMATED, DIGITALLY CONNECTED AND ELECTRIFIED, AND SANDVIK IS DESIGNING FOR THAT FUTURE.

hen it comes to developing new products, Sandvik listens closely to its customers

for feedback. The company hosts regular customer technology forums with its major clients to discuss some of the new technologies it’s working on and to find out what’s of interest to the customer. Sandvik mining and rock solutions vice president Wayne Scrivens told Australian Mining that these workshops, forums and face-to-face meetings were key in helping the company develop the company’s iSeries loaders. “We brought out customers together and gathered information on their needs,” he said. “We had something like 240 line items of suggestions on what we needed to do to create a successful loader for the Australian industry.” Broadly speaking, Sandvik’s customers are interested in the ability to mine progressively deeper – where challenges like heat and ventilation are common. There has also been a push for more sustainable equipment, as mining companies announce new net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. These discussions have driven developments with AngloGold, where Sandvik has almost completed factory testing the largest electric underground mining truck for the company’s Sunrise Dam gold mine in Western Australia. The 65-tonne TH655B prototype will be trialled at Sunrise Dam under a trial agreement with Barminco and AngloGold Ashanti, before commercial production is expected in late 2023. The truck is expected to be 30 per cent faster on a 1:7 ramp than a comparable diesel truck with an electric drivetrain achieving continuous output of 640kW. Scrivens said Sandvik aimed to have a full range of electric underground loaders and trucks by 2025, with a full range of underground drills by 2030. “The mine of the future is going to be electrified, automated and digitally connected,” he said. “When it comes to electrification, we’ve got quite a long history. We have

had cable electric loaders since the 1980s and have acquired Artisan Vehicle Systems in California, which has been developing battery systems for underground mining equipment since 2011.” There are some significant advantages for underground mines to make the switch from diesel to electric vehicles. But rather than just remove the diesel engine, Sandvik has redesigned the equipment entirely. In traditional vehicles, the gearbox is often the weakest link. It can limit how much torque and power can be transmitted through the driveline, and ultimately affects a vehicle’s overall performance. Sandvik redesigned the electric driveline with high-power, high-torque electric motors, allowing the vehicles to accelerate up to 60 per cent faster and load 25 per cent faster, reducing cycle times and increasing productivity.

There is also significantly less maintenance on an electric vehicle than a diesel vehicle, as there are fewer moving parts and filters that need replacing. In addition, batterypowered vehicles have zero exhaust emissions, allowing for customers to reduce ventilation requirements when operating in deeper environments. Scrivens said Sandvik was at the forefront of the industry and responsible for helping mining houses transition to the new technology. “One of the biggest challenges we saw was how, for most of the applications, a large loader or truck could not operate for a full shift without having to recharge the battery,” he said. “What we have done to overcome this is create a self-loading battery system which can be changed out of the machine very quickly without the operator leaving the vehicle.”

SANDVIK TRIALS ITS BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

“We can put another battery in and have more continuous operation, maintaining high levels of utilisations like you would expect with diesel equipment.” The patented self-loading battery system means vehicles don’t need to be driven to certain areas where a crane can lift out the batteries. In fact, the batteries can be swapped in about six minutes – which is part of Sandvik’s goal of reducing the infrastructure needed to sustain electric vehicles. The company has also begun working with TAFEs around Australia to help train the next generation of service technicians to support the equipment. “It’s just as important to maintain and look after your new technology, which is why we are working on developing those skills in students across Australia,” Scrivens said. AM

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TECHNOLOGY

CRC SMARTWASHER TECHNOLOGY: TIPS AND TRAINING FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS CRC SMARTWASHER TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL ON WA MINE SITES DUE TO ITS ABILITY TO CLEAN THE REGION’S NATIVE RED DIRT FROM EQUIPMENT.

THE CRC SMARTWASHER BIO-REMEDIATING PART WASHER HAS DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENT CLEANING POWER.

he CRC SmartWasher Bio-remediating part washer system has been making waves in the Australian mining industry in recent years with its environmentally friendly approach to breaking down oil, grease and contaminants on heavy machine components using an organic degreasing solution called OzzyJuice. CRC Industries Technical Sales Executive Ian Maguire,works on the front lines of the mining industry in Western Australia, specialising in maintenance, repairs and operations (MRO) products and working on mine sites to train staff on the SmartWasher technology. “My main goal is to get in front of the end users of our SmartWasher system to facilitate optimisation and the correct use in application of the products,” Maguire said. “This is best achieved by doing on-site training, surveying, and evaluating the specific requirements of applications on-site, alongside their MRO team.” Maguire noted that the CRC SmartWasher technology has been particularly successful on Western Australian mine sites due to its ability

to clean the region’s native red dirt from equipment. “The red dirt in this part of the country is notoriously difficult to clean off of parts,” Maguire said. “It cakes and clings onto surfaces stubbornly, often proving to be a challenge for MRO staff. However, the CRC SmartWasher Bio-remediating part washer has demonstrated excellent cleaning power in even the toughest of applications with its unique, highperforming OzzyJuice degreasers. As part and parcel of the effectiveness of the system, SmartWasher accessories – the CRC OzzyJuice and the OzzyMat Filter – combine to create a premium cleaning solution that is completely safe for worker health and the environment, while eliminating concerns about hazardous waste disposal, according to Maguire. “Our team of material scientists use their extensive knowledge of surface technology to develop the OzzyJuice SW-X1 formula specifically for the mining industry to remove soot, grime, diesel fluid, tacky grease on gears and drive shafts and burnt on carbon,” he explained. AUSTRALIANMINING

“The CRC SmartWasher system uses bio-mediation technology to essentially eat through oil, grease, and carbon-based contaminants. “The OzzyJuice formula is waterbased, pH-neutral, GHS (Globally Harmonised System) non-hazardous, and meets the NSF A1 standard for health and safety. “Additionally, the formula leaves behind no streaks or residue, is nonflammable and non-toxic. Motion Australia is an exclusive distributor of the CRC SmartWasher Bio-remediating part washer system in Australia. The companies have cemented their relationship through a common goal of providing excellent MRO products, services, and training. “Motion Australia account managers have great relationships with their customers which makes it easier for me to get onto these sites and present the SmartWasher products and applications,” Maguire said. “Whenever possible, I try to get out to sites to provide SmartWasher demonstrations and work hands-on with MRO teams to familiarise them with the system. These demonstrations speak a thousand words on the features and benefits of the SmartWasher

MAY 2022

products, which are easily realised by doing these on-site demonstrations.”

How to use your CRC SmartWasher

•A fter removing the SmartWasher from its packaging, check over pins and hoses to ensure they are in place • Remove the false bottom of the sink and place an OzzyMat blue side (filter) down on the sink screen • Add required OzzyJuice fluid • Plug the machine into an outlet that is designated for the SmartWasher and switch on to heat it up • Turn on the Power Switch and adjust the pressure of the juice and the nozzle • Begin cleaning parts • Using the brush, clean down components which includes a button to run OzzyJuice through the brush • Contaminants will be caught in the OzzyMat filter • The OzzyJuice never needs to be changed, it just needs to be topped up intermittently, usage dependant • For maintaining the machine, once a month replace the OzzyMat, introducing a fresh dose of microbes, to ensure your cleaning efficacy remains constant day after day AM

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COMPANY PROFILE

A CENTURY IN THE MAKING CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BUSINESS IN 2022, BRADKEN’S RICH HISTORY HAS HELPED SHAPE IT INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY – ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING SOLUTION PROVIDERS FOR MINING EQUIPMENT WEAR PARTS AND SERVICES.

ith expertise and history in manufacturing, Bradken’s modern day focus is on cultivating a deep understanding of its mining customers’ operations and using innovative design thinking to solve their wear challenges. Bradken has built its name in the design, engineering and manufacture of a range of steel plant, industrial and rail equipment. Over time, Bradken has found a calling in the mining industry for quality ground-engaging tools, undercarriage systems and buckets, along with mineral processing and fixed plant wear solutions. The shift in mining practices has changed the way the company operates and there is an increased focus on providing innovative digital solutions to meet service solutions for customers. This customer-centric approach, combined with its ongoing investment in new generation technology, means Bradken uses the latest techniques and processes in product development, design, tooling manufacture, casting processes, robotics, machining and assembly. Bradken head of research and development Reece Attwood told Australian Mining that the company’s dedication to partnering with customers to drive change in the industry has been key to its success. “Bradken is a business committed to the evolution of mining and resources worldwide, with its people at the forefront of innovation and technology,” he said. “To make it to 100 years is quite a milestone for any company, and we’re very proud. “Building on our 100 years of manufacturing expertise, Bradken is embracing continuous improvement and technology to support our customers in adopting innovative digital mining solutions. “We are preparing for the impact mining operations’ digital and sustainability evolution has in shifting Bradken’s manufacturing and service focus.” With that, Bradken’s next big goal is to have net-zero operational

TO MAKE IT TO 100 YEARS IS QUITE A MILESTONE FOR ANY COMPANY.

greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “We have digital technology as the enabler to support the growth of sustainability for Bradken, but also for our customers,” Attwood said. “Because when we talk about all the condition monitoring and performance elements for our products, these benefits deliver improved operational costs and

sustainability efficiencies for both Bradken and our customers. “Through our digital offerings customers will have the ability to remotely monitor wear condition of their undercarriages and mill liners, for example, and forecast the remaining life on the product to allow scheduled maintenance to be planned and assessment of energy

THE COMPANY HAS FACED A SERIES OF CHALLENGES THAT ONLY MADE IT STRONGER.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

use and recycling of products to support sustainability goals.” These solutions also provide safety benefits by removing people from equipment on-site for conditionmonitoring purposes throughout high-production periods. Further in the technology space, Bradken has developed an online dashboard and reporting solution for the reporting of data from all its monitoring solutions. This innovation is the kind of thing no one expected of Bradken 10 years ago but is fast becoming a reality as the company transforms. This ability to adapt to changing external environments allows Bradken to shape its future, with its customers at the forefront of decision-making. Bradken’s chief executive officer Sean Winstone said to make it to 100 years, a business and the individuals involved with it have to be resilient and innovative, as well as committed to strong values. “Throughout the years we have demonstrated and embraced the values at the heart of Bradken’s success, such as taking on challenges, seeing the customer

COMPANY PROFILE

in everything we do and working collaboratively to achieve goals both for our customers and the business,” he said. Since the company’s inception on March 20, 1922, it has faced a series of challenges that only made it stronger. Following the boom times of the roaring ’20s, the 1930s brought the Great Depression, forcing the company to establish its resilience and adapt to change – a trait it has held all these years. Bradken began supplying manganese steel products to the mining industry and eventually began manufacturing dredge buckets for the Malayan tin industry – the first step in developing the company’s export business. With the ’40s came World War II, which saw Bradken switch its focus to armament castings. Throughout the war years, Bradken was engaged by the Federal Government to build cast armour for the Australian Built Tank Program, including the development of the world’s first one-piece cast tank hull in 1940. After the war, Australia needed to rehabilitate its neglected railway systems and the introduction of diesel electric locomotives, along with demand for higher speed and larger capacity freight trains, were

BRADKEN’S NEXT BIG GOAL IS TO HAVE NET-ZERO OPERATIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030.

key forces behind the company’s growth. “Matching our history of working with customers to understand what they need and value with technology

solutions is key to Bradken’s future as we hone in on the mining and resources sector,” Winstone said. Bradken joined the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group

Post a Load

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

of Companies in 2017, which has provided the foundations to grow sustainably and continue to evolve. Bradken’s centenary celebrations will go on throughout the year, with a mix of events being held globally to suit locations and cultural aspects. “Each of our sites will celebrate the 100-year milestone and reflect on the innovation and growth experienced, plus share the different stories that make up theirs and Bradken’s history,” Bradken global marketing manager Rochelle Wade told Australian Mining. “For example, in Newcastle we have a strong connection with the company’s founders Leslie Bradford and Jim Kendall and during the event some of their innovation stories and history were shared, including their links with the town’s BHP operations,” she said. “Bradken also announced their commitment of a $20,000 contribution to Newcastle University’s HunterWiSE STEM program, a partnership which supports women and girls in STEM careers and school subjects, nurturing the current and next generation of problem-solvers. “We look forward to what the future holds and delivering innovative solutions that improve safety, sustainability, performance and productivity for our customers.” AM

MAINTENANCE

THIRD TIME LUCKY: BHP TURNS TO VEGA FOR VISIBLE RESULTS THE SARAJI COAL MINE HAS BENEFITTED FROM VEGA’S ELECTRONIC DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR TO COMBAT WASH PLANT FROTHING ISSUES TO IMPROVE READING ACCURACY. THE VEGABAR 86 IS A SIMPLE AND ROBUST SENSOR FOR DENSITY LEVEL APPLICATIONS.

wned by the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), the Saraji coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin produced more than 4.7 million tonnes of saleable metallurgical coal in 2021. To help maximise the coal’s value, BMA also owns and operates a coal-handling and preparation plant (CHPP). But an issue with foaming, irregular material density and inaccurate level readings had CHPP maintenance electrical supervisor Chris Whearty searching for solutions. “We had an issue going on with the disc filter levels since about 2016,” Whearty told Australian Mining. “Before I arrived (in 2016), there was an instrumentation specialist that tried a few different options. He went with an ultrasonic level transmitter which was trialled for about 12 months and due to that frothing we were still getting inaccurate readings.” Whearty and the team then attempted a hydrostatic pressure transmitter for another 12 months. Still not having success, he then turned to long-time business partner, VEGA area manager Steve Foley. Foley attended the Saraji wash plant and recommended the VEGABAR 86, an automatic electronic differential pressure (EDP) sensor that could

operate consistently despite the foam and inconsistent material density through its density compensated level application. The submersible VEGABAR 86 is suitable for level measurement in wells, basins and open vessels such as Saraji’s wash plant. The sensor’s front-flush abrasion-resistant ceramic diaphragm allows it to operate in harsh conditions like coal mining, where there are chemically aggressive liquids alongside dust and grime build-up. Identifying such a solution was made easier due to Foley and VEGA’s commitment to work with the BHP team in-person and on-site. “The biggest thing that we’ve got to be aware of as a supplier is fully understanding their requirements and their process,” Foley said. “You can see a photo, you can get be told all the stories in an email, but unless you’re actually willing to get on-site, look at the process and understand what they’re going through, only then can you make a decision on what technology is best suited.” Indeed, the VEGABAR 86 was best suited for the job. The EDP removes the need for maintenance workers to visit the sensor up to three times per shift, while ensuring reading levels are accurate and reliable. Not only does the automatic nature AUSTRALIANMINING

BHP MAINTENANCE WORKERS NO LONGER NEED TO CHECK DENSITY LEVELS MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY.

of the VEGABAR save BHP time and therefore money, it also improves safety for maintenance workers. “Access is a major consideration in mining and mineral processing because companies like BMA are very safety conscious,” Foley said. “So it’s got to be safe to use and the advantage of this product is you don’t have to access it and touch it very often.” Safety is also improved by a lack of debris around the sump in question, according to Whearty. “It’s especially handy for the operators that had to plan to check each sensor, whereas now it’s automatic and you get a true reading. This means there’s no chance of overflowing any sumps,” he said. “This improves safety because having no danger of overflowing means

MAY 2022

you’ve got fewer slips, trips and falls.” With a simple design and a range of applications, the VEGABAR 86 sensor is a common go-to for Australian mine sites. “It’s been quite successful,” Foley said. “We’ve got quite a few different applications involving the EDP in different mines. It’s installed at (BHP’s) Peaks Down mine in another coal application, as well as some other quite successful installations in Western Australia. “And globally it’s been successful in gold mines and flotation cells. “So it’s a good unique measurement that eliminates a lot of the troubles that are normally found when you’re dealing with froth and foam, varying densities and working with different minerals.” AM

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MAINTENANCE

BHP DRAGLINE RETROFIT GOES OFF WITHOUT A HITCH FLANDERS HAS HELPED TO PERFORM AN AUSTRALIAN-FIRST AT BHP’S SOUTH WALKER CREEK COAL MINE IN QUEENSLAND’S BOWEN BASIN, COMPLETING AN AC DRAGLINE RETROFIT RIGHT ON TIME.

n 2018, the DC rotating equipment and DC control system on BHP’s South Walker Creek dragline had reached the end of their operating service lives. Ongoing maintenance and an increased risk of machine downtime prompted project managers to solicit solutions from their partners. FLANDERS proposed an AC retrofit solution that offered improved safety advantages, a service life expectancy of more than 25 years, increased efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions compared to the outdated DC systems. The retrofit commenced in July 2019, with the dragline boom being lowered on DC motors. FLANDERS Asia Pacific strategic business development manager Owen Uebel said the choice was made simple for BHP once it visited FLANDERS’ factory in the US. “My colleague and I went to site and presented what FLANDERS could offer and how we would deliver the project and provide the on-site support post-retrofit. We then invited them to go to the US, where they could see several draglines that FLANDERS had already retrofitted to AC,” Uebel told Australian Mining.

As the only manufacturer to have performed an AC dragline retrofit in the world, FLANDERS held a key advantage to win the tender. FLANDERS Australia engineering manager Gary Free was also able to show BHP how each piece of equipment was designed for dragline duty and manufactured in-house, giving the major miner a high degree of comfort and reducing the overall risk of the project. “The fact that they could see the machines working was a real benefit. But what’s more, the visits with the end users confirmed how the FLANDERS AC system was increasing productivity and reducing their operating costs,” Free said. The benefits of transitioning from DC motors and generators to AC motors and static drives are numerous. The cost of maintaining and replacing DC motors and generators and keeping the skills required to keep this outdated equipment running is increasing, according to Uebel, making the decision to transition a near no-brainer. “DC motors and generators on draglines are limited with safety and productivity improvements due to their commutator construction and capability. AC motors do not have these

THIS AC MOTOR IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY COMPARED TO A DC MOTOR.

limiting factors and therefore you can explore and realise improvements in safety, productivity, and efficiency,” Free said. In more than two years of operation since the retrofit was complete, the mine has reported significant gains from the AC dragline retrofit. A 12-month comparison study showed the AC dragline was on track to achieve an additional two million bank cubic metres compared to the DC model. A return on investment was achieved within 18 months of the AC going into production, showing that these draglines can significantly lower the cost of overburden removal and potentially reduce the amount of

THE DRAGLINE AT BHP’S SOUTH WALKER CREEK COAL MINE.

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

diesel-powered equipment used in prestrip operations. In July 2021, an AC system optimisation increased the draglines’ peak power at South Walker Creek, resulting in a substantial reduction in cycle time with no additional structural or mechanical stress on the machine. But instead of taking credit for these achievements, Uebel took the time to acknowledge the team effort that went into installing the AC retrofit on time. “M2E Electrical completed the electrical installation work and Richglen Maintenance Services performed the mechanical work,” he said. “They were all outstanding people and we worked well together with the project team from South Walker Creek.” The AC retrofit project was delivered on time and within budget, a notable achievement as the first one in Australia. But the most pleasing thing for Uebel and his team was not completing it on time, or the performance it’s given BHP, but the response from people at the coal face. “There is always several operator and maintenance crews working with these machines. We expected and were prepared to receive a varied and substantial range of feedback,” Uebel said. “But the response from all the operators, all the maintenance people and all the mine management to date has been extremely positive and unified in that the AC retrofit has surpassed their expectations. “To us, that’s the thing we’re most proud of.” AM

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CEA STOCKS TWINPOWER GENERATOR

The new M2000 Series OnLine Rheometer (OLR) is designed to measure viscosity and index yield stress of a concentrated mineral slurry online and in real-time, providing flow properties of fluids within the process pipe. The OLR M2000 can be mounted directly into the process pipe or as a side-loop, giving continuous, fast and accurate results with a single measurement over a range of frequencies. QC and process data from a wide type of materials and processes by LAN connection or Wi-Fi is provided to allow either manual or automatic control. It replaces the current standard laboratory method, with data directly comparable with laboratory viscometer vane sensor data, efficiently eliminating user errors and without delays. New compact design allows easier installation with 24VDC supply and flexible connection options are available.

The Atlas Copco QAC 1450 TwinPower generator is ideal for applications requiring variable power needs that can be set to suit the time of day or specific usage requirements. Featuring two 725 kVA generators inside the 20foot containerised unit, the QAC 1450 TwinPower allows you to run on one engine while servicing the other, providing a built-in backup as standard. With two generators in one platform, the QAC 1450 TwinPower provides the flexibility you need to run at 100 per cent power load or low power loads in the most efficient way. What’s more, every feature you need comes as standard. If you’re in the market for a new generator, get in touch with the team at Atlas CEA’s Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth branch today. • atlascea.com.au

• onlinerheometer.com

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

PRODUCTS

LIGHTEST STEEL TIPPER BODIES IN AUSTRALIA

NEOUSYS INTRODUCES THE NUVO-9000 SERIES

SSAB has supplied Hardox 500 Tuf steel to a stalwart of Australia’s haul roads – Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE). BRE provides the transport, mining, construction and agricultural industries with lightweight, high-strength road transport equipment that improves fuel burn and maintenance costs thanks to SSAB. Hardox 500 Tuf gives BRE the option to supply thicker, more hard-wearing steel for abrasive material such as iron ore, or to reduce the thickness without sacrificing any payload. Customers like BRE are always looking for ways to increase the wear life of their equipment, as well as achieving higher impact toughness, particularly when transporting rock and other heavy and abrasive materials. Hardox 500 Tuf is just the right wear plate to satisfy those needs.

Neousys Nuvo-9000 series is powered by Intel 12th-Gen Alder Lake Core i processor, supports up to 64GB of DDR5-4800 memory and wide temperature operations, and features flexible expansion and rich I/O ports to digitise your mining operations for equipment such as autonomous dump trucks, excavators, shovels, and for control room and field monitoring applications. Benefited by the 16-core/ 24-thread configuration of Intel 12th generation Core i processor, Nuvo-9000 present an incredible boost of performance when compared to the previous-generation platform. With the Intel 12th generation processors, they support the new DDR5 memory standard for more memory bandwidth to handle additional workloads. Nuvo-9000 series features rich high-speed I/O ports, including up to six GigE with PoE+ PSE capability, four Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) with screw-lock, three display ports, four COM and one audio.

• ssab.com/products/brands/hardox

• neousys-tech.com

INTRODUCING THE X-AIR+

SANDVIK ADDS TORO LH208L TO ITS RANGE

Atlas Copco Power Technique know the drill when it comes to compressed air. The X-Air compressor offers the perfect harmony between pressure and flow, putting you in full control of these parameters while saving fuel. Four reasons to invest in X-Air: 1) Every drilling job is different and with the AirXpert 2.0 performance management system, you can tackle more applications with a single compressor. 2) D ynamic Flow Boost gives you 10 per cent additional flow when flushing and stem refilling, allowing you to complete the job faster. 3) State-of-the-art engines allow for lower fuel consumption, with an average efficiency gain of 10 per cent with the new-generation Caterpillar C9.3B Stage IIA electronic injection engine. 4) C3 certified coating protects your compressor from all weather conditions, resulting in longer lifetime and higher resale value.

Sandvik has added another low-profile loader to the Toro family, with the Toro LH208L loader designed to operate efficiently in conditions where working height is extremely limited. The Toro LH208L loader is a strong and reliable workhorse for low-profile hard rock mining, specifically designed for the toughest and smallest of conditions, with an equipment height of only 1.6m and a payload capacity of 7.7 tonnes. With its robust reinforced structure, compact size, high payload capacity and components that are designed to perform in the mine environment, the loader is tailored to meet the productivity targets in applications where space is limited. Toro LH208L loader frames are reinforced to resist ground and roof impacts, and the welded steel box structures used in the frame and boom provide strong resistance to shock loads.

• atlascopco.com

• home.sandvik/en/products-services/

AUSTRALIANMINING

MAY 2022

EVENTS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU

Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow Brisbane | June 2 Arriving in Brisbane on June 2, the Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow brings together members of the mining and mining equipment, technology and services (METS) communities to network and share expertise. The first Mining Innovation Roadshow was launched in 2017 and has since gone from strength to strength, serving as an important platform for discussion and collaboration. This year’s Brisbane event will feature presentations from key leading industry speakers with a focus on the themes delivered at the Austmine Smart Mining Conference held in Perth in May 2021. Panellists will include those at the forefront of innovation in the mining industry, with attendees able to connect with professionals ranging from chief executive officers to managing directors and vice presidents. Attendees are predominantly METS companies, industry advocates, government representatives and miners • austmine.com.au/web/ Web/Events/Event_Display. aspx?EventKey=RS071021 The Australian Gold Conference Sydney | June 14–15 Australia’s largest precious metals conference and exhibition comes to Crown Sydney in June. The two-day Australian Gold Conference brings together every aspect of the precious metals investment industry to promote and assist everyday Australians alongside those already interested investors. Keynote speakers will share their

investment insights and look at ways one can grow and preserve their wealth going forward. ASX-listed mining companies will be present as they provide updates on their mining investment opportunities. Bullion dealers will also be on hand for those keen to know more about how and when to purchase physical metal. Representatives from the likes of De Grey Mining, Evolution Mining, Calidus Resources and Kin Mining are locked in to present at this year’s conference. • goldindustrygroup.com.au Open Pit Operators Conference Perth and online | June 21–22 This technical conference will bring together open-pit operators from around Australia and the world in a hybrid event designed to address the current and future challenges facing all in open-pit mining. The event will afford the opportunity to visit small and large pit operations in soft and hard rock, educating attendees on various practices around the industry. Keynote speakers include Anglo American technical director Tony O’Neill, BHP vice president for technical excellence Tim O’Connor and Brady Heywood managing director Sean Brady. A range of packages are available depending how much delegates seek to get out of the conference and exhibition, including student and online-only options. Conference sponsors including BHP, Epiroc, Caterpillar, Dyno Nobel and Hexagon Mining, ensuring an actionpacked two days for the open pit-mining sector. • ausimm.com AUSTRALIANMINING

Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference Gold Coast | August 21–24 Representing an initiative to promote health and safety in the Queensland mining industry, the conference provides attendees with the opportunity to exchange information, network and foster proactive health and safety management techniques. This year, the event returns with the theme, “Together we collaborate, innovate and educate”. The conference will retain presentations planned for 2020 and promote the ingenuity of home-grown safety. It follows a bumper year for conference attendance, with almost 1000 people joining the event when it featured seven keynote presentations, 50 concurrent presentations and 60 trade displays in 2019. Held at the Star Gold Coast this year, the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference will conclude with the Safety Innovation Health Awards and gala dinner. • qmihsconference.org.au BULK2022: Australian Bulk Handling Expo Melbourne | August 24–26 The Australian Bulk Handling Expo conference and awards will take place in 2022 to bring together the bulk handling industry into a standalone exhibition that shares the same location as MEGATRANS, which integrates intrinsically with the logistics and multimodal freight sector. It is supported by the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), which will host an industry conference, while

MAY 2022

the trade expo will showcase the latest in bulk materials handling equipment and technologies. Exhibitors include VEGA, SEW-Eurodrive, Mideco, Bonfiglioli, Minprovise and ESS Engineering. BULK2022 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over a period of three days. BULK2020 and BULK2021 ticketholders will be able to use their tickets to join the rescheduled expo. • bulkhandlingexpo.com.au International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) Melbourne | October 17–22 The eighth IMARC comes to Melbourne Showgrounds in Victoria from October 17–22 after being postponed from its previous date in January and February. Isuzu, Newtrax Technologies, Murray Engineering and Australasian Metals have confirmed their support and participation for the event, in addition to major sponsors Caterpillar, Toronto Stock Exchange and Sandvik. The IMARC team continues to build content and themes to attract global leaders from across the mining, investment, and METS communities across the value chain. Leading into October 2022, chief executive officers that were due to speak at the conference at the end of January will take part in a series of virtual interviews and keynote presentations as part of a brand new IMARC Insights series. For those who registered for the previous event dates, the tickets will have automatically transferred to the new dates. • imarcglobal.com

Bearing Technology

Engineering and Advisory Lubrication Management Industrial IOT Analytics

Transform Big Data into Scalable Actions Harness the power of SKF’s Mill Monitoring Program, the next generation of Industrial IoT - a data driven maintenance approach transforming from a reactive and preventive maintenance regime to a cost-efficient and safe predictive maintenance model.

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WE SOLVE

YOUR WATER CHALLENGES SUBMERSIBLE

SLURRY PUMPS FOR

HEADACHE SUMPS Less sediment, less downtime, less trouble.

Slurry sumps can be a constant hassle. Pumps wear hard and fast, and the sumps fill up with sediment. Cantilever pumps are often not up to the task. We know, because that’s when we are called in. The advanced CFD design of Flygt slurry pumps ensures exceptional levels of abrasion resistance. In addition, we provide an array of measures that keeps sumps clean, even with the heaviest slurries.

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