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MPP100007123 INING REVIEW A product of AUGUST 2018 australianminingreview.com.au Publications & Exhibitions Australia Pty Ltd ASX: A BILL SHAW RECENT FLOATS TRANSFORMATIVE AUSTRALIAN & LISTINGS YEAR GEOSCIENCE MINCOR COUNCIL NEWS RESOURCES IN THE SPOTLIGHT p10 p28 p70 MAJOR COMMODITIES SNAPSHOT p4 IRONS IN THE FIRE

A debt-free, cashed up BCI Minerals is placing bets on salt and sulphate of potash as the next key drivers of its business.

BCI MINERALS p34 Image: BCI Minerals. BCI Minerals. Image: AUGUST 2018 2 CONTENTS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

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[email protected] A product of Publications & Exhibitions Australia Pty Ltd NEWS 1 GENERAL MANAGER Commodities Snapshot 4 Brad Francis [email protected] Commodity Focus: Metallurgical Coal 8 MANAGING EDITOR The Contractors 12 Reuben Adams [email protected] Explorers on the Move 14 GREENER JOURNALISTS Technology & Innovation 16 Elizabeth Fabri [email protected] International 18 PASTURES Jessica Cummins [email protected] FEATURES GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emerald: The Gem of the Bowen p19 Emerald: Gem of the Bowen 19 Charlotte Lufino [email protected] Gascoyne Resources 25 SALES EXECUTIVE Mincor Resources 28 Penny West PRINTER Minesite Rehabilitation 30 Rural Press CONTACT US BCI Minerals 34 P: (08) 6314 0300 F: (08) 9481 7322 South32 37 160 Beaufort Street, Perth, WA 6000. PO Box 8023, Perth BC, WA 6849. Stanmore Coal 40 E-mail the editor at [email protected] Aurelia Metals 42 For all other emails to staff, the standard convention is, first name (only) @miningoilgas.com.au The Australian Mining Review is a free publication Whitehaven Coal 44 to all mine sites and mining companies in Australia. Its value is $11 an issue. (Includes GST, postage and handling). The copyright is vested in the Proprietors of The UNDER THE Australian Mining Review; neither whole nor any part of this issue may be reproduced without permission. INDUSTRY FOCUS The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Miningoilgas Pty Ltd and its staff, but are those of the respective author who accepts Companies Gearing Up 47 MICROSCOPE sole responsibility and liability for them. Corrosion Control 53 NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS: The Trade Practices Act, 1974 came into force on Mine Rehabilitation p30 the 1st October 1974. All advertisers and advertising agents are directed to carefully study the provisions Education & Training 54 of the Act, which contain strict regulations on advertising. It can be an offence for anyone to engage, in trade Fleet Management 56 or commerce, in conduct deemed “misleading or deceptive”. Specifically s53 of the Act contains prohibitions from doing any of the following in Heavy Haulage & Low Loaders 58 connection with the promotion, by any means, of the supply or use of goods or services: (a) falsely represent that goods are of a particular Industrial Tyres 61 standard, quality, value, grade, composition, style or model or have had a particular history or particular previous use; (b) falsely represent that goods are Light Weight Composites for Mining 62 new; (c) represent that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, uses or benefits they do not have; (d) represent that the corporation has a sponsorship, Maintenance Products & Services 64 approval or affiliation it does not have; (e) make a false or misleading representation with respect to the price of goods or services; (f) make a false or Mineral Processing 66 misleading representation concerning the need for any goods or services; or (g) make a false or misleading representation concerning the existence, Mine Ventilation 67 exclusion or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right or remedy.

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MAJOR COMMODITIES SNAPSHOT

$US/oz $US/t GOLD IRON ORE 62% Fe CFR China 1320 67.0 66.38 Gold prices fell to a 1303.3 66.5 Iron ore prices 1300 declined marginally one-year low in July 66.0 in line with a higher in July, fluctuating US dollar and US 1280 65.5 between $US63 and 1269.42 64.89 $US64/t. interest rates. 1260 65.0 64.5 1240 64.0 1220 63.5 63.0 1200 1222.40 62.5 63.58 1180 62.0 May June 19-July May June 19-July

$US/t $US/t COPPER LME Price COBALT LME Price 7000 100000 90999.99 Copper prices 6885.92 6810.96 90000 Cobalt spot prices continued to spiral 6800 fell to its lowest 80000 79300.06 downwards in July 6600 point since amid ongoing trade 70000 December 2017, tensions between 6400 60000 amid supply the US and the 6200 50000 70000.08 disruptions and world’s key concerns over the consumer, China. 6000 40000 sourcing of cobalt in 30000 the Democratic 5800 5982.02 20000 Republic of Congo. 5600 10000 5400 0 May June 19-July May June 19-July

$US/t $US/t ALUMINIUM LME Price ZINC LME Price 2300 3100 Aluminium prices 2282 2993 Zinc prices were under 2250 3000 3049.89 continued to fall, pressure again in 2900 hitting a 13-month July as the fallout of 2200 lows in July as Donald Trump’s 2166 2800 expectations of 2150 decision to impose 2700 rising supplies and tariffs on aluminium 2100 a narrowing deficit imports coming into 2600 triggered a sell-off. the US continued. 2050 2500 2000 2061.98 2400 2563.09 1950 2300 May June 19-July May June 19-July

$US/t $US/t LEAD LME Price NICKEL LME Price 2500 15500 Lead is another 2465 15255.11 After a promising 2389 base metal in 2400 15000 couple of months, negative territory, nickel prices 14500 14839.98 worn down by a 2300 lowered in July due stronger US dollar to weakened 14000 and trade war 2200 demand from tensions. 13500 alloy-makers in the spot market. 2100 13000 2000 2092.41 12500 13220.02 1900 12000 May June 19-July May June 19-July

COMMODITY FOCUS METALLURGICAL COAL PG 8

AUGUST 2018 6 NEWS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW IN BRIEF Dundas revives Avebury Rio spends $US39m on stacker project

WA

RIO Tinto will spend almost $US39 million to replace the original stackers at its 46-year old Paraburdoo mine in the WA Pilbara. The project will be led by technology provider Tenova TAKRAF. Rio Tinto said the design of the Image: Sahlan Hayes. stackers was now underway, with fabrication to begin later this year, Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, Dundas Mining chief executive Geoff Summers, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Liberal Braddon candidate Brett Whiteley at Avebury. and installation and commissioning in (the nickel price) was $US7000 a tonne. It’s Budget for a new Exploration Drilling Grant 2020. ELIZABETH FABRI now $US15,000 a tonne,” Dundas Mining Initiative to develop new opportunities,” Mr “This project is an important part of TASMANIA chief executive Geoff Summers told The Hodgman said. our sustaining capital program for 2018 Advocate. and we’re pleased to be supporting local “The Tasmanian Government will DUNDAS Mining will reopen its mothballed businesses with this significant body of Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said continue to strongly support our mining work,” the company stated. Avebury nickel mine with production to a recruitment process had begun, with more sector, as a key part of our plan to generate resume in January 2019. than 200 jobs to be made available across further economic activity and support local The mine, purchased last year from mining, processing, and administration. jobs in our regional communities.” MMG for $25 million, has been on care and He said the State Government was also Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in Denham closes maintenance since 2009 amid a downturn in supporting the reopening by providing a the last year Tasmania’s exports had grown the nickel market. support package that will deliver up to $3.5 by 26 per cent, and the two biggest goods million of payroll tax relief. exported were zinc and aluminium. Resurgent prices over the last 12 months first mining “This builds upon our previous support “This is a great mining State and this encouraged Dundas to bring the mine back for mining on the West Coast, including $9.5 (Avebury) will add nickel to the list of great to life. million for essential works at the Mt Lyell exports once again from Tasmania,” Mr fund “When we signed up to buy this place it copper mine, and $2 million in the 2018-19 Turnbull said.

NATIONAL PRIVATE equity firm Denham Capital Savannah restart fully funded has raised $US558 million to expand its mining portfolio in Australia, Canada, South America and Asia. The capital raising marks the close of its first mining fund, which will target MINE LIFE +8 years projects in base metals, metallurgical coal and specialty minerals. 6-9 months TO PRODUCTION The firm’s mining investments in Australia to date include ASX-listed Pembroke Resources and Auctus PRODUCTION (PA) Minerals. 10,600t nickel 6100t copper 800t cobalt “It’s an attractive market where we see in many jurisdictions the opportunity to secure projects that 250 NEW JOBS meet our investment criteria,” Denham stated. NPV $380m Hellyer to begin tailings reprocessing

TASMANIA

NQ Minerals subsidiary Hellyer Gold Mines will soon begin processing Image: Panoramic Resources. tailings at its namesake project in of pre-production activities and is targeting In FY2014, the company recorded Tasmania. REUBEN ADAMS/JESSICA CUMMINS first export of Savannah nickel concentrate a record 22,256t contained nickel and The mine, acquired in 2017, has been WA in care and maintenance for six years, to China in early March quarter next year. produced 19,301t contained nickel in 2015. and will be reopened to process up to THE Savannah nickel-copper-cobalt Once commissioned, the project will The projects were placed in care and $1.5 billion in gold and $1 billion in zinc project restart is locked in after Panoramic ramp up to full production over 15 months maintenance in November 2015 (Lafranchi) from the tailings dams on site. to average annual production of 10,800t Resources executed a loan with Macquarie and May 2016 (Savannah) due to low nickel nickel, 6100t copper and 800t cobalt metal Tasmanian Resources minister Guy Bank for up to $40m. prices. Barnett said production was scheduled contained in concentrate. The combination of the Macquarie loan to begin in September/October this Panoramic successfully commissioned the In early July Panoramic signed a new year, once the processing plant had and the $21m raised in February means the $65m Savannah project in late 2004, and in four-year concentrate sales agreement with been refurbished. Savannah restart is fully funded. 2005 purchased and restarted the Lafranchi Sino Nickel, which covers 100 per cent of The company has commenced Phase Two nickel project near Kambalda, WA. concentrate produced from Savannah.

AUGUST 2018 8 COMMODITY FOCUS: METALLURGICAL COAL THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW BOOM DAYS

Momentum is building in Australia’s metallurgical coal sector. Prices are up and producers are taking note, with plans to fast-track a number of new projects – particularly in QLD. But will supply disruptions in the State hurt long-term exports?

Image: BHP.

ELIZABETH FABRI

AFTER a turbulent couple of years, metallurgical (coking) coal is back in the black. This year prices floated around the $US200 per tonne mark; positive times when compared to 2015 lows of $US90/t. The rally is largely attributed to strong demand in China, India and Japan for steel, of which coking coal is a key, non-substitutable ingredient. India alone, relies on about 50 million tonnes of coking coal imports per annum, predominately from Australia, and analysts predict this will grow to more than 90mtpa in coming years. Positive chatter around coking coal has “The Indian steel story will encouraged miners and investors across the continue to grow along with country to pour capital into new projects or revive closed operations. its urbanisation story.” According to the Department of Industry’s Office of the Chief Economist, Image: Glencore. in 2017-18 Australian coal exports (both coking and thermal) were expected to earn production at its Illawarra mine, NSW. in 2020, with the impacts of improved EMR Capital, which picked up Rio $60.2 billion in revenue, the highest-ever Anglo American had success too, supply combined with weakening demand Tinto’s Kestrel mine in the Bowen Basin annual level. increasing production by 33 per cent in from China expected to outweigh growing this year for $US2.5 billion, had a more And in 2018-19 coal is forecast to be the June quarter to 5.3mt due to strong demand from India,” acting chief economist optimistic outlook. Australia’s largest export earner at $58.1 performance at the Moranbah and David Turvey said. “We believe coking coal has a bright billion, overtaking iron ore. Grosvenor mines in QLD. Mr Turvey said Australian export future because if you look at the GDP Judging by the majors’ FY18 success, volumes were forecast to grow from 173 growth of all the emerging economies the Chief Scientist’s findings were not million tonnes in 2017 to 201 million that’s really a proxy for steel, which then is surprising. Market Fundamentals tonnes in 2020, reflecting a steady recovery a proxy for coking coal,’’ EMR Capital chief In FY18, BHP’s metallurgical coal after Cyclone Debbie in 2017, and modest executive Jason Cheng told The Australian production was 7 per cent higher at a record The Chief Scientist’s June Resources and production growth from new capacity. earlier this year. 43 million tonnes thanks to high production Energy Quarterly stated that Chinese “Australia’s metallurgical coal export “The reality is the capital markets at its Peak Downs, Saraji, Caval Ridge, demand, which was long expected to ease, earnings are estimated to have reached a cannot simply walk away from hard coking South Walker Creek and Poitrel operations. had not fallen as “swiftly or as sharply as record $38 billion in 2017–18,” Mr Turvey coal, which is needed to create steel, which Chinese-owned Yancoal’s metallurgical expected”, however prices were likely to said. is needed to support GDP growth and sales also rose 31 per cent year-on-year after drop over the next two years. “Earnings [metallurgical coal] are rising incomes and rising lifestyles, so that strong performance across its mines, while “The metallurgical coal spot price is forecast to decline to $32 billion in can’t change overnight. South32 had beaten its metallurgical coal forecast to decline from an average of 2019–20, as lower prices offset rising “There is no replacement for coking output guidance with better than expected $US193 a tonne in 2018 to $US148 a tonne export volumes.” coal. We see demand increasing.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW COMMODITY FOCUS: METALLURGICAL COAL 9

Companies Making Moves Aurizon and the QLD Competition “There is no Authority (QCA). While many of the big players – like Rio The stoush, stems back to QCA’s release Tinto – made the decision to exit coal replacement for of its 2017 Draft Access Undertaking in recent years, an emerging group of coking coal. We see (UT5) in December capping Aurizon’s producers was building momentum. demand increasing.” revenue for the next four years at $3.9 QLD, which produces about 50 per billion; $1 billion shy of what Aurizon said cent of the world’s seaborne coking coal, it needed. is where many new production sources Aurizon would also receive a $100 would come online. million reduction in allowances to operate Near term developments included and maintain the network, despite the QCoal’s 10mtpa Byerwen mine; BHP’s increase in forecast tonnages and the Blackwater and Caval Ridge Southern asset base. Circuit infrastructure projects; Sojitz’ As a result, Aurizon made the Gregory Crinum reopening; South32’s controversial decision to alter its Eagle Downs project; and Pembroke maintenance program to reduce costs, Resources’ Olive Downs project due to which is estimated to impact the open in 2020. movement of at least 20 million tonnes of Byerwen and Eagle Downs alone would coal per annum, and leave a $2 billion hole add an additional 14mtpa of combined in the State budget (about $500 million in output to State exports. QLD Government royalties each year over Then came news Peabody would extend the next four years). its North Goonyella coking coal mine life Mr Macfarlane said the Aurizon threat until 2026. would “have a bigger impact on coal Queensland Resources Council (QRC) exports than Tropical Cyclone Debbie”. chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Many miners have expressed concerns new mining area of North Goonyella over the matter. Image: Glencore. South would secure more than 230 jobs Several months back, BHP, Glencore, for the region. Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Peabody, Anglo American also plans to increase million IPO that gave it a $120m market “It again demonstrates the strong Yancoal, Idemitsu and Jellinbah joined production at its Grosvenor mine, extend value. demand for Queensland coal especially forces, penning a letter to Aurizon’s life at Capcoal by bringing its Aquila metallurgical coal,” Mr Macfarlane said. Earlier this year, the State Government chairman, urging him to revert back longwall out of care and maintenance, had also granted a mining lease for Bengal to the company’s original maintenance “Peabody has longstanding and has a near term opportunity for relationships with Indian steelmakers Coal’s planned 1.9mtpa Dysart East mine plan, as changes had already created Moranbah South. and a recent report from the Office of in central QLD, where 200 operations jobs “significant disruption and uncertainty” the Chief Economist highlighted the Juniors, such as Vitrinite and coking will need to be filled. for customers. growth in metallurgical coal exports to coal pure play Bounty Mining were In BHP’s June quarterly report it said India – increasing by 22 per cent over the picking up pace too. Derailing Growth it continued “to engage with stakeholders last 12 months and forecast to overtake In March, Vitrinite signed an and encourage Aurizon to ensure China as the world’s largest importer of agreement with Japanese company Itochu However, positive news has been dimmed infrastructure productivity is maximised metallurgical coal by 2020. to accelerate the development of its Karin by concerns over the reliability of QLD’s while they await the Queensland “The Indian steel story will continue to coking coal deposit, and in June Bounty coal haulage network amid a conflict Competition Authority’s final decision in grow along with its urbanisation story.” Mining relisted on the ASX after an $18 between the State’s biggest rail operator respect of Access Undertaking 5 (UT5)”. AUGUST 2018 10 NEWS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

Koppar Resources’ exploration ground in ASX: Norway includes a number of historic mines. Recent Floats & Listings

REUBEN ADAMS data to generate targets for a drilling investment from a previous owner between The company has forecast FY18 revenue of campaign in Q3 2018. 2011 and 2017. about $80m; up from $52m the previous year. NATIONAL The $18m raising will be used towards Bounty Mining (B2Y) fleet upgrades at Cook; continued Civmec (CVL) Koppar Resources (KRX) prefeasibility studies at Cook North and MET coal miner and developer Bounty Minyango; and a BFS at Wongai. DUAL listed, Australian-based Civmec NORWAY-focussed junior explorer Mining (B2Y) was admitted to the ASX on (CVL) officially launched on ASX on 22 June Koppar Resources (KRX) has performed Friday 15 June, raising $18m at an issue “to strengthen its position in Australia’s strongly since its IPO in late May, when Primero Group (PGX) price of $0.35 per share. fast-growing engineering and construction it raised $4.5 million at $0.20 per share. The listing represents a massive sector”. KRX has a conditional right to acquire a turnaround for the company, which entered PRIMERO (PGX), an engineering group specialising in battery metals, was admitted “The ASX listing provides Civmec with an number of high value copper-zinc projects voluntary administration during the dark additional platform to broaden its shareholder in the Trøndelag region of Norway – days of 2015, before emerging thanks to a to the ASX on 6 July, raising $25m at an issue price of $0.40 per share. and capital base, while also building on the Løkken, Tverrfjellet, Grimsdal, Illingdal, $300,000 investment from Garrison Capital. excellent support Civmec has received from and Storwartz – through the acquisition B2Y now owns Cook Colliery and North Founded in 2011, Primero has delivered investors in Singapore, since listing on the of company Koppar Resources Europe. Cook project in the Bowen Basin, and the more than $230m worth of projects since Singapore Exchange in April 2012,” Civmec The KRX ground includes a number Minyango and Wongai development projects inception. chief executive John Tallon said. in central and far north QLD. of historical mines, some going back to Its strong market position in WA servicing “With our past and current projects the 1600s, with a combined recorded Since acquiring Cook in late 2017, B2Y the mining, energy and infrastructure predominately delivered by our Australian historical production of 85 million tonnes has been actively ramping up production sectors is augmented by its battery materials workforce on Australian soil and our growth grading between 1 per cent and 2 per cent toward 2.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). expertise, with current and repeat clients prospects mainly focused on the Australian copper. Cook, a premium met coal mine, has including Tawana Resources, Galaxy market, we see the ASX listing as a natural The company is compiling historical benefitted from about $1.3 billion worth of Resources and Pilbara Minerals. move to reinforce our home identity.” “Lithium Austar stands down workers ELIZABETH FABRI Image: Yancoal. Valley” a NSW

YANCOAL has stood down almost 200 step closer workers at its century-old Austar project in NSW as legal proceedings continue following two coal bursts at the mine ELIZABETH FABRI earlier this year. WA In late May, the NSW Resources Regulator stopped all underground WA’s Lithium Valley plans are advancing with longwall production activities when a industry and the State Government coming second burst saw an estimated 60 tonnes together at the recent Lithium and Energy of coal ejected from the longwall face. Materials Industry Consortium. Yancoal – which currently is seeking a WA Mines minister Bill Johnston said dual listing on the Hong Kong Exchange the McGowan Government was fulfilling its – is awaiting the outcome of an external commitment to encourage the development merits review to the Industrial Relations “Until all legal avenues have been of battery technologies and downstream Commission, which will determine exhausted and we can re-enter processing. whether the mine can return to production. the mine to move the longwall, we “The battery materials industry has the Yancoal Australia chief executive are unable to continue proposed potential to transform the State, creating jobs Reinhold Schmidt said it would send and diversifying the local economy,” he said. workers to its other underground longwall activity.” Association of Mining and Exploration operations, where possible, and retain Companies (AMEC) chief executive Warren skeleton crews to maintain the operation in Pearce said to take advantage of this accordance with compliance requirements. opportunity the Government needed “to take a “We have worked to redeploy the exhausted and we can re-enter the mine significant impact on annual production. lead role in attracting investment”. majority of the Austar workforce to the to move the longwall, we are unable to In 2017, the mine produced 1.9 million “Industry needs Government to identify and Ashton, Abel and Moolarben underground continue proposed longwall activity.” tonnes of saleable coking coal production prepare land for development, and facilitate a mines in the interests of providing Yancoal said it “unfortunately” did not out of group production of 31.45mt. speedy approvals process,” Mr Pearce said. continued employment for our people,” Mr have an estimated date for a return to However, the mine was still of value The WA Lithium and Energy Materials Schmidt said. production. to Yancoal, being one of its few projects Industry Strategy is due within six months. “Until all legal avenues have been The closure was not expected to have a producing high value coking coal.

AUGUST 2018 12 NEWS: THE CONTRACTORS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW IN BRIEF NRW lands South Flank work Pybar set to develop Far West mine

QLD

PYBAR Mining Services has won a contract to develop and operate Red Rivers’ underground Far West mine in Northern QLD. Far West is the second deposit to be mined as part of Red River’s Thalanga Operation. With first ore production expected in early 2019, Pybar will oversee the operation for an initial period of seven years.

SWICK receives two contract renewals

WA/TAS

A CONTRACT renewal at Northern Star’s Jundee mine in WA and nomination as preferred contractor Image: NRW Holdings. at Renison tin mine in Tasmania NRW’s order book was now worth about $2 billion. is set to grow Swick’s order book to $160m. recognises NRW’s experience and capability to date included CIMIC subsidiary CPB ELIZABETH FABRI in delivering projects in the Pilbara,” NRW Contractors which will undertake bulk Swick will deploy up to 18 rigs WA across the two projects, worth a managing director and chief executive Jules earthworks, concrete and underground combined $80m. Pemberton said. services; Monadelphous to undertake NRW Holdings has nabbed a $176 million In July, company subsidiary “The contract will also provide enabling works; Fluor to complete project contract at South Flank for bulk earthworks and construction management services; Orexplore Australia secured its opportunities for employment and and concrete for the overland conveyors and Decmil to complete village construction; first commercial agreement for procurement for the areas Traditional primary crushers, as well as ancillary works and Clough to complete engineering, its innovative Orexplore mineral Owners and local businesses.” scanning technology with Saturn related to non-process infrastructure. procurement and construction (EPC) work; Metals. NRW said the 15 month contract would NRW Civil and Mining business and SIMPEC which will complete the iron executive general manager Ric Buratto The milestone agreement will begin in September, with more than 350 ore handling plant area. said the core project team was is in place see core from Saturn’s Apollo Hill workers required at peak. NRW has provided services to BHP since gold project scanned by Orexplore’s “The award of this contract is particularly and key equipment was being made ready 2002 when it completed the first of many GeoCore X10 core scanning machine pleasing given the long standing association for early deployment to the project. rail sidings at Mt Whaleback iron ore mine and technology. of NRW and BHP on resource projects and Confirmed contractors for South Flank in Newman. Fenner Dunlop wins Rio contract

JESSICA CUMMINS Thiess nabs WA

$112m OZ FENNER Dunlop has won a permanent contract to provide conveyor maintenance services at Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert and contract Dampier ports in WA. Fenner Dunlop said it will open a new SOUTH AUSTRALIA branch in Karratha with more than 40 full-time jobs to be filled. THIESS has secured a new $112 Fenner Dunlop chief operating officer million contract at OZ Minerals’ Steve Abbott said the contract was directly Prominent Hill mine in South attributed to the company’s focus on Australia. conveyor performance, leadership and The five year contract includes training programs and its team in WA. run of mine management, crusher “Rio Tinto and Fenner Dunlop see this feed and ore handling services for as a longstanding partnership,” Mr Abbott the mine. Works are set to begin in said. August 2018. Fenner Dunlop, now part of the Michelin Thiess has provided services to the Group of Companies, has manufacturing Image: Rio Tinto. mine since 2006. plants in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and 16 branches nationally. Rio Tinto operations at Cape Lambert.

AUGUSTJULY 2018 14 NEWS: EXPLORERS ON THE MOVE THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW IN BRIEF Dacian’s exploration surge Eloise JV drilling expanded

COPPER/QLD

MINOTAUR Exploration and OZ Minerals have extended a drilling program at their Eloise JV project, near Cloncurry, QLD. After completing 5000m drilling this year, an additional 2500m will now be undertaken across seven holes along the Jericho J1 and J2 areas. The JV is hopeful the Jericho system has potential to host copper mineralisation similar to lodes within the Eloise mine.

Mt Morgans gold operation. Image: Dacian Gold Limited.

its Mt Morgans operation. “We have substantially improved the JESSICA CUMMINS exploration optionality at Mt Morgans with WA The $12m cancellation of the Jupiter life-of-mine royalty would also allow Dacian a new interpretation of the high grade zones at Westralia trending into areas of BIF never Newcrest A SUCCESSFUL $40m equity raising to retain more of the cash generated by Mt previously drill tested, and the new drill leaves Dacian Gold fully funded to accelerate Morgans. results at Cameron Well, which including extends exploration and extinguish a Jupiter life of The company said $25 million would 97m @ 3.1 g/t gold speak for themselves,” mine royalty obligation. be used to bring forward asset value by an Dacian chief executive Rohan Williams said. exploration Dacian executive chairman and chief estimated 24 months through aggressive Mt Morgans produced 34,155 ounces in executive Rohan Williams said the funds exploration, targeting higher production the June quarter – within original guidance allowed the company to fast-track discovery rates and longer mine life at Westralia, and of 30,000-40,000 ounces – and remains on partnership of new mineral resources, and potentially potentially unlocking Cameron Well as a track to deliver between 180,000oz and new mines and higher production levels at third mining hub at Mt Morgans. 210,000oz in FY2019. GOLD/WA NEWCREST Mining and Encounter Big expectations at Paterson North Resources have extended a project generation alliance for a further 12 JESSICA CUMMINS months. WA The partnership, formed in July 2017, has resulted in the creation of five separate unincorporated SIPA Resources has kicked off a major, joint ventures (Selby, Watts, Lewis, multi-pronged exploration program at Phillipson and Aileron), covering its Paterson North copper-gold project, “As early movers we the Tanami gold province and West 120km north of the world-class Telfer were able to secure gold project. Arunta in WA. some of the most The companies extended the The 6000m Aircore/RC drilling agreement to build on the ventures program will focus on 5 high priority prospective ground already established. regional copper-gold targets – Aranea, in the region.” Asselli, Obelisk, Andromeda and Jordanus. Assay results should start being received mid to late August, the company said. Sipa managing director Lynda Burnett High-grade said the 2018 exploration field season would be an important one. “As early movers we were able to hits at secure some of the most prospective ground in the region,” she said. Finniss “We return armed with a large body of knowledge and work completed during the wet season, and against the backdrop LITHIUM/NT of growing industry-wide exploration momentum amongst our peers and some CORE Exploration has announced of the larger companies operating in the new high-grade assay results outside district.” the existing defined resource at its At Obelisk, Sipa has already outlined Grants deposit, part of the Finniss a large polymetallic mineral system project, in the Northern Territory. with many similarities to other major The results are a big win for discoveries in the region. the company, signalling potential “We have a new targeting model at to increase the size of the Grants Obelisk which we will put to the test in Drilling at Paterson North Project. Image: SIPA Resources. resource and its mine life. our drilling, including an untested target A Definitive Feasibility Study is zone some 250m north-west of last year’s the IP data, shows that the highest features, and strongly anomalous Aircore currently underway, which will be drilling,” Ms Burnett said. concentration of metal (metal factor) is results. completed later this year. “The work we completed during the in this area – which also coincides with “This is a compelling target which will wet season, including remodelling of the peak of the magnetic model and IP be tested by a 500m diamond hole.”

AUGUST 2018 16 NEWS: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW METS sector Analyser slashes gets boost ELIZABETH FABRI processing costs QLD

THE QLD Government will contribute Image: CSIRO. $1.8 million this financial year to support start-up and early-stage mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies across the State. QLD State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning minister Cameron Dick said the funding would deliver 11 State-based industry support activities, in partnership with METS Ignited, to enable companies to take their innovations to national and international market. “A Scale-Up and Take Off program is being developed to assist METS businesses “NextOre has identified 59 mature who are expanding to meet the challenges that come with growth,” Mr Dick said. copper mine sites where the analyser “Funding will also support industry could be applied to extend their life, collaboration, assisting the growth of capturing 35 per cent of global copper established METS clusters and developing production.” new clusters. “Through this activity, METS companies, resource companies and researchers will Ore moves through the analyser, which uses magnetic resonance radio waves to rapidly identify high quality ore from waste. come together around common outcomes This results in up to a 20 per cent Cutmore said bringing the analyser to ELIZABETH FABRI and share capabilities to make the most of reduction in costs, including a reduction in market through NextOre “opened up the INTERNATIONAL commercial opportunities.” energy and water required for processing. opportunity to transform the global copper Other initiatives included a program to CSIRO said the technology will be industry and reduce its environmental A CSIRO-developed copper ore sorting improve digital capabilities; a series of mini available to the international copper footprint”. analyser identifies waste before it enters accelerators to reach companies in regional market through NextOre, a company it “NextOre has identified 59 mature QLD; funding for the Coalition for Energy the plant, minimising the significant costs has established with RFC Ambrian and copper mine sites where the analyser could Efficient Comminution (CEEC) to identify associated with processing waste rock Advisan Digital. be applied to extend their life, capturing and promote opportunities for companies from low grade ore. In the next 12 months, NextOre 35 per cent of global copper production,” to develop and supply energy efficient and Using magnetic resonance technology will engage primarily with the South Mr Cutmore said. commercially valuable solutions to the American and Canadian markets, with resources industry; and continued support to penetrate through copper, gold and iron “The solution could also enable contracts already secured with two top-tier for the Test Facilities Research Project to bearing ore – much like a medical MRI – undeveloped, low grade mines to be producers. determine gaps in existing test facility the analyser rejects large volumes of waste brought into production, so the economic availability in Australia. rock earlier in the process. CSIRO research director Nick benefits are huge.” AutoHaul Lithium Australia’s “war on waste” ELIZABETH FABRI reaches NATIONAL LITHIUM Australia will commence testing lithium mica to determine if the material another has potential to become base feedstock for its proposed large-scale pilot plant (LSPP) in WA. milestone Lithium mica, long considered a waste material by the mining industry, will be JESSICA CUMMINS sourced from one of two sites in the Eastern Goldfields, and tested at ANSTO Minerals’ WA (a division of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) Lucas THE first fully autonomous rail journey, Heights laboratories in Sydney. consisting of three locomotives carrying Lithium Australia managing director around 28,000 tonnes of iron ore, has Adrian Griffin said WA’s lithium fields been successfully completed at Rio Tinto’s hosted abundant pegmatites, many of which mining operations in the Pilbara. contained lithium micas. The train travelled over 280km from Image: Lithium Australia. Tom Price to Cape Lambert and was He said the company had already Lithium mica concentrates will be tested in a SiLeach pilot plant. monitored remotely by operators at Rio undertaken substantial bench-scale test work on lithium micas sourced from its 80 Tinto’s operations in Perth. are a mixture of muscovite (a common, per cent owned Lepidolite Hill deposit in Lithium Australia will send the lithium The inaugural journey is a significant low-lithium-content mica) and lepidolite (a the eastern Goldfields, however, far less chemical produced to its VSPC Brisbane milestone for Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul common lithium mica). test work has been carried out on a second plant for processing into battery cathode programme and follows regulatory approval lithium mica-style Goldfields deposit, “To help complete the final design material. in May. designated Waste2. parameters for the LSPP, a bulk concentrate “The cathode powder will then be tested from Waste2 has therefore been produced The $940 million AutoHaul programme is at VSPC’s in-house battery testing facility,” focused on automating trains transporting “Early laboratory tests show that via froth flotation and will undergo testing he said. iron ore to Rio Tinto’s port facilities in the concentrates produced from Waste2 have at the newly constructed facility at Lucas Pilbara region of WA, where it operates metallurgical characteristics that vary from Heights, which is based on Lithium “We hope to report on its performance about 200 locomotives on more than other micas tested,” Mr Griffin said. Australia’s proprietary SiLeach processing with respect to battery applications in 1700km of track. “This is because the Waste2 concentrates technology.” coming months.”

AUGUST 2018 18 NEWS: INTERNATIONAL THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Chile METS eye Australian markets

“ProChile’s Program of International Promotion of Mining Suppliers is about leveraging these strong links to Australia to develop the Chilean METS export sector.”

ProChile’s Giancarlo Tosti-Croce (left) said Chilean METS was positioned to provide products and services ideally suited to Australian conditions.

REUBEN ADAMS In 2016, global Chilean METS exports METS giants. and METS sector and they are used to operating in similar conditions to those CHILE reached $US471 million ($US429m in goods, He said Chile’s state-owned Codelco, and $US42m in services); a 7 per cent jump the world’s largest copper producer, had found in Australia. on the prior year. developed open pit and underground mining “This puts Chilean mining services THE surging Chilean Mining, Equipment, While Chilean exports of mining goods technology and expertise that had been companies in a perfect position to provide Technology and Services (METS) sector and services to Australia in 2016 represented exported around the world, including to products and services ideally suited to has identified Australia as one of four key some Australian companies. Australian conditions. international growth markets. a small proportion at just $US7.5 million, it was still a 2.7 per cent increase on 2015. “Codelco has provided expertise in bulk “ProChile’s Program of International The Trade Commission of Chile – ProChile – has been on the promotional ProChile business development underground mining techniques to some of Promotion of Mining Suppliers is about trail, bringing a delegation of seven Chilean manager – Mining Giancarlo Tosti-Croce Australia’s biggest mining companies,” he leveraging these strong links to Australia to mining supply companies to the Queensland said there were currently more than 6000 said. develop the Chilean METS export sector.” Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) Chilean METS providers supplying global “So Chilean companies already enjoy Other strategic markets ProChile is 2018 in Mackay last month. companies, including Australian mining and strong relationships with Australia’s mining targeting include Canada, Mexico, and Peru. PolarX Rio nears Grasberg exit deal with more drilling success

JESSICA CUMMINS ALASKA

HIGH-FLYING ASX junior PolarX continues to announce strong drilling results at the Zackly deposit; part of Image: Freeport McMoRan. its exciting, high grade Alaska Range copper-gold project. to a meagre 5700t. marked a significant milestone toward ELIZABETH FABRI establishing a new long-term partnership July drilling results hit visible INDONESIA In a statement to the ASX, Rio Tinto mineralisation 850m along strike from said the agreement between itself, with the Republic of Indonesia. the Zackly resource and 100m below it, RIO Tinto is a step closer to offloading Freeport McMoRan and potential buyer “Through this transaction, the with the deposit remaining open along its interest in the troubled Grasberg Indonesian State-owned PT Indonesia Government will achieve its ownership strike and at depth. copper-gold operations after entering a Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (Inalum), objectives in a manner that preserves the involved the sale of its interest, as well as The current Zackly inferred resource non-binding Heads of Agreement to sell its long-term value for FCX shareholders and a separate proposed transaction in which stands at 41,000t of copper, 213,000oz stake for $US3.5 billion. the people of Indonesia through 2041,” Mr of gold and 1.5Moz silver from surface Inalum would pay Freeport $350,000 for an Adkerson said. For more than two decades, Rio Tinto over a strike length of 1km. additional stake. “We thank Rio Tinto for their support has had a right to 40 per cent production “All parties have committed to work over our more than 20-year successful Alaska Range also includes the at the Freeport McMoRan (90.64 per cent) Caribou Dome deposit, which has a towards agreeing and signing binding partnership. and the Indonesian Government’s (9.36 per JORC resource of 85,500t copper. agreements before the end of the second “We look forward to a mutually positive cent) owned mine above a pre agreed level. half of 2018,” Rio Tinto stated. PolarX aims to rapidly define a and beneficial partnership with Inalum However lower production in recent high-grade copper-gold resource “Any final agreements will be subject that will continue to provide substantial inventory between Zackly and Caribou years has meant Rio has received little to to approval by the necessary government benefits to the people of Papua; the Republic Dome, sufficient enough to underpin no income at the project. regulators and authorities.” of Indonesia; and to our local employees, feasibility studies on combined or In 2017, Grasberg mine produced Freeport president and chief executive suppliers and contractors while generating standalone operations. 468,000 tonnes with Rio’s share amounting Richard C. Adkerson said the agreement attractive returns for our shareholders.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW SPECIAL FEATURE 19 EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN

Image: Jorunn Lorenzen.

GREENER PASTURES The regional centre of Emerald is back on its feet, with a fresh round of coal projects crying out for workers and creating economic impetus for the Central Highlands. New infrastructure investments are also cementing the town’s future as a long-term services hub.

based right now.” ELIZABETH FABRI But Sojitz had even bigger plans for the Gregory Crinum site. JAPANESE-owned Sojitz Corporation has The miner was currently planning to been instrumental in Emerald’s revival as build a large solar farm (up to 100MW) a mining services town. that would power processing operations, Sojitz, which has operated Minerva coal and also be utilised by other mining mine since 2010, began first production at projects and the wider community. its Meteor Downs project (jointly owned with U&D Mining) earlier this year, which Sojitz was also currently engaged in required an additional 40 employees. talks with Futura Resources to combine Then in June Sojitz made the big its Wilton-Fairhill open cut mine, 10km announcement it would purchase BHP away, with Gregory Crinum. Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) The idea will be to feed Wilton-Fairhill shuttered Gregory Crinum metallurgical coal into the Gregory Crinum plant next coal mine for $100 million, with the year; a win-win for both companies. intention of reopening it as soon as possible. “Our problem is that we have really Gregory Crinum, 60km north of low unemployment; which is a great Emerald, had been out of action since January 2016, and on and off the market problem to have but a problem since 2013. nonetheless.” Until recently BMA struggled to secure a buyer, but the time was now ripe for “We have Heads of Agreements in Sojitz as it looked to rebalance its coal place, but we are still talking about final assets which were currently weighted agreements of mining of that resource to towards thermal coal. come into Gregory Crinum,” Mr Vorias “Our company was very keen on trying said. to move more into metallurgical coal “We’re using Gregory Crinum as an (steel generation more so than thermal infrastructure hub.” coal),” Sojitz managing director and A reopening will benefit Emerald; on chief executive Cameron Vorias told The the jobs front, more than 300 positions Australian Mining Review. will need to be filled at Gregrory Crinum, “We also wanted to establish another and more than 100 at Wilton-Fairhill. Image: Sojitz. mining operation in and around Emerald. Excavation at a trial pit at Wilton-Fairhill. It was where our existing workforce is (CONTINUED ON PAGE 21) AUGUST 2018 20 EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Engineering design professionals

More information can be found at: www.hde.com.au.

Operating from its base in Emerald, HDE on-site installation. AutoCAD, PDF or hard copy. QLD aims to become the preferred engineering Conceptual designs are prepared and HDE can also assist clients by owning and services provider for small to large-sized displayed using Autodesk 3D modelling operating a 3D laser scanner, the potential FOR more than 20 years HDE has been projects, with a select group of mining and software which provides clients with the within the industry is extraordinary and developing long-term client relationships heavy industry companies in the Bowen best possible means to evaluate the design. the possibilities are endless. and a reputation for providing complete Basin. All mechanical, structural and piping HDE has designed and built its engineering design, drafting, 3D laser HDE provides a whole-of-project designs drafted by the HDE team are own Electronic Drawing Control and scanning and drawing management system service, from initial design concept, modelled using Autodesk Inventor. Management software – and can tailor solutions in a dependable, professional completed design, fabrication drawings and Fabrication drawings are produced from system solutions to fulfil individual site manner. certification, through to construction and the models and can be provided to clients in requirements. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN 21

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19) Mr Vorias said the Gregory Crinum acquisition was expected to close by December, with work to begin on site immediately once the green light is given. The goal is to mine about 3 million tonnes per annum across a 20 year mine life, with first coal expected in February or March next year. Workers at Minerva and Meteor Downs would be given priority employment, as would Emerald locals, Mr Vorias said. “We would prefer a residential workforce to rebuild Emerald to where it was,” he said. “Emerald went through a fairly bad period when Gregory Crinum first shut down during the downturn, so it will be a very good thing for the Emerald township to have the two mines restart back up. “There will be some people that will come out of the rest of the industry and there’s bound to be some clean skins (people without any skills) that we will bring into the organisation as well. “But the emphasis will be on our own people and those based out of Emerald.” Central Highlands Development Commission (CHDC) regional development officer Cat Spalding said the three projects delivered a wave of good news for Emerald, with sheer visibility of Meteor Downs alone causing a buzz. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 23) The Lunar difference

The Lunar Mining team.

culture that sees a strong focus on “Our record strongly demonstrates QLD The company works under an maximising production output as well integrated Health and Safety, Quality our ability to attract and retain highly as continuing to promote safety first and Environmental Quality (HSEQ) qualified personnel to our projects and LUNAR Mining’s core focus since behaviours,” Lunar Mining director Glenn management system. perform to the high level that is expected.” inception has been as a specialist provider Dickson said. The HSEQ management plan ensures Lunar Mining’s extensive team has of underground contracting services. “It is our goal to establish long term Lunar Mining complies with relevant the knowledge and experience required in providing technical expertise and The proactive industry leader relationships with our clients, and with legislative and client requirements, while execution for ventilation services, specialises in delivering value and a united approach see through the maintaining its own values and principles. secondary support, labour hire, project sustainability through safe, professional successful execution of all our operations.” “We have a proven track record in and productive services. management, development drivage, Lunar’s charter values are the sourcing quality labour for our stand-alone longwall relocation and overhaul, Lunar Mining has grown considerably fundamentals on which its successful projects and labour hire contracts for our pre-driven recovery roads, conveyor in its brief history and now offers an and sustainable business model is based clients,” Mr Dickson said. install and maintenance and equipment extensive range of services that are – these include Safety First, Integrity “We pride ourselves on delivering hire. integral to the underground mining sector. Always, Performance and Sustainability, a high-end workforce even during a More information on its services can be “We have strived to create a positive and Innovation and Change. competitive market. found at: www.lunarmining.com.au. AUGUST 2018 22 EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN 23

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21)

Image: Jorunn Lorenzen.

Fairbairn Dam, Emerald.

“Its positioned down Rolleston near Spalding said. the liveability is fantastic, so we strongly acquired Valeria project, and Adani’s the highway, so people can see those “As Council said back when the laws encourage permanent residencies. proposed Carmichael project, currently developments, and hear that talk,” Ms passed, we respect the right for workers “Moreover, we know our workers are obtaining finance. Spalding said. to choose where they want to live and skilled, we know our workers have the Advancing Emerald “Sentiment is definitely up, there’s a lot where they want to work, however FIFO experience, so mining companies benefit.” of optimism going on in the community.” does impact social communities, and the Further ahead, Emerald was also set With coal mining firmly back on the radar for The QLD’s Government’s newly vibrancy of regional communities. to benefit from the opening of Shenhuo introduced FIFO laws also provided surety Emerald, the Council and industry had been “We think our regions are really great International Group’s Taroborah Coal busy advancing infrastructure and amenities. for locals. places to live; we want people to work project, a possible development of “It certainly was a win for us,” Ms here, the career opportunities are strong, Glencore’s (formerly Rio Tinto) newly (CONTINUED OVER) AUGUST 2018 24 EMERALD: GEM OF THE BOWEN THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23)

Image: CHRC.

In the wider Central Highlands region, challenge”. “The things you have always got to more than $7 billion of investment “Having lost about 15,000 people during be mindful of (and I say this to all of the was happening across the resources the mining downturn, [the industry] is managers that sit in the business) is industry, community infrastructure, struggling to get people back again now,” always make your decision based on the industrial developments and residential Mr Vorias said. fact the market could drop again over the construction. “I think the opportunities to train new course of the next couple of years. One of the biggest enablers was the people into the industry, we need to do a “Let’s hope it goes longer than that.” Central Queensland Intermodal Terminal lot more about that going forward. Mr Vorias said it was imperative to not and Industrial Access Road in the Yamala “All of the other companies are doing “spend extra money on things that are not Enterprise Area, 25km from Emerald. a great job in that as well, but that will sustainable” should prices drop. The new infrastructure will allow be our challenge getting those people “For example at our Meteor Downs exports to be containerised regionally, into Emerald, and giving people living mine, we built it on the basis it would rather than being transhipped elsewhere in Emerald right now, the opportunity to survive during a worse time in the industry for containerisation. train up as an unskilled person in mining than what we had three or four years ago,” Ms Spalding said the inland corridor but we can do that at either Minerva, he said. project was going to be “absolutely Gregory, Wilton-Fairhill or Meteor “We try to recession-proof our transformational” for the region, Downs.” operations.” connecting all of its industries, including Ms Spalding said access to mining and agriculture. accommodation was also flagged, with Ms Spalding said Emerald was a diverse region, with a number of core industries, The Emerald airport will also benefit many projects in the wider region and was confident it would manage from Federal funding, with $1.4 million returning to production at the same time. through the next downturn. announced towards upgrades, including “You’ve got mining communities out widening the airstrip. in Blackwater that have almost no access “We’re not a one trick pony here in Emerald or the Central Highlands,” she “We’ve also got some regeneration work to accommodation, the mining camps are said. down at the Fairbairn Dam and water is completely full so they are spilling over absolutely critical for our region across all into Emerald which is a 45 minute drive,” “Mining is obviously incredibly of our industries,” Ms Spalding said. she said. important to us but we’ve got tourism, we’ve got the agricultural sector, we’ve got Despite improvements, challenges were still ahead for Emerald. small business, and we’ve got construction. “At our Meteor Downs mine, we built it “Our problem is that we have really low “So when these downturns happen unemployment; which is a great problem on the basis it would survive during a it’s not so much for us a downturn but to have but a problem nonetheless,” Ms worse time in the industry than what our businesses can pivot and shift quite quickly to service the other industries.” Spalding said. we had three or four years ago.” “We know that businesses are having But for now, the town was ready to trouble getting in skilled tradespeople, we service Gregory Crinum and the next know they’re having difficulty attracting Surviving the Next Downturn generation of coal mines. admin staff (those highly coveted roles “It’s a really exciting time,” Ms Spalding that are critical for growth and enabling Mr Vorias said the cyclical nature of said. in the region) so that’s something we’re the industry meant coal prices would “Our businesses are really well trying to address to bring in those types eventually come down again, but Emerald positioned for those big projects, we’ve of people into the region.” was ready. been doing this for a long time; they’re Mr Vorias agreed and said access “I’ve seen so many of these [downturns] ready to go and more skilled, and more to skilled labour would be “an ongoing in my career,” he said. sustainable and capable than ever.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW GASCOYNE RESOURCES 25 RAMPING UP The lights turned on at Gascoyne Resources’ Dalgaranga project earlier this year; now, the miner’s focus is on achieving commercial production and continued exploration to extend mine life.

All images: Gascoyne Resources.

ELIZABETH FABRI Increasing Mine Life

In addition to ramp up activities, the IT’S been two months since first gold was Gascoyne Resources team were continuing poured at Gascoyne Resources’ $100 million exploration at the project. Dalgaranga project in the Murchinson region of WA. The 1.3 million ounce (and growing) resource will currently produce 100,000 Bringing any new project into production ounces of gold per annum for an initial six is a milestone, but for Gascoyne Resources, years. this represented something bigger. Mr Dunbar said Gascoyne remained First gold marked the beginning of the focused on its aggressive exploration effort company’s transition from explorer to a to increase the mine life to between eight producer among the ranks of ASX-listed and 10 years across its Sly Fox, Gilbeys, gold miners. and Golden Wings deposits. Gascoyne Resources managing director Newly discovered Plymouth was Mike Dunbar said to say that he was pleased also marked as a significant prospect at “would be a massive understatement”. Dalgaranga. “The company has managed to put In June the company said it had together a fantastic team which has encountered 6.2 grams per tonne at grown the global resource base from under Plymouth, which was conveniently 150m 200,000oz on listing, to now having two gold north-west of the current Sly Fox open pit. projects [Dalgaranga and Glenburgh] which each contain more than 1 million ounces,” Results from a further 40 RC drill holes Mr Dunbar said. were still to be announced. Gascoyne’s newly acquired Greencock “We have built a 100 per cent owned Gascoyne Resources poured first gold at Dalgaranga in late May. new gold processing facility and associated tenements – 7.5km from the Dalgaranga infrastructure under budget and ahead of better than expected,” Mr Dunbar said. than projected to date, largely due to site processing plant – also looked promising. schedule.” Results from the performance test establishment taking longer than expected Greencock, purchased from a private With Dalgaranga production in full included crusher throughputs up to 450 and lower than planned machine availability prospector in December, is considered to be swing, the miner’s next goal was to ramp tonnes per hour (t/hr); milling rates of up in the early stages of mining, along with highly prospective for gold and base metal up performance at the processing plant. to 365t/hr; gold recovery of 94 per cent; and delays due to rain in June and some mineralisation, with strong synergies with plant availability of 99 per cent during the unplanned additional blasting required for the existing Dalgaranga tenements. test. near surface hardpan material.” Earlier this year, Gascoyne said Operational Update Greencock contained historic prospects that Mr Dunbar said to date more than 7400 Mr Dunbar said once the mining rate had increased, commercial production had not been drilled in more than 17 years. On 25 July, Gascoyne announced ounces of gold had been recovered from the plant. would then be declared. “The prospect remains open at depth Dalgaranga’s process plant performance and along strike, some of the better “The mining ramp up is continuing, with “This is likely to be either late in the test had been completed, and a design intersections from historical drilling at the total monthly movement rates for June of current quarter or early next quarter,” he mill throughput rate of 2.5 million tonnes prospect include; 15m at 1.5g/t gold, 19m at said. per annum (mtpa) had been consistently around 1.4 million BCM achieved, with the 1.6g/t gold, 15m at 1.1g/t gold and 10m at achieved. rates expected to increase to around 1.9 Gascoyne Resources had also begun 1.1g/t gold,” the company stated. “The test confirmed that all aspects of million BCM per month from late in the selling gold into its existing hedge program the processing plant are running at least current quarter,” he said. (176,000oz at an average forward price of at nameplate capacity and in many cases “The mining rates have been lower $1716/oz). (CONTINUED OVER) AUGUST 2018 26 GASCOYNE RESOURCES THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Precision surveying solutions

Culhig Surveying specialises in site investigation, feature and topographical surveys, feasibility and design, engineering, mineral exploration and more.

Resources owned subsidiary), and “We now continue to provide with clients. WA multiple clients across various aspects quarterly aerial surveying and volume “To date, we have executed all of the mine start up and construction conciliation services on the site.” projects incident free, on time and on CULHIG Surveying was involved in phases. Mr Cullinan said the company’s budget,” he said. the early stage of Gascoyne Resources’ “As a result, we were able to contribute involvement in the project was a good Dalgaranga gold project in WA, significantly to the progress of the testimony of its track record and More information about Culhig beginning work in March 2017. project,” Culhig Surveying operations demonstrated how it has been able to Surveying can be found at: The team supported GNT (a Gascoyne manager Alan Cullinan said. build lasting working relationships www.culhigsurveying.net.au.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25)

Dalgaranga is 65km north west of Mt Magnet in WA.

Developing Glenburgh identified. Now with Dalgaranga up and running, Beyond Dalgaranga, Gascoyne would the company was free to pour capital into continue to advance its other 1 million this second production stream. ounce gold project, Glenburgh. A 30,000 metre drilling program will be The 100,000ozpa project, within the undertaken this year to confirm and extend company’s namesake Gascoyne region, the known resources, and test regional was actually its initial first choice to bring targets, which will be incorporated into an into production before Dalgaranga was acquired. updated preliminary feasibility study. A preliminary feasibility study was All going well, Gascoyne said it hoped to completed back in 2013, and a granted begin production in late 2020, which would mining lease with native title agreement enable it to double annual production to was in place, with no environmental issues 200,000ozpa. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW GASCOYNE RESOURCES 27 GRES supports Dalgaranga

WA

GR Engineering Services Limited (GRES) is an ASX-listed process design and engineering company providing fixed price EPC and EPCM project delivery services internationally to the mineral processing industry. At the conclusion of a competitive tender process, GRES was engaged to design and construct the Dalgaranga gold project (Dalgaranga) for Gascoyne Resources Limited (Gascoyne). GRES delivered the 2.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) processing plant and associated infrastructure at Dalgaranga under a lump sum turn-key contract, ahead of schedule and under budget, in Q2 of 2018. GRES is proud to have assisted Gascoyne in the transition from explorer to producer through the development of Dalgaranga. GRES has an established track record in the provision of high-quality design and construction services for a broad range of clients. The innovative engineering solutions More information can be found at: www.gres.com.au. developed by GRES enable its clients to secure project funding and move confidently mineral commodities. GRES provides operational readiness owned subsidiary, Upstream Production into development, which has been recently The company has delivered processing services and asset management systems Solutions (Upstream). demonstrated for Dalgaranga. facilities and infrastructure for precious which support the ramp up to full Upstream is a leading provider GRES has successfully completed metals, base metals, mineral sands, production and reduce operating costs of operations, maintenance and well feasibility studies, process and engineering industrial minerals, tin, tungsten and for its clients. management services to the oil and gas designs and construction for projects of iron ore projects for a range of clients in GRES also has a presence in the industry in Australia and South East various scale, covering a diverse range of Australia and internationally. hydrocarbons industry via its wholly Asia. AUGUST 2018 28 MINCOR RESOURCES THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW TRANSFORMATIVE Former nickel mid-tier Mincor is back in the game, pouring first gold at its 71,700oz – and growing – Widgemooltha Gold Project in late July. The low-capex operation will help bankroll the rapid development of the miner’s world-class Kambalda nickel portfolio, with a major exploration push currently underway. The Australian Mining Review speaks with Mincor chief executive Peter Muccilli.

Exploration at the high grade Cassini project in February this year.

district which historically produced 1.6 recovery was predicted by most nickel 1990’s. REUBEN ADAMS million tonnes of contained nickel in ore commentators to be modest and likely to As mentioned earlier, since Mincor over a 50 year period. unfold over many years. has been at Widgiemooltha we had also You’ve experienced nickel’s incredible One consequence of the breakup and sale At the time LME stockpiles were at allocated more than 90 per cent of our highs and the subsequent, challenging of WMC nickel mines to various parties, historical highs and stainless-steel supply drilling budgets to extensional exploration lows as part of the Mincor team. How has which sparked the resurgence of nickel was continuing to grow from ferro-nickel at our existing mines. this rollercoaster ride helped shape the mining in Kambalda in the early 2000’s, was producers treating nickel ores from The ground package containing the current Mincor strategy? that there has been very little greenfields Indonesia and the Philippines. Cassini prospect was the last package we nickel exploration in the region for over a Although the company always felt it had acquired. The Cassini discovery in early The sharp falls in the Australian nickel decade. a significant nickel option, the backdrop 2015 was made during a period of sharp price, which hit decade lows in March All the new players, including Mincor, of a potential prolonged low nickel price and sustained nickel price falls. 2016, resulted in Mincor staging down its focused their exploration expenditure enabled us to progress a counter-cyclical The discovery attracted little interest at operation from July 2015 and ultimately on near-mine targets, so they could low CAPEX opportunity by developing the the time, when it was becoming clear our placing the mines on care and maintenance extend the reserves and mine life of their Widgiemooltha Gold Project. mines were under strain and investment in February 2016. newly-purchased operations. Gold prices have been on a sustained sentiment towards nickel was extremely At the time the combination of declining In the longer run, this has led to the price upturn and this has re-rated the value negative. reserve grades at our Kambalda operations near-total depletion of quality reserves in the of our gold assets. As a result, all discretionary exploration and historically low nickel prices meant district and, despite the district’s enormous The project is on track to generate cash – which included Cassini – was “temporarily we simply could not generate sustainable potential, a dearth of new discoveries. flows this quarter by mining a series of suspended” in July 2015 as the company cash-flows. Since 2000, Mincor has targeted and shallow pits, supported by a toll processing turned its efforts to managing its mines. It’s important to remember that a successfully consolidated nearly all of the agreement. Fast track to 2018. number of high-grade Australian nickel prospective ground in Kambalda for shallow The hard work by our employees and sulphide mines were still generating nickel sulphide mineralisation, as well as Can you provide a short history on the contractors to advance the Widgiemooltha healthy cash flows at the bottom of the price acquiring some handy gold assets. Widgiemooltha discoveries? How does Gold Project is now paying off. cycle – i.e. the Long and Flying Fox mines. We now believe that we have an it feel to see the nickel/gold growth A few years ago, the Widgiemooltha While Mincor historically had enjoyed exceptional opportunity to leverage off strategy you put in place in 2016 begin to Gold Project was a regional gold asset reserve grades of over 3.5 per cent nickel our existing nickel Resource and Reserve pay dividends? with little value assigned to it; now it is an for long periods of time, our reserve grades inventory and to build a high-quality nickel active mining operation which is poised to were steadily declining leading up to Ore Reserve. An analysis of historical regional generate cash flows. February 2016. We are committed to exploring targets exploration expenditure at Widgiemooltha The Widgiemooltha Gold Project will In light of these challenging conditions, as one of the important pillars in achieving shows that levels of greenfields exploration contribute near-term cash flow towards the the company had already reset its cost our plan of delivering sustainable nickel activity since the 1960’s were intermittent broader development of Mincor’s Kambalda base and devised a plan to re-establish production for the future. and linked to the commodity price peaks. gold and nickel assets. sustainable nickel sulphide production The recent Cassini resource drill-out, Yet when there were sustained periods With the return of a positive nickel once the price cycle turned. This plan was where we followed up on a discovery that had of regional exploration, the area has yielded price outlook, the company has active based on building quality Ore Reserves to been made back in 2015 but never pursued, significant discoveries. nickel programs underway to progress the ride through the future highs and lows of is a great example of this strategy in action. The Anaconda/ CRA JV discovered the exploration and development of its nickel the market. In February 2016, Mincor was always Widgiemooltha Redross, Wannaway and assets to take advantage of the forecast It is worth pointing out that Kambalda confident the nickel prices would one day Widgie 3 Mines in 1967 – 1971. WMC growth in the nickel market over the next is a world-class high grade nickel sulphide recover, but the scale and rate of that found the Miitel and Mariners Mines in the few years. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MINCOR RESOURCES 29

“Since 2000, Mincor has targeted and successfully consolidated nearly all of the prospective ground in Kambalda for shallow nickel sulphide mineralisation, as well as acquiring some handy gold assets.”

Mincor chief executive Peter Muccilli. More information can be found at: www.groundmasters.com.au Is there opportunity to substantially attractive opportunities in this regard increase WGP production life beyond and, with the enhancement studies and the initial 2.5 years? extensional exploration well underway, we see the potential for a lot more nickel Experts in Earth The Company believes that through to be mined both at North Kambalda and actively embraces a diverse scope of works exploration, there is clear potential to the Widgiemooltha Dome. WA in some of the most remote locations in the expand Reserves and extend mine life country. at Widgiemooltha, as well as excellent You accelerated your return exploration prospects for establishing gold Mineral AFTER 14 years of experience in providing It is proud of its ability to deliver with a $10m placement and SPP capital clearing and rehab services throughout Resources at North Kambalda. raising to fund nickel drilling on your reliability and high production rates Western Australia’s richest and remote under challenging circumstances. At the WGP there are numerous portfolio. What prompted you to green mineral belts, Ground Masters are experts shallow high-quality intersections yet The current liveliness in the exploration light this drilling campaign? in earth; particularly of the red kind. to be captured in the Mineral Resource industry has Ground Masters looking Based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and forward to establishing new associations, inventory and the mineralisation remains With the sharp upturn in the nickel price prominent in both the exploration and whilst valuing existing ones with clients open along a highly prospective 5.5km in the last 12 months and positive market construction industries, the company such as Cassini, IGO, KCGM and Mincor. long shear corridor. fundamentals, the company undertook The WGP and North Kambalda are a successful capital raise to underpin a unique as the ground remains lightly major new exploration push at Kambalda. explored for gold as it has been held by Exploration drilling and geophysical nickel-focused companies since the 1960’s. programs commenced in late February We have only just scratched the surface 2018 and we have already successfully of its potential. tested a number of targets in our Further consideration is now being portfolio – including Cassini, Southern given to how best to realise the full Widgiemooltha Dome and Bluebush. underlying value of the company’s gold assets for the benefit of our shareholders. How significant were the most recent drill results at Cassini? Is it a potential The company has stated that the company-maker? 2016 BFS’ at Durkin North and Miitel provided a clear path back The quality of intersections achieved at to production once nickel prices Cassini within the CS2 channel says a recovered – which they have. What lot about the potential quality of this other boxes need to be ticked ahead of emerging high-grade asset. Mincor’s return to nickel production? Well-developed profiles of massive sulphides are the key value drivers to In March 2016 the company completed Kambalda mines. So far, the CS2 channel Feasibility Studies showing 28,000 nickel has been drilled over a plunge length of tonnes in Reserves. just 600m plunge and to a 400m vertical The FS also identified several depth. opportunities to enhance the start-up We are now working on establishing economics of the project. We believe there a Maiden Resource for the project this is plenty of upside at Durkin North to quarter. The channel is completely open improve the grade and project economics down-plunge. with further mining studies, which we The geological setting of Kambalda intend to do. nickel deposits is well understood and Just as important is the opportunity resides within long-lived lava channel to extend these studies to include the structures. available Mineral Resources located The Cassini CS2 channel is no at Ken/McMahon as part of a greater exception. In nearly all cases, the true Kambalda mining study where Resources value and scale of the mineralised channel are located close to existing capital within the major Kambalda nickel mines development. was not realised for many years – and Mincor is committed to carrying out the starting Ore Reserve was often only extensional drilling at Ken/ McMahon in a fraction of what was ultimately mined. the coming months. Once a Maiden Resource is established In February 2019 our very workable for the Cassini project, Mincor will begin processing contract with BHP Nickel a scoping study of the project to assess the ends, so we’ve got some decisions to make technical and economic viability of mining in respect of securing a processing route and to optimise the ongoing step-out before mining can commence. extensional exploration and resource However, we believe there are multiple definition work. AUGUST 2018 30 MINESITE REHABILITATION THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE How can mining companies better plan for mine rehabilitation and restoration? It’s the million dollar question that has prompted a Federal Government inquiry into the matter.

Image: Glencore.

ELIZABETH FABRI Financial mechanisms

The effectiveness of current financial MINE site rehabilitation practices mechanisms across States and Territories across Australia are under more scrutiny was a highlighted issue. than ever before. The Tasmanian Government said In February 2017, the Federal security deposits were reviewed regularly, Government launched an inquiry into the with tenement holders providing a rehabilitation of resources projects. description of the rehabilitation practices Once published, it will put a spotlight they intended to use to help set an on current policies, safeguards – and of appropriate sum. course – ways the industry can collaborate “The security deposit is only released to improve what has become a contentious when the minister administering the MRDA issue. is satisfied that rehabilitation criteria have More than 90 submissions have been been met,” it stated. received to date from mining companies, Launched in 2006, the Northern industry groups, associations, and State Territory’s financial security requirement and Territory Governments. was designed to cover 100 per cent of the Many were of the view that current estimated costs of remediation. practices were not sufficient, with more Image: Glencore. clarity and direction needed to prevent the However, the Territory faces potential issues with mines established before 2005. number of abandoned legacy mines – now a Clermont rehabilitation. State liability – from growing further. “The Northern Territory has a number of rehabilitation obligations, effectiveness Minerals Council Australia (MCA) chief Society for Ecological Restoration legacy mine sites which, if unmanaged, pose of current Australian practices in executive Tania Constable said the Council’s Australasia (SERA) chair and Australian long-term risk to the natural environment, safeguarding human health and the Research Council Centre for Mine Site submission advocated a continued primary as well as to public safety,” the Territory environment, and adequacy of financial Restoration director Professor Kingsley role by State and Territory Governments stated in its submission. mechanisms (State bonds and funds) were Dixon was one industry leader of this view. in the regulation of mine rehabilitation, “Most legacy sites were created weighing heavily on industry and would be closure and financial assurance. before 2005, and thus pre-dated the NT “The industry has demonstrated that addressed in the inquiry. it lacks the ability to successfully and “Each jurisdiction already has in Government policy of requiring mining A number of rehabilitation-focused confidently restore post-mined landscapes,” place a mature regulatory framework for operators to lodge adequate financial industry bodies and organisations Professor Dixon told The Australian Mining managing these matters,” Ms Constable security. were also working towards strategies, Review. said. “As a result such mines have either including SERA; the Centre for Mined “Adding a further layer of regulation inadequate or non-existent securities.” “More mines open than close leading to Land Rehabilitation; Minerals Council of a growing cumulative impact and legacy for would result in additional complexity SERA’s Mr Dixon said from his Australia; and the Tom Farrell Institute, and potential duplication of effort for future governments to address. an environmental research and teaching understanding the Australian bond the industry, and is unlikely to deliver system was “inadequate to meet a meet a “The ability to restore has not arm at The University of Newcastle, which enhanced rehabilitation outcomes.” substantively improved for the bulk of the holds the annual Best Practice Ecological minimum level of rehabilitation, let alone mining footprint in Australia. Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference Ms Constable said the Australian restoration”. Government could contribute to improved “However there are industry who have in NSW. “Achieving the level of restoration rehabilitation and policy outcomes strategically invested in R&D and are now aspired to in the National Standards will nationally through a variety of alternative require substantially greater investment achieving outcomes. Industry Feedback approaches, including facilitation of by industry that, in many cases will exceed “Investment in R&D, either within dialogue between jurisdictions and their bonds by orders of magnitude,” he the company or externally, is critical to Ahead of the inquiry’s close in October industry to share knowledge, and the said. climate-proof restoration in the future.” this year, the industry has sent lengthy promotion of leading practice through the Issues such as the cost of outstanding submissions for consideration. publication of relevant guidance. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32) AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MINESITE REHABILITATION 31 Planning for a sustainable future

More information can be found at: www.umwelt.com.au.

community to improve environmental for closure planning and rehabilitation If a community is affected by a closure NATIONAL planning and performance. monitoring, (being applied nationally project, the company helps clients identify At Umwelt, employees identify and apply and internationally) through to detailed potential impacts, prepare stakeholder THIS year Umwelt Environmental and planning for the implementation of closure engagement strategies, facilitate meetings sustainable solutions that meet the needs of Social Consultants celebrated 25 years of and rehabilitation plans. and organise informational displays. the project and related communities. national consultancy. Its experience includes a range of Relevant approval requirements and With professionals located across NSW, It sources the best technical expertise regulatory and environmental contexts policy documents are covered as well ACT, WA and QLD, the company supported in environmental impact assessment, across Australia. as post-closure rehabilitation care and planning, ecology, heritage, noise, water, projects and operation in the mining sector Examples of its successful mine maintenance programs. social and community engagement. through strong project management and rehabilitation and closure planning With knowledge and experience technical advice. Umwelts team have extensive experience experience includes Glencore Coal’s New Umwelt seeks to facilitate a seamless Umwelt proudly works with businesses, in closure and rehabilitation activities, from Wallsend Colliery and Yancoal’s Tasman transition throughout the closure and Government organisations and the the preparation of corporate standards mine site. decommissioning phases of your project. AUGUST 2018 32 MINESITE REHABILITATION THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30)

“Mine altered landscapes and voids can have value and generate different land use opportunities.”

Image: Newmont.

Woodcutters Borrow pit (future wetland).

MCA’s Ms Constable said financial assurance and provisioning was important, but a security bond did not remove a company’s obligation to rehabilitate land. “Mine rehabilitation is highly regulated, better implemented and more accountable than ever before,” Ms Constable said. “Each jurisdiction has in place regulatory safeguards – subject to periodic review – designed to mitigate the risk of operators avoiding their rehabilitation obligations.”

Effective Restoration

The Centre for Mine Site Restoration said there was also a problem of definition, with the term ‘restoration’ often incorrectly interchanged with ‘rehabilitation’. The restoration process assists the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. Rehabilitation reinstates a level of ecosystem functionality on degraded sites – without necessarily reverting to an ecosystem’s pre-mining biodiversity. Image: Glencore. The Centre said the technical capacity Westside Rehabilitation. and science to achieve restoration for many Australian mine sites was “limited” which Native Title in negotiating native title agreements that coating technologies; metabarcoding for was a key constraint in achieving proven, deal comprehensively with mine closure, rapid biodiversity assessment of pre and cost-effective and scalable solutions. Dr Rebecca Lawrence from the Macquarie rehabilitation, and post-closure. post-mined sites; and seed farming of native “Although there are a handful of notable University Department of Geography species, which was in its early stages. exceptions, it is clear that in Australia the and Planning argued that Aboriginal The Road Ahead Mr Dixon said seed farming of native majority of mining restoration projects are Australians had more to lose from species promises to deliver a social failing to deliver on the return of functional, inadequate rehabilitation and closure (Indigenous businesses), environmental representative, biodiverse and resilient MCA’s Ms Constable said research practices than any other segment of the innovation was key to improving (sourcing seed from sustainable managed ecosystems that are based on a suitable population. sources) and reliable outcomes (through a ‘reference community’,” the Centre said. rehabilitation outcomes. “The majority of mining in Australia supply of high quality seed to industry). Reasons for this included inadequate “The Australian Coal Research Program takes place on the Aboriginal estate and The use of remote sensing and drone biodiversity surveys; insufficient, inconsistent, (ACARP) is an example of collective Traditional Owners, unlike many others technology was also facilitating new and uncoordinated supply of high-quality industry effort to improve rehabilitation involved in mining, do not leave when mapping and monitoring techniques, and genetically appropriate seed; lack of biological performance through innovative research,” mines close,” Dr Lawrence said. rehabilitation practices such as turning knowledge to maximise seedling; limited Ms Constable said. open pit voids into pumped hydro practices understanding of the physiology of plant “They and their homelands will bear, in “Between 2007 and 2016 ACARP spent were in the works. establishment; and “critical shortage” of some cases for many generations, the costs around $10 million on rehabilitation related restoration researchers trained to overcome of any failures in mine closure policy and research. “The role of pumped hydro as a post-mining land use needs to be determined challenges in the resources sector. regulation.” “The research program, while funded on a case-by-case basis,” Ms Constable said. “Currently, the costs of restoration are Dr Lawrence also pointed to “troubling by the industry, is undertaken by not being adequately determined prior to trends” documented in other submissions independent researchers from government “Mine altered landscapes and voids can regulatory approval being granted,” the to the Inquiry, including asset transfers (CSIRO), universities (e.g. the University have value and generate different land use centre added. and mines being held indefinitely in of Queensland, Central Queensland opportunities. “A full and complete understanding of “care and maintenance” as a way to avoid University) and private sector specialists.” “A pit or a pit lake may have the costs of restoration, which will vary rehabilitation. Mr Dixon said there was also some future uses, including social (e.g. markedly between landforms, operations She recommended the Commonwealth exciting new technologies in the pilot recreation), conservation (e.g. wetlands) and regions, must be determined and lead a “complete overhaul” of State policy and stages including creating synthetic topsoils; or environmental and economic (e.g. presented during initial mine planning and legislation to ensure native title interests accelerating plant growth competency Woodlawn bioreactor near New South be included transparently as part of the are fully recognised and protected, and in post mined materials through use of Wales, and the pumped hydro energy park approvals process.” support native title holders and claimants the soil micro biome; seed pelleting and in Queensland).” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MINESITE REHABILITATION 33 CASE STUDY: Latrobe Valley

Three open cut coal mines – Yallourn, Loy Yang and Hazelwood – in the Latrobe Valley are nearing, or are at, the end of their lives. Elizabeth Fabri spoke with newly appointed Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Rae Mackay about the regional rehabilitation strategy currently in the works.

A community forum recently hosted in the Latrobe Valley to discuss rehabilitation issues.

AFTER 50 years of production, Victoria’s Hazelwood mine and adjoining power plant shut its doors in March 2017. Hazelwood is one of three Latrobe Valley coal mines being examined as part of the Victorian Government’s $12.6 million Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy (LVRRS). The LVRRS is expected to be in full force by June 2020, with a preliminary submission due later this year. Yallourn and Loy Yang – which can be mined until 2032 and 2048 respectively – are the other mines that make up the study, which will address some of the key knowledge gaps and the potential impacts of filling – either partially or fully—the mines voids with water to create pit lakes. The strategy will be led by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) in partnership with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Rae Mackay will provide independent advice directly to the Government, in consultation with local communities. One year into from his appointment as Commissioner, and Mr Mackay had already attended about 150 meetings with Latrobe Valley mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Rae Mackay. local community groups, members, and team as they commence the extensive work Mr Mackay said the role of Government officials. of calculating the benefits and impacts of Commissioner was valuable; one that “The challenge for the future is to ensure different rehabilitation scenarios; the could be “beneficially adopted on a wider not only that the mines are safe, stable planning activities of the three mines basis” in other regions. and sustainable for the long-term but and in particular the work at Hazelwood “I have found that the role offers that appropriate plans are in place for the mine, which is progressing detailed design stakeholders and the community tangible rehabilitated land forms to be productive, work alongside its planning activities; the benefits by providing an appropriate attractive and add value to the region,” Mr research program of the Integrated Mines sounding board for the outcomes of the Mackay said. Research Group; and, also the policy and work that is underway, and providing “For the year ahead, I will be working programs of the various public sector independent advice and support on areas with my team on monitoring and organisations that will impact future mine of concern and possible contention,” he evaluating the work of the LVRRS project rehabilitation.” said. AUGUST 2018 34 BCI MINERALS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW A NEW DIRECTION WA-based BCI Minerals – formerly BC Iron – has a new name, a new focus, and a suite of high-quality projects in the Pilbara that will be hitting key development milestones over the coming year. BCI Minerals managing director Alwyn Vorster sheds light on the miner’s recent diversification strategy beyond iron ore to salt and sulphate of potash (SOP).

All images: BCI Minerals.

ELIZABETH FABRI

“We now consider ourselves a salt and SOP focused business supported by current and potential future iron ore earnings.”

BCI Minerals managing director Alwyn Vorster. Mardie Mudflats.

Q. The company changed its name last target new assets in other commodities. Q. Industry peers have also followed without risk given essentially no exploration November. Was diversification the key We have been very successful in advancing with their own diversification strategies. has been conducted on the tenements for driver of the rebrand? our existing assets and took the Mardie Do you think this is necessary given decades. Project from a series of tenements with an volatility in the iron ore market at the However, we did the required conceptual The decision to diversify beyond just iron idea, through to a completed Scoping Study moment? due diligence work and were confident of its potential. ore was a very deliberate one. and then pre-feasibility study on a major salt and sulphate of potash development Ultimately we have been proven right, BC Iron had just emerged from a fight for I think that diversification is a smart opportunity within 18 months. given we have proven up resources on survival due to operating a single, higher business decision generally, but it is On the second element, we secured a three deposits so far and there is excellent cost iron ore mine (Nullagine) at a time interesting to note that other iron ore joint venture interest in a SOP project with potential for more than 200mt of good when the iron ore prices were declining companies such as Fortescue and Atlas Kalium Lakes, which has now progressed quality iron ore to be discovered. rapidly. have also made efforts to diversify. through the Scoping Study phase. The success at Kumina is very important While Nullagine was very profitable at Like BCI, Atlas and to a lesser extent However, we did face challenges in our Fortescue also endured challenging times for BCI as it provides options. times, we didn’t want another near death aim to invest in more advanced stage non during the iron ore price decline, and experience for the company and viewed It has enhanced the prospects of iron-ore projects. perhaps see diversification as a longer term diversification as means to smoothing out Buckland being developed as an integrated solution for mitigating this risk. the commodity price bumps. We attribute this to several factors, operation but also means Kumina can be including BCI discipline in considering Not everyone agrees with this strategy, considered as a potential lower cost, higher opportunities, the competitiveness in and particularly when you are a junior grade standalone development. Q. Has it been difficult to make the the gold space in particular, and the fact there is scepticism whether the company We expect that type of development will transition from iron ore to a more that favourable capital markets provide has the resources and focus required to appeal to a number of third parties, and we diversified approach? What challenges preferred funding options (rather than joint make it a success. are currently in discussions with numerous have you encountered? ventures). parties. Overall, we consider our diversification Q. How important was securing BCI’s diversification strategy had two strategy to have been a success. Kumina last year for the development of Are you any closer to formalising elements. Q. In fact, we now consider ourselves a your Buckland Iron Ore project? the non-binding MOU you entered with The first was to progress and add value to salt and SOP focused business supported Sinosteel earlier this year? the non-iron ore assets that were already in by current and potential future iron ore The acquisition of Kumina was undoubtedly the portfolio, and the second element was to earnings. an important milestone for BCI, but not (CONTINUED ON PAGE 36) AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW BCI MINERALS 35 AUGUST 2018 36 BCI MINERALS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34)

We are continuing discussions with Sinosteel on the Buckland Project, and in particular on Kumina. We have a strong working relationship and Sinosteel is showing genuine interest in the project. The potential for Sinosteel to become of joint venture partner in some or all of the Buckland assets is one of the options being discussed, and definitely a possibility. The aim with the Buckland Project assets is to secure transactions that will create value and/or future earnings to support the development of our Mardie Salt & SOP Project. We are therefore discussing the project with a number of interested parties.

Q. What is your current timeline for both Mardie and Buckland?

The Mardie feasibility study is planned to be completed and key approvals secured by the end of 2019, which could lead to construction BCI Minerals’ proposed 20 million tonne per annum (mtpa) Cape Preston East port facility. during 2020. In the meantime, we are planning to The base case assumption is that BCI will advancing its primary project, Beyondie. The market for high purity salt supplied construct pilot ponds which will mimic the complete the feasibility study outright. BCI and Kalium have agreed to proceed into Asia is expected to become particularly salt operations at Mardie. However, if an attractive funding or to a staged pre-feasibility study for Carnegie, tight over the next decade and we see the potential for a supply gap equal to We are aiming to have a transaction partnership opportunity arises, particularly with the initial focus on securing tenure and approximately seven Mardie-sized projects to secured for Buckland within the next few if it is an existing large salt industry player, access to all required tenements. This will emerge by 2027. months. we will consider it seriously. enable the PFS to be undertaken on a much The strong outlook for SOP as a high The nature of that transaction will then larger proportion of the Carnegie lake system. quality fertiliser is well documented against dictate the timeline for development of Q. What’s next for the Carnegie JV an underlying themes of an increasing Kumina and potentially other Buckland (BCI/Kalium Lakes) potash exploration Q. You mentioned BCI Minerals now global population, expanding middle class, assets. project? considers itself a salt and SOP focused and reduction in land available for food business. What is your outlook for these production. Q. At the recent AMEC convention you The Carnegie scoping study has now been markets? Ultimately, BCI aims to become a serious said BCI was looking into development completed and confirmed the potential for a player in the salt and SOP industries, options for Mardie, including a JV or technically and financially viable project. We view the markets for both salt and SOP through its involvement in Mardie, Carnegie, spinout. Can you elaborate on these two The scoping study benefited substantially as having strong medium to longer term and potentially through other synergistic options? from the experience Kalium has gained in fundamentals. acquisitions.

HYDROSAL-XP® is turning salt into gold in counter-current flow against the SALT PARTNERS PRESIDENT Images: Salt Partners. downwards moving salt. VLADIMIR M. SEDIVY SWITZERLAND In this counter-current process, called hydroextraction, all impurities that are more soluble than sodium chloride, ON a beautiful sunny Saturday on 10 June i.e. magnesium chloride, magnesium 2017, I picked up BCI Minerals’ Mardie sulphate, potassium chloride, sodium project manager Laurie Huck at the Eden bromide, etc., are dissolved. au Lac hotel in Zurich. The sodium chloride is displaced from We drove along the lake to Salt Partners the saturated brine by common ion effect offices in Erlenbach. and crystallises on the salt. We spent the afternoon on the terrace Thus, an exceptionally efficient salt overlooking the lake, speaking about salt purification effect of 95 – 99 per cent is crystallisation, harvesting, purification achieved and the processing losses are and membrane chloralkali technology. kept at a record minimum of 2 – 3 per During the dinner on the lake side we cent. enjoyed the fish, the view and the sunset. On the schematic flowsheet, this Back at the Eden au Lac, we said good section of the process is coloured blue. bye. Less soluble calcium sulphate is Then, on 5 February 2018 after removed also in counter-current flow, but exchanging some 60 emails and various at higher velocities, with circulating brine ® ® drafts, we signed a contract to supply the The 700 t/h HYDROSAL-XP Solar Salt Purification Plant and Schematic Flowsheet of HYDROSAL-XP Salt by hydroclassification and elutriation. Salt Partners proprietary HYDROSAL-XP® Purification Process. This section of the process is coloured salt purification technology and provide Calcium, magnesium and the ratio purified salt and brine are separated in a yellow. project execution services to BCI Minerals. of calcium to magnesium in the salt are centrifuge. By adjusting the brine velocities, the critical. HYDROSAL-XP® capability The brine from the centrifuge, the calcium to magnesium ratio is adjusted. The HYDROSAL-XP® process has the filtrate, is not sent to waste but collected unique capability of selectively removing in a filtrate vessel called Filtrex. The main aim of the Mardie solar salt Salt Partners Ltd are independent calcium and magnesium from the salt, project is to supply 3 – 3.5 million tonnes The filtrate contains fine salt particles. consultants and engineering contractors, thus favourably adjusting the calcium to of high purity salt to the chloralkali Adding water to the filtrate vessel active in the field of salt production, magnesium ratio. industry in the Asia-Pacific region. and maintaining the mixture agitated processing and hypersaline biotechnology. sufficiently long, the salt fines are Salt Partners worldwide reputation Today, the chloralkali industry ® employs membrane cells for production of How HYDROSAL-XP works dissolved, creating pure saturated brine. is based on more than 45 years of caustic soda and chlorine by electrolysis of This brine is returned to the vessel experience gained in projects successfully sodium chloride solution. Conventional salt washing processes from which the salt flows to the centrifuge. implemented worldwide. In this process, impurities can severely discharge the washing brine to waste. In this vessel, called Hydrex or More information can be found at damage the ion exchange membranes. In the HYDROSAL-XP® process, the Hydroextractor, the brine flows upwards, www.salt-partners.com. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW SOUTH32 37

All images: South32.

FRESH DEVELOPMENT As South32 enjoys strong margins for all of its key commodities in 2018, the global miner is making good on promises to invest capital into savvy brownfields and greenfields opportunities.

This included an upfront payment of REUBEN ADAMS about $US106m, a deferred payment of $US27m due three years after completion, THE June quarter was a good one for and a coal price linked production royalty South32, which has finished FY18 on a capped at $US80m. strong note. Mr Kerr said the acquisition represented In Australia, the miner reported record “This high quality an attractive development option within its production from its manganese operations, metallurgical coal growing operational footprint. as the world’s number one producer of project benefits from “This high-quality metallurgical coal the steel ingredient lifted output to take project benefits from prior investment which advantage of better prices. prior investment which has the has the potential to support its accelerated Progressing through a higher grade stope development and deliver significant value sequence at the world-beating Cannington potential to support to both South32 and [JV partner] Aquila,” silver-lead mine in QLD in the quarter saw its accelerated he said. payable silver, lead and zinc production development and Eagle Downs is a large, high-quality and increase by 37 per cent, 33 per cent, and 45 deliver significant fully permitted development project about per cent respectively. 25km south-east of the town of Moranbah, Production at Worsley Alumina jumped value to both South32 and immediately adjacent to and down dip 7 per cent in the quarter due to an uplift and [JV partner] of BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s Peak in calciner availability and a drawdown of Aquila.” Downs mine. hydrate stocks. In late 2015 the project was placed under And Illawarra metallurgical coal care and maintenance, but not before it production exceeded the revised FY18 benefitted from initial site infrastructure guidance, as the miner hit an annualised investment, including water supply and mining rate of 6 million tonnes per annum high voltage systems, office buildings and (mtpa) through the month of June. water and sediment dams. Still, production was down 40 per cent Dual 2km drifts were also about 40 per to 4.2mtpa for FY18 as the troubled Appin cent complete. Colliery recovered from an extended outage Aquila had previously reported a resource in the first half of the year. of 1122mt of which 750mt is measured, Internationally, South32 began managing 139mt is indicated, and 233mt is inferred. South African Coal as standalone business South32 stated that previous work by in the June quarter, with associated Aquila indicated that Eagle Downs has restructuring costs to be recorded in FY18 the potential to export 4.5mtpa from one accounts. South32 chief executive Graham Kerr. longwall over the first 10 years of full “We are actively reshaping our portfolio production. and are now managing South Africa Energy including $US21.3m to expand its Eagle Downs Following completion of the acquisition coal as a standalone business, allowing to exploration and progress 18 early stage and assumption of operatorship, South32 simplify the Group, lower overhead costs and greenfields partnerships. On 29 May South32 signed a conditional will kick off final feasibility, which will fundamentally change the way we work,” Then there are the big June quarter deals agreement to acquire 50 per cent and seek to optimise the mine’s design and South32 chief executive Graham Kerr said. that add two near-term growth projects to operator status in the Eagle Downs development. The company invested $US41.3m the South32 portfolio – Eagle Downs and metallurgical coal project in the Bowen in exploration programs during FY18, Arizona Mining. Basin, QLD. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 38) AUGUST 2018 38 SOUTH32 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

South32 reported record production from its manganese operations in the June quarter.

Subject to the findings of that study and funded, all cash offer of $US1.3 billion. Hermosa is close to key infrastructure Arizona Mining since May 2017 and an requisite approvals, South32, in partnership The transaction is subject to a vote of in an attractive mining jurisdiction, with active participant in the Hermosa Project with Aquila, plan to construct a multi-seam Arizona mining shareholders on 2 August. a Preliminary Economic Assessment with representation on the operations underground longwall metallurgical coal completed by Arizona Mining in January committee and a nominee on the board of mine and processing plant with a dedicated Arizona Mining is owner of the Hermosa 2018 indicating that this low cost, long life directors,” he said. rail spur and train loadout facility. project in Arizona, which contains the project has the potential to deliver a very “Our deep understanding of this high high grade base metals Taylor deposit; high Internal Rate of Return. grade resource and surrounding tenement the Central zinc, manganese and silver Arizona Mining Mr Kerr said the all-cash offer for package, and extensive experience at oxide resource; and an extensive, highly Arizona Mining would allow the miner to Cannington, makes us the natural owner prospective land package. Then the big one – on 18 June South32 optimise the design and development of one of this project and ensures we are well entered into an agreement to acquire the Taylor alone has a reported resource of of the most exciting base metal projects in positioned to bring it to development, outstanding 83 per cent of shares in explorer 101mt grading at 10.4 per cent zinc, and is the industry. delivering significant value to our and developer Arizona Mining for a fully open at depth and along strike. “We have been a major shareholder in shareholders.”

OUR SERVICES:

• Fabrication including piping, tanks, chutes, hoppers and structural.

• Hardfacing pipe work from 80mm to 1200mm diameter. All configurations including straight spools, tees, elbows, concentric or eccentric reducers and valve bodies.

• Drafting including 3D Modelling, 2D Detailing

• CNC Processing of Pipe, Plate and Angle Iron

Special Projects Please contact More information can be found at www.betterwear.com.au. us for all your individual needs. High-quality hardfacing Better Wear Welding has invested in WA state-of-the-art equipment to assist with 45 Elgee Rd the processing of plate and pipework, Bellevue WA 6056 AS it name suggests, Better Wear Welding which enables it to manufacture a quality is committed to bettering projects through  08 9274 4333 product by taking full control of component its professional, high-quality welding processing. ƒ 08 9274 4999 services. “Our fabrication work includes  [email protected] The WA-based company is currently piping, tanks, pressure vessels, chutes, “the leading hardfacing company” hoppers, vibrating machines, skids  www.betterwear.com.au operating in Australia, with a team of staff and structurals,” Better Wear Welding highly skilled in the areas of hardfacing director Joe Mezzatesta said. of spools, medium and heavy fabrication, “We are also happy to assist clients and pipework for mining. with 3D modelling, detailing, fabrication, FABRICATION & HARDFACING SPECIALISTS Established for more than 20 years, machining and welding.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW SOUTH32 39

Mitchell Services chief executive officer Andrew Elf. Growth through diversity

on decades of drilling experience and NATIONAL countless commodity cycles. THE resurgence in coal, base and precious Starting in 1969, Mitchell Drilling metals prices is reaping rewards for grew to become Australia’s largest diversified drilling contractor, Mitchell privately-owned drilling contractor. Services Limited. After selling Mitchell Drilling in 2008, Mitchell Services entered Australia in The ASX-listed company, 2013 following a reverse merger with headquartered in Brisbane and with over ASX listed Drill Torque Limited. 65 tier one drill rigs across Australia, is now conducting exploration, mine “Just like our clients South32, BHP, services and underground drilling for the and Anglo American, it makes sense world’s major miners and explorers. to be exposed to various commodities, so we can better manage through the “Mitchell Services is one of very few commodity cycles,” general manager drilling contractors actively providing Commercial Todd Wild said. surface and underground drilling services “Diversity also gives Mitchell to both the coal and mineral industries,” Services the ability to service our clients chief executive officer Andrew Elf said. across multiple mining operations and “We have committed to a diversified locations.” approach to manage the cycles of the In the last twelve months Mitchell mining and exploration industries. Services has opened operations in After a tough few years, we are seeing Kalgoorlie as part of its growth strategy. welcome commodity price increases and Mitchell Services will remain focused expanding utilisation across the whole on its continued growth and high-level business.” service delivery and look forward to a The strategy to diversify is based positive and rewarding year. AUGUST 2018 40 STANMORE COAL THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

All images: Stanmore Coal.

A BIG DEAL Three years; that’s all it took for Stanmore Coal to turn the two-year Isaac Plains mine into a 15-year mega project. Through strategic (and timely) acquisitions, Stanmore Coal now has a strong footprint in the Bowen Basin, and healthy cash flow as coal prices remain strong.

FY19 Operations ELIZABETH FABRI

In FY19 Stanmore said it expects to produce STANMORE Coal’s purchase of the 2.3 million tonnes of coal; a 40 per cent shuttered Isaac Plains mine several years increase from FY18 results. ago was a watershed moment for the then-explorer. In the coming months, mining will be conducted at Isaac Plains and Isaac Plains In 2015, the coal market was in the East concurrently. depths of a downturn. Prices were so bad This means mining at Isaac Plains East many companies were looking for an out, “Isaac Plains gives but Stanmore Coal had other plans. will initially involve just a truck and shovel us the right platform fleet, which will transition to the dragline In July 2015, the company entered a deal once Isaac Plains mining ceases later this to pick up Peabody subsidiary Millennium at the right time in year. Coal’s undeveloped Wotonga (Isaac Plains the cycle.” East) project for $7 million. In July, lead contractor Golding Contractors began operations at the new Weeks later it struck the landmark satellite pit, with production to follow in deal with Vale SA and Sumitomo Corp to August. acquire the nearby Isaac Plains mine and infrastructure for a nominal $1; a giveaway Meanwhile, Stanmore was also really, given the mine had an estimated advancing a Bankable Feasibility Study for $630 million value four years earlier. its Isaac Plains Underground mine, with a final investment decision expected during However, as part of the sale, Stanmore FY19. became responsible for mine rehabilitation community and the Bowen Basin mining “Wotonga South (which we have and took over a number of contractual community more broadly,” QLD Mines renamed Isaac Downs) meets the And all going well, the Isaac Downs mine commitments. minister Dr Anthony Lynham said at the investment criteria in our strategic plan,” will advance soon also. Assets acquired included a coal handling time. Stanmore Coal managing director Dan Mr Clifford said the miner’s experience and preparation plant; dedicated train load “At peak production from the newly Clifford said. obtaining permits to develop Isaac Plains out and rail spur facilities connecting to approved open cut mining operations, Isaac “When Stanmore acquired Isaac Plains, East “will be invaluable in fast tracking the Goonyella rail system; Bucyrus 1370W Plains East can produce 1.6 million tonnes the life of mine was only two years; Isaac approvals for Isaac Downs”. dragline; workshops; and assorted critical of metallurgical coal annually.” Plains East and Isaac Downs will extend it “As soon as the transaction is completed, spares and workshop goods. beyond 15 years.” The new leases, coupled with Stanmore’s we will finalise mine planning and By February 2016 Stanmore had future plans for Isaac Plains Underground, Mr Clifford said Stanmore had its eye commence environmental assessment to allow development as soon as practicable,” restarted mining, with first production in would also help it edge closer to its goal of on Isaac Downs for some time and this he said. April and first shipment in May that year. producing 2.7 tonnes of coal per annum. was the next logical extension of the Isaac But with an estimated two year mine Plains Complex. “This allows us to optimise our production profile by focusing on the highest life, the clock was ticking for the company Acquiring Wotonga South “After we set our investment criteria to bring other production sources online, [for the Isaac Plains Complex], Stanmore margin coal source first, and subject to the namely Isaac Plains East. had numerous opportunities, both internal outcomes from Isaac Plains Underground Then, in June another strategic acquisition Unlike Isaac Plains, Isaac Plains East and external, and Isaac Downs was one of or any other source of ROM coal, puts us in was announced; the purchase of still needed to obtain Environmental and them,” he said. a strong position to fill our CHPP.” Mining Lease approvals. Millennium Coal’s Wotonga South coking “With the company generating cash Mr Clifford said beyond Isaac Plains coal deposit. Good news rolled in during the March and about to improve cash flow with Isaac the company “will continue to look at quarter when the QLD Government Under the deal, Stanmore would acquire Plains East, we are well positioned, and other regional opportunities that fit our granted Stanmore environmental approval, the MDL137 and EPC728 tenements for the timing couldn’t have been better. investment criteria.” and four new mining leases for the project, $30 million cash, plus a production-based “Stanmore has a clear strategy that “Isaac Plains gives us the right platform adding seven years to the mine life, 210 royalty capped at $10 million if the leverages our existing infrastructure at the right time in the cycle,” he said. local jobs, and an estimated $75 million in premium coking coal price reached more to generate significant value because “With the short and long-term strength State royalties. than $170 per tonne. minimal capital is required to expand our in the coal market, Stanmore will continue “The reopening of Isaac Plains was The tenements are next to Isaac Plains production profile and mine lives.” to assess and evaluate development welcome news for Moranbah nearly and comprise about 15-20 million tonnes of The purchase now awaits FIRB approval opportunities for our quality pre-production two years ago, and this is another coal; enough to extend the life of the Isaac and the completion of other customary assets across both metallurgical and ‘HELE’ confidence-booster for the Moranbah Plains Complex by eight to 10 years. conditions. thermal sources.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW STANMORE COAL 41

Minserve can map out progressive rehab and closure plans for clients. Integrated mining consultancy including geological, surface and advice and acted as site technical services and closure plan and financial assurance INTERNATIONAL underground mining, coal preparation, support. policies. financial and cartographic expertise, its With upcoming financial assurance Minserve has a unique member company MINSERVE is one of Australia’s foremost philosophy has always remained the same. reforms in Queensland, Minserve is structure where hands on principals mining consultancies covering all aspects able to support mine operators with It is Minserve’s belief that optimisation provide expert, flexible and personalised of the coal, metalliferous and extractive regular production scheduling of various starts with experience. minerals industries from exploration planning scenarios to ensure maximum services, exceeding client expectations, through to mine operations support. Minserve consultants have managed mine financial returns, while satisfying maintaining technical currency and A multidisciplinary consultancy, mines, given operational improvement the regulators’ progressive rehabilitation working to time and budget. AUGUST 2018 42 AURELIA METALS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW REACH THE PEAK

A transformational deal with Canadian miner New Gold expands Aurelia Metal’s footprint in the Cobar region and further diversifies the company’s portfolio. The Australian Mining Review speaks with managing director and chief executive Jim Simpson on his outlook for the remainder of the year. All images: Aurelia Metals. Hera process plant. commence in the September 2018 quarter, JESSICA CUMMINS with two production levels completed in preparation. IN June, Australian miner Aurelia Metals Aurelia released a Scoping Study on made a watershed deal with Toronto-listed the potential for mining the Nymagee miner New Gold to acquire its Peak Mines copper-lead-zinc resource, about 5km north gold, copper and lead project. of Hera in May last year. Mr Simpson said The tier 1 mining operation has averaged Nymagee is the next major project for the over 100,000oz of gold and 8.6 million company, which it has compared to the pounds of copper production per year since neighbouring world-class CSA copper commissioning in 1992. system. Aurelia Metals bought the mine and its “We are currently drilling to complete 750,000tpa processing plant in the Cobar full metallurgical assessment for the PFS region of central NSW, 75km north of its due mid next year,” he said. producing Hera mine, for $US58 million. “Deep drilling indicates a deep system of The purchase also boosted the company’s mineralisation, which suggests that when exploration land package in the Cobar the project is started, depth extensions will region to 1385sqkm. become evident and [hence] the opportunity Aurelia chief executive Jim Simpson told “Peak was for continued LOM extensions. The Australian Mining Review that the deal arguably the “As evident from mines like CSA, had surpassed the company’s expectations. best operation I Endeavour, Peak and Tritton these mines “Initially we didn’t think that we could worked at before just continue to produce at depth.” buy it for the price we paid – but it was Hera – there are CSA, for example, currently extends always on our radar. I have been trying to to more than 2km depth. The Nymagee put the assets together since 2004 when I still many areas system remains open at depth, with most was running Peak,” he said. to be explored, recent results discovering two new copper “The two assets always made sense due both greenfields lenses. to the address and similar ore types.” and historic The mine is being developed in two stages, with the first focusing on construction of an At the time of acquisition Aurelia workings.” Metals set target production for 35,000oz underground mine as well as a processing to 45,000oz from Peak Mines for the six plant to enable production of gold and month period to June FY2018; however this silver dore bars, as well as zinc and lead quickly increased to between 55,000oz and Aurelia Metals chief executive Jim Simpson. concentrate. 65,000oz in May. The second stage will see the development Aurelia’s resources and reserves will grow focus for the remainder of the year was on of the Nymagee copper deposit making use Mr Simpson said the company knew to more than 21.8mt (from 11mt) and 4.2Mt its development and ongoing exploration of of the infrastructure already established at there was a lot of value in the high grade (from 1.47mt), respectively. the Hera-Nymagee Project; which includes chronos orebody, but it was performing Hera. Mr Simpson said FY2019 targets for the high grade gold and base metal Hera better than predicted. The Future Peak focused on converting resources to deposit and the emerging high-grade copper discovery at Nymagee. “What makes Peak Mines a valued asset reserves, as well as extending its current When asked if the miner would consider to the company is its extensive inventory three year mine life. In a presentation to expanding operations outside of Cobar, Mr with multiple orebodies, which has provided investors Mr Simpson also reported that Hera-Nymagee Simpson said the company is prepared to a life of over 25 years,” he said. opportunities have been identified to reduce look at any accretive opportunities, however “Peak was arguably the best operation I operating costs with improved productivity. The Hera-Nymagee Project, 100kms south it still sees the potential for growth in the worked at before Hera. There are still many The miner plans to accelerate processing east of the Cobar Basin in western NSW, region. areas to be explored, both greenfields and of high grade lead from the small but high has potential as a high-grade, long life “Our initial focus is locally, as the Cobar historic workings. grade Chronos zone, which is accessible mining operation. Basin mineralisation is complex with gold, “Most of these targets are untested, and through existing mine development. FY18 Hera production was a record at silver, copper, lead and tin,” he said. Aurelia has never really been in a position While Peak Mines’ forecast production 59,822oz at all in sustaining costs (AISC) “There are barriers of entry to operate to conduct serious greenfields exploration is expected to more than double the of $430/oz, compared to the prior year of in this district including polymetallic due to the focus on Nymagee and Hera.” company’s fiscal 2019 output and cash 45,679oz at AISC of $968/oz. processing and polymetallic expertise – After the purchase of Peak it is expected generation, Mr Simpson said the company’s Stoping of the North Pod is expected to Aurelia Metals has both.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW AURELIA METALS 43 Environmental and heritage management

NATIONAL

OZARK offers a range of professional ecological and heritage services throughout NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland. Since 2000, the company has worked within all approval pathways including State development and infrastructure and with developments assessed under Parts 4 and 5 of the NSW EP&A Act. OzArk has worked with the mining industry in NSW on projects ranging from brand new gold and zirconia projects in central west NSW; continuing operations for multi-national coal companies in the Hunter Valley and on the remediation of derelict mines in rural NSW. OzArk’s team of accredited ecologists and experienced archaeologists work in unison and utilise regional knowledge to provide clients with a streamlined and cost-effective environmental assessment solution. The OzArk heritage team is highly skilled in archaeological assessments, reporting, and prides itself on effectively communicating with the client, the community and Aboriginal stakeholders. The company’s ecology department is up to date with the new Biodiversity Conservation Act 2017 and the relevant More information can be found at: www.ozarkehm.com.au. assessment methods and offset requirements. new system. activities. innovative approach to working with Its strong ecological team are OzArk are experienced in monitoring As a finalist in the 2016 Dubbo developers and regulators to achieve available to assist clients with meeting impacts to biodiversity as a result of Chamber of Commerce and Industry their regulatory requirements under this mining operations and land management Rhino Awards, OzArk is proud of its proactive biodiversity offsetting. AUGUST 2018 44 WHITEHAVEN COAL THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW RECORD HIGHS The largest high quality coal producer in the Gunnedah Basin, Whitehaven Coal, finds itself perfectly positioned to capitalise on rising demand from Asian markets. Against the backdrop of coal prices sitting at seven year highs, The Australian Mining Review speaks with chief executive Paul Flynn about Whitehaven’s outlook following its most important acquisition.

All images: Whitehaven Coal.

JESSICA CUMMINS “The project, if approved, will cement our standing as the single largest private sector employer in the area,” Mr Flynn FY17 results for Australian coal said. producers placed Whitehaven as one of “It will generate around 500 jobs during the industry’s leaders, with a significant the construction phase and roughly 450 jump in net profit from $20.5 million to “We are attracted jobs during operations, the majority of $405.4m year on year. Now, with met coal to putting more prices at seven year highs, Whitehaven which will come from the local communities remains on track for a record financial met coal into of Gunnedah, Narrabri, Boggabri and result in FY18. our portfolio and surrounding areas. June Quarter ROM production of 5.9 Winchester South “It will also create fresh opportunities for Whitehaven to support local businesses million tonnes boosted Whitehaven’s certainly looks FY18 production to 22.9mt, in line with and contractors, and generate more the previous year. like a large scale than $700m in royalties for the people of NSW to help provide important services Maules Creek produced 2.9mt ROM opportunity to do like education, health and transport coal for the quarter and a record 11.0Mt that.” infrastructure.” ROM coal, up 13 per cent for the year. The Gunnedah open cuts delivered record saleable coal production of 5.4Mt, up 12 Winchester South per cent and coal sales of 5.3mt, up 16 per cent from the previous year. In June, Whitehaven purchased the Whitehaven has the kind of rare remaining 25 per cent of the undeveloped experience and determination that comes Winchester South project, after paying with bringing large operations into $US200m for Rio Tinto’s 75 per cent share production, as developer of two of the in late May. largest tier one coal mines in Australia, 30km from Moranbah in the Bowen Narrabri and Maules Creek. Basin, the large Winchester South project “I have seen a number of projects go contains 356 million tonnes (mt) of through prolonged approval processes,” resources, and is expected to produce both Whitehaven chief executive Paul Flynn coking and thermal coal once developed. said. Mr Flynn said Winchester South, Whitehaven Coal chief executive Paul Flynn. “Maules Creek was the same. It went discovered in 2008, was a well understood through quite a significant approvals sales within the guidance range. which is next cab off the rank – given that project amongst industry players. process as well; it took over a thousand “Many players had made overtures to days to get approved.” The company is on course to ramp up it will be developed at a time when the production at Maules Creek to 13mtpa into market is running pretty hot as opposed try and buy it from Rio Tinto, but we were “But with determination and the right the 2020 financial year. to Maules Creek, which was constructed particularly attracted to its low strip ratio, project – it really comes down to the its placement in the centre of one of the best “Maules Creek certainly taught us a lot during the bottom of the cycle.” project itself – the quality of it and the coal basins in the world – the Bowen Basin – the challenge for Vickery and Winchester He said construction at Vickery is proposition that it represents, you should – and its close proximity to some very high South is that there’s an obvious and really expected to begin in early 2020, allowing be able to get through.” quality mines,” he said. good benchmark that we have created with 18 months for both State and Federal “And of course we are attracted to Maules Creek and Vickery Maules Creek,” Mr Flynn said. approval. This will coincide with Maules putting more met coal into our portfolio. “It was one of the most capital efficient Creek hitting its 13mtpa production rate. This project is a large scale opportunity, developments of any large scale coal mine Mr Flynn said the record FY18 production Mr Flynn said the Vickery extension with infrastructure access right there on in the last 10 years in Australia. result for Maules Creek, along with was one of the most significant the tenement boundary.” continued strong performance of the “That is a benchmark that we seek to investments currently underway in North Gunnedah open cuts, helped to achieve apply to our Vickery project, in particular, West NSW. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 46) AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW WHITEHAVEN COAL 45 AUGUST 2018 46 WHITEHAVEN COAL THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44) “Maules Creek was one of the most capital efficient developments of any large scale coal mine in the last 10 years in Australia - and that is a benchmark that we seek to apply to our Vickery Project, in particular, which is next cab off the rank.”

From an infrastructure perspective, Winchester South ticks all the boxes. It sits close to one of the main rail lines in the Goonyella System as well as the nearby Queensland electricity power grid. Mr Flynn said the company sees the acquisition as another growth opportunity beyond Vickery, as demand for both metallurgical and thermal coal is expected to grow through to 2040 and 2035 respectively. Whitehaven has commenced integrating Winchester South into its Technical Services and Long Term Mine Planning team, and started the process to recruit a project director to guide the project through to approval, construction, development and operation. Once developed, the mine will have a life of around 20 to 30 years at an annual production rate of between 7.5mtpa and 15mtpa.

Outlook

There are good things happening within the coal space, but more work needs to be done to change the public narrative around the resource, Mr Flynn said. “It’s definitely the case for coal, but it’s the case for businesses generally in this day and age,” he said. “Coal is no stranger to [negative discourse] but I do believe the industry has responded to try and highlight the positive aspects of coal and its role in the future. “I’m sure the current public discourse about our energy market and the cost of electricity at home has focused people on the natural advantages that coal has.” Whitehaven is currently seeing skills shortages “on all levels” from technical skills, engineering skills to trades as well as in a training capacity, Mr Flynn said. “For us, as a company and as an employer, what we’ve learnt over the last cycle is that you must invest in the local people,” he said. “The sense of connection and loyalty with your company then tends to be stronger and people become ‘stickier’ as employees.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT 47 COMPANIES GEARING UP Leaders in premium cleaning

NSW

TRUE Blue Chemicals is a market leader in premium and innovative cleaning and hygiene solutions. For over 30 years the company has strived to deliver cost effective and quality products across a broad range of markets for the industrial, healthcare, food processing and hospitality sectors. True Blue’s industrial clients, of both scale and complexity including mining, manufacturing, transport and food and beverage production, receive a premium range of efficient and cost effective products that work. The Ultimate Vehicle Wash is an example of a highly versatile product, which reduces wash time and labour. Learn about True Blue Chemicals and its Industrial Product Solutions on 1800 635 746 or www.truebluechemicals.com.au. Suitable for use on cars, trucks, boats, caravans, trains and heavy machinery, True Blue Chemicals managing “We went down the path of 15 minutes turn around,” a major True the high performance formula is an director Brad Macdougall said by automated washing but it was too Blue customer said. easy rinse – finishing streak-free on introducing the product many of his labour intensive. The Ultimate Wash “It’s running very efficiently in a products such as fibre glass, rubber, customers have halved their labour is a solution whereby we can spray it timely manner, which is better for the vinyl and paintwork. costs. on the truck and have it washed within business.” AUGUST 2018 48 COMPANIES GEARING UP THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

The Cirlock System and Fuselock System are used in some of Australia’s largest mines. Keeping lockout simple It also provides lockout devices for fuse different colours, and may be master NATIONAL holders, gate valves, ball valves in all keyed, keyed alike, or keyed differently. sizes, as well as electrical plugs and hose Locks can be personalised with logo or CIRLOCK began with Erik Larsen couplings. names, either engraved or on labels. launching a one-man business from his The company’s unique permanently home. For tricky situations, custom-designed mounted Cirlock System and Fuselock devices are available to suit customer’s Now, 20 years on, the Sunshine System are used in some of Australia’s unique needs and large or small orders can Coast-based company supplies lockout/ largest mines and power stations. be delivered quickly. tagout equipment for energy sources across Australia, and further abroad via Cirlock’s own brand of tough safety The majority of Cirlock products are distributor networks in the UK, Europe, lockout padlocks are made with a stainless made in Australia and are available Denmark, Thailand, Singapore and Brazil. steel shackle as well as a non-conductive through most electrical wholesalers. Cirlock has universal lockout devices nylon shackle and tough brass key way. More information can be found at: for circuit breakers in all sizes and brands. These locks are available in seven www.cirlock.com.au. A new way to manage freight

NATIONAL

GETTING equipment on or off site can be a logistical nightmare and a drain on financial and human resources. Time wasted sourcing quality and reliable transport operators, uncertainty of equipment location from pick up to delivery and its ETA, and last-minute haggling over prices are common frustrations. Negative impacts on productivity and risk factors relating to site safety and security are compounded by pressures on both site management and operational staff, who shoulder accountability for adherence to chain of responsibility (CoR) legislation. The pressure is set to increase with changes to CoR laws coming into effect from 1 October 2018. As the supplier of one of the Australia’s largest ranges of underground equipment, EMS Group knows freight frustrations all too well. After many years of freighting mining equipment across the country, the company’s director developed a creative solution that has reduced costs and More information can be found at: www.emsgroup.com.au and www.channel40.com.au. increased efficiencies for EMS Group, its clients, and many other companies. “It enables us to provide our clients transport operators via an easy to use incorporated a team of transport industry with a reliable, convenient and safe way to web-app that allows you to manage experts that work for Channel 40 behind “Channel 40 is a platform we’ve manage freight. bookings, track loads, and handle payments designed, mainly out of the frustrations the scenes to help with everything from tech we’ve experienced in terms of our own Mr Cavanagh said Channel 40 was a all from one place,” he said. support to urgent freight movements and freight management issues,” EMS Group freely available app and service. “We understand the burdens of managing finding critical solutions to transport issues director Tom Cavanagh said. “It connects freight owners with freight, often with tight deadlines, so we’ve around the country.” AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW COMPANIES GEARING UP 49 Slurry pumps clears silted dams

The cable entry is absolutely watertight. NATIONAL The dual, double silicon carbide mechanical seal is completely enclosed in TSURUMI’S KRS slurry pumps, designed the oil chamber. for the toughest slurry applications, are being applied at Australian mine sites to The seal is therefore always protected, desilt tailing dams. cooled and lubricated by oil thus eliminating spring failure caused by corrosion or The submersibles feature built-in high abrasion. chromium agitators which stir up silt so it can be pumped out without the need to And if that wasn’t enough, Tsurumi drain the pit. added an oil lifter. Due to demand from mines, quarries The oil lifter is a patented guide vane and batch plants, the KRS series is now inside the oil chamber that ensures the carried in stock by Tsurumi’s distributor, mechanical seal is lubricated even if the Australian Pump Industries (Aussie oil level falls or the pump is installed at an Pumps). angle. “Tsurumi’s KRS pumps are being used The top discharge design means that the to remove the concentrated slurry from liquid passes through the pump casing and tailing dams in WA gold mines,” Aussie cools the motor. Pumps product manager Neil Bennett This means the pump doesn’t have to be said. fully submerged or even installed vertically. “The high chromium agitator stirs the “Tsurumi’s KRS series can link its silt that then passes through the pump so heritage back to major projects of land the dams don’t need to be drained to be reclamation carried out in Japan over the cleared.” last fifty years,” Mr Bennett said. Tsurumi’s KRS slurry pumps are “The pumps are built with Tsurumi’s powered by four pole 1450 rpm slow speed fanatical approach to quality and shows motors from 9.5kW to 34kW. Tsurumi’s KRS pumps remove the concentrated slurry from tailing dams. their passion for products that won’t quit.” Available in 80mm to 200mm bore Further information on the Aussie diameters, the pumps can deliver flows up chromium impeller and agitator for wear These include a unique anti-wicking Pump Tsurumi series is readily available to 4000 lpm and heads to 31 metres. resistance. cable entry that prevents water incursion from Aussie Pumps, Aussie Pump The pump bodies are manufactured The pumps feature all of Tsurumi’s due to capillary wicking should the power mining partners throughout Australia, or from high-grade cast iron with a high standard longevity attributes. cable be damaged or the end submerged. www.aussiepumps.com.au. World class mining services NATIONAL

CMI Technical Services was the brainchild of managing director Zeb Ogilvie, who began the company in 2011 as a single man operation. From humble beginnings, the company’s original offerings were mill installation management and maintenance. However over the years this has grown into much more; services extend to mill and crushing plant, CIL, flotation, thickeners, and wash plants to suit diverse commodities. The team also offers construction management, procurement, commissioning planning and management, asset More information on its services and products can be found at: www.cmitech.com.au. management, condition monitoring, CMI Technical Services general way to PNG to add it to our list of countries New additions to CMI’s maintenance training and development, and are now manager Tito Chacone echoed Mr Ogilvie’s we service. equipment include one of the only fully beginning to take enquiries for rebuilds views, citing a focus on customers as the “Our Middle Eastern division headed mobile lineboring units in Australia and rotable spares. company’s recipe to success. capable of 254mm (10”) to 1524mm (60”) up by Ron Hellberg is also going well with Reflecting on the company’s seven “Our team is very diverse; we have bore diameters. continued growth. years in business, Mr Ogilvie said professionals now coming from around “This unit in particular has proved customer satisfaction has always been his the world and different industries to join “I spoke with Ron late last week who to give better accuracy and faster finish main driving force. the CMI family, all with the one mantra said he was really happy with the current times for bores more than 500mm (19.68”), “Our potential and growth has gone that has propelled us — precision and climate in the Middle East with further due to heavier cut and feed rates through down the simple path of customer customer satisfaction,” Mr Chacone said. calls for work to be completed by the CMI a superior set up in rigidity over smaller satisfaction,” Mr Ogilvie said. “For example Zeb recently made his team.” boring bar units,” Mr Chacone said. AUGUST 2018 50 COMPANIES GEARING UP THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW PROK launches new PROKOMPOSITE roller

NATIONAL

PROK brings to market the “most advanced conveyor roller ever to exist”. The PROKOMPOSITE roller is designed and manufactured by PROK Conveyor Components Australia. PROK has had a long history in high performance products and the PROKOMPOSITE is no different. Many years of research and development now comes to market to deliver to its customers what they have been searching for: a lightweight, belt-friendly non-metallic roller that lasts. The PROKOMPOSITE range satisfies the need for a lightweight, non-metallic roller without the compromises associated with plastic rollers seen in the market previously. PROKOMPOSITE is a true composite designed and developed specifically for iron ore and heavy-duty applications. It is safer, quieter and more economical, generating 50 per cent less noise than traditional steel rollers. The PROKOMPOSITE is up to 55 per cent lighter than traditional steel rollers. It is also up to 55 per cent lighter than traditional steel rollers, and costs up to 20 per cent less to own due to easier maintenance and lower energy demands. HOW PROKOMPOSITE ACHIEVES ITS PERFORMANCE The PROKOMPOSITE roller shell and bearing housing uses technology otherwise A REAL COMPOSITE processes to achieve straightness, wall thickness not seen in conveyor idlers; this is unlike The secret to the performance of the PROKOMPOSITE consistency and roundness to the standards required many other products on the market that Roller is in the materials. for a low noise Conveyor Roller. have adapted old technology, mostly from PROK’s structural components feature fibre mats water pipe and gas applications. PRECISION ANTI-CREEP BEARING HOUSING and rovings arranged to its specific requirements Additionally, low tolerance injection to achieve the necessary stiffness, strength and To maximise bearing and roller life it is essential that moulded bearing housings are now a thing the end caps have parallel and circular bores, to the of the past. fatigue performance, while using resins that provide exceptional abrasion resistance. required tolerances, and they hold their shape over time PROKOMPOSITE is not only and under load. lighter than steel, it is also the lightest non-metallic roller on the market for RIGID TUBE FOR BEARING ALIGNMENT By making the PROKOMPOSITE end caps from a heavy duty applications. Many rollers that use tube materials such as PVC or composite, PROK has overcome this common problem Despite its light weight, the HDPE are simply not suitable for medium and heavy with Injection Moulded End Caps. PROKOMPOSITE roller delivers duty applications. RIGID END COVER durability in demanding heavy duty This is because they bend excessively under load, or conveying applications. need a shell so thick that any weight advantage is PROKOMPOSITE Fixed End Covers are designed to In addition, the PROKOMPOSITE negated. prevent distortion in the event of a rock jam between features a new seal package that adds a The PROKOMPOSITE Tube material overcomes this the roller and idler frame. Distortion of this part can fixed end cover for high pressure water and result in contact the End Cap, resulting in elevated Drag rock-jam protection and greatly improved issue. drag performance, while still featuring and Noise. the lip seal and long path labyrinth from BUILD-UP RESISTANT TUBE SURFACES It also ensures clearances between the End Cap and our current seal design. The resin materials used in PROK’s composite roller Cover are maintained at all times, allowing the external Suitable for high speeds and large tube are build-up and abrasion resistant. labyrinth to function as intended, draining contaminants tonnages, the rollers are available in This means the PROKOMPOSITE Roller will provide and washdown water away from the lip seal. 152mm and 178mm diameters, with consistent noise performance, as it is not affected by bearing sizes from 6306 up to 6310. the surface build-up that typically affects low noise LOW DRAG LIP SEAL The advantages of the rollers. PROKOMPOSITE Lip Seal acts on a stainless steel PROKOMPOSITE stem from PROK’s use running face for maximum service life and seal of specifically designed and engineered PRECISION MANUFACTURED TUBE performance. materials, which provide the strength and durability of traditional steel rollers Balance and run-out are key to minimising roller and PROKOMPOSITE is a genuine alternative to steel while delivering the weight benefits of conveyor noise. rollers, where performance and service life are not composite materials. PROK has optimised its tube manufacturing compromised. The PROKOMPOSITE project had some lofty goals – to develop a lightweight, low noise, and low drag roller with a structure that eliminated the risk of belt theoretical design work to be validated and fatigue testing at its Bayswater R&D completely satisfied it had a product that damage in the event of a bearing failure. with test rig trials of shell structures, laboratory, supplemented with third-party met primary criteria. as well as traditional laboratory testing noise and seal performance testing. This included being as strong and This was all while having a shell to verify strength, fatigue and stiffness structure that was rigid enough to ensure Satisfied with the quality of materials durable as its steel rollers, while still performance of the materials. bearing life was maximised, and a shell and performance of the rollers in the providing the weight, noise, and belt that was a no-compromise alternative to With the material design completed, laboratory environment, in early 2018 the protection features of a non-metallic steel shells when it came to durability and the PROK team then moved to develop team embarked on its final step before roller. service life. manufacturing processes that achieve release – the commencement of field trials PROK is a part of NEPEAN Conveyors, Working with a leading European the dimensional tolerances required for on live conveyors. a wholly Australian owned company. university in the composites field, PROK conveyor rollers. To date the PROKOMPOSITE Rollers NEPEAN Conveyors has specialised in the developed composite structures for the In PROK’s experience no supplier, have not had a single failure in the field. design, in-house manufacture, installation tube and end cap assembly, including the except for its partners, can provide the With a long history as a supplier of and service of overland, underground and seal package. tube and end-cap materials required for a quality conveyor components, PROK surface belt conveyor products, systems This lead to the production of prototype roller like the PROKOMPOSITE. was motivated during this program to and bulk materials handling projects for material samples which allowed the In parallel, PROK ran extensive drag not move to the field trials until it was more than 30 years. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW COMPANIES GEARING UP 51 Introducing the ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system

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FOR more than 15 years ROSTA has supplied the mining and quarrying industries with safe, easy, and relatively maintenance free screen drive belt tensioning solutions. The ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER screen drive belt tensioning system is used on single drive belts powering oval stroke vibrating screens, and is proven to reduce running costs and increase productivity when compared to traditional coil spring-based belt tensioners. The inbuilt damping and progressive upper end spring rate characteristics Before and after: the ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system is an easier maintenance free tensioning solution for oval stroke vibrating screen single belt drives. of the ROSTA design compensates for belt stretch, while at the same time belt-tensioning unit. utilises a safety socket to provide maintenance and associated downtime, helping control drive belt stability when This can often be done with little or additional locking force, as well as the ROSTA system provides peace of the vibrating screen passes through no changes to the existing supporting allowing finer adjustment of torsion mind and improved productivity. resonance during shut down. steel work or guards, making installation spring preload for belt tensioning. simpler and quicker. As there is no longer an unguarded Benefits of the EZ-TENSIONER No Coil Springs coil spring pinch points are eliminated, Reduced Maintenance thereby creating a safer working • Eliminates coil spring failure to improve productivity. The ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system environment. draws on ROSTA’s 70 plus years of Compared to standard single drive • Inbuilt safety mechanism eliminates experience with rubber torsion spring belt tensioning systems, the ROSTA Energy Efficiency pinch points and allows for fine technology. EZ-TENSIONER system reduces adjustments. The SE Tensioner is attached to a maintenance downtime. When relying on a single drive belt it is • No more pivot bearings failures or mounting bracket assembly and comes The ROSTA EZ TENSIONER is important to maintain as high a drive regreasing. complete with a pulley axle in readiness maintenance free, eliminating the efficiency as possible in order to reduce • Absorbs belt shock loads for improved to fit a customer’s standard jockey pulley, pivot bearings and associated greasing belt slippage which can increase pulley belt life. however a jockey pulley can be supplied requirements of the standard system. and belt wear rates. • Can be simply retrofitted with as an extra if required. By continuously compensating for existing jockey pulley, or supplied with Gone are the days of unreliable coil Improved Adjustability & Safety drive belt elongation, the ROSTA new. EZ-TENSIONER system reduces belt spring failures and associated costly • Automatic belt stretch compensation. drive belt damage with resultant machine The angular adjustability of the ROSTA slippage and subsequent power draw. downtime. EZ-TENSIONER when compared to • Suits major OEM screening systems. the standard belt tensioning unit also Cost Effective Easy Installation provides improved flexibility in the More information on the ROSTA drive setup to achieve the best efficiency The ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system is EZ-TENSIONER system can be found The ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system possible for this type of single belt drive. competitively priced. by calling (08) 9248 1588 or emailing bolts in place of the standard OEM The ROSTA EZ-TENSIONER system Coupled with the reduced need for [email protected]. The structural steel experts

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HARD BAKKA is a major player in providing steel structures for ore sorting machines for the mining industry, among others. The Hard Bakka team has a combined 30 years of experience in steel fabrication and welding, with its successful journey beginning in the management, fabrication and welding of structures for oil refinery plants, before expanding to executing steel structures for roads and maritime services. Today Hard Bakka is a preferred steel fabricator for mining solutions, Australia-wide. “We specialise in supplying plant structures for sorting machines, complete with stairs, gratings, rails, conveyors and skid frames,” Hard Bakka general More information can be found at: www.hardbakka.com.au. manager Mona Hwalla said. “We also specialise in fabricating ore trouble-free assembly of the complete consideration to our client’s pocket, peace winning the reputation of being reliable.” bins, rock boxes and complete wash screen plant.” of mind, and time,” Ms Hwalla said. Hard Bakka understands the units. The company operates a 1000sqm “From this set of values, we build importance of accuracy and the structure’s “Our services include producing shop workshop in South West Sydney, and lasting relationships. working life in the mining environment. drawings, fabricating, surface finishing, fabricates, delivers and installs with “We maintain consistent Compliance to the steel fabrication deliveries, trial assemblies and onsite safety front of mind. communication on the job to eliminate codes and delivering on time is a priority construction supervision, to ensure a “We approach the project with risks and produce excellent results, without compromise. AUGUST 2018 52 COMPANIES GEARING UP THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Worldwide engineering consultants

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MINERAL Engineering Technical Services (METS) has a reputation for providing quality services to the global mining industry. Its engineering and design capability is based on extensive operational and delivery experience providing services to the resource industry for 30 years. The company takes pride in the success of its clients’ projects through providing practical, functional, cost effective and constructible solutions to complex problems. The independent consulting group has provided national and international clients with a wide range of services, including mineral processing, engineering design, test work management, plant audits, metallurgical accounting and more. METS Engineering includes experienced processing, electrical, mechanical, civil and structural engineers with substantial experience for all stages of a project from front end engineering design, conceptual design, planning, detailed design through to commissioning. With the planned mining of a new ore More information can be found at: www.metsengineering.com. body at the Al Jalamid site, in Saudi Arabia, Ma’aden Phosphate Company required a The engineering specialists were plant utilisation, operability, efficiency of for operations. large and comprehensive test work program involved in front end engineering design beneficiation and providing solutions to METS’ core business is founded on to define the geophysical and metallurgical (FEED) for the Marillana Iron Ore Project overcome these obstacles while ultimately establishing long-term relationships with characteristics of the new ore. in the Pilbara. achieving a final costing before execution. its clients, enabling the company to draw METS was engaged to develop test plans, METS identified areas from the The company used expert knowledge upon historical knowledge of specific project coordinate with the laboratories and report Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) that to develop the efficient mineral processing operations to derive the best possible results with interpretation. had risk associated which impacted route needed to achieve throughput target solution outcomes. Connecting Australia’s mining sector

Image: Brenden Scott.

operational reliability at high elevation with 180, 174, 125 and 100 seat options WA airfields, like those in WA’s Pilbara for customers across both charter routes region. and the nine regular passenger transport THE Qantas Group, as a leading provider Plus, as the aircraft is configured as air routes in WA. of air transport services to the mining and a single-class cabin, it can carry more resources sector, has recently enhanced From greenfields to steady state its capability in WA with Network passengers and is well suited to the operations, the Qantas Group’s broad Aviation adding two Airbus A320 aircraft State’s resource markets. range of air transport solutions is to its Perth-based fleet. The two A320s and 17 F100s are available for the various stages of a The 180-seat jets are now operating operated by Network Aviation alongside mine’s development. flights on resources routes within WA the Qantas Group’s existing Perth-based More information on Network and are available for mining charters. Boeing B737 and B717 aircraft. Aviation’s charter options can be found The Airbus A320 performs well in This mix of fleet types allows the by calling 08 9277 8977 or emailing high temperatures and offers greater Qantas Group to offer flexible capacity [email protected]. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW CORROSION CONTROL 53

THE AUST LIAN MINING REVIEW TRS OR STR

Angloold Ausin Mining Mental ealt Mining in Sout Australia Necrest Ne oe rou Nortern Star Nortares Mine M oldings eaod Energ ilara orts Recruitment Serices Regis Resources

CALL US TO OO O PANT TOA R RNCIS OON AN JanuaryAugust 10th 12th 2018 2018 [email protected] AUGUST 2018 54 EDUCATION & TRAINING THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW EDUCATION & TRAINING 55

Comprehensive online searches for the Mine specific suppliers you need.

Head to www.minesuppliersonline.com.au and start your search now. AUGUST 2018 56 FLEET MANAGEMENT THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Keeping drivers on time NATIONAL

TRACK My Ride is an Australian industry leader in real-time GPS tracking. TMR has been helping Australian businesses increase their fleet productivity, safety and security since starting in 2011. The tracking platform allows customers to instantly locate all their vehicles and view detailed driving history from the convenience of a PC, laptop, iPad or smart phone on a specially designed app (available for both Apple and Android). Track My Ride is 100 per cent Australian owned, designed and supported and their friendly team are always happy to assist customers. The company is constantly adding new features and improvements to TMR, thanks to the feedback from its customers. Customers also benefit from a full range of comprehensive reports, automatic alerts, 24/7 real-time tracking, driver ID system, immobiliser, engine hour recording, motion detector and more. Every TMR GPS tracker includes three months free tracking service and a two year warranty, with affordable service plans available thereafter. Clients can use the coupon code “mining’’ to save 10 per cent on their TMR hardware. More information can be found at: www.trackmyride.com.au or by calling 1300 553 022. Keep up to date with vehicles’ speed, location, and direction with TMR. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW FLEET MANAGEMENT 57 Pitram 4.10 increases

performance More information can be found at: www.micromine.com. across the Pitram solution. handovers and overlap covered by data to have improved significantly, with INTERNATIONAL Some of the key highlights for more than one shift, we introduced this some instances taking only 14 per cent of functionality to ensure accurate capture MICROMINE is pleased to announce the the release include the removal of the original data transfer and processing and reporting of production,” Mr Dean release of Pitram 4.10, which delivers compatibility mode to support modern time. said. major new features and functionality for browsers; a new non-critical faults panel Its software is renowned for its ease of entry and commenting in maintenance Previously, Pitram was supported by users. use yet powerful capabilities. view; improved IIS connectivity and Internet Explorer browser (IE10 and IE Pitram is the market leading fleet major performance improvements to 11) and required the compatibility mode All products are available in numerous management and mine control solution Pitram Mobile. to be turned on. languages and supported by local experts. assisting mining operations to record, manage and process mine site data in The Pitram Restful Integration Enhancements in version 4.10 allow Changes to the MICROMINE products near real-time. Service (PRIS) functionality has been all Pitram modules not using Microsoft address the feedback provided by the extended for personnel and reference Silverlight to be displayed and used in It provides mine managers with an company’s global client base. data elements. other popular browsers, such as Chrome, overall view of the current mine status “We place a lot of emphasis on better Extensive development work has also Edge or Mozilla Firefox. through the acquisition of key mining understanding our clients’ needs and taken place to enhance the shift planner The Pitram development team has data relating to equipment, personnel and their feedback has guided some of the function, which now includes multiple also redesigned and replaced the mobile materials and is suitable for underground changes in Pitram 4.10. The new features and surface mine construction, shift roster functionality. database in Pitram Mobile to improve the and enhancements will provide greater development and production. Earlier versions of Pitram were only overall performance of the application. control for mine managers and assist to “Pitram 4.10 includes a number of able to operate in a single shift roster The improved database will save time increase production, reduce costs and enhancements specifically focused on mode. for users, increase efficiencies and allow improve the decision-making process,” improving stability and performance, In the enhanced version, the shift for a more streamlined user experience. which means users will have more control planner function has been extended to Pitram 4.10 also assists clients with Mr Dean said. over their operations,” Pitram product support multiple shift rosters. stabilising mobile installs, increasing More information on Pitram 4.10 and strategy manager Gareth Dean said. “A major feature of this release is data transfer and improving the overall how it can assist operations, increase Pitram 4.10 includes 35 new major the multiple shift rosters functionality. stability of the mobile platform. productivity, and reduce costs can be features and more than 650 improvements Mining is a 24hr operation with shift Current analysis has shown reference found at the Micromine website. AUGUST 2018 58 HEAVY HAULAGE & LOW LOADERS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MTE trailers get thumbs up

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IN order to compete against long-established heavy haul trailer manufacturers in the Australian market, Modern Transport Engineers (MTE) knows it has to produce trailing equipment that withstands the test of time. MTE director Michael Ratcliffe knows the company is getting things right, because when customers return to place repeat orders, increase their fleet size or capability he regularly hears them say “I couldn’t kill it”, “you can’t break them” and “they don’t let you down”. Mr Ratcliffe said the company had a very clear understanding of the expectations of the heavy haul customer and what they put the equipment through. MTE customer Jody Thompson of Hartley (The Blue Mountains) said she had a three rows of eight (3x8) and that the trailer performed “better than it should have”. “I loved it, so buying another MTE was a no-brainer,” Ms Thompson said. “I have now taken delivery and the finish is first class. “I already know the strength and other virtues of the product and the team at MTE couldn’t have looked after me better.” MTE plans on being a true force in the heavy haul trailer market and believes by offering the right product, at the right price, with the right service it will achieve its goal. More information can be found at: www.modtrans.com.au. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW HEAVY HAULAGE & LOW LOADERS 59 AUGUST 2018 60 HEAVY HAULAGE & LOW LOADERS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW INDUSTRIAL TYRES 61 Not another tyre management article and inspections to the cloud via INTERNATIONAL their smartphone, then sending an automatically produced report on future TYRE Management has been labelled tyre requirements based on hard data. as a luxury in the past, proof of an No hours or days of report writing, or operation’s dedication to a philosophy double data entry here. that, in part, promotes specialists who analyse every millimetre of tread, The results for users is more report every pebble on the roads, and scheduled maintenance booked, fewer spend hours hovering over a laptop early tyre failures and a reinforcement interrogating their tyre management of the bond between dealers and fleet software (TMS) of choice. owners. In decades gone by, this was a rare Both parties had never seen such thing but now it is standard practice in transparent, and relevant information the mining tyre industry. delivered so fast, decisions on servicing But industrial tyres don’t cost $40,000 and stock ordering became clear and each, people aren’t flown into the desert simple. for weeks at a time to work on them, Industrial tyre users and dealers who and rarely do companies have in-house adopt tyre management need results specialists to manage them. fast. So, why would you bother with a Cost per kilometre and scrap data will TMS? It often means spending more always be key for Procurement and Tyre time printing out forms, writing out job Selection, but any TMS on the market details, returning them to the office, and entering it into software. today can report on these things. After all, you’re pretty sure that tyre Valuable tyre management software lasted for 6 or 7 months, right? And just must keep up with the digital world and like that, tyres are banished to the land contribute to more than just the keeping of porta-loos & air filters. statistics to be worthwhile in the KLINGE found that a typical fleet commercial and industrial tyre sectors. Tyre Management is accessible, owner’s focus is on preventing work More information can be found at: www.klinge.com.au. stoppages and fixing them quickly. valuable and simple for these industries Firm handshakes and offhand advice productivity despite the best efforts of Industrial TMS was to work with and using Total Tyre Control® Web. from their tyre dealer doesn’t instil those involved. improve the relationship between tyre KLINGE is the world’s leading tyre confidence like it used to, and is often The key here is communicating dealers and fleet owners by using fast management software company and it’s taken as an opinion rather than facts. actionable information, the stuff that and simple technology. our business to keep our client’s fleets This common misunderstanding matters. The results of this is a tyre fitter efficient, their tyres safer and their own leads to more work stoppages and less The goal for KLINGE with an recording live tyre maintenance customers satisfied. AUGUST 2018 62 LIGHTWEIGHT COMPOSITES THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Light weight material alternatives

More information can be found at: www.dotmar.com.au.

engineering plastics are emerging as discharge rates. INTERNATIONAL and loader buckets – all of which require improved replacement materials for remedies to sliding abrasion and release of These results are achieved through the traditional metal components. sticky bulk materials. extremely low friction surface, outstanding DOTMAR Plastic Solutions is one of Examples include bearings and bushes, Dotmars’ international partner, wear resistance, high impact strength and the largest importers, distributors and filtration, chemical tanks, safety guards, Rochling, has introduced formulation excellent chemical resistance. machinists of thermoplastic stock shapes, rope sheaves, pulleys, and MATROX® – the enhancements and strict metrics to create High performance materials specified polyurethane and conveyor components in industry standard for flow promotion liners. an extremely high quality MATROX® by mine design consultants must meet the Australia and New Zealand. Dotmar and its business partners product for use in many demanding bulk demands of the end users, and MATROX® Dotmar draws on years of in-field distribute and install MATROX® lining solids handling areas. responds by delivering best-case production experience to provide products and services systems, a specially formulated Ultra Mining, minerals and concentrate flow rates at optimum wall angles. to a range of projects, including large High Molecular Weight Polyethylene handling, processing, chemical, filtration, Quality material, coupled with on-shore and off-shore resources projects. (UHMW-PE) extremely low co-efficient and wharf loading all benefit from its liners installed to the manufacturers’ Dotmar assists clients at the design, friction liner. impressive physical properties. recommendations, are important in tendering and installation phases to help MATROX® is specifically designed for MATROX® liners reduce boundary achieving successful flow promotion and bring the project to commercial reality. lining storage and transfer equipment, friction, provides substrate protection, and maximum longevity while improving site Converted to finished parts, advanced hoppers, chutes, bins, dump truck bodies achieve full design capacity and consistent safety, health and environmental targets.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Australian Geoscience Council president Bill Shaw

Turn to Page 70 for the full interview AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW LIGHTWEIGHT COMPOSITES 63 AUGUST 2018 64 MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS & SERVICES THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Nivek to launch new servicing tool

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HOME-GROWN innovation doesn’t get much better than the Nivek Industries’ story. The initial concept for the remote controlled, hydraulic, belly plate jack was one borne out of necessity when Kevin Cant was nearly crushed while removing a belly plate. After the incident, Kevin immersed himself in finding a safer way to remove and replace belly plates. After three years of design and experimentation, the first Tracked Elevating Device (TED) was trialled on a local Hunter Valley mine site. Since then, TED has evolved into an essential maintenance tool for mining workshops and field repairs. Boasting 14 attachments currently, with more in the concept phase, TED can be utilised for a multitude of maintenance tasks. Nivek Industries recently won an award for ‘Excellence in Innovation’ Nivek was recently presented with the Singleton Business Chamber ‘Excellence in Innovation Award’ by through the Singleton Business Chamber sponsor Peabody. and will be progressing to the next level as a finalist of The Hunter Business Awards, “It sits high on the hierarchy of controls With an international mining giant announced in August. as an engineering solution, taking already onboard trialling Nivek’s new tool, Its products are now seen across a large employees out of the line of fire by removing all parties are incredibly excited about the range of resources projects in Australia, them from the hazard,” Mr Scheepers said. potential safety and efficiency gains it will with Peabody’s Wambo coal mine in NSW bring to a myriad of maintenance operations. “Every site needs a TED!” as one example. Updates on the progress of this exciting Wambo coal mine general manager Nivek’s next TED attachment, due for innovation can be found on Nivek’s Facebook Albert Scheepers said TED was solving the release in September, will also be a game (@TrackedElevatingDevice) and Instagram real issues in safety. changer in mining maintenance. (@nivekindustries) pages. AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS & SERVICES 65 AUGUST 2018 66 MINERAL PROCESSING THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW MINE VENTILATION 67

Leading mine ventilation services

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BBE is a global mine ventilation and refrigeration consultancy with a staff of more than 100. Established more than 25 years ago, the company is considered a leading independent professional service provider for mine ventilation, and has a global footprint with offices in Australia, Canada and South Africa, and projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. BBE’s Australian business unit was incorporated in 2013 and has rapidly grown to a team of 10 professionals and support staff. Fully backed by the global BBE Group, the company is ideally positioned to support projects through the entire project life cycle, from concept studies to detail design and implementation support. “Our team has been supporting both hard rock and coal clients with ventilation and heat modelling, equipment selection and specification, fans and refrigeration system design as well as performance assessments,” BBE Consulting (Australasia) principal ventilation engineer Leon van den Berg said. “We have also been involved with several ventilation-on-demand technology studies.” More information can be found at: www.bbegroup.com.au. AUGUST 2018 68 REFUGE CHAMBERS THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW Partnering to create solutions

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BOST Group believes its success comes from attention to detail. The company’s business vision revolves around fulfilling customers’ needs and exceeding expectations. Partner networking, product quality, environmental awareness and safety are its key priorities. Bost Group was approached by leading Turkish distribution company, Pena Maden, to assist in the design, manufacture and commissioning of multiple underground refuge chambers. There was a unique requirement to get large capacity chambers through exceptionally small declines but Bost Group jumped at the opportunity to work with another customer focussed business. While Bost Group has designed and built many underground refuge chambers for the Australian market over several years, this was the company’s first segmented chamber project, and its first in Turkey. Keen to fulfil ongoing commitment to customers through product quality, Bost engineers met with all parties A recent refuge chamber installed in Turkey. to understand requirements and expectations before setting out to deliver delivered a state-of-the-art product refuge chamber market and welcomes the fundamentally be a safe and user friendly a certified, user- friendly product. customised to the customers’ requirements responsibility in helping to raise industry product that’s built to standards no matter After months of mechanical and were in accordance with new legislative standards across the globe. where in the world your mining operation requirements. electrical designing, obtaining CE “We are excited about the improvements is,” he said. certification, incorporating remote Group Sales Manager Darren Newman we have in the pipeline, however we remain access monitoring, then testing and stated that the company is enthusiastic vigilant about adding unnecessary costs More information can be found at: commissioning, Bost Group’s team about entering into the international and over complications to what should www.bostgroup.com.au.

THE AUST LIAN MINING REVIEW RFES FR SEEMBER

CNC Machining Conveyors & Belting Cranes & Lifting E ective Tailings Management Gas Detection Hose Reels Laptops, Phones and Tablets Polyurethane Products Remote Power & Lighting Sca olding Services Tele-Conferencing Transportable Buildings Vending Machines Water in Mining Workshop Safety

CALL US TO OO O PANT TOA BRA FRACS (08) 6314 0303 0405 345 312 OON AN DecemberAugust 10th 1st 2018 2017 [email protected] AUGUST 2018 THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW REFUGE CHAMBERS 69 AUGUST 2018 70 IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE AUSTLIAN MINING REVIEW

AUSTRALIAN GEOSCIENCE COUNCIL PRESIDENT BILL SHAW More than 2000 geoscientists will meet this October for the inaugural Australian Geoscience Council Convention in Adelaide. Elizabeth Fabri spoke with Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) president Dr Bill Shaw about the upcoming event, and how the industry can work together to “smooth out” the booms and busts in Australian mining.

“Without tipping the possible outcome too much, geoscientists can ride out the ‘busts’ by building and playing to their key strengths.”

Q. AGC will soon launch its first to more general discussions, workshops society engaging with the earth in the The early hype around AI and Big Australian Geoscience Council and field trips, evening functions, a focus most effective and efficient way. It will Data is now settling down, but robotics Convention. What prompted you to start on early career geoscientists, emphasis make them more effective and better and remote control systems will provide the event? on diversity, a large GeoEXPO for utilised. safe work for many people for many exhibitors, opportunities for sponsors to years to come as the mining industry get their message out, a special afternoon Q. What opportunities do you see in modernises. The Australian Geoscience Council for secondary school science teachers, Australian mining from a geological A manufacturing approach to organised the very successful 34th a three-minute presentation challenge, perspective? commodty production is developing International Geological Congress which an active social media network, many in large iron, copper and coal mining was held in Brisbane in 2012. meetings and forums, and much more. The UNCOVER initiative has been big companies. This event heralded the value This is likely to be the biggest news for nearly five years and many other and importance of getting as many This will trickle down into medium Geoscience event in Australasia since countries are starting to develop similar geoscientists together as possible, to size companies as the support industries 2012 and is planned to be held every four programs to maximise the effectiveness of share our technical knowledge and work mature and start to provide their services years. looking and drilling under cover. experiences. to the smaller players. We have to create a viable funding model By having a large critical mass Q. You’ve mentioned ‘smoothing to maximise the value of our lead in this field One of the big drivers is when there all engaging at once we identified out the booms and busts in Australian before our intellectual capital is eroded or is a change from cost minimisation to opportunities to actively work together mining’ will be a central discussion point hijacked. production optimisation (that is, getting on common issues. at AGCC 2018. The big achievement so far is getting the grade up instead of the unit costs We also generated sufficient revenue everyone talking and working together on a down). to be able to make that vision into common framework. We need Government reality. While the AGC has been around This is a challenge that many people and industry to actively push this initiative since the 1980s, the excitement that initially consider is intractable. Q. What career prospects are opening harder. was generated in Brisbane gave us the Of course Australia cannot control up in geoscience? Many geologists One thing I have learnt in a long impetus to work much more strongly the global metal markets, and in a struggled during the downturn. Is there geoscience career is that you cannot predict together. democratic economic system it is not enough work out there? the next boom commodities. The AGC is made up of eight member conceivable that we would. But we know that there are large organisations, many of which are familiar However that does not mean we cannot areas of Australia still unexplored and The message that I have developed here is to resource professionals in mining and enhance and optimise the way we are uncharacterised. There will be more ‘gold that geoscience is for everyone. That means energy, and which all have specialities: impacted by these external commodity rushes’. We need a framework to support the career opportunities are limitless. AIG (geoscientists), AusIMM (mining), cycles. Geoscientists specialise in dealing explorers, developers, landowners and other ASEG (geophysics), AAG (geochemistry), with large, complex, ‘fuzzy’ problems. Geologists make great scientists, stakeholders. AGIA (data), GSA (geology), IHA This is the science that deals with ‘deep explorers, innovators, software (hydrogeology), and PESA (oil and gas). time’ (from now back to the origins of the We need open communication about programmers, report writers, data The AGC’s role is to promote and raise Earth 4.6 billion years ago), huge scale issues that impact on all Australians. guardians, communicators, historians, and the profile of geoscience. differences (from crystalline processes to The increasing price of energy is an journalists. Our convention in Adelaide, AGCC plate tectonics), and physical extremes example of short-sighted thinking, when Yes, they are also mostly pretty good 2018, 14-18 October, is the next step (high temperature, and/or high pressure, there are safe technologies that could be people as well, so they are of value in many carefully pursued. for us in developing a broad acceptance to aquatic and atmospheric conditions). roles. of the importance of geoscience to our Bringing 2000 geoscientists together Q. What emerging technologies are The more geoscientists we have in society community. to consider hard problems will certainly the better off we will be. This event is running during provide new insights and approaches. you excited about? Earth Science Week and is open to all Without tipping the possible outcome Thinking of geoscientists as miners, stakeholders in our society. too much, geoscientists can ride out the Australian miners are among the most or technicians who log drill holes is Of course we want to see as many ‘busts’ by building and playing to their innovative in the world. Time and again self-defeating, for them and for society. geoscientists as possible come along, but key strengths. we have developed software packages We can use hyperspectral scanners to there is much that is non-technical as More geos engaged in our education, that break new boundaries, and we do the logging. We need geoscientists for well. social and political systems will increase effectively spread our influence rapidly thinking, interpreting and decision-making, There will be a Big Issues Day devoted the chance of our multicultural pluralist everywhere that our professionals go. on mine sites and in many other situations.