Australian Mining - Sep 2018 by Prime Creative Media

TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATION VOLUME 110/8 | SEPTEMBER 2018

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COMMENT

QUEENSLAND LOOKS FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH AND STABILITY BEN CREAGH

Ben.Creagh@primecreative.com.au

THE STATE’S MINING SECTOR HAS IMPROVED AND IT IS CLEAR THAT WORK IS BEING DONE TO MAKE THIS POSITION SUSTAINABLE.

proactive is by focusing on improving the image of mining in the public forum. The negative legacy of the downturn extends beyond mining circles despite the industry’s contribution to everyday life and the Australian economy. Mining has an image problem that needs to be fixed, most of all to solve a skills shortage by attracting workers to the industry in the coming years. The stability of the mining market, another talking point, is not achieved without growth at an exploration, development and operational level. However, growth isn’t possible without an efficient regulatory approvals process, another point raised at QME. With it potentially taking 18 months to make any serious exploration progress due to Queensland’s approvals process, chatter has led to fixing this to promote mining opportunities in the state. At least with improvements to the approvals process being discussed, it means growth is on the agenda.

t was great to hear about the opportunities that are appearing in Queensland’s mining industry in Mackay during July. The strong attendance at the Queensland Mining and Engineering (QME) Exhibition has been viewed as a reflection of the lift in optimism that is being enjoyed across the state, and down the east coast for that matter. It is important to point out two themes that emerged during the three-day event that show a change in approach from the past. The first theme is that Queensland’s mining and METS (mining equipment, technology and services) companies cannot be complacent. Yes, a cautious mindset is still in effect. A negative legacy from the recent ‘bust’ in the cycle lives on in mining circles, and that’s a good thing if the responsible discussion in Queensland is any guide. This cautious outlook also remains present because there are still many challenges being faced, particularly for METS companies. The challenges centre on the threat and impact of the ‘boom and bust’ cycle returning; the industry wants to avoid that rollercoaster ride as best it can. For industry body Austmine, the challenges facing METS companies also include prices for their products and services not yet rebounding, commodity price volatility, skills shortages and global uncertainty. The second theme that stood out from the event stems from these challenges. It is clear that mining in Queensland (and across the country) is being proactive to respond to these challenges to build a stable environment, both in the current market and in the event of another commodity price dip. One way the mining industry is being

MANAGING DIRECTOR JOHN MURPHY EDITOR BEN CREAGH Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: ben.creagh@primecreative.com.au JOURNALISTS EWEN HOSIE Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: ewen.hosie@primecreative.com.au VANESSA ZHOU Tel: (03) 9690 8766 Email: vanessa.zhou@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER NATASHA SHEKAR Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Email: natasha.shekar@primecreative.com.au

In this edition of Australian Mining, we review the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in Mackay during July, including key discussions, announcements and awards that were handed out. This issue looks at how the partnership between Roy Hill and Kal Tire at the iron ore mine in the Pilbara has led to innovation and safety benefits. We discuss Hitachi’s role in Australian mining’s move to an autonomous environment, including work the manufacturer will do with Whitehaven Coal in this area. This edition also analyses the changing expectations of company shareholders in the latest of our Tracking the Trends series. And as usual, we review the latest mining equipment and technology in our regular products spread.

Ben Creagh Editor

SALES MANAGER JONATHAN DUCKETT Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Mob: 0498 091 027 Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au ART DIRECTOR Michelle Weston GRAPHIC DESIGNERS James Finlay, Blake Storey, Adam Finlay SUBSCRIPTION RATES Australia (surface mail) $140.00 (incl GST) New Zealand A$148.00 Overseas A$156.00

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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CONTENTS

QME

MATERIALS HANDLING

THE NEW ERA OF METS Reports from QME 2018 in Mackay

HAMMER TIME Boart Longyear talks top hammers

10-11 MINING EQUIPMENT

PROSPECT AWARDS

12-14

HITACHI’S DRIVERLESS TRUCKS Hitachi’s automation expansion with Whitehaven Coal

EPIROC AND LIEBHERR We talk to two of the show’s big sponsors

38-40 CRUSHING & SCREENING

ASSET MANAGEMENT

SETTING SCREENING STANDARDS An expert talks Schenck’s latest tech

RELIABLE MACHINERY Schneider Electric on the collaborative approach

42 MINING SERVICES

WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

THE SUCCESS OF ROY HILL Kal Tire’s culture of collaboration in the Pilbara

18-21

22-24

SKIN CANCER AWARENESS Skin Patrol is teaching skin cancer safety at mine sites

TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATION

THE BENEFIT OF 3D PRINTING 3D Systems is mapping the mine site

THE NEXT WAVE OF MINING GROWTH The latest METS Ignited funding round is driving industry innovation

TRACKING THE TRENDS

QUEENSLAND MINING AWARDS

26-27

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Balancing the demands of shareholders

WOLFF MINING SCOOPS HONOUR Wolff takes top prize at this year’s awards

45 SAFETY

MAINTENANCE

28-31

SHINING A LIGHT HELLA brightens sites with low-glare truck lights

GATES’ HYDRAULIC HOSES Gates Australia’s MegaSys colour-coded hoses

46 AUTOMATION

MAINTENANCE

DEEPER UNDERGROUND Sandvik on the reality of total underground automation

32-33

CALIBRATING WITH THERMO FISHER The importance of proper calibration

47 ENERGY

INDUSTRY COMMENT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Austmine discusses connectivity in mining

34-35

OPTIMA BATTERIES R&J highlights the Optima range

48 PRODUCT SHOWCASE

MATERIALS HANDLING

50-51

THE MODULAR APPROACH How BAC is improving site storage

BOSCH REXROTH AND SEACO Hydraulic drives and pit-to-port containers

36 REGULARS

NEWS 6-9

PRODUCTS 52-53

AUSTRALIANMINING

EVENTS 54

SEPTEMBER 2018

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NEWS

THE LATEST MINING AND SAFETY NEWS AUSTRALIAN MINING AND SAFE TO WORK PRESENT THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE MINE AND EVERYWHERE BETWEEN. VISIT WWW.AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU AND WWW.SAFETOWORK.COM.AU TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING. RIO TINTO DELIVERS FIRST IRON ORE WITH ‘WORLD’S LARGEST ROBOT’

Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul project in the Pilbara is another step closer to completion after the first delivery of iron ore by an autonomous train. The “world’s largest robot,” as Rio Tinto calls the driverless train, consisted three locomotives with around 28,000t on board. It travelled more than 280km from Rio Tinto’s mining operations in Tom Price

RIO TINTO’S AUTONOMOUS TRAIN PROJECT IN THE PILBARA IS ON TRACK.

largest and longest robots. “This program symbolises both the pioneering spirit and innovative talents of many people across Rio Tinto and shows our absolute commitment to improving safety and productivity, as well as enabling greater flexibility across our operations,” Vella said. “We will continue to ensure our autonomous trains operate safely under the wide range of conditions we experience in the Pilbara, where we record more than eight million kilometres of train travel each year.” Rio Tinto operates about 200 locomotives on more than 1700km of track in the Pilbara, transporting ore from 16 mines to four port terminals. The average return distance of these trains is about 800km with the average journey cycle, including loading and dumping, taking about 40 hours. Rio Tinto has fitted the locomotives carrying AutoHaul software with onboard cameras to provide constant monitoring from the operations centre. It has also fitted all public rail crossings on the network with CCTV

to the Port of Cape Lambert in July. Rio Tinto remains on track to complete the $940 million AutoHaul autonomous train project by the end of the year. Ivan Vella, Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director rail, port and core services, said the program would deliver the world’s first autonomous, long distance, heavy-haul rail network, operating the world’s

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cameras as a safety measure. “We are working closely with drivers during this transition period as we prepare our employees for new ways of working as a result of automation,” Vella added. Rio Tinto was granted accreditation for the AutoHaul operation by Australia’s Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) in May. It completed its first autonomous trial run in October 2017.

ROY HILL LAUNCHES GINA RINEHART VISION TO SHARE PROFITS Roy Hill has introduced a scheme that will see some of the profits of owner, Hancock Prospecting, shared with employees. The benefit initiative, conceived by chair Gina Rinehart several years ago, is setup to reward the hard work, dedication and commitment of employees to make the Pilbara iron ore operation safe, productive and profitable. Roy Hill employees who join the scheme are eligible for an annual payment based on overall business performance in the previous financial year. The payments, which will start in December, depend on the company substantially achieving annual cost and production targets; employees achieving safety outcomes; and the company having adequate

“Our employees delivered the ‘impossible!’ Hence, I wanted to thank and extend the amount of the first payment to employees to reward this outstanding effort.” Roy Hill’s first shipment of iron ore departed from Port Hedland in December 2015. It has since ramped up to become integrated mine, rail and port facilities producing 55Mt/y of iron ore. Barry Fitzgerald, Roy Hill chief executive officer, believes the scheme creates a unique opportunity for staff to drive performance at the mine. “It is our hope that this profitability can be improved, in the event that the West Australian Government give approvals for the project to expand to 60Mtpa, enabling the more productive use of our two berths in Port Hedland, plus more investment

distributable cash levels under debt facility agreements to make the payment. Rinehart said the commencement of the scheme would recognise the outstanding contributions of Roy Hill employees in achieving operational targets. “My ongoing vision for sharing profits remains that if Roy Hill has a good year, then we all have a good year – with an annual payment to all employees in mid-December, just before Christmas,” Rinehart said. “The first annual payment will occur in December this year to reward the outstanding effort, hard work and commitment put in by Roy Hill employees to achieve production and business performance targets that I was told would be ‘impossible’ to achieve.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

by Roy Hill, much of which will further benefit West Australia,” he said. Fitzgerald said the scheme to share profits with employees when targets were met was the realisation of Rinehart’s vision. “This is a tremendous example of the generosity of Mrs Rinehart and her appreciation of staff. She advised of this initiative years ago for when Roy Hill reached 55Mt/y, including when speaking publicly at a CHOGM function in Perth,” Fitzgerald said. “It is tremendously exciting news for our people – who are being invited on a journey with this mega West Australian mining operation. The chairman’s profit scheme means that everybody’s joint efforts pay off, with our people genuinely engaged with driving the performance of our operations and business.”

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NEWS

CATERPILLAR AND NEWMONT COLLABORATE ON AUTOMATION TECH

THIESS WINS OZ MINERALS CONTRACT AT PROMINENT HILL Thiess has strengthened a relationship with OZ Minerals through a $112 million contract to provide stockpile rehandle services at the Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in South Australia. The CIMIC-owned contractor will provide run of mine management, crusher feed and ore rehandling services over a five-year period at the mine near Coober Pedy. Thiess, which will start works in August, first provided open pit mining services at the Prominent Hill operation in 2006. Douglas Thompson, Thiess managing director, said the contractor had developed a strong working relationship with OZ Minerals at Prominent Hill. “Since we first began work with the team 12 years ago, we’ve focused on understanding OZ Minerals’ priorities, and have continually challenged ourselves to provide flexible services, delivering operational excellence and long-term value to our client,” Thompson said. Thiess will also continue its involvement with local community organisations with a particular focus on engaging and developing Indigenous businesses. CIMIC Group chief executive officer Michael Wright added: “We’re proud to continue to work with OZ Minerals and the team at Prominent Hill where we’ve been working since 2006.”

AUTOMONOUS LOADER OPERATORS WORK IN A CONTROL ROOM.

ALCOA REVOLUTIONISES MINE OPERATIONS WITH DRONE TECHNOLOGY

Caterpillar and Newmont Mining have formed a technology collaboration to improve hard rock autonomous vehicles in underground mines. The companies will focus on Cat’s semi-autonomous MineStar-based Command for underground systems. Newmont is the largest user of the company’s underground automation tech in the western world. The collaboration will see Newmont and Cat test and validate new features, improving existing systems and sharing information to help further Cat’s automation strategy. “Automating underground loaders enables machine operators to work safely and efficiently from a control room on the surface,” said Graden Colby, underground operations manager at the Leeville gold mine. “In addition to enhancing safety, the semi-autonomous system increases loader utilisation, improves productivity and allows one operator to control two or more machines.” The agreement is designed to allow for rapid implementation and replication across all of Newmont’s sites through Caterpillar’s global network of dealers to increase consistency and efficiency. “Through our shared vision with Caterpillar and (Cat dealer) Cashman — along with senior management commitment — we are tackling a new frontier in mining to improve safety, productivity and costs,” said David Thornton, general manager of Newmont’s Carlin underground operations.

Alcoa continues to pioneer new ways of working with digital tools and is now utilising drone technology to perform its operations across Western Australia. The drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are now able to report back with data to allow for more accurate maintenance planning, exact scaffolding requirements, clearer work focus and better budgeting. They overtake high-risk jobs that are usually performed by employees on ropes or scaffolds. Now an operator can sit safely and watch a live feed on an iPad. Andrew King, chief UAV pilot at Alcoa Alumina’s Centre for Excellence, said that drones could also be adapted for various tasks, and work that would normally take several days could now be completed in hours. “The sky is the limit for drone application, but knowing how to best understand and use the data we can gather using drones is the real art,” King said. “The vision for detailed inspection is one benefit but the same data can also be used to make very accurate 3D models. This is an enabler for other technologies such as augmented and virtual reality.” Alcoa uses drone technology to perform safety inspections, maintenance assessments, stockpile inventory monitoring and survey information gathering. Last May, Alcoa announced a plan to expand the development of the world’s first carbonfree aluminium smelting process in partnership with Rio Tinto and tech company Apple. Among three alumina refineries, two dedicated port facilities and three farmlands in Western Australia, Alcoa runs the world’s second largest bauxite mine in the state, Huntly. Alcoa’s operations also support approximately 4300 direct jobs, predominantly in regional Australia. The company produces almost 43 per cent of Australia’s alumina and approximately 20 per cent of Australia’s aluminium.

FENNER DUNLOP WINS PILBARA CONVEYOR CONTRACT Fenner Dunlop has secured a permanent contract with Rio Tinto to provide conveyor maintenance services at the Cape Lambert and Dampier Ports in Western Australia. The long-term agreement is expected to create more than 40 full-time jobs. It will see Fenner Dunlop service all of the conveyors at the Pilbara ports. Rio Tinto’s port facilities include four independent shipping terminals at Cape Lambert and Dampier, which are managed by a single system. The terminals have a combined 360Mt/y capacity. Fenner Dunlop plans to open a new company branch in Karratha to form stronger business ties with the region. Steve Abbott, Fenner Dunlop chief operating officer, said the two companies viewed the contract as a longstanding partnership. “The award of this contract is directly attributed to our focus on total conveyor performance, our leadership and training programs and the excellent team we have in Western Australia,” Abbott said. Fenner Dunlop, now part of the Michelin Group of Companies, has manufacturing plants in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and 16 branches nationally.

ALCOA SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST (IT) AND CHIEF UAV PILOT ANDREW KING DEMONSTRATES USE OF DRONES.

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QME

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF MINING’S NEXT HORIZON A NEW ERA HAS ARRIVED IN MINING. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR THE METS SECTOR IN AUSTRALIA? BEN CREAGH FINDS OUT AT QME IN MACKAY.

he Queensland Mining & Engineering (QME) Exhibition has reminded us of the challenges facing the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sectors. Stability has returned for many Australian mining companies — the sight of rising production and profits during the latest reporting season demonstrates this. METS companies, while optimistic, haven’t experienced the same improvement in market conditions. The prices they enjoyed for their services and products during the mining boom remain well below past levels. Challenges, including skills shortages, commodity price volatility and global uncertainty, are also factors METS companies contend with. While there may be optimism for METS companies, they remains cautious, according to Austmine chief executive officer Christine Gibbs-

Stewart, the host of a QME seminar on ‘Mining’s next horizon.’ Gibbs-Stewart believes the industry does not want to ride the roller coaster of the boom and bust cycle again, creating this mentality. A panel of experts from METS companies joined Gibbs-Stewart at QME to discuss these challenges and what is being done to overcome them. Here are their thoughts:

Skills shortages

Two words are on everybody’s lips at the moment: skills shortages. The industry knows this challenge well; today’s skills shortages, however, look slightly different from the past. “It’s not just traditional skills. It is new skills around data analytics and data science. New skills we need in the industry as we innovate and digitise,” Gibbs-Stewart says. The panellists regard the public’s opinion of mining as another factor contributing to skills shortages. Mastermyne managing director

THE CHALLENGE IS TO BRING PRODUCTS TO MARKET IN A SENSIBLE WAY SO THAT THE END USER DOESN’T GET BOMBARDED WITH THAT TECHNOLOGY.” Tony Caruso describes people “as a real issue” for the coal sector. With activity and demand increasing, he views the industry’s image problem as a key reason why the skills shortage has intensified. “(Coal) is not very sexy,” he concedes. “What we are seeing is a lot of people gravitating away from coal mining. It is our job to make coal mining great again. “(We need to) make it attractive for young people to come back into mining and understand that there is a very sustainable, environmentally-friendly way to mine and it is a good career.” Coal’s poor image has not only put off the next generation of workers, but also past mine workers, who have

HOST CHRISTINE GIBBS-STEWART WITH PANELLISTS TONY CARUSO, IAN DOVER, DAVID SCUTT AND KERI ARMITAGE.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

chosen not to take their talents back to the industry after being burnt by the downturn. Caruso expects this situation will eventually turn and many of the former workers will be back. “Invariably what we will start to see over the next few years is a lot of those guys come back into the sector again in roles like consultants or advisors to hand that knowledge back,” he says. “Again that is the cyclic nature of commodities, losing skills out of the sector. How do we bring them back in?”

The perception of mining

It is unfair to single out coal as the only area of mining contributing to the poor public perception. The panellists believe improving the public’s opinion of the entire industry is critical to helping solve the skills shortage in the long term. For Quarry Mining managing director Kari Armitage, Millennials are at the forefront of this discussion. “We need Millennials to embrace this technology movement. A lot of the Millennials are not liking the sound of mining; they don’t like the boom and bust,” Armitage says. “They are listening to their parents and there is a growing negativity about mining. They are under pressure to reduce their footprint but I think they are under more pressure to get the message out there that mining isn’t all negative.” Armitage sees an opportunity for Millennials to be used differently in mining workforces to make them more involved. “It wouldn’t hurt to have Millennials recruit and be managers of other Millennials. Then Gen X and Baby Boomers can channel some of that enthusiasm,” Armitage says. “I think that one of the things Millennials want is access to their bosses and if you can take that,

QME

ATTENDANCE SPIKED AT THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION.

embrace it and engage it then you can provide them with rewarding and exciting careers.” Davey Bickford business manager east and global technical solutions manager David Scutt believes the process of attracting future workers needs to start as early as possible. “That’s going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of different companies and time. We also have to start with the school children,” Scutt says. “We have to get right down to it at an early level because it is too late once they have started university or finished university.”

Digital disruption

Digital technology is an important competitive advantage in the future of mining. For the moment, however, the panel sees challenges being created by digital disruption. Again, this is another test for workforces, according to Scutt. “The disruption in the workforce is real and a real challenge. We have seen lots of real opportunities for the stakeholders to come together and find a real outcome,” Scutt says. The digital disruption has also led to an explosion of technology in the marketplace, something that can be difficult to manage. For Caruso it is potentially a case of “too much technology.” “It is almost at the point now where it is death by technology. There is so much technology coming to the market, there are so many good ideas,” he says. “That in itself is creating a barrier because when we sift through the tech we can’t do everything. It is about bringing that tech to market. “The challenge is to bring products to market in a sensible way so that the end user doesn’t get bombarded with that technology.” METS Ignited general manager Ian Dover believes the answer to the digital disruption challenge is to learn from experiences elsewhere. “See what is happening in other

sectors and how they are changing the way they are doing business,” Dover says. “Also look at different parts of the world and I point to Europe. The Europeans because of the way they worked together over thousands of years and embraced this term, clusters. “There are opportunities for us to do the same thing and if we don’t embrace that technology in our business model we are likely to find ourselves up against very serious competition.”

Social licence

Mining’s image is also shaped by the changing expectations of the social licence to operate, the panel says. What a social licence now requires

is something mining and METS are grappling with. Dover believes the expectations for today’s social licence is changing business models. He says communities and stakeholders expect to understand where resources are coming from. “A single company is finding it harder to handle their own technologies now than they could five, 10, 15 or 20 years ago,” Dover says. “What that’s suggesting and what that’s driving is a level of collaboration and interaction between those companies so they are not just providing the very least.” Scutt has observed the changing social licence expectations in the explosives sector where management of materials has become more stringent. “We have some major challenges around the security of our explosives. We don’t want to be like other countries that have armed guards, escorted trucks around the highways,” Scutt says. “Secondly is the environmental side of explosives as well — fumes from blasting are a real issue that we have to fix. “Communities expects so much more from our operations and how we approach these problems. To give them confidence and security that there isn’t going to be an issue, that’s our major challenge.”

Resource complexity

At an operational level, companies are challenged by mineral resources becoming depleted and harder to extract. Mastermyne regularly focuses on understanding the increasing complexity of the ore systems at coal deposits with mining clients. “I see much smaller resources and much more complex resources,” Caruso says. “Companies acquired these assets particularly at the bottom part of the cycle. We saw a lot of assets get released by the Tier 1 operators and fall into the hands of these junior miners.” Miners and contractors now have, as a result, an opportunity to do things differently in the new-look Bowen Basin, Caruso continues. “These junior miners are now looking at these resources and working out how they can sweat the asset and get a return on the investment,” he says. “They didn’t have to invest heavily to buy the asset but they still have to come up with the more innovative ways to extract the resource and be competitive. “How do you extract the coal when coal prices come off? I see that as one of the biggest challenges going forward. The big miners have margin for error but the smaller ones not so much.” AM

AUSTRALIAN METS COMPANIES OUT IN FORCE AT QME.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

MINING EQUIPMENT

HITACHI TO PARTNER WITH WHITEHAVEN COAL ON AUTOMATION EXPANSION AT MAULES CREEK THE JAPANESE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER HAS SET THE FOUNDATION TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN AUSTRALIA’S MOVE TOWARDS AN AUTONOMOUS MINING FUTURE. BEN CREAGH WRITES.

itachi Construction Machinery’s ambitious growth plans for the Australian mining industry are taking shape. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has targeted expansion in Australia for a number of years, particularly from a technology and innovation perspective with autonomous systems and machinery. In 2014, it took a step in this direction by announcing a trial of its Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) at the Stanwell Corporation-run Meandu coal mine in Queensland. Hitachi has successfully tested

three driverless Hitachi EH5000AC-3 trucks at the Meandu mine in the past year, signalling its progress in the area and readiness to start new autonomous projects. The OEM has found its next opportunity at Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek mine in New South Wales. Hitachi’s relationship with Whitehaven at Maules Creek was formed in 2014 as supplier of the first fleet of haul trucks and excavators at the thermal coal operation, which was still in development at that stage. The companies are now collaborating to design and introduce an AHS for the EH5000AC-3 haulers

at the site. Hitachi will work with Whitehaven to scope the delivery and commissioning of the phased AHS deployment. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) general manager – mining Eric Green says the collaboration with Whitehaven at Maules Creek, formed during the mining downturn, has been significant for the equipment company’s growth in Australia. “We were fortunate enough to secure that business with the initial fleets at Maules Creek. That has been positive for us as it came at quite an opportune time because it was during the downturn in the marketplace,” Green tells Australian Mining.

“There has been the plan to introduce automation at Maules Creek, which was always possible with the EH5000AC-3 model of Hitachi trucks.” The $767 million Maules Creek mine, near Boggabri in the Gunnedah Basin, started mining coal in December 2014 and has been operating commercially since July 2015. Maules Creek produced 10.95Mt of run-of-mine (ROM) coal and 9.64Mt of saleable coal in the 2018 financial year. Whitehaven plans to ramp up annual production at Maules Creek to 13Mt, with automation to be part of sustaining

HITACHI’S EH5000AC-3 HAUL TRUCK HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE GROWTH OF AUTOMATION.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

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an efficient operation at that rate. Autonomous haulage systems have, of course, proven to significantly reduce human exposure to safety hazards and other critical risk scenarios, in addition to contributing to better mine efficiency. Hitachi has focused on the development of advanced technologies for its AHS to deliver these benefits. Its fleet management system (FMS), provided by Wenco International Mining Systems, is integral to a design that optimises mining operations. Hitachi acquired Wenco in 2009, and the pair have since worked together to leverage Dynamic Dispatch fleet dispatch automation software for the deployment of autonomous haul trucks. Wenco’s FMS is complemented by several proven technologies, including Hitachi’s Smart Mining Truck with robotic stabilisation controls, AC motor and drive control unit technologies; a blockage management system from its railway business; and a sensing technology and navigation system cultivated in the automobile industry. Hitachi’s progress as AHS providers in the east coast coal market reflects the ambitions it has set for in the Australian marketplace. The company discussed its focus on innovation and growth in the Australian mining industry two years ago despite the persistence of challenging market conditions. It revealed last November that $875 million had been invested by

the company on social innovation in Australia during the preceding 18 months, the majority targeting the mining industry. Hitachi believes Australian mining will be almost entirely autonomous by 2030, with integrated operations centres, autonomous vehicles, AHS, drone image analysis, and other analytics-focused technologies dominating the landscape. Green says discussions about automation in the east coast coal sector have definitely increased over the past 18 months. “Going forward that is a big part of the discussion in the sale of new fleets; it is being considered in the marketplace as part of mine planning,” Green says. “We are becoming more mature with autonomous machinery in the marketplace. It is part of the conversation on capital equipment and the options are now there. “Having the option to consider that is a big part of mine planning, but it may not suit every site and application.” Hitachi also regards Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, which allow for the implementation of strategies offsite, as highly important. “Embracing smart technology including digitisation and IoT in the mining industry is imperative for Australia to maintain its leadership position,” according to Hitachi managing director Atsushi Konishi. “There are several large mining AUSTRALIANMINING

companies looking at Australia to implement new digital technologies in order to then replicate them in other regions of the world.” Hitachi’s activity in the automation space is so far focused on the east coast coal sector. The company is also targeting growth in Western Australia’s iron ore industry, a sector that is rapidly introducing the technology. OEMs like Caterpillar and Komatsu already have a strong presence with their AHS solutions in the Pilbara. Hitachi still sees opportunities in the Western Australia iron ore application, particularly with the mine owners running Hitachi truck fleets. “We are obviously working to expand the truck fleets in the west. Roy Hill and Rio Tinto is our footprint at the moment but we are actively looking to expand that without a doubt,” Green says. “There’s some huge fleets there tied up with the likes of Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue so it is a matter of getting the opportunity to expand with those miners.” Hitachi is well established in Western Australia to support growth and service the state’s mining operations. The company’s expansion in the state includes the 2016 opening of a $60 million, 104,000-square-metre facility at the Forrestdale Business Park in Perth as its Western Australia/ Northern Territory headquarters. Hitachi’s Perth facility joins an east

SEPTEMBER 2018

coast mining hub in Brisbane, which opened in 2012. These moves, executed during the downturn in mining conditions, have seemingly paid off as the operating environment has improved. Green says 2018 has been positive for the company with numerous enquiries coming from the mining industry on both sides of the country. However, he remains cautious. “As an industry we just have to work to make sure things don’t heat up too much. When I hear that the boom situation is coming back I shudder a bit because I feel that is the wrong message to send out,” Green says. “There are just positive signs and we are working in that way.” Hitachi is also continuing to introduce new products for other mining disciplines to support industry growth in other sectors. The company launched the EX1200-7 excavator at an event in Perth during July. According to Green, the improvements on the EX12007 focus on the engine and it being compliant to Tier 4 specifications. In Western Australia, the excavator will be well suited to smaller operations, particularly in gold and nickel. “The other sector that is now quite prominent is the lithium industry. So definitely for the west we see that equipment as being a vital part of our future opportunities,” Green concludes. AM

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CRUSHING AND SCREENING

SCHENCK PROCESS SETS NEW SCREEN STANDARDS SCHENCK PROCESS SCREENING EXPERT GORDON ASHLEY TELLS AUSTRALIAN MINING ABOUT AN EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT AT THE COMPANY. in the Schenck Process factories in Melbourne, Germany and China. The final assembly and testing will be carried out in China; from there, the screen will be shipped directly to site.

Typical project application

SLK4390WXFS VIBRATING SCREEN EQUIPPED WITH THE CONIQ CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM.

chenck Process has designed and built the largest double deck flat screen in the company’s range. At over 72t, using four DF704 exciters and processing around 10,000 t/hr of slurry in a metal extraction process, this Schenck Process vibrating screen could well be the largest ever built. Gordon Ashley, the product expert in screening for Schenck Process, says the screen model SLK4390WXFS is made for wet processing the largest of mine throughputs with extreme fatigue strength and ability to resist huge loads. The project goal is to supply vibrating screens to withstand the sag mill discharge of 6000t/hr plus 4000m3/hr of water. This model is around 5.5m wide, 10.5m long and 6.5m high. It will be the first double deck vibrating screen using four DF704 exciters mounted in pairs on two exciter beams using a dual drive arrangement with two 90 kW motors and variable speed controllers.

“This installation has about every available option for a screen,” Ashley says. With an installed mass of 120t, a vibrated mass of 72t and exciters that generate a combined force equivalent to 14 “maxed out” jumbo jet engines, there is no surprise the screen has been nicknamed “The Beast”. A machine of this size has the potential to impair the rest of the plant due to the vibrations transmitted into the support structure. This risk has been addressed by the use of a tuned vibration absorber called an isolation frame. In operation, only a tiny fraction of the exciter force will be transmitted into the supports. The plant design requires a system to move the screens out of the production stream for routine maintenance and to minimise plant stoppages, a rotatable system has been devised; one screen rolls out of the production line as a replacement rolls in. This system facilitates the change over by using a trolley that also mounts the drive motors, spray water system, AUSTRALIANMINING

isolation frame and underpan to direct the fine material into the correct part of the plant for further processing. The project was a local and global collaboration, starting with the design and engineering in the Schenck Process offices in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and the Hunter Valley. The manufacturing took place

This is the era of large open-pit copper and gold mines in many districts and countries. It’s typical that these mines will use 40-foot Semi Autogenous Mills (SAG mills) to process the ore, often in more than one production line. Many of these projects will process on multiple parallel lines and use two, three or four screens to produce many thousands of tonnes of copper, gold, molybdenum and other metals to satisfy the world’s demand for manufactured products. Ashley says, “Schenck Process application knowledge was vital to get this right; understanding how the infeed material behaves as a mixture of rocks, clays and water and manipulate this to achieve the goal of separating the fractions into different streams, this comes only from years of process experience.” The screen is equipped with a CONiQ condition monitoring system to regularly update the operators on the screen performance indicators and to allow remote data review. Schenck Process, the company’s client and engineering teams are all engaged and focused on producing an optimum screen installation. AM

GORDON ASHLEY, SCHENCK PROCESS’ PRODUCT EXPERT IN SCREENING.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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MINING SERVICES

ROY HILL’S CULTURE OF COLLABORATION THE SUCCESS OF THE ROY HILL IRON ORE OPERATION HAS RELIED ON MANY FACTORS, INCLUDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH MINING SERVICES COMPANIES LIKE KAL TIRE. BEN CREAGH VISITS THE SITE.

ollaboration is at the core of Roy Hill’s relationships with its contractors and suppliers. The massive 55 million tonne a year iron ore operation in the Pilbara, Western Australia has an environment where mining services providers can play a role in helping it achieve safety and operational excellence. Chief executive Barry Fitzgerald sets this culture by regularly meeting with Roy Hill’s mining services partners to reinforce the opportunity they have to be more than a supplier at the operation. Roy Hill pursues this contribution

on several levels, from mining and maintenance to training and information technology (IT). Canada’s Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group is one mining services provider that has accepted the challenge to offer support and innovation in these areas. Kal Tire has contributed in this way by building a long-term partnership that has delivered improvements to tyre supply, maintenance and management processes. Roy Hill’s tyre management relationship was originally formed with Australian company Klinge & Co (before it was acquired by Kal Tire in 2016) on a consulting agreement.

Klinge set the foundation of the partnership that exists between Roy Hill and Kal Tire today. Many of the employees who were part of the early relationship remain at the site, or still have an association with the iron ore operation. Roy Hill manager, mobile maintenance, Brenden Pool, a member of Roy Hill since development started in 2011, reflects on Klinge’s role in the early days of the project. “We had the Klinge guys involved as consultants way back in 2012,” Pool tells Australian Mining during a site visit at Roy Hill. “It was when we had the last tyre shortage and we brought the guys in for some advice

A CAT HAUL TRUCK AT THE KAL TIRE FACILITY READY FOR INSPECTION.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

and a sanity check on what we were planning.” The relationship then expanded, becoming official when Roy Hill awarded Klinge with the tyre maintenance contract in 2014.

Safety first

Klinge’s role during the project phase included providing input for the design of Roy Hill’s tyre management facility, which had to be developed as a safe environment for the entire lifecycle of the operation. Its recommendations for the facility’s layout and traffic management system have left a strong safety legacy for both

MINING SERVICES

companies, Pool says. “The design of the traffic management system was reviewed on a number of occasions by Klinge. They had a lot of input into the way it is segregated into heavy vehicle and light vehicle areas,” Pool says. Kal Tire general manager – western region, Miles Rigney, believes the layout set the basis for consistent safety performance from the tyre management team, which has not recorded a lost-time injury (LTI) in three years. Part of the initial team at Roy Hill, Rigney says having early involvement at a greenfields project is beneficial from a safety perspective. Rigney describes tyre maintenance as one of the most dangerous activities at a mine, with the risk of tyre failure being something that must be reduced through an effective layout. “While it is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with changing tyres completely, something we have to do is mitigate the risk,” Rigney says. “We thought about the potential harm of what a catastrophic tyre failure can do to people and how we can eliminate people from that area. “By strategically locating the tyre maintenance facility away from high

KAL TIRE’S GRAVITY ASSIST SYSTEM IN ACTION.

density, or areas of any density, for people, we eliminate the potential consequences of it causing harm to a passer-by at least 100m away.” Kal Tire’s focus on safety at Roy

Hill was rewarded this year when the team won the company’s coveted Tom Foord Award for Safety Excellence, competing against its nearly 200 operations across five continents.

The Tom Foord award, which honours Kal Tire’s founder, recognises safety performance, team development, training, the implementation of unique

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MINING SERVICES

ideas submitted at Roy Hill in 2017, this innovation was awarded the top level one idea of the year by the operator’s business improvement team for the extra truck productivity made possible through more efficient tyre change times. “With their innovation centre and what we are trying to do with our smart mining initiative we are very aligned – much more than the traditional tyre management schemes we’ve had,” Pool says.

Tyre management training

ROY HILL MOBILE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT KEVIN WEARY (LEFT) AND KAL TIRE SITE LEADER OWEN CHERRY.

safety elements, helping to create profitability, innovation and tyre performance.

Delivering innovation

Pool says Roy Hill’s collaboration with its tyre management provider has gone to another level from an innovation perspective since Kal Tire took control. Roy Hill and Kal Tire complement each other through their joint drive to develop and introduce innovation, he adds. “The Kal Tire business isn’t far from us. Our chairman and CEO are keen on the innovation and improvement part of the business – we aren’t afraid of investing money to give an idea an opportunity to succeed,” Pool says. Kal Tire regularly offers new ‘productivity tools’ that have been developed and tested at its Canadian innovation centre to Roy Hill. These innovations have proven that productivity gains can be achieved while also improving a site’s safety performance. Kal Tire this year introduced its Gravity Assist System, a device that acts like a mechanical arm to hold and swivel 36kg torque guns like a weightless extension of the technician’s body, removing the need to fasten almost 70 lug nuts while holding the equipment.

Further evidence of Kal Tire’s commitment to sharing innovation with Roy Hill is the introduction of its tyre deflation tool, which can reduce

the time it takes to deflate a 57-inch ultra-class tyre from approximately 30 minutes to 15. Of the 1738 business improvement

A KAL TIRE TEAM MEMBER DURING INSPECTION.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

Roy Hill’s relationship with Kal Tire has evolved to include training, with one of its apprentices spending time at the tyre management facility to understand more about that part of operations. As skills shortages re-emerge in the Western Australian mining industry, Roy Hill will work with the contactor to help broaden the knowledge-base of its workforce. Kal Tire also uses Roy Hill as a training ground for its staff. Its supervisor at the operation, Owen Cherry, has developed into his role since being part of the original team at the site, which has grown from a handful of workers to approximately 20 staff. As a leader of the group, Cherry guides the development of this team and will oversee training of the Roy Hill apprentices that work with Kal Tire.

MINING SERVICES

BY STRATEGICALLY LOCATING THE TYRE MAINTENANCE FACILITY AWAY FROM HIGH DENSITY, OR AREAS OF ANY DENSITY, FOR PEOPLE, WE ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF IT CAUSING HARM TO A PASSER-BY AT LEAST 100M AWAY.” “We had our first apprentice come over from Roy Hill and that was a great opportunity to show the apprentice what’s involved in our job, the risks that we deal with every day, plus an insight into what we do at the pit,” Cherry says. “I’ve always had a bit of a leadership role but nothing like this one. With the help of Miles, the learning has been fast. When Kal Tire took over it was a big eye opener for the Klinge team, but they coached me through how to present their products to Roy Hill and that was a big help.” Roy Hill training superintendent Mick Davies says a contractor’s role in a training capacity at large mine sites should not be overlooked as they provide a particular expertise. Davies believes the mining industry has gradually become more aware of how contractors can share their specific knowledge with operators to develop a more skilled workforce.

“There shouldn’t be a limit to some of their training because they are there as the resident experts in the tyre work,” Davies says. “It’s important to share those operating techniques that Roy Hill generally don’t have a concept of, and how that impacts the performance of that tyre. “Collaboratively they went through a lot of processes and we were continually talking to the guys about those sorts of things.” All Kal Tire team members have access to the Kal Tire Learning Management System (LMS) which, depending on their position, may have up to 300 specific training modules to suit their specific role. The LMS system has been embraced by the Kal Tire team at Roy Hill, which recognises the value of having these online resources made available to them. But the training doesn’t stop there, following successful completion of a module, the team member must then

AUSTRALIANMINING

demonstrate what they have learned and receive sign-off from a supervisor. The LMS training is in addition to the national competency-based training that Kal Tire delivers inhouse as well as internal / external safety leadership training.

Collaborative future

Roy Hill has this year expanded its fleet of Hitachi EH5000 trucks at the operation, with more than 70 large haulers now in operation at the mine. The 326t Hitachi machines join Roy Hill’s fleet of Cat 793Fs, but provide higher capacity to complement the largest diggers in operation. Kal Tire has played an important role assembling the Hitachi and Cat trucks to ensure they are efficiently incorporated at the mine. Roy Hill superintendent reliability Samreen Rahman, who manages the Kal Tire contact, says the experience and hands-on approach of the tyre management team has been valuable when introducing the trucks. “We involved Kal Tire’s team in the selection of the right tyres,” Rahman says. “They were able to guide us in taking the right decision, so we’re not just considering the technicalities, but we’re also considering other factors, such as payload constraints. “When we choose the right tyre it needs to meet the payload of

SEPTEMBER 2018

the truck, what’s the potential if the payload goes a little over, and what would be the potential on the tyre if you go for a lesser payload capacity tyre?” Kal Tire’s involvement with the Hitachi and Cat trucks will continue as Roy Hill converts them into autonomous vehicles in the coming years. The company has already started its autonomous journey through the conversion of nine Atlas Copco Viper drills and will eventually do the same to its haul trucks. Pool expects Roy Hill’s ongoing move into ‘smart mining’ and technologies such as autonomous haulage systems (AHS) will need input from the likes of Kal Tire and other contractors. “The trucks will be the next big project for us. To do that our tyres will get pushed to the limit, they are not getting the time to cool down,” Pool says. “That’s when we will draw on Kal Tire experience. What they are using and what tyre pressure monitoring systems they know out there.” As Roy Hill heads towards the next stage of the automation project, it can be assured that a contractor like Kal Tire will be ready to join it on the journey. AM

TECHNOLOGY

THE MODEL PRESENTS A SEAMLESS SURFACE AREA WHEN ALL PIECES ARE PLACED TOGETHER.

WHAT A RELIEF: 3D PRINTING AND MAPPING THE MINE 3D SYSTEMS AND BCA CONSULTING COMBINED FORCES ON AN AMBITIOUS CLIENT VENTURE TO 3D PRINT A MINE MAP THAT COULD BE BROKEN DOWN BY PROJECT PHASES. AUSTRALIAN MINING WRITES.

D printing, less commonly known as additive manufacturing, is finding a foothold in the mining industry, particularly for the construction of specialist parts and displays. It is also useful for the construction of 3D maps, with recent leaps in technology allowing cartographers and model-makers to produce work with increasingly accurate details. This is something cartographer Ian Widdowson discovered when he embarked on an ambitious mine mapping project with 3D printing specialist 3D Systems. Widdowson joined resources and extractive-focused consulting practice BCA Consulting (then Bell Cochrane) in 1986 and has worked on countless

projects. Recently, he was working for a Victoria-based mining client that approached him with an unusual request. The company wanted to demonstrate the environmental impact of a planned mine project to locals and government officials in simple terms, including how operations were going to pan out in various phases over the next 25-30 years The client, a Victorian basalt miner and Construction Material Processors Association (CMPA) member, was adamant the model show that much of its operation would take place underground with minimal visual disturbances, while also conveying the different stages of excavation in sequence to help stakeholders contextualise the impact of each phase spanning the 30-year project. AUSTRALIANMINING

Widdowson came up with the idea of presenting a jigsaw-like 3D relief map of the project area, with removable parts that indicated the various project phases in five- to seven-year “segments”. Though skilled at producing 3D models by hand, Widdowson entered the 3D printing arena for the first time in his career to develop the project. He decided to approach the Melbournebased Asia-Pacific branch of 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing for help. Typically, 3D printed items are envisaged as vector-based models with the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software before being interpreted and 3D printed. While several methods of 3D printing exist, a technique similar to selective laser sintering (SLS) was

SEPTEMBER 2018

ultimately chosen for the project. The SLS process uses a nylon-based powder that is scanned by high-power CO2 lasers to fuse plastic powder particles together, layer by layer, to form a solid model. Producing parts using 3D printing was new territory for Widdowson. “We wanted to demonstrate sequencing — the flat staging of what was proposed for extraction at the site over a 25–30 year period,” Widdowson explains. The map initially began as a 2D drawing then built in 3D vector graphics by Widdowson and a colleague using software programs such as MapInfo and Minesight, which was used to convert 2D images into 3D. 3D Systems’ role was to then translate the vector renders into

TECHNOLOGY

THE MODEL’S JIGSAW-LIKE SEGMENTS ARE EASILY REMOVABLE.

physical objects. This is where prototyping consultant Jon Bloomfield came in, using the company’s own ProJet CJP 660Pro 3D printer. “Jonathan was the conduit for us,” explains Widdowson. “He understood what I wanted to try and demonstrate with the jigsaw concept of placing the pieces back together to end up with a smooth surface. He was definitely the person to facilitate that.” The 660Pro uses a powder-based system similar to the SLS process; however, instead of a nylon-based powder, it makes use of a gypsumlike material. “The great thing about the 660Pro is that it incorporates an overhead inkjet system that selectively binds the surface of a powder bed as it slowly lowers, eventually giving shape and

colour to a model. The model is then airbrushed clean of loose powder and strengthened in a dip of liquid infiltrant,” explains Bloomfield. “After discussing a number of key technical requirements, Ian and I both agreed that producing a model that could convey to stakeholders the full extent of the extraction, in terms of timeline and scale, would be necessary for it to have the greatest visual impact and fulfil Ian’s initial vision.” In a process similar to photogrammetry, the model’s detailed surface texture was created from aerial JPEG photography that was distorted using geo-referencing in order to correctly wrap around the 3D terrain without warping. In addition to the 20 by 29cm

jigsaw-based model, a second model of 12 by 29cm showing a volcanic scoria cone adjacent to the client’s project area was built. While the immediate area around this scoria cone was not a part of the project site by itself, Widdowson and Bloomfield felt its inclusion could provide additional relief details that added a decipherable sense of perspective for observers, particularly to show the relative depth of the mine. The areas of the model showing the extraction points were coloured offwhite-to-grey in order to make sure underground areas were readable and provided a reference to the project’s status as a basalt mine. “Obviously the geology of the area changes,” explains Widdowson, “and because we’re on the edge of a scoria

cone, some of the material there might be a pinky grey. “We made the decision to use that one colour to keep things simple so that when people saw that colour they understood that it was beneath the surface from that point of view.” In addition to the models, laminated aerial overlays were produced that could be placed over the models to show the various buffer zones. The models were placed on the table first and then the overlays would lay at the top of the model with the model poking through to provide a broader context for the overall mine site and the surrounding area throughout each individual phase of the project. “After months of working together to bring this model to life, it was clear that Ian’s concept of visualising excavation projects in this way could really change how future site proposals within the mining industry are presented,” says Bloomfield. 3D Systems and BCA set a precedent with the finished project, which took several months of liaising from concept to execution. Widdowson claims he had never seen a mine model built and utilised in such an extensive way in 30 years. “It was only because Jon was very conducive to listening and comprehending what I was trying to make — and because he knew the capabilities of the 3D printer technology — that we worked backwards and forwards to ensure we could actually get an end product that was going to tick as many of the boxes as possible,” says Widdowson. “From that point of view, he had a wonderful ability to understand what I was saying. I’m sure there would be quite a lot of people who would shy away from it but he embraced it.” AM

A COMPARISON OF THE MODEL WITH BOTH EXPOSED AND UNEXPOSED EXTRACTION AREA.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

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TRACKING THE TRENDS

THE MODERN-DAY DEMANDS OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS MANY SHAREHOLDERS FELT HARD-DONE-BY DURING THE COMMODITIES DOWNTURN. THEY RESPONDED BY EXPECTING MORE FROM MINING COMPANIES. AUSTRALIAN MINING EXPLAINS.

alancing the demands of shareholders with the social responsibility of operating in regional mining communities has become complicated for mining companies. Shareholders today expect more from companies than a decade ago when the industry was booming, creating this complex situation. The aforementioned boom can be blamed for this shareholder movement, as modern-day investors are wary of a return to the ‘production at all costs’ growth mentality that they believe sacrificed responsibility. As Deloitte remarks in the 2018 Tracking the Trends report, “with commodity prices on the uptick, it’s no surprise that shareholders and institutional investors are carefully monitoring the sector to assess if companies are in danger of once again tipping towards excess.” And shareholders are more vocal

with these expectations. BHP investor Elliott Advisors’ public campaign to make the major miner restructure its global business last year is a standout example of these rising expectations. Elliott Advisors, owner of about 5 per cent of BHP, pursued the miner over the poor performance of its onshore shale gas business unit in the Unites States. The unit had dropped in value from a peak of $US30 billion to around $US6.5 billion in 2017, and Elliott demanded a change from the company. BHP, defiant at first, eventually revealed it was looking for buyers for the onshore business and announced a deal to exit the sector in July. Elliott Advisors demonstrated the power shareholders can wield on this occasion. Deloitte partner, consulting David Cormack says there has been a continuous drive to rebuild investor trust across the entire mining sector since the commodities downturn.

He believes the lack of trust that developed during the mining boom, and then commodities downturn, led to the change in expectations from shareholders. “Underpinning this was the need for mining companies to demonstrate that they can responsibly manage and allocate capital,” Cormack tells Australian Mining. “While they were cutting costs they simultaneously had to appease investor need for returning to profitability, but then also what is their growth agenda and how do they continue to add shareholder value. “There has been a change in expectations and there has also been the onus on mining to some extent to educate their share register on what they are doing and why it will add value in the long term.” Cormack says mining companies have generally been successful in satisfying these expectations. However, he points out that the

DELOITTE SAYS COMPANIES NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MINING COMMUNITIES LIKE BROKEN HILL.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

changing expectations have forced mining companies to find a way to balance these demands with their social responsibility in the communities in which they operate. The introduction of autonomous machinery is an example of where a balancing act between appeasing shareholders and mining communities is required, Cormack says. “Part of their social licence to operate is the employment they create for rural communities. Yet shareholders are forcing them to be more productive and automation is an obvious path to follow — the case is compelling,” Cormack says. “So they are ‘between a rock and a hard place’ if you like to maintain that social licence to operate in remote areas and to appease shareholders simultaneously. “In their defence what we are seeing emerge is that the net impact on overall employment is an increase in employment in the automation

TRACKING THE TRENDS

world and that’s because a lot of these service providers, equipment providers need to ramp up to support this automated environment.” At the same time, the move to increase diversity in mining workforces and become more environmentally aware has demonstrated that appeasing shareholders and maintaining the social licence to operate can work hand-in-hand.

Photo credit: shutterstock.com

SHAREHOLDERS OF COMPANIES HAVE DIFFERENT EXPECTATIONS FROM MINERS.

Cormack says mining companies have responded to these demands and become increasingly transparent and proactive in their approach. “(Diversity in workforces) is a good example of why the new world of digital transformation opens up opportunities for a more diverse workforce with different skills,” Cormack says. “Think of people in wheelchairs for example … they can now operate

quite complex machinery remotely which was never possible before.” Deloitte Asia-Pacific sustainability and climate risk partner Paul Dobson says the interplay of environmental factors must be also be balanced between how mining companies engage with shareholders and communities. Dobson views water management and climate change as factors that both shareholders and communities expect mining companies to consider. Investors are driving this expectation through the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which develops voluntary climate-related financial risk disclosures for companies to provide information to shareholders. “The focus now is to link climate change impacts with financial impacts. Encouragingly, mining companies, especially some of the larger miners, have been on the front foot with this,” Dobson says. “They have developed scenarios to demonstrate what climate change means for their organisation on the long-term, considering impacts such as water and climate change matters like heat.” Deloitte offers three strategies to help mining companies satisfy these expectations:

Commit to greater transparency Mining companies can only hope to win back investor confidence if they consistently demonstrate an ability to deliver on their promises. This requires companies to improve their forecasting, project management, and reporting abilities so they can adhere to their publicly–articulated policies around capital allocation and consistently meet their earnings forecasts.

Shine a spotlight on activism

While shareholder activism can shed a light on instances of corporate misconduct, the interests of activist shareholders may not always align with the interests of all shareholders. In these cases, it is incumbent on boards to disclose the pertinent details of any potential conflict so that shareholders at large can make more informed voting decisions.

Adopt a longer–term governance model

Rather than prioritising shareholder returns over all other corporate objectives, it may be helpful for mining companies to move towards a model that recognises the breadth of functions they serve in society— from generating shareholder wealth to providing employment, paying taxes, and contributing to local communities around the world. AM

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SEPTEMBER 2018

SAFETY

REDUCING GLARE AT MINE SITES HELLA AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN BRIGHTENING MINE SITES WITH ITS GLARE-FREE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR SOME TIME NOW. AUSTRALIAN MINING SPEAKS TO HELLA AUSTRALIA’S STEFAN KISSER AND TRENT LAUNER TO FIND OUT ABOUT HOW THE COMPANY’S LIGHTING IS MAKING MINES SAFER.

nsuring safety on mining trucks and haul roads is a critical part of an open cut operation. Some iron ore sites in the Pilbara, Western Australia have more than 50 massive haul trucks operating around the clock. This raises numerous safety challenges, particularly at night when vision can be impaired on the extensive haul road networks at these mines. Lighting solution specialist HELLA responded to the lighting challenges in the mining industry by developing solutions to reduce potentially dangerous levels of glare from headlights. This prompted HELLA to develop its Zeroglare range of work

lights in 2015 following extensive research and development. HELLA designed Zeroglare to introduce a headlight for mining vehicles that was more in line with the heavily regulated on-road lighting technology common to commercial fleet and road vehicles. With the advent of improved lighting technology, modern onroad vehicles are generally capable of focusing the maximum possible amount of light on the road, while minimising wasted light and glare for oncoming traffic. HELLA applied this design philosophy to mining trucks by introducing cut-off lines to prevent light leaking beyond the horizontal line. Stefan Kisser, HELLA Australia’s applications engineer, is surprised

WE WANT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE, RATHER THAN JUST SWAPPING OUT WHAT’S CURRENTLY THERE ON THE MACHINE. IT’S ABOUT PROVIDING A TAILORED SOLUTION FOR THE CLIENT AND THEIR SITE REQUIREMENTS.” that this innovation to eliminate glare wasn’t being applied to mining vehicles earlier. “On passenger cars and trucks, glare is a problem that has been addressed for many decades now,” he explains. “Modern road vehicles use a low beam function with no light above the horizontal line to avoid producing glare for oncoming traffic. “In mining equipment, those lights are completely different, with optics very similar to what you would

STANDARD MINE HEADLIGHT (L) AND HELLA ZEROGLARE HEADLIGHT (R). AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

find in a ceiling light in your home.” Typical mining lights tend to produce circular beams that, while powerful, produce a lot of wasted light. The headlights of a haul truck will light a dark road reasonably well, but their circular beam pattern means that half or more of the light produced points straight or in the air. This wasted energy can cause potential dangers for oncoming traffic, whether it is another haul

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SAFETY

ZEROGLARE DOESN’T SHINE LIGHT ABOVE THE HORIZONTAL CUTOFF.

truck or a light vehicle, due to issues with glare. Two decades ago, mining companies didn’t consider light glare an issue, as lighting technology was not as bright. The headlights of a typical mining truck in the 1990s using halogen lighting may have produced 1000 lumens (lm) a bulb — a lumen being the standard measurement of light output — but more modern xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode LED work lamps can produce around 3000–8000lm. These issues are exacerbated further as mine vehicle lighting is not held to the same Australia Design Rules (ADR) and Standards Australia (AS) regulations as road vehicles.

“Mining lighting falls into off-road lighting,” explains Kisser. “ADR is not directly applicable, but engineers do need to understand the purpose of the lighting when working on the designs. “Our main product for haul trucks, the RokLUME 380, which has a measured output of 7500lm, has a total of five different optic setups (including Zeroglare) for example.” Different types of mines can also affect the requirements for lighting output due to a factor known as ‘albedo’ – the proportion of light or radiation that is reflected or absorbed by a surface. Black coal for example, tends to absorb a lot more light than lighter-coloured surfaces. The stopping distance is another

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consideration that needs to be considered when lighting mining trucks as opposed to road vehicles. The size and weight of mine trucks, in combination with their heavy loads, means they take longer to slow down, a reason why additional forward visibility is crucial for safe operation. “What the Zeroglare does is put light where it’s needed,” explains Trent Launer, off-highway national sales manager at HELLA Australia. “The concentration of light is on the road in front rather than having stray light “Hence the focus on ensuring that disability glare is removed from the top section of the beam, and that the line of brightness has a sharp physical cutoff to ensure full brightness all the way to the uppermost edge of the light beam.” The RokLUME 280 and RokLUME 380 product lines, which use LED lighting, are the standard mining headlights with HELLA Australia’s Zeroglare. The RokLUME 280 can produce 4300 measured lumens at a power output of 55 watts (W), while the RokLUME 380 can produce up to 7500 measured lumens at a power output of 84W. In addition, the smaller RokLUME 155TP and 190TP are also available. HELLA’s work lamps include various optic patterns including Zeroglare, close-range, long-range, pencil beam and flood. The RokLUME range (280 and 380) also offers an advanced NanoSafe surface coating. NanoSafe is designed with an easy-clean, corrosive-resistant coating for the harsh conditions of mine sites. Amber lights, also called ‘turtlefriendly lights’, are designed for low

SEPTEMBER 2018

visual sensitivity in coastal areas so the delicate breeding patterns of marine turtles are not disrupted. RokLUME 190 TP and RokLUME 155 TP are developed specifically for mining applications and have a high-quality thermos plastic housing for heavy duty use – deliberately made to handle corrosive environments. The lights are also designed to operate in a temperature range from negative 40C to 50C, ensuring they are suitable for the harshest weather temperatures. The diverse and adaptive lighting range allows HELLA Australia to develop customised solutions for its clients. RokLUME lenses are comprised of high impact-resistant materials, with a stainless-steel bracket and a premium-grade, anticorrosion aluminium housing. Adverse effects caused by vibration are reduced through an advanced rubber dampening system. HELLA Australia’s product range also includes lighting for fixed installations. Its HypaLUME light, designed primarily for lighting towers and excavators, is the company’s most powerful light for mining. It is capable of producing up to 25,000 lumen of light, around 31 times greater than an average 60W light bulb. “Rather than use multiple lamps it gives operators the ability to use one large lamp,” says Launer. “It uses a unique design where heat sources are separated to help create a high-powered lamp that’s proven to last in harsh mining environments. It has a high IP rating and is particularly wellsuited to handling highly corrosive environments.” HELLA Australia aims to customise the lighting needs of trucks by site

SAFETY

and scenario, rather than simply replacing old lights with new ones. “We work with the client to produce lighting designs before we go to the fitment stage,” explains Launer. “We want to solve the problem that they have, rather than just swapping out what’s currently there on the machine. It’s about providing a tailored solution for the client and their site requirements.” “Sometimes the goal is to increase safety, sometimes the goal is to

increase productivity,” adds Kisser. “If you can increase the light level to the extent that the average speed of the haul trucks can safely increase by even two or three kilometres per hour per night, that equates to a couple of extra trips per night, or a couple of hundred tonnes of additional ore.” HELLA Australia uses computeraided design (CAD) software to previsualise various setups for its clients and to ensure that they are using the optimum lighting required, with no wastage. CAD models of haul trucks allow demonstrators from HELLA Australia to reposition lighting in realtime simulations. “Quite often we can reduce the number of lights and create the optimum amount of lighting,” explains Launer. The HELLA optical lab measures light output. The measurements are loaded into the CAD based lighting software. The data is used to design the safest and most efficient customised lighting solution for the client. The method is indicative of HELLA Australia’s bespoke approach to lighting design and technology. “The computer-aided lighting

design removes the guesswork from lighting,” explains Kisser. “We can predict the outcome before the mine site has to spend a single dollar.” After the simulation has been carried out, clients are offered a trial period to test the lights preceding an agreement. The process of attaching the lights is made relatively simple due to their use of standardised DT connectors, providing ‘plug-and-play’ efficiency, though power consumption does have to be taken into consideration, particularly when changing from older to newer lighting technologies. “All HELLA mining products come with DT connectors, so if the harness comes with the right connector you can just plug it in,” says Kisser. “You may have to drill a new hole if the bracket is slightly different from the previous product but overall the changeover is easy.” “The lamps are made with a variety of sizes to fit a range of applications and different cavities,” adds Launer. This holistic, technology-led approach to mine lighting is indicative of a wider industry trend towards increased connectivity and smart

functions. Kisser believes that ‘smart lighting’ common to road vehicles will become increasingly important for mining applications. “I sometimes wonder why this didn’t happen 20 years ago, but the fact is nobody did it in the mining industry and as of today, there aren’t any products with the same level of performance as Zeroglare in the market,” says Kisser. “If you look at some of the automotive applications on passenger cars, many vehicles come with LED lighting and automatic high-beam and low beam functions. “As you drive, the car is always on high-beam when you are outside of a town and there are sensors in the vehicle that will dip areas of your vision into low beams when traffic is oncoming, minimising areas that would be affected by glare. “There are so many other technologies that could be transferred from automotive applications into mining — perhaps too many to list — and I believe similar systems will most likely become available to heavy duty equipment found in mining over time.” AM

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AUTOMATION

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andvik continues to bolster its underground automation capabilities with updated equipment

and systems. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has accelerated its development into an automationready company as these projects have become economically possible for mining companies Sandvik has established its ‘3 Pillar Framework’ for automation, which provides efficient monitoring and accurate reporting of data, smart

management systems and intelligent machines equipped with systems like AutoMine and OptiMine. It has also released a range of new machines – the i-series – that support the move of mining companies into an underground automation environment. Sandvik has taken a major step towards its underground automation vision this year through a relationship with Australian-based gold company, Resolute Mining. The company is working with Resolute to establish a strategic framework to fully automate the Syama underground gold mine in AUSTRALIANMINING

Mali, West Africa. Syama underground, which is scheduled to start sub-level caving in December, will be automated around a Sandvik production system. Resolute and Sandvik have together designed the operation, collaborating on equipment selection, underground infrastructure design, and the ability to match that with the miner’s ambitions to operate machinery that increases profitability, reduces costs and improves safety. The partnership has also provided a unique opportunity for interrelationship between

SEPTEMBER 2018

technologies, linking Sandvik equipment and the software Resolute uses with their entire value chain and operations. Sandvik is delivering the AutoMine and OptiMine systems for planning, analysis, process optimisation and automation, including a full fleet of Sandvik TH663 trucks, LH621, LH517 and Sandvik LH514E electrical loaders, to fully automate the mine. The system, which is scheduled for commissioning this year, will also feature a range of development, production and bolting rigs and rock tools. The LH514E tethered

AUTOMATION

characterised by a highly trained and skilled local workforce, a safe working environment and industry leading productivity,” Welborn says. Resolute’s Syama automation plan, along with a power upgrade project, has helped it reduce the cost profile at the operation by as much as 15 per cent. The gold miner, in an updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) released in July, lowered its Syama all-in sustaining costs (AISC) from $US881/oz to $US746/oz. Syama’s lower cost profile is supported in the new DFS by a 38 per cent increase in underground reserves and a four-year increase to the mine life to 2032. Welborn is excited to see the company’s investment in technology and exploration result in an expansion to the operating margins, scale and value of Syama. “Our ambition at Syama is to transform this world-class gold deposit into a world-class gold mine,” he says. “The updated DFS numbers capture the progress we have made in exploration, automation and power, and confirm Resolute is transforming Syama into a robust, long life, low cost mine.” Welborn says the sub-level cave mine plan at Syama lends itself to automation. “Our partnership with Sandvik to deliver autonomous haulage and trucking enables a major productivity and cost improvements over the original DFS,” Welborn says. “Reducing operating costs and increasing production at Syama is consistent with our journey to build an operation that utilises best-inclass technology while maintaining flexibility to incorporate further advances in mining and processing.”

RESOLUTE MINING’S SYAMA UNDERGROUND OPERATION IN MALI.

electrical loader has been selected as the main loader for stope extraction. Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology president Lars Engström says the collaboration is bringing full end-to-end automation and process optimisation into an underground mine. “I believe that the Syama project gives us both a unique opportunity to bring together cutting edge technologies into a large scale project and create the mine of the future in Africa,” Engström says. Resolute, which launched production at the Syama mine in 2009, has agreed to work with Sandvik for three years. The partnership includes the introduction of current and future Sandvik technology without having to amend the contract for each purchase. The gold miner identified several benefits by working with Sandvik on the automation project, including

increased machine productivity and performance; a reduced number of machines; reduced risk and better safety outcomes; a reduction in underground personnel; lower production costs per tonne; greater control of mining with less variation; a reduction in wear and damage; increased productivity and efficiency; greater machine life; the potential for mining rate increases; and the ability to train the workforce using new technologies. Resolute managing director and chief executive officer John Welborn says Sandvik is the only equipment provider that can offer the full suite of proven autonomous equipment and digital solutions that the gold miner required. “A key focus of our business is to ensure we maximise the potential of this outstanding deposit for our stakeholders by delivering a world-class underground mine

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Sandvik’s has strengthened its i-series equipment range for the push into underground automation this year by launching the LH517i intelligent loader and TH545i mining truck. The LH517i loader has been matched with the TH551i truck, released last year, due to their designed payload capacities. It features the latest Sandvik Intelligent Control System and My Sandvik Digital Services Knowledge Box on-board hardware for product health monitoring and faster trouble shooting. Sandvik has taken flexibility for customers interested in tele-remote or full automation into account by having the machine ready for automation. It requires just a few days for a retrofit to AutoMine. The TH545i, which joins the TH551i and TH663i machines in the truck family, is designed for intelligent mine operations and improved productivity. It also comes automation compatible and can be equipped with an optional AutoMine Trucking Onboard package. The automation compatibility provides the possibility to move equipment operators from underground to other locations, improving safety, according to Sandvik. Perth-based Resolute has emerged as a leading ASX-listed gold company in Africa with Syama. The company is pursuing growth on the continent, making investments in African-focused, Canada-based companies, Loncor Resources and Orca Gold, this year. In Australia, Resolute owns the Ravenswood gold mine near Townsville in Queensland. AM

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

CONNECTIVITY: ENABLING MINING’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AUSTMINE TALKS TO ITS COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS AND MEMBERS ABOUT HOW THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY IS BECOMING A DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT.

he mining industry is picking up pace on digital transformation. Spurred on by a range of technologies and innovations, such as remote operating centres, data analytics, drones, powerful geological tools, advanced mine planning software and automation, the mining industry is changing at a faster pace than ever before. However, the integration and utilisation of these game-changing technologies remains a challenge to optimising the mining system and

realising the industry’s vision of a “connected mine.” The key enabler in this pursuit of the connected mine is the network infrastructure and communications systems deployed on site. Data generated from the vast array of sensors on intelligent equipment must be communicated to operating centres and other departments to inform processes. Monitoring of people and equipment to enhance safety needs to be in real-time to avoid catastrophe. An unforeseen shut down on a mine site due to an

autonomous truck disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network can cost operations millions of dollars. These are just some examples of why a powerful and reliable network is a necessity at modern mine sites. However, the unique operating environment of the mining industry creates a range of challenges in this space, including access to telecommunications infrastructure, distance from the nearest towns, the landscape and terrain and access to private land. Dean Felton, a managing director within Accenture’s mining practice,

has worked with a range of mining companies to implement and evolve their digital transformation. He comments on the keys to connectivity on mine sites. “The requirement has to be for a network infrastructure that can accommodate all data and voice requirements of the site, which can also include mobile and in-mine mesh networks. This does not mean that terrestrial, wireless and mobile technologies are not available to mine operators, but that they should be placed within an integrated or hybrid network infrastructure,” Felton says. “The glue, however, to the integrated Wide Area Network (WAN) will continue to be the satellite infrastructure as it allows for highly available and cost-effective bandwidth between sites, in-

THE DIGITAL MINE CONCEPT CONTINUES TO COME INTO EFFECT AT AUSTRALIAN MINES.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

INDUSTRY COMMENT

THE REQUIREMENT HAS TO BE FOR A NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE ALL DATA AND VOICE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SITE, WHICH CAN ALSO INCLUDE MOBILE AND IN-MINE MESH NETWORKS.” country offices and the corporate headquarters. Choosing the right provider who can deliver an end to end communications experience will be critical.” However, Felton also provides a message that the mining industry must consider their business fundamentals to enjoy the fruits of technological change. “In Accenture’s experience the technology has rapidly advanced to enable a connected mine, yet the business models and deployment methodologies that focus on people changing processes are severely lagging,” he says. “The result of this is that there are numerous proof of concepts, yet no one miner is driving the double digit value they should be from these transformational projects. Miners need to change the core of how the business supports the operations because 100 per cent of the financial value of a mining company is lying in the ground.” Accenture is currently undertaking a program with FreePort McMoRan to implement a connected mine solution focused on digital technologies to enhance their mining operations. Specifically, this provides context and actionable information for the field teams across all of their mines and a framework for measuring improvement. This innovation leadership will be important for the next phases of growth for mining companies. Stephen Simpson is the operations supervisor – Americas at MST Global and he leads an Australian METS company renowned globally for unique communications technologies. He echoes Felton’s sentiments on the technology being in place to create significant value from digital transformation, especially for mine communications systems. “A fully automated mine communications system needs a few key components. Firstly, the system needs to be robust and reliable. To achieve this, the system needs to be built to withstand the mining environment and be designed with redundancy in mind,” Simpson says. “Secondly, the system needs the bandwidth and latency required to operate and make decisions in real-

time. Thirdly, client devices must support the intended applications used for the mining operation. “These systems and technologies exist today. With correct design and implementation, a connected mine can be a reality. It is the implementation and deployment that mining companies must get correct.” Looking at the global mining environment and the numerous projects MST Global undertake, Simpson singles out Hecla Mining’s Greens Creek mine in Alaska as a leading operation for digital transformation. “Hecla’s Greens Creek mine in Alaska has been making strides towards a connected mine. MST’s IMPACT digital communications infrastructure has been installed on site since 2013, providing the wireless network and backbone for applications such as location and event tracking, VoIP, control systems data, video, proximity detection and ventilation on demand (VOD),” Simpson says. “Most recently, it has supported their introduction of Sandvik’s AutoMine autonomous system to achieve safety and productivity goals. With MST’s IMPACT infrastructure being deployed at all working levels for wireless communications, the site has successful connected from control rooms to where machines are operated.” As Australian METS companies continue to develop the groundbreaking solutions they are renowned for, their deployment and integration on sites will be critical to successful operational outcomes. Austmine will continue to drive conversations about the connected mine in the lead up to the Austmine 2019 Conference and Exhibition in Brisbane, which is themed on “Mining Innovation: The Next Horizon.” At the event, taking place from May 21–23 2019, discussion will culminate in sessions on “Integration and connectivity: A breath of fresh air,” led by innovative METS companies and miners aiming to revolutionise their operations. AM

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SEPTEMBER 2018

MATERIALS HANDLING

LEAN AND MEAN: THE MODULAR APPROACH TO SITE STORAGE FOUNDED IN 1977, BAC SYSTEMS IS KNOWN FOR ITS MODULAR STORAGE DESIGN. DIRECTOR BOB GRIFFIN TALKS TO AUSTRALIAN MINING ABOUT HOW THE COMPANY IS NEATENING MINE SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

rawing on the concept of lean manufacturing, which prioritises systems by their value in an effort to reduce waste, New South Wales-based BAC Systems offers bespoke and premade workplace storage items such as racks, benches, shelves and cabinets for customers both domestically and overseas. Forty-one years old this year, the company grew from one man — Swissborn Walter Bachmann — and now boasts a purpose-built 11,000 square metre facility with 50 staff, sheetmetal processing facilities and large assembly halls. The company has built itself on Bachmann’s belief in the benefits of a modular approach to storage that allows different components to be combined in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the client. Company director and sales and marketing manager Bob Griffin explains that this provides two main benefits — one functional, one spatial. “The functional benefit of modularity is that it gives you pieces to work with to build a complete system that suits you,” he says. “You’re not bound to some off-the-shelf or office catalogue scenario. “The spatial benefit means you can minimise dead and wasted space, making the most of every cubic metre.” The selection process, which Griffin calls “three-dimensional storage”, lets clients configure the width and depth of internal drawer locations as well as the drawer height, giving clients control of all three dimensions of the storage location. Conservatively, this method can lead to footprint savings of two-thirds or even four-fifths when compared with typical boxes and shelving. BAC’s products have always been of interest from the mining industry, particularly ancillary mining companies such as Cat dealers WesTrac and William Adams. BAC’s range of heavy-duty workbenches and trolleys are quite popular among mining customers, as is its signature range of high-density drawer storage cabinets. One particular benefit BAC provides for mining

storage is a dust control solution for its drawer storage cabinet. This includes dust shields that keep closed drawers relatively free from contamination, according to Griffin. “When the drawer is closed the shield completely covers it so that the contents don’t have any dust settle when a drawer above is opened. We find that it cuts down a little bit of extra dust and it has been received quite well,” Griffin says. Outside of mining, the company cites defence, the automotive aftermarket and universities and technical colleges as its primary client bases. Interest from oil and gas companies is also strong, particularly from west coast operators — BAC has provided storage for the likes of INPEX, Woodside Energy and Shell. “We’ve had good input on the Shell LNG Prelude project recently,” he says. “We go to the sites, check them out and will even provide installation if we can time a trip with delivery. We try

our best to make sure we’re giving the best solution to customers.” BAC’s overall goal is to save space, create order and provide a unique location for item storage. This notion of order is exemplified in a new release from the company, a line of drawers for the storage of hydraulic hoses. Drawing on BAC’s philosophy of lean storage, separate shelving arrangements for different sizes of hose can be stacked together for improved space efficiency. Drawers, with conveyors, are set up to store small-size hoses on their reels. For loose medium-sized hoses, a turntable is also provided to allow operators to uncoil small lengths of hose that can be cut as required before winding the rest back in. Larger, thicker types of hose with too much in-built tension to be wound easily can be gathered with Velcro cable ties and stored in a troughshaped shelf to prevent rolling. It provides a holistic storage solution

that keeps hoses clean, in order and close to the floor. “It’s very easy to do,” says Griffin. “I’ve just done it for a new hose shop with Westrac. I got the sizes, did the survey and worked out a way to accessibly store everything they were using at least once a month. “I had some of the flat turntable types mixed in with the reel types, then the flat types mixed in with the bundle shelving. I combined it where I had to in order to make it functional, make it fit and make sure it was ergonomic as well.” BAC has grown considerably since its inception in the year of Star Wars, Atari and the Apple II, but still maintains the same philosophy at its core. “What can I say about the space between 1977 and now?” asks Griffin. “We have spent that time growing, sure, but we have basically been addressing the same needs for our customers the whole time – making best use of their space, and designing workplaces that work with them.” AM

LIKE BAC’S OTHER PRODUCTS, THIS SYSTEM FOR THE STORAGE OF HYDRAULIC HOSES IS MODULAR AND CAN BE ADJUSTED TO CLIENT NEEDS.

AUSTRALIANMINING

SEPTEMBER 2018

DRILL & BLAST

MAINTAINING TOP HAMMER TOOLING JEFF HOGAN, GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGER AT TOP HAMMER TOOLING (BOART LONGYEAR), OFFERS SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DRILL BITS FOR EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS.

MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO PREMATURE BIT WEAR.

o help optimise operational efficiency and protect investments, drill companies need to not only work with quality products to get the job done right, but also educate their drillers and mine management on good operating practices. Once the right tools for the job have been determined, attention must be paid to their condition and performance. The nature of top hammer operations in extreme environments means that wear will

quickly have an impact on how long various components can be used before replacement is required. These tools represent a relatively small operational expense; however, incorrect use of the tooling can have a significant adverse impact to overall costs. In regards to wear, bit condition will have the most immediate impact on drilling success. Drilling with worn bits not only decreases productivity but also escalates costs by reducing the life of the drill string components, the rock drill, and the rig components. Over time, direct contact with the rock and the extreme energy being applied to the tooling takes its toll on the bit and its buttons, making their condition deteriorate. There are many factors that contribute to premature bit wear, whether it’s ground conditions, risky drilling practices like hole collaring, excessive feed pressures, or not maintaining equipment correctly. Premature bit failures are substantially reduced when over drilling is eliminated and correct

AUSTRALIANMINING

sharpening practices are followed. Here are a few things to consider to keep energy utilisation optimised and to get the most out of top hammer tools. Understand the ground conditions If drilling through abrasive materials such as sandstone and quartzite the wear tends to be greater on the bit circumference. Drillers should consider bit replacement or restoring the gauge button-to-body gap to original (new) condition. When drilling in non-abrasive materials, carbide wear is minimised and drilling intervals are possibly longer. This allows for continued chip removal around the bit and wears away the bit body quicker than the carbides also referred to as body wash. Similar wear occurs in fractured and loose formations where constant hole cleaning and re-drilling of the materials is required for stabilising the hole and to keep the hole open during retraction. To prevent button loss or shearing under these conditions, the protrusion should be reduced

SEPTEMBER 2018

to the original height by scheduling grinding intervals. Learn from your manufacturing representative. To use top hammer tooling effectively and get the most life out of tooling, it is recommended to work with a technical representative. A good technical rep will help establish specific guidelines for maximum suggested life of the bits. To purchase the most advanced and reliable top hammer tooling, look for companies that have developed the tooling over decades of experience and continue to improve the products they offer. Take some time to properly train crew It is always important to care for and maintain tooling and equipment. Consider training and regularly reminding drillers on how to get the most life out of top hammer equipment. More often than not, drillers come to work to do their very best and everyone wants to improve. Share these tips and top hammer drilling productivity will increase. AM

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PROSPECT AWARDS

DELIVERING ON NEW PROSPECTS FOR MINING THE AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS HAS HAD SEVERAL HIGH-PROFILE SPONSORS OVER THE YEARS. AUSTRALIAN MINING SPEAKS TO ONE FOUNDATION SPONSOR AND ONE FIRST-TIME SPONSOR OF THE EVENT TO FIND OUT WHY THEY ARE LENDING THEIR SUPPORT THIS YEAR.

THE AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS WILL RETURN THIS OCTOBER FOR ITS 15TH YEAR.

he 2018 Australian Mining Prospect Awards will take place this year at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, October 18, 2018. The event, now in its 15th year, celebrates the best and brightest of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world-renowned mining industry across 13 sponsored award categories. These categories include Hard

Rock Mine of the Year; Community Interaction; Excellence in Mine Safety, OH&S; Contribution to Mining; Excellence in Environmental Management; Minerals Processing of the Year; Innovative Mining Solution; Safety Advocate; Lifetime Achievement Award; Mine Manager of the Year; Coal Mine of the Year; Contract Miner of the Year; and Australian Mine of the Year. AUSTRALIANMINING

In 2018, the Hard Rock Mine of the Year and Contract Miner of the Year awards will now be sponsored by mining business Epiroc, which began independent operations earlier this year following the split of Swedish industrial manufacturer Atlas Copco into two distinct and separate businesses, Epiroc and Atlas Copco. Epiroc is the mining and

SEPTEMBER 2018

construction-focused portion of that business and is now completely separate from Atlas Copco. The split was to allow greater focus on the mining and natural resources markets and to be agile enough to meet the increasingly rapid pace of that global industry. Epiroc was listed publicly on Nasdaq Stockholm in June, marking its start as an independent entity

PROSPECT AWARDS

EPIROC WILL SPONSOR TWO CATEGORIES AT THE 2018 AWARDS.

providing equipment, solutions and services for the mining and construction industries while Atlas Copco continues to exist with more of an industrial focus. Pre-Epiroc, Atlas Copco had been a foundation supporter and sponsor of the Prospect Awards. The company played an essential role in the event’s history by introducing a split of a different kind to the awards categories that would prove an important influence on the future course of the event. The company suggested that the original Mine of the Year award be chosen from two subcategories that eventually became the Coal Miner of the Year and Hard Rock Mine of the Year awards. The recipient of the ultimate award, Australian Mine of the Year, is now chosen from these two linked but distinct entries. “At the time, we wanted to recognise the different roles of the owner-operator and contractor as they are two different kinds of skill sets,” says Shaiful Ali, business line manager underground at Epiroc Australia.

“Our contribution has allowed these categories to exist and we’ve encouraged entries from customers and non-customers alike. I think they are two important areas of the mining industry that deserve recognition for the roles that they play.” Epiroc felt it was important to continue its association with the Prospect Awards even as a new and distinct entity. The mining industry has seen some dramatic changes over the past few years, says Ali, with two particular standouts being the continued growth of automation and the ever-increasing emphasis on the twin pillars of safety and productivity. “If you are at the top of your game and put yourself forward for scrutiny by an award panel that then determines what you do is the best in a particular category or industry, I think that’s something to be proud of,” he says. The awards also promote a positive image of the mining industry, which in spite of its importance to the Australian economy and Australian services often finds itself the subject AUSTRALIANMINING

of sceptical press and public misconception. The Awards endeavours to shine a light on industry best practice, highlighting what companies and organisations are doing to show how environmental and social factors are taken seriously by the industry. Recognising the success of companies that place an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility in mining is important, as it promotes not just the industry on an internal level but externally to the public as well. With an ongoing conversation in the industry around climate change, you have a lot of people questioning the future of mining in its various forms. “The Prospect Awards are an opportunity to educate people on the way they view mines. It is a very important part of the Prospect Awards and others awards like them to give people an idea of what actually does happen in a mine,” said Ali. “The social responsibility, the care — these are highly regulated industries and the participants

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within it to a large extent work exceptionally hard to meet environmental regulations and safety regulations to produce product that is sold worldwide.” Mining and manufacturing giant Liebherr, a first-time sponsor at the Prospect Awards representing this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, also echoes this message of support. Liebherr Group, like Epiroc, is of European origin, having roots in Switzerland and Germany. It is one of the largest manufacturers of heavy equipment in Europe, including mining and earthmoving equipment. Liebherr Australia executive general manager, sales and marketing, mining Tom Juric says that even being nominated is an important achievement. “Recognition, including just be nominated, is important especially in such fast paced industries like technology and mining, where great ideas becoming greater ideas in the blink of an eye,” he says. “It is also particularly important to recognise the employees that made these ideas and innovations happen, as employees are a key factor to Liebherr’s, and in fact all company’s success. A little bit of recognition can often go a long way in encouraging continued improvement.” As a first-time sponsor, Liebherr has been particularly impressed by the calibre of the participants involved, according to Juric. Since its inception in 2004 the Prospect Awards has held a philosophy of celebrating the best and brightest of Australia’s mining minds no matter whether they are major industry players, small startup operations or individuals. This democratisation has led to a wide variety of entrants across all categories, and as the Awards have grown across Australia, so to has the quality and volume of nominations. It is a celebration of innovation that can be very inspiring to both guests and sponsors of the event. “It is important to us that we surround our employees with inspiring people,” says Juric. “After all, if you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room. Great ideas can come from anywhere — the common ingredient is great people.” “Australia’s miners are among the most innovative in the world,” adds Ali. “We come up with lateral thinkers, we embrace technology (and change) quickly and the Prospect Awards highlight the work we’re doing both here and overseas.” AM

THE MINING INDUSTRY HAS MOVED TO A NEW PHASE FOLLOWING THE MINING BOOM, ONE WHERE PRODUCTIVITY, INNOVATION AND SAFETY HAVE EMERGED AS ITS KEY PRIORITIES

TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATION VOLUME 110/8 | SEPTEMBER 2018

MINING EQUIPMENT

TYRE MANAGEMENT A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION

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ASSET MANAGEMENT

MACHINERY YOU CAN COUNT ON: IMPLEMENTING A PROFITABLE RELIABILITY STRATEGY BRAD YAGER, DIRECTOR OF PROCESS AUTOMATION AND SOFTWARE, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, EXPLAINS HOW A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO ASSET MEASUREMENT CAN BOOST BUSINESS.

n the past, measuring the reliability of industrial assets has been limited to analysing historical asset performance with hopes that past behaviours would be replicated. Manufacturers have relied on various process control methods and applications for more than 100 years, the primary objective being to increase the plant’s throughput, i.e., its production and safety. To alleviate the strain being placed on plant assets, industrial maintenance tools and practices, intended to improve asset reliability, have progressed and evolved over the last two decades. Based on extensive laboratory testing and actual in-plant experience, there is already considerable information on

reliability at the equipment asset level. For example, accurate reliability curves, coupled with condition and process measurement, enable accurate measurement of asset reliability risk. The effect of all this is that companies are now paying much more attention to and driving advancements in plant maintenance. Over the past two decades traditional reactive maintenance has evolved to include preventive, predictive and prescriptive maintenance strategies. The results have been promising, but improving business performance requires maintenance and operations strategies that collaborate much more than they do today. If the ultimate objective is for both maintenance and operations to maximise operational profitability, approaching reliability,

efficiency and profitability from a common strategic plane is essential. This collaborative approach is referred to as profitable reliability. Advancements in data science and the proliferation of condition and process measurements in industrial operations are making the direct realtime measurement of asset reliability feasible. Such measurement will, in turn, make more sophisticated, realtime approaches to controlling asset reliability feasible too. Developing a profitable reliability strategy might seem daunting, but some fairly simple steps can help move industrial operations in the right direction, such as identifying the critical equipment that represent the largest opportunity for performance improvement (very often this will

PROCESS RELIABILITY IS AN IMPORTANT FACET OF SCHNEIDER’S BUSINESS

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be rotating equipment because their mechanical movement tends to wear the asset over time); determining what measurements are required to analyse the equipment’s performance; using the process and condition measurements to calculate the asset’s maintained state and its probability of failure; and developing an asset control scheme that includes integrated reliability and process control strategies that maximise operational profitability (these might include reducing the output of the asset to extend its time to failure so you can finish a run or a contract). Move the reliability measurement and control up to the next level asset set — for example, the process unit — and perform the same control strategy analysis. This analysis should be simpler to perform once the base equipment level assets are under control. Continue this process all the way up the asset hierarchy until you have real-time control strategies in place for all your critical assets and asset sets. This would include process areas, plants and even enterprises. Empowering today’s industrial workforce with real-time operational profitability data, along with process control and real-time reliability risk information, will turn them into operations and business performance managers. Operators will be able to adjust set points and see the impact they and their adjustments are having, not only in the process, but on the profitability and reliability of the assets too. We can therefore see that a profitable reliability approach that combines real-time reliability risk control, real-time operational profitability control and higher-level reliability management will go a long way toward helping industrial manufacturers meet their short and long-term operations, and business objectives. The result will be greater levels of operational profitability, safety, and reliability AM

WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

EDUCATING MINES ON SKIN CANCER SKIN PATROL AIMS TO HELP REMOTE MINE WORKERS WITH SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND EDUCATION.

ustralia has the highest levels of skin cancer in the world; over 750,000 Australians are treated for it each year and up to two in three will be diagnosed with at least one type of skin cancer by the time they are 70. Skin cancer is a serious concern at mine sites. Workers are often exposed to extreme heat in harsh conditions. In particular, scorching summers in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia can be particularly dangerous for mine workers, especially between 10am and 3pm. Skin Patrol has been helping workers with issues related to skin cancer since 2004. The company provides private and confidential checks via on site skin cancer clinics and is Australia’s only mobile medical organisation focused on this practice using the expertise of a doctor and remote dermatologist opinion. It was founded to increase awareness around the early detection of skin cancer in order to minimise the risks of skin cancer-related deaths and to enable corporations to generate positive employee goodwill with their staff by providing a necessary healthcare service. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as well as a significant cause of melanoma. “Melanoma is no different to any other form of cancer,” explains Marion Patrick, Skin Patrol director. “It is the fourth most-common cancer in Australia after prostate, bowel and breast cancer.” Melanoma may develop anywhere on the body and very often in a mole that has been present for many years and learning the A, B, C, D rule of melanoma detection is important. These stand for asymmetry (A), border change/shape (B), colour (C) and diameter/size (D). Similarly to other types of cancer a family history of melanoma increases an individual’s risk factor. Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can also pose serious risks if left undetected. Most common in continually exposed areas such as the face, ears, and hands, warning signs can include red and scaly

spots, non-healing sores, and pale, red or pearly lumps. Skin cancer risk factors include sunburn as a child, excessive exposure, skin type and age. “All skin types are susceptible to sun damage and sun damage is cumulative,” says Patrick. “Damage to our skin starts when we are children and continues through our adult life. The older we get, the greater our risk of a skin cancer developing in a skin-damaged area.” While mine workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves and hivis vests, long sleeves, wide brim hats (not baseball caps, Skin Patrol stresses) and long trousers while working are also imperative. It is also recommended that workers regularly apply sunscreen with an SPF30+ rating or above, even if sweat causes it to run. “Often male workers do not like to wear sunscreen on their faces as when they perspire they complain it runs into their eyes,” says Patrick. “Often this is because too much sunscreen is used — about one teaspoon is required for the face and neck. Sunscreen is often used at the beginning of a shift but not reapplied as it should be.” As mine workers are in a highrisk category for skin damage, an appointment with a doctor for a dermatological check-up is recommended at least once a year and it is important that workers maintain a similar level of care during their leisure hours. AM

ANNUAL SKIN CHECK-UPS ARE VITAL.

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INNOVATION

METS IGNITED DRIVES MINING INNOVATION FORWARD THE GOVERNMENT-BACKED ORGANISATION IS HELPING TO GUIDE THE NEXT WAVE OF MINING GROWTH. AUSTRALIAN MINING WRITES. University of Western Australia

Partners: BHP, CORE Innovation Hub Collaborative project funds: $100,000 Industry investment: $100,000

Emapper

Partners: Roy Hill Iron Ore, Mt Gibson Iron, eagle.io, Astron Environmental Solais Geoinformatics Collaborative project funds: $1.2 million Industry investment: $1.2 million

Energetique Mining Vehicles

MICHAELIA CASH ANNOUNCES THE LATEST RECIPIENTS OF FUNDING.

ight mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies have shared in $7.14 million of funding from the METS Ignited Collaborative

Project Funds. The latest round, announced in July, is part of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s four-year, $15.6 million commitment to address METS sector priorities. The eight recipients are launching collaborative industry projects that provide solutions to a variety of mining challenges and improve the capability of the METS sector. South Australian-based Resolution Systems received the largest share – $2 million – to fund and develop software that increases the efficiency of mine truck fleets. Other projects include developing battery-powered vehicles for underground mining; data acquisition software for environmental rehabilitation and drilling; and a new process for water treatment. The grant recipients also joined hands with an industry partner to secure equal or greater investment, bringing the total value of the eight projects to $17.4 million. The partners include Anglo American, BHP, Roy Hill Iron Ore, South 32 and Tronox.

METS Ignited chief executive Ric Gros says opportunities for the sector to band together and innovate are vital for industry growth. “Facilitating such innovation is part of the mandate for METS Ignited, and the recipients of this round will be making invaluable contributions to the mining and METS sectors through their initiatives,” Gros says. Perth-based Qtec, another recipient of funds, is developing subsurface drilling sensors that will drastically reduce borehole drilling and logging costs with partners, Wallis Drilling and Gyromax. Qtec chief executive Tim Hopper says the collaboration aims to be the first to commercialise a slim hole, realtime formation evaluation and drilling diagnostics sensor package positioned behind the drill bit. “We are not constrained by our ambition — we simply need a little support from government to create those major export markets that are open to Australian innovation and ingenuity. The METS grant will help us achieve this ambition,” Hopper says. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash announced that four business consortia in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector in Mackay will receive commonwealth funding to encourage collaboration and drive AUSTRALIANMINING

business growth in the local industry. These funds, issued by METS Ignited during QME 2018, form part of the Bowen Basin Cluster Program, a regional joint initiative with the Queensland Government that brings together METS companies with complementary areas of expertise to solve mining challenges. The recipients for the pilot program (representing four consortia) include MyneSight, Active Adrenaline, Split Spaces, and Macdonald Cordell / Aurecon — each of which has been awarded initial funding from METS Ignited, matched by industry partners, bringing the total program value to almost $1.5 million. The projects funded by the initiative will help develop solutions for conveyor belt spillage and its associated issues; access to the costly practice of rapid prototyping; training for new underground mining operators; and health and safety improvements — collectively delivering increased value to Australia’ mining operations. A second phase of the program, funded by the Queensland Government, will see the appointment of a cluster development manager, who will provide long-term support for facilitation and growth of the Bowen Basin businesses throughout the lifetime of their projects. AM

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Partners: Aeris Resources, Safescape, Minetech Australia, Cougar Mining Group Collaborative project funds: $500,000 Industry investment: $700,000

IMDEX

Partners: Orica, Anglo American, Teck Resources Collaborative project funds: $1 million Industry investment: $1 million

Qtec

Partners: Wallis Drilling, Gyromax Collaborative project funds: $239,000 Industry investment: $239,000

Micronised Mineral Systems

Partners: Tronox, Acadis Australia Pacific, Tech Bakery Collaborative project funds: $210,950 Industry investment: $210,950

Resolution Systems

Partners: Barrick, Macmahon, South32, Petra Data Science, Manta Controls Collaborative project funds: $2 million Industry investment: $3.5 million

Manufacturing Intelligence

Partners: FMG, South32, Mining3 Enterprise Transformation Partners Collaborative project funds: $980,000 Industry investment: $1.49 million

QUEENSLAND MINING AWARDS

WOLFF MINING SCOOPS TOP CONTRACTOR HONOUR THE 2018 QUEENSLAND MINING AWARDS RECOGNISED THE STATE’S HARDEST-WORKING CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCERS.

olff Mining has won the Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year for its trial of the Caterpillar Command for Dozing module at the Curragh coal mine. The company was also named a finalist in the Best Product Launch Award, and narrowly missed a spot in the Collaboration category for the semi-autonomous dozer trials. Wolff Mining’s trial of the Command for Dozing modules was the first time the technology has been successfully trialled in a production dozing environment, resulting in improved

safety, productivity and cost outcomes. The judges felt that for a mid-tier company, Wolff Mining showed a clear focus on innovation and took initiative in partnering with OEMs to operationalise technology that has the potential to change the face of mining. According to judge Peter Kane, “This project stood out to us as shining a light on broader industry collaboration, a valuable program for the whole industry that we’d like to encourage. This was genuine innovation, not commercially driven.” This year’s event was co-hosted by the Bowen Basin Mining Club and the Queensland Resources Council. It recognised mining industry

contractors, suppliers and producers across eight peer-judged categories. The 22 finalists represented the true diversity of the industry, with majors like Glencore, Anglo American and Rio Tinto right through to small businesses only employing a few staff. Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie, thrilled with how the event came together, believes increased attendance reflects an upswing in industry confidence. “We saw a celebration of the Queensland mining industry, one that was particularly sweet given some of the hard times seen in previous years,” according to Currie.

“As a key part of the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition, we are proud to partner with both Reed Exhibitions and Mackay Regional Council to bring this fantastic event back to Mackay. “Wolff Mining’s win tonight shows a way forward for the industry – by focusing on integrating technology rather than fearing disruption, we can continue to grow and excel.” The 520-plus attendees at the gala event were treated to speakers including BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) asset president Rag Udd, QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane, and Minister for Resources Matt Canavan. AM

QUEENSLAND MINING AWARDS WINNERS: Cost Saving Initiative Award Quarry Mining Time Saving Initiative Award Downer Blasting Services Project Innovation Award Mine Energy Solutions Community / Staff Engagement Award Rio Tinto Best Product Launch Award Control Systems Technology Safety Award Greyhound Australia Collaboration Award Unearthed/Origin Energy/ Advance Queensland Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year Wolff Mining

THE WOLFF MINING TEAM – LEON WILLIAMSON (LEFT), JASON ISLES, ANDREW MILLER, ATUNAISA PIUKALA – ENJOYS THE VICTORY.

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MAINTENANCE

COLOUR CODING COUPLING GATES AUSTRALIA’S MEGASYS RANGE PROMISES TO SIMPLIFY HOSES AND COUPLINGS FOR MINERS.

t is considered a rule of thumb to match hoses and couplings from the same manufacturer when selecting a hydraulic hose and coupling system. Nearly every hydraulic system or aftermarket assembly requires a series of hoses and couplings capable of transporting fluid under pressure between ports. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), an American standard for hydraulic hoses, recommends against using couplings and hoses from different manufacturers because different materials can result in a variety of hose styles that are often made according to differing international standards. As such, choosing the right connection can be difficult. “Hose performance can be drastically reduced even to the point of catastrophic failures,” explains Kent Clark, Gates product manager – fluid power. “Due to the extremely high pressure running through the hose even a slight variation increase for each component can cause a significant reduction in hose assembly life.” Gates Australia’s MegaSys range of hydraulic hoses, crimp specifications

and couplings are designed as an integrated solution that reduces the complexity of fabricating hydraulic fluid systems. The hoses are suitable for mining environments in part due to their tight bend radius, which cuts down on hose length and allows for increased flexibility of use. Hoses can be bent up to one-third SAE specifications, guaranteeing leak-free use up to the maximum stated pressure in a temperature range of negative 40C to 100C for MegaCrimp and negative 40C to 100C for GlobalSpiral. A specialised abrasion-resistant coating applied to the cover of the hose called MegaTuff also increases service life and reduces required maintenance. All Gates couplings come standard with TuffCoat plating. This special plating helps to prevent rust formation at performance levels of up to 600 per cent higher than the 72-hour SAE standard. A more advanced version, TuffCoat Xtreme, is capable of resistance of up to 840 hours, over 1000 per cent higher than the SAE standard. These coatings are especially useful for combating the often-harsh, highly corrosive environments of Australia’s mine

sites, and Gates refers to TuffCoat as the ‘plating of choice’ for specialised mining applications. “The mining industry is complex,” states Clark. “Mobile as well as stationary equipment requires extreme pressure, high risk and tough applications. While budgets are tightening, performance expectations are increasing. “Is sacrificing production for perceived savings with lower performing products worth the risk? We don’t think so — based on the voice of the customer, the focus is to increase production by decreasing downtime cause by unexpected hose failure. “The solution would be to convert assemblies to Gates MegaSys offering a MegaTuff cover to handle the harsh and abrasive environment that hoses would be exposed to,” explains Clark. MegaSys products use an exclusive colour-coded layline matching system that is designed to make it easy to identify hoses. The colour of the layline provides a key to the hoses’ working pressure. Distinctive design and pressure colour coding makes MegaSys hoses easy to identify in stock or in service. Combined with couplings

A VISUALISATION OF THE MEGASYS COLOUR-CODING SYSTEM

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specifically designed to crimp on these hoses, leak-free performance is guaranteed up to maximum working pressure as high as 8000psi. Blue laylines indicate 3000psi capacity, purple 4000psi, red 5000psi, orange 6000psi and yellow 8000psi. Hoses and couplings are also split into two categories, MegaCrimp and GlobalSpiral, the former being made of wire-braid and the latter spiral-wire. Two coupling families cover all braided and spiral wire hose ranging from SAE100R1 through to SAE100R15. In addition to pressure ratings, the layline on the hose indicates the hose’s trade name, size and accredited standards, whether it be the SAE (United States), EN (European), ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration). MegaSys promises to eliminate expensive repairs and downtime that comes about as a result of using inadequate or mismatched hose systems. Gates cites a case study where a client saw a 37 per cent reduction in downtime and 25 per cent fewer hose failures after converting to MegaSys products. AM

MAINTENANCE

CALIBRATION FOR THE NATION CALIBRATIONS SPECIALIST DARREN SMART DISCUSSES THERMO FISHER’S ENDURING EFFORT TO MAKE SURE MINE SITE EQUIPMENT IS CORRECTLY CALIBRATED.

hermo Fisher Scientific is known for its services to science and its mission statement to make the world “healthier, cleaner and safer”. Mining is no exception, and the company offers a series of full-body calibration services in Australia to improve safety and prevent downtime at mine sites. Darren Smart started working at Thermo Fisher about two years ago as a calibration engineer before being promoted last year to industrial calibration manager. He says that the company intends to go beyond equipment calibrations to provide a complete asset management service for the mining industry. “We take the hassle out of managing the customer’s assets,” Smart explains. “We’ve got an online portal where we can track all of their calibration certificates and data and schedule servicing for them — all they

need to do is provide a purchase order and we take care of the rest.” This extends to calibrations of electrical, pressure and temperature instrumentation whether it be from the company’s lab in Scoresby, Victoria, or through an on site visit from one of its fleet of mobile calibration vans. For major companies, this generally translates to an annual visit for calibrations and biannual visits for testing of equipment used in highvoltage applications, but schedules are adaptable based on the needs of the client. While off-the-shelf servicing options are available, Thermo Fisher tends towards tailored contracts for mining and oil and gas operators. “We pride ourselves on being able to have that flexibility to provide what they need rather than just what we offer,” Smart says. Testing is extensive. Thermo Fisher’s calibration services run the

ESSENTIALLY IT’S ABOUT ENSURING THE EQUIPMENT DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT’S GOING TO DO; WE VERIFY THE OPERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE HIGH-VOLTAGE PPE TESTING THAT WE DO ON SITE.” gamut from pressure, electrical and temperature testing — the most relevant applications for mining — to water quality, metrology (balance equipment), viscometers, pipettes and toxic and flammable gases. Pressure and indication instruments ranging from -1 bar to 700 bar can be tested via site visits from Thermo Fisher vans, which are based in Perth, Queensland and New South Wales. Electrical testing, the most prominent type of calibration the company conducts for mining, takes in the likes of multimeters, clamp meters, low-resistance ohm meters,

CALIBRATION SERVICES INCLUDE PRESSURE, ELECTRICAL AND TEMPERATURE.

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multifunction testers and high-voltage testing of bucket trucks. PPE testing of objects such as high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) gloves — which can infrequently fail even when brand new — is also carried out. “It has a direct impact on operators’ safety,” Smart explains. “If we test a high-voltage glove and it has a pinhole that is not visible to the eye and can’t be picked up without doing a compliance test, we quite often will pick up gloves with these pinholes and take them out of service. “It’s unusual for an event like that to happen to a brand new pair, but should it happen then the operator knows that the equipment has been tested and is safe for use.” While Thermo Fisher does carry out some pressure testing at mine sites, it is most common at refineries with processing plants or oil and gas sites and includes the checking of pressure modules, digital pressure gauges and pressure calibrators, which can be tested on site or in the lab. Temperature testing is slightly more common and makes use of digital thermometers, infrared (IR) temperature guns, thermal cameras and temperature calibrators, also known as dry block calibrators in the mining industry. Temperature testing can be carried out at ranges from -40C to 650C. The standard turnaround time for Thermo Fisher tests is one to two weeks but jobs can be done in two to three days when shutdowns are involved. “Essentially it’s about ensuring the equipment does what it says it’s going to do; we verify the operation of the equipment, especially with the highvoltage PPE testing that we do on site,” says Smart. “With pre-arrangement, prebooking and pre-scheduling, we can arrange that quite easily through the labs, which makes it a really attractive option.” AM

ENERGY

CHARGING AHEAD OPTIMA BATTERIES USES A UNIQUE DESIGN THAT IS WELL SUITED TO HARSH CONDITIONS. AUSTRALIAN MINING TALKS TO WAYNE ROBSON FROM AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR R&J BATTERIES TO FIND OUT WHY.

nited States-based Optima Batteries came to attention with the introduction of the first maintenancefree lead acid vehicle batteries in the 1970s. Now, Optima is perhaps best known for the use of a patented battery design called Spiralcell, which wraps two lengthy battery plates — separated by absorbent fibreglass sponges — into a tightly wound cell to maximise compression and optimise current flow. The 99.99 per cent lead purity of the plates minimises corrosion risk and its dual-plate structure eliminates the multiple joints of more traditional flat plate battery structures, which can obstruct flow. “The pressurised cells, combined with the absorbent glass mat separators between the plates, allow for virtually unrestricted power delivery, making the Optima one of the most powerful batteries available,” says Wayne Robson, technical development manager at R&J Batteries, an Australian distributor of the Optima battery range. “The same high-efficiency design means Optima batteries can be recharged in less than half the time of a conventional deep-cycle battery. “For example, if the batteries have been run down and get quite deeply discharged they will recharge much, much faster than a conventional battery due to the high-efficiency design.” Since being formed by co-founder and managing director Ray Robson in Ballarat, Victoria in 1996, R&J has grown into one of Australia’s premier

battery stockists and much of the original customer base still deals with the company today. The Optima range – manufactured by American company Johnson Controls, is one of R&J’s most popular products. The versatility of the Optima means they can be used in a wide range of applications from floor polishing machines in hospitals to industrial and automotive applications. Mining is no exception to this, with Optima batteries suitable for use in anything from light mining vehicles, such as the Toyota Landcruiser and HiLux on the smaller end, through to mining trucks and rock drills at the larger end as a replacement for standard N200 batteries. There are three types of Optima available: Redtop, Yellowtop and Bluetop. The Redtop is designed primarily as a starting battery for automotive applications and has a small casing size. The Bluetop is designed with versatility in mind for marine and motorhome applications to provide both high-crank engine starting and onboard power; and the Yellowtop is a dual-purpose starting and deep-cycle battery designed to provide high power over regular, repeated discharges. The latter is the best selling of the three and the most relevant to mining. Heavy vehicles with inverters, winches, hydraulics and electronics can make use of the Yellowtop’s dualpurpose functionality for both starting and deep-cycle use. In battery terminology a cycle is one discharge followed by one recharge. A deep-cycle battery is designed to

THE FACIA OF R & J BATTERIES’ TRUGANINA, VICTORIA BRANCH.

sustain regular or repeated deep discharges, as opposed to a starting battery, which is designed to deliver many shallow cycles. Typically, a starting battery will operate between a 90–100 per cent state of charge, delivering many thousands of very shallow cycles throughout its life. A deep-cycle battery has much thicker, stronger plates designed to deliver sustained power over extended periods. Where traditional batteries are designed to do one job or the other, the Optima Yellowtop excels in both areas. “If a deep-cycle battery has sufficient cranking power — and the Optima Yellowtop certainly does — then you get the best of both worlds with sufficient cranking power for the largest-capacity engines and up to three times longer life, even

THE OPTIMA YELLOWTOP, REDTOP AND BLUETOP BATTERIES.

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in deep-cycle applications,” says Robson. Optima batteries are suited to harsh work environments due to a fully fielded, pressurised design that makes them impervious to dust, moisture and other contaminants that can shorten battery life. In addition, the Spiral-cell technology that gives the batteries their unique properties are up to 15 times more vibration resistant than conventional batteries, making them ideal for use on rough terrain. “It’s not at all unusual to talk about deep-cycle batteries in terms of years,” concludes Robson. “The Optima batteries can be a bit more expensive upfront but when you look at cents per kilometre or dollars per year the Optima comes out way in front.” AM

Established in 1908, Australian Mining continues to lead and inform the Australian mining industry of the latest innovations in mining technology and equipment.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

BOSCH REXROTH: DRIVING MINES WITH HÄGGLUNDS HÄGGLUNDS DIRECT DRIVE SYSTEMS FROM BOSCH REXROTH OFFER A COMPLETE DRIVE SOLUTION FOR MINING, MINERALS PROCESSING AND BULK MATERIALS HANDLING APPLICATIONS.

osch Rexroth has drawn on years of automotive industrial experience and transferred it to the realms of minerals processing, materials handling and other mining-related endeavours with a host of engineering and technology solutions over the years. Among the most prominent examples are its Hägglunds Drive systems. Hägglunds Drive systems and products, which are still today designed and manufactured in Mellansel, Sweden have been incorporated into Bosch Rexroth since January 2011 — the Hägglunds direct drive system has since become an integral part of the Bosch Rexroth portfolio. The Hägglunds direct drive system is a complete solution that consists of a hydraulic motor and drive unit with an integrated control and monitoring system. Hägglunds drive system motors are attached directly to the drive shaft, with hydraulic pumps in the drive unit determining the force and direction of the motor’s rotation. An integrated control and monitoring

system is also included to provide additional data and advanced functionality. These components are supported by a wide range of valves and accessories for increased flexibility of installation and operation. In mining, the Hägglunds Drive System can be found powering everything from apron feeders and belt conveyor systems to kilns to stacker-reclaimer bucket wheels. Their versatility means that they are also used in a wide variety of applications outside of the mining and materials handling industries, such as offshore marine and dredging, waste management and recycling. The drives have a high power density to provide sufficient starting torque, precise control and predictable life cycles. Hagglunds Drive systems are insensitive to harsh environments and high shock load applications, offering precise speed control and extremely low moment of inertia, which can increase the uptime and productivity of your equipment by limiting the stress on machine components. These system designs are tailored to clients’ requirements and

HÄGGLUNDS DRIVE UNIT.

AUSTRALIANMINING

HÄGGLUNDS CB RADIAL PISTON MOTOR.

HÄGGLUNDS SPECIALISTS, WHO RECEIVE SPECIFIC TRAINING FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF HÄGGLUNDS PRODUCTS, CAN PROVIDE SERVICING. specifications so that they can be ensured of increased productivity and minimised maintenance costs for mining applications. Hägglunds drives can also be monitored through the use of predictive Hägglunds Condition Monitoring (Hägglunds CM) and Hägglunds Condition Monitoring premium (Hägglunds CMp), which incorporates Bosch Rexroth’s proprietary ODiN software to provide predictive maintenance analytics and a comprehensive index of drive health. Hägglunds Drive Systems receive complete support throughout the drive’s life cycle. Everything needed to optimize performance — from original Hägglunds spare parts to expert field service and cuttingedge upgrades — is readily available through Bosch Rexroth’s global organization. Should the drives themselves require repairs or maintenance, Bosch Rexroth offers Hägglunds

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Original Service, which sees factorycertified Bosch Rexroth service specialists sent on site for servicing and repairs. Spare parts for Hägglunds drives can also be sourced from Bosch Rexroth directly. In addition, through the implementation of a performance agreement, Bosch Rexroth can combine the right support and services for a site’s specific needs — Bosch Rexroth representative can help to tailor a performance agreement that best matches the particular drive and performance criteria of the site. Remote technical support is also readily available by phone or email. By offering advice on the best ways to modernise systems in order to maximise efficiency and uptime, Bosch Rexroth ensures a holistic approach to Hägglunds drive system servicing, thus maximizing the reliability and performance of your investment. AM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

SECURELY CONTAINING MINING MATERIALS FOR AN EFFICIENT OUTCOME WHEN HANDLING MATERIALS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT COSTS MUST BE CONTROLLED WHILE MAXIMISING PRODUCTIVITY AT THE SAME TIME. AUSTRALIAN MINING EXPLAINS HOW CONTAINERS ACHIEVE THIS. designed as a turnkey solution offering a controlled and safe method for carting mineral concentrates from pit to port. They include a removable lid, ease and speed for tipping the product in from the top, enhanced security for transport with cargo, and a design suited for complete stevedoring services. Half Heights feature ‘extrastrength’ walls, flat surfaces and a higher tonnage rating for easy load and maximum transportable weight. Importantly, they contain dust to satisfy the strict environmental laws that are in place in Australia. At discharge, the units can be tipped using the end doors and top opening, allowing for very quick and efficient discharge and options for discharge (e.g. into a processing arena or directly into a vessel).

Cement tanks

s mining activity has ramped up across Australia over the past 18 months, many companies have investigated the best method for transporting the commodities they produce and assets they own or lease. For a diverse range of these companies, using containers has proven to be an efficient method for all, or even just some, of the activities they engage in. Mining companies use containers for all aspects of a project, including the development / infrastructure phase, for transportation of their commodity from pit to port, or to store key pieces of machinery. Container leasing expert Seaco offers a broad range of specialised container equipment designed to cater for industries like mining and oil and gas. Seaco, which provides tailored

SEACO’S CONTAINERS HAVE A VARIETY OF USES IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

financial solutions and services, works with mining customers worldwide to add value and contribute to economic improvements. The containers deliver operational flexibility for companies needing an efficient material handling solution, including Tier 1 companies, contractors, and junior miners and explorers. They can be leased on a short- and long-term basis, or purchased outright by companies. Seaco’s containers deliver several key benefits, including less risk of commodity loss; removable lids for easy loading; an environmentallyfriendly solution; reduced maintenance and repair costs; and greater utilisation. The company’s consultants work closely with mining companies to gain a detailed understanding of their operations to effectively identify the type of container that will help them realise these benefits. AUSTRALIANMINING

With extensive experience, Seaco references examples of previous mining customers that may fit similar criteria to the operation being assessed. This approach enables Seaco to demonstrate how the containers have provided a solution incorporating time / cost efficiency; that is fully intermodal for road, rail and sea; reduces repair costs; and increases operational efficiency. Here, Australian Mining looks at the Seaco containers well suited for mining activities:

Half Heights

Seaco’s Half Heights (BK2) containers have proven particularly useful for mining companies. The Half Heights are used to cart zinc and lead concentrates and other dense bulk products by truck from pit to port for onward delivery to international customers. The 20ft Half Heights are

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When large amounts of concrete are required at the construction stage of a mine development, Seaco’s cement tanks provide easy transportation and one-time loading / handling from the factory to site. The intermodal design of the cement tanks allows for them to be transported via ship, road and rail, or even by a combination of each to move the product to the end user.

Bulk containers

Seaco’s bulk containers are designed for easy loading by hatches and discharge by tipping through rear doors. They are also built pallet wide and high cube to maximise cargo weight per unit. The steel floors and flat walls used in the bulk containers provide easy load / discharge access, as well as strength in the floor, minimising any possible damages to the customer.

Other containers

Seaco supplies flat racks and open top and standard containers for a variety of storage and transport requirements at mine sites. As with Seaco’s other containers, the intermodality of the equipment makes the transportation phase simple and cost effective. AM

PRODUCTS

BACKPLANE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY WINMATE M101BK VMC TABLET

STRATA WORLDWIDE EMERGENCY REFUGE CHAMBERS

Backplane Systems Technology (BST) has released a new vehicle mountable computer (VMC) system, designed for those who require VMC capabilities in the form of a tablet PC. Winmate’s M101BK is designed for a range of applications including warehouse logistics. As a result, users are able to easily transition from forklift to hand use. The tablet PC is equipped with a 1280 x 800 pixel-resolution touch screen to improve practicality in frequent data input; built-in QWERTY keypad to increase user mobility; and various wireless connectivity options to facilitate real-time updates. When propped in a vehicle dock, the M101BK makes a lightweight one-handed tablet. Users can quickly dock or undock the device, and transition to tablet use during data collection. This is applicable during barcode- and RFID-scanning, or any other on-the-move tasks. Its rugged, 1.5kg-form makes it versatile for all sorts of industrial usage. With a six-hour running period, IP65 certification and MIL-STD-810G compliance for shock, vibration and drop, the device is protected against vehicle and hand-use in all environments.

The Strata Refuge Chamber from Strata Worldwide is a complete safety system to provide refuge for workers in the event of emergencies that compromise the quality of breathing air. They serve as a cache of clean, breathable air, ideal for situations where workers could become trapped. An entrance compartment prevents contaminants from entering the chamber when the door is opened and the airlock can be flushed via use of an optional active purge system. The refuge system also features an emergency battery backup system stored on a pullout shelf with multi-stage chargers and high-energy density batteries. The battery bank provides power to operate the air conditioner, carbon dioxide scrubber, atmospheric monitors (for gas detection) and lighting systems. • strataworldwide.com

• backplane.com.au

LSM VISION TECHNIQUES BRAKESAFE

CREAFORM HANDYSCAN 700 3D SCANNER

LSM Technologies has added a variety of safety technologies to its portfolio with the recent acquisition of UK-based Vision Techniques. Among these is its Brakesafe an automatic anti-rollaway failsafe system that can monitor system air pressure, doors, seats, vehicle ignition and other factors to prevent rollaways. The system can automatically apply the handbrake if the driver forgets while exiting a vehicle, whether the ignition is on or off. It also works with telematics systems — data can be gathered then exported for analysis and reporting.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) supplier Russell Fraser Sales (RFS) has started stocking the Creaform HandyScan 700 3D Scanner. Designed by Creaform for surface inspection and calibration, the system can be used with a number of software options, including PipeCheck for inspection of pipelines and SmartDent for aircraft analysis. Each HandyScan 700 comes with a fitted hard carry case, cables, calibration plate and peripherals.

• visiontechnologies.com

• rfsales.com.au

AUSTRALIANMINING

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PRODUCTS

SCHENCK PROCESS SENSIQ WB

NORBAR TORQUE TOOLS PTS MULTIPLIERS

For more than 30 years Schenck Process weighbeams, now branded SENSiQ WB, have been the standard for tough weighing tasks, especially in the heavy duty and harsh environment of steel production. The latest release from Schenck Process is the world’s highest capacity loadcell with a nominal capacity of 600 metric tonnes for installation by simple bolting into the given steel structure. This makes it ideal for hopper scales with a total weight of up to 2,500 tonnes as well as hoppers in train loading systems. The latest version of SENSiQ WB features an expanded operating temperature range between -40C and 180C, IP68 accreditation and high accuracy. Typical applications include ladle turrets, ladle transfer cars, scrap baskets, roller tables and tundish car scales, as well as silo and hopper weighers. The beams connect directly inside the given structure without moving parts and transmit all disturbance forces and moments with minimal measuring value interference. Plus, SENSiQ WB weighbeams function entirely maintenance-free in the harshest conditions, offering high long-term stability and high reproducibility. The full range includes 11.5t-, 15t-, 25t-, 40t-, 50t-, 100t-, 150t-, 200t- and 600t-rated capacity types.

Norbar Torque Tools, a leading manufacturer of torque control equipment has announce the launch of the new range of pneumatic torque tools. The new PTS series houses a single efficient air motor, purpose built to improve performance and precision. Featuring an improved air motor, designed specifically for smooth torque applications, the PTS torque tool runs up to 60 per cent faster than models from the previous PT range, allowing rapid bolt rundown and enhanced operation outputs. In terms of torque control, the new PTS delivers ±3% repeatability and is factory calibrated to better than ±3% accuracy within the primary torque range of 20100% of the tools capacity. It is also fitted with a convenient switch which allows operators to easily alternate between forward and reverse operation. The enhancements to the PTS mean end-users can work safely and comfortably, not only benefitting from extremely low vibration levels and exceptinally low noise levels. • norbar.com

• schenckprocess.com.au

TECPRO H1 SWING DUST SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

KAESER M210 PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSOR

Tecpro Australia’s H1 Swing misting system is a dust and odour suppression system that can be scaled up or down to suit various conditions. Originally designed to wet haul roads, the H1 Swing produces a high concentration of 10 micron mist droplets which attract and abate breathable dust particles, which also makes it suitable for odour control. Offering complete turnkey systems, the H1 Swing atomising head can be made out of a number of components including fixed location pumps, mobile pumps on trailers, sensor and monitors. Manufactured in Italy by emission control experts EMiControls, the Swing spray head moves from side to side enabling it to cover up to 500 square metres in still conditions. It boasts AISI304 stainless steel construction and an IP55 rating to ensure it meets the rugged requirements of Australian mine sites.

Powered by a 146kW Caterpillar diesel engine, the recently launched Kaeser M210 is a powerful, portable air compressor suited to continuous operation in tough conditions. The Kaeser M210 can deliver the correct amount of compressed air in temperatures from -10C to 50C. At the heart of the M210 series portable compressor lies the Sigma Profile screw compressor block. It can achieve power savings of up to 15 percent when compared with conventional screw compressor block rotor profiles. Manufactured in Germany, the M210 also comes complete with a steerable axle chassis, foldable tow bar, parking brake and 420-litre fuel tank. • kaeser.com.au

• tecpro.com.au

AUSTRALIANMINING

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EVENTS

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

AUSTMINE MINING INNOVATION ROADSHOW, PERTH, SEPTEMBER 13 The Austmine Mining Innovation Roadshow plans to continue the conversation in Perth after huge success in Brisbane and Newcastle. It will feature miners who represent the nation’s best in innovation, including Austmine’s Australian Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) members who are leading the charge in exciting new technologies. The major themes to be explored include digital mining, next-generation mine design, innovation in plant optimisation, leveraging workforce for innovation implementation and the modern mine. Participants will have an opportunity to be part of case study presentations, panel sessions and interactive think tank discussions. • w ww.austmine.com.au/Events/category/western-australia/austminemining-innovation-roadshow-perth PROSPECT AWARDS, SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND, SYDNEY, OCTOBER 18 Celebrating its 15th year in October, the Australian Mining Prospect Awards

has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s premier mining industry events. Nominations are now open for the 2018 Awards, which celebrate the best of the industry. Previous winners have included a large range of companies, from SMEs and start-up ventures to the industry’s biggest hitters, such as Atlas Copco, BGC Contracting and Roy Hill. Last year also saw iron ore mogul Gina Rinehart receive the award for Contribution to Mining. • www.prospectawards.com.au ETHERCAT SEMINAR SERIES 2018, AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, OCTOBER 19-26 Industrial Ethernet and EtherCAT are hot topics in the global automation industry. Traditional fieldbus systems are showing their limitations today as new technologies are appearing that provide more performance and support for Internet protocols. Automation system users have to decide if, when and how to adopt these next generation networks. Attendees to the seminar series will experience expert presentations from the EtherCAT Technology Group, as well AUSTRALIANMINING

as on-site networking and discussion opportunities with the experts. The accompanying table-top exhibition provides a complete overview on benefits and challenges of EtherCAT, especially in the context of Industry 4.0 and IoT. • ethercat.org

innovations from over 150 leading companies such as Caterpillar, Scania, Thiess, Sandvik and HATCH. The IMARC 2018 event will again be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. • imarcmelbourne.com

IMARC 2018, MELBOURNE, OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 1

AUSTMINE 2019: MINING INNOVATION: THE NEXT HORIZON, BRISBANE, MAY 21-23 2019

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) has become Australia’s largest mining conference that connects global mining leaders with technology, finance and the future. The conference is bringing together over 5000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators and educators from over 90 countries. The IMARC 2018 program covers all aspects of mining, from exploration to investment, production to optimisation through to new technologies. This year’s confirmed speakers are leaders from Anglo American, Newcrest Mining, Roy Hill, Gold Fields, Oceana Gold, Evolution Mining, Centennial Coal, Newmont and Teck. The free exhibition will also feature the latest

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Austmine is taking its biennial conference to Brisbane in 2019. The event will continue to feature the best in innovation from around the world. Over the course of three days there will be workshops, presentations, case studies, networking and Austmine’s mining industry awards. The comprehensive program features a high-calibre selection of international and Australian speakers, paired with first-class and innovative content. The exhibition will present a stellar display of technology, services and solutions that can be discussed in a face-toface environment. Austmine 2019 will be a must-attend event for the mining industry and METS sectors. • austmineconference.com.au

NOMINATIONS NOW

OPEN For more information, please go to

www.prospectawards.com.au Sponsors

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Liebherr-Australia Pty Ltd. 1 Dr. Willi Liebherr Drive Para Hills West, South Australia 5096 Phone: (08) 8344 0200 E-Mail: info.las@liebherr.com www.facebook.com/LiebherrMining www.liebherr.com.au