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THE AUSTRALIAN
a publication
PP100007123
PTYLTD
Green
light for
Olympic
Dam
expansion
BHP Billiton is set to begin heap
leaching trials at Olympic Dam
as part of its investigation into
the best method of processing
the mines copper and uranium.
(story on page 10)
2 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
CONTENTS
PUBLISHED BY
NEWS
General News 1 Freight Forwarders 105
Special Profiles Doors, Docks & Ramps for Mining 106 PTYLTD
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www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 3
GENERAL NEWS
GENERAL NEWS
Nova mining
lease secured Axe falls on mining tax
Mark Scott Mark Scott
GENERAL NEWS
GENERAL NEWS
Tiger snaps up
last Kipoi stake WA offloads priority assets
A new acquisition deal will see Tiger
Rachel Dally-Watkins
Resources become the sole owner of the
Kipoi copper project in the Democratic
Republic of Congo and the largest copper THE WA Government has announced
cathode producer listed on the ASX. the first tranche of assets for sale in a
Tiger already has a 60 per cent stake in privatisation strategy aimed to reduce debt
the project through its interest in project levels and regain the triple-A credit rating.
operator La Socit dExploitation de Kipoi Premier Colin Barnett said the Utah
SA (SEK), and will acquire the remaining Point Bulk Handling Facility, Kwinana
40 per cent of SEK from DRC state mining Bulk Terminal and Market City in Canning
entity La Gnrale des Carrires et des Vale had been identified as priority assets
Mines (Gecamines) for US$111 million. for sale.
Upon completion, SEK will become a The three assets are expected to
wholly-owned subsidiary of Tiger. generate between $1 billion and $2 billion,
As part of the deal, Tiger has already paid he said.
a US$6.5 million deposit and will make the The Utah Point Bulk Handling facility
remaining payment before 10 November. in Port Hedland is one of four berths owned
Once the deal has been completed, Tiger by the Pilbara Ports Authority. It includes
will cede a 5 per cent interest in SEK to a shiploader, two stockyard product storage
the DRC Government to bring the Kipoi facilities and supporting infrastructure.
projects mining title into alignment with The facility became operational in late
the current mining law and regulations. 2010 and has an export capacity of 10
Kipoi has been the cornerstone of our million tonnes per annum, which is largely
business over the past seven years and comprised of iron ore, manganese and
together with our DRC business partner chromite. In the 2012-2013 financial year,
we are proud of our achievements, Tiger the facility earned $86.5 million in revenue,
managing director Brad Marwood said. with $44.1million in expenditure. The Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility in Port Hedland is one of the first assets to go up for sale in a
We see the potential to grow our The Kwinana Bulk Terminal is owned bid to reduce state debt.
business by focusing on near-mine and operated by the Fremantle Port
exploration and sourcing plant feed Authority; it imports and exports bulk These assets are better placed in the we start the process of due diligence, Dr
from elsewhere in the Kipoi region, thus products including coal, iron ore, liquefied private sector. They are likely to be better Nahan said.
ensuring the mine should operate well into petroleum gas, cement clinker, gypsum, nut run by the private sector, he said. However, Dr Nahan told media that this
the next decade. coke and slag. In the 2012-2013 financial The port assets are likely to be sold as a was by no means a fire sale he said the
We believe the acquisition of the year it earned $61.6 million in revenue long-term lease. government didnt have to sell the assets,
additional 40 per cent interest in SEK with total operating costs of $36 million. Treasurer Mike Nahan said this was the and would only do so if they were valued
to be earnings-accretive and offers the Mr Barnett said the sale process would start of an ordered asset sales program. adequately.
opportunity to grow our business and balance risk and return and would assess how We continue to review our balance The WA Government could realise up
cement our future in the DRC as a 50,000t the assets could be managed, while providing sheet, and the port facilities and Market to $6 billion from a continued program of
per year copper cathode producer once the benefits to stakeholders in the community. City are the most market-ready. Now asset sales in the next three years.
proposed expansion of the SXEW facility
has been completed.
Roy Hill running ahead of schedule
Boom effects Mark Scott and continues to invest and grow, she said.
Roy Hills staff morale is high, and the
This is a project that will employ
thousands of Australians for decades and
explored
hardworking team hope to be able to bring earn much needed export revenue for
GINA Rinehart has indicated export from the first shipment due September 2015, Australia, she said.
her Roy Hill iron ore project may begin ahead ahead of time. Roy Hill is currently the largest single
of schedule, with owner-operator mining At peak, Roy Hill will export 55 million mainland construction project in Australia.
officially kicking off at the $10 billion Pilbara tonnes of high-grade iron ore per annum. The announcement came amid reports
AUSTRALIAS per capita household operation last month. The project is 70 per cent owned by Ms Hancock Prospecting had shut down its
income would be 13 per cent lower had the In a statement, Ms Rinehart described Rineharts Hancock Prospecting; the exploration operations in Mongolia.
mining boom never struck, new Reserve first owner-operator mining as a significant remaining 30 per cent was sold last year to Fairfax Media reported the group wrote
Bank of Australia modelling has found. milestone for the project. South Koreas Posco and STX Corporation, off its Mongolian investment last year with
The boom also drove up wages and Against weakening global conditions and Taiwans China Steel Corporation and an intention to wind up the subsidiary
kept down unemployment, according to a lower iron ore price, Ms Rinehart said Roy Japans Marubeni. company in the near future.
an RBA report released last month, which Hill was bucking the trend. Ms Rinehart said Posco chief executive A Hancock Prospecting spokesman told
used macroeconomic modelling to study As mining investment generally is Oh Joon-Kwon had made a recent visit to the Fairfax the company had assessed mineral
the impacts of the boom on the Australian contracting in Australia, Roy Hill and project and had described it as his companys tenements in Mongolia but no longer had any
economy, creating an alternative history Hancock Prospecting is against the trend most important international asset. interests in the country.
in which the boom never occurred.
The report found in 2013 the population
was 1 per cent higher as a result of higher
migration from the boom, while GDP was
up 6 per cent.
The exchange rate was 44 per cent
higher in 2013, as a result of greater global
mineral demand, higher mineral prices and
more investment in Australia.
Unemployment was 1.25 percentage
points lower in 2013 with the boom, while
wages were up 6 per cent.
A larger tax base led to higher average
tax rates, driving up household income by
about 13 per cent, and leading to a rise
in motor vehicle and durables purchases
between 25 and 30 per cent.
Despite the positive impact on living
standards, the boom had negative knock-on
effects to other industries.
Investment in manufacturing was higher
in the early years of the boom, however as
the investment boom faded, manufacturing
output began to drop.
Australias agriculture industry was hit
hardest by the increased exchange rate,
with exports about 20 per cent lower. Roy Hill will employ thousands at peak.
10 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
GENERAL NEWS
GENERAL NEWS
Jobs cut at
The deal remains idle pending further
negotiations. The Mt Philip prospect is within Hammer Resources Mount Isa project. [Image: Hammer Resources]
GENERAL NEWS
GENERAL NEWS
Company
charged over
Poseidon secures second deal
Rachel Dally-Watkins
Pilbara death A second acquisition deal with Norilsk Nickel
A Rio Tinto subsidiary has been charged in will see Poseidon Nickel acquire the Lake
relation to the death of a mine worker in Johnston nickel project, which has been on
2011. care and maintenance since April 2013.
Brent Glew died on 16 August In July, Poseidon entered an agreement
while working in a mobile equipment to acquire the Black Swan project, including
maintenance workshop at Pilbara Irons an open cut mine and nickel sulphide plant.
Brockman 2 mine, 60km northwest of Tom The latest deal, the cost of which has not
Price. He was removing a tilt cylinder from been disclosed, is for the Lake Johnston
a loader when he was fatally crushed. tenements, resources and infrastructure,
The WA Department of Mines and 440km east of Perth and 117km west of
Petroleum (DMP) charged Pilbara Iron in Norseman. Together with its existing
late August under the Mines Safety and Windarra project, Poseidon now has near
Inspection Act 1994, for failing to provide a term production potential at three mineral
safe working environment. provinces in WA.
The DMP, WA Police and Rio Tinto have The new project comprises 11 mining Poseidon Nickel has acquired two nickel projects this year.
all conducted independent investigations leases, 10 exploration licences and one
into the incident across the past two years. prospecting licence hosting the Emily Ann Only limited drilling exploration has and support facilities; and an airstrip.
The first court mention is on 8 October and Maggie Hays deposits. Maggie Hays taken place in recent years but this has led Poseidon now has three nickel projects
2014 at Tom Price. was developed as an underground mine to several highly prospective areas being all within 270km of Kalgoorlie, Poseidon
and produced more than 12,000 tonnes per identified, the company stated. managing director and chief executive David
annum of good quality smeltable nickel Poseidon plans to undertake a major Singleton said.
Ghanaian Poseidon.
Poseidon planned to evaluate restarting
operations at Lake Johnston with a view
projects operational life.
Existing infrastructure that will be
acquired by Poseidon includes boxcut, portals
at low levels of capital investment. All of the
projects are in well-endowed mining regions
and have demonstrated resource extension
GENERAL NEWS
approaches
that graphene the worlds strongest four separate lode samples to provide
material could be produced directly detailed analysis and insight into the
SWEDEN-focused Talga Resources has from raw ore in the same single-step geometry, mineralogy and chemistry of
production
teamed up with CSIRO on an analytical process that liberates graphite, offering the graphite.
study aimed at helping Australias a low-cost, high-quality product. The process will include high
emerging graphite-graphene sector. Talga managing director Mark resolution X-ray computed topography,
The study will look at ore from Talgas Thompson said the program would 3D image processing, microstructural
Nunasvaara graphite-graphene deposit provide cutting edge insight into Talgas analysis, X-ray fluorescence mapping
Jane Goldsmith
in Sweden, accelerating the companys graphite and graphene developments, of the chemical composition of the
mineralogical characterisation to better with results that could dovetail directly samples, and high resolution electron
AN Australian developer understand how the mineralisation into the companys metallurgical microscope imaging of the ore samples,
is fast-tracking its flagship formed and the conditions under which program and scoping study. he said.
Senegal-based gold project to more could be found. Talga is extremely enthusiastic to We will also examine in detail the
production after securing refining and Results from the study will provide be working with Australias national graphene component of the samples
processing facilities. an insight into how natural graphite science agency and one of the largest liberated from the main ore under test.
Bassari Resources secured an deposits can provide high-quality and most diverse research agencies in Results from the collaboration are
agreement with Italian gold refiner graphene. the world, he said. expected in coming months.
TCA S.p.A to process ore from its Talgas previous work at the CSIRO research scientist Mark
Makabingui gold project, 750km east
of Senegal capital Dakar, in mid
GENERAL NEWS
Got an entry for this column? E-mail the details and a photo to editorial@miningoilgas.com.au
22 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
We have adopted a
decisive, two-pronged
response to this weaker
gold price environment,
focused on revenue
enhancement and
improving efficiencies
by addressing costs at a
number of levels.
production next year at below our current
average cost, improving the groups cash
cost and cash flow profile.
Tropicana
Located 330km east-northeast of
Kalgoorlie, Tropicana was discovered
in 2005 after AngloGold followed
up an anomaly found by Australias
Independence Group in the 1990s. It
proved to be Australias biggest gold find
in a decade.
Tropicana is estimated to have an ore
reserve of 57.1 million tonnes grading The Tropicana gold mine officially opened last year.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 23
SPECIAL PROFILE AngloGold Ashanti
2.12 grams per tonne, for 3.9 million through development into production. The project cost between $820 million
ounces. To pour gold ahead of schedule and $845 million, with production
Mining started at the site in mid-2012, and within budget is a rare feat in this expected to reach 470,000oz to 490,000oz
with AngloGold operating and holding a industry and its a significant milestone per annum this year at a cash cost of
70 per cent stake in the project. First gold for us and Independence Group, our between $590/oz and $630/oz.
was poured in September 2013 ahead of partner, he said. That figure is considerably below the
schedule and on budget. Weve been able to incorporate groups average cash cost of US$836/oz
At the time, AngloGold Ashanti innovation into our approach to everything in the June quarter.
executive vice president Australia from environmental management to the Tropicanas start-up drove AngloGolds
Graham Ehm said the company had taken design of our mining systems and the
Tropicana all the way from discovery processing plant. (continued on page 24)
Both Sunrise Dam and Tropicana will soon be 100 per cent fuelled by natural gas.
24 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Engineering consultant
expands across the globe
SPECIALIST engineering consultant The CTD allowed extensive field tests
ATC Williams provides tailings and on beach slopes to be undertaken by an
water management services to AngloGold ATC Williams sponsored-PhD student
Ashantis Sunrise Dam gold mine in WA. to advance the companys knowledge of
With a mine expansion in 1999, ATC tailings beach slopes.
Williams initiated a central thickened ATC Williams continues to work at
discharge (CTD) disposal system, one Sunrise, and has expanded operations
of the first in Australia at the time. This to Chile, Peru, Sudan, Armenia and
permitted full storage capacity with Kazakhstan, among others, and in 2014
nominal embankment volume. opened an office in Santiago.
Jimblebar expansion
BHP Billitons newly expanded Pilbara
mine and processing hub Jimblebar
opened in late April, and is largely
credited for boosting the companys 2014
iron ore output.
The $US3.6 billion project, 40km east
of Newman, achieved first production
six months ahead of schedule, in the
third quarter 2013. Although the
expansion was scheduled to officially
open in November 2013, the ceremony
was postponed to April due to an issue
at Newman airport.
Jimblebar was originally
wholly-owned by BHP Billiton; however
in June 2013 the company sold stakes to
Japanese partners Itochu (8 per cent) and
Mitsui (7 per cent), for US$800 million
and US$700 million, respectively. The
deal added to the Japanese companies
existing 15 per cent ownership of
BHP Billitons mine, railway and port
infrastructure in the region and secured
the Japanese market more than 5mtpa
of iron ore (about 4 per cent of demand),
as well as shares of future production
increases.
Jimblebars newly commissioned
onsite infrastructure included a new Iron ore loaded for export at Port Hedland. [Image: BHP Billiton]
30 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Our pursuit of
productivity gains
and operational
excellence is
delivering significant
value at [WAIO].
In June, BHP Billiton commissioned
an independent review of WAIOs
operations and productivity. The results
allegedly recommended the company cut
up to 20 per cent of WAIOs workforce
(3000 jobs), to ensure it remained
(continued on page 34) Production at BHP Billitons WAIO operations rose to 225 mtpa in 2014. [Image: BHP Billiton]
32 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
its other Queensland over the following two years. other Queensland operations to discover Solid results
Evolution will spend $1.87 million on 49 the regions potential. The exploration announcements came on
operations to discover million new Emmerson shares to claim a Mr Smith said Evolutions focus was the back of a strong financial year and final
16 per cent stake in the company, and will to consolidate a large landholding in an
the regions potential. issue $2 million worth of new shares to its area with high potential for discovery of
quarter for Evolution, with most operations
producing in line with or above guidance.
new partner. epithermal style mineralisation. Evolution produced 427,703oz of gold
discovery. Tennant Creek is not the only historic At Wirralie the company has claimed equivalent in the 2013-2014 financial year,
With some of the exploration gold territory eyed by Evolution in the 890sqkm. up 9 per cent on the previous year.
breakthrough provided by Emmerson same month, the company was granted Both the Tennant Creek deal and The Mt Carlton gold project proved
using HeliTEM, combined with gravity three exploration tenements centred on Wirralie tenements fit well with Evolutions Evolutions biggest outperformer in its
and magnetic techniques to discover the North Queenslands Wirralie gold mine. exploration focus. Commenting on the first full year of production, churning out
Monitor and Goanna deposits, we believe Previous mining at Wirralie focused farm-in agreement, Evolution executive 87,952oz far ahead of its guidance range
that there is excellent potential for the on oxidised mineralisation to a depth of chairman Jake Klein said Australia was of 65,000oz to 75,000oz.
discovery of further high-grade gold and 70m. Processing technology at the site under-explored with many discoveries still Faster than expected ramp-up and
gold-copper resources, he said. was unable to treat refractory sulphide to be made. better access to higher grade ore helped
Under the terms of the farm-in and joint mineralisation, meaning no exploration The Tennant Creek mineral field is boost the operations output.
venture agreement, Evolution can earn was carried out on sulphide mineralisation a good example of a world-class mineral Cracows 95,064oz also put it ahead of
a 65 per cent stake in the tenements by in the area. province that has only recently seen market guidance and the projects shift to
spending $15 million on the project in the Wirralie has not seen modern the application of new technologies and an owner-miner operation was estimated
next three years, and can up its stake to 75 exploration since the late 1980s and exploration concepts to reinvigorate
per cent by dropping another $10 million Evolution plans to use knowledge from its exploration in the area, he said. (continued on page 37)
36 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Instrument supplier
committed to efficient
ongoing operations
FOR nearly 20 years Pacific Rim
Technical Services (PRTS) has been
supplying instrumentation packages
to green and brownfield sites across
Australia, Asia and West Africa.
The company is proudly involved
with two Evolution Mining operations
in North Queensland; it was selected
as the package instrument supplier to
Pajingo mine when it was first built
by Normandy Mining in 1998, and was
later chosen for the general instrument
supply at the Mt Carlton mine in 2012.
As a regular visitor to both sites,
PRTS is committed to the efficient
ongoing operation of Evolution Minings
North Queensland operations.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 37
SPECIAL PROFILE Evolution Mining
Despite slower
Strategic
the company was privatised in 2010 and be considerable opportunity to continue
since listing on the ASX has grown that momentum around transformation.
in value by 80 per cent with a market
growth and lower Growth projects include working
relationship
capitalisation today of more than closely with GVK-Hancock on a transport
$10 billion. Despite a number of recent
writedowns, Aurizon posted record coal
commodity prices, I solution for the Galilee Basin, including
majority ownership of the rail and port
remain upbeat about
reaps rewards
volumes of 210.4mt for the 2014 financial infrastructure under development at the
year, an increase of 9 per cent on 2013. Abbot Point Coal Terminal. Finalisation
The company recently undertook
a large exercise in cost reductions as
long-term sustainable of definitive documents has been
deferred to align with completion, which
part of its comprehensive response to
the resources sectors slow-down. Mr
growth for our is expected to occur early next year.
Aurizon is also a 33 per cent partner BMD has a proud history of delivering rail
Hockridge said that transporting record resources. with Qube in the Sydney Intermodal projects with a vast array of experience
tonnages with a substantially smaller Terminal Alliance consortium, which is encompassing urban, rural and major
fleet, using less fuel and incorporating global economic activity. exclusively negotiating with the Federal rail infrastructure projects throughout
better cycle times had resulted in the So, despite slower growth and lower Government to co-develop strategic Australia. BMD has extensive experience
companys ongoing success. commodity prices, I remain upbeat about rail and port infrastructure as part working in live rail environments and has
The global market environment is long-term sustainable growth for our of the Moorebank Freight Terminal an established client relationship with
a fundamentally different place than it resources. Development in Sydney. The project Aurizon that has led to ongoing contracts,
was but just a few years ago. Growth has Looking forward, we expect short has potential to materially enhance the furthering BMDs commitment to expand
slowed, but its certainly not zero growth term growth is going to be relatively competitive environment for customers its capability in this sector.
and Australia remains on the doorstep of modest, albeit that there continues to by unlocking Sydneys transport gridlock. One recent project completed for
Aurizon was the Dalrymple Bay Coal
Terminal (DBCT) to Hay Point Services
Coal Terminal (HPSCT) 2nd Road and Q50
Flood Immunity Works in Queensland.
The project involved the duplication of
about 7km of an existing section of railway,
which makes up part of the much larger
Goonyella System, and the installation of
additional culverts to provide Q50 flood
immunity. The 924km Goonyella Rail
System services 30 coal mines where coal
is exported through the HPSCT and the
DBCT.
In the past 12 years, BMD has developed
a strong relationship with Aurizon and will
continue to provide expertise alongside
rail partner Rhomberg Rail to undertake
crucial infrastructure upgrade works in
Central Queensland. With this strategic
partnership in play, BMD will now be able
to provide Aurizon with a one-stop-shop
As one of Australias largest rail freight operators, Aurizon moves about 7000 tonnes of materials each day. for completing civil and track works.
44 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Browns Range
Range is rich in dysprosium, providing a
key competitive edge for the project.
Northern Minerals is proposed to apply a number of impact
avoidance and minimisation principles.
The Browns Range project is located
about 160km southeast of Halls Creek
Through the beneficiation stage ore
can be significantly concentrated up
confident the mine Appeals on the report closed on 1
September and the minister is expected
and 50km southeast of the Ringer Soak
community in WA.
to 30 times resulting in a cost-efficient
hydrometallurgical processing plant to
could extend well to make his determination on what could
be Australias first dysprosium-focused
The initial project will comprise produce the final product. beyond its initial life. project in coming weeks.
The Browns Range exploration camp, near the WA-Northern Territory border. The Wolverine outcrop at Browns Range.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 45
SPECIAL PROFILE Australia-Malaysia Business Council
Mining and Engineering Indonesia will run from 29 to 31 October at Jakarta International Expo Centre Attendees can view company demonstrations at the OzMine and M&E Indonesia exhibitions.
in Kemayoran Jakarta. [Image: Reed Mining Events] [Image: Reed Mining Events]
48 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Ozmine
Ozmine is the second event within the
M&E Indonesia series. The first was
held in May, and this second instalment,
including an exhibition and conference,
aims to identify and consolidate key
Indonesian and Australian industry
players, while promoting discussions on
industrial opportunities and challenges.
Reed Mining Events is organising the
exhibition component for Austrade, and
the actual conference is going to be run
onsite at the exhibition, he said.
M&E and Ozmine are both free to
attend, with the Ozmine conference
focused on showcasing Australian
capabilities.
Event attractions
Mr Baker said M&E would emphasise
education, with several international
keynote speakers presenting at the
conference, as well as a free-to-attend
TechLab.
The TechLab is where we provide a
platform for suppliers to talk about the
technology and innovation they have to
improve efficiency, Mr Baker said.
We have a number of networking
events that will be announced soon
including night time networking events, a
combination of private VIP ones, as well
as some free-to-attend ones.
We are also finalising smaller
workshops and seminars, which will
average about half a day to a day in
length. The M&E and Ozmine partnership will showcase new technologies and products to the global minerals, metals and ores industries.
[Image: Reed Mining Events]
Into the future
Mr Baker stated that within the current now looking for is to get more out of their is still growing quicker than the Australian Mining is a cyclical industry, and
softened market environment, it was more operations and the investment they made economy, so its still a very healthy sector. troughs and peaks are to be expected.
important than ever for mining ventures across the high-commodity price period Theres some great things happening in There are some speed bumps that still
to boost productivity. that are coming on line, Mr Baker said. the sector and its all about innovation and need to be overcome in Indonesia around
The industry is not growing as fast as Companies want to get their products technology to meet those challenges. policy and regulation, but the potential
it was after end of the investment phase out as cheaply, quickly and as safely as He said Ozmine and M&E Indonesia coming out of there for companies looking
in 2011 and 2012; what companies are possible. The Australian mining industry would together champion the industrys to take advantage of the resources is
long term health, promoting information massive.
sharing and rising investment Our exhibitions work to overcome
There were very good synergies between what opportunities. those challenges.
The Northern
Territorys economy
is probably the best
performing economy
of any jurisdiction in
Australia.
Challenges
According to DMEs 2013 release Helping
NT Explorers Attract International
Investment, most currently mined
resources within the Territory will
be exhausted by 2030, and the region
otherwise remained fundamentally
under-explored.
Large-scale investment in mining
across the world, but particularly in
Australia investment in mining is just
not what it used to be, Mr Perkins said.
This is a gap within the Northern
Territorys mining economy there isnt
BHP Billitons GEMCO manganese mine, on the island of Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. [Image: BHP Billiton] enough exploration and investment
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 51
SPECIAL PROFILE Mining in the Northern Territory
Queensland
A US$2 billion extension at the companys
Kestrel mine resulted in record output of
hard coking coal at the site for the first
half of 2014.
The four-year expansion project took
(continued on page 54) Rio Tinto Coal Australia has focused on boosting production and cutting costs in the current challenging market.
The US$2 billion expansion of the Kestrel mine took four years to complete.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 53
SPECIAL PROFILE Rio Tinto Coal Australia
Putting a cap
on fatigue
THE innovative SmartCap fatigue
monitoring technology is taking off around
the world, with major mining companies
implementing the solution across numerous
sites. EdanSafe, through the SmartCap
system, provides a complete operator fatigue
monitoring solution.
Twelve months after first going to
market, the SmartCap system is rapidly
being taken up within the mining industry,
EdanSafe chief executive Paul Butler said.
Mining companies currently
implementing the technology include Rio
Tinto, along with several others in mining
and mining services.
SmartCap measures fatigue directly by
monitoring brain activity, rather than by
inferring fatigue based on other symptoms
such as eye closure or driver behaviour. This
results in improved accuracy and reduced
false alarms.
An independent validation of SmartCap
was carried out at Monash University and
Austin Hospitals Institute of Breathing
and Sleep, which showed a 94.7 per cent
sensitivity in detecting fatigue impairment.
The key strength of the SmartCap
system is that it is predictive in nature by
alerting the operator before a micro-sleep
occurs, averting dangerous fatigue events,
Mr Butler said.
This system provides a significant
breakthrough in increasing safety for
mine vehicle operators. Without effective
monitoring, mining companies are not
managing fatigue risk as well as they could
be.
Further information is available on the
SmartCap website.
54 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
We have worked to
significantly reduce
costs and improve
productivity across
all of Rio Tintos
Australian coal
mines, but still more The Kestrel expansion project increased the mines production capacity to 6mtpa of hard coking coal.
needs to be done.
NSW
RTCA is seeking planning approvals
to extend mining at its Mount Thorley
Warkworth mine to 2035, on the back of
forecasted growth in coal demand.
The Singleton operation is managed
by RTCA subsidiary Coal & Allied and
comprises two adjacent open cut mines,
which supply international and domestic
markets with semi-soft coking coal and
thermal coal. If approved, the extension
is expected to secure jobs for around 1300
people.
Rio Tinto managing director Chris
Salisbury said it was critical for the
project to secure new planning approvals
to remain viable.
Our current planning approvals
will only allow Mt Thorley Warkworth
to maintain existing production and
employment levels until the end of 2015,
Mr Salisbury said.
Recent research has shown an
increase in community support for
continuing operations at Mount Thorley
Warkworth. The research also found
people are concerned about the negative
impacts for the Hunter Valley economy
if these planning applications are not
approved.
The company has worked towards the
mines expansion for nearly five years. Rio Tinto Coal Australia recently sold its 51 per cent stake in the Clermont coal mine.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 55
SPECIAL PROFILE Dampier Salt
Dampier Salt
Established in 1967, Dampier is DSLs largest
and oldest salt operation. Its first shipment,
containing 19,000t of salt, left for Japan
in April 1972. Today, Dampiers 52 square
kilometre concentration ponds can produce
up to 4.2 million tonnes per annum of salt at
capacity.
The Lake MacLeod site was acquired in
1978 and, of the companys three sites, has
the greatest potential for expansion. Lake Dampier Salt exports to Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East. [All images: Dampier Salt]
MacLeod has a current production capacity
of 2.9mtpa of salt, and also produces up to from a naturally occurring underground salt the salt has crystallised is then returned to saltwater intake until the final product
1.5mtpa of gypsum. lake. the ocean. harvesting, takes about 18 months.
The Port Hedland operation was acquired At all operations, evaporation occurs Approximately once a year, each crystalliser
in 2001 and has a current production capacity naturally from the surface. As salt brine is harvested by a mechanical harvester after Global market movements
of 3.2mtpa of salt. is exposed to wind and the sun, it becomes 20cm to 40cm of salt has been deposited. The The global salt market softened 4.6 per cent to
progressively more concentrated, and salt is then washed to remove impurities and 277mt across 2012 due to weak demand from
Mining operations gradually grows and refines the salt product. stockpiled for shipment. Dedicated stockpile de-icing and chloralkali markets.
Mining activity at DSL is similar to mineral When the brine becomes saturated with and ship-loading facilities are hosted at However, demand for the substance is
agriculture. At Dampier and Port Hedland, salt, it is pumped into crystallising ponds Mistaken Island, near Dampier, and at Port expected to gain strength following firm trading
high-tide sea water is pumped into the (crystallisers) where further evaporation Hedland port. It takes about 60mt of sea water in 2013. According to mineral consulting firm
facilities and through a series of ponds. At causes pure salt to crystallise as a solid deposit. to produce 1mt of salt. Roskill, global salt production reached 286mt
Lake MacLeod, water is pumped to the surface Bitterns the remaining brine after most of The entire process, from the initial last year in response to recovering demand
from the de-icing market.
Over 110 countries produce salt, but the
majority of production originates from just
seven, Roskill stated.
China, the USA and India together
accounted for 46 per cent of total world supply
in 2013.
Seasoned producer
equipment supply, tower construction and installations, and temporary solar
and rigging, all backed up with 24-hour powered trailers for communication and
after-sales service and maintenance traffic control.
A multi-purpose mineral
Sodium chloride is well known for its use in cooking, however only about 6 per cent of
manufactured salt is actually consumed. Salt is mainly used in industry and agriculture,
including de-icing highways within cold climates (8 per cent); as a natural appetite
control mechanism for cattle (6 per cent); and the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC
polymers), plastics and paper pulp, from its chemical products caustic soda and chlorine.
Soap, glycerine, synthetic rubber and the ceramics industry also require salt.
China and the US dominate world salt production, producing 40 per cent of global
output, although Austria, Pakistan and Canada also produce substantial quantities. It is
one of the worlds oldest industries, and is today generated via three primary extraction
processes.
Rock salt produces industrial-quality product, and is mined from underground deposits
by drilling and blasting dried crystal formations from ancient seabeds.
Solar salt is extracted via natural evaporation of seawater or brine in large condenser
concentration ponds under sunlight, and is similarly of industrial quality (with impurities).
Evaporated salt is manufactured using a controlled system of pans which boil water
away from salt brine. The resulting product is fine, with few impurities, and is most
commonly used for human consumption.
A pivot access road at Rio Tinto Iron Ores Nammuldi below water table operations.
58 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
COMPANIES GEARING UP
COMPANIES GEARING UP
High quality
service just the Ergonomic seats improving
tip of the iceberg
WITH a commitment to customer satisfaction
its number one priority, HK Calibrations
posture and spinal health
offers expert instrument calibration and repair
services for all instrument types, including RECENT occupational health and safety worldwide. environment.
test and measurement instruments. studies have found that about 77 per cent It is the only saddle seat available All seats are Australian made
HK Calibrations recently moved its of Australias total workforce spends in four seat sizes, to maximise comfort and come with a 30-day money back
Perth premises to a new facility in Bibra most of the working day sitting down across individual variations in guarantee and five-year warranty.
Lake, providing a single, centralised point of and about 74 per cent of these workers height, body shape, gender and work
contact for WA customers who can have their complain of back and musculoskeletal
instruments calibrated in one local place. discomfort at least three times a week.
Along with promoting the WA economy, the The Australian Bureau of Statistics
enhanced facility in Bibra Lake has allowed has reported that 1 in 3 Australians will
HK Calibrations to maintain its commitment suffer from occupational back pain at
to unmatched turnaround times. some point in their working life.
HK Calibrations offers a full spectrum Ergonomic equipment producer
of services for a range of equipment Bambach has designed a specialist
including electronic and electrical, pressure working chair to improve users daily
gauges, hard gauges, flow measurement, posture and minimise spinal discomfort.
telecommunication, weighing and According to Bambach, the Bambach
temperature, gas monitoring, dumpy levels, Saddle Seat enables users to maintain
surveying equipment, and occupational health optimal spinal function and posture,
and safety equipment. improving overall wellbeing by virtually
All work performed by HK Calibrations eliminating back, neck and shoulder
conforms with ISO/IEC 17025 2005 standards pain; improving circulation and
the premier ISO standard governing breathing; engaging core muscles; and
the operation of all certified laboratories. preventing the typical hunched seated
This includes reporting uncertainties of position.
measurement for each calibration, as required Due to the unique design, the
by this standard. Bambach Saddle Seat supports the
The companys average turnaround time is pelvis in its natural position, allowing
48 hours, which is an added commitment to its users to maintain proper upright spinal
level of service. curvature.
HK Calibrations business management The Bambach is patented into the
system is maintained to SAI Global ISO unique saddle seat shape, designed
9001:2000 standards, for added assurance from extensive research. It has been
of quality service for every instrument tested to Australian standards and is
calibration. recommended by health professionals
COMPANIES GEARING UP
COMPANIES GEARING UP
* Name changed If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
health
inform employees and develop their skills
in approaching the issue; promote mental The 2013 National Drugs Strategy Household Survey by the Australian
health and implement programs for Institute of Health and Welfare showed that in just three years between
early detection and intervention; support 2010 and 2013 the use of ice doubled across Australia. The Australian Crime
affected employees and address relevant Commission reported that border seizures of amphetamine type stimulants THE healthy mind for life program is a get
workplace factors; and train supervisors to in 2012-2013 were the highest on record and 22,189 arrests were made in away, get well mental health retreat and
recognise and support affected employees. connection with the drug in that period. holiday by Greg Neville Retreats.
The council advised employees to The abundance of the drug in Australias mining regions is well known. The Greg Neville Retreats provides a
become aware of mental health issues and Newcastle Herald recently reported that 85 per cent of motorists in the Hunter complete education on the cause and cure of
the support services available, and adopt a Valley who tested positive during a three-day roadside drug blitz in August had psychological stress, the issues influencing
positive attitude to those seeking help traces of methamphetamine in their system. In June police in the Surat Basin the chemical component behind mental
Recommended activities included charged a 30-year old Gold Coast man for possessing $10,000 worth of the drug health conditions, plus all the lessons of life
education and training, policy support, and for allegedly dealing to rural mining towns. required to get well.
systems review, health assessment, While the community, government and law enforcement wrestle with the Clients can access a wealth of 25 years
partnerships and research and complexities of the issue, Australian mining companies are urged to ensure that experience, all while enjoying an amazing
development. The full blueprint can be all employees have access to both preventative and remedial information and be holiday full of wonderful activities available
accessed at the NSW mining website. encouraged to seek treatment without fear of losing their job. in the region where the farmlands meet the
high country at Lake Eildon.
A proactive
approach to
workforce wellness
Health training boosts
MENTAL illness has an alarming impact
on the productivity of the Australian
workforce; an impact which is exacerbated
in Australias mining industry.
workplace productivity
Reactive approaches to mental illness in
the workplace, such as employee assistance WHEN it comes to mental health in the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance the organisation.
programs, simply park the ambulance at the mining industry, the picture looks bleak. studied the impact of employees mental Richmond Fellowship WA (RFWA) is
bottom of the cliff they often offer too little, With an industry that runs around health conditions on productivity, a leading mental health agency and a
too late. the clock and with longer than average participation and compensation claims, key provider of evidence-based mental
Employers need healthy, present, active hours, mental health issues are becoming finding such conditions cost employers a health training targeted at managers
employees. With research indicating that more prevalent. minimum $10.9 billion annually. and human resources staff.
worker anxiety and depression increases the Fly in, fly out (FIFO) suicides have It is increasingly important for RFWAs training provides staff with
likelihood of workplace accident or injury, its increased in the past year, leading to organisations to look at what they can do the skills and strategies to manage
prudent to implement training that directly a Parliamentary inquiry into mental to create conditions that have a positive mental health challenges in the
mitigates the risk of mental illness. health issues among workers in WA. impact on both the lives of employees workplace, from early intervention to
By training individuals within a Recent research by beyondblue and the experiencing mental health issues and return to work.
workplace in social support skills, companies
can effectively establish an early intervention
mental health workforce. In other words,
this is mental health first aid with long term
support for workers.
Mental health vital to employers and employees
Keystone Counselling specialises in WITH mental health in the resources sector processes in the resources sector. Being mentally healthy is as important
Mental Health Social Support training firmly in the national spotlight, WA-based Once recruited, an applicant may well as being physically healthy for safety,
courses which are designed to teach critical Strategic Workforce Development (SWD) be involved with an induction process effectiveness in attaining positive outcomes
skills to help identify and assist those with is well-equipped to offer support to mining, addressing safety precautions, Take 5, for both the employee and employer.
a developing mental health issue. Mental construction and oil and gas employers job hazards analysis, etcetera; however Ms Rodgers said there was huge room
Health Social Support skills are taught across and employees. very little consideration is given to mental for improvement in addressing mental
a two-day interactive workshop. They cover SWDs team of registered psychologists health awareness, she said. health in the workplace.
critical topics including fundamentals of is experienced in working in the Pilbara For some people, working away from Mental health awareness training
mental health and practical communication and metropolitan areas of WA and can home without their typical social support should be incorporated into every induction
micro skills. offer on-site mental health workshops and networks like family, friends and sporting program when people are required to work
The workshops also help identify the services to companies and individuals in clubs can be extremely challenging. away from home, she said.
signs and symptoms of mental health the resources sector. Similarly if a person has a pre-existing On the spectrum of mental health
problems, establish ways to help people in SWD principal registered psychologist mental or behavioural disorder without problems, the more involvement into
the early stages of mental health problems, Caroline Rodgers said there was little, the appropriate management and prevention and early intervention, the less
outline the fundamentals of common mental if any, consideration given to applicants interventions then working away from time and resources will be required into
illnesses and provide ongoing skills to assist mental health during recruitment home can be extremely difficult. treatment and enhance recovery.
with common mental illnesses.
70 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Indigenous Contractors
Tocomwall is focused on the full recognition, documentation, protection and management of Tocomwall provides Aboriginal archaeological, ecological and cultural heritage services throughout
Aboriginal cultural heritage. Australia.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 77
Indigenous Contractors
practice, they improve their confidence high demand, AIM WA UWA Business Everyone is looking to get the best
and ability to achieve a better outcome. School executive education director possible outcome for both the short and
It is important to become a reflective Suellen Tapsall said. long term.
negotiator and to learn from your The current economic context
mistakes something that training can One of the most means this is especially important.
help develop. Mrs Tapsall said clever managers
Both Professors have facilitated significant challenges were realising they could improve
negotiations and mediations in Australia. both the negotiation process and the
Professor Fells has also worked overseas for managers in outcome by working on their skills and
in this area, and authored a major text learning from the experts.
on effective negotiation. negotiations was that Our negotiation programs are
Assistant Professor Kiffin-Peterson highly interactive and energetic, she
does much of her work with Australian they often believe they said.
managers, undertaking cross cultural And the participants tell us theyre
communications. Both also teach are more collaborative using what they learn both in their
negotiation skills in formal degree programs everyday work experience but also in
and in executive education courses. that they actually are. some less expected ways, like dealing
Our negotiation programs are in with their teenagers or neighbours.
Meteorological Solutions
Meteorological Solutions
ATRADs radar wind profilers provide information on relevant meteorological parameters including vertical profiles of wind speed and direction.
Bertolinis new CAX series of triplex pumps offer users reduced maintenance costs and extended pump life.
A new series of Big Berty Bertolini die-cast aluminium and is specially Further information and free technical effective triplex pumps is available from
triplex pumps designed for pressures to treated for high strength and durability. advice on these new lightweight, cost Australian Pump Industries.
750bar (10,875psi) has been launched by It is anodised for corrosion resistance.
Australian Pump Industries. Bertolinis patented Du-dry plungers
Manufactured in Bertolinis are PTFE coated to reduce friction and
state-of-the-art factory in Northern provide smoother operation and longer
Italy, the new pump range provides wear.
hydroblaster users with a top quality Best of all, double diameter piston
triplex pump at a substantially lower guides made of stainless steel mean that
price than conventional equipment in the radial ring never comes into contact
the 750bar range. with the moving rod, eliminating wear
Bertolinis CAX series represents and allowing for superior lubrication.
a design breakthrough. Based on the Interlocking, self-aligning two-part
companys CX series, the pump uses connecting rods, designed for high loads,
state-of-the-art technology to provide real facilitate installation and removal
benefits to users in the reverse osmosis, while reducing friction and wear due to
desalination, food, petrochemical and overheating.
chemical industries. The breakthrough in the pumps
The pump head, with a lifetime design is its compact dimensions,
guarantee, is manufactured from AISI Australian Pump Industries product
316 grade stainless steel. Premium, manager Hamish Lorenz said.
over-sized tapered roller bearings are Even a 750bar version of the new
standard they are designed to endure CAX is a compact 572 x 465 x 288mm.
even the heaviest loads on extended Expensive cast iron pumps can be
industrial applications. replaced by a Bertolini CAX at a fraction
Self lubricating double V packings of the price, reducing maintenance and
are the basis of the sealing systems. The replacement costs, he said.
premium elastomer material seal area Applications include hydro-blasting,
was enlarged to improve sealing under laser cutting and industrial wash down
any conditions. The crankcase, designed duties as well as reverse osmosis and
to be oversized for this pump class, is desalination.
Keeping your fleet clean, green and rolling wheel arches and over chassis; this function is real reductions in the cost of doing business. should include a high impact tray body wash,
By Fleetwash General Manager to ensure that the fleet can be regularly purged With the increase in demand, the industry has preferably RC type to allow simultaneous
Patrick Whitton of the build-up of corrosive site material, long had its fair share of fly in, fly out contractors washing to get the vehicle back online sooner
seen as a rapid destroyer of an otherwise looking to add truck wash contractor to their rather than later.
healthy vehicle fleet. resume, which in some cases has led to EPCM Today, effective washing is more about cost
THE rollercoaster that is the global mining The selection of the right product will investing poorly. The key to selecting the right efficiencies than good looks.
and oil and gas industry is underpinned by few allow the installation of a fit for purpose person for your job is to do your research first
certainties. Write-downs, market uncertainty system, target engineered to meet the specific and look for a dedicated specialist who has the CLEAN AND GREEN
and a falling commodity price will always requirements of the site. Most suppliers in the capacity and ability to work with you from Keeping the mine fleet clean and green should
inject fear into shareholders but, as they say, market today will push the most cost-effective start to finish. not be understated. The need to keep major
the show must go on. solution and, like most things in life, you get assets clean provides for ease of access inside
In this ever-changing landscape, the drive what you pay for so it is important to ensure COST EFFECTIVE WASHING the maintenance bay and the tyre change bay
to invest in cost efficiency is why the investor is your supplier has the product specific to the The right choice of a vehicle wash extends and all adds to the ability of the maintenance
looking to EPCM houses to engage experienced, mining industry and is proven to meet the beyond the ability of the wash system to clean crew to get this equipment back online in the
scope-specific contractors to deliver effective design and performance criteria the project the vehicle. shortest possible time.
vehicle and equipment wash down packages requires. Factors for consideration include not During the wash process oil and grease
that will provide the project with long term The haul wash sector is another beast only how well it cleans the vehicle but the will be removed from the vehicle and these
value and will ensure one of the operations which requires careful selection, as an effective turnaround time. With the larger mine haul hydrocarbons cannot be allowed to contaminate
larger investments, the fleet both large and wash is one of the primary tools in the asset vehicles now costing in excess of $3 million, and surface or groundwater. The design of the
small is protected. management of the mine haul fleet. Not only is a single tyre on a 797, for example, costing more wash bay needs to provide for an efficient
Fleet asset protection through investment its role within the MIA important it is also an than $40,000, investment in mine vehicles is and effective recovery process of sludge and
in critical maintenance systems is an expensive asset in itself. growing and the need to improve ROI on these hydrocarbons removed from the vehicle during
operational certainty, playing a starring role During front end design it is important to major assets is every mine managers challenge. the washing process and must be an essential
in mine infrastructure areas is the humble ensure that your contractor has the design For every kilo left on the mine haul vehicle it part of any vehicle washing system.
Truckwash. If youre reading this, you know capabilities to provide you with a full suite means one kilo less it can transport from the A water recycle and treatment process
what Im talking about. design package, from the ground up, with third mine face back to the processing plant; for should also include, as well as the sludge
On the ground, the operational performance party verification. every hour held up in the wash bay is one more containment pit, an efficient oily water
and reliability of the truck wash is as important, When selecting a light vehicle system you hour this asset is non-productive. For example, separation system treating not only free oils
if not more so, than the fleet itself. Installing the must be assured of its performance, but this on a wet day on a mine site, sludge build up but emulsified oils; in addition to a heavy
right product for the right application can be can sometimes be tricky when there seems to in the underbody, on and around the wheels sediment separation system, lamella plate
the difference between a valuable investment be a lot to choose from. Therefore it really is including the treads, and hang up in the tray or cyclone process, with sufficient settlement
and a really bad decision. the selection of the truck wash supplier which body can total many hundreds of kilos, and time allowed, prior to in line filtration and in
Light vehicle wash management is a lot is as critical, if not more so, than the equipment sometimes much more multiply this by the line water softeners to reduce salt and calcium
like the fast food industry its expected to itself. It is their experience that should provide number of trips per day and you will see just build up prior to the water being returned to
be fast, functional and with as little human you the confidence in supply. how much a dirty truck is costing your mine in the header tank for re-use. A water treatment
interaction as possible to ensure a safe and Like the mining industry as a whole, the lost productivity. system designed to handle bacteria including
efficient experience for the operator. Most evolution of the humble truck wash into Ore hang up in the neck of the tray body tropical invaders should be an essential part
systems are designed to provide automated critical non process infrastructure takes cost is another area creating lost productivity of any bio security system, particularly in the
wash management of the light vehicles wheel, efficiency from the pit to the boardroom with in the mine. A modern wash system today northern regions of Australia.
Turnkey mining
services, equipment Handpicked tradespeople ready to help
and technologies FROM small beginnings in 2005, Mader shutdown crews are second to none, and all, they are motivated to work hard and
Contracting has expanded rapidly and now with a large WA-based fleet of mine-spec safely.
LAUNCHED by Bill and Joe Catalano in deploys more than 170 staff throughout field service vehicles, Mader is always We can provide a flexible stand-in
Brunswick WA more than 50 years ago, the major mining regions of WA and ready to work throughout the Pilbara and workforce for unexpected absences, peak
B&J Catalano has evolved into a diversified prominent mine sites interstate. Goldfields regions. loads, and holiday periods, or longer-term
mining, civil and bulk haulage company. Mader is a provider of quality mechanical Our staff are handpicked from the four roles for hard to fill positions.
Now in its second generation of family tradespeople with qualified and competent corners of the nation, meaning we can get We also operate our own modern
owners and directors, B&J Catalano heavy duty diesel mechanics, auto and HV consistent, skilled labour to you fast, no workshop facility, conveniently located
has an experienced management team electricians, boilermakers and servicemen, matter where you are in Australia, the in Maddington with excellent access
and more than 300 employees. It offers as well as supervisors, planners and SAP company stated. to the major arterials. We specialise in
heavy earthworks, road construction and master data specialists available for short All our employees are qualified and powertrain component rebuilds, as well
maintenance, crushing capabilities, port and long-term labour hire positions. inducted, have current police clearances as general repairs and rebuilds on most
and mining services, site rehabilitation The companys field service and and most high-risk tickets, but above mobile mining equipment.
services, material supply, and bulk haulage
services to the construction and mining
industry throughout WA.
B&J Catalano has a modern,
well-maintained fleet of heavy equipment,
including a range of bull dozers, graders,
Experimental program extends engine life
excavators, scrapers, off-highway dump
trucks, water carts, compaction equipment, A disciplined maintenance regime at can typically handle about 470,000t of monitoring, with oil sampling completed
prime movers and trailers, including acid Fortescue Metals Groups Cloudbreak iron overburden and ore in one 24-hour period. every 500 hours and full oil replacement
and petroleum tankers, operating from its ore mine has produced very positive results, The Terex-Bucyrus brand excavator fleet every 1000 hours.
offices in Brunswick, Perth and Geraldton. successfully extending the operating life of includes nine RH340s, six RH170s and three No problems were detected in the oil
The company prides itself on being a an engine. RH120s, with all breakout-force generated reports, and the engine life was successfully
technology leader, and was one of the first The QSK engine, operated by power by Cummins. extended to 21,000 hours.
companies in Australia to embrace GPS equipment professional Cummins, was Fortescue targeted the 560t RH340s for The six 390t RH170 excavators at
equipment guidance technology. It now originally scheduled for rebuild at 15,000 its engine-life extension program. The units Cloudbreak have also achieved the highest
uses GPS technology in the majority of its hours; however, it instead achieved 21,000 use Cummins dual-QSK45 engines, each availability in the fleet (averaging 91 per
mining, civil and on-road and off-road bulk operational hours following the experimental pumping out 3000hp in total. cent).
haulage fleet. life-extension program. Cummins life-to-overhaul They are powered by dual 38L Cummins
B&J Catalanos clients appreciate Fortescue has 18 Cummins-powered recommendation for the QSK45 was 15,000 KTA38 engines, are equipped with large oil
dealing with a single source contractor, excavators at Cloudbreak, with 15 excavators hours; however Fortescue increased this to reserve systems and deliver 2400hp.
which provides a range of services to its operating at any one time. Almost all have 20,000 hours. With mid-life maintenance, the KTA38s
business rather than adding complexity dual-engines, providing between 2400 and Fortescues reliability engineering team have not yet experienced any issues in
and cost dealing with a range of contractors. 3000 horsepower units. The machinery carried out the project extension under strict reaching 18,000 hours.
100 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Seeking partnerships in
the resources industry
PROFILE Injection Moulding specialises manufacturing plant in Perth.
in the manufacture of a wide range of Profile Injection Moulding delivers
commercial and industrial plastic products. professional and cost effective products
Profile Injection Moulding is interested and services. Backed by 20 years of
in partnering with companies looking to experience, Profile Injection Moulding
substitute metal products for plastic to aid can process a full range of engineering
with corrosion and friction reduction and polymers and standard materials to suit
reduce the weight of components. diverse customer requirements. The
There is a wide opportunity for plastic company has plastic injection moulding
substitution of various mechanical machines ranging from 100t through
fittings, couplings and guards. New to 650t. With an experienced team of
plastics can provide a cost effective, manufacturing professionals, Profile
strong and environmentally sound Injection Moulding has the versatility
alternative to metal ones. Maintenance to custom mould a vast range of plastic
and corrosion costs can be a major products from all business sectors.
issue in remote or coastal locations and Profile Injection Moulding works
plastic can be a substitute to metals. with clients from inception, design,
Profile Injection Moulding welcomes the engineering and manufacturing through
chance to discuss these opportunities to market positioning.
in more detail with interested parties Call Profile Injection Moulding for a
by telephone or in person at its free consultation.
Plastics can provide a cost effective and environmentally sound alternative to metals.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 105
Freight Forwarders
Toll Global Forwarding provides a comprehensive suite of domestic and international freight
forwarding and advanced supply chain services.
106 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
Larnec Doors & Systems products are manufactured to the highest standards.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 107
Electrical Contractors
Contractor committed
to quality, safety and
community
QUEENSLAND-owned and operated
electrical contractor Regional
Instrumentation and Electrical Services
(RIE Services) offers technical services
and expertise to the mining, oil and gas
and power sectors.
RIE Services specialises in electrical
and instrumentation services in hazardous
areas. With a leadership team with more
than 45 years of combined experience in
the field, the company is committed to
quality, safety and the environment.
Based in Southeast Queensland, RIE
Services guarantees quality, reliable,
efficient, safe and professional services
in brownfield projects, calibrations
and commissioning for all clients and
customers.
The ISO-accredited company has
worked on a number of large resources
projects in Queensland, including
as a contractor for Queensland Gas
Companys operations in the Surat and
Bowen basins.
Its highly skilled workforce has
delivered services on time and met the
specifications and requirements within
the project scope each time.
The key to RIE Services success is the
quality of its team, with staff drawn from
across the manufacturing, maintenance
and construction industries and bringing
with them skills and experience in the
instrument and electrical fields.
With a commitment to supporting the
community it operates in and an emphasis
on workplace health and safety, quality
and risk management, RIE Services has an
exceptionally good record across the board. RIE Services has worked on large resources projects across Queensland.
108 THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 www.miningoilgas.com.au
historical
The Mt Kembla coal mine explosion remains Australias worst mining disaster. Newcastle Coal Mining Companys coal arch in Australias main coal port, Newcastle, in 1897.
www.miningoilgas.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN MINING REVIEW OCTOBER 2014 109
leisure
A fairytale holiday experience
Emma Brown
A royal affair
Copenhagen is dotted with exquisite royal
castles, statues and regalia, making any visit
a grand experience. The Rosenborg Castle,
home to the Danish crown jewels, is in the
citys most popular park, the Kings Garden.
Built in the early seventeenth century by
King Christian IV, the historic building is
breathtaking, with well-preserved rooms full
of royal art treasures. Visit the Knights Hall,
which is complete with coronation thrones and The changing of the guard takes place every day at noon.
three life-size lions standing guard. The castle
attracts hordes of tourists each year, eager about this controversial existence. that is easy to explore. It is renowned for its however it is easily accessed by foot, public
to sneak a peek inside the castle walls and biking culture and is one of the worlds top transport or boat.
witness the changing of the royal guard. Every Food and nightlife cities for cyclists. Tourists are recommended For more information, head to
day at noon the guards make the journey If you are fond of good food, then Copenhagen to hire a bike and explore the city on wheels, www.visitcopenhagen.com.
through the city from Rosenborg Castle to is the city for you. It is known as one of the
Amalienborg Palace the Royal Familys worlds great gastronomic hotspots with
winter residence. more Michelin-starred restaurants than
The palace is made up of four grand palaces any other city in Scandinavia. If Michelin
on a square and is just a short walk from The dining stretches the budget, there are
Kings New Square. It is common to see the plenty of informal places to dine. Fresh food
Royal Family around town. The Prince and and ample portions go hand-in-hand with
Princess are often spotted leaving the palace; Danish dining. Famous dishes to try include
during summer, visitors can get a photo with a a Smorrebrod (open sandwich) or, of course,
royal guard instead. Stop in at the Copenhagen meatballs. Dont leave it too late to sit down
Cathedral (The Church of our Lady) and see for dinner as restaurants are known to close
where the Prince and Princess of Denmark early in Copenhagen, with many eateries
exchanged their vows. not taking orders after 9pm.
the interview
HLB Mann Judd managing partner and national mining
and resources industry group chair Norman Neill
HLB Mann Judd managing partner opportunities. The group we operate is very focused Q. What has been the highlight of your
Norman Neill spoke to Jane I began as a graduate, so I did on information-sharing and stimulating career to date?
Goldsmith. various jobs such as auditing and tax industry health.
returns. Within the first few years I
concentrated on auditing and support A. Becoming the managing partner of
Q. What is your background? services, independent accountants Q. What role does HLB Mann Judd this firm was certainly a highlight; it also
reports and prospectus reports. I fulfil within Australias mining and presents some challenges going forward. I
A. Im a country boy, and grew up on a worked my way through the ranks; I resources sectors? commenced that role on 1 July. We have
dairy farm just outside Bunbury. I went became a partner in 2003 and in the 10 a rotational system for the managing
to Bunbury Senior High School and from years preceding that I was in various partner role, which gives our partners the
there went to Edith Cowan University, managerial and supervisor roles.
A. We are a network of firms across the opportunity to have a go within the role,
country. In WA, our particular skill set and then to step back again. It keeps the
where I studied a Bachelor of Business In July this year I became the
relates to the junior end of the mining firm fresh and promotes a bit more flow
at the Bunbury campus. I graduated in managing partner of the firm in WA,
and exploration market. with ideas and the direction of the company.
1991 and started at Mann Judd as it and Im keen to develop our leadership
Theres no doubt that the junior end Other than that, becoming a partner in
was called in those days in 1992. My culture.
of the market is always resource-poor 2003 was another great highlight.
career has carried straight through The chair role is one of coordination
from a financial perspective. Our role is
Ive now been here more than 22 years theres the behind the scenes items,
two-fold its about adding value to what
and I have seen many changes in the like chairing meetings, but mostly
we do in our roles as accountants and Q. What advice would you give to
WA business landscape. it is about being a figurehead and someone looking to develop a similar
auditors, as well as adding value to the
Im a proud chartered accountant and providing a point of contact for mining career?
mining industry. The mining industry
a member of the Governance Institute representatives to share their ideas.
gains value from our experience, as we
of Australia. In 2001 I completed a
graduate diploma of secretarial
engage with a very broad range of people A. Its about getting involved with the
and companies across the industry and in sector youre interested in. People need to
practice as I saw a real need to
every state. get out, talk to others, network, and become
develop skills in the area
of governance. as informed as they can be a little bit of
Q. What are the most knowledge can be dangerous. People need
challenging aspects of your to gain as much information as they can
Q. How did you role? within their sector so they can understand
reach your what theyre doing.
current role? Also, try not to be all things to all people;
A. Internally, it relates to understand where you best fit, where your
A. Ive always harnessing the people and physical strengths lie, and work out how you can
been here at resources we have across the make a difference.
HLB. People ask country, and coordinating them
why Ive stayed into something that can add value Q. Given the current market, what do
here so long, to our clients. you expect the next 12 to 18 months
and it essentially Externally, it relates to will hold for Australias mining
came down scope: the mining and resources industry?
to the people industry includes huge numbers
I work with of clients and potential clients
internally from our focus on junior miners A. No doubt about it, the market is
as well as and explorers, to the major challenging but challenges create
our clients companies, as well as industry opportunities. People may sit back for a
and the service providers and so on. little while, but ultimately there will be
opportunities Often the size of the sector can be a level of innovation that will create new
Ive received one of the biggest challenges, to opportunities things like mergers and
along the way. determine what people want and acquisitions particularly. That said, for
At all points in my what is useful. some companies its going to continue to be
career where Ive Its also sometimes difficult to really challenging. There needs to be a level
wanted development make accounting and tax changes of energy to create opportunities which can
and expansion, sound interesting but we work to then flow into other groups.
HLB was able to provide the industry with relevant Its been really difficult for Australias
provide those information and advice. resources industry to raise funds in the
recent past. Companies can often raise
small amounts of money to keep hanging
in there, without any news occurring to
excite investors. Companies begin to rely on
other things happening in the market more
generally, to try and stimulate interest
and excitement with their individual
projects. Often investment relies on
leadership within the industry itself,
and what initiatives leadership
bodies employ, to spark new
investment interest.
Into the medium term, the
industry has always been
relatively cyclical; clearly
were at a low point now. In
18 to 24 months, I would
hope there would be a lot
more activity than what
there is now.