Australian Mining April 2015

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UNDERGROUND MINING HIRE & RENTAL VOLUME 107/3 | APRIL 2015

CRANES & LIFTING

HUNTER IN FOCUS COAL AND THE COMMUNITY

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COMMENT

DIGGING IN FOR THE LONG GAME THE TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE COAL AND IRON ORE OVERSUPPLIES ARE CREATING AN INTERESTING SITUATION.

COLE LATIMER

ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MARTIN SINCLAIR Email: martin.sinclair@cirrusmedia.com.au EDITOR COLE LATIMER Tel: (02) 8484 0652 Email: ozmining@cirrusmedia.com.au JOURNALISTS VICKY VALIDAKIS Tel: (02) 8484 0964 Email: vicky.validakis@cirrusmedia.com.au BRENT BALINSKI Tel: (02) 8484 0680 Email: brent.balinski@cirrusmedia.com.au BEN HAGEMANN Tel: (02) 8484 0884 Email: ben.hagemann@cirrusmedia.com.au

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t is no surprise that the coal mining industry is currently in a tough position.

A weakened, and continually weakening coal price that does not seem to have reached the bottom of the trough, lowering demand out of the major consumer China, and an oversupply of product – both in terms of coking and thermal coal – has left the industry in an unenviable situation.

Many would say it mirrors the rough trot seen in the iron ore sector.

But unlike the iron ore sector coal miners don’t seem intent on tearing themselves, and each other, apart by trying to quite literally dig themselves out of this hole by continuing to produce at breakneck speeds.

Anglo American, Peabody, and Glencore are all looking to reduce their output to address these supply issues as demand drops in an effort to stem the price haemorrhaging.

Glencore chief Ivan Glasenberg stated that he didn’t want his company to mirror BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto and doesn’t want it “to be the ones forcing the price down with oversupply”.

“Even though they are profit-making tonnes, we would rather remove it from the market, because we believe those tonnes will affect the market price and affect our balance…so much that the loss of profit on the 15 milliontonne cut compensates for how it would hurt your (global output of) 150 million managed tonnes. That is very important.”

It’s not just Glasenberg that is viewing Rio and BHP’s action’s in a dim light.

WA premier Colin Barnett described the ramp up of iron ore production by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton as “one of the dumbest corporate plays” he has ever seen.

“Both companies are pushing record volumes of iron ore into the world market at a time when there is an oversupply in iron ore, lesser demand from China or a slowdown in their growth and demand,” he said.

Does this situation sound familiar at all?

We have two commodities in very similar GROUP SALES MANAGER TIM RICHARDS Tel: (02) 8484 0829 Mob: 0420 550 799 Email: tim.richards@cirrusmedia.com.au KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER SHARON AMOS Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 Mob: 0417 072 625 Email: sharon.amos@cirrusmedia.com.au SOUTH AFRICA BOB STEPHEN Stephen Marketing PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA JONATHAN SISMEY Cirrus Media 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com

situations but they are approaching the issue in two wholly different manners, and this will have a major affect on Australia.

Yet while the focus has been on how this is affecting Australia, in honest truth, the majority of this impact is being felt overseas in South Africa, India, Indonesia, and in China itself.

These countries with their lower cost but often lower profitably operations have been shutting down as many of them simply weren’t sustainable at the current low prices.

They lacked one thing that many Australian mines have in relative spaces: productivity and efficiency, and of course higher grade deposits.

In fact there is already slated to be an impact – a positive one for Australian miners – of this global reduction in coal output.

In the latest Resources and Energy Quarterly, published by the Department of Industry, it highlights Australia’s continuing dominance of the sector, with the country predicted to move back into the top position by 2017.

This in spite of Australia currently being only the fifth largest coal producer.

Much of this will be supported by continued demand in Asia as the region continues its process of wider industrialisation and urbanisation.

So a turnaround in demand, which should – in part – be helped by miners now working towards cutting the current oversupply.

And with the rise in urbanisation and industrialisation also likely to up the demand for steel it only make economic sense for iron ore miners to cut production levels, but that’s not the game being played in this commodity space.

We’ll just have to wait and see how coal performs compared to iron ore, and which market tactic pans out.

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FRONT COVER

On the front cover of this edition we’ve featured Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley-Warkworth coal mine. We’ve focused on this site as it has been at the heart of expansions in the Hunter Valley, and typifies the issues many mines face in extending their lifespan, digging more coal, and attempting to survive in this current age of downturn.

We also look at Australia’s place in the world, examining the most recent annual Fraser Survey and how Australian mining regions fared compared to other regions around the world.

We also round out the top trends in mining for 2015, looking deeper in to what will be affecting miners this year.

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CONTENTS

HIRE & RENTAL

HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT RIO TINTO’S DAVID & GOLIATH BATTLE Coal and community clash

10-12

28-29

AN INSIGHT INTO HIRE AND RENTAL The yellowgoods market in depth

PDAC IN FOCUS IS CANADIAN MINING POISED FOR A REBOUND? An insight into the 2015 PDAC

14-16

POWER GENERATION

30

A HYBRID ENERGY APPROACH Cutting power costs on site

MINERALS PROCESSING

UNDERGROUND MINING A COMPLEX OPERATION Examining the Osborne-Starra mine

18-20

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TRACKING THE TRENDS

TESTING THE LIMITS New on site capabilities

FRASER SURVEY

THE YEAR AHEAD Part 2 of the top ten trends for 2015

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AUSTRALIA DROPS IN GLOBAL MINING RANKINGS Australia Vs. the World

REGULARS

INDUSTRIAL COMMENT

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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NEWS JOBS AUSTRALIANMINING

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PRODUCT FOCUS

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48

EVENTS

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APRIL 2015

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INDUSTRIAL COMMENT

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT SLAPS URANIUM SECTOR IN THE FACE, REFUSES TO SAY WHY The QUeensLand governMenT has decIded To ban UranIUM MInIng bUT refUses To be TransparenT In ITs reasonIng, and ThaT’s jUsT noT good enoUgh. THE DIRT wrITes.

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n an off-handed comment to the media this month, the new minister for mines in Queensland announced that uranium mining will be once again banned in the state, leaving the sector reeling.

There was no formal announcement around the move, nor was there an explanation for the exploration companies in QLD that have spent millions of dollars searching for uranium deposits.

While Minister for State Development Dr.Anthony Lynham said mining will not take place, he added that exploration is allowed to continue.

“Resource companies can continue to apply for a generic exploration permit for minerals which allows them to explore for all minerals other than coal,’’ he said.

When the story broke, the team here at Australian Mining, like the rest of the industry, were left confused.

There are a million questions.

Like why would a company bother to explore when it can’t commercialise a resource, what brought this decision on, and what happens next?

When contacted by Australian Mining for a ‘please explain’, Lynham had two sentences to say to explain why a whole industry has had the carpet pulled from beneath them.

They are as follows: • It’s long been the policy of Labor Governments in Queensland that we don’t allow uranium mining in our state.

• To date, there haven’t been any applications lodged with my department seeking mine leases to mine uranium.

We don’t know about you, but those answers for an industry that has spent millions of dollars in exploring over the last few years just aren’t good enough.

It’s also not good enough for the exploration geos and drillers etc who could all lose their

EXPLORATION IS ALLOWED, BUT MINING ISN’T. SO WHY EXPLORE?

jobs as a result of this move.

Why is it a long-standing Labor government policy to ban uranium mining in Queensland?

Why wasn’t there more industry consultation before an announcement of this magnitude was made, or at least some warning?

Why hasn’t there been more transparency? And why is it that other Labor governments around Australia (think Jay Weatherill in South Australia) are encouraging investment in the sector while Queensland Labor is dragging the chain.

If there hasn’t been an application to mine for the stuff, then why the haste to ban it?

Surely a grown up, informed discussion would have been much more useful?

Like I said: a million questions and no answers.

Here is what we do know.

The uranium industry in Queensland is estimated to be worth around $6 billion and in 2012-13, companies

in Queensland spent close to $11 million exploring for the metal. We assume this injected some much need cash that the government may be set to lose out on.

Companies are unlikely to sink money into a sector that is ambiguous and could change.

Investors crave confidence and stability but the newly installed government seems to send the message that secrecy and ever-changing policy settings are now the new norm.

There are currently 72 nuclear reactors under construction around the world with a combined capacity of over 76 gigawatts. When completed these new reactors will underpin substantial increases in both nuclear power output and uranium consumption.

Forecasts point to a 20 per cent increase in operable nuclear reactors worldwide by 2025- just ten years away.

By that 2025 timeline, emergAUSTRALIANMINING

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ing economies will account for 62 per cent of operable reactors around the globe.

In real terms, this will see China go from 32 to 97 reactors by 2025; India from 23 to 34; and other Asian countries from 71 to 85.

That means there is a lot of demand for uranium that QLD is well-placed to meet, especially considering that demand for yellowcake is set to outstrip supply from 2016, and with an expected shortfall of 60,000 tonnes of U308 expected by 2018.

Currently, mines around the globe will not be able to meet this demand, so you would think it would be the perfect time for QLD to stand up and say “hey, we have a bucket load of the stuff we can develop”.

Especially since the Newman government worked so hard to develop a regulatory framework for the recommencement of uranium mining.

The Uranium Mining Implementation Committee, which collaborated with the State Government to create the action plan, worked for around 18 months developing the right policy settings.

The action plan was released in August 2014 and took into account all relevant issues across the uranium mining life cycle, such as strict environmental standards, transportation and safe handling.

But it seems this work is set to go to waste, because the Labor government in Queensland has long been opposed to uranium mining (although they refuse to jog our memory as to why or talk about it at all).

Surely in this day and age companies and investors deserve a more transparent and clearer stance than this – especially when it comes to job creation and economic development that was well within reach.

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NEWS

THE LATEST MINING NEWS AND SAFETY AUSTRALIAN MINING PRESENTS THE LATEST NEWS AND SAFETY AFFECTING YOU FROM THE BOARDROOM TO THE MINE AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN. VISIT WWW.MININGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING. AUSTRALIA SLATED TO BECOME LARGEST COAL EXPORTER Australia will resume its position as the world’s largest coal exporter, taking the title back from Indonesia.

In the latest Resources and Energy Quarterly, published by the Department of Industry, it highlights Australia’s continuing dominance of the sector, with the country predicted to move back into the top position by 2017.

This in spite of Australia currently being only the fifth largest coal producer.

Much of this will be supported by continued demand in Asia are the region continues its process of wider industrialisation and urbanisation.

This ‘underpins the positive outlook for Australian coal,” the Minerals Council of Australia said, “with our metallurgical coal and thermal coal playing an integral role in meeting steel making demand and the provision of affordable and reliable base load energy”.

Queensland has been leading much of this export push, having recorded a consistent series of record coal export levels.

The state saw almost 216 million tonnes exported in 2014, higher than previous guidance, and a consistent rate of growth from 168 million tonnes and 196 million tonnes in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Globally the metallurgical coal trade market is forecast to increase by 2.3 per cent to 316 million tonnes this year.

MORE JOB CUTS ON THE HORIZON FOR MACMAHON In the wake of major contract losses and a depressed mining market, Macmahon has been slated to carry out more job cuts The contractor is expected to cut a currently unknown number of jobs as part of its wider review.

The company has had a turbulent six months, as the mining industry contracts and levels of work decline.

January saw the sudden departure of long term managing director Ross

Carroll and deputy chairman Barry Cusack.

Then in February it lost a major $260 million contract at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek operation after FMG consolidated two separate contracts into one, awarding the single contract to rival Downer EDI. This put around 700 jobs at risk, and followed on from the company cutting 40 jobs at the same site the previous week.

However in a turn in fortune for the workers Downer did announce it was would be retaining around 400 staff from the existing Macmahon workforce on site.

In December Macmahon also cut around 40 jobs from its workshop at Perth airport.

In the background of these local shakeups, the contractor was also embroiled in a dispute in Mongolia regarding more than US$20 million in overdue payments at Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi coal mine, which resulted in a total work standstill.

BHP BOSS DISCUSSES PRODUCTIVITY PUSH BHP Billiton CEO Andrew Mackenzie says better productivity is the biggest opportunity companies have to improve profitability amid volatile commodity prices.

Speaking at the Scottish Oil Club annual dinner at the weekend, Mackenzie said a crash in the price of oil highlighted the need for businesses to implement wide-ranging productivity drives.

Mackenzie said since 2012, BHP’s productivity initiatives have delivered almost $US10 billion of annual savings, increasing the cost efficiency of its operations and capital investments by over 30 per cent.

“We have found that many small, incremental steps add up to a major increase in efficiency. It’s all about doing the simple things better,” Mackenzie explained.

Challenging teams to find the best way of doing things and making those improvements the benchmark has helped to drive productivity and ensure BHP remains competitive, Mackenzie said.

AUSTRALIANMINING

“Take maintenance – a major component of costs in both mining and oil and gas. By applying a benchmark to common activities across our assets, we have identified and shared best practice which has led to more uptime, lower costs and an energised workforce,” Mackenzie said.

The comments come amid a time of depressed commodity prices for the company.

TIMING FOR ROY HILL LABELLED AS ‘ABOMINABLE’ As Gina Rinehart prepares to showcase her Roy Hill mine to investors, one business analyst says the timing of the project is ‘abominable’ Roy Hill mine is now more than 76 per cent complete, with the project targeting its first shipment of iron ore in September.

The $10 billion development includes a new 55 million tonne per annum iron ore mine, 344 kilometres of railway and a new port at Port Hedland.

Next week Rinehart is taking a group of investors on a tour of the new port and rail operations at Port Hedland, but Morningstar analyst Matthew Hodge says there won’t be much joy about the project.

The price of iron ore slumped to sixyear lows below $US55 a tonne last week as a result of oversupply and sluggish demand out of China.

Hodges said the ramp of Roy Hill mine will only make matters worse for the sector.

“The timing is abominable,” Hodges said.

“They’re forcing supply into a market that doesn’t want it.”

David Lennox from Fat Prophets said while juniors in the sector were doing it tough due to the low iron ore price, Roy Hill was in the “worst position of all”.

BARNETT LABELS BHP AND RIO’S IRON ORE STRATEGY AS “DUMBEST CORPORATE PLAYS” WA Premier Colin Barnett has described a ramp up of iron ore production by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton as “one of the dumbest corporate plays” he has ever seen.

The comments come after the price of iron ore dropped to a six-year low of $US54.50 a tonne.

This will leave a predicted $7 billion hole in the state budget over the fouryear forward estimates.

Speaking on 720 ABC Perth, Barnett said the strategy being employed by the miners to push more product

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

into a flooded market was “dramatically wrong”.

“The two big ones in Western Australia and the Brazilians have been putting too much iron ore into the market and they’ve precipitated a continuing downward trend in iron ore prices,” Barnett said.

“This has been one of the dumbest corporate plays I think I’ve ever seen.”

GOLD DEMAND TO DOUBLE, BY 2030 Increasing gold demand in Asia is likely to see a revival of the metal; however it won’t hit these new highs until 2030.

Demand is slated to spike to 5000 tonnes a year by 2030 according to ANZ analysts, with the price to increase up to US$2400 per ounce.

However despite a brighter outlook ahead, the current situation remains stressed.

According to IBISWorld research the price of gold will rise again, however, stabilising above current rates and “is expected to increase in 2014/15 to an average of US$1411 per troy ounce as the global economy improves and inflationary pressures ease with higher interest rates in the United States and Europe”.

However this is having a flow on effect for the aforementioned gold producers, who will see their profit slashed in the wake of this price righting combined with the increased cost of actual production.

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

RIO TINTO’S DAVID AND GOLIATH BATTLE: ROUND 2 WEAKENED COAL PRICES ARE NOT THE ONLY CONCERN FOR MAJOR MINERS, AS COMMUNITIES CLASH OVER EXPANSIONS. VICKY VALIDAKIS WRITES.

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he Planning Assessment Commission has given Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley Warkworth extension the green light sparking another battle between the miner and the small country town of Bulga.

The company was originally granted permission to extend the mine in 2012, but this was overturned by the NSW Land and Environment Court in April 2013 after it found the project would have significant, diverse biological adversity, noise, dust, and social impacts on Bulga.

The decision to halt the expansion came after a legal challenge from the Bulga-Milbrodale Progress Association.

Justice Brian Preston, chief judge of the Land and Environment Court said the group’s appeal should be upheld as the impacts ‘’would exacerbate the sense of loss of place, and materially and adversely change the sense of community of the residents of Bulga and the surrounding countryside”.

Residents of the small town celebrated at the time and were said to be “over the moon” with the decision.

“Everyone on the progress association is over the moon, it’s a massive relief,” said local business owner Margueritte Hannaberry at the time.

“We’ve got a lot of happy people who were born and bred in Bulga today.”

Residents thought this was the end of their battle but, Rio was still committed to ensuring the project could go ahead.

The company fought the ruling in the NSW Supreme Court, but in April 2014 it ruled that company was not allowed to go ahead with the expansion.

A short time later, Rio submitted two new development applications for the same site to the planning department.

Since then NSW government have changed laws relating to mine planning approvals, the State Environmental Planning Policy, to give greater consideration to economic concerns when challenged by communi-

ty concerns about the impact of new mining operations.

Local residents of Bulga have cried foul on the legislative change, claiming it has enabled Rio to reapply for the expansion.

Bulga-Milbrodale Progress Association spokesman John Krey claims “the SEPP amendment was invented to offset the findings of the Land and Environment Court and we believe that was pressure from Rio Tinto.”

“There’s no secret that there were several sessions that Rio Tinto had with the government,” Krey said.

Rio has attempted to sweeten its most recent application deal with a biodiversity offset package which includes a donation of 1800 hectares of land to be made a national park.

The company has also said it will upgrade its diesel powered heavy equipment with noise attenuation kits by the end of 2016 and offer voluntary acquisition to those residents who were granted acquisition rights under the 2012 Warkworth planning approval.

However some locals have acAUSTRALIANMINING

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cused the miner of not listening to their concerns.

Krey said Rio had resubmitted the same application rejected by the Land and Environment Court.

In particular, locals don’t want to see mining occur in bushland next to the town that was previously intended to be set aside as a conservation area.

“These new plans totally ignore everything the judge said, it’s exactly the same footprint, same demolition of the Warkworth Woodlands and there is absolutely no protection provided for our community,” Krey said.

Current planning approvals mean the mine can only sustain existing production and employment levels until the end of 2015.

The company says the new applications will provide it with an integrated operation which can sustain mining within the existing footprint for the next 30 years.

It says the plan means the 1300 employees and contractors who work at the site will have job security.

In its assessment of the project, the Planning Assessment Commission said Rio’s plan to extend the life of mine was consistent with government policy and legislation.

However the PAC said approval is subject to the provision of additional information on a number of matters prior to determination as well as the imposition of stringent environmental requirements.

These include more information around a clear and transparent biodiversity offset strategy to ensure ecosystem and species credit requirements will be met. It is also recommending that Warkworth be required to provide evidence substantiating the viability of the proposed regeneration of important Endangered Ecological Communities and associated costings.

Further, the commission said the final legacy void should be reduced in size.

The commission said it recognises that the project will result Continued page 12

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HUNTER VALLEY SPOTLIGHT

COAL EXPANSION IS CAUSING CONFRONTATION

From page 10 in adverse social and economic impacts, particularly on the Bulga village and its residents, who are experiencing increasing mining encroachment from these and other mines.

“These impacts are likely to include impacts on property values; on the ability of residents to be able to sell their properties in the future; and environmental concerns, including notably noise and dust impacts,” PAC said.

“In light of these impacts, the Commission is of the view that consideration should be given to options to compensate residents and ameliorate as far as practicable these impacts.”

The commission noted that the relationship between the miner and the Bulga community has “deteriorated to the level where constructive discussion to resolve issues of significant concern to the community is difficult”.

The Commission says Rio “would be well advised” to pursue appropriate initiatives to rebuild their relationship with the local community.

It wants to see the miner commit to honouring the acquisi-

tion and mitigation rights provided to the residences under the repealed Warkworth Extension project.

PAC also says effective mine rehabilitation will also be important in getting the community back on side.

In justifying its decision to approve the mine expansion, PAC said the project would result in significant social and economic benefits including increased direct and indirect spending in the region of $719 million; the generation of around $617 million in state royalties; and a net economic benefit to NSW of $1.488 million.

NSW Minerals Council chief Stephen Galilee welcomed PAC’s decision.

“1300 workers at Mount Thorley Warkworth and their families are relieved to know that their economic future is a step closer to being secured for years to come,” Galilee said.

“The decision by the PAC is great news for the mine employees and also for the ongoing economic stability of the the Upper Hunter. In 2014, Mount Thorley Warkworth spent $188 million with more than 270 suppliers in the Upper Hunter region.”

But Krey said the community is extremely disappointed at the decision.

“This recommendation for approval has been the result of two years of work between Rio Tinto and the government in changing the rules to get a project, previously considered by the courts as unapprovable, recommended for approval,” Krey said.

“It went through the Land and Environment Court, it went through the Supreme Court, and both those said the impacts are too great.

“And yet, now, we read in the recommendations that, considering everything, the impacts don’t outweigh the financial side of it.

“So, clearly, the government is taking the money and they don’t give a bugger about the people in the communities that have to live around these open cut mines.”

Krey said the local community was committed to fighting the mine.

“We are looking at, firstly, the conditions that are being proposed and clearly there are some there that can be argued,” he said.

AUSTRALIANMINING

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“We will continue to fight this, as far as submissions to the Planning Assessment Commission, and to the Department of Planning.

“We’ve invested five years.”

One option put forward by the PAC to “relocate” the small country town has been met with incredulity by locals.

“Such relocations are already undertaken in dam approvals ... any relocation decision and associated planning would, of course, need to involve the residents of Bulga,” the commission’s panel wrote.

“It is recognised that this option is not an approach that would generally be considered, however, the commission believes that in this instance there are a unique and unusual set of circumstances that make it worthy of serious consideration.”

Though the mine has not yet received final approval, Krey said some residents were already toying with the idea of leaving before it was forced upon them.

Bulga residents have called on NSW Premier Mike Baird to make three key pre-election commitments that will protect the town from the mine expansion.

They want the Mining State

Environmental Planning Policy to be abolished, and a Commission of Inquiry to be held into planning agencies.

They also want the suspension of the current Warkworth and Mount Thorley DPE assessments of the PAC requirements and defer the PAC final decision until the above steps are taken by the Government and an outcome determined.

“No acceptable decision can be made based on assessment rules which unfairly favour one party against another and which cannot protect the environment,” Krey said.

“The assessment process must provide a balance between the Environment, Social and Economic considerations.”

Residents are also mulling a last ditch appeal with the help of the NSW Environmental Defendors office, but it is said to be high risk.

“It would be a big risk, but we don’t have an alternative. We might as well walk away from Bulga,” Krey said.

However any future legal challenge will have to wait until the PAC delivers its final report on the project, meaning a long and anxious wait for Bulga locals. AM

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PDAC IN FOCUS

PDAC: IS CANADIAN MINING POISED FOR A REBOUND? SENTIMENT REMAINS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST MINING AND EXPLORATION CONFERENCE; PETER DIEKMEYER WRITES FROM PDAC.

C

lose to twenty-five thousand mining industry producers and suppliers converged last month at the 2015 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference. Sentiment at the gathering, which PDAC bills as the “world’s largest exploration and mining event,” was cautiously optimistic.

“When the average price of mining stocks listed in the Toronto Venture Exchange’s mining component is down 85 per cent – 90 per cent if you include companies that were taken out of the index because they went bankrupt, you have what amounts to a huge sale,” said Rick Rule, chairman of Sprott Global Resource Investments. “That means assets and properties are 90 per cent cheaper. Years from now, investors will look back on 2015 as the “good old days,” when almost everything could be had at a really good price.”

Brent Cook, a mining investor and publisher of Exploration Insights agrees.

“The industry has had a terrible time during the past five years, particularly on the exploration side, where discoveries of economically feasible deposits are fewer and farther between. There will be some further washing out of unsuccessful plays in coming months. But we are

beginning to see green shoots indicating that a recovery may be on the way.”

CANADA HIT HARD

Canada, which like Australia, is blessed with a wide variety of resources, can somewhat be regarded of a proxy for global extractions industries, which have literally been clobbered across the board.

A recent report by Barcley’s described 2014 as the worst for commodities since 2008. The 22-product Bloomberg Commodity Index for example fell to its lowest level in almost six years and was off 17 per cent last year alone. Global nonferrous metals exploration for its part fell by 26 per cent in 2014, compared to the previous year. Capital spending budgets on machinery and equipment were also hit hard.

Much of this is the result of sluggish global economic growth, which, according to a recent report by SNL Metals & Mining, tends to move in tandem with demand for metals such as aluminum, copper and zinc. In Canada sluggish global demand for Alberta tar sands, – said to contain more oil than Saudi Arabia – has been hit by weak oil prices, which in January fell below the US $50 per barrel level.

Canadian uranium players for their part, such as Cameco and Fission Ura-

nium, are reeling in the wake of the Fukashima disaster, which has called into question the entire nuclear power industry. Iron ore projects such as Iron Ore Company of Canada and Tata Steel Minerals Canada are also feeling the pain, in the wake of a two thirds drop in prices, due to in part to slower sales to China, the world’s largest iron ore consumer.

A tougher geopolitical environment is also hurting Canadian mining industry companies, many of whom operate internationally. At PDAC, sector promoters often (not-so-jokingly) make few distinctions between third world dictators who are apt to seize mines, and Western politicians who act more subtly. For example British Columbia-based El Dorado Gold got notice right in the mid-

CANADA IS OVERCOMING ITS RECENT SLUGGISH GROWTH RATES

dle of the PDAC event from Greece’s Ministry of Productive Reconstruction, Energy and Environment, that approval to complete construction of its Skouries Project gold processing plant was being revoked – this after the company had invested US $450 million into two mines in the country.

WRITE-DOWNS PAVE WAY FOR FUTURE GROWTH

According to Adrian Day, of Adrian Day Asset Management massive investment by the mining companies in the Continued page 16

THE EVENT ATTRACTED NEARLY 25,000 ATTENDEES

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PDAC IN FOCUS

From page 14

their relative production costs, as labor is priced in domestic currencies. Falling oil prices, while a drag on Canadian producers, have been a huge boon for mining sector actors, for whom energy is one of their largest costs.

past decade was a major contributor to the industry’s current debacles, which include huge losses at major industry players including Barrick Gold, Newmont Mining, AngloGold Ashanti, and many others. However changing dynamics THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW suggest that the sector could be bottomThe upshot says Cook is that giving, says Day, who points out that loss- en the tough geopolitical realities faces tapered off almost across the board. ing mining industry players, which are This coupled with huge write-downs in such that it now takes between 10 and the coal (US $19 billion), nickel (US $21 20 years to bring a good size resource billion), steel (US $32 billion) and gold into production, companies that want (US $45 billion) industries are cleaning to take advantage of the next upturn the slate, and setting the stage for new in prices, need to act now. initiatives as demand picks up.

James Johnson, chief of the resources Garrett Goggin a market expert with division at Geoscience Australia agrees.

Gold Stock Analyst agrees, pointing out “Businesses would ideally like to have that global central bank purchases of the their mines at full production when pricyellow metal totaled 477 tons in 2014, a es are highest,” says Johnson. “But that fifty-year high. This coupled with ris- implies doing the exploration, feasibiliing “all in cash costs” of gold production ty and development work, when things and strong demand in emerging mar- are slower, as they are right now. That’s kets such as China and India, should hard though, because current negative create somewhat of a floor in prices in psychology in the industry, is a tough the coming years. Rising gold demand thing to overcome.” would be particularly bullish for CanSprott’s Rick Rule, a seasoned indusada, which like Australia is one of the try veteran who has been through at world’s largest producers. least three major commodities cycles Canadian gold producers have another during his long career is more philocommonality with Australian producers: sophical. “Bear markets are the authors both will benefit enormously from the of bull markets,” says Rule rubbing his rising US dollar, which boosts their rev- chin. “But at some point the industry enues, A M as 0 4gold 1 5is_priced 0 0 0in_ greenbacks, SCH 1 gets 2 beaten 0 1 5 -down 0 3 -so2much, 0 T 1 that 4 : there 3 3 : 4 4 + 1 1 : 0 0 but which also simultaneously lowers is nowhere else to go but up.” AM

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UNDERGROUND MINING

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by PYBAR Mining Services marks an achievement that has redefined it as a major player in the Australian market.

PYBAR was awarded the development mining contract at the Osborne mine in early 2011. In December 2012, following a competitive tender process, the company was also awarded the production mining works at Osborne, as well as the development and production mining works at the Starra underground tonnes per month of ore production, as kilometre of production ore and commine, where it replaced the incumbent well as up to 400 metres per month of pleted more than 430,000m of production drilling and blasting. development. contractor.

Located approximately 170km south During its time at Osborne-Starra, PyPYBAR has been responsible for all developed of T16,000m, mining A M 1activities 0 1 4 _ at 0 the 0 0 Osborne-Star_ S S A B 4 - bar1has 2 0 1 4 - in 0 excess 9 - 2 3 1 3 : 5 1 : 1 0 + 1 0 : 0 0 ra operation, comprising up to 150,000 hauled more than 8 million tonnes per Continued page 20

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of Cloncurry in Queensland, production from open pit sources at Osborne began in August 1995 and continued until February 1996 when underground mining replaced open pit sources.

The project was originally owned by Placer Dome Inc. In 2006, Barrick Gold took ownership when it acquired Placer and in 2010, sold it to its current owner Chinova Resources (formerly Ivanhoe Australia and then Inova Resources).

The Osborne underground mine is accessed by a portal in the open pit and a 700m deep ore haulage shaft. Located some 40km by road from Osborne, the smaller Starra mine was accessed by a conventional portal and decline. Ore was trucked from Starra to Osborne for processing.

The Starra mine concluded production mining activities in August 2014 on exhaustion of the economic reserve.

While not the highest profile mining operation in Australia, the OsborneStarra mining complex is nonetheless among the top 20 largest metalliferous underground mines in Australia by tonnes of ore mined and one of the top three largest mining operations in the country that contract out all or the majority of their mining function.

To ensure access to technology that has the potential to improve the economics of underground mining, PYBAR is also currently trialling on site the latest truck technology for the underground market – the Sandvik TH663.

The truck is currently the highest payload specialised underground min-

AUSTRALIANMINING

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THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRESSES AT A RATE OF 400 METRES PER MONTH

ing truck commercially available on the market. Pybar will be analysing the data collected from production and operating cost information to carry out a comparison against other brands and models of trucks currently on site.

“Our approach to innovation and technology is to look at what the market needs, monitor industry initiatives and embrace new technologies – when they are approaching the point of competitive advantage.

We’re focused on delivering productivity and value to our clients first and foremost.

That is not always guaranteed when innovating from grassroots,” said Mr Rouse.

Today, the Osborne mine is also approaching the exhaustion of its ore reserve with mine production due to conclude by September 2015. AM

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2015 MINING TRENDS

TRACKING THE TRENDS: THE TOP 10 TRENDS THAT WILL AFFECT MINING IN 2015 – PART 2 AUSTRALIAN MINING AND DELOITTE EXAMINE THE REMAINING FIVE OF TEN TRENDS THAT WILL BE AFFECTING MINERS AND THE INDUSTRY IN 2015.

JUNIOR MINER SURVIVAL

Junior miners are caught in a quandary.

They are currently trying to navigate the troubled commodity waters in the wake of the boom’s bust, while at the same time trying to generate investor interest.

In the recent Deloitte survey, it outlined the survival of junior miners as one of the most pressing issues for 2015.

The global cut back in exploration combined with a disinterested investment market is

putting the junior miner space in a situation where it is now being forced to make short-term decisions that will harm longterm operations.

Deloitte explained: “With mining’s total return to shareholders still underperforming other sectors companies are under mounting pressure to boost short-term profits; in some ways this is impelling miners to ignore current investments that may deliver longer-term upside in favour of dodging investor ire by remaining cash positive.”

Essentially the drive and risky attitude needed by juniors to strive forward is being abandoned to satisfy the market for short-term results, putting the potential for any long-term operations in jeopardy.

In other words, the current environment has pushed juniors into survival mode, a situation that inversely may bring about their demise as they make wide ranging cuts to their organisations and expenditures to stay afloat.

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containment and productivity improvement initiatives,” Deloitte Chile mining leader Christopher Lyon stated.

“Given how close some companies are to the wall, they’re actively seeking strategies to lower their cost profile, companies are still struggling to raise money and we’re sure to see more retrenchments in this area before these issues are resolved.”

As referred to in Section 5 of the Deloitte round up – Finding Financing, “junior miners have borne the brunt of invest-

ment reluctance to date, with nearly 200 Australian mining companies filing for bankruptcy between June 2013 and September 2014.

While this is removing what some would see as deadwood, it leaves a gap in the market traditionally played by juniors – that of the aggressive, risky explorer.

However these risky explorers are now few and far between.

In Grant Thornton’s most recent junior mining and exploration (JUMEX) report it painted

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2015 MINING TRENDS

a dire picture for the sector.

“At the company level, management remains heavily focused on financing considerations, taking their time and attention away from value adding operational and strategic development opportunities. Costs are cut to the bone,” Grant Thornton Australia’s national head of energy and resources Simon Gray explained “This is compounded by a lack of investor interest.

“Exploration companies are finding equity finance almost impossible to access, as is reflected by the small number of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for mining and exploration companies.

“At an industry level, the severe decline in exploration activities has far reaching impacts on future discoveries and significantly reduced spending by JUMEX companies which continue to have a major impact on the mining services community,” Gray said.

These juniors are now casting their net far and wide for new sources of capital, and attempting to boost their cash position by selling, however they are unlikely to receive the full returns given additional funding constraints also faced by potential buyers.

“Once the lifeblood of the industry, growth through acquisitions has seemingly dried up,” Deloitte explained.

This is unsurprising, as mergers

and acquisitions have dropped to their lowest levels in a decade.

A new report out by EY shows deal value in Australia alone was $US4.7 billion in 2014, down from $US5.5 billion in 2013.

Deals for the year totalled 144, down from 178 in 2013 and at their lowest level since 2003, the report said.

Globally, US$103 billion worth of deals were carried out in 2007, whereas only US$12 billion was completed in 2013.

However, inversely this current tighter market may see more deals take place as “at some point, juniors may be forced to sell at any price,” Deloitte said.

According to Deloitte many companies are getting their assets in order to sell them off; however “the challenge is that most potential buyers lack access to the funds needed to pay full value for these assets – creating a transaction stalemate”.

Yet “given the plethora of assets poised to flood the market serious buyers can afford to be choosy – a factor that should impel would-be sellers to put their best foot forward before entering the transaction fray”.

However some may buck the trend that has a financial stranglehold on the industry by being more flexible.

“Flexibility is becoming the name of the game,” Deloitte said.

“That explains why management is becoming sanguine about their full range of options,

from partnerships, joint ventures and mergers to sale, partial sale (such as royalty streaming arrangements) and consolidation.”

Looking forward the state of the market is brighter.

“It is important [juniors] begin preparing for a potential market turn over the next 12 to 18 months,” Deloitte said.

“As this turn takes place, companies will once again find themselves competing for capital and talent.

“Those that succeed over the long-term will be those that are ready to exit the starting blocks first. That’s why management should already be taking a long-

JUNIOR MINERS ARE SEEING A DISTRESSED MARKET

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er view of the market, preparing their systems and position for the upside.”

SEEKING NEW SKILLSETS

Australia has just been through a massive trade skills shortage during the last boom, but now the big miners can’t get rid of staff fast enough in the interest of cost cutting.

Rio Tinto is keeping schtum on their staff-based cost cutting despite a memo from iron boss Andrew Harding that made the rounds a few weeks ago, however speculation about 10 per cent of office staff being about to lose their jobs should show its merits in the coming weeks.

However, it’s most important to keep talent on board, and it appears that Rio are looking to trim those employees who have been deemed less productive than others, with the introduction of quarterly performance reviews of site superintendents, who are normally a safe lot.

However, as the sector continues through its downswing it will become clear that the majors, with their plans to continue development of automation based technologies, will need more tech based staff than ever before, especially in the IT field.

Competition for automation professionals will become fierce, and perhaps not this year, but in a few years to come we will witness the same kind of poaching of talent, even from university undergraduates, that we saw in the geological field early on in the boom.

The hardest part will be that as mining’s forward looking tech-

NEW ROLES IN AUTOMATION WILL BECOME PREVALENT

nology grows, so does every other industry around the world, and mining companies may be hard pressed to lure new talent away from their dreams of working in other, more glamorous fields.

Part of the legacy of the downturn is that as more people are laid off, we’ll see more people competing for lower level roles, and little hope for the hopefuls who have heard about the big money and want to break into the mining game.

Any roles will be snapped up by good staff already sent home from other jobs, and with good HR management the industry will be left with the cream.

Throughout the boom an easy economy allowed people who weren’t necessarily the best in their field to rise through the ranks, but any who haven’t learned their craft by now will be on the chopping block, and no-one will be brought to fill their roles, they will simply be made redundant.

However, big miners would do well to consider future investments in training to ensure that the next boom will not be understaffed, however it may be a few years away before anything really needs to be done about that.

The key will be to begin investing in local skills pools, especially for Automation technicians capable of repairing equipment Continued page 24

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2015 MINING TRENDS

From page 23 on site, as the mining sector begins an upswing.

The most important thing in HR will be identifying looming talent gaps, and being ready to source those workers to prevent shortages.

Deloitte mentions that companies may find themselves hiring from a global talent pool, however this already takes place in Australia thanks to the 457 Visa system.

The expense of international travel would be better spent early in the piece on educational investments to ensure that local Australian industries are fed from local talent pools, to ensure the quality of talent enabled by our education system, and to ensure ample supply is always available.

RIDING OUT RISK

Australia has always had an insular view of the mining industry.

It is often forgotten that many of the mining companies that operate here have a large suite of overseas operations, or are simply headquartered here but operate solely overseas.

There is more to the resources industry than what is happening on our island tucked away in the corner of the Pacific, and the vagaries of overseas machinations that affect it.

Yet, the mining sector has always viewed itself as a global industry, and one of the most important aspects of maintaining its ability to operate is remaining closely abreast of the constantly changing geopolitical landscape.

However as Deloitte points out: “As the pace of change accelerates it’s getting harder to predict the impact of these (shifting geopolitical) trends.”

“It is becoming eminently clear that mining companies face rising regulatory, geopolitical, economic, and technological uncertainty.”

It goes on to state that despite best planning, much of the time miners will have to continue embracing uncertainty, essentially planning for the worst but hoping for the best.

“Given mounting levels of volatility and change, miners need to take a broader view of risk management and scenario analysis,” Deloitte Southern Africa mining leader John Woods said.

“This includes taking a much greater range of variables into account to inform their decision making,” he said.

While mining companies cannot control political movements, and would not seek to dictate them, the operations can develop response strategies to navigate the issues.

“Executives do not set national policy, but they can help to [positively] influence them,” Deloitte stated, “in regions where civil and tax laws shift regularly, companies can work to build closer relationships with representatives at all levels of government in an effort to foster an environment that support consistent application of the laws”.

“For their part, governments eager to attract mining investment should aim to articulate clear policies and introduce incentives designed to welcome foreign investment.”

For the miners themselves, “they will need to step up their forecasting, scenario planning, and risk management capabilities if they hope to navigate the volatility augured in years to come”.

These steps include increasing the spread of ERM, which “should extend beyond the development of a risk management framework and methodology”.

In line with Rio Tinto’s push

into Big Data through the opening of its new Analytics Excellence Centre, Deloitte recommend that miners integrate multiple management systems, and apply quantitative techniques to evaluate, measure, and monitor their operations, and associated risk.

“Using predictive analytics [such as those being developed

by Rio Tinto], companies can improve decision making,” Deloitte said.

“Rapid geopolitical and regulatory shifts are difficult to predict, but they can still be planned for; with sound scenario planning methodologies mining companies can identify a wide set of divergent but plausible futures and devise strategies to respond to each scenario.”

The path is clear: be mindful of risk, plan ahead, and work with local communities and governments to ensure that operating overseas is as straightforward as possible.

KEEPING EVERYONE HAPPY

One of the most significant problems for miners in modern times is juggling the issues of stakeholder engagement.

These days there are so many interested parties in the activities of mining companies it is considered near impossible to keep everyone happy, but that

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is not to say that we shouldn’t make the effort.

Deloitte has claimed that many companies are lagging at effective stakeholder engagement, as the list continues to grow, and fundamental conflicts between such parties increase.

Deloitte Southern Africa mining leader Andrew Lane said that the mining industry does not always fully understand the complexities associated with stakeholder engagement.

“Too often, relationships with stakeholders are adversarial instead of collaborative,” he said.

“Miners need to turn this equation around by building relationships with stakeholders long before requesting any concessions from them.”

Some Australian companies have been extremely successful in their careful engagement with indigenous landholders, most notably Sirius Resources in their negotiation with the Ngadju people last year which enabled a start to development of the Nova Nickel project last year.

However, there have also been a number of cases in which companies have contracted Aboriginal groups to conduct heritage surveys, only to later face the flack from other groups who claim those conducting the survey had no real claim or connection with the land, and could

UNDERSTAND THE RISK BEFORE INVESTING

not have conducted adequate research in the area.

Companies need to be extremely careful when dealing with indigenous groups, to ensure they are aware of the particular group that is directly linked with the land in question, to avoid confusion and exposure to legal opposition against the validity of mining leases.

Different heritage surveys of the Pagoda Rocks in the Garden of Stone National Park resulted in confusion over the authenticity of hand paintings in caves near a mining lease controlled

by Coalpac, which later went into administration.

Coalpac’s initial heritage survey group were Wiradjuri people, but other Wiradjuri groups said they were from a different area, and later accused of wrongly claiming their connection with the area, a misunderstanding that could have been avoided with careful research.

Consequently the company’s relationship with those from the area was started on very poor terms.

By ensuring the relationships had been built earlier with the Continued page 26

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2015 MINING TRENDS

From page 24 correct stakeholders, the indigenous stakeholder engagement could have been characterised by a more fluid process in terms of approvals.

Ensuring engagement takes place early and often, companies can also avoid risk of accusations relating to social injustice and the resulting anti-mining sentiment that follows.

Of course, there are many areas of stakeholder engagement, and companies must identify all affected parties in order to understand what matters to each, and engage in a process by which each can be reconciled.

Innovation requires a shared vision among all parties of how the mine development can be mutually beneficial.

Communication strategies are very important, especially in rural areas where word-of-mouth communication is the predominant forum for dissemination of local information, but these principles also apply to the working community on a project, not only landholders and local residents.

Companies must be able to engage in real time to encourage dialogue and identify brewing issues, with a view to building levels of trust.

Corporate giving is one such means of garnering trust in an operation, where practices align with stakeholder needs. Community development is one such example, however cash sums to certain groups can be perceived negatively this can quickly start to seem like corporate bribery, as opposed to the intended sharing of resources wealth in the area.

ENGAGING WITH GOVERNMENT

With many mining companies doing it tough, some governments appear to be making greater efforts to accommodate a weakened industry.

Recognising the positive effects of having viable operations in their region, some governments are working with companies to prevent the negative repercussions of job losses and helping to keep mines open.

In Australia this can be seen with the recent policy by the West Australian government that allows a 12 month iron ore royalty rebate to smaller mining businesses suffering from the impact of low commodity prices.

However, there are also regions in which governments continue to make it harder for mining to operate profitably.

In South America, Mexico introduced a 7.5 per cent tax on mining revenues and Chile announced a tax reform that will see corporate tax rise to 25 per cent.

Deloitte says both miners and governments need to devise new ways to communicate and collaborate in order to develop relationships that are mutually beneficial.

“At the end of the day, miners need to locate where the best minerals can be found,” Deloitte said.

“Although deteriorating grades give miners more leeway about where to invest, companies must still make accommodations with governments at all levels in numerous nations.”

To this end, Deloitte has come up with six strategies that is says bucks the trend and allows miners to better connect with the authorities in any given region.

Build better relationships with government Deloitte says miners can strengthen their negotiating power by clearly demonstrating the extent of their social and economic contributions. It says miners need to view their

operations in the wider context.

“They need to view their mining operations in the context of wider economic clusters, understanding the role that mining infrastructure, such as rail lines and ports, can play to drive growth in other economic areas such as agriculture and manufacturing.”

Mining companies are advised to invest in tools such as data analytics to capture social progress metrics.

Locate in regions where they’re wanted Despite the availability of mineral deposits in some lessthan stable regions, Deloitte says miners must continually reassess the risk/reward equation of operating in locations subject to regulatory turmoil, spiralling stakeholder demands, and critical infrastructure shortages.

“While there are never guarantees that policies won’t change, governments that demonstrate their commitment to the industry now may be more willing to negotiate in good faith as market conditions change.”

Speak out Deloitte says miners need to take a more active role in working with industry associations, leveraging social media to get their messages across, and align AUSTRALIANMINING

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remuneration policies with their states goals.

It says companies must go beyond releasing official reports detailing the contributions they make to society, and engage with the public in more meaningful ways.

Measure social impact As data analytics becomes more sophisticated, companies will increasingly be able to measure the social benefits they create, Deloitte says.

These metrics should include the extent to which miners help to maximise government revenue, create jobs, contribute to political stability, provide infrastructure and social services and enhance financial security by sharing mining wealth.

Help set the agenda In cases where local communities and NGOs may be driving government policy, mining companies should share their perspectives with government officials as well, says Deloitte.

“Some of the rehabilitation requirements triggered by mine closures, for instance, are often more onerous than necessary given a site’s distance from local habitation, flora, fauna, and/ or water sources,” Deloitte explains.

MINING AND FARMING CAN LIVE SIDE BY SIDE

It says miners should lobby for a more reasonable environmental balance, one that ensures that potentially harmful potentially harmful contaminants are removed and that surrounding areas are restored to their original conditions.

Get serious about social media “Like it or not, much of the information that gets disseminated about the mining industry’s environmental, social and governance performance takes the form of pictures, tweets, and infographics,” Deloitte explains.

Simply put, mining companies that want to tell their stories must jump on social media to do so.

This means considering ways to leverage mobile communications and social media in an effort to foster two-way dialogue with investors, industry analysts, community organisations, media, and the public at large.

Deloitte said miners need to understand that it is not enough to simply observe tweets and other social media feeds; they must also get into the world of social media and engage with the wider stakeholder community. AM

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HIRE & RENTAL

AN INSIGHT INTO THE HIRE & RENTAL MARKET AS THE MINING INDUSTRY CONTRACTS, THE YELLOWGOODS MARKET IS ALSO FEELING THE PAIN.

O

f a range of fac- affecting our industry.

The chief concern for selltors which can be used to determine ers in the yellowgoods marthe health of the ket is that mining companies mining industry have shifted their focus from in Australia, one maximising production to the interesting indicator is the yel- more conservative position of conserving capital and cutting lowgoods market.

Heavy mobile plant is abso- costs where possible.

In real terms of machinery on lutely essential to the process of bringing ores and minerals to the ground and in the pits, this market, so naturally any move- means companies (in particular ment in the yellowgoods market open cut miners) previously emfor given models of machinery ployed a strategy of over-trucking, ital which would otherwise be can show some of the direction that is having an excess of haul spent on machinery costs.

During the boom machinery trucks to optimise shovel time. of business strategy.

Now we are seeing the strate- manufacturers were under presErnst & Young’s Global Mining and Metals Centre has re- gy shift to under-trucking, strip- sure to increase supply and exleased a new report assessing ping back the haul fleet to the pand their operations to meet the Australian yellowgoods mar- bare minimum to instead op- the ever growing demand driven by1expanding ketAinM2014, 0 4 1which 5 _ 0reveals, 0 0 _ and B O Wtimise 1the haulage 2 0 1 5 end - 0 of 3 -the 1 6 T 1 : 2 2 : operations, 2 1 + 1 1 :par0 0 confirms, the post-boom trends operation, freeing up the cap- ticularly in the Pilbara; but this

has now led to an oversupply of machinery, an ongoing market glut which will take some time to reach equilibrium, according to Ernst & Young.

In particular, the second hand market has seen significant increases in the number of units for sale since 2012, and increas-

WHILE MACHINES FOR AUCTION HAVE INCREASED, SALES HAVEN’T

es in the clearance rates since a trough in 2013.

Ernst and Young looked chiefly at the auction market for var-

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HIRE & RENTAL

ious classes of machinery, as it is difficult to gather complete data about the private sale market in terms of machinery that was withdrawn from sale or simply failed to sell.

It appears that the increased supply of loaders and bulldozers in the market has been absorbed by other industries, thanks to the versatile nature of such equipment, with the trough in auction clearance rates in 2013 coming after a significant jump in the number of units on the market in 2012.

The number of WL11-17 loaders at market soared from just over 40 units in 2011 to 160 units in 2012, and units sold at auction numbered more than half available in 2012, however in 2013 around two thirds failed to be sold.

Bulldozers saw a steadier climb in the number of units In 2010 and 2011 there were ket going from less than 10 in at auction from 2009 to 2012, with 2013 seeing the worst of no haul trucks on the second 2010, to 25 in 2011 (most sold), hand auction market, but this but reaching 70 units by 2013 passed auctions.

Clearance rates have gone went from around 15 units on with less than a third sold.

In 2014 the number of haul back to around 70 per cent the market in 2012 (less than for dozers and loaders, how- half sold) to more than 50 units trucks on the market dropped ever the picture for less versa- in 2013 (and only around 10 per down to 39, however very few sold. tile excavators and haul trucks cent sold). is quite A M 0bleak, 2 1 5 with _ 0 0clearance 0 _ S E R -Excavators 1 2 saw 0 1 a5more - 0 steady 1 - 2 0 T 1The 0 : collapse 3 3 : 5in4 demand + 1 1 : for 0 0 decline, with units on the mar- haul trucks and excavators conrates plunging.

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EXCAVATORS AND HAUL TRUCKS HAVE A LOWER CLEARANCE RATE

tinues to affect the market to the present day.

Of course, private sales represent a far greater portion of the second hand yellowgoods market,

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with just over 100 units at auction in the first half 2014, compared with less than 1000 units up for private sale, and in the second half of 2014 almost no units went to auction compared to around 1000 private sale units.

The real jump for mining units came between the first and second halves of 2013, when private sale units went from less than 800 on the market to more than 1000.

Ernst & Young have estimated that the value of a given second hand mining fleet (based on a notional analysis assuming the fleet is comprised of three HX12 excavators, 20 DT8 haul trucks, two WL12 loaders and three D9 dozers) has dropped about 15 per cent in the last six months, an alarming rate considering the steady growth in value up to March 2014.

Ultimately, the market will remedy itself and stabilise, however high demand for machinery will not return until the mining economy cycles back to a boom-like state.

Until then a low Australian dollar may make this one of the great spots for overseas buyers to find bargains in the second hand yellow goods market. AM

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POWER GENERATION

A HYBRID ENERGY APPROACH NEW SOLAR AND DIESEL HYBRID GENERATORS ARE CUTTING COSTS ON REMOTE SITES.

W

hile commodity prices grate solar energy into have dropped signifi- existing power cantly, unfortunately supplies of for many miners oper- minesites, ating costs have not. production and Although cost cut- accommodation faciliting measures, coupled with efficiency ties operating in remote offprocesses, have helped pull some con- grid or on-grid locations.

“CHESS is designed to deliver stable trol back into miners’ hands.

However, where they can’t cut back 24-hour, seven-day-a-week power sup- rupted powon costs is in keeping their mines run- ply for any remote or grid-connected lo- er supply that cation,” according to Conergy Australia will facilitate many ning, particularly in remote areas. companies’ transition New plug-and-play, low maintenance managing director David McCallum.

The company added that it is able from diesel to renewable solar energy.” hybrid solar energy systems are helping To date both Rio Tinto and Sandfire miners keep their sites running while to reduce operators’ reliance on diesel cutting reliance on less productive die- fuel run generators by up to 70 per cent. Resources have integrated solar power “Solar energy generation is now no sources into their operations, at their sel generators.

The Conergy Hybrid Energy Storage longer limited to only providing ener- Weipa and DeGrussa sites respectively.

CHESS itself features an integrated System (CHESS) is housed in a stand- gy while the sun shines. Our CHESS ard shipping container, and provides system is a proven reality, purpose-de- SCADA system providing central conscalable power output from 100kW to signed to function efficiently either in- trol and visibility to the system operator.

It also manages the switchover be400kW, and has a capacity of 200kW dependently or working in tandem with or greater depending on a site’s energy an existing power infrastructure, pro- tween island and grid parallel operation.

CHESS can integrate into existing viding power even when the sun isn’t requirements.

The fully A M0 4 1expandable 5 _ 0 0 0 plug-and-play _ A MP 1 shining,” 2 0 1 5he- said.

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CHESS IS HELPING MINERS TURN TO SOLAR ENERGY ON SITE

and construction sites and environmentally sensitive areas where fossil fuel pollution and transportation/logistical costs are an issue.

Its capacity can be extended by connecting containers in parallel on the AC side from 50kW to 1MW. Additional battery containers are available to extend the storage to any required capacity. AM

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MINERALS PROCESSING

TESTING THE LIMITS AN AUSTRALIAN MINE HAS BROKEN NEW GROUND IN MINERALS TESTING ON SITE.

D

espit the price of commodities falling, costs still remain high for most mines.

With these ancillary costs unlikely to drop significantly anytime soon, many mines are looking to do more in-house, ranging from testing and lab work through to the actual mining themselves, rather than hire contractors.

One Australian mine has taken a leap in this direction, breaking new ground for operations in this country by bringing high level testing capacities on site.

AXT has installed the first onsite scanning electron microscope automated minerals analysis system in an Australian mine, at the Northparkes operation.

Known as TIMA, it uses a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with highly integrated Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) system to perform full spectrum analyses at very fast speeds.

This enables fully automated data collection, resulting in faster, more precise results.

TIMA is able to characterise mineral abundance, size by size liberation, mineralA association automatiM 0 4 1 5 _and 0 0grain 0 _ size SCF 1 cally on multiple samples.

“The addition of the TESCAN TIMA to Northparkes’ analytical capabilities adds high resolution automated mineralogy capabilities for advanced characterisation of process plant and geological samples to their onsite assay and metallurgical laboratory offerings,” AXT stated.

The data from the system will be used at the process plant and for ore characterisation, as well as to support future optimisation projects and proposed plant changes.

“In terms of production control and optimisation, the information from the TIMA will be integrated with plant control variables to allow troubleshooting and optimisation of concentrator performance, cessing resulting in improved production efficien- department, Roslyn Dalton, addcy,” AXT explained.

Speaking on the installation, TESCAN ed that the data from the TIMA BDM Paul Gottlieb said “this in- system will be used to aid explorastallation is a major advance as it takes tion, underground development and prothe technology from the laboratory to the duction, ore process control, and marketing.

“In particular, the TIMA will be a good mine site”.

“The TIMA data can be analysed much fit for our existing metallurgical applicamore rapidly resulting in faster fine-tun- tions,” Dalton said.

The same system has been installed at ing of plant performance and increased and at Curtin University, productivity.”

2 0 1 5 - 0 3 - 1 6 T 1 1 : 5 7 : 2 4 + 1CSIRO 1 : 0 Minerals, 0 Northparkes manager for the ore pro- in Perth. AM

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FRASER SURVEY

AUSTRALIA DROPS IN GLOBAL MINING RANKINGS THE LATEST FRASER SURVEY HAS HIGHLIGTED AUSTRALIA’S DECLINING MINING INDUSTRY.

E

ach year the state of mining around the world is examined, and the perception of its current condition analysed.

And the news, for this year, is not good for Australia.

Australia has fallen in the global mining rankings, as the latest Fraser Institute annual mining survey shows the nation’s decreasing resources attractiveness.

Last year Australia ranked highly in the global survey rankings, which examines the attractiveness and potential of 122 mining regions around the world, having grown from only 112 last year.

At the time, unsurprisingly, Western Australia took out the top position in many of the different categories, with South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania also putting in strong showings.

Victoria and New South Wales were ranked the lowest out of Australian regions due to poor perceptions of their support of the industry.

However in the latest survey Australia generally fared poorly year on year, with the mining downturn affecting perception of the states and territories globally, scoring 82 for investment attractiveness overall, a downward movement from last year’s 85.3.

Western Australia was displaced from the top position by Finland, and dropped to fifth overall, behind Albert in Canada, Sweden, and Wyoming in the US. Yet the state was still strong when it came to the perceived current mineral potential.

Importantly for the state it was the only region in all of Oceania to rank in the top ten.

South Australia came a distant second in terms of Australian perception, scoring behind Arizona in the US, with 75.1 points.

However this is still an increase from last year’s score of 73.8.

Australia as a whole also recorded the first decline in its Policy Perception Index score for the first time in five years.

Only South Australia and Tasmania saw improvements in their investment attractiveness scores amongst the states, and those improvements were only minimal, as they moved from 20th to 19th for South Australia, and although Tasmania fell in overall rankings from 36th to 39th it still had a favourable perception.

South Australia also scored extremely well in terms of its geological database, coming second globally behind Finland, and well ahead of Western Australia which came fifth.

Queensland fell slightly from 21st to 27th overall, and was ranked as the worst state when it came to labour disputes and work disruptions.

However the view from the coalface was slightly more positive, with one miner stating the “government is trying to encourage resource development”.

“The Resources Cabinet Committee was established to engage with industry on expanding the industry in a responsible way,” another said.

However it was not all wholly positive: “Administrative processes have improved significantly generally since the change of government, but there is still a way to go.”

New South Wales ranked behind New Zealand, and at the same level as Fiji, after falling dramatically from 39th to 51 out 122.

NSW also ranked the lowest out of Australian regions for political stability, only slightly ahead of Poland and Serbia.

In terms of mining, the state has been viewed as having a high level of bureaucracy, with “regional jurisdictions unable to administer environmental policy in a consistent way, [coupled] with a duplication of state and federal environmental requirements doubles the time and expense [of operation],” the survey reports one miner as saying.

Another added: “The extreme level of bureaucracy following the recent minis-

AUSTRALIA SAW AN OVERALL DECLINE IN PROSPECTIVENESS

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NSW SCORED EXTREMELY POORLY IN POLITICAL STABILITY

terial indiscretions has put all issues under the microscope; one example is the ‘precautionary principle’ now enshrined in environmental legislation, effectively requiring an environmental legislation on everything, even if it doesn’t exist within a project boundary.”

However NSW, along with Queensland, were voted as the best in terms of availability of labour skills, ranking second and third respectively, well ahead of Western Australia which sat at 18th.

The Northern Territory, which was the darling of last year’s Fraser Survey, and Victoria, both deteriorated by more than five points, with Victoria ranked only slightly ahead of Papua New Guinea, with the Australian regions coming in at 31st and 66th respectively.

In regards to infrastructure the Northern Territory also ranked the same as Ghana, and behind Namibia.

It saw much of its drop in favourable perception due to a poor viewing of its legal system, increased uncertainty concerning disputed land claims, and issues regarding political stability as the region as suspect.

Victoria fared poorly in terms of Australian regions in every aspect apart from the perceptions of taxation regimes and political stability, coming third for Australia in terms of taxation – well ahead of Queensland and WA – and well ahead in terms of political stability compared to Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

No Australian region ranked within the top 30 for their taxation regimes, with Tasmania and South Australia viewed as the top states in this regard, and Queensland as the worst, sitting behind Guyana and only slightly ahead of Bulgaria. AM

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CRANES & LIFTING

AUSTRALIAN COMPLIANT PLATFORMS

ELIMINATES UNDERUTILISED AREA IN WAREHOUSES

KONE CRANES Moly-Cop Indonesia is the first company in Indonesia and one of the first in South East Asia to install the latest Konecranes SMARTON ‘crane with a brain’ with TRUCONNECT remote monitoring and reporting.

In addition to TRUCONNECT, the SMARTON crane at MolyCop Indonesia’s Cilegon plant has some of Konecranes most advanced technology, including smart features like sway control and target positioning to make lifting safer and more efficient.

Moly-Cop in Cilegon, Indonesia – which is a part of the ASX-listed Arrium Mining Consumables Division – produces forged steel balls to the highest quality levels for applications such as ball mills in copper and gold concentrating plants.

The Cilegon mill has a nominal capacity of 80,000 tonnes of grinding media per annum, which is used extensively throughout Asia, particularly in mining operations that extract copper, iron ore and gold.

The 15t SMARTON crane, with the addition of a magnetic lifter, is used for loading and unloading material.

It is complemented by a 10/2.5t double girder CXT crane which is used for lifting equipment and maintenance.

“When deciding on a new crane, the customer had to consider safety, price and maintenance. Konecranes was able to give them the highest level of safety and best maintenance at a very competitive price,” says Konecranes.

The first SMARTON in Indonesia delivers greater productivity, reliability and safety. “The

customer decided to add the smart features, because they save time and money. The customer relies on their 15t crane for all their loading and unloading, so if they have lots of deliveries to make, they need to be as efficient as possible,” said Konecranes.

“Also, TRUCONNECT allows them to optimise their maintenance schedule so they’re never left with a crane out of action when it’s needed most,” Moly-Cop Indonesia and Konecranes have been working together for just over one year at their new facility in Cilegon, where the highest priority is placed on safety.

“Meeting the highest safety standards is a requirement for Moly-Copy. The crane has excellent safety features and the maintenance crew is very fast to respond with certified technicians that comply with all safety standards and procedures,” said Konecranes.

The SMARTON ‘crane with a brain’ maximises safety while minimising downtime.

SMARTON is a robust crane that is compact in size.

This enables new industrial spaces to be smaller than before, reducing construction costs and heating expenses.

CXT cranes, with individual hoist capacities up to 80 tons – and complementary CXT wire rope hoists – are designed to be industry benchmarks of safety and ergonomics, with easy and effective load handling and optimum dimensions for space saving solutions.

CXT cranes have excellent hook approaches at both ends of the crane, and the headroom requirement is minimal.

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Manitou has launched its now fully AS compliant vertical mast boom work platforms.

The 100VJR AUS vertical platform has been designed to replace the previous European version available on the Australian market.

“We had previously been selling the European 100VJR that was design registered to AS1418.10: 2006,” Manitou Australia managing director Stuart Walker said.

However “some tests to verify compliance to the new standard meant that we needed to reengineering aspects of the design, [so] Manitou took the opportunity to modify the design and increase its rating for indoor and outdoor use,” Walker said.

The new vertical platform is designed with a vertical telescopic mast to work in restricted areas, are equipped with a jib to give 3.15 metres outreach.

It also has an indoor and outdoor rating of 200 kilograms, or two persons.

The basket is also large enough to fit two people in comfort.

It features an electric drive for smoother movements, and simple operator controls with proportional movements.

Importantly the 100VJR AUS is, as Walker states, tested to comply with the current Australian Standard AS1418.10: 2011.

Walker added :” We are expecting strong growth in the vertical boom market in the years

CONFINED SPACE LIFTING Phoenix Lifting has introduces a new solution for the safe handling of heavy loads in confined spaces.

Its new development, the My-T-Lift is a 360° telescopic jib crane, is a machine that can safely handle heavy loads up to 300kg.

Designed for single handed operation, the new telescopic jib cranes can be mounted on trucks, trailers, pontoons and similar structures. The design of the My-T-Lift crane allows accurate placement of heavy loads, even in confined spaces. Made from high quality durable steel, the telescopic jib crane can be folded down when not in use.

My-T-Lift telescopic jib cranes are available with an optional manual winch consisting of a 6-metre rope or a 12- or 24-volt electric

REACH TRUCKS MLA Holdings, exclusive supplier of Mitsubishi forklifts in Australia, has released a new reach truck.

The warehousing and distribution industry has long desired a reach truck that’s unproblematic to operate yet productive.

The RBF14-20CA reach truck AUSTRALIANMINING

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HAS A RATING OF UP TO 200KG

to come as these products offer greater access and flexibility to users over scissors and some articulating booms.”

First delivery of the new booms are slated for March this year.

• Manitou www.au.manitou.com

winch, featuring a rope length of 12 metres.

It has also released aluminium portable gantry cranes, that are available with a capacity of 500 kg-5000 kg working load limit (WLL).

Each is designed to provide flexibility with lifting heights for different applications.

Each Gantry Crane is easy to assemble giving user’s maximum flexibility.

They are available in a range of adjustable spans and heights from 2.5 metres to 6 metres with lifting capabilities of 500 kg-5000 kg.

The Gantry Cranes are equipped with castor wheels for easy movements.

They are tested at 150 per cent capacity and a test certificate is issued with every crane.

They comply with Australian Standards.

• Phoenix Lifting 1300 875 611 www.phoenixlifting.com.au

from Mitsubishi is simple but does not compromise on performance.

Hydraulics, travelling, and power steering functions on the reach truck have been integrated into one AC control system, which makes it smoother to operate. The simplicity of the controls allows the operator to be more focussed and productive.

Visibility is also significantly enhanced. The free lift cylinder is mounted diagonally and away from the mast symmetry, allowing for unflawed forward view.

A 360° steering gives the truck a tight turning radius, creating space efficiency • MLA Holdings 02 9765 2000 www.mlaholdings.com.au

© 2014 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All rights reserved. Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. All other logos, trademarks or service marks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Siemens PLM Industrial Insights Series 2015 Find out more at www.miningaustralia. com.au/events/siemensplm-industrial-insights3

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To stand out, you need to break through. Your teams must collaborate with unprecedented efficiency. Engineering and manufacturing need to work from the same requirements, on the same platform, at the same time to deliver the “Exact Iron.”

Siemens PLM Software can help. Our Collaborative Manufacturing solution helps multi-discipline teams across the world leverage a common product decisionmaking platform. The result?

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Collaborative Manufacturing from Siemens PLM Software helps heavy equipment manufacturers optimize planning, design and production for optimal product profitability.

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Answers for industry.

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SAFETY

WHY USE TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING? IN THE WAKE OF A TYRE OVERPRESSURE FATALITY LAST MONTH, TYRESAFE’S ADAM GOSLING OUTLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING.

I

n a recent article prompted by accidents involving tyres I outlined how essential correct tyre pressure is to personal safety. The article generated questions about how to manage tyre pressures. This article discusses the importance of using tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

For years industry has kept a close, real time watch on mechanical equipment. Some large equipment manufacturers have more than 250 sensors on their machines, all of which can be read in real time, even in a back office application.

The large miners are now using autonomous units which can be controlled from thousands of kilometres away. Yet we maintain our 1950’s outlook on tyres by using a manual inflation pressure gauge. Why? In the late 1990’s Ford US released the Explorer SUV. It had fitted Firestone tyres for which Ford recommended a particular inflation pressure. After more than 80 fatalities as a result of vehicle rollovers it was

deduced that the tyre pressures may have influenced the unfortunate events.

The US Congress agreed introducing the TREAD Act in 2008 mandating the fitting of TPMS in all light passenger vehicles “manufactured” in the US. Even the GM Holden HSV vehicles produced in Australia destined for the US market have TPMS fitted.

The European Union agreed with the intention even though many of Euro manufacturers had already installed indirect TPMS (which operates from the ABS sensors). Korea followed suite as has China.

Australia has a history of under reporting (I agree and over reporting in others!) in many fields. An opinion piece in Australian Mining titled “the temptations of incidental reporting” which discussed how the reporting is done and how safety slogans are portrayed and conveyed.

We tend to be bombarded by so many signs, alerts and alarms that we just don’t take any notice. Car alarms being compre-

hensively ignored, say, in a super market car park?

Whether the vehicle we are travelling in is a car or a haul truck tyres connect it to the road. A tyre requires a set air volume and so pressure to support the load it carries as well as providing the correct profile of the tyre so that it will perform brake steer and accelerate as designed.

If a tyre does not have the appropriate amount of air it will not perform as intended. This was the problem with the Ford Explorers, when a sharp directional change was undertaken the vehicle rolled.

Australia has installed the 5 star safety rating for passenger vehicles which is a fine outcome but it is a cure to an issue not

TYRES ARE OFTEN IGNORED UNTIL INCIDENTS OCCUR

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the answer. If a driver understands that a tyre is not correctly inflated there is a good probability of avoiding a manoeuvre the tyre (and so the vehicle) is not capable of. The driver can take corrective actions by either driving slower, inflating the tyre correctly or just not asking it to do what it is not capable of doing.

This is the crux of real time tyre pressure monitoring, identify the issue before it becomes a problem. It is an example of the hierarchy of control where elimination is the prime outcome. The driver realises there is an issue before it becomes a hazard. The 5 star rating is perhaps like PPE, it protects the occupants in an event, which as safety professionals will inform is the least preferred option.

So why has tyre pressure monitoring been viewed as an unwarranted expense? A simple is that tyres work for the great majority of the time. Will they when you absolutely need them?

Tyres have been a grudge purchase for most people. Many buy on price and expect the highest performance. Tyres are one of those items where you get what you pay for. The development costs are huge with moulds for OTR tyres running to USD$1m each. Get them wrong and that’s an expensive mistake. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it will perform as you require it to.

On road truck tyres are usually second only to fuel in terms of operating expenses for most operators. Buying a cheap tyre may result in increased fuel bills.

Does that sound strange? It’s not.

PROPER PRESSURE CUTS ROLLING RESISTANCE

It’s about rolling resistance. As anyone who’s had to push their bike home with a flat tyre will remember it’s hard work. A tyre with a higher rolling resistance requires more energy to move it down the road. A poorly designed tyre will not perform as a well-designed tyre will.

Tyre pressures reflect the work a tyre is being asked to perform.

Real time tyre pressure monitoring provides instant feedback on tyre condition. Whether it’s going flat or working too hard it doesn’t matter a tyre will continue operating without complaint until it fails, sometimes catastrophically or else just goes flat. Either way your safety is at risk.

Far too many people have told me “I wish I’d known about this before my accident….” The TPMS shows a visual alert and sounds the alarms if a tyre has an issue. It’s then up to the driver to acknowledge and react accordingly.

Tyres can provide great service and perform to economic expectations only when they are correctly inflated. In today’s electronic world no-one wants to put a gauge on a tyre anymore. Pushing a button or having a machine tell us there’s a problem is the norm.

Tyre pressure monitoring means keeping your family safe, delivering your freight safely and on time. Why wait until it happens to you, proactive measures are always the best. Eliminate the potential. AM

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ADVERTORIAL

KEEPING SKILLS IN AUSTRALIA

Australian Manufacturing did not see the benefit from the mining boom that it would have anticipated at its start. The extraordinary growth in infrastructure investment coincided with the emergence of low cost, highly competitive fabrication offerings from our near neighbours. As a result much of the infrastructure in place in our mines was manufactured overseas. It is too late to retrospectively discuss whole of life procurement costing or the detrimental impact on Australian fabricators; we now need to deal with the consequences. The building boom is over and we are now faced with the challenge of maintaining and repairing that infrastructure.

Competent welding is crucial to the ongoing and cost effective maintenance of plant and equip-

ment. Repair and maintenance is frequently far more complex than the original manufacturing process.

Therefore, a weld carried out by a qualified welder following a properly written weld procedure can significantly extend the life of a key component reducing both maintenance costs and plant downtime.

Conversely a poorly executed weld without the benefit of a good procedure can result in the need for immediate replacement, repeated regular failures and mounting costs. All mining companies are optimising their operating overheads in order to deliver on production and profit targets. As a result the availability of in-house welding and engineering expertise is diminished, leaving mine maintenance services stretched even to supervise welding repairs let alone

to write or check effective weld procedures and conduct inspections.

Simultaneously the growth in offshore fabrication has reduced the volumes of welding in Australia thereby limiting the welding capability of local companies to deliver a quality welding solution to the appropriate standard.

The pressure on maintenance teams is also impacting on their capability to assess and implement emerging technologies that would extend practical life of critical components. Innovative developments, such as laser welding techniques and ultrasonic peening could significantly reduce costs by allowing mines to repair rather than replace expensive components formerly considered unweldable and extend intervals between onset and repair of fatigue cracking.

Through its Mining Support group the WTIA is developing a 3-point plan to assist industry: 1. Increasing our specialist mining expertise to improve on site support to mines 2. Preparation of Welding Maintenance and Repair Guidelines for Mines including a database of weld procedures 3. Assessing the application of new technologies to mining repair and maintenance The WTIA is committed to supporting both the mining industry and fabricators in a high stakes game of survival of the fittest.

Welding Technology Institute of Australia

T: 02 8748 0100

E: info@wtia.com.au

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

PIVOT FORCE PLIERS

NEW WELDERS

GearWrench has launched a new set of easy to use pivot force pliers.

With their unique pivoting action producing maximum leverage, they are designed as a tool for automotive technicians and tradesman.

These professional grade pliers have the same cutting and gripping power as regular pliers, but with the added bonus of using 40% less effort than their conventional distant cousins.

The innovative pivoting compound action design provides a better transition of power from

Welding Industries of Australia (WIA) introduces the impressive Weldarc 180i DC stick and DC TIG welding machines.

Designed to address the needs of both professional and serious DIY users, the compact 180 Amp welding machine weighs just 6.5kg, offering the user the portability and performance required for onsite and field maintenance applications.

However, the portable design of WIA’s Weldarc 180i welders suits long extension leads often found in the Australian workplace, and will keep welding successfully despite a voltage drop unlike conventional portable units.

The Weldarc 180i is suitable for use in a wide range of industries including mine and manufacturing maintenance, building and construction industries, food and wine sectors, contractors and rural workshops through to the DIY enthusiast.

Key features of Weldarc 180i DC stick and DC TIG welding machines include built-in Arc Force feature constantly monitoring arc voltage and boosting output during low arc voltage; optimised and tested for compatibility with appropriate portable generators; built-in Hot Start feature offering even better arc starting when in manual arc mode; ability to handle Cellulose electrodes with ease; and built-in VRD delivering added safety when operating in stick or lift-TIG mode, meeting the requirements of site work to AS1674.2 CAT C. The TIG welding mode features Lift Arc starting, which al-

HAS AN INDUCTION HARDENED EDGE

the handle to the jaws, so you can grip stronger, cut quicker, and get the job done faster day after day, again and again, with less fatigue.

Available in either diagonal cutting or long nose varieties, the latter of the two is designed to allow access in tight and confined spaces.

The clear anti-rust coating and

easy clean handle grips makes looking after these tools a breeze, and all the while backed by GearWrench’s lifetime warranty.

The Pivot Force pliers comfortably meet and exceed ASME cut test requirements.

These pliers are made from forged steel.

• GearWrench www.gearwrench.com.au

THERMAL CAMERAS Nautitech has released two new video thermal cameras designed for the difficult mining environment.

Its new flameproof thermal infrared and HD video cameras are able to work in all aspects of coal mines, and will work in bright daylight and can be switched to IR for gloomy conditions.

According to Nautitech its latest camera allows for vision in total darkness.

As the thermal camera detects heat instead of light, it provides the advantage of operators having a clear display of people machines, cables and other warm

DESIGNED FOR USE IN COAL MINES

objects in areas that are in total darkness.

The thermal cameras have an IP66 ingress protection rating, and are not affected by, dust, heat or steam, and as such are ideally suited for mobile machines such as a shuttle cars, loaders, graders, man transporters or shearer carriers.

The thermal camera can also

be used to monitor situations and alert mine site staff to dangers caused by an escalation in heat for any reason such as conveyor belt/FCT monitoring; checking for hot rollers; checking for uneven belt loading; monitoring for any issues at transfer points.

• Nautitech Mining Systems 02 9899 6857 www.ntms.com

DRILLING RECORDS SET At Glencore’s Ravensworth mine, two new Cat MD6420B Rotary Drills have been cutting their teeth on the overburden of Australian coal for the last 12 months.

Their production results are in—with engine hours well above the industry’s “good” rating of 5,000 engine hours per year and even beyond the industry’s “excellent” rating of 6,000 engine hours per year. The first unit, #112 (aka Judy) has achieved a record level 6,876 hours in her first year and #113 (John) has come in at 7,006 hours in his.

These operating hours results are unprecedented and are fully supported by Ravensworth’s maintenance summary reports.

The mean times between failure are 33.5 and 38.2 hours for the two drills, and the average repair durations are 1.9 and 2.3 hours. Mining managers’ expectations are about 6 hours.

According to Andrew Elbourn, Caterpillar Product Support Representative – Drills, “What this means is the MD6420B is a low maintenance drill overall. It self-monitors and diagnoses issues, which drives low MTTR – Mean time to

LIGHTWEIGHT WELDING MACHINES

lows the arc to slowly build up, eliminating the need for scratch starting and possibility of tungsten electrode damage, and workpiece contamination.

Fully compliant with Australian Standards AS60974.1, WIA’s Weldarc 180i offers built-in operator safety, with the power source featuring a thermal protection device that activates if the machine is operated beyond its safe thermal operating zone.

The lightweight Weldarc 180i welder suits 2.0-4.0mm electrodes operating from a 15A 240VAC supply. The package includes a heavy duty work clamp, an industrial twist lock electrode holder and a carry case with a padded shoulder strap.

These welding machines are also supported by a 2-year unlimited warranty on the power source covering parts and labour as well as an Australia-wide service network as standard, providing customers assurance.

• Welding Industries of Australia 1300 300 884 www.welding.com.au

FUEL DISPENSING HOSES

THE DRILLS ARE SETTING NEW RECORDS ON THE RAVENSWORTH MINE

repair. The performance of these drills has been incredible. They just keep drilling.”

• Caterpillar www.au.cat.com AUSTRALIANMINING

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Reel Tech has introduced two new hose reels for dispensing AdBlue at refuelling stations.

The Pit Bull and Hannay Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) hose reels from Reel Tech offer two hose reel rewind options, manual crank and spring rewind, for dispensing AdBlue.

Both options are compact and easily serviceable, and transfer AdBlue safely and efficiently.

AdBlue reels require stainless steel internals due to the corrosive urea content. The

heavy duty Reel Tech Pit Bull and Hannay DEF hose reels feature full stainless steel fluid paths as standard to prevent corrosion.

The Reel Tech AdBlue hose reel range provides a cost-effective, durable solution that is built tough for AdBlue dispensing applications in mining, transport, and other industrial segments.

• Reel Tech 1800 669 953 www.reeltech.com.au

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KEY AREAS OF ADVISORY EXPERTISE ARE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Welding procedure development – pWPS, WPQRs, WPSs Welding coordination and management systems Material Performance and weldability Welding processes and related equipment Welding Health and Safety Failure Investigation Expert Witness in Welding and related matters On-site welding technology assistance On-site auditing of welding quality systems Welding Codes and Standards Inspection and Testing Non-destructive testing Mechanical Testing Heat Treatment in Welding Welding Quality Management to ISO 3834Provision of welding specialists (IWE, IWT, IWS) for site work Pipelines- in-service welding, repairs, hot tapping etc.

SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CENTRES NETWORK • • • • • • •

Specialised welding and associated technologies; i.e Laser, ultrasonic peening, underwater welding R&D –Application of technology Engineering Critical Assessment Fracture Mechanics Structural and Pressure Equipment Design Finite Element Analysis Weld cost estimating Life estimation

TRAINING • • •

Training leading to formal International Institute of Welding (IIW) Qualification and Certification Training leading to WTIA Qualification and Certification Informal Training Courses

Call WTIA today and find out how we can help you P: 02 8748 0100 E: info@wtia.com.au

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PROSPECT AWARDS

THE 12TH AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE AUSTRALIAN MINING HAS BEEN RECOGNISING AND REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

A

ustralian Mining has recognised and rewarded excellence in the mining industry for more than ten years, and we’ll continue to do so through the 2015 Prospect Awards.

The awards will highlight all aspects of the mineral resources industry: From new technology, the closer focus on productivity, the workers at the front lines, through to those doing the all-important work of innovating and inspiring new ide-

as for the future, the Prospect Awards focuses on the good work done in our mining industry on a daily basis.

The Prospect Awards incorporates a gala evening when the industry can stop, and reflect on the positive impact being made, not only on production, but on Australia as a whole.

The 2014 Prospect Awards saw good attendance despite a year of plummeting prices, with Peabody taking out the Mine of the Year award for their Millennium Coal Mine, and the Tropicana Gold Mine winning

the hard rock mine category for being ahead of schedule on a joint venture that will see all-in costs of around $600 per ounce.

In the field of innovation we saw a number of excellent entries, including the EnviroLAV underground toilet, which only needs emptying every 18 months thanks to its biotech solution for breaking down waste.

However, this year we’ve decided that there has been so much innovation across a broad range of fields that we will introduce new categories which will enable a better level of com-

part of it is due to the people that support our winners, the people who know their colleague, their company has achieved greatness, and deserves the attention of the entire industry.

This is not the time to wait for someone else to put their hand up, so if you do know of someone who ought to be recognised and rewarded, get online and get a hold of one of the Prospect Awards nomination forms, and make sure your nomination is in with a chance to be among the elite names of Australian Mining. AM

INNOVATION WAS RECOGNISED ON THE NIGHT

WINNERS CELEBRATED TAKING HOME THE AWARDS

AUSTRALIANMINING

petition and recognition for the creativity and hard-work needed to make meaningful changes in this industry.

That is not to say that we don’t expect to see forms of innovation come through in every category, giving the organisations and individuals that make our industry great the opportunity to shine through the crowd and have their undivided moment of recognition.

The key to the success of the Prospect Awards lies not only with the spirit of innovation within the award winners, but a large

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MINING: AUSTRALIA’S MOST RENOWNED INDUSTRY

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Nominations are now open for the 12th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, to be held in 2015, so nominate today to be a part of one of the biggest nights in the mining industry!

A total of 13 awards will be up for grabs on the night, highlighting companies innovation and excellence in the mining industry.

All finalists will receive free publicity in Australian Mining Magazine and two free tickets to the gala dinner where the winners will be announced.

Head to the website to see all the category details and nominate!

For more information about the nomination process please contact Cole Latimer, editor for Australian Mining magazine cole.latimer@cirrusmedia.com.au or 02 8484 0652 or visit www.prospectawards.com.au Platinum Sponsor

Sponsors

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2015-03-20T09:38:14+11:00

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS

THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED FOR ANOTHER YEAR, FOCUSING ON WOMEN EXCELLING ACROSS A NUMBER OF FIELDS

W

omen are consistently achieving greatness and excelling in their chosen fields within the mining, engineering, manufacturing and process control industries and we think their talent should be acknowledged.

The 2015 Women in Industry Awards recognises and rewards the achievements of women working in the industrial sectors, and aims to raise the profile of women within industry, as well as promote and encourage excellence.

Australian Mining has teamed up with Manufacturers’ Monthly and PACE to acknowledge women who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to their sector.

The program aims to recognise women who are leading change in their chosen field and breaking down the barriers in what can often be maledominated industries.

The awards seek to single out and reward women who have created innovations, driven productivity, spearheaded change, and provided social and economic benefits through their fields.

The only awards program of its kind to encompass mining, manufacturing and engineering, it also encourages the industrial world to raise the profile of women working in the differing sectors by embracing diversity and flagging clear paths for the next generation to follow.

And with so many thought-leaders together in one room on the night of the awards, it provides a forum for women

to meet and exchange information, ideas and solutions to problems and offers individuals an opportunity to expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments and make a contribution to other women in the industrial sectors.

Editor-in-chief of Cirrus Media’s industrial publications, Cole Latimer, said the program was important in recognising the contributions being made to the changing face of industry.

“Though female participation has risen across all industrial sectors in Australia, companies are still focusing on more innovative attraction and retention strategies to foster this growing talent and support young women working in the sector.

“Women already working in the sector make up a big part of these support programs. They are paving the way for others and achieving great success, and we thinks this needs to be recognised in its own right.”

Any women working in the industrial sector can enter the awards, with the event culminating with a cocktail event to be held in June.

So enter today!

CATEGORIES FOR NOMINATION • BDM of the Year • Employer of the Year • Excellence in Engineering • Excellence in Manufacturing • Excellence in Mining • Industry Advocate • Marketing/Communications • Mentor Award • Rising Star Award • Social Leader

THE AWARDS RUN ACROSS 10 CATEGORIES

AUSTRALIANMINING

LAST YEAR’S INAUGURAL AWARDS SAW MORE THAN 150 ATTENDEES

Platinum Sponsor After the success of the 2014 inaugural Women in Industry Awards, Pacific Merchandising has upped its commitment to the event. The company is the Platinum Sponsor for 2015.

Recognising excellence amongst women in male dominated industries is a great way to provide inspiration and leadership for change. Pacific Merchandising looks forward to wonderful entres from some of the innovative women out there in the field.

Pacific Merchandising is an experienced industry specialist supplier of promotional merchandising to Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction and Transport and Australian Trade Unions.

A one-stop shop with expert help from sourcing to art design, decoration to manufacture, and gift packaging to freighting, the company specialises in leading global brands and wholly Australian craftsman designed and manufactured goods, such as custom belt buckles (and keyrings).

Pacific Merchandising 1300 88 77 95 www.PacificMerchandising.com.au

Excellence in Mining Mining Machinery Developments Australia ( MMD Australia) is a designer and manufacturer of material processing equipment used in varied types of surface and underground mining operations worldwide. In particular, MMD extended the technology of mineral degradation with the original development of low profile high capacity compact sizing machines in 1978.

MMD Australia is an equal opportunity employer which encourages women to join, not only the mining industry, but the varied industry sectors in Australia and abroad.

Today the company celebrates the excellence women bring to our environment and encourage all similar organisations to join it.

MMD Australia 07 3193 2800 www.mmdsizers.com

Excellence in Engineering ABB is one of the world’s leading power and automation engineering companies. It provides solutions for secure, energy-efficient generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, and for increasing productivity in industrial, commercial and utility operations. Ultimately, the company helps customers meet their challenges with minimum environmental impact and with safety and quality as the highest priority.

ABB’s portfolio ranges from light switches to robots for painting cars or packing food, and from huge electrical transformers to control systems that manage entire power networks, mining operations and factories. Its products and solutions serve a number of industries including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, paper, transport, marine, consumer, automotive and building industries. Employing 145,000 people across 100 countries, including nearly 2000 people in Australia, ABB understands what it means to provide a workplace that is career enriching and culturally safe. The company encourages individualism, values diversity and understands that culture forms part of everything it does.

ABB in Australia is proud to support the Women in Industry awards and to recognise and acknowledge the value of a diverse workforce. The company looks forward to playing its part at the event and wishes the best of luck to all participants.

ABB Australia 1800 222 435 new.abb.com/au

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APRIL 2015

Celebrating Excellence in Industry

Nominations closing soon Employer of the year Excellence in Engineering Excellence in Manufacturing Excellence in Mining Industry Advocacy BDM of the Year Marketing/Communications Award Mentor of the Year Rising Star Award Social Leader

Awards Dinner: Time: Venue: Costs:

Thursday 25 June 2015 6.30pm – 7.00pm start The Ivy Ballroom Single tickets – $165 Inc GST Table of 10 – $1320 Inc GST

For further information please contact Samantha.gilroy@cirrusmedia.com.au (02) 8484 0944

Nominations close 5pm Thursday 9 April 2015

Nominate now at: www.womeninindustry.com.au

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mining jobs

updated daily To see the latest jobs visit www.miningaustralia.com.au

Franna OperAtoR/ Yardsman Perth TECSIDE Personnel is a

• Be living with in 100km radius of Brisbane airport

Dragline Operator

• CHPP Operations experience

contact:

DAS and police clearance.

• Relevant processing RII

Nicole Gray

Reference Number: Chandler Macleod are looking for

752J201435038

an experienced Dragline Opera-

Workpac

tor for an immediate start. This

www.workpac.com

working a 7/7 D/N roster, flights and accommodation is

• Coal board medical (must be

provided. You will help provide

qualifications • Maintenance management systems experience

UNDERGROUND – Agi Driver

P: 53901322 E: nicole.gray@workpac. com

• Hydraulic system maintenance You will need to supply current:

is a FIFO role out of Brisbane

You will need to supply current: with in the first 24 months)

to full pre employment medical,

• Current coal board medical (must be with in the first 24 months)

Mobile Plant Operator – RD 797 CAT

• Standard 11

leave coverage for the production

national supplier of Recruitment

• An up to date resume

mining team with in the dragline,

Regional WA

Services to the Oil & Gas,

• Standard 11

drill and blast area.

Broome & Kimberley

Industrial, Engineering and

• Passport or Birth certificate

To be considered for this role you

Our Client is a leading

• 2 x contactable referees

MULTI-SKILLED OPERATORS

must have:

mining contractor seeking

• Licences and qualifications

• F IFO exit Brisbane

• Be residing with in 100km

experienced Underground Agi

• Residence with in 100km

• 7 on 7 off

Truck Operators for a position

radius of Brisbane airport

Construction sectors. We have

and drivers licence

been established for over 10

• 2 x referees

years.

If you feel you possess the

TECSIDE Blue is seeking the

required attributes, and

services of a Franna Operator/

you have a strong focus on

Yardsman for an ongoing

safety then please apply

contract with a global Subsea

below

company working at their new

Reference Number:

large workshop.

100833a

TO BE CONSIDERED YOU WILL

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

REQUIRE:

Chandler Macleod –

• Franna Crane License

07 3003 7705

radius of the Brisbane airport

• Passport or (Birth certificate and drivers licence)

Regional QLD Mackay & Coalfields

• November/December start

at their remote mine site in

If you feel you possess the

WorkPac currently have a

the Kimberley. The duties will

required attributes, and you

number of opportunities for

You will need to supply:

involve operating an Hitachi

have a strong focus on safety

experienced Multi-Skilled

• Current Coal board medical

AH300 truck that has been

then please apply below now.

Operators with solid coal mining

(must be within the first 24

converted to an Agi truck for

Please support your application

experience. You will need to

months)

Underground concreting works.

with a Cover Letter and only

make yourself available for

• Standard 11

Applicants must have proven

short listed candidates will be

a start on the 26th / 27th

• Passport or (Birth certificate

Underground experience and

contacted at this stage.

November or the 3rd December.

experience operating Agi trucks

Reference Number: 102041d

These roles are ongoing for 6

• Previous experience on Marion Draglines 8050 and D11 Dozer

and drivers licence)

• A minimum of 1 year experi-

• 2 x contactable referees

for underground or surface.

Contact Details: Dan Dobe –

months at this stage, with a

ence in a similar position

If you feel you hold the

Suitable applicants must be

07 3003 7705

possibility of extension.

required attributes, and

able to present copies of tickets

you have a strong focus on

and underground RPL’s on appli-

Our Client is looking for a shot

safety then please apply

cation. Successful candidates

firer for an immediate start

below.

be able to demonstrate their

working on a 7/7 roster FIFO

Reference Number: 100820a

commitment and leadership

• EWP (Preferred)

out of Brisbane. You will be

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

towards health and safety on

YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH:

responsible for delivering, load-

Chandler Macleod –

site as this is paramount in the

Regional QLD

793 (minimum), D10 and D11

• E xcellent hourly rate with

ing and firing of bulk explosives

07 3003 7705

Underground environment. This

Mackay & Coalfields

dozer as well as series 16 or

in an open cut coal mine.

position is FIFO from Perth on

DUMP TRUCK OPERATORS

• Weekly pay with Tecside

To be considered for this role

a 2:2 roster, working 12 hour

• CAT 793 operators

• Ongoing contract

you must have:

day and night shifts. These

• 6 on 6 off

the Brisbane Airport - this

If you have the relevant

• Min three years Shot Firing

are approximately 2 month

• December to March

needs to be your permanent

positions working through till

• Moranbah area

place of residence. Applicants

the end of December. Must be

WorkPac currently has a number

outside of 100klms will not be

Regional WA

available to start ASAP. Subject

of opportunities for experienced

Broome & Kimberley

to full pre employment medical,

Dump Truck Operators with solid

Our Client is a leading mining

DAS and police clearance.

coal mining experience. You will

Statement of Attainment

contractor seeking experienced

Reference Number:

need to make yourself available

•C urrent Coal Board Medical

• Excellent organisation skills

Shotfirers

• Ability to work with different trades • E xcellent communication skills

penalties rates

qualifications and experi-

experience in a coal mine

ence as mentioned above;

environment

please call Ryan Corp on 6436 2909 or email your resume to ryancorp@ tecsideblue.com.au

• Hold a current Qld Shot Firers License • Good knowledge of the explosives industry

Underground – Nipper/Jumbo Offsider

To be successful in these roles

Mobile Plant Operator – Level 3

• A focus on safety

Underground Operators for posi-

752J201435040

for a start early December

3049RC1

• Be living with in 100km radius

tions at their remote mine site

Workpac

with this role going through to

of the Brisbane airport

in the Kimberley. They currently

www.workpac.com

the beginning of March, with a

You must be able to supply:

have vacancies for Underground

possibility of extension.

• Coal board medical (must be

Nipper/Jumbo Offsider on a

To be successful in these roles

with in the first 24 months)

2:2 FIFO roster from Perth or

Global mining company are currently seeking experienced

• Current S11

Darwin. The duties will involve

• Passport or driver licence and

operating a Sandvik Toro Truck,

CHPP Operator/ Maintainer (Mechanical)

Integrated Toll Carrier, IT Loader

• 2 years + experience working within a production coal mining environment as a Multi-Skilled Operator - CAT

Reference Number:

Drill Operator (Coal Mining)

you will have the following:

you will have the following: • 2 years + experience working

24 grader •R eside within 100 klms of

considered •C urrent BMA or Standard 11

(essential it is dated within the last 2 years) •R IIs/competencies to support your experience on dump trucks, dozers and graders Current drivers licence PLEASE NOTE: These roles

as a Dump Truck Operator

are FIFO only and will only be

within a production coal

offered to experienced MS

Drilling operators for their

• 2 x contactable referees

and carrying out Service Crew

Chandler Macleod are currently

mining environment – CAT 793

Operators with proven coal

drill and blast department.

If you feel you possess

works. Applicants will need

seeking Four experienced CHPP

(minimum)

mining experience who reside

This is a great opportunity to

the required attributes,

to be able to demonstrate

Operators/Mechanical

work with an industry leader

and you have a strong

and prove their previous

Maintainers for an immediate

at an established mine and

desire to be a part of a

underground expereince, as

start. You will be working for one

•C urrent Coal Board Medical

these positions are ongoing at

company that wants you to

well as their commitment

of the biggest mining companies

(essential it is dated within

Reference Number:

present.

succeed, supply you with a

and leadership towards

in Australia and it’s a mine site

the last 2 years)

7226J20147923

To be considered for this role

competitive remuneration

health and safety on site.

that is well sort after plus the

you must have:

on a potential ongoing

Applicants with the following

opportunity to work on a 7/7 day

your experience on dump

tion as these roles will

• Skilled in operating Atlas

contract with an immediate

qualifications will be very highly

shift roster.

trucks, dozers and graders

be filled very quickly. For

start please apply now!

regarded – Working at Heights,

Skills required:

•C urrent drivers licence

Reference Number:

Integrated Toll Carrier, IT Loader

• F ixed plant fitter qualification

Reference Number:

contact:

100850a

and Underground Dump Truck

• F ixed plant processing

7226J20147922

Nicole Gray

Don’t delay your applica-

P: 53901322

Copco Pit Viper is preferred • Prepared to work a 7/7 D/N roster • Dozer skill will be advantageous but not essential • L arge diameter drill ticket and experience

birth certificate

experience

• Current BMA or Standard 11 Statement of Attainment

•R IIs/competencies to support

within 100 klms of the Brisbane Airport. There are no entry level roles available.

Don’t delay your applica-

further information please

Contact Details: Dan Dobe,

Recognition of Prior Learning.

Chandler Macleod –

These are approximately 6

• F ixed plant maintenance

tion as these roles will

E: nicole.gray@workpac.

07 3003 7705

month positions. Must be

• Minerals processing

be filled very quickly. For

com

available to start ASAP. Subject

AustralianMining

operations experience

48

APRIL 2015

further information please

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EVENTS

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

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROCESS SAFETY 13 APRIL PERTH An event designed to teach attendees the fundamentals of process safety and its management.

This must include staff at all levels from board members through engineers and other technical staff to plant and shift managers and supervisors.

This intensive five-day course covers the fundamentals and aims to provide an understanding of the key principles of process safety and its management.

Learning outcomes of the event will allow attendees to understand the human, environmental and business consequences of poor process safety; be aware of and understand the key factors influencing the basis for process safety; understand the hazards associated with process plant and how the risks can be controlled; understand the key process safety requirements at each stage in the life cycle of process plant from conceptual design through to operation, maintenance and modification; understand the ways in which your work depends on the knowledge and expertise of others (i.e. interdependency and the need for overall organisational process safety management competence); and understand your limitations and know how to acquire further knowledge and understanding of process safety management.

Delegates who successfully complete the assessment will receive an IChemE pass certificate in the Fundamentals of Process Safety. · IChemE www.icheme.org

ASIA MINING CONGRESS 2015 2-5 MAY 2015 SINGAPORE For the past 10 years, the Asia Mining Congress has established itself as the leading industry platform in Asia for global and regional miners, resource oriented investors, commodity buyers and sellers, policy makers and industry stakeholders to meet, network and discuss the growth and investment opportunities in the global mining sector. In its 11th year, we will continue to be the only mining investment event in Southeast Asia to offer an extensive conference programme alongside a strategic 1-1 meetings facilitation service. · Terrapin www.terrapin.com/ asiamining

AUSTMINE 2015 19-20 MAY ROYAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, BRISBANE, QLD Austmine is proud to announce the launch of its 2015 International Conference and Exhibition – the premier event in Australia’s mining calendar.

2013 saw all previous records smashed, attracting over 500 mining industry executives from over 20 countries around the world, with world class technologies and cutting edge case studies being presented and shared amongst the group. The exhibition sold out, with over 60 companies joining to showcase their latest products and services.

On the 19th-20th May, 2015, Austmine and Mining IQ will be holding the next edition of this landmark forum, bringing together the

most innovative products in the market with the most pressing challenges in the mining sector around the globe today.

The mining industry is currently going through some of the biggest challenges it’s ever seen, but with challenge comes opportunity for those smart enough to take advantage.

This event will focus on the roles innovation and technology are playing in the sector to create these opportunities.

With over 40 senior level speakers from the leading mining, engineering and service provider firms around the world, plus compelling breakout sessions, panel discussions, interactive workshops and a brand new

Manufacturers’ Monthly are partnering to acknowledge the exceptional women who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to their sector.

This is your opportunity to have Australia’s leading publications recognise the women who are driving change in your industry and - in doing so -breaking down barriers and creating new possibilities for the next generation.

These may be women you work with, women whose achievements are inspiring you from afar, or women who are providing you with invaluable guidance and support. Their achievements may not be creating headlines, but we believe their dedication and

2015, the premier process safety conference, Hazards Australasia will be held for the second time.

The globally recognised event will see a mix of local and international speakers, oral and poster presentations, as well as a trade exhibition of process safety related products and services and gala dinner.

IhemE recognises that leadership across knowledge and competence, engineering and design, systems and procedures, assurance, human factors and culture are fundamental to managing process safety.

You will see these topics reflected across all the themes of the conference. · IChemE www.icheme.org

innovation spotlight forum, Austmine 2015 should be in the diary for anyone working in mining who is committed to the future of the industry. · Austmine www.austmine2015.com

exceptionalism should be celebrated.

The accomplishments of these women will be recognised at an exclusive evening event to be held in Sydney on Thursday 25th of June.

More than just recognition, the awards also provide an opportunity for new business opportunities and network expansion. · Australian Mining Vicky Validakis 02 8484 0964 www.womeninindustry.com. au

IRON ORE 2015 13-15 JULY PERTH, WA

2015 WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS 25 JUNE IVY BALLROOM, SYDNEY The 2nd annual Women in Industry Awards recognises and rewards the achievements of women working within the mining, engineering, and manufacturing industries, and aims to raise the profile of women within industry, as well as promote and encourage excellence.

Australian Mining, PACE and

AUSTRALIANMINING

HAZARDS AUSTRALASIA 2015 26 MAY Process Safety is at the heart of what we do and IChemE is pleased to announce that in May

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APRIL 2015

Iron Ore 2015 will be held in Perth in July 2015 and is the latest in a well-established and very successful international conference series featuring recent developments in the genesis, geology, exploration, mining and processing of iron ores, including new projects under development.

As on previous occasions, the conference is being jointly organised by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and CSIRO. The theme of the conference is Optimising Performance as new projects and expansions

bed down after a major period of growth and iron ore market conditions become more volatile and challenging. · Terrapin Belinda Martin 03 9658 6215 bmartin@ausimm.com.au www.ironore2015

AIMEX 1-4 SEPTEMBER SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, NSW The Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) is the largest single mining exhibition in Australia.

Running over four days the event brings together a range of exhibitors to showcase their latest technology, equipment, and services into a single forum.

The show also features conferences, talks, and an innovative technology trail, which focuses on differeing equipment and technology and the latest developments there within.

The last AIMEX drew more than 12,000 visitors across the event, who checked out the wares and services of around 650 suppliers to the industry. · REEDMININGEVENTS Warren Queenan 02 9422 2563 warren.queenan@ reedexhibitions.com.au www.aimex.com.au/en

QUEENSLAND GAS CONFERENCE 24-25 NOVEMBER BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE, QLD The Queensland Gas Conference and Exhibition (QGCE) is a conference and exhibition dedicated to the latest developments and issues surrounding CSG and LNG in Queensland. · REEDMININGEVENTS Warren Queenan 02 9422 2563 warren.queenan@ reedexhibitions.com.au www.queenslandgasconference.com.au

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