Australian Mining December 2022

Building on the knowledge of the past. Innovating for the future.

PAUL HAYES

paul.hayes@primecreative.com.au

Looking to the future can sometimes be a risky proposition. The uncertainty of asking “what if …?” can produce a certain level of anxiety that isn’t always welcome or productive.

After the difficulty of the last few years, however, considering the future has provided many of us with a certain level of hope and, dare I say, confidence. And with what was a relatively successful and positive 2022 largely in the books, looking ahead to 2023 doesn’t seem so risky.

It’s thus fitting that in this issue of Australian Mining, the final one for 2022, we take a sweeping look at what lies ahead for the resources sector in the coming 12 months.

First up, we take a deep dive into an Ernst & Young report that looks at the greatest business risk/opportunities facing the global mining and metals sector in 2023. In what will likely be a surprise to very few of us, environmental, social and governance (ESG) came in at the top of the list.

ESG only continues to grow in stature and importance in the global mining sector, with each of the three pillars increasingly influencing investor sentiment and the overarching financial prosperity of the industry.

ESG spans so many different considerations and variables that it is difficult to condense; however, mining companies that don’t take it seriously risk being left out in the cold.

We also examine the Australian Government’s final Resources and energy quarterly: September 2022, which underlined the role critical minerals will play in the future of the resources sector.

The report found that despite weakening iron ore prices, the surging global demand for critical minerals necessary for new low-emissions technologies is expected to deliver a record windfall of $450 billion for Australia’s 2021–22 resources and energy exports.

We also sit down with Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart to discuss some of the key aspects of the mining sector’s future, including decarbonisation and the different ways the industry can attract younger people to help address the ongoing skills shortage.

Amid all of this looking ahead, we also reflect on what was a bumper year for National Group, which celebrated its 25th anniversary and further evolved an already renowned mining services company into new activities and new regions of Australia.

But it’s not all looking forward and looking back. This issue includes all of the usual industry updates, product spotlights and informative content that usually appear in the pages of Australian Mining

As the year draws to a close, on behalf of the entire team I’d like to say thank you for a great year and we all look forward to an even stronger 2023.

Email: alexandra.eastwood@primecreative.com.au

Paul Hayes Managing Editor

Email: ashley.perry@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

JANINE CLEMENTS

Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Email: janine.clements@primecreative.com.au

SALES MANAGER

JONATHAN DUCKETT

Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Mob: 0498 091 027 Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au

SALES ADMINISTRATOR EMMA JAMES

Tel: (02) 9439 7227 Mob: 0414 217 190 Email: emma.james@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER MICHELLE WESTON michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

18 IN DUSTRY OUTLOOK

T he risks and opportunities facing the mining sector in 2023

Australian Mining sat down with Ernst & Young and Accenture to explore the global resource industry’s outlook for 2023 and beyond.

22 IN DUSTRY OUTLOOK

C ritical minerals driving future growth

T he Australian Government’s latest Resources and energy quarterly for 2022 has underlined the central role critical minerals will play in the future of the resources sector.

26 IN DUSTRY OUTLOOK

Austmine’s leading role in next generation smart mining Australian Mining spoke with Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart to discuss some key aspects of the sector’s future.

28 IN DUSTRY OUTLOOK

From strength to strength: National Group’s bumper 2022 W ith a strong presence in Western

Australia and Queensland, 2022 saw National Group expand its presence in New South Wales, including a new contract with Moolarben Coal.

34 M INING EQUIPMENT

A n expanding global powerhouse

E xpansion into the Western Australian mining market has given Ritchie Bros. customers access to global reach and multi-channel solutions.

42 I NDUSTRY EVENTS

N etworking opportunities galore at WA Mining Conference

T he 2022 WA Mining Conference and Exhibition was the perfect setting for networking and connection.

48 M INE CONNECTIVITY

M icro data centres are transforming mining

T he resources sector is increasingly relying on advanced technologies to connect intelligent systems – and Zella DC’s data centres are at the forefront of turning traditional operations into smart mines.

52 M INE MANAGEMENT

E ffective environmental solutions for mine management

Erizon is dedicated to developing and deploying tailored solutions for the environmental management of largescale revegetation, rehabilitation, dust suppression, and erosion control projects.

60 IN DUSTRY OUTLOOK

T he electric future of mining

Vehicle electrification is a key step in the plan for mining to reach its net-zero targets. In response, Shell has launched a consortium to speed up the process.

THE LATEST MINING AND SAFETY NEWS

RIO TINTO TURNS TO MINING MOSQUITO FLEET

Mining giant Rio Tinto will downsize mining trucks to deliver environmental and productivity gains. The move will also help in the eventual electrification of its mining fleet.

This new approach will see the large mining trucks at Rio’s Pilbara iron ore mines replaced with a relative mosquito fleet.

The small trucks can carry a 40-tonne payload, as opposed to the

larger trucks which carry from 220 tonnes up to nearly 300.

There are hopes that the smaller, autonomous trucks will act as conveyor belts out of the mining pits as they can move faster and more frequently.

Rio has calculated that the smaller truck usage will result in capital and operating cost savings, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, further

helping the company reduce its mining footprint.

The mining giant is also targeting fleet electrification, with the smaller trucks making recharging and replacing batteries easier.

Rio is working on the trucking transformation with Scania under a long-term research and development collaboration agreement.

The work has so far focused on advancing autonomous technology at the Channar mine in Western Australia and includes the option for transition to electric power.

Trials on Scania’s 40-tonne autonomous trucks started in April 2022, and Rio flagged that the use of “right-sized trucks” can improve resource recovery by three per cent, reduce strip ration and mine footprint by 10 per cent and deliver big capital expenditure savings.

Rio group technical managing director Santi Pal said the company’s climate action plan included phasing out the purchase of new diesel haul trucks by 2030.

“Partnering with industry leaders such as Scania across a range of fields is an important step towards achieving that,” he said.

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“As well as the potential decarbonisation benefits, this partnership provides a path to potential productivity improvements.”

Scania vice president and head of autonomous solutions Peter Hafmar said Rio was its Swedish-based commercial vehicle manufacturer’s first customer as it looked to mining on a pathway to net zero emissions.

“This is a major step towards the goals of a sustainable autonomous mining solution, and builds on our already fruitful long-term collaboration,” Hafmar said.

BHP has announced an industry-first initiative to construct 140 flat-pack iron ore cars in the next four years.

The initiative will see BHP partner with UGL and QRRS, with additional state government support.

BHP has shipped ore car components from QRRS’s factory in China to UGL’s Bassendean facility as flat-packs, where the UGL team has assembled, welded and commissioned the cars before delivering them to BHP’s Pilbara operations.

Iron ore cars have traditionally been built offshore for over a decade. BHP orders an average of several hundred each year.

To date, five iron ore cars have been completed and delivered to the Pilbara. A further 15 are due to be built and delivered by February 2023.

At least 12 UGL jobs have been sustained through the project.

“BHP makes a significant contribution to the WA economy, and we want to keep building and strengthening that contribution through more local manufacturing,” BHP asset president WA Iron Ore Brandon Craig said.

“We are taking the first important step by working together with the expert teams at UGL and QRRS to build ore cars right here in WA.

“Through this investment we will support the WA manufacturing sector to strengthen its capability and create new opportunities for business growth and local employment.

“This is a terrific initiative that we’ve been able to develop with our partners and the West Australian Government, and we thank them for their support.”

Following the trial’s early success, BHP has committed to constructing an additional 120 cars over the next four years in WA, with the potential to create dozens more local jobs.

“I’m pleased to see BHP, QRRS and UGL collaborate on this industry-

first initiative and look forward to seeing its capability build into a sustainable and long-term project,” Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said.

“We look forward to continuing this program with BHP and creating a strong and sustainable ore car assembly capability in the state,” UGL managing director Doug Moss said.

“We are proud to be the only Australian manufacturer of freight locomotives and we’re pleased to extend this capability through the reintroduction of rail ore car assembly into Australia, and particularly in Western Australia.”

INDUSTRY MOURNS DEATH OF PETER BRADFORD

The leader who guided IGO through its transformation into a battery metals player has died at 64.

IGO has paid tribute to managing director Peter Bradford, who passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 15.

“Peter was an inspirational leader, an innovative and strategic thinker and a compassionate mentor who transformed IGO into the company that it is today – a globally recognised,

ASX100 listed company focused on creating a better planet,” a company statement read.

“His passion for mining and resources, and his personal drive to raise the bar across the industry, was unparalleled.

“Peter was passionate about climate change and the role our industry can play in the transition to a clean energy future, and was equally passionate in engaging others on these important

FORTESCUE POSTS RECORD FIRST QUARTER PERFORMANCE

Fortescue recorded iron ore shipments of 47.5 million tonnes in the first quarter of the 2022–23 financial year (FY23), which represents four per cent increase on the prior comparable period and a record for a first quarter.

But increased iron ore production was offset by surging costs over the past year.

The stronger results were driven by increased production at the company’s key operations in Western Australia. However, rising prices of diesel and labour pushed Fortescue’s direct costs 16 per cent higher year-on-year to

$17.69 per wet metric tonne. That price represents a three per cent increase on the previous quarter.

Iron ore prices have also taken a hit over the past year, dropping from $US119.65 per tonne in October 2021 to $US87.80 in October this year.

Fortescue has maintained its fullyear guidance of shipping between 187 million and 192 million tonnes of ore in FY23.

“Against this backdrop of a strong performance for the first quarter, we are well positioned to meet our guidance, execute on our strategy and ensure all

issues. He was adamant that he and the team at IGO could make a difference — locally, nationally, and globally.”

The Western Australian mining sector is mourning the loss, with Bradford often championing the industry in the state. He was the president of the Association of Mining and Exploration Company (AMEC), an active mentor for Women in Mining WA, and a former WA Mining Club

committee member and vice-president.

IGO non-executive chair Michael Nossal said Bradford was admired not only for his vision and commitment to delivering on the company’s purpose, but also for his endearing humility and enormous humanity.

The board has appointed Matt Dusci to the role of acting chief executive, effective immediately, while its conducts a formal search process for a permanent replacement.

our stakeholders continue to benefit from Fortescue’s success,” Fortescue executive chairman Andrew Forrest said.

The company also used its latest quarterly report to highlight its decarbonisation efforts, with $US6.2 billion ($9.55 billion) in capital investment planned by 2030 to eliminate fossil fuel risks, which it said would save an estimated $US3 billion and rise to annual savings of $US818 million ($1.26 billion) once fully implemented.

“Guided by our unique culture and values, Fortescue is leading

the green energy transition and setting record-breaking industry benchmarks,” Forrest said.

“We are establishing the building blocks of a new, global renewable energy value-chain-spanning technology, manufacturing, green energy generation and distribution which will deliver significant returns to our shareholders.”

Fortescue recently announced its formal commitment to exit fossil fuels by 2030, with plans to avoid three million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year and supply a carbon-free iron ore product.

PETER BRADFORD GUIDED IGO TO BECOME A BATTERY METALS PLAYER.

A SMALL STEP ON OUR PATH TO CHANGE

AUSTRALIA, JAPAN SIGN CRITICAL MINERALS PACT

Australia and Japan have signed a new partnership to help build secure supply chains for critical minerals.

The new Critical Minerals Partnership was signed by Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King and Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hirohide Hirai during the Australian visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The partnership will establish a framework for building secure critical minerals supply chains between Australia and Japan, and promote opportunities for informationsharing and collaboration, including research, investment and commercial arrangements.

The partnership will support the further development of Australia’s critical minerals sector to ensure Japan has the supply of critical minerals required for its advanced manufacturing sector.

King said the new partnership underlined the ongoing strength of Australia’s deep ties and ongoing trade relationship with Japan and would build on existing trade supply chains.

“This new partnership will be a welcome boost to Australia’s critical minerals sector and will help Australia further develop its abundant reserves of critical minerals which will ultimately help both countries achieve their emissions

reductions targets,” she said.

“It will help to open up more foreign investment in our critical minerals sector and will increase collaboration between our two counties on the development of critical minerals.”

Australia has some of the world’s largest reserves of critical minerals, including rare earths, which are crucial components of clean energy technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, electric vehicles, solar panels and hydrogen electrolysers.

King said the partnership was a natural progression of Australia’s long-established role as a stable and reliable supplier of minerals and energy to Japan, and underlined Australia’s growing role as a global

supplier of critical minerals.

“The new partnership will help drive the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector and promote more foreign investment into crucial projects which will mine, develop and process these essential minerals,” she said.

“The Australian Government is working with our international partners, state and territory governments, and industry to position Australia as a world leader in exploration, extraction, production and processing of critical minerals.

“These resources not only support Australia’s standard of living, they will pave the way to a clean energy future for Australia, for Japan and for the world.”

MINERS HOPE FOR FOREIGN LABOUR HELP AS SKILLS SHORTAGE CONTINUES

As the skills shortage continues, large mining companies are hoping that foreign workers can help solve the problem.

Mining giants BHP and Whitehaven Coal have reported lower coal outputs over the past three months, while shipments through the Port of Newcastle were over 12 per cent lower in the past nine months. Both miners have cited labour shortages, absenteeism, wet weather and planned maintenance for the disruptions.

Whitehaven managing director Paul Flynn said there was no indication that labour availability was improving.

“It is not turning around in the way we would like it to,” he recently told investors.

“Trades are hard to find, there is no doubt about that, so we are looking at different roster patterns and including fly-in, fly-out arrangements.

“Even though we know the doors are open from our borders’

perspective, there is not the inflow of people we would expect from an expat perspective into the country.

“On that topic we are very much focusing on the higher skills areas in particular, offshore people coming in to fill many of the roles at a more senior, technical level across our mines.”

BHP’s chief operating officer Edgar Basto echoed this sentiment, saying that “expediting skilled migration” was one of the things needed to cure Australia’s labour shortage.

While a wetter than average season has also tampered production, Whitehaven said in August that it would moonlight as a property developer in the New South Wales Gunnedah basin to ease a housing shortage that was deterring prospective recruits.

The company also said it was preparing to transport workers to mine sites by helicopter if the flooding that has beset the region on multiple occasions over the past two years were to recur.

AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN HAVE SIGNED A PARTNERSHIP TO HELP BUILD SECURE SUPPLY CHAINS FOR CRITICAL MINERALS.

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FORTESCUE MARKS FIRST ORE AT IRON BRIDGE MAGNETITE PROJECT

Fortescue Metals Group hit a significant milestone in late October, marking first ore feed into the processing plant at its Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara.

With first production anticipated in the March 2023 quarter, Iron Bridge will see Fortescue deliver an enhanced product range and, according to the company, create 900 new jobs. The project could also become one of Fortescue’s first fossilfuel-free sites.

Fortescue recently announced its formal commitment to exit fossil fuels by 2030, with plans to avoid three million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year and

supply a carbon-free iron ore product.

“At Fortescue, we take pride in the fact that we consistently deliver what we say we will, and Iron Bridge is no different,” Fortescue’s executive chairman Andrew Forrest.

“Building on our track record of safely and successfully developing and operating iron ore projects in the Pilbara, Iron Bridge will lead the way for magnetite operations in Western Australia.”

Located 145km south of Port Hedland, Iron Bridge will deliver 22 million tonnes of high-grade 67 per cent Fe magnetite concentrate per year. This product, Fortescue said, will enable the company to enter the

PLANS TO ACCELERATE CRITICAL MINERALS HUNT

The Federal Government is accelerating the growth of the critical minerals sector and supporting clean-energy technologies through new initiatives as part of efforts to reach net-zero.

A new National Critical Minerals Strategy is being developed in consultation with industry and community stakeholders, including Traditional Owners.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country had some of the world’s largest reserves of critical minerals and the strategy would set out a clear vision for the sector.

It will complement other Government initiatives, including the National Battery Strategy and the Electric Vehicle Strategy.

The National Reconstruction Fund will include the $1 billion Value Adding in Resources Fund which will work alongside the $2 billion Critical Minerals Facility.

“These initiatives will expand Australia’s mining science technology capability, diversify supply chains, create local jobs and help drive growth in the critical minerals sector including rare earths – a key component of low-emissions technologies, such as batteries, electric vehicles and solar panels,” Albanese said.

“Additionally, (the Federal) Budget will include $50.5 million over four years to establish the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub to help unlock our

high-iron-ore-grade market segment by providing an enhanced product range while also increasing annual production and shipping capacity.

“The Iron Bridge high-grade magnetite product is a significant differentiator for Fortescue, and led by the highly experienced project team I am incredibly pleased with the significant progress made to achieve first ore feed into the processing plant,” Fortescue chief operating officer iron ore Dino Otranto said.

“This is a project that has been delivered during a challenging environment, and despite a global pandemic, rising inflationary pressures and a tight labour market,

nation’s critical minerals potential.

“The hub will combine expertise from Geoscience Australia, the CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation to work with Australian industry to address technical challenges and support international research and development collaborations.

“The Government will also allocate $50 million over three years to the Critical Minerals Development Program for competitive grants to support early and mid-stage critical minerals projects, building on the $50m recently committed to six key projects across Australia.

“The International Energy Agency projects mineral demand for use

the Fortescue values have risen to the forefront and demonstrated our ability to continue delivering this groundbreaking project.”

According to Fortescue, the nature of the Iron Bridge ore bodies and the company’s use of a dry crushing and grinding circuit contribute to the project’s operational efficiency across energy, water use and cost.

Low-cost power will be delivered to Iron Bridge through Fortescue’s investment in the Pilbara Energy Connect project, which includes energy transmission line infrastructure, solar gas hybrid generation and associated battery storage solution.

in electric vehicles and battery storage could grow at least 30 times to 2040.”

Albanese said Australia was the world’s largest lithium producer, and latest figures forecast the value of lithium exports are due to increase more than 10-fold over two years, from $1.1 billion in 2020–21 to almost $14 billion in 2022–23, with continued growth over future years.

“The development of a battery industry could contribute $7.4 billion annually to our economy and support 34,700 jobs by 2030,” he said.

Information about the National Critical Minerals Strategy consultation is available on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources consultation website.

FORTESCUE HAS MARKED FIRST ORE FEED INTO THE PROCESSING PLANT AT ITS IRON BRIDGE MAGNETITE PROJECT.

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STAGGERING PILBARA MINERALS WINDFALL FROM LITHIUM DEMAND

Increased production and sales have generated a significant $783.7 million contribution towards a cash balance of $1.375 billion for Pilbara Minerals in the September quarter.

The company lifted spodumene concentrate production and sales from the Pilgangoora project in Western Australia to take advantage of positive lithium raw material demand.

Production of 147,105 dry metric tonnes of concentrate was achieved, representing a 16 per cent increase over the June 2022 quarter, with the Ngungaju plant achieving nameplate capacity of 180,000–200,000 tonnes per annum.

The performance reflects solid operating strategy and represents

In response to increasing customer demand and strong lithium raw materials pricing, Pilbara Minerals has continued to adjust production by lowering its targeted product grade to optimise product yield, thereby maximising sales volumes to take advantage of current market

from three Battery Material Exchange (BMX) sale auctions, with one auction achieving a realised price of $US6988/dmt SC5.5 basis (FOB Port Hedland), which equates to $US7708/dmt on an SC6.0 equivalent basis (CIF China).

The P680 Project was also commenced, with bulk earthworks

and Northfleet at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo in Sydney in early October.

Why a bus in the mining industry? The answer lies in the ongoing electrification of vehicles across the sector.

The 57-seat coach will operate out of Covalent’s Mt Holland Mine in Western Australia, using its 450km range to transport mine site personnel daily to and from work.

The long-range sustainable transport solution comes in response to Covalent’s commitment to reducing its carbon impact.

“Once operational, our project will be providing 50,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year –enabling the production of 1.1 million electric vehicles annually,”

Lithium Project will be a fully integrated operation, overseeing the end-to-end production of batteryquality lithium hydroxide. This includes a refinery in Kwinana along with a mine and concentrator at its Mt Holland Project.

“The need to work with our clients to offer carbon-neutral transport solutions has never been more important,” Northfleet managing director Toby Hagen said.

There is a burgeoning demand for clean energy alternatives within the resources sector.

Mining is responsible for 4–7 per cent of global glasshouse gas (GHG) emissions; however, the industry plays a vital role in the decarbonisation solution as it provides the raw materials needed

targets, sustainable methods are imperative in order to accelerate production and operation without increasing emissions.

Electrification within the industry, such as projects like Covalent Lithium’s electric bus, is a viable emission-reduction tactic. Diesel fuel mining trucks, for example, require a large amount of torque to pull the weight that they do, burning 350L per hour on average and comprising 30–50 per cent of their mines’ total energy consumption.

Launched in 2021, the Charge On Innovation Challenge sought the global contribution of advanced technological concepts to assist in the electrification of extensive haul truck systems. The challenge concluded in May

founding benefactors – BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale – the finalists will collaborate with interested mining companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and investors in order to speed up the development of the technology needed to enable the eventual introduction of zero-emission fleets.

“With this group of innovators, we’re taking another step in the right direction towards changing the way haul truck systems operate in the mining sector,” Rio Tinto chief technical officer Mark Davies said.

“Through collaborations like this, where we all come together to create change, we can drive longterm benefits for our industry and the environment.”

IN RESPONSE TO INCREASING CUSTOMER DEMAND AND STRONG LITHIUM RAW MATERIALS PRICING, PILBARA MINERALS HAS CONTINUED TO ADJUST PRODUCTION.

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THE RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE MINING SECTOR IN 2023

AUSTRALIAN MINING SAT DOWN WITH ERNST & YOUNG AND ACCENTURE TO EXPLORE THE GLOBAL RESOURCE INDUSTRY’S OUTLOOK FOR 2023 AND BEYOND.

The Australian mining industry has weathered many challenges in 2022, with societal disruptions affecting global equilibriums, leading to geopolitical, economic and environmental uncertainty.

Miners have had to adapt to higher capital and operational costs due to rising global inflation, while La Niña-induced wet weather has quelled production across the country.

Supply-chain disruptions, seemingly the new normal, are another upshot of inflation and the sustained presence of COVID, among other levers.

And never has it been more important for end users to assure supply diversity and security amid growing global geopolitics, heightened by events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to Ernst & Young (EY), environmental, social and governance (ESG) remains the greatest business risk/opportunity facing the global mining and metals sector in 2023.

EY releases a report each year considering the top 10 business risks/ opportunities facing the mining and metals sector, and ESG was on top for the second year in a row. This was followed by geopolitics in second spot, then by climate change at three, license to operate at four, and costs and productivity at five.

Rounding out the top 10 were supplychain disruption at six, workforce at seven, capital at eight, digital and innovation at nine, and new business models at 10.

In preparing the report, EY surveyed global mining and metals executives between June and August 2022, with most respondents from the C-suite.

The heightening stresses of geopolitics, climate change, license to operate and costs and productivity begs the question: why is ESG again considered the key business risk/ opportunity facing the global mining and metals sector in 2023?

“ESG-related issues made up the entire top three risks of last year’s report – each with a significant, distinctive impact that made it impossible to treat them as one risk,” EY consulting partner Michael Rundus told

“ESG is now inherent in every single risk this year, which created a real challenge for our team writing the report but I think truly highlights a risk that has further broadened with stakeholders and cannot be ignored.”

ESG continues to grow in stature and importance in the global mining sector, with each of the three pillars increasingly influencing investor sentiment and the overarching financial prosperity of the industry.

“Good governance is always going to be a top trend, but investors and analysts are smarter,” a senior mining executive in EY’s report said. “It’s no longer a ‘check the box’ exercise.”

ESG spans so many different considerations and variables that it is difficult to condense; however, mining companies that don’t take it seriously risk being left out in the cold.

“Miners need to take a holistic approach to ESG – a focus on one area isn’t enough,” Rundus said. “Integration of ESG into corporate strategy is key to success; it impacts all areas of the business and so cannot be left to a small department to solve.

“The goal needs to be net-zero in all aspects of ESG and miners need to be able to report effectively on this.”

Global professional services company Accenture is supporting the global mining sector on its ESG journey, providing the consultancy, technology and digital expertise to set miners up for success from pit to port and beyond.

Accenture Australia and New Zealand mining lead Eric Croeser said the company’s ESG support begins with identifying improvement opportunities within a miner’s carbon value chain, where it is critical to be able to accurately measure and analyse the current state of play before footprints can be limited.

In April, Accenture released a report, ‘How investors view mining’s new role as a champion of decarbonisation’, which

saw the company survey decision-makers at 200 public and private institutional investment firms with Tier 1 mining clients in their portfolio.

The report found that while the mining industry was long considered a problem in environmental sustainability, it is now seen as a critical part of the solution.

“Investors and consumers alike are beginning to recognise the industry as not only the first source of emissions in the value chain, but a necessary provider of critical raw materials needed for the global energy transition,” the report said.

Croeser said the world is going to need more ‘future-facing’ minerals to

EY CONSULTING PARTNER MICHAEL RUNDUS.

enable the renewable energy transition going forward. This is a key part of Accenture’s dialogue.

Accenture helps its mining clients evaluate the ‘S’ and ‘G’ in ESG and how mining companies are engaging and supporting the local communities around them. The firm is also focused on improving supply-chain inefficiencies in the mining sector.

“We consider supply-chain disruptions and supply-chain efficiencies, with a bit of a cost inflation component in there,” Croeser told Australian Mining.

“Here we’re helping our clients transition into lower-cost options in their supply chain and building in supply-chain resilience around getting visibility across the supply chain and understanding what some of those efficiencies are.”

Above all, Accenture is focused on developing a connected mine, where the firm – together with its clients –explores the wealth of data across the entire value chain to provide integrated, end-to-end situational awareness and systemic management.

Rising from fourth to second on EY’s list of the top 10 business risks/ opportunities facing the global mining and metals sector, issues of geopolitics were amplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. The conflict sent commodity markets into a spin, with countries and jurisdictions moving to impose sanctions on Russia.

Russia’s trade was hamstrung, restricting imports from one of the globe’s primary suppliers of crude oil, natural gas and coal.

The European Union (EU), which is particularly reliant on Russian fossil

fuels for power generation, was severely affected at a time when sweltering summer conditions swept across the continent.

This sent coal prices through the roof.

“The main driver of high thermal coal prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been a rapid diversification of European energy demand away from Russian gas and coal, with a resulting increase in

demand for gas and coal from other suppliers,” Fitch Solutions said in an August report.

EY said government changes have also influenced global geopolitics.

“Changing governments in key mining regions such Australia, Peru, the US and Chile mean miners are waiting to see what new policies and taxes will emerge,” Rundus said. “Many miners are fearful of the re-

emergence of resource nationalism – 72 per cent of miners we surveyed were anticipating some form of resource nationalism to recoup debt incurred during the pandemic.

“We have already seen this in Queensland with coal royalties and we may see use of other instruments such as windfall taxes.”

In June, the Queensland Government introduced a new system for coal

EY NAMED ESG AS THE GREATEST BUSINESS RISK/ OPPORTUNITY FACING THE MINING SECTOR IN 2023.

royalties in response to record coal prices. This significant change came after a 10-year royalty freeze on the sector.

Under the new three-tiered system, the royalty rates are 20 per cent for coal prices above $175 per tonne, 30 per cent for prices above $225 per tonne, and a 40 per cent tier that would apply when prices exceed $300 tonne.

Miners such as BHP, Coronado Global Resources, Anglo American and Bowen Coking Coal – all of which have coal assets in Queensland – expressed concerns over the new royalties, particularly considering the lack of

engagement from the State Government prior to the royalties being introduced.

Costs and productivity rose from 10th to fifth on EY’s list of the top 10 business risks/opportunities, something Rundus said was coming to light even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Energy costs have been rising since before the Ukraine war, and given these costs constitute around one-third of mining operating costs, that is clearly having a huge impact,” he said.

“All input costs have increased steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic and, given the talent shortage, wages are on the up as well.

“As interest rates rise with the intent of taming inflation, the cost of borrowing will increase as well, forcing buyers to evaluate their purchasing strategy going forward.”

EY said that any cost reduction exercises should be focused on value and avoid affecting ESG commitments.

To limit the impact of rising costs, operators also need to understand their productivity challenges.

“Mining companies are maintaining a focus on productivity and cost management and, despite current challenges, only 17 per cent and 24 per cent of our respondents have experienced

a decline in asset or labour productivity (respectively),” EY said in its report.

While the global mining industry is facing challenges from all angles, EY said the overarching outlook remains strong in light of the sector’s role in the renewable energy transition.

“The energy transition will begin and end with mining and metals, so I think we can remain bullish on the outlook,” Rundus said. “The shockwaves of the Ukraine war have led to an acceleration of the energy transition.

“There is so much capital being invested into technology solutions, renewables, hydrogen and green metals, and this is likely to accelerate at a rate the sector is not prepared for, particularly as countries take energy security into their own hands.”

This comes with the caveat that the global mining industry needs to work to improve its image, otherwise it may not have the personnel or investment to realise future growth opportunities.

“Miners have a long way to go in building trusted relationships with local Indigenous communities,” Rundus said.

“They need to move beyond doing just what’s required by regulation and instead fully commit to furthering truth and reconciliation and creating longterm value for these communities.”

Rundus said this also concerns social inclusion.

“Bullying and harassment are endemic in the mining sector and tied to ongoing issues around a lack of diversity, inclusion and respect,” he said.

“Mining and metals companies need to manage workforce culture or face significant risks in attracting the next generation of workers, and in sustaining their businesses into the future.” AM

GEOPOLITICAL ISSUES, INCLUDING RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE, HAVE HAD MAJOR KNOCK-ON EFFECTS ON GLOBAL RESOURCES.

INVESTORS SEE MINING AS A NECESSARY PROVIDER OF CRITICAL MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION.

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CRITICAL MINERALS DRIVING FUTURE GROWTH

The Australian mining industry has long ridden on the back of a handful of key resources, but few have matched the outsized influence iron ore has had for much of the 21st century.

As the country’s largest source of export revenue, iron or has poured hundreds of billions into Australia’s coffers.

And while the key steelmaking ingredient is not going away any time soon, its spot at the top of the Australian mining food chain won’t last forever.

minerals vital to achieving rapidly approaching net-zero targets – lithium, copper, nickel, et al – is only going to grow. This growth was underlined in the Australian Government’s recent Resources and energy quarterly for September 2022.

Produced by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the report found that despite weakening iron ore prices, the surging global demand for critical minerals necessary for new low-emissions technologies is expected to deliver a record windfall of $450 billion for Australia’s 2021–22 resources and energy exports.

for Australia’s ongoing economic wellbeing and shows the outlook for Australian resources and energy remains strong,” Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said.

The record forecast follows last year’s $422 billion result. Resources earnings are then forecast to fall to $375 billion in 2023–24, which would still represent the third highest ever), as world supply responds to high prices amid a backdrop of softer demand.

The increased forecast is also being driven by the search for alternative sources of energy following Russia’s

King believes Australia is experiencing strong growth in demand and prices for minerals that are crucial for low-emissions technology due to growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries and cleaner energy.

“The Australian Government is strongly backing our critical minerals sector, which provides the crucial minerals needed to help Australia and the world meet our net-zero commitments,” she said.

It should be noted, however, that iron ore is still pulling its weight, although export earnings are forecast to ease from $119 billion in 2022–23 to $95 billion in

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

The Resources and energy quarterly attributes lower iron ore prices to slowing global growth and weakness in China’s housing sector. Iron ore prices are expected to ease further, as world supply grows faster than demand.

Australian Mining takes a look at some of the key resources in the latest report.

Lithium

Australia’s lithium production is forecast to grow from 247,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2020–21 to 387,000 tonnes in 2022–23 and 469,000 tonnes of LCE in 2023–24.

And the country’s lithium export earnings are forecast to increase more than 10-fold in just two years, from $1.1 billion in 2020–21 to $13.8 billion in 2022–23, before easing to $12.9 billion by 2023–24.

Global lithium demand has continued to grow, driven by rising demand for EV batteries.

“Despite faltering global economic growth in the June quarter, sales and production of EVs continued their rapid growth trend,” the Resources and energy

tonnes of LCE in 2021 to 724,000 tonnes in 2022. Over the following two years, demand is forecast to rise by over 40 per cent, reaching 1,058,000 tonnes by 2024.”

“Asia remains the major source of demand for lithium, despite the spread of new battery-manufacturing capacity into Europe and the US.”

Copper

According to the Resources and energy quarterly, copper prices are forecast to fall by 4.9 per cent per cent to below $US8900/t in 2022, as COVID containment measures and high energy prices weigh on demand. Prices are forecast to fall to $US8300/t in 2024 as mine production grows.

“Australia’s copper exports fell to 802,000 tonnes in 2021–22 as scheduled maintenance reduced production,” the report stated. “Copper exports are expected to grow to 977,000 tonnes by 2023–24 as production from new mines and mine expansions come online.

“As output and export volumes grow, Australia’s copper export earnings are projected to lift from $12.3 billion in 2021–22 to $13.9 billion in 2023–24.”

As with other critical minerals, much of copper’s growth will be driven by decarbonisation, though other factors will likely play out in the short term.

“Over the longer term, the global energy transition is set to bolster the demand for copper, due to its relatively heavy use in renewable energy technologies, battery storage and EVs,” the report stated.

“Uncertainty in traditional energy markets resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is providing incentive for countries to accelerate this energy transition. This could see the increase in copper demand brought forward.”

Nickel

Nickel prices are expected to average $US24,900 a tonne in 2022, evidence of another resource boosted by the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Prices are expected to ease over the outlook period, however, as a result of increased Indonesian production and improving liquidity in the LME nickel market.

“Recent high prices have boosted Australia’s nickel export earnings, which reached $4.4 billion in 2021–22,” the Resources and energy quarterly stated.

“Export earnings are forecast to rise to $5.1 billion in 2022–23, before easing to $4.6 billion in 2023–24.

“Australia’s export volumes are estimated to rise from 157,000 tonnes in 2021–22 to 202,000 tonnes in 2023–24, supported by the need for Australian nickel for the transition to lowemissions technologies.”

While nickel sits squarely in the pool of critical minerals vital for the world’s energy transition, the report found that “soft economic conditions create a short term drag on nickel demand”.

“Global headwinds and a price spike have seen nickel consumption weaken over the past year,” it stated. “In the June quarter 2022, global nickel consumption rose 0.8 per cent on the March quarter, but was 3.8 per cent lower than in the June quarter 2021.”

It is not all gloom and doom for nickel, however.

“Global nickel consumption is expected to exhibit stronger growth over the rest of the outlook period,” the Resources and energy quarterly stated.

“Nickel demand is forecast to be 3.3 per cent higher year-on-year, at almost 2.9 million tonnes in 2022.

Nickel consumption is subsequently expected to grow strongly over the next two years, increasing by 5.3 per cent in 2023 and by 4.2 per cent in 2024, when consumption will be three million tonnes and 3.1 million tonnes, respectively.”

Iron ore

Prices for Australia’s workhorse fell around 20 per cent in the September quarter.

A combination of growing global recessionary fears, new COVID outbreaks and weakness in China’s housing sector has dampened world steel and iron ore demand in recent months.

But Australian exports have remained steady.

“Australian export volumes were 0.9 per cent higher year-on-year in the first half of 2022, with new greenfield supply starting to come online from major producers,” the Resources and energy quarterly stated.

“Exports are forecast to increase by 3.1 per cent in 2022–23 to reach 903 million tonnes and rise by 3.8 per cent to 937 million tonnes in 2023–24.

“Lower prices over the outlook are expected to see Australia’s iron ore export earnings ease from $134 billion in 2021–22 to $119 billion in 2022–23, and then to $95 billion in 2023–24.”

Overall, weaker demand and grater levels of supply are expected to push the price of iron ore, which averaged around $US100/t in the September quarter, down further.

“From a forecast average price of around $US110 per tonne in 2022,” the report stated, “the benchmark iron ore price is projected to average $US90 per tonne in 2023 and around $US70 per tonne in 2024.”

CRITICAL MINERALS ARE A KEY INGREDIENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

From the telephone to early computer networks to the internet and beyond, connectivity technologies have passed through many eras of evolution.

And while business has become increasingly interconnected over time, the traditional trade-off between service availability and performance has been a residual characteristic of the technology.

Today, however, we’ve arrived at an era in which network communications technologies have matured to the point where ubiquitous connectivity is a reality and organisations no longer need to make compromises.

This new era has been labelled Connectivity 4.0, and the Australian mining industry is at the forefront of driving a wave of advanced technology solutions with network providers

such as Nokia, Vocus and Challenge Networks, alongside mining contractors like MACA, supporting their datahungry needs.

A suite of network technologies at the heart of Connectivity 4.0 includes terrestrial and sub-sea fibre, regional 4G and 5G mobile services, low-earthorbiting (LEO) satellite coverage and private long-term evolution (LTE) networks. These are especially useful for mining operations that require reliable and secure communications to operate autonomous vehicle fleets, along with machinery often reliant on the transmission of large packets of data.

Beyond the connectivity requirements to service mission-critical systems on a mine site, there is an increasing desire to enhance employee experience and achieve environment, social and governance (ESG) objectives.

Connectivity 4.0 unlocks new levels of pervasive connectivity, enabling mining organisations to reimagine what’s possible like never before.

“Nokia is a company that is striving to bring digitalisation to mining,” Nokia’s head of sales and business development, mining, oil and gas – Oceania Brendan Conroy told Australian Mining

“Historically, communications connectivity was focused on operational requirements, the need for missioncritical networks to run autonomous vehicle fleets, trains, and precision drills on mine sites. Now we’re seeing expansion beyond these operational benefits to also unlock the benefits of connectivity for the health, safety and wellbeing of the workforce.

“The rapid development of connectivity across the Australian mining sector holds significant potential

for the adoption of a range of digital services for the mining workforce, including the ability to access important health data and wellbeing services, electronic banking, the streaming of entertainment and sports and the ability to connect seamlessly with loved ones.”

What was once a difficult technological proposition has becoming significantly easier, with companies such as Nokia, Vocus and Challenge Networks providing the network infrastructure, data strategies and digital solutions for mining operations regardless of size, location and requirements.

“The development and provision of high-speed data connectivity over LTE to mines, whether it be for heavy mining equipment, the connectivity of the workforce, or the requirement to provide mobile technology and data solutions

critically important and increasing multifaceted,” MACA general manager strategy and growth, Shane Clark told Australian Mining

“Today, on-site LTE is really enabling deep connectivity for the mining workforce, and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers are benefiting from the ability to connect with family and friends to relieve the incidents of stress and drive better mental health outcomes.

“We have a new generation of mining employees that demand digital connectivity, never having experienced anything other than the ability to communicate with their loved ones and the outside world.

“So when friends, family or themselves are working on a remote mine site, the expectation is that they can continually reach out and communicate without disruption, and that is very important for us, ensuring our staff are able to maintain those important social links.”

This wave of digital transformation is greatly improving agility and driving

efficiencies through automation and other related digital processes.

But there are many technological hurdles still to be cleared, and companies like Vocus are firmly focused on meeting their mining clients’ requirements for fast, reliable, and lowlatency network delivery.

“There are many key drivers around network speed and capacity, and through the implementation of multiple technology solutions we are meeting the challenge to provide this vitally important communications infrastructure to our clients,” Vocus account director, natural resources Benedict Boylson told Australian Mining “Connectivity to the cloud, and a movement towards cloud-first applications as well as the adoption of software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) rollouts, is a significant driver of capacity, as well as the ability to provide mine site workers and nearby communities with a fast and robust connectivity equivalent to those achieved in metro areas .”

Connectivity 4.0 is a holistic, flexible and scalable approach to connecting the many apps, systems and platforms on which mining companies depend as they transform into a digitalised operating environment.

Where mines were once built around singular legacy and ageing connection fabrics, contemporary connectivity approaches are shifting communications traffic over several technologies, including improved multiplexed high-

The biggest challenge has been the ability to provide capacity to remote mine sites, and for a company like Vocus the requirement to employ various technological approaches and techniques is critical.

For example, Vocus rolls out fibre from a mine site to its fibre backhaul –an extensive network that passes through many of the major mining areas – or via its strategic partners utilise fixed IP wireless from a mine site back into the core network.

Connectivity is also being provided through the employment of LEO satellite technology, the equivalent of low-latency fibre-like capacity.

“LEO network connectivity is very easy to enable through just a simple satellite ground terminal, and that’s going to be significant technological advancement in terms of being able to establish internet connections anywhere and basically provide mines and exploration teams with network access,” Boylson said.

Although a significant part of Connectivity 4.0 relates to the technologies of which it is comprised, the transformation it enables is not just about connecting things. Indeed, one of the most significant benefits of the Connectivity 4.0 mindset is its ability to solve the challenges around remote workforces.

Beyond the ability to effectively enable collaboration between workmates, enhanced connectivity is also proving to be a critical way of supporting employee wellbeing and

wellbeing by providing connectivity to family and friends.

“The labour market is just so tight now and so there’s just an expectation to have good-quality internet available in the living quarters at mine sites,” Clark said. “We provide services across 16 different mine sites and they’re at various stages of their lifecycles, so quite often we’ll establish early services and satellite technology provides internet connectivity because it’s hard to actually create and grow a workforce if you don’t have fast and reliable systems up and running quickly.”

The broad adoption of Connectivity 4.0 will normalise the ability for seamless collaboration – allowing employees to build everyday communities across sites and communities – without having to think about the technology underlying it. Companies will be able to design nextgeneration employee experiences around the ubiquitous, reliable connectivity that makes collaboration possible.

There is much more to employee retention than just higher salaries, it seems. People want to be engaged in new challenges.

Mining companies can support this with investment in modern, scalable connectivity technologies that make their workplaces more attractive to potential recruits.

“The ability to scale through the different network technologies has improved significantly, where 10 years ago, or even more recently, there just wasn’t that many options available,”

INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IS CRUCIAL FOR MINING COMPANIES ATTEMPTING TO MEET SOCIAL GOALS.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OCCURRING ACROSS AUSTRALIA’S MINE SITES IS IMPROVING THEIR AGILITY.

AUSTMINE’S LEADING ROLE IN NEXT GENERATION SMART MINING

AUSTRALIAN MINING SPOKE WITH AUSTMINE CEO CHRISTINE GIBBS STEWART TO DISCUSS SOME OF THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE SECTOR’S FUTURE.

There’s a lot of work being done in Australia on battery technologies, on charging solutions, and on the electric vehicles (EVs) themselves. Mining companies with light and heavy vehicles are looking at EV technology, both for underground and open-pit mines, and some of the technologies and solutions that are being produced are being led by Australian companies. It’s exciting.

original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and investors to accelerate the technology development to support the future rollout of zeroemissions fleets. ESG performance is a critical dimension to effective mining operations, how do companies effectively meet their obligations under this framework?

records and just making it easier for employers to manage their workforce, which has a heavy wellbeing aspect to it because the more organised you are around that area, the happier your workforce is going to be.

In the lead-up to Austmine’s mining innovation conference and exhibition, to be held in Adelaide from May 9–11 May 2023, chief executive officer Christine Gibbs Stewart outlined her organisation’s focus, and that of the broader mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector, on supporting the ways in which the Australian mining industry can meet the expectations of a new-generation workforce and provide a leading role towards a more sustainable future.

What is the role of Austmine?

Our purpose is to champion the Australian METS sector to continue to be the best in the world.

We do that by connecting people to opportunities, insights and each other; promoting the global advancement of innovation and technology and mining; promoting the global advancement of innovation and technology and mining; promoting the great services and solutions that our members provide; and driving industry collaboration.

We seek to connect organisations within the METS sector to miners, so they better understand each other and build a stronger mining industry.

How is the mining industry engaged in decarbonisation?

The METS sector is really focusing on decarbonisation and electrification.

Mining companies and suppliers are looking at every aspect of what’s happening in mining. They’re looking at energy consumption, renewables, environmental concerns, water management, water recycling. They’re also looking at community issues, which of course fits in that ESG (environmental, social and governance) space.

Sustainability and ESG is not quarantined to one area – it’s now a layer across every mining organisation in looking at how they can do things in a more sustainable manner. It’s become really a key strategic focus.

And if you look at mining companies and what they’re doing from a strategy point of view, ESG is the headline and everything really falls out of that.

Can you outline the recent Charge On Innovation Challenge?

The Charge On Innovation Challenge was facilitated by Austmine with Rio Tinto, Vale, and BHP as the key patrons.

An additional 16 other mining companies were involved, seeking to accelerate commercialisation of interoperable solutions that can safely deliver electricity to large battery-electric offroad haul trucks –reducing emissions while enhancing mine productivity.

There is an emerging market for these solutions in mining with eight innovators selected, including ABB, Ampcontrol and Tritium (Australia), BluVein XL, DB Engineering & Consulting with Echion Technologies, Hitachi Energy, Shell Consortium, Siemens Off-board power supply, and 3ME Technology.

The winners are collaborating with interested mining companies,

What does health, safety and wellbeing look like in the modern mining industry?

More broadly, automation is removing workers from harm. And so a large driver for automation is not only productivity, but helping with that, particularly if you think about it in the underground mining situation.

If you don’t have people in precarious

AUSTMINE CEO CHRISTINE GIBBS STEWART.

GIBBS STEWART HAS SEEN A GREATER FOCUS ON MINING EMPLOYEES’ HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

There’s a shortage of skills in certain areas and on the digital side of things, including computer science, data analytics, automation.

There are some organisations that are looking at those areas, including the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance, as well as the Queensland Future Skills Partnership.

Both those organisations are looking at credentialing, designing strategies and programs as to how the industry can fast track those skills that are needed, particularly through vocational education and the TAFE system.

You must enable young people

these students in a mining career, but through a completely different lens than what’s traditionally been looked at. It’s exciting in that regard.

Can you outline the Austmine conference set for May 2023? The title of the conference is Transforming Our Future and it’s really future-focused.

We’re looking at where we want to be as an industry in the future and then talking about how we’re going to get there. There’s a discussion around legacy, innovation and what that really entails.

We think we’re open but if you scratch below the surface, we’re not as open as some of us would like to think.

The conference will focus on

What does the industry need to do to encourage young people to consider a career in mining?

AUSTMINE WANTS COMPANIES TO BETTER CONNECT TO BUILD A STRONGER MINING INDUSTRY.

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: NATIONAL GROUP’S BUMPER 2022

Nalready renowned mining services company into new activities and new regions of Australia.

“National Group’s gone from strength to strength in 2022, with new contracts beginning such as our contract with Anglo American,” National Group managing director and chief executive officer Mark Ackroyd told Australian Mining

That new contract commenced in February and involves the supply of heavy earthmoving equipment to Anglo American Australia’s open-cut coal mines at its Capcoal operation in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Having supplied the Capcoal operation for three years, the latest contract doubled the amount of equipment National Group delivers to the Lake Lindsay and Oak Park mines.

Up to 30 National Group maintenance staff members have

in mining.

National Group has also boosted its New South Wales presence, with a new three-year contract with Yancoal subsidiary Moolarben Coal awarded in 2022.

The company’s contract-mining arm – National Mining Services – is providing works including the safe prestripping of up to 15 million bank cubic metres of overburden each year at the Moolarben coal mine.

National Mining Services has used National Group’s ultra-class mining equipment on the contract, including Liebherr R9800 excavators, Liebherr T282 dump trucks and other ancillary equipment.

The Moolarben contract came after National Group was awarded a surface mining contract at Newcrest Mining’s Cadia gold mine in central NSW in 2021. This involved the supply of equipment such as Caterpillar

Ackroyd said his company’s work at Cadia continues to grow, with the

underground mine, which is one of the largest gold and copper deposits in the

WITH A STRONG PRESENCE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND QUEENSLAND, 2022 SAW NATIONAL GROUP EXPAND ITS

PRESENCE

IN NEW SOUTH WALES, INCLUDING A NEW CONTRACT WITH MOOLARBEN COAL.

NATIONAL GROUP SUPPLIES CATERPILLAR EQUIPMENT ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.

NATIONAL GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARK ACKROYD.

world – returned to National Group to work on the Cadia contract.

The recent commodity boom has bolstered National Group’s order book, with miners looking to boost their production to take advantage of the conditions. Ackroyd said this has resulted in greater demand for the business’ services.

“For miners to increase their output, it requires more people, more equipment and better performance to do so, which rolls back into companies like us at National Group that have more opportunities to supply the necessary equipment,” he said.

“For anyone in this space at the moment, the market is very buoyant and very busy. Whether it’s labour, equipment or maintenance supply, no matter what it is, the whole industry is very active.”

While National Group is one of the biggest, most distinguished mining services companies in Australia – if not the globe – its employees are not just numbers on a spreadsheet.

As National Group head of marketing and partnerships Kain Ford puts it, “everyone knows Mark, is part of the team, and is treated equally”.

A 100 per cent privately-owned outfit, National Group has big company experience but a familyowned feel that focuses on the customer.

“For National Group, it’s always been our understanding of customers’ needs and being responsive,” Ackroyd told Australian Mining earlier this year.

“We’ve worked hard to find the right balance between systems that help control and minimise risk, while maintaining the entrepreneurial dynamism of a private company.”

Diversification is a key focus, not just in business, commodity and location, but also in personnel.

This forms part of National Group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy.

“We aim to drive sustainability throughout our organisation, which to us means reducing our impact on our environment, ensuring our people and communities are supported, and that our governance decisions align to our sustainability goals,” Ackroyd said.

“We believe we can contribute to improving the sustainability of Australia’s mining sector, an industry that will remain critical in facilitating the renewable transition globally while providing safe and gainful employment for local communities for decades to come.”

National Group recognises there is more to do to improve the mining sector’s ESG performance in line with internal, customer and societal expectations. But through the company’s diversification focus and

accessible environment, it’s quickly becoming one of the most passionate ESG proponents in the Australian mining sector.

When Australian Mining spoke with Ackroyd about National Group’s 25th anniversary earlier in the year, he reflected on the growth of staff; the teamwork, camaraderie and organisation culture; and the longterm client relationships that have been forged over the years.

As one of Australia’s top 300 privately-owned companies in terms of revenue, National Group is an entrepreneurial success story.

But you won’t hear Ackroyd talking about his personal achievements. He is especially proud of National Group’s expanding focus on corporate social responsibility. Helping the local footy club in a mining town, for example, is about the company supporting communities in which its people live.

For Ackroyd, business is simple. It starts with having good people who understand what clients want, and who will work harder, smarter and faster to deliver it. He wants people of high integrity who are there for the long haul, and who are genuinely customer-centric.

With a simplified corporate structure that has a direct line of contact and no middle management, National Group has the agility to match miners’ dynamic, ever-evolving schedules. This enables swift decisions and the ability to quickly respond to clients’ urgent needs.

Going into 2023, National Group will continue to increase its presence in the Australian mining industry, finding new opportunities, new regions and new commodities to explore.

The company has a particular focus on boosting its already-strong order book of Tier 1 miners and expanding its fleet in preference of larger machines.

As the world further realises its green future, mining services companies such as National Group, which have the flexibility, reach and reputation to quickly capitalise on new opportunities and apply expertise in new ways, will become increasingly critical.

“Our job is to supply the most energy-efficient equipment,” Ackroyd said. “We’ve done that for a long time because we buy the latest equipment from the top manufacturers. Having a young, state-of-the-art fleet is better for the environment.”

Whatever the future holds, there is one area in which National Group will always maintain its focus.

“I want National Group to remain a highly customer-focused company, from the most junior employee to my job and the board,” Ackroyd said. “I want everybody to stay on the same page about the need to always put customers first.” AM

NATIONAL GROUP’S MOOLARBEN CONTRACT INCLUDES THE SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT SUCH AS CATERPILLAR 793 DUMP TRUCKS.

NATIONAL MINING SERVICES HAS USED NATIONAL GROUP’S ULTRA-CLASS MINING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING LIEBHERR EXCAVATORS AND DUMP TRUCKS.

FLSMIDTH STRENGTHENS POSITION AS LEADING MINING SUPPLIER

TECHNOLOGY

The acquisition, which was announced early 2022, will allow FLSmidth to increase its geographical footprint and competencies to serve its customers across multiple technologies.

It will also allow for a more robust customer approach in service and aftermarket, as well as an increase of resources and investment in research and development (R&D), digital and innovation.

T he acquisition supports FLSmidth’s central ambition to bring sustainable technology to the mining market that will increase customer productivity

and profitability while reducing its environmental footprint.

FLSmidth identified the thyssenkrupp mining offering as an ideal fit with its MissionZero sustainability ambition and its digitalisation agenda, and can now combine the two companies’ competencies, offerings and expertise.

FLSmidth sees mining heading into a growth phase, and this acquisition will place the company in an even better position to meet customer needs.

thyssenkrupp’s mining equipment offering consisted of open-pit mining equipment and systems, mineral processing solutions, and material handling solutions. It was primarily

involved in crushing, conveying, grinding and processing, areas that are broadly complementary to FLSmidth’s offering.

The two companies have some overlap of technologies, but overall, FLSmidth sees a clear complementary offering –especially in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation.

For example, tk Mining had a strong in-pit crushing set-up that will now complement FLSmidth’s existing offering. In grinding, it had a strong position with high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), while FLSmidth is a leading provider in other grinding solutions, such as SAG mills.

FLSmidth is now in a position to bring the very best solutions, equipment and expertise from across the flowsheet to its customers under the FLSmidth name.

This acquisition has created one of the world’s largest and strongest suppliers to the mining industry, and a leading global technology provider.

The complementary customer base and improved geographical coverage offers an even stronger value proposition to all FLSmidth customers. The company sees a significant aftermarket opportunity in growing and strengthening the services business to better serve the industry.

The acquisition has also allowed FLSmidth to improve its capabilities. This means, for instance, that it can drive innovation and digitalisation even faster and deliver solutions that enable the mining industry to increase productivity, while minimising its environmental footprint and securing license to operate.

The move also supports FLSmidth’s MissionZero ambition to enable a move towards zero water waste, zero emissions and zero energy waste in mining operations by 2030.

The addition of digital solutions in areas such as service, control systems and products to FLSmidth’s already robust digital portfolio will deliver an expanded and exciting range of benefits.

Improved capabilities will be seen across automation, productivity optimisation, remote operations and predictive maintenance.

Furthermore, with a wider range of flowsheet coverage, customers will be able to benefit from integrated optimisation from pit to plant. Optimisation, and related productivity increases, are the biggest opportunities that FLSmidth sees for its customers – utilising the right data and combining it with human expertise can lead to significant gains on reliability, productivity and sustainability.

There will be benefits for customers in the combination of data from the entire mining flowsheet; this will unlock massive potential in optimisation, process efficiency and resource use (such as water and energy), which will help cut costs and reduce the environmental footprint of operations.

The mining industry can now rely on a global leading technology provider from pit to plant.

AN ESG GAME-CHANGER

For the past two years, Ernst and Young (EY) has considered environmental, social and governance (ESG) as the biggest business risk facing the mining and metals industry.

EY releases a report each year contemplating the top 10 business risks and opportunities facing the mining and metals sector.

For 2023, the firm considers ESG’s holistic influence on a mining company and how the concept is evolving, requiring miners to be adaptable and evolve their capabilities to manage reputations and maintain investor interest.

I4 Mining also understands the importance of ESG. The miningsustainability-dedicated arm of Rayven is providing the foundations for the Australian resources sector to capitalise on the many opportunities it has before it.

“The mining sector knows it needs to get real with ESG,” Rayven head of marketing and communications Rory McNeil told Australian Mining

“The importance of getting sustainability reporting right, being able to repeat it and take the man hours out of it is increasingly critical.”

The Australian mining sector has long been riddled with inaccurate and even dishonest reporting, but circumstances have changed and investors have smartened up.

To facilitate its ESG offering, I4 Mining harnesses its interoperable digital platform to quantify and actualise accurate reporting techniques, providing a solution for strategy-creation, metric monitoring and forecasting, as well as scenario analysis.

“What we’re doing is bringing the practical application of miners’ operational data – from anywhere – and contextualising it against their corporate data from a production performance point of view,” I4 Mining lead Phillip McBride told Australian Mining McBride said there had been a lack of accountability regarding reporting in the mining industry, meaning companies often publish unsubstantiated reports backed by unproven claims. This can materialise into ‘greenwashing’.

Sustainability reports are released year after year, but miners often have nothing to show for their objectives and progress. This is exacerbated by a sustainability dialogue that is becoming more sophisticated and more urgent, where more sustainability targets are being introduced.

“As much as annual reports can be difficult to decipher in terms of how miners are performing, sustainability reports can be even more difficult to quantify, with miners largely making statements from a qualitative point of view,” McBride said.

“What’s missing is miners are not using real data to understand where they are in relation to their ESG targets or key sustainability frameworks. We’re solving that problem.

“Based on our expertise and capability, we can bring all of a miners data onto a standardised platform, apply an analysis and produce an outcome that demonstrates where the company is in relation to their targets.

“Many miners are chewing up massive man hours to extract all these data points from their data lakes and

warehouses, to then apply a perceived analysis without checking the integrity, quality or accuracy of the data.”

The results then materialise into an annual, quarterly, interim or sustainability report that doesn’t necessarily provide an accurate depiction of a miner’s practices or offer guidance on how they’re going to reach net-zero.

Not only can I4 Mining accurately collect data, it can automate the process, enabling a constant feed of reliable ESG information that miners can use to report, design a pathway to 2050 with scenario analysis and modelling, or leverage real-time automations to make improvements - all in the one tool.

“We can bring the tactical piece to ESG and systemise it in our software, therefore removing the subjective manual manipulation of that data to supposedly meet an obligation rather than actually achieving it,” McBride said

I4 Mining chief commercial officer Paul Berkovic acknowledged that it’s a tricky process for mining companies to gather the right data and verify it.

“It can be opaque for mining companies to figure out what the process

looks like,” he told Australian Mining

“And as the external pressure on the reporting cycles becomes more frequent – as annual reports become quarterly, and as quarterly reports become monthly – the burden becomes even greater if miners don’t have that automated link between their strategy and data.

“If we think about the disparity between how we currently track and monitor financial and production metrics in any business, but in mining in particular, there’s a wealth of tools that have emerged and have been developed over time.”

The Australian mining industry has evolved significantly in recent years, and software companies have intelligently capitalised on the data potential that lies in the sector. This has manifested into remote sensing and monitoring technology and the ability to digitally interconnect a mining operation from pit to port and beyond.

But that data availability hasn’t always translated into accurate reporting.

“It’s unrealistic for a mining company to achieve aggressive net-zero targets if they’re not monitoring their performance and modelling scenarios on a regular basis,” Berkovic said.

“Even internally, if reporting takes place once a quarter or once a year, how can miners be honestly tracking against their aggressive net-zero targets and uncover improvements if they’re not managing and monitoring frequently?”

Berkovic said the accountability also extends to investors, who are bound to their own social obligations.

“Customers such as investors are starting to put pressure on suppliers to be compliant and to be seen to be doing good,” he said. “They don’t want to be tainted by suppliers’ carelessness for the environment and sustainability.

“Information is so free-flowing and everything is so public these days that it puts pressure and accountability on customers to remove their support if a supplier is not meeting a standard.

“Customers are seen as sponsoring companies and they need to hold

them accountable from a social perspective. You don’t want to be seen to be doing business with people that don’t care about things your customers care about.”

I4 Mining has partnered with UK ESG and risk management consultancy Satarla to systemise the knowledge and expertise into their sustainability performance platform.

This includes TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures), a mandate that is compulsory for all large UK organisations and is becoming critical in accessing finance globally, which means Australian

organisations will soon need to follow suit.

Before the platform was unveiled at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in early November, I4 Mining already had engagements in place with Tier 1 mining companies looking for alternatives to their current processes.

And given the net-zero dialogue will only further intensify as 2030 nears, you can expect a tangible, quantifiable sustainability strategising, reporting and predictive analytics solution like I4 Mining’s to become a lot more popular. AM

I4 MINING HARNESSES ITS INTEROPERABLE DIGITAL PLATFORM TO QUANTIFY AND ACTUALISE ACCURATE REPORTING TECHNIQUES.

AN EXPANDING GLOBAL POWERHOUSE

estern Australia has long been considered the unofficial mining capital of the world, so it only made sense that one of the world’s leading global asset management companies took up

“When we opened our yard here in Muchea (north-east of Perth) back in 2018, it allowed us to grow rapidly in the mining sector,” Ritchie Bros. territory manager for Western Australia Cody Irvine told Australian

“The expansion has given customers access to our global reach and multi-channel solutions.”

Ritchie Bros. has several sales channels to offer its customers, but two have been particularly popular in terms of growth in Western Australia.

“In Western Australia, our team facilitates the transaction of a wide

Wvariety of specialised and high-value heavy equipment and industrial assets through Marketplace-E and Private Treaty,” Irvine said.

Marketplace-E is a 24–7 online platform. Instead of a traditional auction setting, sellers can sell their assets at a minimum price and sit back as Ritchie Bros. finds the most suitable buyers.

The platform is monitored around the clock by the Ritchie Bros. inside sales team, creating buyer opportunities for customers domestically and internationally.

“The inside sales team adds great value to the platform by brokering deals 24–7,” Irvine said.

Through Private Treaty, a private negotiation procedure, the company is able to go offshore and source equipment. It also allows for a private transaction that is appealing if the client doesn’t want to be publicised.

“Recently we had a client chasing multiple D10T dozers at a time when

RITCHIE BROS.’ WA LOT HAS ALLOWED THE COMPANY TO FURTHER ITS GLOBAL ACCESS.

THE MUCHEA YARD HAS BEEN GROWING SINCE 2018.

there was a very limited supply of them here in Australia,” Irvine said.

“Our sourcing team was able to go offshore and bring them here using the appropriate channels.”

Treaty, we’re able to be flexible in our approach and that is very attractive to the mining sector.”

why it provides so many different avenues to sell equipment. The company understands that one size rarely fits all.

By using Marketplace-E, Ritchie Bros. customers have a better chance of finding buyers no matter where they are located in the world.

Similarly, buyers can work with the Ritchie Bros. team to purchase assets from across the globe.

“The best asset for our customers might not necessarily be here in Australia,” Irvine said.

“Ritchie Bros. delivers significant results by leveraging our global network of partners, providing insights, and transaction solutions to source the right assets for our customers.”

Irvine attributes the company’s steady continuing growth to its large global network and its comprehensive sales solutions.

“Marketplace-E and Private Treaty have really helped establish our expansion in Western Australia and our new site in Muchea,” he said.

“This year alone we’ve sourced assets for buyers in Western Australia from all corners of the globe, including Europe, South America, Africa, US, Middle East and more.

“We’ve secured great results through our Marketplace-E platform,

Ritchie Bros. is practiced at handling high-value assets globally, with a Caterpillar 994K recently being imported into Western

“We work very closely with shipping partners, and even though shipping is expected to remain challenging in the near term, we have

RITCHIE BROS. SELLS MINING EQUIPMENT THROUGH SEVERAL DIFFERENT CHANNELS.

BUYERS CAN WORK WITH THE RITCHIE BROS. TEAM TO PURCHASE ASSETS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.

As the peak body for people working in the resources sector, AusIMM has more than 40 years’ experience in delivering high-quality technical conferences to the industry.

Offering year-round leadership and community events, as well as accredited technical conferences for mining professionals, AusIMM recently released its highly anticipated events calendar for 2023.

After two years of events largely being held online due to the COVID pandemic, the 2023 calendar will allow attendees to network and form relationships in-person.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back in-person to our events,” AusIMM head of events Julie Allen told Australian Mining

“Shared conference experiences grow relationships, ideas and collaboration opportunities. It’s a chance to learn something new and to grow networks.

“We’ve also revitalised our conference program to ensure that our technical conferences are better than ever. We’re offering bigger exhibitions, bigger events, and more opportunities for the industry as a whole.”

AusIMM’s technical conferences allow attendees to take a deep dive into specific areas of the industry, from underground operators to mineral resources.

“These conferences aren’t just an overview; they’re really hands-on and allow attendees to get into the nitty gritty of what the conference is about,” Allen said. “It’s about building on people’s professional development and personal learning.”

The first technical conference of 2023, the Underground Operators Conference in March, will feature presentations with themes such as operating practice, supplier collaborations, feasibility studies and mine design, and more. The Underground Operators Conference is a key event in the AusIMM calendar, with a large exhibition so attendees can have some hands-on experience with the showcase.

In 2023, the company will also host several high-profile international conferences designed to showcase the Australian industry on a global stage.

Following a highly successful regional event in Queensland, as well as a very successful Lithium, Battery, and Energy Metals Conference in 2022, AusIMM is launching an inaugural Critical Minerals Conference in 2023, which will bring together industry, academia, and government to discuss key issues and trends.

How to get involved

One of the unique opportunities for technical professionals at AusIMM events is the chance to submit abstracts about the conference’s topics. Accepted abstracts are presented by the authors, showcasing their technical expertise and helping to raise the author’s industry profile.

“Basing our programs around abstracts from experts ensures that we hear the latest and greatest about our key themes during the conference,” Allen said.

“We make sure to focus on topics that are relevant to the industry now. But we also like to make sure we cover the future of the industry, too.

“One of our new inaugural conferences next year, Mineral Resource Estimation (MREC), is a good example of a conference that utilises abstracts, alongside exciting keynote speakers and interactive workshops, so that delegates can get the most out of each day.

“You can share your knowledge and raise your profile by submitting an abstract for our MREC and Life-ofMine conferences right now.”

Those interested can head to the AusIMM website to find out more.

AUSIMM OFFERS YEAR-ROUND LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY EVENTS.

Making sustainability real.

Discover a sustainability solution that gives miners the technology needed to develop strategies, deliver accurate metrics, and achieve short and long-term ESG and SDG objectives without ever getting in the way of good business.

IS THE IRON ORE PRICE NEARING ITS FLOOR?

The iron ore price has been on something of a rollercoaster ride over the past two years.

After reaching a record high of close $US240 ($371) per tonne in May last year, the price has since tumbled. And while there have been some signs of price recovery, the near-term outlook remains bearish.

After the price for 62 per cent seaborne Australian iron ore fines at the port of Qingdao fell below $US80/t at the end of October, the commodity, which is vital in the steelmaking process, recovered to $US87.8/t on November 4.

Much of the downturn is being driven by the stalled housing market in China, Australia’s largest iron ore customer. To put the situation simply, if fewer houses are being built in China and the country needs less steel as a result, it also needs less iron ore from Australia.

But the downturn is not worrying Australia’s major iron ore players, BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

“We are seeing some short-term weakness, particularly with inflation and interest rates rising in the western world, and (with) those events, combined with some impact from COVID lockdowns on the property sector in China ... we have seen a pullback in iron ore prices of late,” Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott recently told the ABC.

“But the long-term future for the iron ore business is strong. The world continues to need steel and will continue to need steel for the lives people want to live, as well as future decarbonisation.”

BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue have all opened new iron ore operations in the last 18 months.

BHP delivered first ore at its South Flank iron ore mine in the Pilbara in May 2021 after $4.65 billion and 9000 jobs made the operation possible. The 80 million-tonne-per-

annum site is the largest iron ore mine Australia has seen in more than 50 years.

Rio officially opened the doors of its Gudai-Darri mine in the Pilbara, its 17th iron ore operation, in June this year. The mine has a capacity of 43 million tonnes per annum.

And in October, Fortescue marked a major milestone with the first ore feed into the processing plant at its Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara, with first production anticipated in the March 2023 quarter.

But if demand is low and supply is up from these new operations, what will that mean for the alreadystruggling iron ore price?

Lachlan Shaw, co-head of resources research at UBS, told the ABC in November that he feels the price is near its bottom.

“The key level that we’re identifying for now is around $US75 to $US80 per tonne,” he said.

Shaw believes the high cost of iron ore operations will see miners lower their production, which will in turn reduce supply and, eventually, lead to a rise in the price.

“We certainly see the demand weakness continuing, and on the supply side what we’re seeing now is all of the world’s major producers talking to increase production, so that’s an increased supply of iron ore heading into next year,” he said.

“The key for the market now will be to come to grips with where cost support kicks in – that is, when do commodity prices start to move inside the cost curve? – and start to pressure iron ore miners to stop mining because they’re losing cash.”

Rio’s Trott understands the current state of the iron ore market may look relatively bleak, but mining is a much longer game than most industries.

“The investment decisions we make are based on our view over decades,” he said. “So our long-term belief in the iron ore market is unchanged.” AM

RIO’S NEW GUDAI-DARRI MINE IN THE PILBARA IS ITS 17TH IRON ORE OPERATION.

IMAGE CREDIT: RIO TINTO

THE PRICE OF IRON ORE PEAKED AT $US240 PER TONNE IN MAY 2021.

THE NEXT STEP IN CRUSHING CIRCUIT PROCESS AUTOMATION

variance can result in the crusher’s feed material changing substantially.

Crusher performance itself is also subject to change depending on liner condition and wear rates. It’s evident that crusher performance –specifically crusher throughput and crusher product size distribution (PSD) – can change rapidly, and true steady-state operation is seldom achieved for continuous periods.

To optimise crusher performance in real-time, highly subjective manual crusher setting changes are traditionally made based on limited data usually gleaned from a visual observation of the crusher product on the belt, or a rough evaluation of crusher power draw and hydraulic pressure.

The outcome of this approach is mixed at best and provides no clearcut, quantifiable data to support any scientific decision-making process. The crusher’s ability is not optimised and the throughput not homogenised.

t’s one of the more common –and avoidable – issues in the

Crusher downtime due to liner changes, gap calibrations and routine maintenance costs the operator millions of dollars each year. Implementing the latest technology to increase operating hours, reduce downtime and maximise equipment usage increases annual revenue for any mining operation.

The industry tends to think of plant feed as being homogeneous, uniform and well suited for steady state operation; however, in reality the normal day-to-day operations

finds materials to be variable in size

These variances are caused by numerous factors, including mining in different pit areas, operating at different depths, upstream crusher performance, circuit screen efficiency, and even weather conditions. Each

To help resolve the issue, Minprovise has introduced a system that automatically analyses the crusher product belt and provides documentable numerical data reflecting current crusher performance based on current feed ore characteristics, enabling a real-time adjustment to ensure optimal production.

The system requires no manual intervention and accommodates not only feed material property changes but also crusher liner wear profile variances.

Minprovise has assembled a Kawasaki ZI-2100 cone crusher in its Perth-based workshop and connected it to the Active Gap Control (AGC) system for prospective clients to view without going to site.

This system needs to react quickly to changes in the crusher circuit and prove its worth in terms of increased production quality and production rate, which is exactly why the AGC system was developed.

In-house tests using the ZI2100 cone crusher and the AGC system lived up to expectation and were able to modify crusher operating parameters in all cases, resulting in an optimal, steadystate operation.

MINPROVISE OPENED ITS DOORS IN SEPTEMBER TO SHOWCASE AND DEMONSTRATE THE ZI-2100.

THE ZI-2100 CRUSHER IS THE EVOLUTION OF A KAWASAKI DESIGN THAT DATES BACK TO 1966.

The AGC system uses an advanced particle size analysis camera to accurately assess crusher product size distribution and production rate on a continuous basis. This information is then used to make changes to the crusher settings.

When coupled with a Kawasaki ZI cone crusher (or crusher already on-site), these changes can be made on the fly, meaning no reduction in feed rate nor stopping of the upstream circuit equipment is required in order to affect the required gap setting change.

The system ensures the optimal PSD is always achieved and overcomes circuit instability brought about by feed material property changes, feed material moisture content variances, crusher liner wear profile, upstream crusher performance variances, and upstream and closedcircuit downstream screen efficiency changes.

Ensuring optimal crusher size distribution has multiple benefits to the overall operation. These may vary based on the exact operating conditions and circuit layout, but there are some general benefits.

Improved liner wear profile and achievable life

Given the AGC system always ensures the crusher is operating within its ideal design gap setting,

crushing chamber wear profiles can be improved and the problems associated with poor crusher wear profiles (hollowing of the mantle or bowl liner) avoided.

Downstream efficiency improvements

Since the performance of downstream equipment is heavily dependent on it receiving the ideal feed size distribution from the upstream crusher, large improvements can be made when screens and size classification equipment run within the ideal operating envelope.

Increases in product quality and throughput

Since ideal crusher gap settings are selected to maximise plant performance – eg generation of lump versus fines in iron ore, or liberation of high-value minerals – monitoring and ensuring operation at the optimal crusher setting means the overall product quality is likely to increase.

Additionally, since the AGC circuit design limits recirculating loads by operating at these optimal crusher settings, material is crushed to the right size the first time, preventing multiple passes through the circuit. This increases achievable plant capacity while reducing circuit operating expenditure due to recirculation inefficiencies.

AM

THE ZI-2100 HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE MAIN SHAFT SUPPORTED AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES GALORE AT THE WA MINING CONFERENCE

THE 2022 WA MINING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION WAS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR NETWORKING AND CONNECTION.

Held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition from 11–12

October, the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition boasted record registration numbers that called for a floorplan expansion.

The sold-out exhibition featured more than 120 suppliers and 40 conference speakers, with thousands of attendees enjoying the conference’s topics across the two days.

Developed purely for the Western Australian market, WA Mining gave attendees a blueprint to address operational pain points while hearing from leading industry experts in the highly targeted conference.

Some of the exhibitors included SmartTech Australia, Acubis Technologies, Austdac and IBM, and all were prepared for a full two days of networking and discussions.

The expanded exhibition showcased the latest tech and digital solutions across the entire mining value chain and brought together experts, industry and academia to illustrate the technical

and digital evolution transforming the mining industry in Western Australia, while showcasing the economic importance and the vital contribution the resource sector makes to state and federal economies.

This year’s topics covered a wide spectrum of mining topics, including

technology thought-leadership and practical case studies, with an emphasis on innovation.

“The rate of innovation continues to accelerate, across decarbonisation, automation and data science,” conference chair Ric Gros said.

“We’re currently looking at the greatest transformation the mining sector will ever see, and it’s important that we lead and promote conversations on the transition to take the sector on the journey.

“WA Mining is an important milestone for the state’s resource sector, and it’s never been more important to share our knowledge for a successful future.

“We’re in an exciting place postCOVID, and while there are certainly difficult things to contemplate like digital risk and the rising importance of ESG, there’s also the bright potential of technology, data science and new research to illuminate the way forward.”

The transformative power of the mining sector was evident in many of the presentations through the conference, including the one from Gold Road Resources and Ultimate Energy Australia.

The two companies told the story of how their cooperation toward net-zero and decarbonisation targets resulted in a 93 per cent reduction in fuel costs at Gold Road Resources’ Yamarna site.

The site saw a decreased reliance on diesel generators through an innovative solar and battery energy hub. The hub has not needed any maintenance in the last two years and has no permanent footprint.

Discussing the future of the mining industry, Minerals Research Institute conference speaker Geoffrey Batt said the mining of tomorrow would be vastly different from what people have known.

“The future of WA’s mining industry does not look like its past,” he said.

But the conference covered more than just decarbonisation, as speakers looked to knowledge-sharing in datascience-based maintenance, critical minerals, unlocking autonomy, and much needed skilled workers.

Additionally, cooperation and collaboration across the industry were firmly on the agenda.

idoba chief executive officer Sarah Coleman was one of the speakers at the event, presenting on the innovation opportunities in the industry. Coleman said idoba’s and the conference’s goals were very similar.

“The world is fast-changing and increasingly more turbulent,” she said.

“The problems and challenges we are facing have too many variables to consider and we’re finding ourselves, our systems and our traditional problem-solving approaches ineffective in dealing with the depth of these complexities.”

Outside of the conference, the technology-focused supplier exhibition had a strong buzz across the event’s two days.

onboarding, 3D-printed parts used to model and demonstrate repairs, and robotic and drone technology.

Perth start-up Apex Engineering Technology Group was a first-time exhibitor, showcasing its innovative approach to refurbishing and recoating ground-engaging tools (GET) and wear parts using laser technology for increased resilience.

Apex Engineering Technology Group managing director Daniel Rhind said

incredible exposure.

“We had a complete robotic display at our stand, which attracted plenty of interest, and the quality of people we talked to has been outstanding,” he said.

Andrew Neaves, of standards stalwart SAI Global, agreed.

“The people we interacted with at WA Mining were decision-makers at the right level – and people were more than happy to engage and have a conversation.”

The mining pavilion allowed an opportunity for job-seekers to connect with recruitment teams from companies including Rio Tinto, Roy Hill and

Rio Tinto managing director Santi Pal said the supplier engagement at the exhibition was an important factor in strengthening relationships.

“We’re proud to lead the way in autonomous mining technology across the Pilbara,” he said. “Our relationships with suppliers only help to broaden our thinking and innovation perspective.

“The future is digital and autonomous mining is significant, and WA Mining helps to increase the visibility of that future.”

Northern Star recruitment coordinator Prue Orford found “WA Mining exceeded our expectations”.

“And we were impressed by the number and quality of the attendees,” she said. “We look forward to being back

Platinum partner Epiroc was encouraged by the industry, tech experts and site personnel, with national sales manager capital equipment Rod Hermann saying technology helps to move the needle in a number of areas.

“Epiroc continues to live our motto, ‘dare to think new’, in an industry with rapidly evolving technologies to bring about higher levels of safety, efficiencies and sustainability for our customers,” he said. “Partnering with WA Mining is just one way that we can help bring technology to the forefront of operations.”

The conference is already booking out for 2023, with WA Mining saying the event is the premier spot for technical and digital innovation to meet operational and executional excellence for networking opportunities.

WA Mining encourages mining personnel, digital experts and community and industry representatives to attend in 2023.

Exhibition director Samantha Martin noted that the launch of the show, held for the first time in its expanded format, showed a strong representation for WA’s leading resources technology sector.

“The focus of WA Mining is really on technology, and we’ve been privileged to host some excellent conversations about how that technology can help the sector contribute to a more sustainable future,” she said.

For Coleman, events like the this are a great opportunity to come together “because no one individual or organisation has the solution to address these complex problems”.

“It takes diverse perspectives and skills to challenge the status quo, break down the traditional ways of thinking and the outdated approach to hierarchies so we can make sense of the issues and adaptively respond to them,” she said AM

MORE THAN 40 SPEAKERS WERE ON HAND THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.

THE CONFERENCE WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY TO COME TOGETHER AND NETWORK.

THINK OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE –THINK LAYFLAT

IN A NEW CAMPAIGN – THINK OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE – CRUSADER HOSE HIGHLIGHTS THE MANY BENEFITS OF USING LAYFLAT HOSE OVER POLY PIPE.

Ease of handling is one of the key benefits enhanced by the use of the newly designed reel systems from Crusader Hose.

Crusader Hose, a current leader in Australian layflat hose manufacturing, is now rising as a leader in engineered reel systems.

New technology and design engineer experts have increased the company’s capabilities in creating reliable hose deployment equipment.

September saw Crusader Hose launch its new campaign, Think Outside the Circle.

To think outside the circle, according to the company, is to think outside the circle of poly pipe and instead consider the benefits of a layflat hose. Crusader Hose managing director Francois Steverlynck gave an insight into the reception of the campaign launch.

“The campaign launch took place during the open day at the Crusader Hose factory,” he told Australian Mining. “Out of the invited guests, 31 attended from 19 registered companies.

“Everyone was impressed with the facility, demonstrations and factory tour, and the campaign video was screened to much applause. “

Crusader Hose has been offering mines across Australia dewatering solutions using layflat hose for many years. These solutions have helped to keep many sites operational, particularly due to the cost and time saving benefits associated with the layflat hoses.

effort out of handling large-diameter layflat pipelines.

The rapid in-pit dewatering system consists of Waterlord layflat hose and the Hamersley reel system.

The tough and robust PU-extruded high-pressure Waterlord hose comes up to 12 inches with volumes of up to 500L per second.

The Hamersley reel system is the simplest, fastest and most compact system available for delivering layflat in the field, Crusader said. The hose is wound onto interchangeable reels, which are then locked into the reel drive unit. The quick-connect hydraulic couplers of the reel drive unit attach to excavators or similar plant, enabling the system to be ready for use. Additionally, the flange couplings make connecting multiple lengths of hose simple.

up the rapid in-pit dewatering

“With the new capability of our layflat hoses, Crusader Hose is calling on the water management experts to think of using a layflat hose and reel system instead of poly pipe when planning rapid in-pit dewatering systems or requiring emergency flooding assistance.”

The flexible nature of the hose takes on the contours of the terrain, eliminating the need for digging trenches to accommodate the rigid nature of poly.

Layflat is also much kinder to the environment.

There is no need for the type of complicated large machinery normally required when handling long lengths of large-diameter poly pipe. This is due to many kilometres of layflat hose wound onto the reels having a much smaller footprint than similar lengths of poly.

Steverlynck maintains that layflat hose pipelines have the capacity to easily replace rigid poly pipe in many dewatering applications.

“We have worked with many mines in finding solutions for their dewatering projects and have seen first-hand the many benefits of using our layflat hose,” Steverlynck said.

“One major benefit is the rapid deployment of long lengths up to 200m, which can be easily assembled into kilometre lengths without the need for specialised welding machinery.

When an in-pit dewatering pipeline needs to be moved, a layflat pipeline is easily retrieved with the reel system and deployed to its new spot, whereas the process of moving and reusing poly pipe is much more complicated.

Similarly, if trucks need to get to the other side of the pipeline, they can. Vehicles can drive over layflat hose with the appropriate care being taken, while vehicles can’t drive over poly pipe.

“We have always known that to have the mining engineers seriously consider using a flexible layflat pipeline instead of poly, we’d have to offer a complete system including reel deployment equipment,” Steverlynck said. “I’m proud to say, now we can.

“Our new reeling systems have been designed in consultation with industry to fulfil their requirements. Deploying layflat pipelines has never been easier.”

Setting

CRUSADER HOSE DEMONSTRATES THE PERFORMANCE OF LAYFLAT HOSE.

LAYFLAT HOSES CAN FIT MUCH MORE EFFICIENTLY ONTO REELS.

Are you missing opportunities to fully optimise your mine?

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And since we also deliver a best-in-class digital solutions, we can work with you to maximise productivity throughout your mine operations. Discover how we can take your productivity to the next level. FLSmidth.eco

BROKK BOTS BREAKING ROCKS

robots provides unique characteristics and countless options for a number of industry applications.

Miners often come across large, oversized rocks underground that need to be broken down quickly and efficiently. Explosives pose significant safety risks underground so drill and blast is not an option.

Brokk offers an alternative.

“Miners can use a hammer to quickly break rocks, and if they’re looking at something much bigger, we have a drill and split combination,” Visser said.

“When an oversized rock is bigger than four to five cubic metres, you can drill and split it. There are no explosives, no blast fumes and it’s a continuous operation.”

The continuity of Brokk’s demolition robots leads to productivity gains.

“While a miner is busy loading undercut materials away, they can drill and split rocks or break with a hammer and production can continue in that specific loading area,” Visser said.

“So in terms of productivity, we’re addressing that hang up in the draw points, which can be a huge headache

Operating with maximum power on minimum energy input, the robots feature optimal real-life ergonomics and many unique characteristics suited for harsh environments, significant stability, advanced radio technology, easy on-site servicing, and an array of accessories and configurations.

The compact modular design of Brokk’s demolition robots means they can easily access confined spaces without compromising on power and safety. They also carry various attachments.

“Miners require solutions that are compact for tight underground areas, but they also need a lot of power because breaking, excavating and removing rock requires significant force,” Visser said.

“Brokk’s size-to-weight ratio is

“We have diesel for mine sites that are not electrified underground, but as mines are seeking more sustainable mining solutions, our smaller, more versatile electric-powered robots are the perfect fit. This is becoming the desired solution, with miners able to complete multiple tasks with a compact, strong machine, as well as lowering emissions.”

Visser said it’s no surprise Brokk’s solutions are gaining traction.

“There’s definitely a focus on our type of solution from the mining fraternity,” he said.

BROKK DEMOLITION ROBOTS ARE GAINING TRACTION IN THE AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES SECTOR, BOOSTING SAFETY AND

THE DESIGN OF BROKK’S DEMOLITION ROBOTS MEANS THEY CAN EASILY ACCESS CONFINED SPACES WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON POWER AND SAFETY.

“Miners are looking for better solutions underground that are robust and reliable and provide more value for shareholders. They are looking for modular and multi-platform systems with multiple tools – one machine that can do multiple tasks.

“In doing these tasks, miners can keep people away from hazardous work zones and into a safe space. This is more and more at the top of the agenda of underground miners, and we’ve got a great track record in underground spaces.

“We are now seen as an integral partner to many mining decision makers.”

Brokk is backed by more than 45 years of innovation and several generations of its demolition robots. The company has the experience and confidence that it can go into any situation and deliver a solution that adds value for shareholders.

Brokk’s reputation precedes itself, but there is one misconception Visser would like to clarify.

“Miners need to approach service providers with an open mind,” he said. “The resistance we’ve come across – and there’s always a resistance to change –is the idea that ‘this robot is going to replace me’. That’s not true.

“Robots have traditionally made more jobs available; people go and do other tasks but are not replaced by robots. You

will always need your maintenance and service team for this machine, and you’ll always need an operator for this robot.

“The fear of the unknown can be the greatest obstacle in choosing a Brokk robot and it’s important to educate

miners that robots are not going to make you redundant.

“That’s not what Brokk is about. We’re about safety and productivity. With Brokk, miners can do tasks safely in austere environments,

they can remove people from really hazardous areas.

“We can always repair or replace a robot but when it’s a human injured in an underground event, it’s never a good outcome.” AM LaseTVM-3D-M

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MICRO

Agreat many things are created on a mine site, huge amounts of data chief among them.

This of course begs the question of where to store all that data.

And a very effective answer to that question comes in the form of micro data centres.

Zella DC, established by Angie and Clinton Keeler more than 10 years ago, provides mining operators with the ability to process and store large amounts of data on-site, helping to ensure a low-latency, secure, costeffective, and sustainable approach

that is vastly superior to the costly and inefficient donga-housed server rooms of the past.

“Our technology was first developed for mining and although we have evolved into many other areas and industries around the world, we continue to engage with our mining clients, supplying them with a variety of advanced technology solutions,” Zella DC co-founder and chief technology officer Clinton Keeler told Australian Mining.

Zella DC’s micro data centres represent the next-generation server room, underpinning mines and their data-hungry systems. These units power the advanced machine autonomy

that is enhancing safety, reducing costs, improving maintenance, and boosting productivity across the resources industry.

“In an era of smart mines fundamentally relying on a suite of automated processes and systems, data management is becoming critical,” Keeler said.

The concept of edge computing, which lies at the heart of Zella DC’s business, relates to computing undertaken close to the source of the data – such as at a remote mine site or satellite ground station – without relying on the cloud or the need to send data across significant distances.

“The ability to send large amounts of data from a remote site back to a centralised data centre, or to the cloud, is not only challenging but is either increasingly impractical or prohibitively expensive,” Keeler said.

“A traditional mine site with a centralised, typically containerised, data centre is beginning to evolve into the requirement for small, distributed micro data centres, providing smaller footprints and lower-latency capabilities in order to support automated machines, sensors and systems.”

This updated process means there is minimal delay when it comes to sending and receiving data, providing

fast, secure processing. And for mines sites, it means automated technology can operate in real-time, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Where it was once a significant planning and construction effort to establish a server room on a mine site, the ability to source and install a compact, portable, secure and scalable data centre solution is significantly easier and cost-effective.

As it happens, Zella DC has designed and developed a variety of such solutions.

The Zella Pro is an all-in-one tailored micro data centre solution. One these units is typically up and running within a few weeks from ordering. A Zella Pro is full sealed (so it won’t blow hot air in the immediate surroundings) and IP65rated (water proof and dust proof).

The advantages of micro data centres are now well and truly proven across most industries. But the combination of data-storage demands and a small physical footprint, enabling units to be placed in any location, has seen many Zella Pro units successfully utilised in a wide variety mining locations and activities.

This equipment has a range of benefits, including physical security offering protection from unwanted entry

with tamper-proof technology, as well as advanced cyber security featuring cutting-edge protocols to keep data safe.

In addition, with a Zella Pro users can always match cooling and energy efficiencies with IT loads. By programming the units to shut down during non-productive times (ie weekends and holidays), users can further lower their energy bills.

“What is great about our technology solution is that installation of a Zella

DC micro data centre is fast and easy and does not require specialist IT personnel or Zella DC staff; it can be installed by any qualified electrician and air conditioning contractor, thus saving both money and time” Keeler said.

“Once the micro data centre is installed, the IT technician can populate it with any required rackmounted equipment.

“The IT team will then be able to monitor and manage their IT infrastructure remotely, with the ability to overview different sites from one single pane of glass. Maintenance is also quick and easy and can be carried out by any member of staff following simple instructions provided on our Support Portal”.

“The intelligent capabilities of Zella DC’s micro data centres ensure a higher degree of uptime, with pre-programmed and customisable alerts and automations ensuring events, whether it’s a power supply issue, stalled server, or some other form of hardware interruption, are resolved in real-time and in doing so protect uptime.”

Zella DC’s micro data centres are modular in design and inherently scalable, offering the ability for an exploration or mining operation to install a single unit and, as the operation grows, increase data management capacity with multiple centres.

“On some mine sites we have installed a single micro data centre. Alternatively, we have distributed multiple micro data centres across an entire mine site, often in correlation to the various stages of mining operations,” Keeler said.

“In the exploration phase, one unit may be enough for some mine sites, and then as the mining operation expands, and more data is generated, it’s easy to add more units.”

A key dimension of the Zella Pro is its ability to be easily and quickly deployed, or in some cases re-deployed.

“When a mine site reaches the end of

scaling down, our products can easily be redeployed to another mine site or office, anywhere in the world,” Keeler said.

“In the old days, mining contractors would rely on a dedicated donga, essentially a centralised server room on a mine site, with racks assigned to each contractor which were fundamentally unsecured and unsafe.

“The protection of data generated by mining contractors is critical, and the notion that multiple contractors from different organisations would be required to store their data in a centralised location is extremely problematic. Each of our units has independent secure access, and even in our containerised solution each contractor will have its own private micro data centre.”

But the Zella Pro isn’t the company’s only offering.

The Zella Hut is a stand-alone outdoor micro data centre available in three sizes and configured for exterior applications, with all the same features as the Zella Pro.

Then there is the Zella Max, a 10foot, 20-foot or 40-foot prefab data centre that provides a versatile data storage solution that can be tailored to the needs of a mining operation of any size, and can be quickly and easily deployed to any chosen location.

Up and running within weeks at a price Zella says is typically 50–60 per cent more cost-effective than a traditional containerised data centre, this inherently flexible unit allows a mine to start small and scale up when expansion is required.

In harsh and remote operating environments redundancy is vitally important and this is where Zella DC shines, offering mining operations dual cooling systems to ensure that if something does go wrong with a particular component, the data centre can continue operating.

Zella DC also provides a remote access network that allows data centre infrastructure managers to see each unit from a central location.

The company now operates across six continents, servicing industries such as defence, transport, manufacturing, and many areas within the government sector.

“Data management moving forward will encompass a hybrid operating mode, with a role for big cloud, a role for midsized data centres, and an increasing reliance on micro data centres located on-site,” Keeler said.

“Increasingly, mining companies have to answer key questions relating to how their data is being managed, where it is being stored, and how safe it is, and at Zella DC we have the ability to solve these questions with our robust, reliable and secure micro data centre solutions.”

THE ZELLA HUT IS A STANDALONE OUTDOOR MICRO DATA CENTRE AVAILABLE IN THREE SIZES AND CONFIGURED FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS.

ZELLA DC SHINES IN HARSH AND REMOTE OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS.

COMING TOGETHER FOR CRUSHING SUCCESS

The Primero Group has a four-year contract with Atlas Iron for the Miralga Creek project in Western Australia, where they lead the design, build and commissioning for the process facility.

When Primero called on Weir Minerals to supply tailor-made and assembled crushing equipment for the Miralga Creek project, the trusted technology and service provider was only too happy to lend a hand.

“Weir Minerals has been around for over 150 years now, and we really pride ourselves on being a partner that can add value and not just supply pieces of steel,” Weir Minerals director of communication Fred Purches told Australian Mining

“By having strong partnerships, we can assist our partners in achieving their goals.”

The Miralga Creek project is an extension of the Abydos iron ore mine and produced first ore earlier this year. The project saw Weir

Primero asked RCR Mining Technologies to manufacture the processing facility, optimising Primero’s original PGX design and making it easier to manufacture with a lower cost, and more robust for the required solution for Atlas Iron.

“We were involved in every single part of this project, from the trial fit to the assembly and beyond,” Purches said.

“It’s not about supplying a big piece of equipment and then walking away.”

The Weir Minerals team supplied tailored crushing equipment, including a Trio TF6424 Grizzly Feeder, a Trio CT4254 Jaw Crusher, and a Trio TP450 Cone Crusher.

The equipment had to be fully assembled before it left for the site, an atypical request but one that the Weir Minerals team was able to fulfil alongside Primero Group and RCR Mining Technologies without any hiccups. In addition to assembling the equipment off-site, the teams had to test it all and ensure it would

As a result of the hard work from the teams involved, the processing facility was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.

But Weir Minerals’ support doesn’t stop just because the equipment is delivered. The company’s service personnel are available whenever the project needs them and they can visit at regular intervals to ensure everything is operating smoothly.

This is an important point for Weir Minerals, which prides itself on being a partner for life.

“Primero are a build, own, operate company, so it was an honour to be able to supply equipment when someone’s invested at every single stage,” Purches said. “It’s justification of what we’re trying to do in our partnerships in that our equipment is what is required to meet their constructability and operations.

“But it’s important to add what we’re bringing to the table after the plant is commissioned.”

Weir Minerals and Primero have

In particular, shared sustainability goals are an important factor for Weir Minerals to deliver on essential requirements that result in a better future. It’s for this reason the company often works on projects that provide a greener outlook.

“One of the key things about this project is the end of mine life and not having to make new steel and transport everything again – it can be repurposed. That will save a lot of CO 2 ,” Purches said.

“Environmental issues were at the forefront of our minds while working on the project.

“And because of how closely we are linked to the plant, any feedback is immediate. So everything that is learnt gets fed back into our research, development, and procedures so that we can continue to improve our services and value.”

The Miralga Creek project was a success, with the site now up and running. But this isn’t the end for Weir Minerals.

WEIR MINERALS RECENTLY COLLABORATED WITH PRIMERO GROUP AND RCR MINING TECHNOLOGIES ON THE ATLAS IRON MIRALGA CREEK PROJECT.

WEIR MINERALS, PRIMERO GROUP AND RCR MINING TECHNOLOGIES COLLABORATED ON THE ATLAS IRON MIRALGA PROJECT.

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Hardox® 500 Tuf can also double as a structural steel. Its high yield strength and toughness allow for lighter mining bodies that are resistant to dents and can take impact loads with less supporting structures. Get the full story of Hardox® 500 Tuf at www.hardox.com

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EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR MINE MANAGEMENT

More than 25 years of delivering end-to-end solutions for the environmental management of mine sites in some of the industry’s most demanding locations and climates has given Erizon the experience to handle an issue it encounters.

The company prides itself on taking a scientific approach to each project, combining in-depth industry knowledge with advanced technology, ensuring its core values of safety, innovation, excellence, efficiency, integrity and teamwork lead to success.

Erizon’s extensive experience has led the company to believe there is no single revegetation, rehabilitation, dustsuppression or erosion-control solution that is the absolute best-fit across all mining environments.

In essence, Erizon has the ability to offer a custom approach, catering to the unique short- and long-term objectives of a mining operation.

Revegetation, rehabilitation and erosion control is more than a requirement of resources companies; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their long-term commitment to sustainable development during and beyond the extraction of essential resources.

Revegetating with healthy, sustainable plant species that support existing ecosystems is the best way to meet – and exceed – remediation and rehabilitation requirements.

Erizon’s senior environmental adviser Phil Barnett uses his knowledge and experience to assist mining clients in providing detailed project management.

“At Erizon, the approach we take, which is unique to the industry, is to always comprehensively test any of the substrates we may have to deal with in order to get the best possible information to ensure the best outcome,” Barnett told Australian Mining

“We revegetate and rehabilitate land by using the latest technology, coupled with understanding the components of the substrate. There are very few projects we are involved in where we have good quality topsoil.

“When you are dealing with difficult soils, mine waste or sub-soil materials, there are usually methods we are able to employ so as to improve the soil’s plantgrowing characteristics.

“We conduct a formal analysis of the chemical characteristics of the soil as a key dimension of our program in order to get the soil in the best possible condition to germinate plants and get them established.”

topography play a key role in considering

Mining rehabilitation is critical to ongoing community acceptance and a key indicator for corporate reporting under stringent environmental,

For Barnett, every mine site or project is different, highlighting the importance of assessing each one individually and on its specific characteristics. Important

ERIZON HAS THE ABILITY TO OFFER A CUSTOM APPROACH TO MINE REVEGETATION.

“In taking this approach, we are endeavouring to get the very best out of the material or the soil that we are growing on.”

Erizon works to deliver greater levels of compliance, decreased liability, a reduced effect on neighbouring communities, and an overall decrease on the impact of the environment.

The regrowth of mine sites is an integral factor in their lifecycle, and innovation in applying dust-suppression methods to mitigate negative outcomes for workers, the environment and the local community is critical.

In the case of tailings storage facilities, dust is a very prevalent issue. Miners need to ensure they have appropriate technology that can adequately handle to the size of the operation they are running.

Erizon has developed a number of sophisticated products in this area.

FibreLoc is a wood-mulch-based dust-suppression solution designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and high salinity levels, such as tailing storage facilities, and for surfaces subjected to extreme weather conditions.

Composed of interlocking organic wood fibres and binders that create a flexible and stable blanket, FibreLoc is ideal for uneven terrains and shifting substrates that are prone to movement.

Aside from its ability to re-establish itself over dynamic surfaces, the 3D fibre matrix can also serve as a catchment zone for trapping rolling dust carried by winds and provide ideal conditions for vegetation growth.

FibreLoc serves as an excellent alternative to polymeronly solutions and can provide sustainable, functional longevity of up to 24 months.

the best solution, Erizon has also developed HydroBond. Designed to provide immediate, short-term dust suppression, but with revegetation as the long-term goal, HydroBond can be applied directly to existing vegetation without any adverse effects.

Acting in accordance with its ‘Supply, Apply, Guarantee’ framework, Erizon can reliably deliver effective and functional long-term solutions via its highly trained technicians.

“Both FibreLoc and HydroBond solutions are able be tailored with a native or pasture seed mix and fertiliser to achieve long-term vegetation growth,” Barnett said.

solution itself, as surface compaction when using heavy machinery is very detrimental to revegetation efforts.

Erizon’s range of ultra-low ground pressure HydroRigs are engineered to deliver all types of solutions with minimal compaction in order to give the project the best possible chance of success.

Successful revegetation starts with a thorough understanding of the existing ecosystem of the area.

“Erizon rely on the use drones for mapping rehabilitation establishment, and this provides us with significant detail and insight into how the

“Multispectral cameras on the drones can spot particular vegetation types in order to help us calculate how well a program is progressing.

“The use of drones in our mine rehabilitation projects enables us to collect large amounts of actionable data over difficult terrain with minimal risk.”

Safety is a priority. Erizon’s Vision Zero mission is designed to ensure clients, visitors and contractors, are working to minimise potential risks.

“We rehabilitate land by using the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients,” Barnett said AM

ERIZON’S HYDRORIG IS ENGINEERED TO DELIVER ALL TYPES OF SOLUTIONS WITH MINIMAL COMPACTION.

THE HYDROTRAILER IS A LOW-GROUND-PRESSURE SYSTEM CAPABLE OF APPLYING SOLUTIONS EFFICIENTLY, ACCURATELY AND SAFELY.

SMASHING EXPECTATIONS

AUS Fleet Solutions (AFS), in association with Europcar WA, has solidified itself as the one-stop-shop for fleet solutions in Western Australia with its array of businesses including its state-of-theart smash repair facility: AUS Smash Repairs (ASR).

Given WA has been unofficially classified the mining capital of the world, many regional and remote miners rely on repair services to assist with damaged vehicles. This is where ASR steps in to provide the servicing and repairs these companies need.

“We have the capabilities to get mining company vehicles serviced or repaired quickly and safely,” AUS Smash Repairs manager Clint McGhie told Australian Mining

“We have completed mining company vehicles, including buses, trucks and 4WDs, and ensure we have no comebacks on our quality repairs.

“Many damaged vehicles require a mechanical inspection or mechanical

repair process. With ASR being a part of the AFS group, this enables us to do the mechanical inspection on the vehicles at the same time.”

ASR provides abrasive blasting, a fast and efficient method of removing rust, paint, corrosion, and surface coatings, which are some of the most common problems found of vehicles on mine sites.

Abrasive blasting is only one of the many repair options customers can access with ASR. For bodywork repairs, the company can source parts or have them manufactured and, thanks to its large 14m spray booth, is capable of accommodating high-roofed or larger vehicles with ease, if painting is required.

As one of the only smash repair services in WA with equipment capable of 4WD chassis straightening and realignment services, ASR is an ideal servicing choice for a wide variety of vehicles.

“We have a 4WD chassis alignment system with a 3D measuring system for accurate OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specifications”

Other services include bumper repairs, fibreglass repairs, airconditioning re-gas and de-gas, hail damage repair, and paint-less dent repairs. ASR also has a flatbed wraparound aligner capable of pulling up to 10 tonnes.

ASR provides windscreen replacement and static or dynamic recalibration for windscreens on premises.

The company is a recommended and partner repairer for most insurance companies, so customers can be assured any repairs for claims are processed quickly and smoothly.

The company has a particular focus on getting vehicles back to their drivers sooner rather than later, recognising that many jobs cannot be completed without the vehicle.

“Our processes and procedures help to eliminate delays and hold-ups in the allocated time,” McGhie said.

These processes include a full vehicle safety and quality check, as well as a wheel check and tighten (even if the wheels didn’t need to be removed) to keep customers as safe as possible when

But just because repairs happen faster with ASR, it doesn’t mean that quality is sacrificed.

“We adhere to a stringent structure in our processes. A number of key points must be followed, and we ensure that all parties are aware of exactly how the task is proceeding,” McGhie said.

“We make it as seamless as possible for all involved.”

To keep repairing vehicles at a high standard, ASR takes customer reviews and feedback seriously, making sure to check on them often. A testament to this commitment is the fact insurance companies send policy-holders directly to ASR, meaning they trust the company to provide high-quality repairs.

The ASR team has over 200 years of combined panel and paint personal experience, which means no job is too hard or complicated.

“As part of AUS Fleet Solutions and in association with Europcar, we are able to capitalise on their local knowledge and global strength to deliver outstanding smash repairs for all of our clients in metropolitan and regional

KCA Site Services is a mining and civil services agency that provides expertise to the entire Western Australia mining sector.

A business of this scale needs an equipment supplier it can trust, and KCA has found one in CJD.

“CJD is a relationship-driven and personable business,” KCA managing director Adam Wilson told Australian Mining

“We’ve curated a great working relationship over the years.”

KCA’s latest acquisition from CJD is a Volvo L120F wheel loader, a powerful allrounder with the manoeuvrability needed to perform heavy and demanding work.

“It’s an incredibly versatile machine,” Wilson said. “And with its different attachments, you can use it with buckets, forks, or manual handling arms to do all different types of jobs.”

Volvo has a comprehensive range of attachments that make it possible to configure the wheel loader to suit almost any operation. The speed and flexibility of the L120F means it can be operated to achieve maximum productivity no matter the attachment.

The L120F has slotted into the already large fleet of Volvo equipment that KCA has purchased from CJD.

Volvo’s genuine attachment range includes buckets for all types of applications and materials, log grapples, material handling arms, and a variety of different fork attachments. The connection between attachment bracket

“Smaller machines don’t have the ability to lift heavier loads like ventilation fans,” he said. “But the L120F can do every job that’s required both on and under the ground.”

KCA specialises in recruitment, equipment hire, and civil and underground mining projects, but what makes the company stand out is its strong mining background. Given their shared experience and credentials, KCA and CJD have formed a natural relationship.

All Volvo wheel loaders are developed with power, speed, and manoeuvrability to ensure maximum productivity at a mine site, and the L120F is no different.

The low-emission engines go beyond legal requirements, with reduced sound level in the cab contributing to better operator comfort and performance.

underground-friendly and comfortable environment for the operator.”

The underground mining environment can be especially harsh, but the L120F’s precision steering means even the smallest locations can be navigated with ease.

Volvo wheel loaders also feature an intelligent load-sensing hydraulic system, providing exact distribution of hydraulic power when and where it’s needed, regardless of engine revolutions per minute.

These features work together to allow KCA to provide the best equipment and services to its customers. And with CJD by its side, KCA has found a company with the same values.

“We have the ability to make things happen for our clients without a lot of red tape,” Wilson said.

“We also understand mining

Office of

MINING TECHNOLOGY GETS A BOOST

With only a smartphone, on-site staff can check information about assembly and disassembly, tooth change-outs or welding instructions, when needed, at a glance.

“MTG is going digital, and so is the new GET generation,” Monje said. “Instead of just selling spare products, we offer global solutions with added value for the customer.”

MTG ensures each new system is tested in real-life conditions. This enables the company to receive information about the product’s performance that isn’t detected in

Its technical services team creates accurate plans to test the products in the toughest conditions. And given Australia is subject to some of the harshest mining environmental conditions in the world, MTG’s GET DETECTION system is one of few products in the market that has been tested against that same level

“It is not until all technical and functional aspects are solved that we officially launch a product,” Monje said. “In this case, both VEEMET and GET DETECTION were tested in mines and quarries until having a fully reliable solution.

“Extensive field tests confirmed the reliability of our GET realtime monitoring system even in the toughest mining applications.”

VEEMET has also had strong performance results, mainly due to its optimised design. Longer grooves and slimmer teeth improve the penetration capabilities of MTG’s self-sharpening tooth designs, which optimise digging efficiency, cost reduction and wear life maximisation.

MTG launched the original GET DETECTION system at the end of June to wide acclaim.

“Our first digital solution created great interest in the market,” MTG product manager Òscar Monje said. “This was expected, as from the beginning of the project’s development we could see a huge interest in MTG’S digital solutions.”

The GET DETECTION system suite includes sensory technology that has proven to accurately detect GET detachments in three seconds or less, without the concern of false alarms.

“Being able to detect any GET event in less than three seconds and reduce the risk of any major crusher

only launched in selected markets, MTG received high demand to run the GET DETECTION system in hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders and electric rope shovels.

In response to market demands, MTG continues to develop new projects with a focus on digital solutions.

“MTG’s product development teams are working on several projects that include both digital solutions and new systems,” Monje said. “We are currently working on the development of additional functionalities related to digital solutions that will be launched in the upcoming months and years.”

VEEMET system.

“We are proud to launch our new VEEMET system for excavators, rope shovels, and wheel loaders,” Monje said. “With improved stability, optimised locking, and enhanced penetration, we can guarantee better performance and optimal user experience in the safest conditions.

“VEEMET is the next generation of GET.

The new VEEMET system is compatible with GET DETECTION in the larger mining sizes. It includes a QR code on all teeth, which provides up-to-date product information in the hands of on-site staff members.

Talking about the factors that make MTG’s GET systems one of the market’s best, Monje said the manufacturing process was key.

“A GET system will reach its maximum performance thanks to the design but also due to its composition,” he said. “Steel properties are key so that the wear solutions can reach the hardness properties that the toughest digging conditions demand.

“From the selection of the raw materials to the final quality controls, MTG pays close attention to all processes to ensure our parts will fulfil the end users’ needs.” AM

Discover more on mtgcorp.com.au.

THE ELECTRIC FUTURE OF MINING

VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION IS A KEY STEP IN THE PLAN FOR MINING TO REACH ITS NET-ZERO TARGETS. IN RESPONSE, SHELL HAS LAUNCHED A CONSORTIUM TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS.

a combination of advanced battery and capacitor technologies that aim to deliver long lifetimes, ultra-fast charging, and high performance.

“Our winning solutions are proof of how together the industry can help power progress by realising the full potential of the technologies available to us, whether that is through electrification, digital tools or lowcarbon fuels,” Sauerberg said.

hen Shell announced in October its nine-member consortium that will create a pilot program of electrification solutions for mine sites, Australian Mining was on hand to cover the event.

The consortium will see Skeleton, Microvast, Stäubli, Carnegie Robotics, Heliox, Spirae, Alliance Automation and Worley, along with Shell, come together to introduce Shell’s mining electrification solution for offroad vehicles.

“It is increasingly clear that no one single organisation can solve decarbonisation alone,” Shell sectoral decarbonisation and innovation vice president Grischa Sauerberg said during the press briefing.

“The need for a collaborative effort is particularly evident within carbonintensive industries like mining, where the challenges are great but the opportunities are even greater.

“To overcome these challenges and unlock these opportunities, Shell is helping to bring together some of the sector’s most innovative companies – with electrification proving an important first step towards the shaping of a clear decarbonisation pathway.”

While electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common on mine sites, many diesel machines remains in use.

Diesel vehicles account for 40–50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions at a mining operation, and as the world moves toward net-zero, finding a solution has never been more relevant.

And with mines getting deeper and ore bodies becoming more difficult to find, vehicles are running for longer and working harder.

WShell’s solution for this situation features an end-to-end electrification system that reduces emissions without compromising on efficiency or safety, while aiming to be cost-competitive versus diesel-powered operations.

There are three parts to Shell’s mining electrification solutions for offroad vehicles.

The first is power provisioning and microgrids, with an aim to provide a consistent and reliable supply of renewable power in a safe and stable manner. Microgrids and site energy management will be utilised for a more efficient use of energy.

The second aspect of the solution is ultra-fast charging. This involves flexible, hard-wearing and resilient ultrafast on-site charge points that can charge connections in approximately 90 seconds.

Lastly, Shell’s solution involves in-vehicle energy storage through

There are an estimated 28,000 large mine hauling trucks in service globally, which consume about 90,000 litres of diesel and emit over 68 million tonnes of CO 2 a year.

But the mining sector is making great strides in electrifying its fleets.

Looking beyond on-site trucks and other vehicles, an example of the resources sector thinking broadly about EVs comes with the industry’s first electric-powered coach, which was unveiled at the Australasia Bus and Coach Expo in Sydney in early October.

The coach was revealed by Covalent Lithium and Northfleet and will operate out of Covalent’s Mt Holland Mine in Western Australia, using its 450km range to transport mine site personnel to and from work every day.

“Once operational, our project will be providing 50,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year – enabling the production of 1.1 million electric vehicles annually,” Covalent Lithium general manager of Mt Holland Tim Gilbert said.

And to assist with the burgeoning demand for clean energy resources, major miners BHP, Rio Tinto, and Vale launched the Charge On Innovation Challenge in 2021. The challenge involves the participating companies reducing carbon emissions from their operations by electrifying their mining truck fleets.

“Rio Tinto and Vale stand with us as founding partners, and we invite other mining companies to join us to help find a joint solution that can change the shape of the mining haul cycle forever,” BHP president minerals Australia Edgar Basto said.

The challenge asks mining companies to think about how they can safely and sustainably charge their fleets without losing productivity.

“This solution will change the face of mining forever,” Basto said.

“We encourage vendors to join us in this challenge to take a big step toward zero emissions.”

The Charge On Innovation Challenge also involved selecting eight technology innovators to work together with the founding patrons and 16 other mining companies to accelerate commercialisation of interoperable solutions that can safely deliver electricity to large battery-electric offroad haul trucks.

Shell was one of the companies selected, along with ABB, Ampcontrol and Tritium (Australia), BluVein XL, DB Engineering & Consulting with

HAUL TRUCKS HAVE BEEN AMONG THE FIRST MINING VEHICLES TO BE ELECTRIFIED.

EPIROC’S BATTERY-ELECTRIC SMARTROC T35 E IS BEING TESTED AT A QUARRY NEAR STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.

Echion Technologies, Hitachi Energy, Siemens Off-board power supply, and 3ME Technology.

“The challenge of decarbonisation is immense, but not impossible, providing collaboration and innovation go handin-hand at all times,” Sauerberg said.

“(Collaboration and innovation) were on show during the recent Charge On Innovation Challenge, which saw the Shell-led consortium of equipment manufacturers, technology partners, industry experts and Shell Energy – our in-house supplier of renewable power –push the boundaries of what is possible for hard-to-abate sectors like mining.

of how together the industry can help power progress by realising the full potential of the technologies

available to us, whether that is through electrification, digital tools or low-carbon fuels.”

Mining giant Rio Tinto has also embraced the electrification changes, announcing it would downsize mining trucks in order to achieve environmental and productivity gains. The new approach sees the large mining trucks at Rio’s Pilbara iron ore mines replaced with a relative mosquito fleet, with each truck able to carry a 40-tonne payload.

This move will allow the trucks to act as conveyor belts out of the

collaboration agreement. Rio Tinto group technical managing director Santi Pal said the company’s climate action plan included phasing out the purchase of new diesel haul trucks by 2030.

“Partnering with industry leaders such as Scania across a range of fields is an important step towards achieving that,” he said.

“As well as the potential decarbonisation benefits, this partnership provides a path to potential productivity improvements.”

Rio has calculated that using the

Earlier this year, Epiroc and Swedish construction company Skanska joined forces to develop a battery-electric surface drill rig, taking electrification in mining one step further.

Epiroc had already developed battery-electric loaders, trucks, and underground drill rigs, so the development of the surface drill rig was a first, with Skanska Industrial Solutions AB project manager Johan Eliasson saying that the development represents an exciting opportunity to continue the battery-electric revolution.

With electrification of mining

as the race to net-zero continues, these

SHELL MINING HAS CREATED A NINE-MEMBER CONSORTIUM TO CREATE AN ELECTRIFICATION SOLUTION PILOT PROGRAM.

ELECTRIFICATION IS THE FUTURE OF THE MINING INDUSTRY, WITH LARGE MINERS JOINING THE RACE TO NET-ZERO.

TRUCK TRAILERS THAT ARE FIT

supplies. This is the most versatile trailer a business can own.

AAA’s truck trailer range also includes, drop decks, flat decks, low loaders, wideners, extendables, and tankers.

The AAA drop deck comes with pins featuring a 50mm king pin coupling, spring suspension, drum brakes, three axles and LED lighting. The drop deck with bi-fold ramps has identical features except there is an airbag suspension option.

The AAA drop deck concrete panel trailer also has identical features, except it is airbag suspension only and, like the drop deck with bi-fold ramps, it comes with a 12-month tyres and wheels warranty.

The 45-foot flat deck semi with pins and gates features drum brakes, spring suspension, LED lighting and a 12-month tyres and wheels warranty.

AAA’s low loader drop deck with bi-fold ramps features a 50mm king pin coupling, spring suspension, drum brakes, three axles and LED lighting, while the quad axle low loader widener (2.5–3.5m) has all of the same features, but with four axles.

AAA Trailers understands that industry customers have their own unique needs and the most effective trailer solutions are those that are engineered for individual transport specifications and requirements.

The company’s robust, reliable, and custom-made trailer solutions cover a breadth of industries, including mining, construction, manufacturing, and transport.

AAA Trailers is an Australia-wide trailer manufacturer and distributor with an extensive product line that is loaded with an array of safety and performance features. These trailers are designed for specific use or across multiple applications, and in any industry where materials or machinery needs to be moved.

All trailers supplied by AAA come with a standard 12-month warranty, and the company can also register trailers for its New South Wales customers. Temporary permits can be made for new and unregistered trailers, which will include the time spent transporting the

trailer to a different state, along with the time spent organising registration. In all instances, trailers are released to customers on clearance of funds.

AAA Trailers prides itself on being customer-focused and this ethos extends from initial consultation and trailer concept design through to assembly and testing.

The company has a range of trailers available to its customers.

For the transportation of excessively high cargo, a drop deck trailer is essential to ensure compliance with height restrictions and to make it possible to pass under bridges, streetlights, and road signs without danger of damaging either rig or cargo.

Flat decks, on the other hand, are a basic trailer designed for transporting average loads across a variety of cargo, from containers to safely strapped loose

When it comes to wideners, AAA Trailers offers a 45-foot drop deck unit (2.5–3.5m) with bi-fold ramps, with either spring or airbag suspension, and a quad-axle low loader widener (2.5–3.5m) with airbag suspension. Again, both products feature a 12-month tyres and wheels warranty.

The AAA 45-foot extendable drop deck with bi-fold ramps is also available.

As for tankers AAA has multiple product options, including a 32000L spray water tank, a new 25m3 cement/ bulk dry tank and trailer, a 26000L vacuum tipper tanker, a 28000L potable water tanker, and a new 30m3 cement/ bulk dry tanker.

AAA Trailers is especially proud of its relationship with industry and its ability to offer professional, accurate, and timely advice and guidance on any trailer-related issue or upgrade requirement. The company’s focus is always on providing safe and reliable trailers to its customers, with the capacity to service and manage trailer fleets in a cost-efficient manner, ensuring unplanned downtown is kept to a minimum.

The remote nature of so many mining operations can mean sourcing everyday equipment sometimes proves difficult, and inventory management requires more than a little forward-thinking.

That’s where Motion Australia’s diverse selection of vending solutions comes in.

These units are designed to combat supply-chain costs and downtime by allowing 24–7 access to the most frequently used tools, personal protective equipment (PPE) and consumable products.

According to B2B eCommerce manager Brenton Finch, overconsumed and misplaced items account for a considerable portion of overspending on many sites, which has a serious impact on the bottom line.

“What makes our machines unique is that they work in tandem with the CribMaster software, which is really the key to monitoring stock levels and configuring things like controlled access,” he said.

“It lets the user know exactly what they’ve got on hand, notifying them when they need to re-order. This allows for smarter resource allocation for each particular job, team or individual employee.”

The on-site solutions system can be tailored to suit each user’s requirements and project layout. It can print a simple stock report on a regular basis, or even generate automatic re-ordering back through the nearest Motion Australia branch.

“Having that added traceability is hugely beneficial in a number of ways,” Finch said. “It reduces downtime spent looking for and ordering items, because it can ensure constant product availability.

“Using this solution, there should never be an instance where something is inconveniently out of stock, because it will have already flagged the system and triggered a reorder ahead of time.”

Additionally, it allows the business to reduce overall batch quantities and avoid wasting costs on excessive ordering. Instead of the business ending up with three times the amount of bearing lubricant than what is actually required, it will make the whole process more streamlined by reducing redundant stock.

“What’s more, it promotes a huge cost saving related to lost or damaged equipment, because it has constant records of who is accessing the machine at what time, for whichever specific task,” Finch said.

“It does this through individual ID numbers or a swipe card required for

access. This is configurable depending on how much information the site manager wants to keep on hand.”

ToolBox

Ideal for high-use consumables, PPE, general shop supplies and cutting tools, the ToolBox unit resembles a regular food and drink coil vending machine.

The user-friendly touch screen interface allows individuals with approved access to retrieve items easily throughout the day, mitigating the need to visit a stock room or travel offsite for parts.

Each product is clearly visible through the glass front panel and stored between coils of varying depth and width. Available in either six- or seven-shelf options, it can store up to 60 individual SKUs (stock keeping units) at any given time.

ProStock

The next step-up in Motion’s vending portfolio, the ProStock is designed to hold small, pre-packaged maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) items.

Much like the ToolBox, it can be used to stock PPE, cutting tools and general shop supplies, but it is also suitable for welding consumables and electrical components. It has a much higher SKU capacity of up to 560 items and can be reconfigured as stock rotates through.

WeighStation

Venturing into larger-capacity solutions, the WeighStation is a double-door cabinet that offers more versatility in product size. It can carry four to five times the stock volume of the standard coil machines, including small-to-large MRO consumables, abrasives, and general shop supplies.

The precision-scale technology offers accurate reporting on changing stock levels, and the easily accessible storage trays ensure timely replenishment.

ProLock

For storing frequently used tools and larger items in a convenient location on-site, the ProLock is a fully configurable storage container with up to 24 individual lockers.

Best suited to durable and calibrated tooling, it can also factor restricted access to items requiring inspection prior to use. Cordless power tools can be placed on charge while inside, making it easier to keep track of everything in the one place.

“Larger sites might also consider our upscaled inventory solutions, such as the AccuCab decentralised tool store, or an RFID storeroom, which features secure gated entry and much larger holding capacity,” Finch said.

“The technology is so scalable that we can generally meet the requirements of any plant’s size or layout.”

MOTION AUSTRALIA’S VENDING SOLUTIONS ARE DESIGNED TO COMBAT SUPPLY-CHAIN COSTS AND DOWNTIME.

HIGHLIGHTING THE RELEVANCE OF GOLD FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONS

Attracting younger talent to the gold industry, and encouraging discussion about the ways in which the industry can grow and improve to make itself attractive for future generations, were the key aims of the Gold Industry Group’s Let’s Talk Diversity events in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne in November and December.

Under a new format, these events consisted of gold industry speakers from a range of interesting backgrounds pitching their ideas and perspectives on attracting Gen Z to a panel of ‘sharks’ who

The events afforded the opportunity for ‘pitchers’ to tackle younger generations’ perceived barriers to entering the gold industry and to assess how viability of any potential solutions.

Up for discussion were a number of issues endemic to the gold industry and on the minds of the young people who are set to be the next major influx of filled positions in gold. These included:

• solid stances being made on sustainability commitments

• a reframing of the industry to encompass the variety of available careers and pathways

• an increase in diversity and equity

• a n increase in awareness of the

in the industry, according to the Gold Industry Group’s chair Kelly Carter.

“This year we opted for a model where specific pitches are made, so that the discussion can really have room to grow, and the broader conversation remains within the bounds of what our presenters and the audience are expecting.

“Our presenters really exemplified that, representing not only leaders who are experiencing the current labour shortages firsthand, but also younger industry members who provide greater insight to what Gen Zs might be feeling when considering pursuing a career in the gold industry.”

The audience also had a role to play in the discussion, providing the

The events provided an opportunity for young voices to be heard, which is vital for an industry that needs them to sustain itself in the long term.

By establishing opportunities and events where people can speak freely and express the ways in which the gold industry and, by extension, the rest of the resources industry can change, the longevity and social benefit of the industry will only continue to grow.

“We really wanted the pitchers and sharks to take these ideas on board,” Carter said.

“Is this idea valid? Is it something that is implementable? Will it help to make the industry more of an appealing

GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP HOPED TO ANSWER

THE GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP HAS A HISTORY OF HOSTING ENTERTAINING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING EVENTS.

LASETVM-3D-M PROVIDES AN ACCURATE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

The LaseTVM-3D-M (Motion) is a highly accurate 3D laser measurement system for automatic and dynamic measurement of truck-load volumes during a passage. The measurement system has high versatility and is used for volume measurement of various materials such as stones, ore, sand or wood products. The LaseTVM-3D-M enables dynamic measurement of the load volume without stopping the vehicle. The laser scanners are mounted on a frame or boom in a central position above the truck lane. One laser scanner measures the transverse profile of the load, and the other does the tracking of the truck. The truck is measured once empty and once full (which measurement takes place first depends on the process). The difference between the full and empty truck measurements gives the exact loading volume.

• lase-solutions.com

The Atlas Copco HiLight B5+ Light Tower is suitable for a wide range of applications, including events, residential construction, road construction, temporary public lighting, and oil and gas requirements.

Designed to offer the widest choice when it comes to finding the light tower that’s right for your application, the HiLight range provides a flexible and dynamic set of lighting options while addressing all aspects of efficiency and safety. Operators can be assured of the robust build quality and compact size for which Atlas Copco is globally recognised.

Atlas Copco has put its innovation stamp on LED technology. The lenses in the LED light towers have a special optic designed specifically for construction and mining applications.

This innovative, fully directional LED lens design ensures the light coverage is maximised while a single HiLight tower can cover an area of up to 5000m 2 with a 20 lux (brightness) average, ensuring a brighter, safer, and more productive site.

Contact a Atlas CEA branch to find out more.

• atlascea.com.au

Thejo has successfully developed the HIPO brand diaphragm for GHT 2000 filter press. This is considered one among the biggest vertical filter presses to dewater huge volumes of slurry reaching very low values of residual moisture. Thejo’s HIPO range of filter products cover the spares required for the pressure filter presses supplied by major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Metso-Outotec (Larox), Diemme, Andritz and TH Minerals. HIPO diaphragms are precisely moulded rubber membranes as replacements to major OEMs.

The membranes are manufactured through an innovative process, fitment tested on jigs to ensure trouble-free fitment on existing filter frames. The compound used to make diaphragms makes it last longer, with extended operational life.

• thejo-engg.com

Epiroc has launched a new long-hole production drill rig – the Simba E70 S –for medium-to-large drifts.

While the Simba E70 S will provide customers with cutting-edge automation features and excellent drilling quality, it will also feature Epiroc’s optimisation method; a step-by-step program that continuously improves how the machine is utilised in the mining process.

Simba E70 S is part of Epiroc’s smart series and can be delivered with the optional battery-electric driveline for reduced environmental impact and healthier underground conditions.

However, the real value is found while the machine is producing metres. That is why the ability to track effectiveness and utilisation of Simba E70 S drills and produces meters when active is one of its main advantages. All in all, it is the obvious next step in production drilling.

• epiroc.com

SIMBA E70 S: THE NEXT STEP IN PRODUCTION DRILLING

DON’T LET DARKNESS STOP YOU

THEJO’S HERCULES DYNAMAXX IMPACT CRADLE

NEW DINGO REPORTING SOFTWARE

DINGO has announced the release of intelligence, the first evolution of asset health data, powered by Trakka. intelligence allows users at any level of an organisation to visualise and investigate their asset health data using a selection of out-of-thebox and easy-to-use reports. The app was born from a desire to meet client and prospect expectations.

While Trakka provides a comprehensive repository of data, this intuitive new software application allows those who are time poor to see and report on the big picture instantly.

Interactive and up-to-date reports can be generated quickly without internal upkeep, capacity, or specialised skills. This software is uniquely positioned to analyse, interpret, and translate Trakka data including work management items, activity, key performance indicators (KPIs) and finance.

• dingo.com/solutions/intelligence

IDEAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FROM ATLAS COPCO

The Atlas Copco 250 kVA Generator with 51.4L/h (100 per cent load) fuel consumption is ideal when you need an efficient solution, and your application load varies.

Providing power for long-term projects on remote sites, the QAS250 diesel generator is a high-quality heavy-duty industrial generator. Built tough, it can be used as a permanent source of power or moved regularly to where it’s needed. Whether that be a few metres or hundreds of kilometres, you can be assured of their easy, safe movement capabilities and guaranteed performance, even in the harshest conditions.

The QAS250 is ideal for sites requiring a semi-permanent installation that can be upgraded or downgraded. If you’re looking for an efficient solution, the QAS250 is the ideal solution for you. Contact the team at Atlas CEA To find out more.

• atlascea.com.au

ULTRA-BRIGHT TOWER LIGHTS FOR MACHINE STATUS

The reliable Harmony XVU range of Ø 60 mm tower lights and sounders offers multiple lighting patterns, mounting flexibility, modern aesthetics and unrivalled brightness, enabling greater visibility of machine status.

The Harmony XVU modular range of tower lights are 360° pilot lights and commonly used signalling product, offering simple adaptation to your applications (audible and visible) such as machine tools, material handling, packaging, electronic equipment and automotive.

These tower lights are visual and audible signalling units that come with a combination of innovative features, high performance and simplicity.

• se.com/au/en/product-subcategory/5010-modular-tower-lights

Hardox 500 Tuf wear plate is the latest upgrade in the Hardox range, delivering exceptional strength, hardness and toughness in a single wear plate.

The plate has a hardness level of 500 HBW (Hardness Brinell Wolfram) for high wear resistance and, thanks to its superior resistance to wear and dents, mining equipment will last longer and need less maintenance.

This wear steel is so tough it can double as a structural material in heavy-duty mining dump bodies and buckets.

Compared to traditional buckets with heavy wear packages, a bucket or dipper made in Hardox 500 Tuf is wear resistant, tough and gives a longer service life with fewer add-on wear parts.

It can achieve 30–50 per cent longer service life over Hardox 450, and 85–100 per cent longer service life compared to a 400 Brinell steel or other generic AR steel.

• ssab.com/en/products/brands/hardox

HARDOX 500 TUF FOR HIGH MINING PRODUCTIVITY

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@AUSTRALIANMINING.COM.AU

Underground Operators Conference 2023 Brisbane | March 27–29

A flagship event in AusIMM’s calendar, the Underground Operators Conference will return in 2023. Bringing together mining engineers, mine operators, technical service managers and consultants, this conference sets the benchmark for sharing underground operational experiences and industry best practice.

With deposits getting deeper or lower in grade, there is increased pressure to find smarter and more cost-effective ways to extract orebodies. To address this demand, key discussion topics for 2023 centre around the evolution of digital technologies, automation and artificial intelligence and how these innovations are making it possible to mine at greater depths and lower grades.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/underground-operators/

Mineral Resource Estimation Conference 2023 Perth | May 24–25

The inaugural Mineral Resource Estimation Conference 2023 is set to attract resource geologists to demonstrate Australasian excellence on resource estimation.

The conference aims to showcase leading best practice, case studies and research on mineral resource estimation,

and the software applications required. Facilitating open exchange of information, the conference will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions and keynote presentations alongside case studies and peer-reviewed papers. Session topics will showcase the latest advancements and leading examples in QA/QC and sampling, 3D geological and estimation domain modelling, geostatistical analysis, estimation, validation and risk analysis and reporting.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/mineral-resource-estimation/

World Mining Congress Brisbane | June 26–29 2023

Inaugurated in 1958, the World Mining Congress is the leading international forum for the global mining and resources sectors.

The World Mining Congress 2023 (WMC) is a unique opportunity for international representatives of the world’s leading resource economies to meet, find new partners, discuss current challenges, and share the latest research, technology, and best practice.

WMC events have set the scene for international agreements and highlevel discussions that have influenced mining practices and the resource industry for decades. Join senior mining industry owners, investors, national and international government representatives, researchers, educators, regulators, suppliers and

operators from around the world for this genuine opportunity to demonstrate real leadership and presence on a world stage.

• wmc2023.org/

Mine Waste and Tailings Conference 2023 Brisbane | July 13–14

The 2023 Mine Waste and Tailings Conference welcomes delegates from across to globe to explore all aspects of lifecycle waste rock and tailings management, from site selection and design to post-closure care, and to address current and future challenges affecting mining systems re-engineering. Co-hosted by AusIMM and the University of Queensland, the conference will feature industry-leading keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive Q&As, a suite of insightful technical presentations, and exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations.

• ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/ mine-waste-and-tailings/

Life of Mine Conference 2023 Brisbane | August 2–4

AusIMM and the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals’ Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (CMLR) are welcoming attendees back to the highly successful Life of Mine Conference 2023.

In 2021, the conference welcomed a record number of attendees from over 15 countries and is set to bring a wider, global audience in 2023.

Join professionals, researchers, government, and academia from a diverse range of sectors as the program explores the full lifecycle of a mine, from exploration to rehabilitation.

Delivered both in-person and online, this outstanding technical conference addresses current and future challenges affecting the mining value chain and will present leading examples of sustainability in mining.

• ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/ life-of-mine/

Iron Ore Conference 2023 Perth | September 17–20

Iron Ore Conference 2023 welcomes delegates from around the globe to Perth to explore the latest developments and address challenges affecting the technical and management aspects of the iron ore industry.

Discussion across the four days will focus on genesis, geology, exploration, mining and processing of iron ores, bringing solutions to address the carbon footprint of iron and steel mining.

Co-hosts AusIMM and CSIRO look forward to seeing everyone back inperson in 2023.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/iron-ore/

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GLOBAL WATER TECHNOLOGY

We are a global team unified in a common purpose: creating advanced technology solutions to the world’s water challenges. Developing new technologies that will improve the way water is used, conserved, and re-used in the future is central to our work. Our products and services move, treat, analyse, monitor, and return water to the environment, in mining, quarry, public utility, industrial, residential, and commercial building services settings. We also provide a leading portfolio of smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics solutions.

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