Australian Mining October 2014 by Prime Creative Media

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Mining Salaries: How the average WAGE has fallen Adapting to the automation revolution

VOLUME 106/10 | OCTOBER 2014

The demise of the mining tax

THE

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S ERVING T H E M INING INDU S TR Y S IN C E 1 9 0 8

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COMMENT

A NEW MAGAZINE FOR A NEW ERA THE NEW LOOK AUSTRALIAN MINING HAS LAUNCHED 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

Surprise! Welcome to the new-looking Australian Mining magazine. After being the same for so long, we thought we’d make a few little tweaks around here to bring you a fresh version of your favourite monthly mag. We’ve changed the font, the style, the pictures, the layout, and whatnot to make the magazine better for you: so take a bit of time looking through this edition and let us know what you think. Since I took on the editor’s role here five years ago (yes, five years as of this month, and I’m left wondering where the time has gone) we’ve grown the magazine, and our online presence, as the industry itself has grown and captured the world. And it’s been one hell of a

ride, especially in the digital space. Much like the industry itself over the last few years we’ve gone from zero to 100, especially when it comes to our reach in social media, coming up to around 27 000 followers on our facebook page and about 17 000 followers on twitter, as well as growing our following on LinkedIn. And we’re glad to see you all reading our online newsletters every day. However my favourite part about our growth is that it makes it easier to actually speak to all of you, the people in the industry, and create a community that drives discussions and debates about the issues that affect your sector. So sit back, and enjoy the new-look magazine.

BEN HAGEMANN Tel: (02) 8484 0884 Email: ben.hagemann@cirrusmedia.com.au 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

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FRONT COVER

On the front cover of this newly redesigned Australian Mining we’ve focused on the announcement of the Prospect Awards finalists. In a year that has seen the mining industry abruptly slow off the back of the boom, job cuts, and both mines and companies failing, we’re taking a moment to recognise that there are still amazing things going on in the industry in spite of the current economic situation. Innovation and excellence will be the main focus of the night, as the industry recognises and rewards those making a difference. In this edition we’ll also look at how mining salaries have fared in the downturn, examining the average wage across the industry, by role, and then comparing it to similar roles in Canada.

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Average Net Distribution Period ending Mar 2014 8,050 CIRRUS MEDIA Tower 2, Level 3, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia Locked Bag 4700, Chatswood Delivery Centre, NSW 2067, Australia Tel: (02) 8484 0888 Fax: (02) 8484 0633 ABN 80 132 719 861 ISSN 0004-976X www.cirrusmedia.com.au © Copyright Cirrus Media, 2014 All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

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PRINTED BY BLUESTAR PRINT 83 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Tel: (02) 9748 3411 Published 12 issues a year

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CONTENTS

PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

MINING TAX

10-11

MINING TAX BURIED Examining the demise of the mining tax

24-46

MINING SALARIES

12-16

AUSTRALIAN MINING 2014: SALARIES IN FOCUS The rise and fall of Australian mining salaries

HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR...P26 COAL MINE OF THE YEAR...P28 CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR...P30 CONTRIBUTION TO MINING...P32 EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT...P33 MANAGER OF THE YEAR...P34 EXPLORER OF THE YEAR...P34 EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY...P36 INNOVATIVE MINING SOLUTION...P38 MINING’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR...P40 YOUNG ACHIEVER...P42 MINERALS PROCESSING OF THE YEAR...P44 COMMUNITY INTERACTION...P46

AUTOMATION

50-51

ADAPTING TO THE CHANGING FACE OF RESOURCES The role automation will play in mining’s future

MINERALS PROCESSING

PRODUCTIVITY

20-22

TACKLING CHUTE SYSTEM FAILURES Creating better materials handling practices

52-55

PRODUCTIVITY IN PROCESS OPTIMISATION How to get more out of minerals processing

REGULARS

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JOBS

EVENTS

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INDUSTRIAL COMMENT

TIME FOR MINING LAW FACT-CHECK THE QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL CEO MICHAEL ROCHE DISCUSSES WHAT THE NEW QLD MINING LAWS MEAN FOR INDUSTRY, AND THE PUBLIC.

rhetorical arms-race was triggered last month with two changes to laws governing the resources sector. The amendments, which make changes to the appeals process for mining leases; and give the Land Court the ability to dismiss appeals against the Coordinator General’s environmental conditions, were described by politicians, law firms and anti-mining activists in the most alarming and apocalyptic language. This flood of criticism doesn’t match the reality. Reading the legislation rather than each other’s media releases and tweets would demonstrate to these critics that both amendments streamline government processes, while maintaining people’s rights to A M 1 0and 1 4object. _ 0 0 0 _ UNI T Y scrutinise

Neither amendment reduces public rights to have an effective say in regulating mining activities. Both, however reduce the chance of expensive and fruitless legal cases. Both stand up to scrutiny as being in the public interest. The first amendment is the change to the ability to appeal against a mining lease in the Land Court. QRC has been advocating for change to this law for more than three years. It’s an outdated provision, which was changed only after 18 months of detailed consultation. Queensland’s mining laws are still HOW DO THE NEW LAWS written as though the Department AFFECT YOU? of Natural Resources and Mines decides both the mining lease and the environmental authority at the same time. That hasn’t been the case since the 1980s. Back then it made sense to have an appeal mechanism for both steps – the mining lease and the - environmental 1 2 0 1 4authority. - 0 9 - 1 0 T1 3 : 4 7 : 5 4 + 1 0 : 0 0

Big Island Mining convicted of water pollution from Dargues Gold Mine Big Island Mining (the Company) has been convicted in the Land and Environment Court of NSW of three offences under section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 for polluting waters. In February 2013, the Company commenced the construction of a gold mine near the town of Majors Creek (Braidwood). In late February and early March 2013, inadequate sediment and erosions controls combined with heavy rainfall and resulted in sediment-laden waters discharging from the construction area. Three residents phoned the Company to report discharges into Spring Creek and Majors Creek. The Company was prosecuted by the EPA and pleaded guilty to the charges. On 26 August 2014 the Company was ordered to pay $103,000 to the Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Inc to be used for the Riparian works in and around Araluen Creek, and was ordered to pay the EPA’s legal costs in the amount of $70,000. This notice was paid for by the Company as a result of an order of the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

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Now, Queensland has one of the best environmental regulators in the country, and mining impacts are assessed through an open public process. An ability to challenge the mining lease itself isn’t necessary because you can challenge the environmental impacts of mining activities at an early stage through the very public environmental impact assessment process. Resource companies need to hear community concern at this stage. It’s much easier to design a system of conditions and regulations if you understand your neighbours’ concerns upfront. The second amendment, while not one QRC had asked for, was nevertheless sensible reform. Under both Labor and LNP governments, Queensland’s Coordinator General deals with complex or important projects. The role is to regulate large projects and to require conditions to manage the risk of environmental impacts. Projects currently being assessed range from tourist resorts, to agricultural enterprises, an airport expansion, infrastructure including a bus and train tunnel and cruise ship facility, a port expansion and some mining and gas projects. These environmental conditions also come from a public process, but once set they cannot be appealed. That has long been the case under successive Labor and LNP governments. Curiously, the Land Court did not have the ability to dismiss appeals against the Coordinator General’s environmental conditions, even though they did not have the power to make any determinations on those conditions. This second amendment gives the Land Court that power. In the future there is no need to have a court case running for 18 months to determine that the appeal on the conditions cannot be heard. This amendment applies to all projects assessed by the Coordinator-General, not just resources projects. These reforms deliver a single simple process for people to have their say on resources projects. This is good news for the Land Court, which can focus on the job at hand. It’s also good news for regional communities who understand that resources projects bring jobs, infrastructure, opportunity and growth.

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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.

they posted on YouTube went viral. Two workers were fired in 2011 for planking on top of a plant’s smokestacks, 60 metres off the ground. The discovery of photographs of the stunt at Santos in Whyalla was deemed extremely dangerous by the company and the two were sacked immediately.

Construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the incident have been suspended and WDS is offering counselling to its employees on site.

CONTRACTOR DIES AT QLD CSG WORK SITE

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has approved Whitehaven Coal’s Vickery coal project in the Gunnedah Basin. The approval comes as Whitehaven ramps up operations at its nearby Maules Creek coal mine, and was welcomed by Whitehaven CEO Paul Flynn who called it a significant positive step for the company. “This provides another growth option for the company following the development of Maules Creek,” he said. “Whitehaven can now seek to form a joint venture for this long life development which will produce Maules Creek quality coal.” Vickery itself was acquired from Coal & Allied in 2010, and comprises several mining and exploration tenements. The project, which is approved for an initial 4.5 million tonnes output, is located about 25 kilometres north of Gunnedah near Whitehaven’s existing haul roads. It has recoverable reserves of 204 million tonnes within total coal resources of 537 million tonnes.

A worker has been killed at Origin BHP Billiton confirmed three workers Energy’s Reedy Creek work site. had been let go following a “serious Tthe 29-year-old-man died as a result breach of our safety regulations”. of crush injuries. “The safety of our employees always The man was an employee of WDS comes first,” the company said in a Limited, a contracting company statement. undertaking pipeline gathering work Three workers have been sacked from It is understood an electrician, an for Origin on behalf of Australia Pacific BHP Billiton’s Mt Whaleback mine in acting supervisor and a fitter were LNG which is building a new LNG facilWestern Australia after using industrial sacked over the stunt while a fourth ity on Curtis Island. equipment to enact the ice bucket WDS Limited CEO Terry Chapman said challenge craze sweeping social media. worker has been cautioned. This is not the first time a social media that the company was shocked and The workers were sacked following a saddened to learn of the fatality. week-long investigation into the incident craze has cost mine workers their jobs. In March 2013, around 15 workers were “Nothing is more important to WDS which occurred at the end of a night sacked for doing the Harlem Shake than the safety of its workers and shift at around 5:30 am on August 30. dance while working underground. we will work with Workplace Health Two Hiab cranes were used to lift a and Safety Queensland to thoroughly wheelie bin carrying 100 litres of water, The workers at the Agnew gold mine in WA were told they had breached investigate all aspects of this tragic and then pour it over a worker’s head. safety regulations and undermined event,” Chapman said. The ice bucket challenge went viral on Barminco’s reputation. “In the meantime our thoughts are with social media during July and August The eight dancers, a worker who the employee’s family and we will do this year with more than 1.2 million videos between A Mshared 1 0 1 4on_Facebook 0 0 0 _ S UL 1 recorded 2 0 1 the 4 - stunt 0 9 -as1well 0 Tas1 several 0 : 5 4 : 2 everything 7 + 1 0 : we 0 can 0 to provide them with onlookers were fired after the video support at this difficult time.” June 1 and August 13.

MINE WORKERS SACKED FOR 100 LITRE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

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CASE STUDY

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MINING TAX

the end of 2016); and the low income super contributions (to remain in place until the end of FY17).

BUSINESS COUNCIL: STILL A BURDEN

The CEO of the Business Council of Australia Jennifer Westicott said she was disappointed with the maintenance of provisions in the MRRT repeal, which she claimed still act as a “burden on Australia’s already unsustainable medium-term fiscal provision”. “The whole process around the MRRT underscores the need for tax reform to be undertaken properly, rather than through ad hoc measures, and with the clear goals of ensuring governments have sufficient revenue for the future while creating an environment that supports jobs and investment,” Westacott said. However, the business leader said the removal of the tax would make Australia a more attractive investment destination, and would assist growth in the resources sector.

REMOVAL OF A DISCRIMINATORY TAX

MINING TAX BURIED THE BATTLE IS OVER, AND THE MINING TAX HAS BEEN REPEALED. BEN HAGEMANN REPORTS.

ining companies and coalition members were jubilant last month as the Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) was repealed in the Senate, after years of bitter opposition. Since the MRRT was introduced by the Labor government in 2012 mining lobbyists have argued the tax was highly complicated and discriminatory as it focused on iron ore and coal miners of a

certain profitability level. However, the tax included rules that allowed miners to use prior capital spending as a tax deduction, which ensured few companies made payments. The Coalition government dismantled the arm of the Australian Tax Office which dealt with the tax earlier this year, in anticipation of the repeal, and ceased pursuing companies for the tax while it was still in legislation. Prime Minster Tony Abbott

said the repeal fulfilled a core election promise, however the bill also included delays to the compulsory superannuation contribution increase of 12 per cent, representing a broken election commitment to refrain from adversely changing super policy. ABC reporter Chris Uhlmann pointed out to the prime minster that superannuation is a mix of workers wages and business profits, and that the Financial Services Council estimated the delay will AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

remove $128 billion out of the savings of workers by 2025. Abbott insisted the change was not adverse, and repeated the refrain: “If workers want to make extra contributions to their superannuation, they can.” Social welfare provisions remaining in the amended MRRT repeal legislation include the schoolkids bonus (now to be means tested and available to families on less than $100,000 per year); the income support bonus (to remain in place until

The South Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy (SACOME) welcomed the MRRT repeal, claiming the tax was unfair and inefficient, and discriminatory against the South Australia due to the vast amounts of magnetite ore in the state. SACOME CEO Jason Kuchel said the chamber lobbied against the MRRT because of the additional beneficiation required to export magnetite ore, compared to hematite ore found in the Pilbara which requires less processing, and a lower all-in operating cost per tonne. “SACOME believes mining companies pay their fair share of taxes and royalties through the various state and federal systems already in place; in South Australia this can be as high as 45 per cent,” he said. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) chief executive Brendan Pearson congratulated the Coalition, Palmer United Party and cross-bench senators for finding common ground necessary to pass the MRRT repeal legislation. Pearson said the MRRT added an unnecessary third layer of payment, on top of State royalties and Federal company tax. These two instruments alone are estimated to have raised $40.3

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MINING TAX

the unemployment rate by about 1.25 per cent,” he said.

PUP PLAYS WITH THE BIG DOGS

THE TAX WAS BATTLED IN THE SENATE REPEATEDLY

billion in the two years to June 2014 according to new estimates by Deloitte Access Economics,” MCA said. “This is on top of a record figure of $24.5 billion in 2011-12. “And it is despite the fact that commodity prices have fallen by 50 per cent or more in the case of iron ore and coal in the last three years.” Pearson said that revenues from company tax and royalties have totalled more than $156 billion over the past ten years,

ONLY COAL AND IRON ORE CAME UNDER THE MINING TAX’S AUSPICES

and that the company tax has tripled, from 8 per cent to 25 per cent. He also argued that Australians did not need the MRRT to share in the benefits of mining and the economic boom of recent years, according to a Reserve Bank of Australia research paper released earlier this year. “The authors found that by 2013 the mining boom had raised real per capita household income by 13 per cent, increased real wages by 6 per cent and lowered AUSTRALIANMINING

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Only hours after maintaining he would not support the bill, Clive Palmer and his Palmer United Party (as well as motoring enthusiast Ricky Muir) struck a deal and flipped for the government once again to enable the amended MRRT repeal legislation to pass through the upper house. In a letter to Palmer, finance minister Mathias Cormann said “the government appreciates the very constructive approach taken by the Palmer United Party in helping to remove the mining tax in a fiscally responsible way”. Prior to its removal Palmer said the bill would not pass through the Senate without the low-income superannuation contribution, income support bonus and schoolkids support bonus. However, Palmer had already dropped his interest in the welfare payments for children of deceased war veterans, for which he adamantly campaigned earlier this year. In March Palmer went on the record to say: “If they want to persecute children, people who have died for Australia, that’s a higher principle than any sort of financial matter.” “I think we’ve all got a responsibility as Australians to support those children whose fathers and mothers have given their life for the country. “We support the abolition of the mining tax, I’ve been the biggest opponent of the mining tax all my life but I’m not going to persecute young children because of it.” Palmer United Party spokesman Andrew Crook told Australian Mining the benefit was dropped from the bill. “PUP got exactly what it was after and had publically appealed for,” he said. “It remains a great outcome and exactly what he said.” Palmer rolled over to vote for the Carbon tax repeal in July, after insisting he would not due to links to the ‘Direct Action’ legislation, and aged pension entitlements tied to the tax. Palmer still insists he will not vote for the $7 Medicare co-payment for visits to doctors, detailed in the coalition budget which is yet to pass through the Senate. AM

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MINING SALARIES

AUSTRALIAN MINING 2014: SALARIES IN FOCUS ASAJOBS INDUSTRY, M 1 0 1LOSSES 4 _ 0 0 0RISE _ S ETHROUGHOUT I 1 2 0 1THE 4 - 0 9 - 0 5 T 1 AUSTRALIAN 0 : 1 6 : 3 8 +MINING 1 0 : 0 0PULLS APART THE ACTUAL STATE OF EMPLOYMENT, AND WAGES, IN MINING. COLE LATIMER REPORTS.

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he mining boom that drove high wages and saw an explosion in resources employment has ground to a halt, and the shockwave of this has been felt right throughout the industry. Both the level of employment and salaries has fallen as the industry seeks to reign in massive costs and curb spending habits developed at the height of the boom. So it is no surprise that from June to August this year alone we saw close to 5000 jobs go from the mining industry, with the situation painted as even bleaker to come by the ANZ which predicted that 75 000 mining related jobs will be at risk as the sector enter ‘phase three’ of the mining. The ANZ-led research stated that as billions of dollars’ worth of investment in the sector tapers off and construction gives way to operation, resource-related roles around the country face a heavy cull. Senior economist at ANZ, Justin Fabo, said to expect between 50 and 75 thousand job losses as mining employment crashes to three per cent of the gross domestic product from highs of eight per cent. Fabo warned a softening of commodity prices could make the news worse for those working in and servicing the sector. “Weaker than expected commodity prices would tilt the risks to more job losses as mining firms seek to cut costs,’’ Fabo said. Continued page 14

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From page 12 “So we think the unemployment rate will be in spitting distance of 6 per cent over the next 12 months, and for improvement after that to be gradual.’’ However for the mining industry itself, the numbers are much grimmer.

DOUBLING DOWN

According to new research by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) double digit unemployment is on the cards for mining industry professionals. It added that these figures will also “remain stubbornly high”. AusIMM president Geoff Sharrock said the research highlights the shear depth of the downturn in mining, and predicted levels of disruption and uncertainty head. In its annual Professional Employment Survey, carried out across its 14 000 members, AusIMM found that the unemployment rate amongst Australian minerals professionals sits at around 12.2 per cent, double that of the national average of 6.1 per cent in July this year. With exploration continuing to slide, and dropping to seven year lows, it is no surprise that geology professionals have been the hardest hit sector, with massive flow-on effects. Until exploration picks back up, drilling companies and other firms servicing the mining industry are continuing to feel the pinch as work dries up. Chief of Western Australia’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Reg Howard-Smith, has warned not to expect an improvement in the sector any time soon. “I sincerely hope I’m wrong in saying that, but I suspect we might have a little bit further to go in a downward trend,” he said.

MAKING MORE FROM LESS

This downtrend has seen companies trying to get more out of their already reduced workforces. The AusIMM report stated that more “minerals professionals commonly report strong pressures to work more hours for the same pay (17.5 per cent); to accept lower pay or conditions for the same job (16.6 per cent); and to accept reduced working hours (8.4 per cent). Sharrock stated that “sustained levels of unemployment are being

felt across all minerals professional disciplines and all Australian states and territories”. “The impacts of cost-cutting in the minerals sector have been particularly broad, deep and sustained; there are minerals professional with many years’ experience who are struggling to find work,” he said. The situation is even more negative for graduates, with slightly less than half of AusIMM’s student members confident they will find work in the industry when they graduate. The Hunter Valley, with its total focus on coal, has been one of the hardest hit regions. The Singleton Chamber of Commerce said mass layoffs in Hunter Valley’s mining sector have left the region reeling, with business conditions at an all-time low. “I’ve never seen it this bad and I talk to people that are actually retired and they’ve never seen it this bad either,” Singleton Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Ryan Fitzpatrick said. AusIMM CEO Michael Catchpole explained the current trend for this job cutting action. “Companies have faced strong pressures to return value to shareholders, focus on productivity, and respond to changing demand and reduced prices for commodities,” Catchpole said. He added that whilst the industr y understands the need for change in the sector “many highly-skilled minerals professionals are now unemployed and the sector risks losing their

skills; as a result we will see long-term adverse impacts on the continued development of Australia’s minerals sector”. This depressed situation for the sector has even driven workers overseas, however it may be the draw of continued relatively high wages that bring workers back to Australia.

MINERS HAVE SEEN A 10% DROP IN THE AVERAGE WAGE YEAR ON YEAR.

A NUMBERS GAME

In line with the falling of commodity prices and job cuts, wages themselves have also fallen, but still remain strong globally. According to SEEK “across Australia as a whole the average mining salary has declined ten per cent to $120 793 in the 12 months to June”, however it noted that this was still the highest average wage in the country. Victoria was hit the hardest, with the average wage falling 18 per cent, while South Australia recorded an 11 per cent fall, Western Australia and New South Wales both saw the 10 per cent drop, and Queensland fared the best out of all the nation’s regions, only slumping 8 per cent. Even with this large drop “mining remains the strongest contributor to economic growth in Australia at 1.1 per cent. In regards to actual positions and regions themselves, there are still shortages when it comes to professionals in the West Australian iron ore space, particularly process engineers and crusher operators, according to the latest Hays Salary Guide. Queensland’s hard rock industry has been recovering since a disastrous 2013, with a slowly

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OCTOBER 2014

Role

growing demand for mining and maintenance engineers as well as surveyors. Tradies such as fitters and mobile and process plant operators with coal experience are also in need in the Bowen Basin. However when it comes to NSW and South Australia, both states are looking a little more stressed. Yet “in terms of salaries we are seeing a broadly stable outlook as the very best talent is still commanding a premium; however reductions may occur for the blue collar workforce and middle management candidates as a result of the drive to reduce FIFO roles in all regions,” Hays said. It is difficult to understand the state of Australian mining wages in isolation. In the following tables Australian Mining has provided information from the latest Hays Salary Survey, as well as the CostMine 2014 Survey Results – Canadian Mine Salaries, Wages, and Benefits, to give you an idea of what is average, and how it compares. (All figures in AUD thousands.) AM

Australia – Coal

Australia – Hard Rock

Canada – Coal

Canada – Hard Rock

Mine Manager

213

220

194

161

Mill Superintendent

134

112

142

Mine Engineer

118

118.5

113

Chief Geologist

181

175

110

Environmental Superintendent

141

104

101

AM1014_015

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2014-09-23T08:30:39+10:00

MINING SALARIES RESOURCES & MINING

RESOURCES & MINING

METALLIFEROUS GEOLOGY - MINING

Chief Geologist

Senior Mine Geologist

Mine Geologist

Graduate Geologist

Pit Technician/ Geological Technician

175 - 220

130 - 170

90 - 125

70 - 90

70 - 95

QLD - Hard Rock

180 - 230

140 - 170

110 - 140

75 - 90

70 - 95

QLD - Coal

160 - 200

130 - 170

100 - 130

80 - 100

65 - 80

NSW VIC SA TAS

180 - 220 150 - 180 145 - 160 120 - 160

120 - 160 120 - 150 120 - 140 95 - 115

90 - 120 100 - 120 90 - 120 80 - 100

60 - 80

70 - 90

65 - 75

50 - 80

65 - 80

65 - 75

55 - 70

160 - 200

120 - 170

90 - 130

80 - 95

New Zealand

100 - 120

90 - 140

70 - 95

50 - 65

45 - 60

METALLIFEROUS GEOLOGY - EXPLORATION

Exploration Manager

Senior Exploration Geologist

Exploration Geologist

Field Assistant

175 - 220

130 - 170

90 - 135

70 - 95

QLD - Hard Rock

175 - 210

130 - 160

95 - 130

65 - 90

QLD - Coal

170 - 200

130 - 170

100 - 130

65 - 85

NSW

180 - 220

120 - 160

80 - 110

50 - 70

VIC

150 - 180

130 - 160

100 - 125

60 - 80

130 - 180

120 - 150

90 - 120

65 - 80

TAS

120 - 150

95 - 130

80 - 100

55 - 70

150 - 205

120 - 165

100 - 130

70 - 95

New Zealand

90 - 130

90 - 120

70 - 90

50 - 60

NOTES: • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefi ts. • For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefi ts. • New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars • In Queensland more employers are off ering fl y-in fl y-out (FIFO) options, which has been taken into consideration in these salaries presented.

RESOURCES & MINING

METALLIFEROUS MINING ENGINEERING

Registered Mine Manager

Underground/ Technical Quarry Manager Services Mgr

Senior Mining Engineer

Mining Engineer

240 - 280

180 - 220

150 - 180

100 - 145

QLD - Hard Rock

220 - 275

160 - 190

180 - 220

150 - 170

110 - 150

QLD - Coal

220 - 280

170 - 200

180 - 230

150 - 180

110 - 150

NSW

160 - 220

140 - 160

180 - 210

130 - 160

90 - 130

VIC

180 - 220

100 - 150

170 - 200

140 - 160

100 - 130

160 - 250

130 - 160

160 - 200

140 - 170

90 - 120

TAS

150 - 200

110 - 140

130 - 170

120 - 140

90 - 120

180 - 250

150 - 200

160 - 180

130 - 170

110 - 150

New Zealand

130 - 210

100 - 155

N/A

95 - 140

75 - 110

Graduate Geotechnical Mining Engineer Engineer

Chief Surveyor

Senior Surveyor

Mine Surveyor

80 - 110

120 - 160

155 - 175

140 - 170

110 - 150

QLD - Hard Rock

90 - 110

120 - 160

150 - 170

140 - 160

110 - 130

QLD - Coal

80 - 110

120 - 160

155 - 175

120 - 160

110 - 130

NSW

60 - 90

130 - 160

150 - 175

120 - 150

VIC

60 - 80

110 - 130

110 - 150

90 - 120

75 - 110

60 - 80

120 - 140

120 - 150

110 - 125

90 - 120

TAS

60 - 85

105 - 130

95 - 120

85 - 115

70 - 90

120 - 160

140 - 160

135 - 155

90 - 135

New Zealand

50 - 70

N/A

75 - 120

80 - 120

60 - 110

RESOURCES & MINING

MINERAL PROCESSING

Process Engineer Senior Process Manager - Mid level 3-7yrs Metallurgist

Metallurgist

Graduate Metallurgist

MOBILE PLANT - SURFACE MAINTENANCE

Workshop Supervisor

HD Fitter

Boiler Maker/ Auto Electrician Welder

Service Person

180 - 245

100 - 140

75 - 100

130 - 165

130 - 175

110 - 140

QLD

140 - 160

110 - 120

90 - 110

85 - 95

NSW

140 - 160

120 - 130

120 - 135

110 - 120

85 - 95

95 - 125

85 - 120

90 - 120

85 - 100

70 - 95

95 - 130

80 - 120

70 - 110

80 - 100

110 - 160

NOTES: QLD 180 - 220 90 - 110 • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

130 - 170 120 - 160

• For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

NSW

170 - 190

• New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

80 - 100

100 - 130

80 - 100

60 - 75

80 - 100

60 - 75

• In Queensland more employers are offering fly-in fly-out (FIFO) options, which has been taken into consideration in these salaries presented.

• For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits. • New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

VIC

160 - 190

85 - 110

110 - 135

85 - 100

160 - 180

95 - 120

110 - 130

80 - 110 2014 Hays60 - 75 Guide | 141 Salary

TAS

150 - 180

70 - 100

100 - 125

75 - 100

55 - 70

TAS

85 - 110

80 - 110

75 - 95

65 - 85

70 - 85

170 - 220

100 - 130

130 - 160

90 - 120

60 - 80

130 - 155

125 - 150

100 - 120

New Zealand

130 - 190

70 - 100

100 - 130

70 - 110

50 - 65

New Zealand

70 - 110

70 - 95

70 - 100

65 - 95

50 - 70

Mill Superintendent

Shift Supervisor Mill Operator

Metallurgical Technician

Laboratory Technician

Open Pit Supervisor

Excavator Operator

Dump Truck Operator

Driller

All-Rounder

140 - 180

110 - 160

75 - 90

75 - 100

150 - 180

125 - 150

100 - 120

105 - 125

120 - 145

QLD

140 - 160

95 - 120

80 - 100

60 - 70

60 - 75

QLD

110 - 140

110 - 120

95 - 105

100 - 110

95 - 105

NSW

130 - 155

85 - 105

65 - 80

60 - 70

NSW

110 - 140

90 - 120

75 - 110

75 - 115

80 - 120

VIC

120 - 140

90 - 120

80 - 100

60 - 70

50 - 70

VIC

105 - 140

90 - 115

70 - 110

75 - 120

80 - 115

120 - 155

80 - 100

70 - 90

55 - 75

110 - 140

100 - 140

85 - 100

75 - 120

85 - 120

TAS

110 - 140

75 - 90

65 - 80

55 - 70

50 - 70

TAS

90 - 110

70 - 90

60 - 85

70 - 95

65 - 85

110 - 165

90 - 140

70 - 100

70 - 85

100 - 160

100 - 130

100 - 120

110 - 130

New Zealand

100 - 120

70 - 90

60 - 80

50 - 80

New Zealand

70 - 100

60 - 85

55 - 65

70 - 110

65 - 85

85 - 120

60 - 75

NOTES: • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

125 - 160

AUSTRALIANMINING

VIC

SA | 2014 Hays Salary Guide 140

OCTOBER 2014

NOTES: • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

• For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

• New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

142 | 2014 Hays Salary Guide

144 | 2014 Hays Salary Guide

AM1014_016

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MINING SALARIES RESOURCES & MINING

RESOURCES & MINING

MOBILE PLANT - UNDERGROUND MAINTENANCE

Workshop Supervisor

HD Fitter

Auto Electrician

Boiler Maker/ Welder

OHS & ENVIRONMENTAL

HSE Manager

OH&S Manager/ Superintendent

OH&S Coordinator

OH&S Officer

130 - 160

125 - 150

110 - 130

170 - 220

140 - 170

120 - 145

100 - 120

QLD

120 - 140

120 - 130

110 - 130

QLD

160 - 185

120 - 160

75 - 110

80 - 100

NSW

105 - 120

80 - 115

90 - 120

80 - 115

NSW

180 - 220

140 - 200

90 - 130

80 - 120

VIC

90 - 125

85 - 120

90 - 115

85 - 115

VIC

140 - 180

90 - 120

80 - 100

70 - 95

90 - 130

80 - 130

70 - 120

140 - 170

120 - 160

75 - 120

55 - 90

TAS

80 - 100

70 - 85

TAS

130 - 200

120 - 180

100 - 130

90 - 120

140 - 160

125 - 150

150 - 220

150 - 170

80 - 100

65 - 80

New Zealand

100 - 130

80 - 110

80 - 100

70 - 95

New Zealand

100 - 150

90 - 130

80 - 95

50 - 90

MOBILE PLANT - UNDERGROUND OPERATORS

Underground Supervisor

Jumbo Operator

Bogger Operator

Service Crew

Environmental Superintendent

Environmental Coordinator

Training Environmental Officer Coordinator

140 - 170

145 - 180

115 - 140

90 - 120

140 - 160

90 - 150

70 - 90

110 - 140

QLD

130 - 150

110 - 130

105 - 120

90 - 105

QLD

145 - 185

90 - 150

75 - 90

80 - 90

NSW

130 - 150

110 - 130

110 - 135

90 - 110

NSW

140 - 170

110 - 140

90 - 120

100 - 120

VIC

105 - 145

130 - 150

110 - 130

85 - 105

VIC

90 - 120

65 - 85

60 - 75

100 - 140

100 - 120

80 - 100

90 - 110

120 - 160

80 - 120

65 - 90

80 - 100

TAS

90 - 110

85 - 110

80 - 105

60 - 75

TAS

100 - 150

100 - 130

65 - 90

65 - 110

130 - 160

135 - 170

110 - 140

90 - 120

80 - 90

75 - 90

90 - 120

New Zealand

90 - 130

80 - 150

80 - 100

60 - 90

New Zealand

90 - 110

80 - 120

60 - 100

RESOURCES & MINING

INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION

Planning Manager

Contracts Manager

Project Engineer (Civil/Mech/ Elec)

190 - 240

160 - 230

170 - 200

160 - 200

160 - 240

120 - 150

90 - 120

QLD

190 - 250

170 - 230

160 - 200

160 - 220

130 - 180

78 - 110

NSW

140 - 180

150 - 220

125 - 160

120 - 170

130 - 180

100 - 120

VIC

180 - 220

180 - 200

120 - 150

140 - 170

150 - 180

90 - 135

120 - 180

140 - 180

110 - 140

160 - 190

140 - 170

120 - 150

QLD

140 - 180

120 - 150

110- 140

95 - 120

95 - 130

NSW

160 - 180

100 - 130

130 - 150

90 - 120

VIC

120 - 160

100 - 130

90 - 110

80 - 110

90 - 110

120 - 140

90 - 135

NOTES: TAS 105 - 130 85 - 105 • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

Maintenance Supervisor

Construction Manager/ Senior Superintendent Estimator

Maintenance Superintendent

Maintenance Planner

Project Manager

FIXED PLANT MAINTENANCE

90 - 120 80 - 105

• For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits. • NT New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars130

New Zealand

- 180

100 - 170

Mechanical Eng Electrical Eng Mid level 3-7yrs Mid level 3-7yrs

90 - 110 75 - 100

75 - 100

100 - 140

115 - 145

70 - 120

70 - 100

70 - 100 70 - 100 2014 Hays Salary Guide | 145

115 - 145

Leading Hand

Mechanical Fitter Electrician

Boiler Maker/ Welder

Instrumentation Technician

140 - 170

125 - 150

130 - 160

125 - 150

130 - 160

QLD

100 - 130

105 - 125

105 - 120

100 - 110

115 - 140

NSW

100 - 125

90 - 115

90 - 120

75 - 90

80 - 110

VIC

90 - 110

80 - 100

80 - 120

80 - 100

95 - 110

90 - 110

90 - 120

75 - 110

85 - 110

TAS

80 - 95

70 - 85

75 - 85

95 - 115

100 - 120

90 - 120

New Zealand

80 - 110

70 - 110

70 - 90

70 - 100

NOTES: SA 140 - 200 130 - 180 130 • In WA/NT all salaries are based on 9&5 and 2&1 rosters excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

• For all other states, salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits.

TAS

120 - 160

100 - 130

110 - 130

80 - 110

160 - 240

140 - 200

155 - 200

140 - 200

120 - 170

120 - 180

90 - 130

90 - 120

80 - 120

Estimator

Contracts Administrator Planner

Site Supervisor

Site Engineer (Civil/Mech/ Elec) Safety Advisor

110 - 140

100 - 140

110 - 140

95 - 115

90 - 120

QLD

100 - 150

100 - 140

90 - 140

100 - 150

100 - 140

90 - 140

NSW

75 - 125

90 - 120

100 - 130

90 - 120

90 - 140

VIC

110 - 130

80 - 120

110 - 140

80 - 110

80 - 120

80 - 110

90 - 120

80 - 120

100 - 160

100 - 150

75 - 115

90 - 125

TAS

80 - 120

80 - 110

80 - 115

80 - 100

100 - 150

95 - 140

90 - 140

110 - 150

100 - 140

110 - 130

New Zealand

60 - 80

75 - 100

80 - 100

70 - 110

80 - 100

• New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

146 | 2014 Hays Salary Guide New Zealand

NOTES: • Salaries are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefi ts. • Site allowances are paid on base salary and range from 15 to 45 per cent depending on location. • New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

NOTES:

AUSTRALIANMINING

• New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

are based on residential positions excluding superannuation and additional benefits. 16•• Salaries OCTOBER 2014 Site allowances are paid on base salary and range from 15 to 45 per cent depending on location. • New Zealand salaries are represented in New Zealand dollars

2014 Hays Salary Guide | 143

- 150

148 | 2014 Hays Salary Guide

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his year’s Asia Pacific Honeywell Users Group (HUG) was used as the launch pad for the company to unveil its latest oil and gas software developments. The set of six software and services allows oil and gas companies “to turn data into digital intelligence that helps operators make critical decisions faster by capturing, managing, and analysing the right production information at the right time,” Honeywell said. Speaking at the launch of the product late last month, Honeywell’s marketing advanced solutions Dan O’Brien explained that the suite is split into six different streams, which can be used individually, and consist of Operational Data; Production Surveillance; Process Safety; Equipment Effectiveness; Production Excellence; and Operational Performance. Honeywell Process Solutions vice president Ali Raza stated: ”Upstream oil and gas producers tell us they have access to more real 2 0 1 4 - 0 2 - 1 2 T 1 time 0 : data 3 5 than : 4 ever, 1 + but 1 1access : 0 0 to that data lone is not enough

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OCTOBER 2014

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MINERALS PROCESSING

NEWLY-ESTABLISHED COMPANY TO TACKLE CHUTE SYSTEM FAILURES

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MINERALS PROCESSING

3D SOFTWARE HELPING TO DISCOVER HIGHER GRADES

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t’s that time again, the Australian Mining Prospect Awards. Now in its 11th year, the awards are continuing to recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the mining industry. And innovation has again been at the forefront of the awards, with the difficult task of paring back the myriad of entries to only a handful taking up much of our time here at the magazine. Safety developments have also been a major component of this year’s award. And considering this year’s current safety record, a greater focus on safety is needed. To say that this has been a difficult year is an understatement. Mass lay offs, commodity price drops, mines not going ahead, cost cutting, the continual shrinking of exploration budgets, and a horrific fatality rate have all haunted the year. In the 12 months since our last Australian Mining Prospect Awards the situation remains almost as grim as it did back then. Yet, we are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. While commodity prices are still unstable the job cuts have slowed as miners are now operating more efficiently and smarter. Miners, and our mining industry, still prevail. And that’s why we every year Australian Mining takes the time to recognise, reward, and celebrate those who are operating more efficiently, who have gone that extra mile, who have developed that new piece of equipment or technique that is making mining that much easier. It is the people and companies like these finalists highlighted in the following pages, as well as the many others who entered our awards, who are demonstrating what an innovative and forward thinking industry mining really is. This year, despite the doom and gloom pervading the industry, it has still seen a high number of entries into the awards, with around 100 nominations across 13 different categories. One of the most surprising aspects of this year’s entries is the high number of contractors who have entered. AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

However one of the least is the number of explorers that have applied, considering the heavy reduction in exploration and in turn the number of geologists in the industry. It certainly is a mixed state for the mining industry. So instead of worrying about the current state of the industry – who is shrinking, growing or suffering, let’s focus on those that are making a difference on site and off, every single day.

HUNDREDS GATHERED TO RECOGNISE MINING INNOVATION

THE AWARDS RUN ACROSS A NUMBER OF CATEGORIES

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2014-09-22T10:38:52+10:00

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PROSPECT AWARDS FINALISTS

HARD ROCK MINE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Metso

Chute Technology

Colombus Group

Isaac Plains Chpp

CSIRO

Chute Technology has been nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year for its development of chutes and complementary systems that permit faster conveyor speeds, greater throughputs, fewer breakdowns and enhanced safety. It comes at a time when more and more miners are looking to minerals processing and the materials handling stage to gain site productivities. The Chute Technology engineering group targets problems common to many coal and ore plants and loading systems by addressing them with a combination of three skill sets, including anadvanced engineering analysis of flow, followed by upscaleable 3D Discrete Element Method (DEM) design processes and finally custom manufacturing to individual plant needs. Major benefits of the chute design technologies have already been demonstrated in service with a West Australian iron ore producer which increased production by several million tonnes, or 50 per cent. Several Hunter Valley coal mines, meanwhile, are also benefitting from less wear and fewer breakdowns because of practical individualised designs produced by one of the partners in Chute Technology, long-established Hunter Valley mining industry supplier T.W. Woods.

Colombus Group has been nominated for the Minerals Processing of the Year award for its MiT load washers which automatically measure tension on SAG Mill bolts. MiT Load Washer measures tension on critical bolts and ensures yield strength limits are not exceeded. By contrast, torque readings can have large errors with lubrication, cross threading and poorly machined bolts. Different forms of near field communications (NFC) attached to each MiT Load Washer frees up the interconnection networks, with literally millions of monitored points available, where battery and remote recharge management, rounds out the package, above ground, underground and undersea. As well as the attached electronics, the MiT Load Washers come with a captured two part seal mechanism that squeezes into the bold threads and against the hard sealing surfaces for a positive retention of product, particularly with worn SAG Mill mounting holes. According to the Colombus Group the Mit Load Washer electronics are built with a specialised 3D printer that produces reliable and rugged calibrated printed circuit blocks with built in tension, temperature and vibration sensors.

For its exceptional productivity and increased productivity, Isaac Plainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coal handling and processing plant has been nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year. The site itself is an open cut coal mine located in the northern Bowen Basin, and has capacity to produce approximately three million tonnes of coal annually. Last year the mine executed a strategy to ensure its long term sustainability within a rapidly changing economic environment by looking to its existing processes and exmaining them for potential productivity gains through more efficient processes. In doing this it carried out fundamental changes resulting in increased transparency in all operations. In regards to its coal handling and preparation plant it increased its feed rates through increased focus and interrogation of condition and performance of feeders, and provided illustrated data to ensure that the optimal amounts of coal was loaded onto each train in order to minimise logistics costs. Following the presentation of the data to the coal handling and preparation plant, Isaac Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average railing costs per tonne also decreased by 50 cents compared to the previous five month average, representing a well thought out cost saving.

For its continued development of a more sustainable cyanide free method of gold processing, the CSIRO has been nominated for Minerals Processing of the Year. Gold processing currently involves the use of environmentally hazardous cyanide, adding a raft of legal and regulatory burdens to operating as well as significant safety and environmental risks. Many of these complex ores contain high levels of soluble copper, which consume the cyanide used to process the gold requiring larger amounts of the toxic chemical which further increases the ongoing environmental risk. Speaking to Paul Breuer at the CSIRO, he said that research is currently developing gold processes using thiosulfate as an alternative lixiviant to cyanide and have made some major breakthroughs. The CSIRO has developed an elution process for removing gold from strong base ion exchange resin used to recover gold thiosulfates, and when used with copper-ammonia as an oxidant for treating gravity concentrates, the gold leach rate can actually be higher than when using cyanide. Thiosulfate was chosen for in-situ or in-place leaching of gold as it is more environmentally friendly than cyanide.

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

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PROSPECT AWARDS

COMMUNITY INTERACTION OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Fire Protection Technologies Glencore’s Agricultral scholarship

Heart of Gold campaign

Miners’ Promise

Northparkes mine – Volunteer program

NSW Minerals Council – Voice for Mining

Glencore has been recognised for the Community Interaction award for its work in helping young farming students. Glencore has partnered with Queensland’s Emerald Agricultural College to help develop a new generation of farmers. The new partnership is designed to support the college’s Australian Primary Industries Production Program (APIP) through scholarships. Glencore will provide five scholarships valued at $10 000 each to students starting the two year APIP program for the agricultural college’s 2015 intake. The miner will also provide two $5000 Glencore Prizes for Excellence for high ranking students “to undertake international study tours at the end of their two year diploma in agriculture/ cropping and animal production/animal industries”, the miner said. Glencore’s community relations manager Craig Strudwick explained the partnership is part of the miner’s “commitment to make positive impacts in areas where Glencore’s coal mines operate”.

For its unique initiative in highlighting the positive social and economic contribution made by the WA gold industry, the #heartofgold campaign has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. The Heart of Gold campaign is a positive information campaign which details the quantifiable economic and tangible social contributions made by the sector. It also highlights the challenges confronting gold producers and encourages individuals and communities to show their support for the industry. It aims to engage the gold mining industry and encourage public debate on key messages in the industry. The success of the campaign has hinged upon the engagement of the very communities who would be affected by any change in gold royalties – with startling results; more than 250 000 people have been exposed to the key messages on Facebook. It is a blueprint for future stakeholder engagement within the mining sector.

For its efforts towards reducing the number of work place related fatalities and serious injuries in the mining industry Miners’ Promise has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. The group was established in 2010 to support miners and their families in the event of illness, injury, or death. Miners’ Promise also acts as an advocacy group for those in the industry requiring financial, legal, or professional support. The not-for-profit organisation regularly visits mine sites to speak with key personnel on site and helps to review incidents, as well as outline the ripple effect that occurs throughout a site and the community following an incident. It also has close ties with the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum, and is able to provide a direct conduit between the parties to share information and develop strategies from lessons learned following the conclusions of incidents, in order to prevent future incidents. The group is now going national.

For its innovative Volunteer Leave Program China Molybdenum’s Northparkes mine has been nominated for the Community Interaction award. Since the program started in 2013 around 130 employees have given their time to volunteer for a variety of community groups, schools, and organisations across 20 projects. The program provides skilled labour to the community to work on projects on the company time, and allows Northparkes employees two working days each year to volunteer, and if employees volunteer they receive time-in-lieu. “Through the skills our workforce can offer the community we have been able to make a different type of contribution to our community that complements our existing funding programs but provides the community with a different type of support,” Northparkes stated. The project is so significant it is now one of the business’ 21 targets for 2014.

The NSW Minerals Council has been nominated for the Community Interaction award for its Voice for Mining campaign. The mining lobby group has joined with the Hunter Valley football team the Newcastle Knights to show the strong support for the region’s coal mining industry. This campaign culminated in the Voice for Mining Family Day, which demonstrated the wellspring of support for the industry, and gave those behind the mining sector a chance to make their voices heard and show decision makers the backing of the community for mining. The campaign has seen the delivery of the message ‘keep mining strong’, and helped to reach new audiences online and through social media, and provided continued recognition for the importance of mining to the NSW Government. Part of the program included telling the story of players who are now miners – Bill Peden and Steve Simpson, as well as Knights club captain Kurt Gidley, whose father has been driving mining trains for years.

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

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AUSTRALIAN MINING ONSITE

AUSTRALIA TAKES ON THE WORLD AUSTRALIAN MINING WAS ON THE SIDELINES AS AUSTRALIA TOOK ON THE WORLD. BEN HAGEMANN REPORTS FROM POLAND.

ustralia sets world standards when it comes to safety on site. So it was no surprise that this country managed to field two teams, from Rio Tinto’s Kestrel coal mine and Glencore’s Oaky Creek coal mine, for the International Mines rescue competition held in Poland last month, taking on 21 teams from 13 different countries. Congratulations are in order for the mines rescue team from Rio Tinto’s Kestrel Coal Mine, who placed in the International Mines Rescue competition. During a ceremony held at the historical Wilson Mine Shaft in Katowice, the Kestrel team were called to the stage to accept third place in the Simulated Body Recovery exercise. Team captain Derrin Powell was surprised and delighted at the result, and clearly proud to take a prize in what A was M 0 a7psychologically 1 4 _ 0 0 0 _ challenging L AN competition.

“It’s unbelievable that we’ve even been able to place in the competition,” he told Australian Mining. “We are absolutely thrilled with third place, behind the local full-time rescue teams from Poland and Slovakia. “The team trained hard and tried to make the most of the time we had to familiarise ourselves with the different rules and equipment in the days leading to the competition. The competition itself was overwhelmingly dominated by Polish rescue teams, most notably the team from the Central Mines Rescue Station in Bytom, who took first place in the same category. The exercises involved learning local Polish mines rescue law, by which the rules of the competition were set. Powell said the competition was psychologically challenging, due to the need to overcome language barriers, and to learn the local laws required for success. 1 “The 2 0 1experience 4 - 0 6 - wasn’t 1 8 T without 1 1 : 0 its 2 : challenges as we hadn’t used most of

the equipment before and needed the help of a translator to assist with the language barrier between English and Polish,” he said. A simplified version of the Geological and Mines Rescue Act was provided for which included 1those 6 + in 1 the 0 : competition, 0 0 teams from China, Mongolia, Canada, America, and India. The entire competition was held in secret, with no photography allowed of the teams as they underwent assessment.

The rescue team from Glencore’s Oaky Creek also took part in the competition, creating some Australian rivalry as the mine is located only 30 kilometres from the Kestrel coal mine in Queensland. Central Mines Rescue Station vice president Miroslaw Baginski said it was an honour to have teams from around the world, including the Australian teams, to compete in the competition, as well as to learn more about Polish culture. AM

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AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

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AUTOMATION

MINING AUTOMATION: ADAPTING TO THE CHANGING FACE OF RESOURCES AS THE MARKET SLOWS DOWN, THE RISE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING HOW MINERS INTERACT AND OPERATE THEIR MINES. BRENT BALINSKI & COLE LATIMER REPORT.

utomation and its accompanying disruptive technology is changing the face of mining completely. Boundaries are being moved, new opportunities are arising, and the way in which miners do business is evolving. According to professor Michael Jacobides “when the environment changes profoundly the maps with which we do navigate it may need to shift as well”. As mining enters uncharted territory

after the boom, it will need to redefine itself, and automation is playing a major part in this. Adapting to the post-China boom times will involve miners concentrating on sustainability, optimised efficiency and creating value within communities, according to the head of MMM for Schneider, Diego Areces. It is not news that miners are adapting to shifts, with a major one being falling demand from China. The 13 per cent Chinese GDP growth AUSTRALIANMINING

of 2007- and the need to feed this with resources – has slowed, with single figure expansion tipped for the near future. At the time of writing, the price of iron ore had just hit a five-year low, and some analysts are predictingit could fall below US$80 a tonne next year, and potentially drop further to $US75 a tonne in 2016. Diego Areces of Schneider, which is a partner to some of the world’s biggest miners, believes the recent lax demand for resources could be a positive as it’s more sustainable and less likely to be

OCTOBER 2014

volatile: Times are different and miners will have to behave differently in response. Growth will be slower overall than it used to be, though this isn’t all bad. “The pace is going to be slower because we are no longer going to have these demand shocks that China created, for instance,” Areces told Australian Mining. “We’re going to have India, Africa, but this is not going to be like China. “The population will continue growing, urbanisation will continue, the middle class will continue growing, therefore

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AUTOMATION

DATA WILL DRIVE MANY OPERATIONS

According to Erik Brynjolfsson, from the MIT Sloan School “roles in a deeply data-driven world are going to shift; I think the job is going to be to figure out, ‘where do I actually add value and where should I get out of the way and go where the data takes me?’”. There is a focus on predictive analysis and the entire chain of production, and seeing how automation and new technology plays a role in providing granular data as well as a broader overview of operation – essentially which assets still work, and importantly, still make sense in the current economic environment. Consider BHP’s recent decision to split its assets, praised by supporters asgood for the clarity and focus of the miner as well as an exercise in cutting unnecessary cost “We’re seeing a higher focus on cost reduction to improve productivity, fewer people are doing more, and we’re seeing a number of clients turning to automation to improve how they interpret information from their assets and use this to impact their business,” Wyllie told Australian Mining. Return on capital investment will also be something mining businesses care more and more about, with divestment

of what’s not being used. Assets at a mine site that aren’t being fully utilised will look more and more like waste. “If you have 50 per cent of your capacity sub-optimised, you can cut your plant in half and get 4 per cent [on what’s gained from the sale]” Areces said. Another value-related prediction was the extension of companies’ value chain, with gasification of coal cited as an example. Again, it is to do with getting more out of assets. Again, it is not just about getting more out of the ground, as “productivity is also about making sure we’re driving safety online with this development, we have an obligation to get it right,” Ventyx’s chief executive Jeff Ray told Australian Mining. “You simply can’t let up on safety, at our company we’re about finding ways to have people use automation and technology to not just increase productivity, but also safety. “Part of this is our ‘unman the mine’ concept which integrate IT and OT, and doesn’t require the same level of workers onsite to operate the equipment.” Wyllie went on to clarify though that it is not about personnel reduction but making sure the right person, and the right technology, is in the right place at the right time, such as the implementation of online management systems. Another trend has been the shift in how mining companies are governed. In line with the expectation that mining companies will create value for the communities and customers they are involved with, there would be more community representatives wanting a seat at the table. The government and the community would both be part of the governance of the mining company of the future, said Areces. “We were taught that governments in private business are bad, and I believe that concept is somehow changing because of the impact that governments can have to customers, in the community, in the building of societies,” he said. This was something that could be seen globally, he argued. “If you take a look at some of the countries in the world, the most important investor in some of the major companies in the world is the government. “Governments can help mining companies – every time that you have a new mining project you need infrastructure and you have a lot of value creation for the communities and the customers, and it’s important that the government sits at the board of a mining company, for instance. “I have the feeling that mining companies will have to [increasingly] involve the community and governments into the governance of the company, and I have the feeling that mining companies will AUSTRALIANMINING

have to be more adaptive to the evolution of the market.” As we move into the second machine, which is all about automation and augmenting power and cognitive work, the mining industry is changing, and so are its obligations. How advantage A the M 0mining 9 1 4industry _ 0 0 takes 0 _ P RI of these opportunities is up to it. AM

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the consumption will continue growing, but at a different pace,” he said. “Mining companies need to adapt to that.” According to Areces, who is the vice president of Mining, Minerals and Metals Solutions at the French-headquartered energy and automation specialist, there are three key aspects that will drive the industry:sustainability, optimising efficiency and value creation. No longer just a reporting requirement and something seen as an impediment to growth, sustainability is a must in any business, Areces said. “Today if mining companies are not sustainable they will not be able to operate... So that kind of accountability is a must. And it’s no longer about just being sustainable – it’s protecting the environment in a productive way.” Optimising operations seems a no-brainer. “That for us is about people efficiency, production optimisation, and assets utilisation and optimisation,” said Areces. Values will be more important than volume, and companies will be driven to be the best at what they do rather than the biggest. This statement was echoed by Honeywell Process Solution’s regional business leader – Pacific, Darren Wyllie, who told Australian Mining “it used to be about getting the most tonnes out the door as quickly as possible, but this has now changed and now how we get these tonnes out the door is much more important”.

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OCTOBER 2014

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PRODUCTIVITY

PRODUCTIVITY IN PROCESS OPTIMISATION WITH MINING FACING AN INCREASINGLY TOUGH MARKET ENVIRONMENT, THE SECTOR IS DEMANDING THAT COMPANIES IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND CONTINUALLY ADD VALUE. *RICHARD HOLDER WRITES.

ith the Australian mining industr y facing an increasingly tough economic environ ment it is no surpise that the sector is demanding that companies improve productivity and continually add value to their operations, according to mining services consultancy pitt&sherry. For the majority of innovative companies, process optimisation and operational excellence A M 1 0 in 1 mineral 4 _ 0 0 process0 _ UNI ing have become essential to

securing a profitable future and differentiation from their competitors in the market. Process optimisation and operational excellence have never been more important for mining companies. As outlined in Deloitteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracking the Trends 2014 report mine operating costs continue to escalate and productivity in the industry has dropped by up to 30 per cent since 2003, making the application of innovative methods that optimise operations now imperative. The success stories of process are driven by innovative leaders are identifying opportunities optimisation 2 1 2and 0 1operational 4 - 0 9 - 1 0who T 1challenge 0 : 5 1 the : 4 status 6 + 1 quo. 0 : 0 0within the current operation that Leading process engineers would not have been solved by excellence in mineral processing

The Lifting & Rigging Specialists AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

NOW IS TIME TO INNOVATE

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PRODUCTIVITY

traditional thought processes by challenging long standing practices. These leaders go about systematically identifying opportunities and then devising, implementing and interpreting diagnostic testing programs to exploit the highest economic return from investment under the prevailing conditions. This is generally an inherent, rather than learned, skill of an inquisitive engineer. Advances in process optimisation and operational excellence can have focused or widespread effects on mineral processing activities. The targeted outcomes will generally concentrate on increasing productivity, improving safety and management of environmental risks, lowering operating costs and human factors.

PRODUCTIVITY

According to Australia’s Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE), productivity in Australia’s mining industr y declined resource quality and volatile process optimisation for mining or improved asset management. As a mine progresses through companies aiming to lift productivconsistently throughout the commodity prices. ity1through 2000s to 4factors A M due 1 0 1 _ 0 0 such 0 _ NasE W These 1 conditions 2 0 1 4 - have 0 9 -put 1 5 T 3 : 5 higher 4 : 5 recoveries 8 + 1 0 and/ : 0 0 rising labour costs, changing innovation at the forefront of or grades, increased throughput Continued page 54

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A M1 0 1 4 _ 0 0 0 _ U B I

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PRODUCTIVITY

From page 53 its life cycle and the plant feed changes, the plant operation process should be continually reviewed and adjusted to maintain optimum performance. This is where new or novel ideas are required to deliver productivity gains and efficiency improvements through new technologies. Process control (automation) of the operation is a key area to attain operational excellence and maintain the plant at peak performance. An innovative idea, implemented at one Australian mine following consultation with pitt&sherry involved the complete automation and optimisation of the crushing, milling, and flotation circuit, inclusive of an in-house automatic gap adjustment on the secondary crusher to maximise the equipment efficiency. The float circuit was also fully automated with In Stream analysers, as well as level and air automatic control to maintain the target concentrate grade. The effect of these changes resulted in lower operational risk, increased productivity, an approximately 30 per cent reduction in power and labour costs (dollar vs. tonnage), as well as stable concentrate grades for downstream processing at higher overall recoveries.

OPERATING COSTS

Rising operating costs have increasingly become a burden for mining companies over the past decade. To help combat this there are several approaches an operation can pursue which have proven to reduce costs. A prominent approach is to lower energy usage, which according to Deloitte can represent around 40 per cent of a mineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating costs. pitt&sherry has successfully lowered the energy usage at mining operations by exploring different methods, including equipment automation and improving asset utilisation, as well as optimisation (balancing) of energy input through the crushing/grinding and milling circuits to achieve the best outcome with the installed equipment. Other cost reduction initiatives that have proven successful have included grind size manipulation based on a geometallurgy review, use of carbonaceous tailings for acid neutralisation, re-use of reject SAG mill balls, and justified equipment replacements and upgrades through interrogation of asset data. Often the biggest challenge in reducing costs comes from operations which do not question their current operational performance because â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;it has always been that way.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

Managing safety and environmental risks in the Australian mining industry

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

remains a priority for mining companies. It is also another area where new or novel ideas of operational excellence deliver key benefits. In mineral processing, cyanide is widely used for leaching and pyrite depression, but is also emotive due to it being toxic for humans and animals. Holder initiated (with Orica) a federally recognised leading practice in cyanide management for the Cyanide Mini Sparge System during an operational excellence project at an Australian gold mine. The outcome reduced the risk associated with cyanide mixing on-site to less than one per cent of the original risk score.

HUMAN FACTORS

The potential for mine personnel to have a significant influence on process optimisation of an operation should not be underestimated, according to Holder. Empowering an operationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees through consultation and participation to identify issues and then resolve them to avoid repeats has the ability to have a profound effect when optimising mineral processing activities. This will generally involve employee training and nationally recognised education programs and motivating employees, which leads to flow on effects such as improved site culture and a tangible reduction in incidents, improved site ownership and operational efficiency.

LASTING LEGACY

By targeting and then realising outcomes in these areas, mineral processing companies have the opportunity to establish industry leading performance through a combination of sound strategy and operational excellence, while creating value for shareholders and providing business leverage. However, achieving this with widespread results will require several specialty services before the desired outcome is delivered, he continues. These services include facility and flowsheet inspections, understanding of the geo-metallurgy, a review of each level of the operation, interviews with site personnel, identification of system and process constraints, determining the most effective modifications, automation opportunities, reviewing manpower requirements, compiling a detailed improvement plan and implementing agreed actions, as well as providing training and mentoring. The mining industry is well known for its volatility, but by adopting these measures resources companies have the opportunity to make effective changes or improvements that will be sustainable and maintain market competitiveness through differentiation. AM *Richard Holder is the principal process engineer at pitt&sherry

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2014-09-16T16:20:35+10:00

K e e pi tS a f e , K e e pi tC l e a n Whenc onveyor ss hutdown,c or es t af far eof t enover whel medandmai nt enanc eofc onveyorbel tc l eaner s , s ki r t s ,i mpac tbedsandot herc onveyorac c es s or i esar eof t enover l ookedors er vi c ei sper f or medbypeopl e whoar enott r ai nedt os er vi c et heequi pment .Unl es sc onveyorac c es s or i esper f or m atopt i mall evel s ,bel t damage,c ar r ybac kands pi l l agec anr es ul t .

ESS pr ovi descompet encybasedt ec hni ci anst o speci ﬁcal l ymoni t orandmai nt ai n ConveyorBel t Cl eani ng,Seal i ngandSuppor tsyst ems. ESSt ec hni ci ansar eabl et oi nspectcondi t i onsand pr oduceacondi t i onr epor tandmai nt enancepl ant hat canbeact i onedbyOwner s,Cont r act i ngcompani esor ESSt ec hni ci ansi namannert hatpr i or i t i z est he mai nt enancebasedonr i skanal ysi s. ESSof f er sar angeofﬂexi bl emai nt enanc eand moni t or i ngs er vi c est oens ur eopt i mum per f or manc e f r om t hepl ant sc onveyi ngs ys t ems .Wet ai l orour s er vi c est oyourr equi r ement s . ESSMai nt enanc eandMoni t or i ngSer vi c esI nc l ude; •I ns t al l at i onandCommi s s i oni ng •Ser vi c eandMai nt enanc e •I ns pec t i onandRepor t i ngSer vi c es •Ons i t et r oubl es hoot i ng •Si t eCompl i antVehi c l esandEqui pment •Mai nt enanc eCont r ac t s •ConveyorAc c es s or yMai nt enanc eTr ai ni ng

Pr o u d l yMa n u f a c t u r e d i nAu s t r a l i a

AM1014_056

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

INDUSTRIAL COATINGS

UPGRADED PANTERA DRILL RIGS

Axalta has released a range of industrial coatings designed to protect heavy equipment. The Nason Industrial products are designed for mining equipment and construction machinery and come in Axaltamade polyurethanes, epoxies, QD alkyds, modified acrylic alkyds, and ISO-free coatings made for tough environments and harsh climate surface conditions. The Nason Industrial product range can be applied by brush, roller and a variety of spray application methods. They are available in factorypackaged colours and can be mixed to AS2700, RAL, and other custom colours.

Sandvik has developed an upgraded version of its new Pantera top hammer drill rig. The manufacturer launched the new range of drill rigs to fanfare last year. The new Pantera rigs are known as the DP2000 in the case of the top hammer drill, and the DI6400 in the case of the down the hole rig. Speaking to Jan Petzold, Sandvik’s vice president for mining, drilling equipment product lines TH and DTH, he told Australian Mining that although it is an old name (they stopped producing the Pantera line in 2006) it is a new family of percussive drilling machines. “People are missing the names in drills, and lately it is just a list of letters and numbers for drills, so we are going back to what customers prefer,” Petzold explained at the time. Now Sandvik has upgraded its DPi top hammer range, redesigning its operating system and featuring a completely new rock drill. The DPi 6.0 features a redesigned control system with an updated user interface and touch screen that enables enhanced trouble shooting functions and more precise drilling. The upgraded drills feature a high frequency RD1635CF rock drill with a Circulating Shank Lubrication System (CSL) for

HEAVY EQUIPMENT PROTECTION

The coatings include primers, single pack top coats, and two pack top coats. • Axalta Coating Systems

02 8818 4324 Frederica.mccauley@axaltacs. com www.axalta.com.au

MINE SPEC VEHICLE Tomcar Australia has released a new mine spec vehicle – the TM5MR. Launched at IMARC, the Australian made vehicle is a new step for the industry. Built tough, the TM5MR weighs less than other models in Tomcar’s vehicle lineup, and is more than just an overhauled standard spec vehicle. Its features includes stainless steel floorpans, additional air filters and frame lights, military spec wiring harness, full ROPS and FOPS, and even a glow in the dark livery. A high ground clearance is also prominent and the open access suspension allows for miners to rid the TM5MR of excessive mud and acidic sand that plagues the standard SUVs that are currently being used. David Brim, states the TM5MR provides the perfect solution to the needs of Australia’s significant mining industry, and will drive efficiencies for the highly competitive sector through providing unmatched durability and access to both aboveground and underground mining operations. “The Tomcar TM5MR has been custom built to provide miners with the ability to negotiate rough terrain, whether it be sand or hard rock mines, and its unprecedented durability, safety and reduction in high maintenance costs are something of a gift for

faster penetration. “In CSL oil is circulated through filters and reused, rather than just collected,” the company explained. “The new CSL system reduces shank lubrication oil consumption by up to 70 per cent compared to the old system, and increases significantly the life time of coupling sleeves”, Ilkka Lahdelma, product line manager, surface drilling for Sandvik Construction, stated. “The drill rig has really been redesigned with economy in mind. It has also been enhanced with a new compressor control system that provides even better fuel efficiency,” he added. Additional changes include modifications to the rig to improve maintenance accessibility. The DPi 6.0 also comes with ‘Driller’s Notes’ technology “that allows the operator to add hole information, such as voids and cavities, to hole quality reports during drilling,” Sandvik said. “The Pantera DPI 6.0 drill rig family consists of two models: Pantera DP1100i for hole sizes of 89 – 140 mm and Pantera DP1500i for hole sizes of 102 –152 mm, with production capacities of 1.5 million tonnes and 2 million tonnes annually respectively. “Both are available with low fuel-consumption and low-emission Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engines.” • Sandvik www.sandvik.com.au

HAS FULL ROPS AND FOPS, AND IS GLOW IN THE DARK

today’s mining industry. Gone are the days of burley SUVs and the high costs of maintaining such vehicles,” Brim said. To allow the mining industry easy access for purchase and testing of the TM5MR, Tomcar Australia has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Australian mining equipment company, Safescape, who together with Tomcar Australia has created Durable Mining Equipment Pty Ltd, and are located within epicentre of the Australian mining industry, Perth, WA. Steve Durkin from Safescape states it’s the efficiencies and cheaper maintenance costs that will make the Tomcar TM5MR so attractive for the mining industry, “We are excited about the Tomcar TM5MR because we believe the maintenance costs of

these vehicles will be considerably less than our previous fleet of Toyota and Isuzu. Other light weight vehicles on the market include ATV’s which, while cheap to buy, are not heavy duty enough for the demands of underground mining. One of the best things about the Tomcar TM5MR is that they are made in Australia which means every single component is available to be dispatched within a day and on site anywhere in Australia within a couple of days. This is something that you just don’t get with any other vehicle.” The standard underground spec Tomcar TM5MR vehicle is $40k plus delivery and taxes. • Safescape 03 5447 0041 www.safescape.com AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

FEATURES A COMPLETELY NEW ROCK DRILL

AM1014_000_SMA

2014-09-12T11:24:43+10:00

MONTH OF SUN SAVES YOU A TRUCKLOAD OF DIESEL Become more independent in the use of energy with intelligent technology from SMA. More details at www.SMA-Solar.com

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AM1014_058

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

WHEEL DOZER

and the STIC armrest able to for increased productivity. “Both operating efficiency and fold away for added room during Cat has launched its new operator convenience get a boost ingress and egress. The Cat Comfort Series air824K wheel dozer with increased with the left foot pedal, which serves as an engine decelerator, suspension seat features extra durability. The machine has a net power transmission neutraliser and thick cushions and moves both rating of 302kW and operating brake, depending on the degree the attached electro-hydraulic STIC control pod and electroweight of 34 tonnes, and is avail- of application,” Cat said. “As a decelerator, the left pedal hydraulic implement control pod able with six blade configurations ranging in capacity from 5 to allows the operator to temporarily when adjusted. The cab, isolation-mounted reduce engine speed by overriding 16.2 cubic metres. Its Cat C15 ACERT engine the throttle lock setting when to the frame, is pressurised with comes with an electronically manoeuvring around obstacles.” filtered air and the selected A new larger fuel tank also temperature is maintained controlled fuel delivery system, engine idle shutdown systems provides a minimum 12 hours automatically. The control panel uses large, to converse fuel by limiting idle operation, depending on the time, and a delayed shutdown application, while an optional backlit switches with LED tyre pressure monitoring system indicators, and a simple twofeature. The engine provides a max provides real time information to position rocker switch controls travel speed of 35 kilometres the operator in the cab, ensuring the parking brake. An optional rearview camera proper inflation levels. per hour. The Steering and Transmission with in-cab monitor increases Drive train efficiency has been enhanced with a lock up clutch in Integrated Control (STIC) system operator awareness. Maintainability has also been the Cat torque convertor, which allows for single-lever steering reduces train power losses and and transmission control, with key, with maintenance points simple side to side movements grouped and accessible from system overheating. An electronically controlled providing up to 43 degrees of ground level or non-skid walkways 4F/4R Cat power shift transmission steering articulation in both protected with handrails. Swing-out doors on both sides increases drive train efficiency, direction whilst buttons on the and can be set by the operator to lever provide fingertip control of of the engine compartment automatically upshift or downshift directional and range shifting. provide easy access to daily Safety and comfort have been service checks, and ecology based on machine speed. In addition single clutch two major factors in the redesign drains simplify service and help speed shifting control s allows of the operator’s cabin, with a prevent spills. In addition, a ground level theA wheeled M 1 0 1 4dozer _ 0 0 to 0 _carry F R O lighted, 1 shallow 2 0 1angle 4 - stairway 0 9 - 1 5 T 1 3power : 5 6 service : 4 2 +centre 1 0 :has 0 0 momentum through range shifts for entering and exiting the cab, electrical disconnect, emergency

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

COMES WITH SIX BLADE CONFIGURATIONS

engine shutdown and stairway light switches. The Cat VIMS 3F program is integrated into its design to keep operators informed about machine operating conditions.

The Cat Product Link system provides event and diagnostic codes as well as operating hours, fuel level, and idle time. • Caterpillar www.cat.au.com

MS4124_RS_FP_AM_V1

2014-09-25T15:17:49+10:00

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AM1014_060

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

KOMATSU LAUNCHES KOMTRAX PLUS FOR MINING Komatsu has released its new KOMTRAX remote monitoring system designed specifically for mining equipment. The equipment manufacturer has provided KOMTRAX remote monitoring on its range of equipment for a number of years, and is now focused on rolling out its latest version for the mining industry. KOMTRAX Plus combines the benefits of Komatsu’s longstanding VHMS (Vehicle Health Monitoring System) with remote monitoring capabilities. “The system allows mine management, asset managers and maintenance crews to view specific machine performance data remotely via any computer with an internet connection,” Rick Augur, Komatsu Australia’s Telemetry Specialist – KOMTRAX Plus, stated. “KOMTRAX Plus provides a means to remotely monitor the health of major components using Komatsu’s satellite technology on selected A M 1mining 0 1 4 and _ 0 production 0 0 _ ST class machines, enabling constant

evaluation of a machine’s condition and operations. “This system has been designed to reduce repair costs and maintain optimal machine availability by helping prevent unscheduled downtime, through the combination of Komatsu’s proven VHMS and KOMTRAX offerings.” KOMTRAX Plus, which is free for any Komatsu equipment already equipped with KOMTRAX, is available via the company’s Equipment Care website. “Our Equipment Care portal allows customers to view every machine in their KOMTRAX Plus fleet via a single platform, accessible to any computer with an internet connection,” Augur said. “This portal provides users access to critical information about each machine, including machine performance, machine health, fault analysis, fuel data, payload data and idle time summaries.” The new system also uses the data collected for Komatsu’s COMES WITH SIX BLADE CONFIGURTIONS ongoing Continuous Improvement program, he added. It can be fitted to HD465, 930E and 960E haul trucks; PC8000 excavators and shovels; WA800, WA900 and Y HD605, L E - HD785, 1 2 0 1HD985, 4 - 0 9 - 2PC1250-7, 3 T 0 9 PC1800-6, : 3 8 : 1 PC2000, 6 + 1 0 : 0WA600, 0 HD1500, 730E, 830E, 860E, PC3000, PC4000, PC5500 and WA1200 wheel loaders; and

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

D375A and D475A dozers. • Komatsu www.komatsu.com.au

AM1014_000_HIT

2014-09-23T11:28:12+10:00

// H A U L I N G H E AV Y W E I G H T

The Hitachi EH5000AC-3 mining truck. Introducing the most sophisticated and productive hauler ever built by Hitachi. When demands for production and safety increase, you can be sure that the EH5000AC-3 will maximise payloads and improve haul-cycle times backed by the safest hauling experience possible. Our truck incorporates the latest Hitachi AC IGBT Drive System technology, a unique electrical drive system developed in collaboration with the Hitachi Group of Companies.

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A M1 0 1 4 _ 0 0 0 _ P A C

2 0 1 4 - 0 9 - 2 2 T1 1 : 4 8 : 5 0 + 1 0 : 0 0

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

HAULS UP TO 40 TONNES AT 60KM PER HOUR

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Komatsu has released its new HM400-3M0 articulated dump truck with advanced traction and transmission systems, and higher capacity. The truck is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-6 engine rated at 350kW, allowing the articulated truck to haul a 40 tonne payload at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour. Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia’s national business manager, said the truck has a number of improvements compared to its predecessor - the HM400-2 - including a higher payload capacity, better operating performance, lower fuel consumption, increased operator comfort, and better maintenance serviceability. “The HM400-3M0 is the most advanced articulated dump truck on the market,” Feehely said. “The HM400-3M0 incorporates a number of groundbreaking improvements in articulated dump truck technology, leveraging on our many years’ of experience in traction control and transmission systems with our dozers and large mining rigid dump trucks,” he said. “As a result, we have developed an articulated dump truck that offers unprecedented levels of control and efficiency when operating in the most challenging underfoot conditions, while delivering the highest levels of reliability and efficiency.” One of the major features is the increased traction control, which automatically provides optimum traction when driving in soft ground conditions. Speed sensors located on each wheel detect individual tyre slippage, forcing an automatic application of the inter-axle diff lock. If tyre slippage continues then the four independently operated brakes can be applied to the slipping wheels to regain traction and control. The new articulated dump trucks also incorporate the Komatsu Advanced Transmission with Optimum Modulation Control System (K-ATOMiCS), which is a six-speed, fully automatic transmission

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

that uses an advanced electronic system to eliminate shift shock and torque cut-off to improve operator and engine efficiency, and maximise powertrain life. “The electronic system automatically selects the ideal gear based on vehicle speed, engine speed and the shift position chosen, resulting in powerful acceleration, smooth down shifting and synchronised engine speed when climbing slopes,” Feehely said. A 510kW capacity retarder is fitted to the articulated dump truck, allowing the operator to choose the best speed for downhill travel and fully laden hauls, cutting acceleration generated by the grade of the slope, in turn minimising wear and tear on the braking system. An advanced body design on the HM400-3M0 has also seen an increase in payload and body capacity. “The HM400-3M0 is now a true 40 metric tonne capacity truck, with its payload increasing by 3.5 tonnes compared with the previous HM400-2,” he said. “It’s gone from 36.5 tonnes on the earlier model to 40 tonnes, while heaped capacity has gone from 22.3 cubic metres to 24 cubic metres.” A loading height of 3.164 metres allows it to be matched with 36 to 55 tonne excavators, or 4.2 cubic metre to 5.7 cubic metre wheel loaders. The new trucks are also fitted with a payload meter (PLM), allowing production volume and working conditions of the dump truck to be analysed, while an external display signals to the loading tool as the truck reaches payload capacity. A newly designed cab has cut interior noise levels to 72dBA, and located the operator’s seat right in the centre of the cab. “This, combined with a short nose design and rounded engine hood significantly improve visibility out the front, while a colour rearview camera, linked to its own 7 inch monitor, ensures greater safety when operating around other equipment and personnel. “The ROPS/FOPS Level 2 certified cab features a new designed rounded front dash panel with easy-to-reach switches,” he said. • Komatsu www.komatsu.com.au

AM1014_000_MMD1

2014-09-22T10:37:31+10:00

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AM1014_064

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MINING JOBS

UPDATED DAILY TO SEE THE LATEST JOBS VISIT WWW.MININGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

DISPATCH SUPERVISOR

CrItErIa, pLEaSE CaLL KrISty In thE BILoELa WorKpaC offICE on 48003740 or

Regional QLD – Gladstone & Central QLD We are urgently seeking an experienced Dispatch Supervisor for a role based on an Open Cut Coal Mine located in the lower Bowen Basin. The successful candidate will have the following: • Current Standard 11 • Current Coal Board Medical • Current Driver Licence • Experience working on a Coal Mine Site • Current S1, S2, S3 • Experience using Leica Geosystems FMS or Jigsaw systems preferred There is accommodation and meals available. You will be working the Lifestyle roster, doing both day and night A shifts. M1 0 1 4 _ 0 0 0 _ If you mEEt thE aBovE

appLy onLInE!

WAREHOUSE LABOURERS

now attaching a copy of your resume listing at least two work related referees and then send a copy of the following documentation to miningqld@chandlermacleod.com • Standard 11 (must be the statement of attainment) • Drivers license and birth certificate or passport • Coal Board medical (must be less then 24 months old)

• Experience working on mobile plant • Digger/Dozer operator the roster will be 7/7. ContaCt WorKpaC InDuStrIaL on 1300 967 572 to fInD out morE aBout thE joB.

LUBRICATION TECHNICIAN

Chandler Macleod requires a specialised Lubrication technician for our client, ContaCt DEtaILS: Donna our client, a global a top producer of Iron Ore SWInBournE, 02 9269 8666. leader in Mining is currently located in the pilbara region seeking the services of a of Wa. ‘Warehouse labourer for this position is for an aSap an immediate start at a start for the ‘Best Fit’ large open cut Mine located HV FIELD candidate working an 8 & approximately 20 minutes MAINTENANCE 6 roster day shift only. this drive from Dysart. ELECTRICIAN is a great opportunity for The successful candidate: a skilled and experienced • has prior warehousing Regional QLD – Mackay & Mechanical Fitter with exexperience in Mining Coalfields ceptional Lubrication skills • Will be committed to zero Our client are looking or a specialised lubrication harm for experienced hv field technician to work with one • has accommodation in maintenance electricians of the leaders in the mining Dysart or surrounding for ongoing mine site work. industry and work for a districts The successful applicant company at the forefront of • Works effectively will hold: recruitment. autonomously and as part • Standard 11 of M a team • Coal SU 1 2 0 1 4 - 0 9 - Board 1 1 Tmedical 1 4 : 3 5 : 2 Requirements 0 + 1 0 : 0for 0 this role are as follows:Interested? please hit apply • Lvr/Cpr Certificate rEfErEnCE numBEr: 88580B

AUSTRALIANMINING

OCTOBER 2014

• Lubrication technician experience • Strong fixed plant knowledge • oil Sampling • General lubrication • Bulk grease fills • Inspection of grease levels on gearboxes To be considered for this role your resume must clearly address the above criteria in you work history and skillset. please send your application to us now via the ‘apply’ button. rEfErEnCE numBEr: 83986a ContaCt DEtaILS: SCott harrISon 08 9228 5727

DOZER PUSH OPERATOR Opportunities exist for skilled and experienced mobile plant operators who will form part of and contribute to the Mine Operations Department of a Bowen Basin Mine. an absolute commitment to working safely, complying with all site

safety standards and ensuring a safe and environmentally healthy workplace is essential. It is imperative that you possess the ability and aptitude to maintain high standards of safety, equipment serviceability, housekeeping and compliance with mine working procedures. prerequisites for this position include Black Coal Competencies in haul truck operations, Dozer operations; a minimum 6 months mobile plant operating experience; current Bma/ SGS Induction; current Generic Induction; current Coal Board Medical; current Driver’s Licence; negative Drug & alcohol test within 5 days of induction; and a willingness to work rotating rosters This position is offered as a 3 month contract with view to extension for the right person. to fInD out morE aBout thE roLE vISIt WorKpaCE.Com. rEfErEnCE numBEr 718j201431125

AM1014_000_BLA2

2014-09-23T11:06:17+10:00

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22/09/14 6:19 PM

AM1014_066

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EVENTS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

MINING & largest country in SE Asia In a perfect world, zero ENGINEERING and with the opening up of harm would not be the INDONESIA (M&E the country to investment desired personal belief of INDO) and development it is an individual, rather the 29-31 OCTOBER therefore prime territory for reality for all organisations. EVENT SUBMISSIONS JAKARTA, the discovery of previously We can dream of a perfect CAN BE EMAILED INDONESIA unknown and high quality world, or we can focus our TO EDITOR@ deposits. While there is motivation and energy on MININGAUSTRALIA. a fledging existing mining redefining the future of REEDMININGEVENTS is the COM.AU industry, there is huge safety, and support our organiser of M&E Indonesia potential for growth; as employees in becoming which is a platform for the MINING & well as the opportunity to mining industry seeking ENGINEERING NSW Safety Citizens. apply more mechanised Hazards that the solutions for efficiency, new (M&E NSW) and advanced mining human brain is not innovative technology and 8-10 OCTOBER methods and technology to conditioned to respond to, networking opportunities NEWCASTLE, NSW current and future mining individual attitudes that with qualified mining sector operations there. are not addressed, and executives and engineers REEDMININGEVENTS is The conference will cover leadership which does not within Indonesia & the the organiser of M&E NSW regulation/legislation in address a cross-cultural & surrounding region. which is a platform for the the country, resource generational world, are all · REEDMININGEVENTS mining industry seeking and reserve reporting, challenges awaiting to be www.miningandengineeringsolutions for efficiency, new environmental aspects, the overcome. indo.com innovative technology and existing mining industry, The Safety Summit 2014: networking opportunities junior miner activities, as Redefining the Future with qualified mining sector INTERNATIONAL of Safety provides an executives and engineers MINING MYANMAR well as options for equipment supply and contract opportunity to explore the within the Hunter Valley and CONFERENCE mining. There is no charge latest research in neuroscithe surrounding region. 30-31 OCTOBER to present at the conference, psychology and · REEDMININGEVENTS MYANMAR ence and John Chadwick organisational performance, www.miningandengineeris currently putting the we look forward to sharing ingnsw.com.au This, the first conference program of papers together this journey with you. of its kind, is being – john@im-mining.com. It · Sentis held in association with THE SAFETY will be held in the Myanmar Tahni Johnston Mining Myanmar – the SUMMIT 2014 Convention Centre, Yangon. 08 9318 5124 2nd International Mining 23-24 OCTOBER and PERTH, A M 0 9WA 1 4 _ 0 0 0 _ Dtahni.jonhston@sentis.net OM 1 2 0 1 4 - 0 8 Minerals - 2 1 TRecovery 1 6 : 5 6 : 5 · 8International + 1 0 : 0Mining 0 www.im-mining www.sentis.net Exhibition. Myanmar is the

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AUSROCK 2014: THIRD AUSTRALASIAN GROUND CONTROL IN MINING CONFERENCE 5-6 NOVEMBER SYDNEY, NSW AusRock2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference is aimed at practical mine site operators, technical support staff, geotechnical engineers, mining engineers, consultants and researchers in the field of mining geomechanics and ground control. The conference will provide an update to all mining industry geotechnical personnel involved in best practice in both Australasia and overseas, and an information exchange vehicle between the coal and metalliferous sectors of the industry, with a focus on new technologies and developments; industry needs and mine site problem solving. · AusIMM Sienna Deano

03 9658 6126 sdeano@ausimm.com.au www.groundcontrol2014. ausimm.com.au

OREBODY MODELLING AND STRATEGIC MINE PLANNING 2014 24-25 NOVEMBER PERTH, WA Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning SMP 2014 is a two-day international symposium that highlights the latest advances, technologies, practices and concerns in the field. Together we will address core issues and relevant challenges faced by the industry today. These start from examining changes in objectives for modelling and planning, extend to the recognition of a need for new mineral supply chain optimisation frameworks, and continue with the suitability of existing technologies and research and development. · AusIMM www.smp2014.ausimm. com.au

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OCTOBER 2014

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY Tickets are now on sale for the 11th annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards, to be held on October 24th 2014 Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss your chance to be a part of this prestigious night! Buy your ticket today!

A total of 15 awards will be presented on the night, highlighting companies and individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; innovation and excellence in the mining industry.

DRESS: TIME: VENUE: DATE: RSVP:

Cocktail/lounge suit 630pm pre-dinner drinks for a 7pm awards dinner start Dockside Pavilion, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney October 24th 2014 Monday 29th September

To purchase tickets please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/awards

For more information visit www.miningaustralia.com.au/awards or contact Cole Latimer on cole.latimer@cirrusmedia.com.au or 02 8484 0652 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

AM1014_000_BP

2014-09-11T16:34:38+10:00

“Clean fuel increases fuel efficiency and reduces maintenance costs so your business can perform better.” Mike Tuminello, Senior Fuels Technical Advisor - BP Australia

Introducing BP’s Fuel Integrity Technology (FIT) program. Five key components designed to deliver value, ensure best practices, reduce risk and maximise operational and team efficiencies.

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Find out more at fit.bp.com.au/discover