A leader in demolition

Mental health still taboo in the workplace

Being safe is not being sissy

OCTOBER2013 2013 OCTOBER 1 NEWS

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www.sargent.com.au 2 OCTOBER 2013 cover 6 A leader in demolition

features 12 Being safe is not being sissy 30 The good oil on good faith 41 Be fire safe The NSCA National Safety Awards of The ongoing debate in regards to The fire protection industry is evolving Excellence promote safety by rewarding the existence, scope and operation of in the development of new technology excellence in this field. obligations of good faith in commercial and practices. contracts.

18 Cooking oil recycled to cut 44 Mental health still taboo carbon emissions 34 Mentors proving the link in the workplace The Golden Gecko Awards have for gender diversity Some 69% of people feel uncomfortable recognised yet another company for Women comprise just 16% of Australia’s disclosing to their employer that they its leading practice and innovation in resource industry workforce and the have a mental illness, according to a new environmental management. gender balance has become a top priority study. for industry employers.

22 Stop Pipeline Corrosion 54 QLD government initiatives to The challenges in pipeline corrosion in 38 Time to look at fluid boost exploration success the oil and gas industry and how they injection injuries rates in Mount Isa can be addressed. The NSW Mines Safety team is Focusing on exploration to ensure reviewing the Fluid power system safety the ongoing strength of Queensland’s at mines following a recent analysis of mining and petroleum resource sectors. reported injuries. regular 8 News 38 Safety 58 Environment 12 Events 48 Projects 60 Offshore 22 High Profile 52 Breaking Ground 62 Out of Site 32 Deals and Investments 54 The Hub 34 Skilled 56 Innovation nnovations in the resources I sector is proving to be a viable business to enter in. Not only are the big resources players Volume 2, Issue 15, looking for technologies to OCTOBER 2013 increase productivity and lower Published by Sage Publishing Group ABN 56 155 835 555 cost, but another incentive is to

achieve environmental excellence Director/CEO Noman Kabir and keep in line with the social Director/Publisher licence in the communities in Cordelia D’Souza which they operate. The annual Editor Annelie Wressmark Golden Gecko awards recognise leading companies Sub Editor Alan Ball committed to realising their potential for outstanding Journalist environmental management. As always, this year’s Mark Fraser awards saw many highly regarded nominees, qualified Contributors Reg Howard-Smith as leaders in their fields and worthy of a mention, but Mining IQ Joseph Keller there could only be one winner. Mal Cooke Diversity is also currently seen as an important Julie Armour Research and Development responsibility for any mining or oil and gas corporation. Briege Whitehead Business International After a decade of record 25% year-on-year employment Art Director growth, resource employers are no strangers to Karolina Larsson recruiting from skilled labour markets, and indigenous Graphic Design and Production Ellen Johnson and gender diversity is top of the agenda. Women Advertising Department [email protected] currently comprise just 16% of Australia’s resource IT Support industry workforce but changing this gender imbalance Zayd Bhyat has become a top priority for industry employers. Accounts M.H.Morshed Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) recently NSW Advertising Account Managers announced nominations are now open for the 2014 Fahim Iqbal Brendan Dixon Women in Resources Awards. CME encourages all Subscription Manager and Administration Amber Arnold WA resources sector companies to look within their organisation and consider nominating for either outstanding staff members or an innovative initiative their company has developed. Entry closes 31 October 2013.On the same note, please don’t miss the very last page in this edition which presents two of Newmont’s leading women who have climbed to the top in their own right . 30/53 Cecil Avenue Cannington WA 6107 Australia P 08 6336 6430 F 08 9458 8375 www.nationalresourcesreview.com.au www.sagepublishinggroup.com.au [email protected] [email protected]

Disclaimer: National Resources Review is subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced in whole or part in any print or electronic Annelie Wressmark form without the consent of the Editor. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, no Editor responsibility is accepted by the Publisher for any entry supplied by individuals, organisations or companies.

4 OCTOBER 2013 Specialist in Workforce Development, Proficiency Training & Productivity Improvement upcoming

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Australian Gas Turbines Conference 2013 Unconventional resources Mining in a Day As the Australian energy market is evolving, so are conference and exhibition - Asia Pacific Mining in a day is a comprehensive industry the trends and issues for the gas turbine industry. The growing importance of developing “liquids- overview and mining training for non-miners. This How do you plan and prepare for flexible operation rich” basins offers additional challenges in is the ultimate guide to mining for non-miners and what are the effects of cycling on plant optimising production and reservoir management. and those new to the industry. In just one day reliability? The Australian Gas Turbines Conference This conference focuses on addressing the growing this targeted workshop will provide you with the is designed to be a platform for discussion on the global interest in all unconventional resources essential knowledge you need when working for, latest technologies and developments in gas power and the unique aspects of their development and doing business with mining companies. generation. and management. This conference will cover the perth, Sydney, Brisbane emerging influence of unconventional gas and Hilton, Brisbane 14 Nov - 21 Nov 2013 liquids-rich production in the Asia Pacific region, 30-31 October 2013 as well as all the peripheral technologies that are www.mininginaday.com www.informa.com.au/ associated with the production of unconventional conferences/energy- systems. utilities/engineering/ Mining Technology & australian-gas-turbines- Brisbane Convention and Operations Summit 2013 conference exhibition Centre The Mining Technology & Operations Summit is the 11-13 November premium forum bringing elite buyers and sellers www.spe.org/events/urce/2013/ together. As an invitation-only event taking place 2013 Unconventional resources behind closed doors, the summit offers senior conference and exhibition - Asia Pacific mining executives and solution and service providers The growing importance of developing “liquids- Mine Closure Planning & an intimate environment for a focused discussion of rich” basins offers additional challenges in Rehabilitation Performance key new drivers shaping the mining industry. optimising production and reservoir management. With an increasing focus on rehabilitation and rendezvous Hotel, Perth This conference focuses on addressing the growing closure as a critical component of the mine 18-19 November 2013 global interest in all unconventional resources lifecycle, the Mine Closure Planning and www.mtosummitanz.com and the unique aspects of their development and Rehabilitation Performance training workshop management. will provide industry, regulatory and research This conference will cover the emerging influence perspectives in end-to end closure planning. Water in Mining 2013 of unconventional gas and liquids-rich production Take away new strategies for determining Few things are as powerful as water in connecting in the Asia Pacific region, as well as all the your completion criteria for successful mine people and their activities in landscapes. It peripheral technologies that are associated with the closure planning, plus adopting best practice has become increasingly apparent that mining production of unconventional systems. for measuring and monitoring rehabilitation cannot isolate itself from the surrounding regional Brisbane Convention and performance. water management context. It has also become clearer that site-by-site approval and operational exhibition Centre perth and Brisbane management of individual mines has resulted in an 11-13 November 14 Nov - 19 Nov 2013 www.spe.org/events/urce/2013/ emergent, and somewhat unexpected, challenge to www.mineclosuretraining.com the industry-wide social licence to operate.

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A leader in demolition

iberty Industrial is Australia’s leading Liberty Industrial provides long term plant extreme loading events such as earthquakes, industrial demolition contractor. They closure concepts, budgets and redevelopment terrorist attacks, cyclones and explosions. Lprovide innovative solutions for unique and strategies for redundant sites – in accordance This software models specific demolition technically challenging demolition projects with the requirements of the International scenarios long before site work commences. It throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and has the potential to revolutionise the way in which Liberty Industrial has extensive experience clients’ closure standards. demolition methods are developed, and serves as working for major clients within the mining, a key risk minimisation strategy for clients with power generation, and heavy industrial sectors. large, technically challenging projects. Liberty Industrial’s services include: Specialist Services contracting, mine closure studies, plant closure As part of Liberty Industrial’s approach concepts, budgets, feasibility studies and to innovation, they continue to strive to hazardous materials risk management. develop new systems to make the demolition Demolition Analysis Liberty Industrial is one of the few demolition environment safer and more efficient. One ELS provides a unique service in two areas: companies to achieve Quality (ISO 9001), of their latest developments has been the proposal development and demolition planning Environmental (ISO 14001) and Health and creation of a custom built copper cutting saw. and analysis. Applied Element Method (AEM) Safety (AS/NZS 4801) accreditation. Because Working closely with project partners, EA Hire technology and rapid prototyping capability (industry leaders in plant hire), in developing of this commitment you can be assured that allows a structural model to be built in record your project will be completed to the highest of this new technology - large copper blocks time and conduct a demolition of the model standards. (which were previously difficult to downsize for according to anticipated or proposed plans. Liberty offers a professional, innovative re-smelting), can now be processed efficiently. ELS analyses and simulates the demolition of approach in both contracting and consulting The copper saw not only cut the blocks into services, providing a first class service to manageable sizes, the cutting tool was also concrete, steel and masonry structures complete achieve the desired outcome. The team’s able to capture the copper shavings (swarf) to with their walls, glass facades and other structural expert knowledge of heavy industrial demolition maximise efficiency and revenue generated. and cladding elements, all in a 3D environment. translates into delivering safe, effective results This technology can be adapted for all smelting It incorporates rebar detailing, concrete strength, on time and on budget. The company is processes. composite sections, pre-stressed beams and experienced in mobilising crews and machinery slabs, and other advanced structural details that in remote locations. 3D Modelling impact the demolition to predict the outcome of Their focus is always on safety. Liberty’s the deconstruction plan. National Safety HSEC-IR Manager, Rick Liberty Industrial is the Australian agent for Liberty Industrial’s aim is to exceed client Rech, who possesses a wealth of experience Extreme Loading for Structures Software expectations through professional service, and throughout Australia and the Pacific rim on many (ELS) from Applied Science International. ASI successful results. Their goal is to set a new high profile demolition projects, is an integral is an engineering analysis company based part of the team. The company has a proven in the United States. The software is next benchmark for excellence in the Australian track record on large, technically challenging generation from finite element analysis – demolition industry. projects, and their dynamic, highly trained three dimensionally modelling and analysing “At Liberty Industrial, we strive for specialist team of engineers and site managers the demolition of structures. It also has the innovation, safety, professionalism and work closely with their clients. capability to analyse and model structures for excellence.”

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Training to boost Study to productivity Mining proficiency training and productivity specialists One Key Resources have extended help combat their range of productivity-boosting training programs in Australia. With a continued focus on productivity improvement, optimisation mining and cost-cutting in the mining industry domestically, One Key Resources is providing a range of on-site observation and analysis fatalities and programs that identify key areas in load and haul where improvement can be achieved. This is then supported by a range of both on-site injuries training programs and online animated videos that are combined to implement the required improvement with measurable outcomes he Western Australian chief resources “That’s why it’s crucial for employers and provided in online reporting and Ipad apps. safety regulator has sent a strong warning to employees to understand the importance of One Key Resources, which has its head Tindustry workers and companies, following its meal and rest breaks in improving energy and office in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane and a study into 13 years of WA mining fatalities. concentration, particularly every four hours during regional office in Subiaco, Perth, is a specialist Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) the common 12 hour shift.” provider of workforce development, labour hire, Resources Safety Executive Director Simon Ridge While the study did not show any evidence that training and managed production improvement said the department has analysed the 52 mining longer rosters resulted in increased fatalities, more solutions to the mining, resources and civil deaths that occurred from 2000 to 2012, a time than half of the incidents involved employees infrastructure industries. period that saw the industry workforce increase by working on the most commonly used FIFO roster, Managing director Grant Wechsel said 60,000. the two-on one-off. the programs are a cost effective way for 49% of these deaths involved workers who The most prevalent occupations included mining houses and major mining contractors were in the first year at their respective mine sites fitters (nine fatalities) and haul truck operators to identify key areas of their operation where or fulfilling new roles, Mr Ridge said – stressing (five fatalities), and technicians, drivers and jumbo they are underperforming or improvement the importance of inductions, training and operators (four fatalities each). can be achieved. His business partner Andy familiarisation with new environments. The largest cause of all incidents included Holder heads up a team of expert proficiency “We believe high staff turnover can also further trainers that can review operating load and haul incorrect use of fall arrest equipment; influence the number of accidents in the first year circuits across all crews, identifying issues with procedures not being followed; run-away of a new role,” Mr Ridge said. supervision, set up and planning, excavator vehicles, vehicles over edges and collisions; The DMP study found 62% of the cases and shovel operators, auxiliary operators, dump electrocution; rock falls and pit wall failures; involved onsite procedures not being truck operators, maintenance and more. water in-rush; and tyre handling. complied with. “The key with these programs is that we 56%t of incidents occurred at gold and nickel “This drives the point home that we must provide an independent point of view for the mining sites in the Goldfields, while Pilbara iron always apply known precautions to known hazards client with key recommendations and programs ore sites accounted for 33% – with 35 incidents and, where new tasks, machines or processes are for implementation. We don’t just leave the occurring at surface and 17 underground. being introduced, detailed hazard analysis and risk client with a report; we deliver solutions that “Because the number of surface employees assessment should be carried out,” Mr Ridge said. improve a client’s performance with measurable The research also showed that 44% of the was 10 times higher than those working outcomes. Our Ipad applications and online fatal accidents involved supervisors in their first underground during this 13 year timeframe – tracking of training programs are setting a year ‘on the job’ – highlighting the need for working underground during this time period new benchmark for training and production supervisors to be fully aware of the hazards and carried five times more risk,” Mr Ridge said, improvement in the industry.” risks associated with set tasks, so workers are urging companies and workers to take notice of “Despite falling commodity prices and monitored accordingly. the study’s important findings. significant cost cutting, One Key Resources During the 13-year timeframe, clusters of “We know a young contractor tragically lost is experiencing a spike in demand for both its accidents occurred at the end of day shift (between his life at a Pilbara mine site earlier this year unique production improvement programs and 3pm and 6pm), five hours into both day and night after a nearly two year fatality-free run,” Mr its labour hire in the iron ore mines of WA,” Mr shift (at 11am and 11.00pm) as well as at 3am. Ridge said. Wechsel said. “Although the sample size in our study is “It’s for that reason the department carries By combining all of these programs with relatively small, these incident times seem to out such studies, so that from a regulator a more tailored and specialised recruitment align with the very times when employees may perspective, we can provide feedback to process, you can get the best out of your be fatigued and more prone to making errors,” Mr industry to help stop these incidents from people and your machinery while maintaining Ridge said. occurring.” the highest safety standards.

10 OCTOBER 2013 Amendments to Petroleum and Gas Safety and Health Fee

ecent amendments to the Petroleum and Gas that are actually producing petroleum) and operators The Government’s intention in introducing this (Production and Safety) Regulation (2004) have of certain operating plant and petroleum facilities. capping mechanism is to ensure that the revenue Rmade important changes to the Petroleum and collected from the Fee covers but does not exceed the full cost recovery for petroleum and gas safety regulatory Gas Safety and Health Fee (Fee). This Fee covers the The New Fee Process costs of the activities carried out by the Department activities. of Natural Resources and Mines for the purposes of By 1 March each year, the Department must publish Source: HopgoodGanim safety and health relating to operating plant. on its website a costs estimate of the safety and Under the new amendments: health operating costs for each relevant category of • Reporting requirements of “liable persons” are liable person for the following financial year. reduced from quarterly to annually. Liable persons need to submit a safety and health • Fee capping provisions are introduced, to ensure fee return for each financial year by 31 July. The users are not paying more than necessary to fund Department then calculates the Fee payable by each petroleum and gas safety and health regulatory liable person by reference to a specified formula for activities. each category. • Operators of facilities producing or processing Under the new capping mechanism, where the biogas or gas derived from waste disposal or total Fees payable that the Department calculates for sewerage treatment are exempt from paying a category (eg exploration) exceed the costs estimate the Fee where Innovation Australia has made a for that category, the Department will instead issue positive advance finding that these are core R&D an invoice to each liable person based on their pro or supporting R&D activities. rata percentage of the costs estimate for the category. The Department must issue this invoice to each Persons liable to pay the Fee include holders of liable person by 10 November each year. The Fee exploration and production tenements (but only those must be paid on or before 10 December.

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2013 OCTOBER 11 NEWS Rio Tinto completes first Queensland resources: major expansion phase of helping deliver a plan for Queensland its iron ore operations

io Tinto has completed the first phase of the major expansion of its integrated iron Rore operations in the Pilbara, celebrating the milestone with a ceremony at Cape Lambert. The Premier of Western Australia, the Hon. Colin Barnett MLA, officially opened Cape Lambert wharf he trebling of the value of resource production “Growing and strengthening our regions is B (CLB) which will help bring the overall capacity of to $100 billion while minimising the sector’s precisely what the resources sector does through Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations to 290 million environmental impact and providing high-skilled delivery of high-skilled, well paid jobs in the regions, T tonnes a year (Mt/a), the largest iron ore operation in jobs, particularly in regional Queensland, is charted together with delivery of road, rail, water and energy Australia and the second largest in the world. in the sector’s contribution to development of the infrastructure to benefit the regional communities Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Andrew Queensland Plan. and important sectors such as agriculture.” Harding said “The 290 expansion, the largest The Queensland Resources Council, the peak Mr Roche said that the resources sector also has integrated mining project in Australia, has created body representing Queensland’s minerals and a huge role to play in strengthening Queensland’s the opportunity for Rio Tinto to deliver superior value energy sectors has released its 30-year vision. economic direction. to shareholders and customers. It is testament to QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said the “The Queensland resources sector is already our focus on value-driven growth at our low-cost plan strongly aligns with the key themes emerging responsible, directly and indirectly, for one in four operations.” from community feedback on the Queensland Plan. dollars of the state’s economy and one in five jobs.” “We have again demonstrated our project “In a nutshell, QRC’s 30-year vision for “If we can get government policy settings right, execution performance is second to none, delivering Queensland shows how we can help meet the then by simply keeping pace with growing global this expansion ahead of schedule and under budget.” world’s growing demand for minerals and energy, demand for resource commodities we will see the “This disciplined approach has generated greater while being responsible stewards of land and water real value of resource production in Queensland value through capital expenditure savings of US$400 and minimising our energy inputs,” said Mr Roche. triple to more than $100 billion by 2040.” million (100% basis), achieved mainly from our “Our vision also means building a legacy for engineering and contracting strategies across this Mr Roche said that the QRC strongly endorsed Queenslanders beyond our State’s rich minerals and phase of the programme.” community support for centres of excellence, energy endowment, a legacy of sustainable, leading “By running Australia’s lowest-cost iron ore with South East Queensland well placed to be a technologies and energy efficiency,” he said. operations we will ensure the benefits continue to centre of excellence in global minerals and energy “We’ll also show the world how to balance flow through to the bottom line.” productivity and technological innovation, building sustained production growth with protection of our The CLB system delivered first shipment in late magnificent natural environment.” on the existing world-class university and other August. The safe and efficient ramp-up schedule is “And, we’ll show how providing better research infrastructure. on track to reach a full run-rate by the end of the first jobs— high-tech, high-skilled and well-paid jobs, “The QRC vision is also perfectly aligned with half of 2014. particularly in regional Queensland—is at the heart the community’s aspirations for development that The phase two expansion of the port, rail and of the Queensland model of economic growth.” balances economic prosperity and protection of the power infrastructure to 360 Mt/a is underway. A Mr Roche said that the QRC’s 30-year resources natural environment.” number of options for mine capacity growth are under sector vision strongly aligns with the focus areas “A case in point is the resources sector’s evaluation including incremental tonnes from low-cost identified in the report on community consultation commitment to a healthy co-existence with the world productivity improvements, expansion of existing on the Queensland Plan. heritage values of the iconic Great Barrier Reef.” mines and the potential development of new mines.

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12 OCTOBER 2013 “This research shows that the impacts this time New research shows big increase have been sudden and have bitten deeply into the professional employees who are central to finding, in unemployment among minerals industry professionals developing and running the mining operations that underpin our economy.” ew research shows that unemployment among • Nearly 60% of those surveyed believed that there AusIMM CEO Michael Catchpole said the professionals in the Australian minerals industry will be fewer professional jobs available in a year’s increases in unemployment and under-employment N(including geoscientists and engineers) has time. are being felt right across the mining sector and increased from less than 2% to almost 11% in just • The survey shows some significant regional are affecting people working for the major mining 12 months – far higher than the overall national variations, with New Zealand professionals faring companies as well as those involved in exploration unemployment figure. slightly better than their Australian counterparts, and consultancy work. The research, released by The Australasian Institute reporting an 8.7% rate of unemployment in the “Many highly skilled minerals professionals of Mining and Metallurgy (The New Zealand minerals industry. are now unemployed or under-employed and we AusIMM) shows a significant and sudden increase • After many years of focus on the need to increase risk losing their skills. This will reduce the ability in unemployment and under-employment among the pool of skilled professionals in the of the minerals industry to innovate and improve minerals industry professionals over the past 12 Australian and New Zealand mining sectors, there productivity.” months. are now many highly skilled professionals who are The AusIMM Employment Survey, conducted unemployed (or working fewer hours than they want across the Institute’s 13 500 members, revealed: to work). • Unemployment among Australian minerals professionals increased from 1.7% in July 2012 to AusIMM President Geoff Sharrock said The AusIMM’s 10.9% in July 2013. research confirmed strong anecdotal evidence • In July 2012, only 2.9% of employed minerals of considerable pain and disruption within the professionals reported that they wanted to work professional ranks of the minerals sector. more hours (the ‘under-employed’). By July 2013, “Traditionally, a downturn in mining industry many of those professionals found themselves investment and operations impacts first on exploration unemployed. Among those still working, there was geologists and then other professionals, including a threefold increase in reported under-employment, mining and metallurgical engineers,” Mr Sharrock with a 9.1% rate of under-employment. said.

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2013 OCTOBER 13 EVENTS Being safe is not being sissy

14 OCTOBER 2013 Improving the safety and health performance of the resources sector is a priority for all the major players in the sector, and through recent changes in the safety performance and culture of the industry there is increased support to exceed minimum standards and holding accountable those who do not. The NSCA National Safety Awards of Excellence contribute to this promotion towards safety by rewarding excellence in this field.

dam Baldock, Managing Director training and providing expert experienced The best safety and CEO of the National Safety staff for short and long-term contracts via Council of Australia says the safety our Outsourcing service to organisations practice focuses on Aaspect has not changed as much, and service providers in the resources both the safety needs but he is seeing a changed in the focus industry, as well as all other industries. companies now place on safety and the The biggest safety achievement in the of workers and also recognition received for providing a safe resource sector is the recognition of value place to work. that a high quality safety resource will give the engagement of “As recently as five to seven years to your productivity.” ago, to tell a colleague to be mindful of Mr Baldock says organisations should workers to own and safe work practices was seen to be ‘sissy’. focus on both people and practicality to be committed to their Now, working unsafely is sissy,” says Mr achieve best safety practice. Baldock. “The best safety practice focuses on safety, the safety This cultural shift in the workplace both the safety needs of workers and also has come about from the promotion of the engagement of workers to own and of their workmates safe work practices, in combination with be committed to their safety, the safety and the safety of the the bombardment of television and other of their workmates and the safety of media campaigns, industry and regulator the organisation as a whole. To achieve organisation as a whole. safety awards and the harmonisation of best safety practice, organisations face work safety legislation – all striving to the challenge of keeping safety at the better promote and reward safe work forefront of everyone’s mind in day to by example, particularly those training initiatives. day work activities. To maintain such and supervising the next generation “This combined creates a culture vigilance requires the elimination of of workers. Technical solutions are where safety innovation is recognised as complacency, particularly in frequent and being developed every day to design an essential element of organisational repetitive activities, where people are so out injury-causing hazards in work productivity.” familiar with their work tasks that they processes. Communication and media In the last decade there have been operate on ‘autopilot’, often going through capabilities expand in nano-seconds to significant improvements in safety the motions while thinking about other capture attention and grow knowledge management systems, regulatory things.” in increasingly diverse ways to an approaches, environmental and “For example, how many times have increasingly diverse work force.” technological innovations in the resources you driven a familiar journey from point “Excellence in safety for me is not sector, unfortunately sometimes driven A to point B and realised at the end of just safety. It is the eclectic nature of the by devastating circumstances such as the trip that you controlled a moving person. Maybe it is my OT training, but the Pike River Mine explosion in 2010 vehicle on ‘auto-pilot’ for at least part of the person needs to be seen in a holistic leading to a massive overhaul of the the distance? Today’s organisations need manner. That means, you are dealing regulation of Health and Safety in New to consider a multi-faceted approach to with more than just keeping the body Zealand. keep the commitment of management safe, you need to look at a person’s overall “NSCA has contributed to the and workers on working safely and wellbeing. More and more businesses resources sector by growing skills through leading behavioural and cultural change are recognising this and have wellness »

2013 OCTOBER 15 EVENTS

programs in place, EAP, flexi-time, standard of productivity. Nobody wants became more prudent with their spending. childcare and more. This, in my opinion, to see a colleague or employee injured For example, NSCA noted that during is excellence in safety. Take away a person’s or worse – the emotional and cultural this period some tenders and proposal daily concerns and your happier, healthier impact on people and organisations cannot outcomes were delayed until the opposition employee will reward you two-fold.” be underestimated. Good businesses started to release their policies, before the The resources sector, Mr Baldock says, acknowledge that keeping workers safe market subsequently improved. In the recognises the value of experienced, well keeps the business productive, sustainable end, leadership always starts at the top – trained, safe, skilled people to ensure a high and planning for the future. and great leaders understand that their However, Mr Baldock says the recent most important asset is well trained, well economic climate has caused some budget informed, safe, skilled and productive people.” constraints, potentially affecting the safety spending. SAFETY STARS “When economic times get tough we at In this year’s NSCA National Safety the NSCA usually see stricter margins on Awards of Excellence 11 of the 29 finalists safety training, consulting and auditing. It are organisations involved in, or servicing, is not that companies want to compromise the resources sector and were selected as in these areas, it is more a matter of finalists by the judges in six out of seven assessing financial priorities in planning categories, including Best Continuous and implementing their safety initiatives, Improvement of a WHS Management often delaying safety projects, sometimes System, Best Safety Leadership Program/ unwisely.” Initiative, the Ian Chisholm Award for the “This is demonstrated by trends in the Best Individual WHS Achievement, and February – June 2013 period. As soon more. It is impressive to note that one of as Julia Gillard announced the election, the organisations was judged a finalist in companies tightened their belts and more than one category. »

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16 OCTOBER 2013

EVENTS profile

Nominee delivers safer panels After deaths in Victoria and overseas concerning the erection of Precast Concrete panels, SafePanel decided that there must be a better way of safely erecting such large, heavy panels whilst removing the risk of injury. SafePanel Director Alan Kearon says it caused them to think outside the square in order to arrive at a safe solution to this large problem. SafePanel identified some years back that in order to complete a precast concrete wall panel system using conventional cast-in or weld plates required many manual functions, required people to be working at heights and as such created a continuous risk. “We indentified that once the panel is stood vertical, a person must travel to the height of “Many of the nominees in this year’s trying to come up with innovative ideas the connection, sometimes up to eight metres National Safety Awards demonstrated a to solve safety problems can only be good or more and attach stitching plates across the combination of approaches in developing for the industry and the protection of joint in the two panels,” Mr Kearon says. innovative solutions for both simple and people. Safety has become ‘cool’ and people “Each time this is carried out the risk of extremely complex safety issues and all (together with technological capabilities) injury in climbing in and out of boom lifts, should be commended for their initiative are becoming increasingly innovative at potential falls and muscular skeletal injury is increased four-fold.” and commitment to safe business as a solving safety problems. Some of the SafePanel is a single hidden bracket priority.” nominations we receive are absolutely placed in the centre of the precast panel “It goes without saying that all of the genius, and sometimes deceptively simple. It edge. When the incoming panel is lowered 139 nominees are a standout and should is this innovation that we like to recognise into position, a bolt in the centre of the panel all be commended for implementing and celebrate through our awards.” being lowered, breaks a grout package located safety initiatives and their willingness inside the bracket and an immediate connection to tell the world about it. That said, this What should be any organisation’s is made. The panels are now connected year’s winner, Barwon Water Alliance, goal in terms of safety? automatically without human intervention. When was exceptional according to the judges Adam Baldock: Protection of their most the grout hardens, which may take around two because of their fantastic initiatives, multi- important asset: the people. It’s pretty hours you have a structural connection. faceted approach across all areas of the simple really. “The system means no welding is needed organisation and high quality submissions and no working at height. We felt this approach to across multiple categories in a very Productivity has become an important safety was unparalleled in the building industry. competitive environment. After four years part of the resources sector; do you SafePanel provides large cost savings to the the alliance has achieved an outstanding believe safety is still at the forefront? end user. The system costs about the same as safety record with the injury frequency AB: Absolutely. the cast-in plates and stitch plates that are the rate reaching zero with over 1 million current industry norm. The savings are found man-hours worked.” What causes companies to sometimes by not requiring labour and machinery to bolt, Mr Baldock says he has seen a big compromise safety? then weld and then patch every connection change in the amount of nominations AB: It is quite often budget constraints. plate. Additionally, welding is often performed on weekends due to the risks to others, for the awards, up until two years ago Are there more innovations in safety therefore costs are often increased. the NSCA National Safety Awards now than there used to be? SafePanel can speed up the construction of Excellence usually received around AB: Definitely yes. process via the reduction in the reliance of 40 nominations, whereas in 2012 they trades. It can assist in the design process of received 140 nominations and 139 What has been the biggest safety buildings and in many ways create the standard nominations this year. achievement in the resources sector? for connections. We are having discussions “I believe this is a direct result of that AB: The biggest safety achievement in the with interested parties in China who believe that cultural change I spoke about earlier. resource sector is the recognition of value using the patented system would allow them to That does not mean that they are all solid that a high quality safety resource will give place multi-story concrete panels much faster, ideas, but the fact that more people are to your productivity. thus creating a large market.

18 OCTOBER 2013 and Vice President Development, QGC. Australia has significant known and potential resources of unconventional gas as coal seam gas (CSG), tight gas and shale gas, which could all become a considerable source of supply over the longer term. CSG and tight gas resources are currently being developed or are close to development in Australia whereas shale gas exploration Australia explores is in its infancy – the first vertical wells specifically targeting shale gas were drilled in the Cooper Basin in early 2011, and Santos alternative gas resources started Australia’s first commercial shale gas production in the Cooper Basin in October 2012. nconventional gas is located in fracturing, these resources are becoming Mr Jurinak says the Unconventional complex systems that require capital, increasingly more viable and economically Resources Conference and Exhibition, to energy and technology intensive attractive for development. be held in Brisbane on 11-13 November is Uextraction methods. In the past, this “Unconventional resources exploration extremely timely. has made them uneconomical to produce. and development is now a worldwide “Development of unconventional However, unconventional gas resource challenge that has taxed us technically resources promises abundant hydrocarbons volumes are likely to be greater than their and requires major engagement with for future generations yet, there are still conventional counterparts, and with regulators, governments, and the formidable challenges facing us as we seek to advancements in technology development, community. Each of us has a role to play,” realise this potential. The stakes couldn’t be especially in horizontal drilling and hydraulic said Jeff Jurinak Conference Chairman higher.”

Australia’s unconventional gas prospects

COAL SEAM GAS SHALE GAS TIGHT GAS Includes remote locations in WA, Qld, NT Onshore WA, SA and Vic. Largest known LOCATION Particularly in Qld and NSW. and SA and some not so remote basins resources are in the Perth (WA), Cooper such as the Sydney and Bowen Basins. and Gippsland Basins. Significant exploration and characterisation Santos commenced Australia’s first Currently no known commercial of known resources. First commercial commercial shale gas production in the production. Known tight gas reserves in COMMERCIAL production of CSG began in 1996. CSG Cooper Basin in October 2012 existing conventional reservoirs that are PRODUCTION contributes about 10% of Australia’s total well characterised will be primary targets gas production and nearly 80% of Qld’s for production. gas production. Various source rocks that have generated Low permeability, fine grained sedimentary gas which has migrated into low SOURCE ROCK Coal seams (also the reservoir rock). rocks (also the reservoir rock). permeability sandstone and limestone reservoirs. Contained within the pores and fractures GAS OCCURRENCE Primarily adsorbed within organic matter. (‘free gas’) and adsorbed within organic Contained in pores. matter. 300-1000 metres (shallow compared to conventional and other unconventional TYPICAL DEPTH 1000-5000+ metres. Depths greater than 1000 metres. gas). Deeper coals exist but are not currently economic as CSG reservoirs. Mostly methane (>95%). carbon dioxide Mostly methane. The presence of other can be present but makes production less COMPOSITION hydrocarbons makes the resource more Mostly methane. economic. Minor ‘higher’ hydrocarbons, valuable. nitrogen and inert gases. ESTIMATED The in-place resources (total discovered) Total identified resources (discovered and Total identified resources (discovered and RESOURCE VOLUME are 20 tcf which is expected to increase undiscovered) estimated to be 235 tcf. undiscovered) are 396 tcf. (FOR AUSTRALIA) with further exploration.

Source: CSIRO, Unconventional gas fast facts 2013 OCTOBER 19 EVENTS

Cooking oil recycled to cut carbon emissions

project that recycles used cooking The project reduces carbon emissions of Fisheries have designed a system to oil into renewable biodiesel fuel by 500 metric tonnes, the equivalent trial the in-water eradication of marine has taken out this year’s Golden of taking 100 cars permanently off the bio-fouling of large marine vessels. A Gecko award for environmental road. “The system promotes a preventative excellence. “Guaranteeing Ashoil access to 100% risk-management approach to This year’s award was won by ESS of our used cooking oil means Ashoil is biosecurity, and a ‘clean-hull’ operating Support Services Worldwide and able to continue to produce commercial policy for WA and Australian waters,” AshOil, a wholly-owned subsidiary quantities of biodiesel, therefore helping Mr Marmion said. of the Ashburton Aboriginal to secure AAC’s business model,” said “This project and technology shows Corporation. Paul Nugent, ESS Executive Director great innovation exists outside and ESS – which provides catering and Operations. above of industry standards, and sets a support services to the mining, oil “This in turn means AAC can precedent for in-water hull cleaning.” and gas industries – has an exclusive continue its Indigenous engagement agreement with Ashoil and AAC giving programs and develop them further, Other finalists them access to 100% of its used cooking ensuring employment, education and Among the entrants was also oil from its mining accommodation training and enterprise opportunities Newmont Mining Corporation for the villages throughout Western Australia. for the local Indigenous community. company’s unique partnership with the Ashoil recycles the used cooking oil The Golden Geckos are awarded Wiluna Martu people. into the renewable fuel biodiesel which by the Department of Mines and The Wiluna Martu Land is then sold to mining companies for Petroleum to recognise companies that Management Collaboration, a drilling and blasting operations in the have made an outstanding contribution Newmont Asia Pacific initiative based Pilbara. to developing WA’s resources in an in Wiluna, Western Australia, is the This landmark agreement sees in environmentally responsible manner. first of its kind in the country. An excess of 200,000 litres of used cooking “The gecko is a great symbol of adaptive employment model enables oil recycled into biodiesel every year and environmental performance. It is among productive working partnerships ESS is currently working with Ashoil the last species to return to an area after a with local Indigenous groups under a to develop a range of environmentally land disturbance such as mining, and their flexible approach to employment. friendly products from the by-product presence indicates a return to a healthy The tripartisan partnership, based on a of the refinement process, glycerol. This functioning ecosystem,” said Minster for landmark agreement between Newmont includes a soap wash, dust suppressant Mines and Petroleum, Bill Marmion. Yandal operations and the Central Desert and truck wash; ESS is trialling these The event also recognised Native Title Services (on behalf of the products in a commitment towards zero Franmarine Underwater Services Pty Wiluna native title claimants), sees 15 waste in its operations and providing Ltd and the Department of Fisheries Indigenous rangers carry out environmental its clients with innovative, sustainable with a Certificate of Merit. compliance and rehabilitation activities environmental solutions. Franmarine and the Department across two million hectares of land.

20 OCTOBER 2013 Guaranteeing Ashoil access to 100% of our used cooking oil means Ashoil is able to continue to produce commercial quantities of biodiesel, therefore helping to secure AAC’s AshOil’s Stuart Gunzberg, and ESS’s Jo Laughton and Paul Nugent business model. recycled to cut carbon emissions with Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion.

Now in its third year of operations, the program provided 191 days of paid employment to local residents in 2012, and is the first program in the region to increase employment of the Martu people in over 15 years. Read Newmont’s full project report on the following page. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Limited entered the awards with its Artificial Reef and Coral Translocation Project. Rio Tinto undertook an artificial reef and coral translocation (ARCT) project to provide The team from ESS Support Services Worldwide and AshOil coral habitat in an area adjacent to their celebrate receiving the Golden Gecko at this year’s awards. Dampier port operations. The ARCT project has helped to restore and maintain marine biodiversity, and has expanded knowledge for industry about reef construction in tropical environments. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Limited and Sinclair Knight Merz submitted their Cape Lambert Port B Dredging Science Study for the awards. During the course of the Cape Lambert Port B dredging program, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Limited and Sinclair Knight Merz conducted an innovative study to better understand the relationships between water quality (turbidity), metocean conditions and dredging activities. This enabled proactive environmental management of dredging activities and increased the accuracy of Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion with Golden Gecko winners Margaret Parker, Piers Austin, Stuart Gunzberg and Darryl Milburn from AshOil. environmental impact assessments for dredging. 2013 OCTOBER 21 PROFILE

A mutual understanding to protect the environment shared value as a social investment strategy, Newmont applied this thinking on the local The relationship between resource companies and local Indigenous Martu employment in Wiluna. groups has often been a challenging and unproductive one. To “We have to operate under a strict set of environmental compliance conditions address this Newmont in association with Wiluna Martu and Central for both our core operational areas, and the broader pastoral leases we own. Given the Desert Native Title Services have initiated an innovative land success of Aboriginal caring for country programs nationally, it made sense to management partnership at its Jundee operation. interlink our environmental compliance obligations with Martu’s 40,000 year he Newmont- Wiluna Martu collaboration attracted both new partners and external history of natural resource management. “ is the first of its kind in Australia and funding sources. The project has become such a success the project has operated since late Dr Guy Singleton, Senior Community that the local Martu employment has risen T2012. The project involves a team of Relations Advisor is head of the Social three-fold and earlier problem of attrition is rangers providing land management services Responsibility function at Newmont’s no longer seen as an issue. including fire, feral predator and erosion Jundee operation and considers the project “We feel privileged to have played control and biodiversity monitoring. The to be an imperative way to work with the some small role in evolving how mining project has since its inception delivered local Aboriginal population. companies more meaningfully engage crucial environmental compliance and “It was clearly evident that despite a wide Aboriginal stakeholders around rehabilitation services across two million range of well supported local employment employment and land management,” says hectares surrounding the mine site by programs being trialed at the site over many Dr Singleton. protecting biodiversity in the region, years, mainstream mining positions proved The Martu hold native title over through collaboration with existing and to be an ineffective way to retain members Newmont’s operations and significant expanding Martu land management of the local Martu population as employees. stretches of the surrounding area and run projects. Something wasn’t working for them. While a wide range of NRM and biodiversity What initially started as a successful a small percentage of Martu were happy projects on their traditional lands with fee for service environmental compliance filling mainstream mining roles, for the strong empirical evidence of positive contract between Newmont Jundee and majority of others, it did not deliver what environmental impacts. However, these Central Desert Native Title Services, they were seeking from an employment projects would previously cease to function rapidly expanded into a broader landscape arrangement,” he says. on mining or pastoral land, breaking up the scale biodiversity restoration project that Being a firm believer in the concept of continuity of the projects.

22 OCTOBER 2013 The outcome of the project The Wiluna Martu Rangers have made a real and measurable impact on the Jundee lease environment in a short amount of time.

2012 work program on the mine site “Having now identified the shared value empowering the local land management work space framework with Newmont, their projects community to ensure sustainable can run through mining and pastoral landscapes, communities and livelihoods. 594 Drill holes rehabilitated/audited held land and function on a landscape Creating that social change is the first step (April – December) scale, thus providing greater employment to ensuring the long term health of the 49 Hectares surveyed for mulgara, opportunities for Martu and a more robust landscape. A committed group of people including exclusion zone set of broad-scale environmental outcomes.” can almost achieve anything, even perhaps Dr Hamish Morgan, Land and reverse long-term environmental decline in 101 Hectares of fauna surveyed with Community Program Development the rangelands.” motion sensor cameras Coordinator, Central Desert Native Title Another really strong observation, Hectares of weeds sprayed Services says one of the greatest changes according to Dr Morgan, is the sense of 12.5 he has seen is the growing ‘robustness’ and ownership that the Wiluna Martu rangers 2455 Hectares where feral cats were flexibility of the program, even during the have taken over Jundee, but he is also seeing monitored and trapped, resulting in 12 down-turn in the resource sector in 2012. a positive change in Newmont workers. trappings – a 40% increase from 2011. “The ranger program has survived and “The cultural ties have been deepened for prospered because it was cost effective and the Martu, but it has also been a really active 2013 work program for Jundee was able to adapt to meet new constraints and real way to engage Newmont staff in Expanding gender equity employment and opportunities, the program has actually cultural awareness and developing their opportunities for the Wiluna Martu grown in this down-turn because it is cost understanding of Martu culture, traditions effective and meets a number of Newmont’s and skills: it’s built strong relationships and 6000 Hectares of diverse land systems obligations and objectives in environmental a good culture around it.” with track-based plot monitoring, and social responsibility,” he says. “It’s great to see the Martu back working particularly in known biodiverse habitats Dr Morgan believes the biggest on country, and in such a meaningful way. such as the nexus between sand dunes achievement is the social one since it’s We used to see all their elders when they and sand plains provided a great opportunity to share skills, were young working on country, but that resources and knowledge. stopped, and the young people stopped 2 Work areas with Pitfall and Elliot traps “We’ve got three land management being interested. This is the first time in a for endangered mulgaras and baseline fauna set recording organisations: Newmont, Rex and Chris long time we’ve seen the youth reconnect Ward (Pastoralism) and Indigenous land with work. It’s a great project to be part of 6500 Hectares of pastoral land managers all working together to look as it’s good for the Martu and for us,” says undergoing erosion control activities after country for future generations. It’s Rex Ward, Jundee and Millrose Station early days yet but the collaboration is pastoralist. 2013 OCTOBER 23 HIGH PROFILE

industrial projects are composed of several families which can be categorised into sub families. The main fields of pipeline uses as such are composed of: Stop Pipeline • Oil and gas industries both upstream and those of downstream • Product pipelines in refineries, terminals and petrochemical and fertilising Corrosion By Mining IQ industries • Water siphons both for waste drain and ipeline corrosion is a growing the veins or arteries explodes or is blocked freshwater problem in the oil and gas industry. then can a human being survive for long? • Feeding liquids pipelines In this interview, Professor Dr. Eng. The jamming of these pipelines causes • Pipelines for heating and cooling media PMoustafa Mohamed El-Gammal at blocking and death could result. transportation the Faculty of Engineering University of So to start with one should be aware of • Reclamation and irrigation pipelines Alexandria, Egypt, describes the cause of a pipeline definition that is found in most • Compressed air pipelines pipeline corrosion and what can be done to current practice. A pipeline comprises of remedy the situation. all parts, as well as branches, of the physical Why is it important for people to know facility through which liquids (crude oil, where pipelines are located? How can What are the different types of pipelines? petroleum products) or gases (natural their locations be identified? gas, carbon dioxide) are transported, People must be aware of the importance Pipelines are considered the main source for including pipe, valves and other equipment of knowing pipelines locations for their keeping the continuation and progress of the and accessories attached to the pipe, e.g., interchanging safety problems. Also to served community. compressor units, pump stations, metering experience means and to recognise ways Look at the human body and you will stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, of prevention of environmental hazard be surprised to know that it consists of holders and fabricated assemblies. pipelines problems. The identification several huge pipelines with different sizes. Pipelines are the safest and most efficient of pipelines can be related to colour The lengths of each can reach several means of transporting crude oil and natural definition for all pipelines route. thousand kilometres. Veins and arteries are gas from producing fields to refineries The pipeline route is pipelines within the human bodies. The and processing plants and of distributing colon is another type of cascaded pipelines. petroleum products and natural gas to the Furthermore, pipeline leak detection systems consumer. Pipelines in domestic daily use mimic the human body animation. If one of as well as commercial and

Pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of transporting crude oil and natural gas.

24 OCTOBER 2013 profile

influenced McElligotts Partners aims to provide applicators by such factors as: A world leader in heavy with the knowledge to apply TSA safely within a • Safety metal remediation petrochemical environment. It was the first time within the Australian petrochemical industry that approval • Environmental protection and The process of thermal spraying involves metal or had been granted to an Australian protective coating preservation ceramic materials being sprayed onto the surface contractor. • Stakeholder input of another material, to prepare the surface for the The program includes training, certification and • Operating environment application of a coating that will provide corrosion technical support through alliance partners MSSA and • Terrain protection. • Location of existing corridors Metallization Ltd UK. As part of the international corrosion under McElligott Partners has been able to supply scope • Control points insulation (CUI) initiative, McElligotts Partners was of works, scheduling and planning to Shell Geelong • Regulatory matters asked to develop a Thermal Spray Aluminium (TSA) and successful completed a number of vessels and • Land acquisition project scope and quality management system. The live units during its refinery shutdown. • Accessibility system was designed for use in CUI remedial works on The company is also working at the ExxonMobil process piping and vessels on live units at refineries Gellibrand overwater piping replacement project and How long do pipeline pipes last before and workshop facilities. with its inspection team to develop a robust project they need replacing? McElligotts Partners TSA ‘bible’ was launched scope and work methodology. It depends on the maiden lifetime of in September 2010 with full Shell Global Solutions The first shipment of piping all was passed and pipelines; if known then one can work out International B.V. approval. Through the system, approved by Exxon Mobil September 2012. a time plan to handle pipeline replacements before leaks or explosions. Generally design parameters specifying working conditions depends on digging as well as monitoring The type of flow, the inside pressure and depending on anchorage, hammering and inspection, and thus academic and the internal speed of the flow are some of forces and cavitation as well as bent erosion theoretical equations based on probabilistic the dominating parameters that need to be problems. fatigue and reliability analysis need to be defined in order to know when replacement The time a part needs to be replaced implemented. is needed. Also, environmental changes, »

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2013 OCTOBER 25 HIGH PROFILE kinetics and computational fluid dynamics to a lower potential cathode material. The the steel to corrode much faster than normal. of the flow motion which takes variations formed resulted hydroxyl leads to ionised Another form of this is the coupling of in viscosity, Reynolds Number and Stock’s medium through which the increase in loss rusty pipe to new, clean steel. The natural formulas must be applied, and hence of electrons can increase the rate of escaping difference in potential causes the new steel corrosion rates are all to be harmonised to of electrons. The primary driving force of to corrode more rapidly than the old steel. assess the lifetime integrity of a pipeline. corrosion is based upon the transformation Other causes of pipeline corrosion cells In global words the contingent plan of of iron from its natural state to steel. The include the effect of different soil types, replacement varies from site to site and refining of iron ore into steel requires the oxygen availability, stray current interference from the used material in the pipeline addition of energy. Steel is essentially an and microbiological growth. manufacturing as well as the sequence of unstable state of iron and corrosion is the Two other unique (and sometimes assembly. That means what could be applied process of iron returning to its natural state. related) causes are stress and hydrogen. The energy used in the refining process is to a pipeline should be changed and tailored • Stress Corrosion occurs when even a the driving force of corrosion. Therefore, to the surrounding circumstances. Thus very small pit forms in a metal under corrosion is considered to be a process reliability and risk analysis play major roles stress. The concentrated stress either of deterioration and degradation to an in the estimated pipeline lifetime and are the deepens and extends the pit, or cracks embedded pipeline. most dominating factors implemented in the protective film which tends to the estimation of lifetime cycles of pipelines. Corrosion cells are established on underground pipelines for a variety of form. Under continued exposure to the Because of this we can tell within a certain corrosive medium and stress, the crack percentage of confidence and assurance causes. A primary cause of corrosion is due to an effect known as galvanic corrosion. extends by alternate corrosion and stress limits when that part of pipeline should be All metals have different natural electrical failure. replaced. potentials. Where two metals with different • Hydrogen Embrittlement and hydrogen attack results when atomic hydrogen What is causing the corrosion potentials are connected to each other in penetrates into the grain boundaries of in the pipelines? a common environment, current will flow causing corrosion to occur. The coupling of steel producing micro-cracks, blistering Corrosion is a natural process by which steel to a different metal, such as copper, will and loss of ductility. The atomic hydrogen a corrosion current is formed with a flow cause a corrosion circuit to be established. combines into molecules and results in of electrons from a high potential anode Direct coupling of copper to steel will cause blistering and laminations.

Corrosion cells GMA GARNET GROUP when your abrasive matters! are established on underground pipelines for a variety of causes.

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26 OCTOBER 2013 Super-growth sectors worth $250b to build Australia

ive super-growth industry sectors worth be built on natural resources alone. That Current, next and future waves an extra $250 billion to the national boom is slowing and our competitive Agribusiness: Global population growth economy over the next 20 years hold advantage is being challenged.” of 60 million per year will increase food the key to Australia’s future prosperity, “The reality is that we need new growth F demand, with Asia’s growing middle classes according to a new report from Deloitte. drivers. We need another wave – or several set to boost their protein intake. The report, entitled – to create more diversified growth. And Positioning for Prosperity? Gas: Rapid growth in emerging the first place to look is markets that can be Catching the next wave, is the third edition of economies has polluted the air in the major the firm’s Building the Lucky Country series, expected to grow significantly faster than cities to our north. That will underwrite which focuses on business imperatives for a the global economy as a whole over the next demand for gas, a cleaner and greener prosperous Australia. 10 or 20 years, or by more than about 3.4% alternative. Co-author, Deloitte Access Economics’ per year. For example, global markets for gas, Tourism: This sector is set to double Chris Richardson said: “As the mining tourism and agribusiness are each expected to in size in the next 20 years, with Asia’s wave continues to deliver prosperity for grow at rates at least 10% faster than global expanding middle classes fuelling the Australia, albeit at a declining rate, our GDP as a whole. growth. analysis shows there is vast potential to be “As history has shown, global growth International education: Foreign tapped in five additional super-growth waves alone isn’t enough to deliver success to students are already our fourth biggest of agribusiness, gas, tourism, international Australia. We also need an edge, a source of export earner; with India and China likely to education and wealth management. comparative advantage that’s hard for other drive great growth in demand in the sector. “Exceptional growth in these five sectors nations to match, so that the world wants Wealth management: Three billion could add an additional $25 billion to what we have.” people in Asia will join the middle class Australia’s GDP in 2033 or a boost of about The report said five big-picture advantages by 2030 and by 2050 the region will 1% to an economy turning over $2.6 trillion gave Australia a head-start: world-class account for more than half the world’s in today’s dollars,” Richardson said. resources in land, minerals and energy; financial assets. Positioning for prosperity? Catching the proximity to the world’s fastest growing These next export waves are the most next wave includes detailed analyses of the markets in Asia; our use of English, the important growth priorities for Australia, challenges and opportunities for maintaining world’s business language; a temperate and Chris Richardson said the growth of our current wave of prosperity beyond the climate; and well understood tax and these sectors would be helped by the retreat mining boom as well as how to make the regulatory regimes. of the Australian dollar from its record most of the next five ‘super-waves’, which Building the Lucky Country co-author and highs. Deloitte predicted will collectively match global thinker on growth strategy, Mehrdad “We see the A$ settling at U.S. 80 mining in terms of their contribution to the Baghai, Managing Director of Alchemy cents in the longer term. This downswing Australian economy. Growth Partners, said: “The Australian has already begun, and it signals the “It’s all about catching the next wave,” said economy grows when Australian advantage starter’s gun on new opportunities for Chris Richardson. “Mining will continue as a meets global opportunity. The multi-billion- ‘dollar dependent’ sectors including major driver of our prosperity over the next dollar question is: where will global growth manufacturing, farming, tourism, and two decades and beyond. We need to look and Australian advantage next intersect? international education. It will also be a at how we can extend our ability to ride the That’s where we will catch the waves that will tailwind for interest rate-sensitive sectors, mining wave. Yet success as a nation cannot drive our prosperity, today and tomorrow.” such as retail and housing construction.” 2013 OCTOBER 27 PROFILE The dynamic ‘Force in Fluid’

The inside of the Shell Prelude PHPU. IS BACK The Shell Prelude FLNG facility.

riginally established in 1979, systems, surface deployment equipment, subsea production trees as well as ensuring Pressure Dynamics continue underwater tooling, nitrogen generation an effective Emergency Shut Down (ESD) if to deliver high end specialised and testing skids. Pressure Dynamics also required. In addition to the PHPU, Pressure Oneeds to the mining and energy specialise in design, manufacture and service Dynamics also designed and manufactured With over 30 years in the industry, we can truly say sectors, having been involved in nearly of a range of pneumatic and hydraulic three specialised ‘test & flush” systems every major project in Western Australia’s control systems for topside and subsea required for commissioning the subsea industrial surge over this time. applications including wellhead control, control systems at pressures that continue to After some recent troubled times due to emergency shutdown, work-over and tree push the boundaries of technology. “We Know Hydraulics !” inefficient systems and mis-management, installation control panels. The company’s scope for the Wheatstone the company has recently been acquired The Pressure Dynamics team comprises platform consisted of a Production by a consortium of successful business of a highly skilled and experienced Hydraulic Power Unit (PHPU), eight owners who bring financially sound backing engineering group as well as a crew of Topside Umbilical Termination Units and excellent management and technical dedicated hydraulic and instrumentation (TUTUs) which interconnects the surface knowledge plus a wealth of experience in the technicians covering all onshore and offshore systems with the subsea wellheads and oil and gas, mining and resource industries. service backed up by support from their manifolds and two ‘test & flush’ Hydraulic Their existing companies have excellent product sales and procurement divisions. Power Units (TFHPUs) to a new synergies with Pressure Dynamics. This guarantees clients total support standardised design “Business as usual” is the initial theme coverage regardless of their problem. The focus for the future is to continue to for the restarted company. Though the new A large portion of their skilled staff have service their extensive list of LNG, CNG Pressure Dynamics is a much leaner and been with the company since its inception and mining clients at a domestic level whilst meaner platform, it will continue to operate 35 years ago. With this level of experience extensive growth into the CSG and Shale from its existing premises at 18 Tarlton and expertise comes extensive knowledge, gas sectors will also be in it’s sights. The Crescent near the Perth International loyal clients and facilities and equipment at a new management team have a global focus Airport and a large proportion of the level unrivalled or un-matched by any other with strong connections to South East Asia original team have been retained ensuring a supplier. which will form the base of its international continuity of sound experience and expertise. Pressure Dynamics recently increased expansion plans. With an order book that guarantees its profile in the global Oil & Gas sector Chairman of the new company, Derick strong performance well into early 2015, after being awarded the contract to design Markwell stated “The level of support Pressure Dynamics will continue to reign and manufacture the subsea control system from customers wanting to see Pressure as industry leader whilst continuing to Production Hydraulic Power Unit (PHPU) Dynamics back on its feet has been amazing service their existing local and international for Shell’s new Prelude FLNG facility of and we will repay this customer loyalty. The customer base including Woodside Energy, which, on completion, will be the first and Pressure Dynamics brand and reputation Chevron Australia, Apache Corporation, largest of its kind in the world. Additionally is clearly something to be proud of. Whilst BHP Billiton, Fortesque Metals Group, to this world first, they also completed the we have great plans for the future, our focus Metso Minerals, FMC Technologies and subsea topside hydraulic control systems on is going to be on efficiency, tight financial many others. the Chevron Wheatstone platform. management and rebuilding customer The Company provides a single source Pressure Dynamics’ scope in Shell’s relationships in the short term.” solution for the design, manufacture and FLNG facility, secured against global Recently recertified to the ISO 9001 service of a diverse range of hydraulic and competition, will see the PHPU installed in standard by SAI Global, Pressure Dynamics automated control products including the turret as the final control element between are committed to ensuring quality and hydraulic power units (HPU’s), cylinders the topside and subsea systems, supplying providing customers with the same high and drives, electro-hydraulic control systems the regulated hydraulic pressure necessary standard of product and services they have for pipe-laying, drilling, launch and recovery to maintain the flow of natural gas from the come to know and trust.

28 OCTOBER 2013 Pressure Dynamics provide a single source of supply for complete system design, engineering consultancy services, component supply, installation, service and repair of hydraulic systems for the resource industries.

With over 30 years in the industry, we can truly say “We Know Hydraulics !”

System Design • Project Management • Technical Troubleshooting Component Supply • Repair & Testing • Hire Equipment • Hose Management Training & Consultation • Planned Maintenance • Offshore & Remote Site

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s the economy changes and the workforce changes, the primary Defying the myths of reason why people automate also Achanges. In today’s environment, manufacturers are turning to automation to gain productivity, safety and quality. Automated welding can provide large gains automated welding in efficiency and profitability if used in the right applications. Automated welding systems offer four main advantages: improved weld quality, increased output, decreased variable labour costs, and less time on the job. Automated welding is suited to large diametre, heavy walled pipe welding or pipeline welding. Automated welding can be broken down into two basic categories: semiautomatic and fully automatic. In semiautomatic welding, an operator has basic controls over welding parameters. A weld controller then keeps the welding tip and motion of the torch to work in conjunction with preset parameters. After the weld is completed, the operator removes the completed assembly and the process begins again. In fully automatic welding, a custom machine, or series of machines, loads the workpiece, indexes the part or torch into position, accomplishes the weld, monitors the quality of the joint and unloads the finished product. Additional ‘part in place’ and final product quality checks may also be designed into the machine if necessary. Depending on the operation, a machine operator may be necessary. Commonly used in Europe and America, automated welding has had a very slow introduction in Australia. Geoff Barker, Director of Lonestar Automated Welding says a large number of projects choose not to utilise automated welding for various reasons such as: • No provision of costing for automated welding. • No designated equipment to assist automated welding. • No site experience controlling/ monitoring the use and quality of automated welding.

“These issues affect the production which is our main purpose of being introduced to sites.” Mr Barker says. Since 2006, while attempting to introduce automated welding into Australia, Mr Barker has been challenged of the automated welding process. to achieve the greatest results of their with plentiful hurdles and mentalities to “Uneducated opinions are common. pipeline welding. overcome. We have also heard stories of overseas “Pipeline owners need to know the There are many factors relating to the welding companies conducting previous and benefits of using the best possible system, use of automated welding that determine current projects here and failing dismally allowing large companies to make a profit whether or not it is viable to use the leaving a mark on the process forever. False rather than losing millions.” equipment or to weld manually. These production figures provided, repeated weld “We do not mind consultation to verify if simple factors are quite relevant and realistic defects, and the list goes on.” there is a requirement or not for automated devices to gauge how a company will decide Mr Barker says some individuals oppose welding. A correct answer will be provided during the tender stage if it essential or using automated welding due to the threat as we make no gains by providing the wrong possibly required to utilise automated of machines taking jobs and the individual answer.” welding on their potential project. training required. “The best method should be the one in They include: “The welding machines involved with which the quality can be verified without • Pipe Outside diameter (some pipe may automated welding require an operator for 100% supervision or guesswork. The be too small for automated welding). each side of the pipe. No welding jobs are best method is the one that provides the • Pipe wall thickness (some pipes may be lost, however the welding production is same result every weld with the same heat too thin for automated welding). increased and therefore the job is shorter.” inputs providing the same weld as in the • Distance around pipe (limitations of auto “Our workforce is called upon from welding procedure. This is an auditing equipment around weld area). previous projects and we offer a workforce dream at the end of a project and can be • Current or proposed bevel angle of pipe. which requires no training, however if achieved easily.” • Total number of joins. needed we can offer the training of a “Our small business is vital in the success workforce. ” associated with specialised automated Mr Barker says there are many other factors Mr Barker says that pipeline owners welding on major projects and we look affecting automated welding being used in and gas producers should ensure their forward to future consultation at tender Australia such as influential opinions made contractors utilise the best methods possible stage.”

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2013 OCTOBER 31 NEWS

The good oil on good faith

The energy and resource By Mal Cooke, Disputes partner in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Perth office. sector continues to be The assistance of Long Pham in preparing this article is gratefully impacted by the ongoing acknowledged. debate in Australia as to the a. Is there an express or implied obligation by reference to a good faith standard. existence, scope and operation of good faith at all? This is entirely consistent with the b. If so, how does it regulate conduct? freedom to define by contract the nature of obligations of good faith in and extent of parties’ respective rights and This article briefly surveys recent obligations. commercial contracts. authorities in Australia to provide some A good faith obligation may be implied guidance on each and concludes that into the JOA where no such express the risk perceived to arise from implied term exists. This is the source of the nergy and resource projects in good faith obligations is overstated. uncertainty created when one participant Australia commonly operate through When tested, allegations of breach of asserts a breach against the other, even unincorporated joint ventures. good faith rarely survive absent express where the latter has exercised an express Participants in these joint ventures, E contractual terms. right or power. The effect of the obligation like parties to other commercial contracts, regularly face questions as to whether their of good faith may be to: conduct is attended by obligations of good Contract is king – when will good • shape the manner of performance of the joint venture parties; or faith. It is common for parties exercising faith obligations be implied? rights or powers under their joint venture • limit the circumstances in which a operating agreements (JOAs) to be met The recognition of good faith obligations participant may exercise a particular right with allegations that they have failed to by various Australian courts is often seen to under the JOA. discharge their obligations in good faith. threaten the freedom and certainty afforded This uncertainty generates unnecessary by the consensual relationship between joint The Court of Appeal in Victoria brought disputation and delays conflict resolution. venture participants. welcome clarity to the issue in 2005 when To bring clarity to an area of frequent JOAs often contain an express good considering a JOA to exploit shale oil. It uncertainty, two questions must be faith term, presumably reflecting the rejected the contention that, in effecting a separately dealt with: parties’ desire to regulate their conduct right of assignment under the JOA, one

32 OCTOBER 2013 of the parties had breached the contract by faith term. There, without reasons, the In NSW Rifle Association Inc v failing to act in good faith. majority unitholders voted to remove another Commonwealth [2012] NSWSC 818, the unitholder, Dr Arhanghelschi, from the Commonwealth licensed premises to the Buchanan JA said: I am reluctant to radiology business operated through the Association. The Commonwealth issued conclude that commercial contracts are trust. The Court found that there was no notices, demanding the Association repair a class of contracts carrying an implied basis to imply an obligation of good faith to substantial defaults, but fixing the minimum term of good faith as a legal incident, so constrain the majority unitholders’ voting time required to be given under the licence that an obligation of good faith applies rights because: agreement for repairing defaults. The notices indiscriminately to all the rights and power • the deed’s express provisions were were a precondition to the Commonwealth’s conferred by a commercial contract. It may, clear that, in voting to remove another right to end the licence which it wished to do however, be appropriate in a particular case unitholder, the majority unitholders could to fulfil an election promise. to import such an obligation to protect a act in their own self-interest and without The New South Wales Supreme Court vulnerable party from exploitive conduct reasons; and found that: which subverts the original purpose for • Dr Arhanghelschi was not so vulnerable • a good faith obligation was implied to which the contract was made. as to require the protection of a good faith qualify the Commonwealth’s power to obligation. issue default notices; Similarly, Warren CJ said: Ultimately, the • the Commonwealth had not breached this interests of certainty in contractual activity The 2012 decision of the Victorian Court of obligation simply because it acted to fulfil should be interfered with only when the Appeal in Specialist Diagnostic Services Pty an election promise (which was alleged relationship between the parties is unbalanced Ltd v Healthscope Pty Ltd provides a rare to be use of the power for an ulterior and one party is at a substantial disadvantage, recent instance of a good faith term being purpose); but or is particularly vulnerable in the prevailing implied into commercial dealings. The Court • the Commonwealth did act unreasonably context. Where commercial leviathans are reaffirmed that obligations of good faith (and in breach of the obligation of good contractually engaged, it is difficult to see that should not be implied indiscriminately into faith) in fixing only the minimum time for a duty of good faith will arise… all commercial contracts but held that a good repairs when a longer period was patently faith term should be implied into the relevant required to effect those repairs. Accordingly, if a good faith term is to be lease agreement. The Court concluded that implied into a commercial contract such as a in circumstances where the landlord had Key messages for the energy and JOA, it must be implied as a matter of fact. behaved to circumvent an express restraint resources sector The standard preconditions for implication of trade clause in favour of the tenant, a good as a matter of fact (or ad hoc implication) faith obligation met all of the preconditions Good faith obligations will not be implied apply - the term must: for ad hoc implication of a term to give effect into a JOA if they are inconsistent with, or • be reasonable and equitable; to the restraint (an application for special are not needed to give effect to, the JOA’s • be necessary to give business efficacy to leave to appeal this decision to the High express terms. Any allegation of a breach of the contract; Court was refused). good faith should be carefully tested against • be so obvious that ‘it goes without saying’; the language of the JOA. Participants can protect their position • be capable of clear expression; and What is the scope or content of a • not contradict any express terms of the through clear provisions in their JOA, contract. good faith obligation? including express terms excluding any Even where an obligation of good faith is good faith obligations. Implied good faith Recent cases reinforce that these criteria are implied, the Courts have been careful to constraints upon the exercise of rights can be notoriously hard to meet. In Sundararajah point out that these obligations do not excluded under a JOA by expressing the rights v Teachers Federation Health Limited, the prevent a party from acting in its own in unqualified terms. Better still, by carefully Federal Court of Australia held that a good legitimate self-interest. expressing the requirements for exercising the faith term could not be implied to qualify the The scope of a particular good faith term rights, participants can crystallise when the exercise of a right to terminate a health fund depends on the particular contract, but such rights can and cannot be used. contract because it: a term typically includes obligations: The interests of participants in energy and • was not reasonable or necessary; and • to act honestly and with fidelity to the resource joint ventures sometimes diverge on • contradicted the express provisions which bargain; questions of development and production. conferred the right in unqualified terms. • not to act to undermine the bargain or the Participants should be aware that although contractual benefit bargained for; and a good faith obligation does not permit More recently, in Arhanghelschi v Ussher, • to act reasonably and with fair dealing them to undermine the joint venture, it also the Victorian Supreme Court held that having regard to the parties’ interests does not compel them to sacrifice their own voting rights under a deed which regulated (which may conflict) and the contract’s legitimate interests. Sources: Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd v Southern Pacific Petroleum NL the relationship between unitholders in a objectively ascertained purpose and [2005] VSCA 228. Ibid at [25]. Ibid at [4]. [2011] FCA 1031. [2013] VSC 253. trust were not subject to an implied good provisions. [2012] VSCA 175. Ibid at [86]. 2013 OCTOBER 33 DEALS AND INVESTMENTS

Australia rated best for growing business

ustralia is the best country for of its business operating and financing growing businesses, according to environments – you are left with a very the annual Grant Thornton Global competitive economy.” ADynamism Index (GDI). According to the index, this is largely Australia climbed to the top of the borne out of the latest investment ranking of 60 of the largest economies statistics. Australia attracted US$57bn of in the world this year, up from seventh foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2012, place in 2012. Also rounding out the top the seventh highest level globally, outdoing 10 countries were Chile, China, New its relative size as the world’s 12th largest Zealand, Canada, Finland, Singapore, economy. Moreover, stocks of FDI have Israel, Sweden and Norway. increased by 12% per annum on average “Political campaigning and doomsday over the past decade, rising far faster than debate aside, the fact is Australia has a lot the US (5%), France (6%), Germany (7%) to offer international businesses planning or the UK (8%). to expand into Asia Pacific. Not just 22 “Of course, much of this investment years of unbroken economic growth, but has been in the mining sector and the also strong institutions, skilled, productive demand for commodities might well have people and a strong culture of investment reached its peak, especially from China in R&D,” said Grant Thornton CEO which is slowing.” Robert Quant. More than a quarter of Australia’s However, Mr Quant is quick to exports go to China so the key for explain this is not just simply a matter of Australia is to move beyond the mindset trumpeting Australia as the ‘best place to of ‘digging stuff up and selling it to China’ do business’ in the world. being meaningful engagement with the “We need to be clear on what the index region. The burgeoning middle classes is showing. The GDI measures changes in Asia offer a huge potential market to each economy over the course of last for advanced goods and services such year which made them a better (or worse) as banking, education, healthcare and place to do business - it is a relative rather tourism, particularly those in Australia’s than an absolute measure. Australia’s middle market segment. The ratings go beyond basic GDP “These are the companies that are business growth environment improved data, looking also at five areas. These set for growth, and who will be the next more than any other in 2012. This places were identified as the key drivers to growth engine of our economy. China us above China, the US, Japan, and well an economy’s dynamism: business alone has 1.3bn people. Even if you target above the UK,” said Mr Quant. operating, environment, science and just 5% of the population, you have a While Australia did not rank first on technology, labour and human capital, market larger than France or the UK. No any individual measure, strong ratings economics and growth and the financing growing business can afford to walk away across the board and key drivers such as environment. Within these groups, from that,” said Quant. labour productivity (2.6%) and real GDP there were 22 key data points that were (3.6%) growth are behind the rise. analysed. “These are not increases to compete Rankings - Australia More than 400 senior executives from with China by any stretch of the Rank / 60 Score / 100 a broad range of countries and industries imagination, but they are very strong Overall 1 66.5 were then interviewed to determine Business operating environment 6 91.1 by advanced economy standards. which aspects of these attributes they Science and technology 15 44.9 When combined with sound business Labour and human capital 2 72.4 deemed most important for business growth infrastructure, and the fact that Financing environment 11 62.5 growth. This allowed for the weighting Australia ranks high for the dynamism Economics and growth 18 61.6 of each aspect according to its perceived

32 OCTOBER 2013 Australia rated best for growing business

Labour and human capital (Labour productivity growth; unemployment; school life expectancy; % of population under 30.)

1 China 75.3 2 Australia 72.4 3 Thailand 69.8 4 Indonesia 69.3 5 Philippines 67.9 6 Venezuela 66.5 7 Uruguay 66.0 8 Chile 64.8 9 New Zealand 63.9 10 Peru 63.7 relevance. The rankings indicate which Business operating economies have the most dynamic environment Financing environment business growth environments, where (Foreign trade and exchange regimes and (Quality of overall financial regulatory system; dynamism refers to the changes in an controls; policy towards private enterprise access of firms to medium-term capital; growth in economy which are likely to lead to a value of inward M&A deals; value of inward M&A and competition; political stability; and faster future rate of growth. deals; private sector credit as % of GDP; inward legal and regulatory risk) direct investment growth; corporate tax burden.) Global rankings – Overall 1 Ireland 92.5 1 Australia 66.5 1 Singapore 82.2 2 Canada 92.0 2 Chile 64.5 2 Canada 75.1 3 China 62.7 3 Sweden 91.9 3 Chile 71.1 4 New Zealand 62.6 4 Netherlands 91.8 4 Slovenia 70.8 5 Canada 62.3 5 Finland 91.7 5 Poland 69.8 6 Finland 62.3 6 Australia 91.1 6 Finland 68.6 7 Singapore 61.9 7 Denmark 91.0 7 United Arab Emirates 67.0 8 Israel 61.8 8 Luxembourg 90.4 8 New Zealand 64.8 9 Sweden 61.6 9 Austria 89.8 9 Israel 63.5 10 Norway 60.9 10 Singapore 89.8 10 Slovak Republic 62.9 2013 OCTOBER 33 SKILLED

34 OCTOBER 2013 Mentors proving the link for

AMMA director of gender diversity group services Tara Diamond.

omen comprise just 16% of absolutely critical stakeholder group,” Australia’s resource industry Diamond says. workforce but squaring the “But despite operating at the forefront Wgender balance has become a of technology and offering boundless top priority for industry employers. The career opportunities and benefits, Australian Women in Resources Alliance resource and related construction is playing a key role in facilitating the companies have traditionally struggled journey toward gender diversity and one to attract women employees.” innovation driving that objective is the AWRA, funded in partnership AWRA e-Mentoring program. with the Australian Government, is Though facing shifting economic helping resource employers combat the conditions, Australia’s resource obstacles of recruiting talented women investment pipeline still brims with to capitalise on the benefits of a gender opportunities. More than $260 billion diverse workforce. worth of committed projects and “AWRA brings together a network of another $240bn awaiting final approval resource employers and industry groups means resource employers may soon with the goal to increase the level of battle a skills shortage not unlike that women in resource, construction and experienced some 12 months ago. allied service employment to 25% by After a decade of record 25% year- 2020,” Diamond says. on-year employment growth, resource One of the many pathways toward employers are no strangers to recruiting achieving this objective is mentoring, from skilled labour markets. Gender a practice experts laud as integral for diversity is top of the agenda. Australian attracting and retaining more women to Mines and Metals Association director male-dominated sectors. of group services Tara Diamond says “The return on investment for reaching out to women is no easy feat. an effective mentoring program is “When it comes to unlocking new extraordinarily high not just for doors to highly engaged, skilled and mentors and mentees, but also for the motivated employees, women are an organisation,” Diamond explains.

2013 OCTOBER 35 SKILLED

Kesteven’s mentor, Tracey, has a 25-year history in the management, operation and maintenance of resource projects both locally and internationally, but has traditionally struggled to balance her transient role with the obligations of traditional mentoring programs. “As one of the few senior females available in on-site work environments, people looked to me for mentoring but there wasn’t an available program that I could rely on,” Tracey says. “Because I travel a lot, I always felt I couldn’t make a commitment to a mentee when I wasn’t actually going to be physically present.” “The fact AWRA e-Mentoring is based online and supports people predominately in remote areas makes “Beyond developing professional opportunities as a result of progressive it easy to manage my travel and make a bonds between employees and creating industry practices, ensuring they can commitment to aspiring women in the a reputable workplace culture, studies reap the benefits of a mentor-mentee industry.” have found that mentoring leads to relationship in a fashion that meets their “Being flexible with communication motivated staff who are more productive unique needs.” is what you’ve got to do in this industry; overall.” Since launching in February, the you might be sitting in an airport one For women working in the resource AWRA e-Mentoring program has day and on a mine site the next.” industry, however, traditional mentoring returned overwhelmingly positive Indeed, Kesteven and Tracey programs pose challenges that clash feedback. The mentor-mentee represent just one mentor-mentee with workplace norms in the mining, oil relationship between Forge Group’s relationship, but Diamond says the and gas sectors. Brisbane-based manager of minerals accolades for AWRA e-Mentoring are “The career of a resource employee is and resources Michelle Tracey and resounding across the board. both an exciting and rewarding one, but Townsville student Jazmin Kesteven is “Now into its sixth round, AWRA that’s not to say it is without challenges,” just one example of what the program has matched more than 80 mentor- Diamond explains. can achieve. mentee pairs as far apart as Karratha, “Transient work arrangements, Now in her final year at James Cook Western Australia and Queensland’s remote locations and unpredictable University, budding chemical engineer Surat Basin, and the resulting feedback working hours makes the tradition Kesteven says AWRA e-Mentoring has has been very promising,” she says. of face-to-face mentoring practically played a pivotal role in developing her “For those looking to become an unworkable in the resource industry.” confidence as an up-and-coming mining employer of choice with a diversity plan, For AWRA, however, the hurdles engineer. AWRA e-Mentoring is a modest step represented a new frontier, inspiring “AWRA e-Mentoring has been great towards that goal.” the development of its industry-first for someone like me, because otherwise, “It’s a fantastic example of how initiative, the AWRA e-Mentoring there would be no chance to engage technology can drive the development Program. with a mentor like Michelle before I join of creative new engagement tools to “AWRA e-Mentoring matches the labour market as a jobseeker,” says help boost women’s participation in the women in the early stages of their Kesteven, now several months into the resource industry and support them on careers with an experienced male or nine-month program. that journey.” female mentor and guides them through “We have worked extensively on Following on from the success of a nine-month program using a web- graduate applications and prepared for the e-Mentoring program, AWRA has based platform,” Diamond says. job interviews, so it’s allowed me to also launched a suite of new diversity “The program offers a flexible and gain some advice and guidance from initiatives to help bolster women’s niche solution for women who have a hands-on professional with valuable representation across the mining, oil and found it difficult to access mentoring insider counsel.” gas sector.

36 OCTOBER 2013 profile

One such initiative is the Way Forward Guides, depicting a package of Australia’s future top engineers information manuals that offer guidance Long recognised as a primary source for Western Australia’s top engineering graduates, and feedback on company diversity Curtin University is committed to addressing the need for more female engineers in strategies, benchmarking them against industry. The University recently hosted the inaugural Women in Engineering: Engineer international best practice. Your Future event. The event welcomed more than 100 guests, including young women, “We are also assessing employers their parents, teachers and even some young men. The highlight of the evening was a under the AWRA Recognised program, guest presentation by Zaneta Mascarenhas, a Curtin Engineering graduate, and a panel of which rates them according to their four current and past students (Nethra Nair, Candice Woodhams, Kirstan Lee and Bronwyn achievements and commitment to Yates). Curtin academics attended, as well as Curtin Scholarships, WiECD (Women in workforce policies and performance in Engineering Curtin Division), Curtin Motorsport Team and Curtin Robotics Club – each gender diversity and women’s workforce group shared their expertise and showcased interactive activities on the night. participation,” Diamond says. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers courses that are accredited, Perceived as the next step forward internationally recognised, and industry relevant. Students can select from 11 engineering in meeting future skills demands and majors with discipline specific units, and can experience our award winning Engineering strengthening Australia’s reputation Foundation Year as part of their four year degree. in the globally competitive investment Through its own scholarship program and collaborative awards with industry leaders market, gender diversity is a priority on such as Alcoa, Wesfarmers, Chevron, and Woodside, Curtin actively supports and the resource industry agenda. encourages women to study engineering. For more information about our range of AWRA and AMMA will continue scholarships, or to apply, visit scholarships.curtin.edu.au to work with employers to ensure the If you would like to know more about Engineering at Curtin, or any of our events, resources and related industries remain email [email protected] the leading career choice for talented Australians from all demographics.

Curtin and Chevron: helping women in engineering shine their brightest.

The Chevron Women in Engineering Scholarship gives high achieving female students enrolling at Curtin an opportunity to excel in their chosen field. Curtin’s engineering degree provides students with hands-on experience and industry training, and the Chevron scholarship supports bright-minded females to take on new challenges and pursue their dreams.

For more information on Curtin’s engineering scholarships and eligible courses, visit scholarships.curtin.edu.au Make tomorrow better.

CRICOS Provider Code 00301J CU-SC-0016 / MF CUSE000017 Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology

2013 OCTOBER 37

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Time to look at By Julie Armour, Principal of fluid injection injurWorkingies Armour

38 OCTOBER 2013 The NSW Mines Safety team have begun a review of the Design Guideline MDG 41 for Fluid power system safety at mines. This has been prompted somewhat by a recent analysis of injury data on reportable incident for ‘escape of fluid under pressure’. By Julie Armour, Principal of Working Armour

Time to look at rom 2007 to 2010 there were no fatalities due to an escape of fluid, however two fatal incidents did Foccur on NSW longwall mining equipment in November 1991 and July 2006. In the latter, a contractor was fluid injection injuries fatally injured while taking fluid samples from a large hydraulic system used to power longwall machinery. The fatal injuries were consistent with hydraulic injection. From 2007-2012 there have been approximately 200 people involved in 1600 incidents with 13% involving an injury or suspected injury in NSW. Of these, 56.6% of the people involved were sent to hospital (7.7% of all incidents), 9.9% of the people involved were admitted this he suffered an oil injection injury of fluid incident to occur is the longwall to hospital as an inpatient (1.26% of all to his left hand ring finger. The injury face (52%), development units (33%), incidents) and 3.3% of the people involved required surgery from the finger to the outbye (13%), surface (1.5%) and open suffered a fluid injection injury (0.42% of base of the wrist. cut (1%). Hose failures were involved in all incidents). ŸŸ While investigating a hydraulic leak approximately 60% of incidents. This In 2013, there were three fluid from a Quick Detach System (QDS) analysis and review is timed well with injection injuries recorded, all requiring hose on a load haul dump (LHD) the release of a research report by the surgery to drain the fluid in NSW with vehicle, a worker suffered a hydraulic UKs Health & Safety Executive by Alan all three requiring extensive rehabilitation. oil injection injury to the palm of his McDonald on the mechanics of these The circumstances of these incidents were left hand when the QDS system was types of injuries. as follows: inadvertently pressurised by the LHD The report describes that the risk of ŸŸ The worker was operating the right operator. The injury required surgery injury through fluid injection is common hand inner bolting rig on a continuous four times to the worker’s palm and to all fluid pressure systems irrespective miner. He was lowering the bolting once to the back of his hand. of the system volume and are capable head to the floor after installing a of occurring at relatively low pressures. roof bolt and went to remove the drill In these cases the contributing factors The research analysed high speed video dolly (bolt tightening device) from the identified included: external wear and footage of simulated hydraulic injection drill head chuck. As he reached down abrasion on the exterior case of the hoses; injuries. These injuries are characterised to remove the dolly, a hydraulic hose corrosion; bend radius insufficient; poor by a puncturing of the epidermis by burst, injecting fluid into his right hose inspection; no scheduled change a jet of fluid under pressure. These forearm. The injury required surgery out program implemented; hydraulic injuries are almost always occupational from the wrist to the elbow. pressure control; identification and testing in nature and sustained by male manual ŸŸ A fitter was attempting to identify a not to original equipment manufacturer workers both skilled and unskilled with blown hydraulic hose on an air track requirements; management of isolation injuries sustained usually to the palm or bolter. The fitter was moving hoses and identification of failed components pads of the digits of the non-dominant out of the way with his left hand and and human error. hand usually occurring whilst operating at the same time operating a hydraulic NSW statistical analysis reveals that or inspecting pressurised hydraulic lever with his right hand. While doing the most likely mine location for an escape equipment. The research found that » 2013 OCTOBER 39 SAFETY

pressure, proximity and jet size are crucial creating significant overpressure that leads in achieving hydraulic injection. When to permanent nerve and tissue damage. practices to incorporate all associated these variables are correct injection This damage can occur irrespective of hydraulic components, including hoses, can occur in a very short space of time, the toxicity of the fluid injected. It would into a whole-of-life-cycle maintenance without any warning and with potentially seem that the damage occurs not from the strategy. fatal consequences. mechanical force of the incision but from ŸŸ During the selection process for Failures which cause these injuries are the subsequent overpressure created by it. new or replacement machinery, or either functional, where the equipment So in order to avoid these potentially machinery undergoing overhaul stops working completely following life-threatening incidents some of the or refurbishment, consideration a catastrophic component failure or; recommendations for mine areas where needs to be given to the selection material, where a small leak may have workers may be exposed to fluid injections of proactive controls which reduce occurred but the equipment is still hazards (especially those related to hose the hazards associated with an operable. The latter generally presents a failures) include the following: uncontrolled release of energy, greater injury risk to an operator as the 1. Implement a hydraulic hose e.g. work process checks to ensure equipment may remain pressurised and management system that includes: effective depressurisation has been in use whilst ejecting a pressurised jet of a. reviewing hose layout, routing, achieved, provision of anti-whip socks, fluid. The injection injury is sustained protection and support methods. segregation plates or barriers, and by being in direct contact with the b. an inspection and replacement anti-abrasion / diffusion covers. equipment when a failure occurs, using schedule for hydraulic hoses ŸŸ The traceability of hydraulic hoses equipment with an existing failure or to determine frequency and through their operational life, utilising whilst inspecting a piece of pressurised identifying their condition for the manufacturer’s specifications. equipment following a reduction on replacement. ŸŸ Site protocols for the management of performance. Research has found that c. a Trigger Action Response suspected fluid injection injuries. the smaller the jet the more likely the Program (TARP) to identify chance of injection occurring. The physical when to change hydraulic hoses Treatment protocols for these injuries dimensions of the jet, the pressure of the based on hose condition. should include but not be limited to, at jet itself and ones proximity to it were d. reviewing maintenance schedules least the following; all considered contributory factors for and checking lists in relation ŸŸ Treating all possible fluid injection achieving this type of injury. This is why to the testing and recording of injuries as extremely serious or life perhaps the greatest risks come with those hydraulic system condition against threatening. required to hold such equipment whilst original equipment manufacturer ŸŸ Training site First Aiders in the pressurised such as industrial grease guns, specifications. appropriate response and treatment hydraulic rescue tools, spray painting 2. Review isolation and safe work strategies. guns and high pressure water jetting procedures relating to identifying and ŸŸ Providing emergency transport to equipment. changing out unserviceable hydraulic hospital. It would seem for the HSE research hoses. ŸŸ Providing the attending medical that ignorance of the risk of fluid injection 3. Ensure workers using hydraulic professionals or institutions with injuries was a common fact in almost systems are trained in these areas for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) relating all instances of injuries sustained. The each item of hydraulic plant. to the product suspected of being observation however did not just apply the injected. injured party but also to their employers The following should be considered as ŸŸ Providing the medical institution and medical professionals with most part of your mine’s prevention program: that will be treating the patient not understanding the potential severity ŸŸ A process for capturing information with documentation that describes of the injury. It was concluded from arising from unwanted releases of the time, date, circumstances and the literature that the current levels of hydraulic fluid and dissemination of symptoms that have been observed awareness of this risk was low and it was this information with the appropriate while at site. not seen as part of the project planning corrective actions identified. ŸŸ Ensuring that medical institutions and risk assessment phases. ŸŸ A training package for educating those and professionals equipped with During the tissue simulation testing who may be required to interact with the appropriate expertise have been it was discovered that although the high pressure hydraulic systems. identified and are utilised when a fluid toxicity of the fluid does play a factor in ŸŸ Isolation processes that ensure high injection injury occurs. tissue necrosis it is actually compartment pressure systems are effectively syndrome caused simply by fluid (toxic or depressurised to ensure all potential How effective is your high pressure fluid non-toxic) being forced into the tendon energy sources are neutralised. prevention program or are you waiting for and nerve compartments of the hand ŸŸ A review of current maintenance an incident to identify any shortcomings?

40 OCTOBER 2013 Be fire safe he fire protection industry is productive capacity of mines. According evolving. Not simply in the to the International Labor Organisation development of new technology (ILO), mine fires and explosions Tand practices, but in the level of traditionally have ranked among the professionalism of those employed to most devastating industrial disasters. design, approve, certify, install, maintain At the end of the nineteenth century, and update lifesaving systems and fires and explosions in mines resulted equipment. in loss of life and property damage on In an age of risk and accountability it is a scale unmatched in other industrial imperative that standards are met by the sectors. However, clear progress has equipment being installed, and equally, by been achieved in controlling these those individuals conducting the work. hazards, as evidenced by the decline in Fires and explosions pose a constant mine fires and explosions reported in Fire Australia Conference threat to the safety of miners and to the recent decades. – The Journey to Professionalism Over the last three years, on average, 800 fires are reported each year to the The Fire Australia Conference & Exhibition Department of Mines and Petroleum 2013, November 20 & 21 at the Sydney (DMP). This includes surface and Convention & Exhibition Centre will be a underground fires, as well as bush fires on landmark event for the fire protection industry in Australia, with a strong focus on professional mining operations and exploration sites. recognition and the future of the industry. DMP Mine Safety Director Andrew The Fire Australia 2013 conference theme: Chaplyn says today’s fire suppression The Journey to Professionalism addresses systems are advanced and there is a the growing need for industry personnel to requirement for mobile machinery to gain professional recognition of their abilities have automatic suppression systems and explores the various means for achieving as well as fire extinguishers fitted, competence as a basis for career development. especially critical in the underground In addition, the 2013 event features a string of environment. new innovations to keep the conference & exhibition The most common types of fire fresh and relevant, including a targeted two-stream suppression equipment used in conference format. Deen Sanders - CEO, Office of the Professional underground mines are portable hand The 2013 conference sees some significant Standards Councils extinguishers, water hoselines, sprinkler innovations introduced into the event structure. For The recognition of professional standards in a the first time ever, Fire Australia 2013 features two competitive market systems, rock dust (applied manually » different presentation streams, in order to provide Wilhelm Harnish - CEO, Master Builders highly relevant content for policy makers, fire Association Australia engineers and non-government organisations as part The evolution of a highly recognised accreditation of the ‘strategic’ stream, as well as relevant practical scheme and organisation and technical guidance for technicians, contractors and tradespeople, within the “technical” stream. Lindsay Walker - Director Regulatory Reform, The Journey to Professionalism theme highlights Building Codes Queensland the growing need for recognition of skilled and The government perspective of recognition schemes qualified persons operating within the fire protection Chirs Sommers - Managing Director, Chris industry. The extensive program of keynote speakers SommerS & Associates at Fire Australia 2013 addresses the need for industry How to maintain and develop a comprehensive recognition through several topical presentations accreditation scheme and is supported by some international approaches on professional recognition from well-known Contributor: Joseph Keller, Fire Protection international subject matter experts: Association Australia 2013 OCTOBER 41 SAFETY or from a rock dusting machine) and DMP recently revised two of its fire training is critical,” says Mr Chaplyn. foam generators. The most common safety guidelines. These relate to refuge Fire and explosion prevention type of portable hand extinguishers are chambers and underground operation, practices in mines generally fall into typically those using multi-purpose dry and have involved analysing past three categories: limiting ignition chemicals. incidents and consulting with industry sources, limiting fuel sources and Fire suppression systems, either and representative groups to update limiting fuel and ignition source contact. manual or automatic, are becoming guidance material. Limiting ignition sources is perhaps more common for mobile equipment, Safety for fires and explosions in the most basic way of preventing a fire combustible liquids storage areas, underground mines is based on the or explosion. Ignition sources that are conveyor belt drives and electrical general principles of preventing fire and not essential to the mining process installations. Automatic fire explosion. Normally, this involves using should be banned altogether. For suppression is especially important common-sense fire safety techniques, example, smoking and any open fires, for unattended, automated or remote such as preventing smoking, as well especially in underground coal mines, control equipment where personnel are as providing built-in fire protection should be prohibited. All automated not present to detect a fire, to activate measures to prevent fires from growing, and mechanised equipment that may a fire suppression system or to initiate such as portable extinguishers or early be subject to unwanted buildup of heat, fire-fighting operations. fire detection systems. such as conveyors, should have slippage “Having sound systems in place “Fires are treated very seriously and sequence switches and thermal and ensuring they are integrated into in the mining industry and while the cutouts on electric motors. Explosives site safety systems is crucial. This industry is well aware of the dangers present an obvious hazard, but they includes immediate controls such as fire presented by fire, it is important that could also be an ignition source for extinguishers and suppression systems personnel are aware of the controls in suspended dust of hazardous gas and and ensuring a site has an appropriate place in their specific area. Different should be used in strict conformance emergency response capability,” says Mr types of fires do require unique with special blasting regulations. Chaplyn. suppression methods. Therefore Eliminating electrical ignition

42 OCTOBER 2013 sources is essential for preventing had previously been widely used in and the fuel source. For example, when explosions. Electrical equipment underground mines for ventilation welding and cutting operations cannot operating where methane, sulphide seals, but more recently has been be performed in fire-safe enclosures, dust or other fire hazards may banned in many countries. it is important that areas be wet down be present should be designed, For underground coal mine and nearby combustibles covered with constructed, tested and installed so explosions, coal dust and methane are fire resistant materials or relocated. that its operation will not cause a mine typically the primary fuels involved. Fire extinguishers should be readily fire or explosion. Explosion proof Methane may also be present in non- available and a fire watch posted for enclosures, such as plugs, receptacles coal mines and is most commonly as long as necessary to guard against and circuit interrupting devices, should handled by dilution with ventilation air smouldering fires. be used in hazardous areas. and exhaustion from the mine. For coal Areas with a high loading of Limiting fuel sources starts with dust, every attempt is made to minimize combustible materials, such as timber good housekeeping to prevent unsafe the generation of dust in the mining storage areas, explosives magazines, accumulations of trash, oily rags, coal processes, but the tiny amount needed flammable and combustible liquid dust and other combustible materials. for a coal dust explosion is almost storage areas and shops, should be When available, less hazardous unavoidable. A layer of dust on the floor designed to minimize possible ignition substitutes should be used for that is only 0.012 mm thick will cause sources. Mobile equipment should certain combustible materials such an explosion if suspended in air. Thus, have hydraulic fluid, fuel and lubricant as hydraulic fluids, conveyor belting, rock dusting using an inert material lines re-routed away from hot surfaces, hydraulic hoses and ventilation such as pulverised limestone, dolomite electrical equipment and other possible tubing. The highly toxic products of or gypsum (rock dust) will help to ignition sources. Spray shields should combustion that may result from the prevent coal dust explosions. be installed to deflect sprays of burning of certain materials often Limiting fuel and ignition source combustible liquid from broken fluid necessitates less hazardous materials. contact depends upon preventing lines away from potential ignition As an example, polyurethane foam contact between the ignition source sources.

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2013 OCTOBER 43 SAFETY

Mental health still taboo in the workplace

ome 69% of people feel in this country,” says MHCA CEO Many people also believe uncomfortable disclosing to their Frank Quinlan. schizophrenia, depression, bipolar and employer that they have a mental “It is concerning that 35% of anxiety reduce a person’s ability to do Sillness, according to a World respondents completely ruled out the paid work, according to the study. Mental Heath Day study. possibility of talking about mental “We want people to recognise that The Mental Health Council of health, even if it was appropriate to do we all have an important role to play in Australia (MHCA) conducted the so. That’s a big problem, especially if our own mental health.” study in the lead up to the World it means people not seeking help they “Small steps can really help to break Mental Health Day. need, when they need it,” Mr Quinlan down stigma and help change a negative The research asked people if they said. culture in Australian workplaces. In had witnessed discrimination at their “These results demonstrate that some addition, there is a great deal that place of employment, due to either their people have a real fear about potentially employers are already doing to create own mental illness or a mental illness negative consequences should they tell mentally healthy workplaces including: affecting a co-worker. In addition, their employers and their colleagues demonstrating open dialogue about the study found 69% of people were that they are mentally unwell,” MHCA good mental health, raising awareness uncomfortable disclosing a mental CEO Frank Quinlan said. using online resources, training illness to their employer. While a third The reality is that for the vast managers and staff in mental health of people said they would disclose majority of people with a mental illness, first aid, and instigating mental health a mental illness, more than a third openness and conversations do help policies and practices.” never would. More than one in five employees, employers and workmates According to the Australian Bureau Australians said they have experienced to contribute through meaningful and of Statistics, males are more likely to discrimination in the workplace due to successful employment. have a mental disorder at some stage mental illness. “We need to have a goal for our in their lifetime than females (48% “When 22% of people surveyed society to make it acceptable for compared to 43%). The annual cost of tell us that they have witnessed individuals to talk about mental health mental illness in Australia has been discrimination in the workplace, in the workplace and to make it ok to estimated at $20 billion, which includes relating to mental illness, it shows that seek help when they need it, without the cost of lost productivity and labour we have a serious problem with stigma fear or stigma.” force participation.

44 OCTOBER 2013 Key findings ŸŸ 33% of people with a current or past mental illness have disclosed it to their current employer. This includes 49% of those who It’s okay believe they still have a mental illness. ŸŸ When hypothetically asked if they were to have to talk. a mental illness in the future, would they tell a future employer, 35% said they would not tell, 29% said they would. ŸŸ Three-quarters of people surveyed would feel uncomfortable telling their employer they were experiencing a mental illness relevant to their work, including 61% of those who say they still have a mental illness and 71% of people who claim to never have had one. 1300 78 99 78 ŸŸ A large majority of Australians – more than mensline.org.au 8 in 10 – believe schizophrenia, depression, bipolar and anxiety all diminish a person’s MensLine Australia is a ability to undertake paid work. A high 42% free, professional telephone believe schizophrenia reduces this ability ‘a lot’. and online support service for men available 24/7 ŸŸ 22% report having experienced or observed throughout Australia. discrimination against someone with a mental Confidential and Anonymous illness in a place where they have worked. This includes 41% who believe they currently have facebook.com/menslineaus a mental illness, 38% of those who have been diagnosed with one but only 17% of people who say they’ve never had one. ŸŸ People on lower incomes or unemployed are 2013 OCTOBER 45 SAFETY

more likely to have been diagnosed are the most common mental health avoiding situations which cause with a mental illness. problems affecting people in Australia. uncomfortable feelings and anxiety. ŸŸ People on lower incomes are more Depression affects one in five people, • Like withdrawing from normal likely to disclose a mental illness to and anxiety disorders affect at least one activities. their employer. Younger people are in eight people in Australia at some more likely to disclose a mental illness time in their lifetime. A GP can provide It’s ok to talk to their employer. effective treatment for these problems, or can refer a person to a specialist for One of the most important first steps Does mental illness affect the extra help. Effective treatments are anyone can take when they’re going through a tough time is to talk to ability to undertake paid work? available and early identification and care can reduce harm and improve someone about it. Because of stigma or Schizophrenia: 42% a lot, 32% a fair bit, quality of life. pre-conceived ideas about masculinity, 12% only a little this can be a difficult undertaking for Depression: 25% a lot, 39% a fair bit, 25% many men. Simple conversations can go a only a little When a person is depressed and/ long way – fostering social connectedness Bipolar: 26% a lot, 38% a fair bit, 20% or anxious they may feel: and making people feel heard, as well as only a little • Tired and run down. providing a stepping stone for getting Anxiety: 18% a lot, 38% a fair bit, 32% • Sad and hopeless. further support if necessary. only a little • Irritable much of the time. If you notice a teammate or colleague • Confused and not knowing what is is having a tough time, or you think happening to you. something might be up, here are some Recognise the signs • Worried and anxious much of the strategies that may be helpful when There are many signs that might time. starting a conversation: indicate a person is suffering from • Knots and butterflies when faced 1. Find the right time and place. Invite depression and/or anxiety. These with a difficult situation, or him out for lunch, or to grab a

Managing Mental Health at Work A must for Employers and FIFO Workers in the Mining and Resources Sector. “It is critical that organisations provide a supportive environment for workers affected by depression and other mental health difficulties, and take steps to reduce barriers to seeking help.” Diversity Council of Australia.

This training aims to improve the strategies for early interventions and and providing support quality of life for FIFO workers and ongoing support. • Strategies for managers to manage their families by building a basic short-lived and ongoing mental Workshop includes: understanding of mental wellbeing and health issues at work • Common vulnerabilities and stress how it is affected by different aspects reactions ( easy for people to relate to For more information contact Jenny of work. This training is important as and identify in themselves) Lynch at [email protected]. it identifies the positive and negative • Continuum of stress; when aspects of the workplace to workers’ stress interferes with a person’s mental health. It provides clarity on equilibrium / wellbeing commonly occurring mental health • Signs of this happening in the issues and guidance on recognising workplace these in a work situation; providing • Approaches to opening discussion practical skills, approaches and

www.rfwa.org.au

46 OCTOBER 2013 morning coffee or a drink after work – somewhere removed from the work environment may help him relax and talk openly. 2. If you’re not sure how to begin, try gently explaining your concerns and what you’ve noticed. “Mate, I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. You’ve seemed really down, and you missed that deadline last week, which I know isn’t like you.” 3. Ask open-ended questions to encourage him to open up. “What’s been going on for you?” 4. Listen to him calmly and acknowledge his feelings without judgement. 5. Let him talk. You don’t need to say much to let him know that you’re listening. A simple “That sounds really tough, mate” can go a long way in making him feel heard. 6. Avoid statements like “you shouldn’t him from seeking help in the future. 8. Next month, we examine some coping feel like that,” or “you don’t know how 7. Encourage him to consider alternate strategies that allow men to manage lucky you are,” which can quickly shut coping strategies or to seek extra their emotions in healthy, productive a conversation down or discourage support if he needs it. ways.

2013 OCTOBER 47 PROJECTS

Opportunities still flowing for Australian mining

Images: Roy Hill project

48 OCTOBER 2013 ith growth in Australian mining investment slowing, the resources sector is Wshifting towards operational management and existing resources rather than new investment. This means that wins for Australian businesses will be harder to find. But they are still out there. Even with the slowing market, expenditure on mining investment is still expected to stay high for some time, given the large amount of investment already under way, providing opportunities for Australian businesses. ICN is working with the mining sector on many projects, to help increase opportunities for Australian industry, especially small and medium enterprises generation of export revenue, GVK Hancock coal (SMEs). To support ICN, the Australian employment creation and payment of GVK Hancock coal proposes to develop Government provides funding through royalties and taxes. the Alpha Coal project in the Galilee its Supplier Access to Major Projects Basin near Alpha, Central Queensland. (SAMP) program, which provides Mount Peake GVK is separately developing the Kevin’s ICN with the resources to promote Corner coal project adjacent to the Alpha and maximise the participation of local TNG Limited’s 100%-owned Mount Coal project. Australian suppliers and service providers Peake project is located in the highly to large-scale and notable projects. prospective Arunta Geological Province, The Alpha Coal project is an open Below are three SAMP projects across 235km north-north-west of the regional cut mine which will produce 32 MTPA Australia, currently underway in the centre of Alice Springs in the Northern export grade thermal coal and the mine mining sector, where there are plenty of Territory. life is estimated to be 30 years. The first opportunities for Australian SMEs. With the feasibility study due for coal is expected by the end of 2015. The completion this year, preliminary capital Kevin’s Corner coal project is both open expenditure for stage 1 of the project is cut and underground mining and again Roy Hill iron ore estimated at $560m (2.5Mtpa) with stage the expected output is 30 MTPA of coal The Roy Hill project will be a world- 2 warranting a further $151m (5Mtpa). with a mine life of 30 years. It will run Opportunities class iron ore mine and is located 115km The construction phase includes 18 months behind Alpha with mining north-east of Newman in the Pilbara infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, targeted for 2016. region of Western Australia. power station, water supply, buildings, The mines will be supported by a 495 The mine processing plant, rail and mobile equipment, accommodation village km standard gauge stand-alone rail link port facilities will be designed to produce and a laboratory. from the Galilee Basin to Abbot Point. still flowing for 55 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of Construction of the processing plant This rail link from the Galilee Basin to Hematite iron ore. The project will also is scheduled to begin in 2014 with TNG Abbot Point is the route approved by the consist of a 344km standard gauge, single expecting first production by late 2015 Queensland Government and the railway line, dedicated heavy-haul railway from plus a sustainable mine life of 23 years. is potentially scalable to haul coal for third the mine site to Port Hedland and two Analytical and geophysical data party customers. Australian mining new purpose built berths. collected for the project demonstrated The scale of the GVK project presents During construction the workforce will that it has the potential to develop one of the largest coal and infrastructure peak at 3,600 people and it will have an as a significant vanadium project, projects ever built in Australia and with operational manning of over 2,000 people. comparable in size with other similar a reported value of $10 billion, will offer The project will create significant deposits currently at an advanced stage of enormous opportunity for local suppliers wealth for Australia through the evaluation and development in Australia. across multiple industry sectors. 2013 OCTOBER 49 PROJECTS Work on Australia’s biggest solar farm commences

50 OCTOBER 2013 eavy equipment and site works board in 2013. begun the week of 14 October on “The 20-megawatt Royalla Solar Farm the $50 million 20MW Royalla will be a landmark project, employing 100 HSolar Farm near Canberra. people during construction and providing The project consists of around 83,000 enough power for the equivalent of 4500 individual photovoltaic panels in a 50ha houses when it is completed,” he said. area 23km south of Canberra, and will “The ACT Government’s Solar create 100 construction jobs. Auction has been a game-changer in Acciona Energy Oceania is undertaking supporting this new form of renewable the engineering and construction work energy at the lowest cost to consumers. and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures “We know that large-scale solar power (FRV) is the developer. The project has worked effectively in other countries, received financing in early September in but it is still a very new form of energy in an agreement with the ANZ bank and Australia.” National Australia Bank. “The first major Australian solar “This important milestone follows farms will need to overcome a range the announcement in September 2012 of challenges in the planning process, by Australian Capital Territory Minister ultimately reducing costs and paving the for Environment and Sustainable way for those to follow. I look forward to Development, Simon Corbell, that FRV large-scale solar helping us to meet the had been awarded a 20-year Feed-in national Renewable Energy Target of at Tariff entitlement for the project,” FRV least 20% by 2020,” Mr Green said. (Australia) Country Manager Andrea Fontana said. Fast facts The engineering and construction, FRV were successful in the ACT solar auction which will be carried out by Acciona process conducted by the ACT government and Energy Oceania (AEO), will start next are progressing with the development of the 20 month and works will be finalised by the megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) facility. The solar auction process is part of the ACT Government’s middle of next year. sustainable energy policy to promote the greater use The solar farm will create approximately of solar in Canberra and the surrounds. 100 jobs during construction and when completed, generate enough electricity to The Royalla Solar Farm will comprise approximately power about 4500 Canberra homes. At the 83,000 PV panels and generate enough electricity to time of completion, Royalla will be one of supply around 4,500 Canberra homes. the largest solar projects under operation in The project is being constructed at Royalla, Australia. approximately 23 kilometres south of the Canberra “The ACT Government’s Solar CBD. Auction program has been a great Construction of the plant has begun and is success, demonstrating that such schemes scheduled for completed in 2014. produce very competitive delivery of low emission renewable energy. Such schemes, Other recent large-scale along with the Federal Government’s solar projects Renewable Energy Target, are essential The $450 million project by AGL and First Solar to to progressing Australia toward a build two solar plants, totalling 155-megawatt at competitive low emission economy.” Broken Hill and Nyngan in New South Wales. Andrew Thomson, Managing The 56-megawatt Moree Solar Farm by FRV and Director of AEO said: “ACCIONA is Pacific Hydro, which was successful in securing one of the world’s leading renewable A$60 million in senior debt finance from the Clean energy companies and is delighted to Energy Finance Corporation. be partnering with FRV and providing engineering, construction and operational The 13-megawatt Mugga Lane Solar Park by Zhenfa Solar and the 7-megawatt OneSun Capital Solar services on the Royalla Solar Farm Farm were successful in the second round of the project, a project that will deliver clean, ACT’s Solar Auction on 19 August 2013. renewable energy to the Canberra region.” Clean Energy Council Chief Executive The 10-megawatt Greenough River Solar Farm David Green said that after years of in Western Australia by Verve Energy, GE Energy being promoted as the next big thing in Financial Services and First Solar, which is currently renewable energy, large-scale solar was Australia’s largest operating large-scale solar power plant. starting to get some serious runs on the

2013 OCTOBER 51 BREAKING GROUND Venturing into the Pilbara

ith an exploration program in full swing across its zinc- The study was based on a simple mining operation, building a copper resources and a review underway to increase the new underground mine in the Sulphur Springs area and expanding value of its flagship project in the mineral-rich Pilbara two open pits in the Whim Creek area that were previously mined Wregion, WA-based Venturex Resources is definitely not for oxide copper. sitting idle. Results confirmed the potential for a robust project with an The copper-zinc focused explorer and developer, which listed on average payable metal production profile of 16,500 tonnes per annum the ASX in 2007, is quite unique considering its flagship asset is copper, 34,000tpa zinc and 200,000oz pa of silver for at least 8.5 year located in the Pilbara region, a region which has been synonymous mine life. more for its bountiful iron ore deposits than copper or zinc deposits. However, with the continued volatility in global markets, a “One of the major advantages we have is that we are located in a review of the project suggested that a different scale project had the first world location,” Venturex managing director Michael Mulroney potential to deliver enhanced shareholder returns. said. “We are sitting in the heart of the Pilbara, the iron ore province “We looked at financing options for the project and it’s fair to of Western Australia, one of the major mining districts in the world. say that, in a declining market and the pressure on not only costs “We are well serviced by infrastructure with access to major but metal prices, the board decided that it didn’t serve shareholders’ roads and ports that will help advance these resources through to interests to push the button on trying to develop the project in that production in the fullness of time.” environment,” he said. Through a combination of exploration and acquisition over Mulroney said the board decided instead to begin a staged the last four years, Venturex has built a large resource base spread program to grow the resource base and review the financial through two major areas, the Whim Creek and Sulphur Springs framework of the Project. districts. The program includes optimising the mine development sequence Whim Creek lies adjacent to the Northwest Coastal Highway, for the multiple mining site; refining the capital cost options for the mid-way between Karratha and Port Hedland while Sulphur project and securing the development approvals required for the Springs is approximately 160km by road south-east of Port Hedland project. The company has progressed the permitting process for the and approximately 50km west of Marble Bar. future development of the Sulphur Springs site with all key licensing “The reason why we were attracted to these two districts is applications lodged with the relevant authorities. that they are two of the largest known volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) systems in the Pilbara and the Sulphur Springs area is probably the best exposed Archaean VMS systems going around Boost in prospects in Australia,” Venturex Resources Managing Director Michael One of the key objectives of the enhancement program was to Mulroney said. increase the existing resources at both centres through a focussed So far, the resource base for the Pilbara copper-zinc project totals exploration program. around 26.4Mt grading at 1.2% copper, 3.4% zinc and 18g/t silver “We have moved our focus towards more brownfields exploration representing over 580,000t of contained copper equivalent. this year where we have a number of opportunities going forward,” However, Mulroney believes that this is only the tip of the iceberg Mulroney said. in terms of the true potential for this region. In terms of brownfields exploration, Venturex has been “Based on the history of VMS deposits around the world conducting drilling programs at Kangaroo Caves in the Sulphur occurring in clusters, we believe there is significant exploration Springs region and around the Evelyn prospect at the Liberty-Indee potential to increase that number quite substantially,” he said. Joint Venture. Following the acquisition of the Sulphur Springs deposit in 2011, At Kangaroo Caves, the company recently completed a 19 Venturex commenced a definitive feasibility study on developing an Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes (4,593 metres) drill program. operation around the Whim Creek and Sulphur Springs centres. The drilling program targeted potential shallow extensions to the

52 OCTOBER 2013 Kangaroo Caves mineralisation up to 300 metres vertical depth. is a lot of work to do here; the discovery of the the Mons Cupri SW The program returned high grade zinc-copper results with best prospect down dip from the existing Mons Cupri mineralisation is a intercepts including 15m at 0.3% copper and 6.99% zinc from prime example. 137m including 9m at 0.39% copper and 8.98% zinc, 5m at 0.62% In addition to its flagship Pilbara assets, Venturex is also exploring copper and 9.3% zinc from 154m and 4m at 2.61% copper and for large gold deposits in Brazil through its wholly owned Brazilian 0.79% zinc from 165m, 6m at 0.09% copper and 4.89% zinc from subsidiary CMG Mineracao Ltd. 136m and 5m at 3.97% copper and 0.15% zinc from 143m. The portfolio comprises nine projects, covering a total tenement Venturex is currently revising the geological model ahead of area of approximately 1,200km2, located in three major gold planning the next drilling program to test the areas along strike and at provinces - the prolific Tapajós province in Pará; and the Alta Floresta depth at Kangaroo Caves. and Cuiabá Basin provinces in Mato Grosso. Greenfield exploration at Sulphur Springs is not being ignored; Venturex is undertaking a 3 hole diamond drilling program at a new exploration target area called Midway, which lies between the Sulphur Springs and Kangaroo Caves resources. At Whim Creek, Venturex has moved the focus from the two known deposits, Whim Creek and Mons Cupri, to a more systematic review of the regional mineralising systems in the Salt Creek and Mons Cupri areas using a combination of new techniques, adapted from Canadian VMS experience, an effort to plan the next generation of drilling programs. Although Whim Creek was discovered in the 1880’s, since then there has only been sporadic exploration particularly in the early 1980’s and early 2000’s. There has never been a coordinated focus on the broader sulphide mineral potential of the Whim Creek dome. Mulroney said the region had good blue sky potential with little drilling having taken place outside of the existing Whim Creek, Mons Cupri and Salt Creek deposits. “Outside of the known deposits, there has been little drilling along the 27km of prospective strike that we have identified,” he said. “There

2013 OCTOBER 53 THE HUB QLD government initiatives to boost exploration success rates in Mount Isa

xploration is vital to ensure the ongoing strength of key to the future of the northwest. As part of this initiative, Queensland’s mining and petroleum resource sectors. As magnetotelluric observations will be used to create a 3D part of Informa’s Exploring & mining the Isa conference conductivity picture of the crust, which can be used to infer Eheld in early October, Brad John, Chief Government likely pathways and sites of mineralisation. These range from Geologist at the Geological Survey of Queensland spoke about actual conductive ore bodies, often associated with conductive government initiatives to attract investment for new mining and black shale bodies or conductive sulphide-bearing horizons, to exploration projects in Mount Isa. He also shared some insights structural pathways for mineralising fluids such as faults traced into the geological particularities of the region. by conductive mineral alteration, or conductive groundwater or magmatic fluid. This technique is most effective for detecting Funding is a critical issue for mining and exploration projects. MountIsa-style black shale basins concealed beneath shallow cover The Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) is managing the rocks near the southern margin of the exposed Mount Isa Inlier, Future Resources Program to fund seven initiatives supporting and also for iron oxide copper gold deposits beyond the eastern Queensland´s resources and exploration industries. How do exposed margin of the Inlier. Selected seismic survey lines will you expect these various initiatives to help attract resource also be conducted to calibrate the magnetotelluric surveys. investment in the region? The $3 million Geochemical Data Extraction Initiative will make available valuable geochemical data extracted from Brad John: The Queensland Government continues to put the Department of Natural Resources and Mines’ company significant effort into ensuring the north-west of the State is a reports archive, assisting industry to identify areas of high future preferred target for mineral and energy resource exploration. exploration potential in the north-west’s mineralised regions. Exploration is vital to the ongoing strength of Queensland’s So too, the $1.5 million Seismic Section Scanning Initiative mining and petroleum resource sectors. Exploration today will will ensure all hardcopy company seismic sections of Queensland’s help unearth the new coal, mineral, petroleum and gas resources subsurface basins are scanned for preservation, making access that will drive the mines and gas projects of tomorrow; and the to them easier for industry, now that the north-west has shown jobs and economic benefits that will deliver for all Queenslanders. strong potential in petroleum and geothermal resources as well as Projects proposed by industry and undertaken by GSQ through minerals. the $7.5 million Industry Priorities Initiative are an effective way of exploiting the enormous potential of the north-west In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for the through focussed research that promotes further discoveries of resources sector in Queensland and more specifically in North not only the known commodities of the area such as base and West Queensland? precious metals, but also new resources such as the recently discovered strategic metals, rhenium and yttrium. Another is Brad John: The biggest challenge for the resources sector in the continuation of the successful Collaborative Drilling Grants Queensland at the moment is to attract the necessary funding for Initiative with a further $3 million to support exploration the higher-risk greenfields exploration. success by co-funding the drilling costs of innovative exploration Innovation will be necessary to find the new giant deposits programs. The north-west has been a prominent beneficiary of the yet to be discovered under sedimentary cover surrounding initiative to date, representing over one third of projects as well as the exposed Mount Isa Inlier. Innovative exploration models, having the same success rate in discovering new mineralisation. perhaps incorporating concepts for unknown but geologically Examples are Red Metal’s Maronan Project and Krucible Metal’s possible mineral systems for the region will be required, as well as Champ Project, with increased or new discoveries of base metals innovative new geophysical or geochemical methods able to “see” in the region. beneath cover. Once found, these new deeper deposits will require The Queensland Government’s $9 million Mount Isa cheaper drilling, bulk mining and metallurgical technologies to Geophysics Initative will acquire datasets to boost exploration ensure greenfields exploration and mining remains economically success rates in Mount Isa’s greenfields regions, recognised as feasible and attractive. Many of these problems are being

54 OCTOBER 2013 tackled by the Deep Exploration Technologies CRC, and the the potential to produce over 1700 million barrels or 270,000 UNCOVER Program with which the GSQ is affiliated. megalitres of oil.

What do you think are the most exciting developments in the In terms of geology, what makes the region unique? resource sector and how can North West Queensland benefit from them? Brad John: Mount Isa has been at the crossroads of intense geological activity for nearly 400 million years, largely before the Brad John: The most significant development is the Queensland rest of the rocks in Queensland were even formed. At around Government’s removal of the former bans on uranium and oil 1870 million years ago, the crustal region around Mount Isa shale mining in Queensland. This will enable the Westmoreland experienced the first of a long series of alternating periods uranium project and the Julia Creek oil shale deposit, both of of extension and compression, driving fluid circulation and which are in this region, to be developed. magmatism, and concentrating metals like copper, gold, zinc Uranium is an emerging industry in Queensland that and lead in chemically or structurally favourable sites in the could inject billions of dollars for our economy. That’s why the crust. The Mount Isa deposit is a prime example, forming atop Queensland Government is working towards developing a world’s a rifted basin around 1650 million years ago, accompanied by best practice regulatory framework to support the sustainable localised magmatism, large volumes of circulating fluid, numerous development of uranium mining. faults, and chemically favourable sedimentary layers. Another When you look at the north-west, uranium is very prominent unique combination of events occurred in the Cloncurry region as a stand-alone commodity or in association with copper and where carbonate-rich sequences that formed in a wide shallow gold. Think of deposits such as Valhalla, Skal, Odin and Bikini, sea between 1750 and 1600 million years, formed a favourable just to name a few. Over 95,000 tonnes of uranium oxide has been rock type for trapping gold, uranium and rare earth minerals identified in north-west Queensland, representing some 90% of introduced during hotspot-related magmatism which passed recognised deposits in the State. through the region between 1550 and 1500 million years ago. In terms of oil shale Queensland has over 90% of Australia’s What’s most important though about Mount Isa is that all the resource. On this front, north Queensland again delivers with rocks hosting these mineral systems have remained preserved the largest known resource located in the Julia Creek area. for over 1500 million years awaiting discovery by enterprising This extensive and potentially productive shale deposit has explorers.

Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2013 OCTOBER 55 INNOVATION

Study investigates productivity and efficiency measures

he biggest challenge facing the only 20% have a consolidated view return on investment that still prevents mining industry is the need to of production systems and the value 27% of respondents from exploring cut costs. The 2013 Mining chain. the full capabilities of automation TIQ member survey took a There’s still clearly a long way to go as demonstrated in the high rating deeper look into exactly how mining before mine sites can operate as cost for ‘evaluating a cost-benefit analysis professionals are planning on achieving effectively as possible. The need to to guarantee the desired ROI on this; for 43% of the respondents this is improve efficiency and life of mine cost automation’. a huge focus, and with the next highest effectiveness lead many to the same Of course it’s not just the big scoring challenge ‘driving productivity solution - automation. pieces of hardware such as driverless and effectiveness’ rating top with 33% trucks that are making an impact; of respondents, it seems clear that Automation Technology wireless communication has the increased productivity and efficiency Only 19 % of mining professionals ability to synchronise many of the through effective operations is the are using executive dashboards on top processes across the entire operations avenue of choice. of systems that are well integrated to for a more efficient end result. The respondents have a focus on support decisions. There are still some clear barriers integration across the whole of the So what are the top barriers to to achieving this mainly stemming mining chain, from pit to port, yet automation? In terms of making from legacy systems, integration and 34.2% are still using spread sheets investments in communication and being able to use wireless systems to and human intelligence to optimise automation technologies, automation their full potential. value chain. Perhaps more surprisingly, typically requires a significant upfront The survey revealed 19% are also considering the current emphasis of investment to achieve long term savings challenged with collaboration. Despite achieving full operational excellence, results. It’s the ability to prove the the huge benefits of automation, a

56 OCTOBER 2013 significant 16% of Mining IQ members Training, engagement sites including Mt Rawdon, Henty, aren’t moving towards greater automation Kambalda, Sepon Gold and more, in their plans and are instead focusing on reports Orway Mineral Consultants. the ‘quick wins’ that can be gained. and culture have never Optimisation is a critical process been more paramount for maximising the profitability of Consolidation and all metallurgical facilities within the constraints of the project. Comminution collaboration in the mining industry is generally the most power intensive It seems the solution to achieving process and generally consumes efficiency may also be the problem, and could make the in excess of 50% of total site power. with 41% of respondents finding In the US mining industry, 40% of all collaboration between teams a challenge. difference between the energy consumption is estimated to be There’s no doubt that collaboration and attributed to grinding, inclusive of mining consolidation can have a positive impact operations that make (drilling, blasting, hauling) and processing. on results, but as the highest rated Grinding power alone can account challenge it seems clear that this is where substantial efficiency for around 20% of direct operating the root of the problem lies. costs in a typical gold plant, inclusive of One of the other standout results and improvements salaries, wages, fuel, reagents, wear parts, from the survey was that 18% of and maintenance. These percentages can respondents admit that information be higher for ore types requiring high exists in silos through the organisation; and those that don’t. power input during comminution. this clearly has a direct impact on collaboration. The result may come as a surprise considering that the role of many skilled jobs in the mine site expand have become more cross functional. Training, engagement and culture have never been more paramount in the mining industry and could make the difference between the operations that make substantial efficiency and improvements and those that don’t. This often relies on the commitment of the individuals working in mining, from the senior management down to the guys at the coal face. David Wesley, Senior Mine Geologist, CST add: “You get your best results if you have the right person for the job and have good systems in place to support and train those people.” In these volatile times, loyalty to specific organisations lingers. It’s vital to focus on operational excellence, not just for cost savings but to retain the staff that will help you get there.’

Process optimisation= productivity gains 12 case studies show sustained improvement of 15% – 48% throughput over the last 10 years at

2013 OCTOBER 57 ENVIRONMENT

coal, oil and gas accounted for 19% of total industrial emissions in 2010-11. Improved flaring and venting practices in oil and gas production has reduced the growth in fugitive emissions resulting from substantial production increases in the sector. Several projects have been implemented to capture waste coal mine gas for electricity generation, driven by government incentives for carbon abatement. The reduction in emissions achieved through improvements in waste gas capture appear to have been offset by an increase in the average emissions intensity of coal production due to increased coal mining in regions with particularly ‘gassy’ geology. Fugitive emissions from coal seam gas (CSG) production are uncertain and the methodologies to estimate fugitive emissions from CSG are currently under review. However, the report says policy and economic uncertainty are expected to limit the uptake of future waste coal mine gas abatement projects. These activities have helped to decrease the overall emissions intensity of Australia’s industrial output by an estimated 10% between 2002-03 and 2011-12. In other words, despite strong growth over this period (in particular in mining and resources) which saw industrial value added grow by 25%, emissions Emissions intensity – the recent from the sector are estimated to have grown by only 13%. Overall, the shift journey and outlook to 2020 towards self-generated electricity and lower emissions fuel sources recent report by ClimateWorks reduction activities are sustained, around (mainly gas) is expected to continue, driven Australia shows the emissions 57% of the abatement potential identified by developments in remote areas and intensity of Australia’s industrial in the Low Carbon Growth Plan for increased production of LNG which is A sector dropped by 10% between Australia for this sector would be captured primarily powered by gas. However, if gas 2002–03 and 2011–12. by 2019-20. prices increase significantly, this may trigger This drop has been largely due to Furthermore, if current trends are a return to more emissions intensive coal in resources companies turning from electricity sustained, continued reductions in fugitive some subsectors that are highly sensitive to emissions from conventional oil and gas to the less emissions-intensive gas as an energy costs. production are expected. With the help energy source. The improved flaring and from projects such as the carbon capture venting processes in oil and gas production and storage at the new Gorgon gas project, Energy efficiency outlook to 2020 have contributed to fewer fugitive emissions Australia will further reduce its growth in Based on historical data, ClimateWorks (those sustained during extraction and vented carbon dioxide. concluded that if companies continue to transportation of fossil fuels). Fugitive emissions released during the increase their energy savings by 1.1% per If recent trends in these emissions extraction, transportation and handling of annum, energy efficiency could deliver 207

58 OCTOBER 2013 petajoules of energy savings by 2019–20. current levels of opportunity uptake could the coal mining process. The gas, which Energy costs, government policy instruments continue. Interviews with Energy Managers is composed mostly of methane can be and the economic context for Australia (or similar role) showed that it is becoming collected and burned to produce electricity, industry that could affect this outcome. more common for companies to disseminate turning it into much less potent CO2 and The Industry report also examined the relevant energy use data through regular reducing emissions from consumption of likely scenarios for industry productivity to business processes and to include energy use grid-supplied electricity. 2020. It concluded that if industry continues in their business strategies and plans. Clean energy company Energy to switch from coal powered electricity to As costs increase it is expected that Developments Ltd (EDL) developed the gas, emissions intensity could continue to opportunities that were financially first large scale WCMG facility in 1996, reduce as it has since 2007. However, the unattractive when first assessed may become and its latest project at Anglo American’s projected sharp rise in gas prices means more attractive over time. In addition, new Moranbah North mine displaces around Australian companies may return to the opportunities for energy efficiency projects 1.3 million tCO 2e per year and produces more fuel intensive oil or coal fuel sources. will need to be identified and implemented enough energy to power around 48,000 In interviews with 47 Energy Efficiency in order to manifest a 1.1% increase per homes. Opportunity (EEO) companies, year in energy savings. As energy prices are Waste coal mine gas generation is not ClimateWorks found that two-thirds of projected to rise further to 2020, there will generally feasible without carbon revenue. respondents expect to maintain or increase be additional incentives for companies to Investment in this technology is therefore their current levels of energy efficiency pursue energy savings. dependent on policy certainty ensuring that activity. For companies facing a tough this revenue is available for the life of the economic outlook, energy costs are likely The importance of policy certainty project. Relative policy certainty under the to provide the motivation for further NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme opportunity uptake. for waste coal mine gas capture (GGAS) facilitated the progress of five The combination of increased energy The release of Waste Coal Mine Gas major WCMG power projects leading to management expertise in companies and (WCMG) is a potentially hazardous and the delivery of about 110 MW of new low recent energy efficiency action suggests particularly greenhouse intensive part of emissions energy capacity.

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2013 OCTOBER 59 OFFSHORE

igeria lost at least 100,000 barrels of oil per day, around 5% of total output, in the first quarter of 2013 to theft from its onshore Nand swamp operations alone, a new Chatham House report estimates. This illicit oil is likely to have found ready buyers in West Africa, the US, Europe and several Asian countries. Stolen Nigerian crude and the profits from it are laundered around the world, threatening the Stolen integrity of financial markets and the legitimate oil business. Within Nigeria, the world’s 13th Nigerian Crude Oil and Profits largest oil producer, the practice is tied to political violence, corruption and instability. Despite this, no Nigerian oil thieves have been Laundered Around the World prosecuted internationally, and knowledge of the illegal business and its practitioners remains poor, says Nigeria’s Criminal Crude: International Options to Combat the Export of Stolen Oil. Criminal Crude – the first independent, in- depth report on the international dimensions of Nigerian oil theft – explores the problem in the context of legal trading markets and Nigeria’s own oil sector and political culture. The report describes oil theft as a species of organised crime that is almost totally off the international community’s radar. Nigerian oil theft value and costs Nigeria cannot resolve the problem alone, but it needs to take the initiative to develop an Value of the trade achievable strategy with its foreign government The estimated annual value of oil stolen from partners. Even then, much more intelligence is Nigeria is between $3 billion and $8 billion. needed to connect the very complex issues and Public costs of the trade range of actors involved. In 2011, the Nigerian government is “Foreign governments may want to say this estimated to have lost revenue worth several is not their problem,” says co-author Aaron billion dollars. From 2010 to 2012, the Sayne, “But without better knowledge of how oil Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation theft affects security and strategically important spent $2.3 billion on pipeline security and markets, not every government can say so with repairs. confidence.” Criminal Crude offers a four-point framework Direct casualties for states seeking to take first steps against At the height of conflict in the Niger Delta, Nigerian oil theft. there were an estimated 1,000 deaths each First, Nigeria and its foreign government year – although not all of these would be partners should prioritise the gathering, analysis directly related to oil theft. There is an and sharing of intelligence on oil theft. The report increased risk of kidnapping linked to oil offers preliminary conclusions about how much theft in Nigeria. oil is stolen, how the oil and money move globally Environmental costs and the links between oil theft and insecurity. It In Nigeria, significant oil spills are linked to highlights knowledge gaps and points out specific crude oil theft. Pollution of water and soil priorities for investigators overseas. due to leaks from stolen oil have secondary Second, Nigeria should consider taking impacts on human health, livelihoods, food other steps to build the confidence of foreign and fuel stocks. government partners. Interviews for Criminal

60 OCTOBER 2013 Crude found officials in other countries willing Outside governments probably would to act on oil theft, but only if Nigeria takes have to join forces to curb the export of stolen some serious steps first. Nigerian oil significantly. Nigeria could not Third, other states should begin stop the trade single-handed, and there is cleaning up parts of the trade they know limited value in other countries going it alone. are taking place within their borders. This However, an intelligent multi-state campaign could involve tracking ships by satellite; could, in theory, close off markets and financial investigating possible links between crude centres, and raise the costs of stealing. theft, drug smuggling or terrorism; following Stolen Some arguments for outside intervention international money trails; or targeting are more compelling than others. Stolen known thieves through ‘smart sanctions’. Nigerian Crude Oil and Profits Nigerian oil and the money from it pollute Fourth, Nigeria should articulate its own multi-point, multi-partner strategy markets and financial institutions overseas, Laundered Around the World for addressing oil theft. Most international creating reputational, political and legal initiatives would require Nigerian cooperation hazards. It could also compromise parts of the to succeed, and the stolen oil trade is a Nigerian legitimate oil business. On the other hand, problem first. The Nigerian government is oil theft has not been a big security risk for likely to have the best intelligence on how the Nigeria or West Africa, although it has helped business works. destabilise the Niger Delta and could do so The analysis in the report finds that again. And the idea that the international there are no easy answers: tackling this community should label stolen Nigerian crude form of transnational organised crime is ‘blood oil’, as is done with regard to the trade about making smart choices with tools that in blood diamonds or conflict minerals, is not work, in a high risk environment where borne out by fact or law. political will easily waivers. Criminal Crude Some think the scale of the trade is too provides a solid basis for greater international big not to act, yet it is not entirely clear how engagement on the trade in stolen Nigerian much of the oil Nigeria produces is stolen or oil. exported. Without better knowledge of how “A key issue is how much other stakeholders oil theft works, governments hoping to help such as international oil companies, oil traders solve the problem could find themselves out of and shippers would be willing to contribute at the risk of undermining their relationships, their depth. Poor programming would be likely reputations and capacity to operate in Nigeria,” to waste taxpayer money, provoke diplomatic says Christina Katsouris, co-author. tension, misread the local political environment and legitimise rogue actors. Assuming a foreign government did decide Should foreign governments engage? to act, with whom should its officials engage? At present oil theft is a species of organised The Nigerian government tends to crack down crime that is almost totally off the international on oil theft only when it reaches hard-to- community’s radar. Officials outside Nigeria are manage levels. Past administrations relied on aware that the problem exists, and occasionally ad hoc shows of military force and political show some interest at high policy levels. But settlements – a path that President Goodluck Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic partners have Jonathan may largely follow. Oil theft affects the taken no real action, and no stakeholder five international oil companies that produce group inside the country has a record of sustained and serious engagement with the most of Nigeria’s crude to different degrees. issue. The resulting lack of good intelligence Some actors question the sincerity of the means international actors cannot fully companies’ public stances on theft, especially assess whether Nigerian oil theft harms their where it does not cost them much. interests. Governments need to know more No other industry stakeholders – from about Nigerian oil theft and their options for oil traders and militants to activists and host engaging before they pledge major resources to communities – seem to have the right mix of confront the problem. influence and will for change. 2013 OCTOBER 61 OUT OF SITE Australia’sAustralia’s susummermmer ofof CricCricketket

62 OCTOBER 2013 n Australia, it’s just not summer without cricket. We play it at our picnics and barbeques, in our backyards, on our beaches, Iroads, in parks and world-class stadiums. Indoors, the Australian cricket team with their Australia’sAustralia’s trademark baggy green caps, dominate our television screens. In Australia, cricket is almost a religion, uniting players and fans from all walks of life. Fans that missed out on tickets to the Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series this summer will have another opportunity to snap up seats to the greatest rivalry in world sport thanks to the release of more tickets by Cricket Australia. The response to the initial ticket release Tickets still available of exceeded the corresponding period in 2010-11 Venue Day Availability Ticket Agency Result after first release of (17 July 2013) CricCric when The Ashes was last played in Australia, with ketket the upcoming series generating a 30% increase in Days 1 - 3 Very Limited release sales. The match at the WACA sold out days one GABBA, QLD Good seats still Ticketmaster Day 1 sold out in a week to three within a week of release, day one at the Day 4 remain GABBA sold out in a week, and days one to three at Days 1-3 sold out within Adelaide Oval, Day 1 – 4 Limited release Ticketek the Adelaide Oval and the SCG sold out within a day. SA a day Boxing Day at the MCG has seen huge ticket sales Day 1 - 3 Limited release Days 1-3 sold out within and is likely to sell out in advance of the match. WACA, WA Ticketmaster Good seats still a week Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager Day 4 remain Operations, Mike McKenna, said the new release Days 1 Limited release. of tickets is a chance for even more fans to Sales up 30% on 10/11 MCG, VIC Ticketek witness the famous rivalry between Australia and Good seats still Ashes series Day 2 -4 remain England. Days 1 -3 Limited release “With the excitement for The Commonwealth Days 1-3 sold out within Bank Ashes Series building we are expecting SCG, NSW Ticketek Day 4 Good seats still hours these tickets to be snapped up quickly by fans remain eager to witness the great sporting rivalry between Australia and England,” Mr McKenna said. “As well as the Commonwealth Bank Ashes Don’t miss a game Series, there are also tickets available for the Ashes Test Series When: 26-30 December 2013 Carlton Mid One Day International Series and Who: Australia England KFC T20 INTL Series matches, so fans can enjoy When: 31 October - 2 November 2013 10.30am Where: MCG 10.30 AM watching Australia take on England in all forms of Who: WA XI England the game.” Where: WACA When: 3-7 Jan 2014 10.30am The Carlton Mid One Day International Series When: 6-9 November 2013 10am Who: Australia England will bring back Summer’s Biggest Dress Up Party Who: England Australia A Where: SCG and also mark the start of preparations for the Where: Hobart Australian team as it gets ready to host the 2015 Twenty 20 INTL Series ICC World Cup the following summer. The KFC When: 13-16 November 2013 10.30am When: 29 Jan 2014 7.35pm T20 INTL matches could see an influx of young Who: England NSW Who: Australia England families in the stands as the new Bring the Kids Where: XI SCG Where: Blundstone Arena For Free incentive is launched. When: 21-25 November 2013 10am Given the strong demand for tickets, Cricket Who: Australia England When: 31 Jan 2014 7.35pm Australia is ramping up its efforts against scalping Where: Gabba Who: Australia England and identifying where tickets are being sold by Where: MCG scalpers. Following the initial ticket release, When: 5-9 December 2013 10.30am When: 2 Feb 2014 7.35pm Cricket Australia has cancelled a large number Who: Australia England Who: Australia England of scalper tickets, and these are included in Where: Adelaide Oval Where: Sydney Olympic Park this latest ticket release. Fans are advised to When: 13-17 Dec 2013 10.30am only purchase tickets from authorised ticketing Who: Australia England agencies, Ticketek and Ticketmaster. Where: WACA 2013 OCTOBER 63 Abbott Government urged to focus on growth

The ongoing decline in Western Australia’s mineral Commonwealth, reducing involvement on a and petroleum exploration continued in the June project-by-project basis and keeping the focus on 2013 quarter, according to CME’s latest edition of the more strategic outcomes for biodiversity. WA Resources and Economics Report, prepared in • The abolition of unnecessary additional tax costs conjunction with KPMG. and compliance burdens targeting the resources The quarter saw total mineral and petroleum sector such as the Mineral Resource Rent Tax and couple of months ago Australia elected a exploration decline by 22% to $1.14 billion from the the carbon pricing mechanism. Anew government which has promised to work previous quarter. After falling by 4% in the December • The implementation of an Exploration Development closely with industry and adopt a collaborative and quarter, total mineral exploration expenditure fell by Incentive which will allow investors to deduct consultative approach to governing the nation. Now it another 10% in the March quarter to $422 million. This a proportion of mining exploration expenditure is up to the Coalition government to honour its election is the third consecutive quarter mineral exploration has against their taxable income. commitments and develop sensible policy plans to declined. Compared to the corresponding quarter a • The establishment of an industry advisory council ensure the ongoing growth of Australia. year ago, mineral exploration is now 14% lower. to ensure resources and energy policies are Prior to the election, the Chamber of Minerals and Further research from the University of Western developed with informed, consultative decision- Energy (CME) provided all political parties with detail Australia shows Australia’s share of global making. of the priority issues the Western Australian resources exploration has reduced from 21% in 2002 down to With prudent and rational policy initiatives such as sector would like to see addressed. With the Western only 12% in 2012. Australian resources sector contribution to Australian CME has welcomed the Coalition’s commitments those outlined, Australian’s will continue to see real Gross Domestic Product at over five per cent, the to policies which we know will assist to meet these economic benefits delivered by the ongoing growth of policy needs of the sector should not be ignored. challenges. We look forward to working with the the resources sector. It should come as no surprise that our focus has new government to implement these key policy CME looks forward to working closely with Prime been on policy which enables economic growth commitments, including: Minister Tony Abbott and his government to deliver and address the challenges facing the resources • The “one-stop-shop” policy to help deliver a sustainable and long term future for the resources sector. People working in the resources sector see more streamlined and cost efficient approvals. sector in Western Australia. these challenges first hand – the rising cost of doing Establishing bilateral agreements for environmental Reg Howard-Smith business, increasing red tape and declining exploration assessment and approvals with the states and Chief Executive expenditure. territories will avoid costly duplication by the The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia

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1. What is the best thing about working at Newmont - what have you learnt from your time there? Jodie Gray, Boddington 2. What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement and/or proudest moment? Gold Mine supervisor Jodie Gray is the Pit Technician Supervisor at 3. Do you believe mining is still perceived as a male dominated industry - what is your experience? Newmont and leads a team of technicians that support the Technical Services Department at the 4. What is your tip for women entering the mining industry? Newmont Boddington Gold Mine, predominantly involved in the geology of the open pit mine. 5. What are your goals for the future? 1. Newmont Boddington Gold Mine is a dynamic environment and I love a challenge. I’m not a person that sticks around in a place if I don’t have a good Rubini Ventouras, head of legal services at NEWMONT manager so five years at Boddington means I have had great leaders. Also, my team of technicians are 2. That is a difficult question to answer as I recognised for being a dedicated, safety first team, have had a number of moments over the last whose work ethic is admired and respected and I am 10 years which I consider to be significant proud to manage them. achievements in different ways. One that comes to mind was my appointment to the Asia 2. Winning the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Pacific Leadership Team in 2007. Since my Women in Resources Award for Outstanding appointment, I have been a part of the team Technician this year. It was great to be recognised for that managed the construction and commission my contribution to the resource sector over the last of the Boddington Gold Mine – Newmont 20 years. Asia Pacific’s flagship operation producing 3. I think that perception is there if you work on any 700,000 plus ounces of gold per annum. It was mine site. Though in saying that, my experience now a very proud moment to see the Premier open is very different than when I started in the industry 20 our project and to celebrate the success the Since 2003, Rubini Ventouras has defended years ago. I was the only female on my exploration region had to develop the project from dirt to a crew for the first two years of working in the industry and protected Newmont’s assets and business fully operational plant. so it’s come a long way but we still have a long way from legal issues. As Group Executive Legal to go yet. It makes a big difference to the place if you Services, her team provides strategy and advice 3. Mining is still generally perceived as a male have a balanced work force. to Newmont focusing on the areas of land dominated industry. Female participation in access, legal, records management and company mining is about 20-25%. I have not found this 4. I have many tips - though I think the most secretarial. As a member of the Global Legal to be a limitation. I have worked with great important is to find yourself a mentor. The things that have made a huge difference to me have been Group she assists with ethics and compliance. men and women who have supported me and the mentors I have had over the years. These people On top of that she is also a member of shown me that if you work hard and make have had a huge impact on me. I’m lucky enough Newmont Asia Pacific’s Regional Leadership the most of every opportunity you position to be working with both of them, Letitia Scott Team and assists with overall management of yourself to be recognised and ultimately will Newmont’s Asia Pacific business. (Superintendent Mine Services) and Susan Loughnan succeed. You must never compare yourself to (Safety Manager). They both have played a huge part others but instead work hard and know you of my career. 1. Newmont is a company committed to did your best. strong values and ethics. During my time 5. I am looking forward to finishing my Post Graduate on the Leadership Team, I have learnt about 4. Women entering the mining industry Diploma in Geology at Western Australian School corporate strategy and the need for alignment should dream big and aim high. Believe in of Mines (WASM) this year and moving into a more between all parts of the business, the importance yourself. In my experience many women technical role. I am also one of the founders and a of operational excellence, stakeholders and can limit their own opportunities by self- committee member for the Women’s Professional engagement, people development and leadership. doubt. Always look for opportunities and Network which started at Boddington early this I have been privileged to participate in position yourself to take advantage of those year. The goal is to improve gender diversity and development of Newmont’s global and regional opportunities. enhance career development for women at NBG and strategies since 2007. I have seen Newmont’s has a strong backing from Newmont management. global business in many different cultures and 5. My goals are first, to ensure my three boys Furthermore, I am looking forward to being involved environments. Newmont has shown me that grow into good and happy people. Secondly, to with Women in Mining Western Australia (WIMWA) you should never give up. You must think of a continue in management and become a Vice in 2014. I am always up for adventure and am looking forward to what next year will bring. challenge as an opportunity to excel. President or maybe even become a CEO. NEWS

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66 OCTOBER 2013