AM.JAN11.PG001.pdf
Page
1
7/12/10,
9:02
AM
SERVING THE MINING INDUSTRY SINCE 1908
VOLUME 103/1 – JANUARY 2011
www.miningaustralia.com.au
NO.1 FOR MINING TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT
Australians Overseas
International mining Who, what and where
P.8
Mine Safety
A brighter future
Mining smarter Keeping you safe on site
P.12
Product Directory Print Post Approved PP255003/00535
Mining looks to a better year in 2011
2011 Product Directory issue
Latest and greatest A round up of 2010
P.18
UNM12187_AustMining.pdf
Page
1
3/12/10,
10:01
AM
If what you do depends on Lime, talk to us.
Mining operations depend on Lime. Which is why industry leaders get their Lime from Sibelco. Because while we might’ve changed our name from Unimin, we haven’t changed the quality of lime you’ve come to expect from us. Whether it’s Quicklime, Hydrated Lime or one of many other limestone products you may require, Limil is a brand synonymous with quality. Choose Limil from one of the seven Sibelco plants around Australia and you can look forward to 135 years of Lime manufacturing expertise, the security of long-term supplies and a level of quality and consistency that our ISO9001:2008 Quality Program delivers. To find out more about Limil, Sibelco and our industry-leading products, visit www.sibelco.com.au
UNM12187
AM.JAN11.PG003.pdf
Page
3
7/12/10,
9:08
AM
COMMENT
Mining Australian
Copyright Reed Business Information Published 12 issues a year by Reed Business Information (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia Tel: (02) 9422 2999 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 Editor – Cole Latimer Tel: (02) 9422 2352 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Journalist – Jessica Burke Tel: (02) 9422 2909 Email: ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Account Manager – Sarah Bateman Tel: (02) 9422 8994 Mob: 0408 991 585 Email: sarah.bateman@reedbusiness.com.au Account Manager – Tim Richards Tel: (02) 9422 2818 Mob: 0407 948 774 Email: tim.richards@reedbusiness.com.au WA Representative – Jamie Wade Mob: 0435 945 868 Email: jamie@wadebusiness.com.au QLD and SA Sales Manager – Sharon Amos Tel: (07) 3261 8857 Fax: (07) 3261 8347 Mob: 0417 072 625 Email: sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au New Business – Alex Evans Tel: (02) 9422 2890 Email: alex.evans@reedbusiness.com.au RBI Manufacturing & Electronics Group: Associate Publisher – Michelle Graves Email: michelle.graves@reedbusiness.com.au Graphic Designer – Dave Ashley Production Co-ordinator – Mary Copland Tel: (02) 9422 2738 Fax: (02) 9422 2966 South Africa – Bob Stephen Stephen Marketing PO Box 75, Tarlton, Gauteng 1749, South Africa Tel: 27(011) 952 1721 Fax: 27(011) 952 1607 USA – Jonathan Sismey RBI 24th Floor, 125 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (1) 212 370 7445 Fax: (1) 212 370 7441 Email: jsismey@ix.netcom.com Larry Arthur RBI Suite 203, 3700 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel: (1) 949 756 1057 Fax: (1) 949 756 2514 Email: lharthur@ix.netcom.com Printed by GEON 20 Baker Street, Banksmeadow, NSW 2019 Tel: (02) 8333 6555
All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. SSN 0004-976X Reader Services – 1300 360 126 Subscription Rates – Australia (surface mail) $140.00 (incl GST) New Zealand A$148.00 Overseas A$156.00
Average Net Distribution Period ending Sep ’10 8,009
www.miningaustralia.com.au
New year, same problems While this year is a chance to start anew, we mustn’t forget those we left behind.
J
anuary is a crossroads. It’s a point where we look back at what has happened and what we’ve achieved the previous year while looking forward to what the new one may bring. Looking back at 2010, it will be seen as a year marked by tragedy and trials, in particular the mining taxes, the Sundance Resources plane accident in the middle of the year, and the Pike River disaster which happened as the year came to a close. The catastrophe at the New Zealand coal mine really seemed to come out of nowhere. However, speaking to a number of sources in New Zealand, they all gave the similar impression that this mine was under the gun from the get go, saying that “there was always an air of ambition about the mine.” Running underneath the Paparoa Ranges, some of which lies inside national park lands, it was originally slated to be an open cut mine. Predictably it saw some serious protests against there being an open cut mine in national parkland; was part of the focus for one of New Zealand’s largest protest marches in history, and eventually became an underground mine instead. As work progressed on the mine, it was noted that it was a particularly gassy coal mine, but worked continued.
Comment Cole Latimer ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Though when disaster finally struck on that black Friday, the mining industry on both sides of the Tasman were caught by surprise. Tragically, 29 miners were still inside when the initial blast occurred. As rescue teams attempted to get a handle on the situation and enter a very dangerous mine to get to those men, the situation continued to deteriorate underground. The mine soon filled with gases again and three more explosions followed as the weeks continued.
Underground mine rescue experts swamped the site with the latest technology and have worked tirelessly to extract those miners quickly, but in situations such as those you just can’t enter the mine. There was a short space of time to re-enter the mine which was missed, and sending in more people would have only increased injuries, a lesson learned from the handling of the Moura coal mine disaster where secondary explosions soon followed the first. This was a fact that seemed to escape some of the Aus-
tralian media at the Pike River coal mine. It seemed as if some on site didn’t fully grasp that firstly – underground mining is a dangerous job, and secondly – that underground mine rescue is even more so, instead aggravating the situation. This was a tragedy that may have been avoided, and one that will have long lasting and serious outcomes for the underground coal mining industry in New Zealand. With a total ban on all underground coal mining on the cards, how these changes may effect us across the Tasman can’t be predicted yet. All we can do is look to the future, remember those who we unfortunately lost last year, and hope that this year brings better news than the last has.
IN THIS ISSUE IN this January edition of Australian Mining, we feature the traditional product directory section, which looks as some of the best and innovative products released last year. It also covers a wide swathe of specialty products and applications, ranging from large mine vehicles and drill rigs through to minerals processing equipment and tiny electrical switches and sensors. We’ve also taken the time to look at Australians who are currently mining overseas, the challenges they face in their daily operations, how it differs from working in Australia, and how they are creating new frontiers in mining. Australian Mining would also like to offer its condolences to the families and communities that were affected by the Pike River tragedy.
AustralianMining
January 2011
3
AM.JAN11.PG004.pdf
Page
4
13/12/10,
12:11
PM
Contents The West Coast’s Darkest Hour
January 2011 issue
Across the Arafura
Mining without safety standards An insight into the Pike River tragedy
Features AUSTRALIANS MINING OVERSEAS From West Coast to West Coast Africa’s new gold rush .......................... p8 Across the Arafura Mining in PNG’s highlands ................ p10 SAFETY Ingenuity puts safety first in WA Approaching safety in new ways ........ p12 The West Coast’s Darkest Hour An insight into the Pike River tragedy ........................................................... p14-15
4 January 2011
AustralianMining
Mining without safety standards How the other half mines ............... p16-17 PRODUCT DIRECTORY A round up of 2010’s products from a range of applications ....................... p18-29
Regulars INDUSTRY COMMENT .......................... p6 JOBS ..................................................... p30 EVENTS ................................................. p31
How the other half mines
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMWIRAUG_10.pdf
Page
1
7/7/10,
2:24
PM
SURFACE MINING AND CRUSHING – TECHNOLOGY AND RELIABILITY
Wirtgen Surface Mining: • World leader in surface mining technology • Ove r 30 years of experience • Range of materials: coal, gypsum, salt, limestone, bauxite, granite, iron ore • New 4200 SM: annual mining capacity of 12 million t in soft rock (e.g. coal)
Kleemann Crushing: • Combining process knowledge, technology, high quality and product support • Wide range of crushing and screening equipment for quarrying and recycling • Range of materials: limestone, standstone, shale, granite, basalt, diorite, concrete, asphalt, building rubble
ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES
WIRTGEN AUSTRALIA 2-12 Sommerville Circuit · Emu Plains NSW 2750 PO Box 21 Penrith NSW 2751 · Tel.: +61 2 4735 2699
The market-leading brands Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm and Kleemann offer strong technologies for road construction and for the mining and processing of mineral raw materials. Wirtgen Australia provides best-in-class, professional consulting and customer services. Clear philosophy, clear benefits for you. www.wirtgen-aust.com.au
Queensland Yatala, Brisbane / Gold Coast Tel.: 07 3382 7593
Victoria & Tasmania Knoxfield, Melbourne Tel.: 03-9800 5268
Western Australia & South Australia Wangara, Perth Tel.: 08 9309 9666
New Zealand Wellington Tel.: 64 2744 26555
AM.JAN11.PG006.pdf
Page
6
14/12/10,
10:06
AM
INDUSTRY COMMENT
Mining industry challenges In this edition, we have featured an extract of the speech that NSW Minerals Council CEO Nikki Williams gave as the keynote speaker at the recent Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
O
ver the last year, our industry has faced an onslaught of challenges. Not only are we fire-fighting on the economic, environmental, political, societal and legal fronts, we’re fire-fighting them all at once. The RSPT, the CPRS, uncertainty created by the Queensland Government’s draft strategic cropping lands legislation, a Supreme Court decision that nearly shut down the exploration industry here in New South Wales, blockades, protests, dust and health impacts – to list a few. In October the NSW industry was subjected to calls for a complete moratorium on mining by the NSW Farmers Association and over the last few months more than a dozen local councils have voted (often unanimously) to oppose mining within their LGA. As nonsensical as we think such calls might be, I can tell you there are those in political office, government agencies and newsrooms – not to mention members of the public – who think this is a great idea. We’re seeing tensions in NSW over competing land use spark in Queensland and WA. And, as if this weren’t enough, these issues are morphing and interacting with each other in unpredictable ways, in an environment of extreme political uncertainty and global economic turmoil. I think we have to ask ourselves how it came to this. How did such a great industry, with its proud traditions, commit-
NSW Minerals Council chief executive Dr. Nikki Williams.
ment to excellence, world leading innovations, which employs probably the most talented people in the country and which invests so heavily not just in its operations but in the social and physical infrastructure of the communities where it operates, often end up being likened to a toxic curse on our nation? Ironically, I think the answer lies in our practical engineering focus; in our long held belief that if you kept your head down it wouldn’t get shot off; that developing a public “narrative” about what we do and what we contribute was some kind of mamby pamby waste of time and money best left to retailers. However, I’m pleased to say that all over the country, miners are now asking what we need to do much better than we have, and how we can better communicate our value, our relevance and our indispensability.
Mining is under fire.
6 January 2011
AustralianMining
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG007.pdf
Page
7
7/12/10,
12:08
PM
HEADLINES
The latest mining news and safety Australian Mining presents the latest news and safety affecting you from the boardroom to the mine and everywhere in between. Visit www.miningaustralia.com.au to keep up to date with what is happening. Vale announces partnership with UQ Mining giant Vale has announced a five year, $2.5 million partnership with the University of Queensland. The partnership will see the development of geosciences education and training programs. Vale’s global coal managing director Decio Amaral said “this five year partnership has reinforced Vale’s commitment to expanding its operations in Australia, the organic growth of its three existing mines, and the opening of new mines. “This investment in training and education will enable us to start developing our existing – and future employees – now.”
DMP announces key safety reforms A new lead auditor training program and in-principle agreement to implement principle hazard treatment have been announced by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP).
The changes are the latest safety reforms in the industry, and DMP Acting Director General Tim Griffin says they are important in ensuring mining is safe and effective. “These are some important milestones and demonstrate the department’s commitment to safety reforms within the Western Australian resources sector,” the DMP Acting Director General Dr Tim Griffin said. “The goal is to ensure the Resources Safety Division has the appropriate capacity, competency and legislative framework to regulate an expanding mining industry well into the future.”
Voluntary green code formed in WA A voluntary code of environmental practice for mineral exploration has been developed for local mining in Western Australia. The code was created by the Australian Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to
issues that we want companies to adhere to and complement those that are also obviously on their exploration licences,” says AMEC’s Simon Bennison. “Some of them are obviously about communication with other land use owners or stakeholders in the context of access, it's also making sure that land disturbance and so forth is kept to an absolute minimum,” he said.
Memorial for Pike River miners Australian Mining gets the latest news every day, providing mining professionals with the up to the minute information on safety, news and technology for the Australian mining and resources industry. help mineral explorers adhere to environmental obligations. “These are key environmental
A memorial was held for the 29 miners killed in the Pike River Coal disaster. Estimates on the number of people expected to attend the service held at the Omato Racecourse, which looks out over the Paparoa Range where the mine is located, have ranged from 7 000 to 20 000. The 29 miners were individually honoured, by a table for each man decorated with a photograph, a miners hat and lamp, as well as
personal mementoes from the families.
Wikileaks highlights WA’s importance to US In the wake of the Wikileaks diplomatic cables release, nickel and manganese reserves in Western Australia have been shown to be of higher importance to the US than Australian military installations. Ordered by Washington DC in February 2009, the cables indentified vital infrastructure and resources “whose loss could critically impact the public health, economic security, and/or national and homeland security of the United States”. It outlined the importance of the manganese for constructing batteries, and of its hand in Australia’s metallurgical high grade nickel mines. According to The West, the US Geological Survey had found the ore mined within the Pilbara is some of the best quality mineral in the world.
With over 70 years experience you can trust our sales, service and spares. Kerrick Industries has been supplying the Australian and New Zealand markets with quality products for over 70 years, we have offices nation wide so you can be assured that when you buy a Kerrick product you’re not just buying the product but also our commitment to spare parts and service. During the long life of your Kerrick product you can always be sure that we are just a phone call away.
1300 537 742 | sales@kerrick.com.au www.kerrick.com.au Sydney 98 Carnarvon Street, Silverwater, 2128 (02) 9737 9797 Melbourne 20 Egan Road Dandenong, 3175 (03) 9769 2577 Brisbane 126 Robinson Road, Geebung, 4034 (07) 3865 2551 Perth Unit 2 - 91 Leach Highway, Kewdale, 6105 (08) 9353 5288 Adelaide Sales (08) 8340 8060
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AustralianMining
January 2011
7
AM.JAN11.PG008.pdf
Page
8
14/12/10,
10:21
AM
AUSTRALIAN MINING OVERSEAS
From West coast to West coast The West Africa gold boom is seeing Australians mining and exploring in droves. Australians have a reputation for working hard and well overseas, whether it behind the bar in London or at the head of a media empire in New York. They are recognised for going the distance and adapting to harsh environments. And it is no different for the mining industry. Adamus Resources, an Australian gold miner working in Ghana, is helping to change the country while uncovering gold deposits. Like all companies mining overseas the real challenge is “the tyranny of distance and time issues,” although Adamus’ chief executive Mark Connelly told Australian Mining that this is not the only problem that has to be surmounted when miners are working so far away from home. Operating in Africa throws up a whole raft of challenges that would not normally be faced in Australia. In particular there are the issues of safety and the environment, and interacting with a very different culture. However, the fact that English is the official language in Ghana has made things much easier than operating in other African nations. In facing challenges, Adamus has taken a very stringent environmental approach, especially in the way in which it structures its EIS. According to Connelly, the Ghanaian Government was so impressed with Adamus’ EIS that it has now been adopted as their template. It has also taken very unique approaches to the way in which it liaises with the locals near its Nzema gold project, which is located on the southern end of the Ashanti Gold Belt. The company found that part of its prospect ran under a small existing village. Realising that while the mine had a potential life of 25 years, the villagers were going to be there much longer; 8 January 2011
AustralianMining
Adamus’ Nzema gold project has a predicted mine life of up to 25 years. Inset: Workers carrying out the village reconstruction.
so the miner has planned and carried out schemes which will provide a long term benefit for those people who would be most affected by the construction of the mine. Firstly, it did this by reconstructing the village less than one kilometre from its current position, building it using much longer lasting materials such as hydrofoam bricks, and constructing new civic buildings such as schools. It also implemented running water and sewerage facilities as well as communications infrastructure. The miner is currently looking at accelerating settlement of the new village. Another of Adamus’ main focuses was the training and education of the local villagers. Through building “facilities similar to TAFE colleges, we have provided training to over 150 youths in professions such as carpentry, welding and other trades, from which we have seen a tangible benefit,” Connelly told Australian Mining. Adamus also employs a number of locals on its projects “as the mine is the only employer within the region.” The miner has also taken a very consultative approach; maintaining an open grievance consultation book. Health and safety, both on and off site, has also been the impetus behind a number
Adamus employs a high number of local Ghanaians at its mining sites.
of initiatives for Adamus Resources. Stating that it has “very strict safety standards,” he went on to say that the miner has had to “adapt Australian safety standards” to create a safer and more productive work place. “We’ve only had about two lost time injuries,” Connelly said. Operating in Ghana itself is a fairly straight forward task and is exciting as it is a new frontier in mining, he explained. With a fairly low sovereign risk factor and mining accounting for 40% of the nation’s GDP, as well as its
position as the generator of 5% of the world’s total gold production, gold mining is always welcome in Ghana. “The Government here fully endorses what we are doing in Ghana,” Connelly said, adding that the company has been there since 2002. The miner has a number of projects; however the main one is the Nzema Gold project which is located nearly 300 kilometres west of the nation’s capital - Accra. It consists of a number of tenements covering approximately 665 km2. The mine has a projected minimum mine life of 10 years with the possibility of an addi-
tional 10 to 15 years. Nzema has a sulphide mineralisation running over nine kilometres. It is aiming at production rates of 100 000 ounces per year in oxides at grades of 2.2g/T for the life of the mine. The mine has access to the nearby port of Takoradi via 80 kilometres of sealed roads, and is also in close proximity to the country’s mining schools at Tarkwa. It put a SAG mill in place in September 2010, with a plant capacity of 1.6 to 2.1 million tonnes per annum. Adamus is targeting its initial gold pour during the first quarter of 2011. www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMBARDEC_10.pdf
Page
1 25/11/10,
9:29
AM
AM.JAN11.PG010.pdf
Page
10
7/12/10,
9:22
AM
AUSTRALIAN MINING OVERSEAS
Across the Arafura Papua New Guinea may be a short flight from Australia, but the conditions are literally a world away.
W
hen people think of Papua New Guinea, their first thoughts rarely turn to mining. However, mineral wise, this moutainous nation is a literal gold mine. But as many Australians know, the country is not the most hospitable one around, geographically speaking. With sharp mountains ranges reaching high into the air, running down the island’s spine and separating the country in half, Papua New Guinea is a hard, rough country in which to work. But Goldminex Resources is one Australian company that is thriving in this foreign environment. Speaking to Goldminex’s chief executive officer, Alexander ‘Sandy’ Moyle, he told Australian Mining that the company has found some interesting prospects as well as some interesting challenges. Currently exploring within PNG for a number of prospects in copper and gold, Moyle said that one of the main aspects the company has focused on is enforcing Australian safety standards and work practices at its projects. Working in Papua is not like working in Australia. Moyle said that while it is “generally easy to deal with the local PNG culture, we have specifically crafted operational policies and procedures for working there, as you have to be reasonably flexible when dealing with the nearby locals. “It’s like working in Australia, you have a structured work culture, but things don’t always go strictly to plan.” What helps is having a good team assembled which is a key factor in really making headway on foreign projects, in particular hiring geologists and logistics support, Moyle said. When working in a place such as Papua, culture is not the problem – getting to your projects are. 10 January 2011
AustralianMining
Goldminex drilling at Berefana. The company often operates in mountainous conditions.
Goldminex’s main project, Limau, has approximately 15km2 of gold anomaly and is located in the heart of the Owen Stanley ranges. According to Moyle, preliminary drilling has uncovered grades of 28.1g/tonne of gold at 13 metres, and 18% copper at a depth of 24 metres, “which is very encouraging.” Despite all this, “the remoteness of the site is an issue, with it taking some time to get in and out, and we often have to use helicopters as it’s difficult to drive to the sites,” Moyle explained. However, the company does not foresee this to be an issue as the projects progress. One thing that is does see as a serious issue is its interaction with the local communities and onsite OH&S, which like many Australian mining companies operating overseas, is of high importance. Moyle told Australian Mining that “the issue of OH&S and interacting with the locals is particularly serious. “We keep a medic on site to deal with injuries or disease, and also provide medical health to the local communities and spend a fair bit of time liais-
ing with villages, and while we aren’t a hospital, we do provide this assistance and teach them disease awareness,” he said. This disease awareness program is of increased importance as reports are coming from Papua New Guinea of a new cholera outbreak, which at the time of print has already left more than 100 dead. While these measures are ones that mining companies operating in Australia do not have to face, it has not dissuaded operations there as attention has been turning to Papua New Guinea as one of the new relatively untapped frontiers of mining. In the last year it has seen a boom in gold exploration, with a number of mining applications lodged by some of the majors, such as Newcrest who uncovered a new copper gold deposit and BHP who has reentered the nation. “I think people are really recognising just how highly prospective this country is now,” Moyle told Australian Mining. The country has also become more attractive as it has risen on the list of the
nations with a low sovereign risk for mining. Between 2009 and 2010, Papua New Guinea progressed up the list from 49th to 34th,
while at the same time Australia fell dramatically from 18th to 31st due to the threat of the mining tax, putting the two close to parity. The reason for this drop was due to the mining taxes. While Goldminex is currently focusing on Liamu, it is also working on a number of other prospects. These include the Awari project in PNG’s Highlands where the area has shown porfrey copper gold mineralisation. Limited diamond drilling has shown approximately 11.4g/t of gold at a depth of 7.7 metres. It has also lodged two new exploration applications, and is looking at a total exploration area of 13 000 km2, of which 5000 km2 has already been granted. • Goldminex 03 9663 3534 enquiries@goldminex.com.au www.goldminex.com.au
Goldminex employs five PNG locals for every one of its staff. www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMBRADNOV_10.pdf
Page
1
18/10/10,
9:28
AM
Our Innovation. Your Advantage.
No matter where in the world you mine, you can rely on Bradken Crawler Systems From Design, Manufacture and Sales Support through to Refurbishment and Product Monitoring, Bradken is with you 100% of the way.
bradken.com BRK0048
AM.JAN11.PG012.pdf
Page
12
9/12/10,
1:01
PM
SAFETY
INGENUITY puts safety first in WA A shared commitment to tackle and solve tough problems using industry-led solutions spawned a swathe of innovations in the West in 2010 making WA a safer and smarter state of mining. Jamie Wade writes for Australian Mining.
F
rom concerted approaches to conveyor-related duties to the development of a method that protects switching operators, innovation has flourished among engineering contractors and mining companies. Australian construction and contract mining company Macmahon Holdings Limited was one such company singled out for praise by peers. Winning the Systems Award for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) of Western Australia’s 2010 Safety and Health Innovation Awards, Macmahon Holdings caught the judges’ attention for its approach to safety improvement through its Conveyor Safe Work System.
The Macmahon fixed plant team at Orebody 18/Wheelara iron ore mine joined engineers to develop a program to identify and develop safer ways of conducting routine tasks with the operation and maintenance of conveyor-related duties. Four work areas were identified for improvement: water spray cleaning; water hose storage; drum bearing replacement; and safety on the conveyor belt platform. Working at height risks in cleaning water sprays above the conveyor belt were eliminated by supporting the spray structure on a pivot raised pneumatically to swing over the conveyor service walkway below. A portable solar powered communications trailer with a walking platform as well as a pneumatically operated telescopic mast.
Hose storage stations were installed at 20 metre intervals along the walkway to prevent employees tripping over hose reels. The replacement of conveyor head and tail drum bearings was improved with the introduction of a monorail to load heavy machinery in a tightly restricted area. Safety at the conveyor was improved with the installation of a platform at belt level, accessed by steps with handrails and a lockable gate. Personnel at BHP Nickel West were also singled out for praise for a mobile communications structure which eliminates the dangers of working at heights at the miner’s Mount Keith operations. Mining communications require near-line-of-site into the pit to be effective. As pits expand, power, communications huts and towers need to be relocated. These moves are not only time consuming and costly, they also create significant safety hazards particularly during power pole, building and equipment relocation. The solution: a portable solar powered communications trailer with a working platform and a pneumatic 12 January 2011
AustralianMining
telescopic mast. The trailer houses 1.7 tonnes of battery, allowing a maximum of 32 solar panels to be connected to four independent power banks. Batteries and racks are mounted on slide-out trays for safe and easy access during maintenance. This innovation solved multiple problems and set functional and safety standards well beyond current practices. The device has eliminated the need for mast climbers, prevented communication hardware outages and is easier to maintain. Trailers are easily transferable between pits and other mines and can be used in areas with poor access to power. The industry also recognised electrical maintainers at Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Paraburdoo for developing an idea to improve safety at enclosed kiosk substations when a market solution could not be found. Previously, the task required a switching operator to wear full 40 Cal Arc flash clothing and rely on a back-up person in an emergency. Using the hierarchy of controls, the Paraburdoo innovators engineered a method to isolate the operator from the hazard using enclosed RMUs. www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMHITJAN_11.pdf
Page
2
13/12/10,
11:52
AM
ANY JOB. ANY SIZE.
ANYWHERE.
HITACHI H ITACHI RIGID DUMP TRUCKS ARE THE SOLUTION. OLUTION N. WHATEVER THE JOB, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia has you covered. Our range of Hitachi rigid dump trucks are delivering exceptional productivity to all of our customers in Australia and beyond. Talk to us today to find out why Hitachi is your best reliable solutions partner.
HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
www.hcma.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG014.pdf
Page
14
8/12/10,
9:18
AM
SAFETY
The West Coast’s Darkest Hour Australian Mining delves into the causes of and aftershocks from the Pike River tragedy. Jessica Burke reports.
T
he explosion at the Pike River mine on New Zealand South Island which trapped 29 workers underground was another in a long line of recent similar mining disasters. In September, the world waited with baited breath, and even got sidetracked in the scandalous private lives of 33 miners trapped in the San Jose mine in Chile. They were met with celebration and relief as they were winched to safety after more than two months trapped underground. Closer to home, the Beaconsfield miners were also rescued amid media fanfare and jubilation. For many watching the events of the Pike River disaster unfold, it was assumed a similar situation would present itself once again, and the 29 men would march out victorious and heroic from their underground bunker. Instead, the harrowing announcement of a second explosion inside the mine ruled out the chance of any survivors. The families of the workers were so shocked that many of them fell to the floor during a private meeting at the mine site, after expecting to hear good news of progress made by the robots sent into the site, that the men had been found alive, or at the very least, there were signs of life. Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn broke down as he left the briefing saying this disaster was “the west coast’s darkest hour.” Beverly Raphael, from the University of Western Sydney – School of Medicine, heads a specialist research unit dealing with mental health issues during and following disasters such as this. She told Australian Mining the prolonged tragedy in the Pike River Coal mine disaster is the most difficult for the families to deal with, as they rebuild new hope only to have it continuously thwarted. 14 January 2011
AustralianMining
The materials used to seal the mine and allow rescue caught fire themselves on 30 November, creating more problems on site.
She says that the unhappiness and anger many family members felt is normal and expected when dealing with their anguish. “Anger is a part of grief, particularly with sudden and unexpected death. They are asking why it was their loved one who had to die.” During the touchy days after the initial explosion, many spoke to media outlets, saying they could not understand why more was not being done or why rescue teams had not yet entered the mine. For many people on the ground level desperately upset and anxious about those trapped kilometres below, it seemed nothing was happening and their friends and family had been abandoned. A couple of Australian journalists even went so far as to question the involvement of the police chief in the rescue efforts and compared the situation to 9/11, proclaiming that emergency services in that situation did not let the fire stop them from attempting rescues.
Luckily, these people were not in charge of the rescue efforts. Those who were weighed up the risks and assessed of previous mine explosions. They thought of situations like the Moura disaster in Queensland, when a second explosion ripped through a mine two days after the initial blast, even more powerful than the first.
Fortunately, like Pike River, no further unnecessary life was lost at in Moura, as rescue crews had not entered the mine prematurely. But what seemed like a lack of response for families at the site was actually the result of careful planning and consideration from world experts on mining explosions and safety procedures.
Toxicity remained high at the mine entrances, preventing ingress.
Many said they should have headed down the mine to rescue the 29 men straight away, because according to mining folklore, the moments after an explosion are the safest to enter. But the mine has continued to blow, with the total number of confirmed explosions at five, as well as a fires burning inside the mine and another on the materials used to seal the opening. Continued activity at the mine is placing the possibility of ever being able to enter it and rescue the bodies in doubt and Professor Raphael says this will further impact the grieving families. “Not being able to see the body of a deceased loved one is terribly hard, because in their hearts they’ll keep wondering. We did research after the Granville disaster and found it is a crucial part for people in how they recognise the death and loss and get some closure. Without that, the families will continue to hope.” The continued explosions www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG015.pdf
Page
15
8/12/10,
9:19
AM
SAFETY
have also delayed the use of the Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (GAG) machinery, with high toxicity levels and unpredictable activity making it too difficult and dangerous for retrieval teams to enter. The GAG engine, sent by the Queensland Mine Rescue Service (QMRS), emits carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour, starving the mine of oxygen and preventing combustion, allowing rescuers to enter the mine once the fire is extinguished. A spokesperson from the QMRS told Australian Mining that the service sent six tonnes of equipment and two full crews of people to operate the engine and assist New Zealand authorities in any way that they can. NSW Mines Rescue General Manager Paul Healey spoke to Australian Mining the day he returned from operations in New Zealand. “I heard the report on the radio just after the first explosion, so I made contact with the New Zealand mine rescue and offered our help. The next morning we had two senior staff on a plane. Since then we’ve had teams flying in and out as needed to assist. We still have one team there reviewing the rescue and assisting with recovery plans.” Despite the best efforts of the various rescue teams and promises of support, for the families and friends of victims, the fact remains that 29 brothers, husbands, fathers and friends were lost simply doing their job. Neville Rockhouse is feeling the effects of the disaster more than anyone else. Neville worked at the mine himself as a safety officer, as did his eldest son, who was one of the two who escaped the initial blast. But his other son, Ben, was trapped underground. Between the news that his son was trapped underground and that of the second blast which killed him five days later, Neville also lost his father, who had a massive heart attack four hours after the initial explosion. Professor Fearne says the small community will grieve together, and it is paramount www.miningaustralia.com.au
The Pike River underground coal mine, located in the Paparoa Ranges, where 29 miners lost their lives.
they receive continued support in their grief process. “After the ‘Honeymoon Period’, as we call it, authorities need to make sure they are not forgetting about this community. “After 10 days the story disappears from the front pages and from the front of people’s minds and they can feel abandoned and find it difficult to access resources they were promised.” The memorial at the Omato Racecourse, which looks out over the Paparoa Range where the mine is located was a tragic reminder of the realities of the Pike River disaster, as 11 000 mourners spilled over the capac-
ity of the grandstand onto the grassed areas, to pay their respects and remember the loss for the small community. Earlier in the week, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced a Royal Commission, the highest level of investigation in the country, saying it is the right action to be taken. “Royal Commissions are reserved for matters of very significant public interest and the Pike River mine tragedy is without question one of those,” Key said. The commission will investigate the cause of the explosion, the cause of the loss of life, the search and rescue
operation, systems at the mine, and rules and regulation of the industry as a whole. “We owe it to the men who died in the mine to find out what happened and why. We must find out all we can so we can make sure this tragedy isn’t repeated,” Key said. As well as a coronial inquiry, the Department of Labour, NZ police and Pike River Coal are all undertaking inquiries. Mining life always comes with a risk attached to it, but this is often forgotten until situations such as these bring it back to the forefront of people’s minds. “The recent events in New
The GAG jet engine, sent by Queensland Mine Rescue Services, is crucial to the recovery process.
Zealand highlight the hazards we confront and are a somber reminder of why the NSW mining industry must never deviate from its goal of ‘zero harm’. Safety is a journey and it is clear that we must never take our eye off the ball,” Deputy CEO of NSW Minerals Council Sue-Ern Tan told Australian Mining. However, the effects for the miners themselves is one few people can understand, according to experts. Some may be so traumatised by the incident, they can no longer return to the mine, and certainly not below ground. Others may continue on with their work, seeming fine to do so. Their grief may hit them when they least expect it, and often in places they didn’t imagine. As for the calls that underground coal mining should be banned in New Zealand, industry experts say it would be pre-emptive to make such an enormous change to a country that depends heavily on coal mining. “There are a number of investigations underway into the Pike River tragedy. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident, but it is important that investigators get to the bottom of what has happened. We must learn from this tragedy and we must never forget it,” Tan said. AustralianMining
January 2011
15
AM.JAN11.PG016.pdf
Page
16
7/12/10,
9:27
AM
SAFETY
Mining without safety standards Mine safety and complying with safety standards is a given in Australian, but this is not always the case in other parts of the world as Alan Johnson reports exclusively for Australian Mining.
W
ith no controls over the buying, selling or usage of dynamite, plus many mine workers drunk on 98% proof alcohol and/or high on chewing coca leaves (cocaine), it is no surprise Bolivia’s Potosi silver mine is one of the most dangerous mines in the world. Even today, on average the South American mine experiences a major accident every day, with at least three of the approximately 12 000 miners killed every month, mainly due to tunnel collapses and/or toxic gases. And with the underground atmosphere polluted by toxic chemicals, most miners succumb to asbestosis or silicosis after working for only 10 years in the mines. Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world by elevation at a nominal 4,090m, with its high altitude present-
ing problems for locals and tourists alike. After the Spanish discovered silver in Cerro Rico (Rich Hill) on the outskirts of the city in 1544, Potosi grew into the largest and most opulent city in the Americas, with a population that exceeds 200 000 people. Today Potosi is a gritty mining town, a mere shadow of its former glory. The miners, all men, still work in appalling conditions, the ceilings are low and the passages are steep and muddy. As temperature varies from below freezing to 45ºC, working conditions have changed little since the mine opened, with most work still performed by hand.
Fuelling mining My guide and translator in the mine, Maria Joaquino, said the miners chew large
Miners are forced to push one tonne carts by hand.
16 January 2011
AustralianMining
Roof supports for the tunnels have often been hastily and poorly erected within the mines.
quantities of coca leaves (as observed by the huge bulge in their cheeks) due to the nature of their work. “Firstly, it helps with working at altitude, secondly because it absorbs some of the airborne toxins, and lastly, it reduces their appetite which is bene-
ficial because miners do not eat for the entire 12 hour shift that they work.” She explained there are no toilets in the mines, and advises visitors to avoid licking their fingers because of the trace elements of asbestos and arsenic found in the mines.
Joaquino went on to say most miners earn around $10 per week, “but slightly more for the dynamiters”. The miners are organised into cooperatives and lease their respective sections of the mine from the government for a fee of 6% of earnings.
Lighting dynamite with cigarettes is apparently a common blasting practice on sites. www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG017.pdf
Page
17
7/12/10,
9:28
AM
SAFETY
The mining companies then simply purchase the refined minerals. The miners, the large majority of which are of indigenous Quechan descent, have to organise their own tools and security devices. As a result safety precautions are essentially limited to hand gloves and hard hats with ineffective battery powered headlamps. There is no lighting or electricity in the mine. However according to local superstition the devil does live there, and to protect them while underground, miners leave gifts of cigarettes, coca leaves, beer and llama blood to small statues of the devil located close to the over 200 mine entrances. With no safety standards to adhere to, mine props are worryingly widely spaced and consist solely of local timbers, many showing obvious signs of age. The ore is loaded, by hand, onto small trucks running on well worn rails (broken in many places) with two men struggling to push the loaded truck – weighing at least a ton – through the narrow unlit tunnel out of the mine, to be wheelbarrowed onto the waiting truck. Hearing, and feeling, dynamite explosions further away from where we huddled in the mine, Joaquino explained that ‘word-of-mouth’ was the only warning when other miners dynamited their area. Soon after the truck pushers warned our area was due ‘soon’ for dynamiting. We quickly exited the mine. It was only when we were safely outside did she explain that ‘only’ five tourists had been killed in the mine, and finished the tour by detonating a stick of dynamite a couple of metres away from us!
More than just silver Previously only silver was extracted from the mountain, but now, all minerals are mined including tin and copper, which has created a very dangerous situation for the mine as most of the mountain itself has been actually extracted. The bulk extraction of ore from the swiss-cheese maze www.miningaustralia.com.au
With a lack of anything that could be described as heavy machinery, mine workers have to load all the trucks labouredly by hand.
of tunnels dug out over 500 years of mining has perilously weakened the mountain. Joaquino said that over 11 years ago, US engineers predicted the whole mine would collapse from overmining in just seven years. “It is just a matter of time before the entire mountain collapses,” she said. However, according to reports the Cerro Rico region is still considered the world's largest silver deposit and is believed to hold 5.5 million metric tons of ore and contains more than 938 130kg of silver. Additionally the ore is said to contain 250 004 tons of zinc and 72 377 tons of tin. The reserves of just one of the veins alone is projected to be over 11 937 569 tons of ore. This translates into more than 208 000 kilos of silver and close to 62 500 tonnes of zinc minerals. The Potosi mine is owned by Comibol, Bolivia's national mining company, and mined in a partnership with Franklin Mining, Bolivia S.A., a subsidiary company of Franklin Mining, Inc. The company says it plans to increase silver production through the introduction of modern mining technology. If this becomes reality, this
could see Bolivia become one of the highest producers of silver in the world. While the working conditions of this mine are shocking by today’s standards, during the period of the New World Spanish Empire they weredescribed as horrendous. At first the Spanish masters used indigenous labourers in the mine, but as they were
dying by the thousands, subjected to brutal working conditions and poisonous mercury vapours used in the mining process, the Spanish governors began importing African slaves to the mines to supplement the native workers. These so-called ‘human mules’ also perished due to Spain’s feverish desire for silver. A life expectancy of less than
one year was reaping a terrible human cost; mercury poisoning, mining accidents, exposure, and lung disease were all contributing factors. Once sent into the mine very few ever saw daylight again. Overall, it is estimated over eight million African and indigenous workers died in the Potosi mines during Spain’s colonial reign.
Chewing on coca leaves is how miners lessen exposure to toxic gases and fuel their work. AustralianMining
January 2011
17
AM.JAN11.PG018.pdf
Page
18
7/12/10,
9:47
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MINE VEHICLES
Underground vehicle filtration systems VEHICLES such as longwall miners produce a high level of diesel particulate matter and can pose a significant health risk underground. To overcome this Bucyrus has released a wet and dry package that lower exhaust emissions. The system cleans and cools exhaust gas before it mixes with mine ventilation air. Removes diesel particulates. Catalytic converters are used to regenerate the exhaust gas and reduce emissions. After going through the converter on the dry system, the exhaust then passes through a water bath which reduces gas temperature and removes particulates from the exhaust. In both systems, the exhaust gas passes through particulate filters and flame trap after the heat exchanger and water bath. After this it is mixed with the discharge air from the cooling system before entering in the mine atmosphere. The entire exhaust system is monitored by the Bucyrus Diesel Control System (DCS), which is an electric shutdown system that prevents the machine from being operated in unsafe conditions such as low water levels, high exhaust system temperatures or back pressure. • Bucyrus Steve Brownsell 02 4914 7000 sbrownsell@bucyrus.com.au www.bucyrus.com
Vehicle simulators IMMERSIVE Technologies has released its next generation of advanced equipment simulators, the PRO3 for surface mining and the UG360 for underground mining. Designed to simulate surface mining equipment and available in transportable and classroom versions, the PRO3 is a follow on from the AES Series 2B. Simulates surface vehicle operations. The UG360 has been designed for the specific needs of the underground mining sector. Advances in the simulators include a seamless 180 degree visual display, as well as an ability to dynamically adjust the perspective and depth perception of the operator, for the PRO3. The UG360 includes a 360 degree visual system with a highly responsive motion platform. Advances across both simulators include increased ambient temperature operating range, occupant comfort and simplified usability and serviceability. Immersive Technologies has exclusive technical alliances with the leading OEMs. These alliances provide Immersive with exclusive access to confidential, technical information that is required to properly simulate the OEM’s machines. The combination of these OEM supported Conversion Kits and the new PRO3 and UG360 simulators provide mines with increased operator safety. An important benefit of the PRO3 is its compatibility with 500+ existing Immersive Conversion Kits (interchangeable machine controls), custom lessons, scenarios and custom mine sites previously developed. This allows AES 2 and AES Series 2B customers to move up to a new PRO3 simulator and not have to replace their existing systems. • Immersive Technologies 08 9347 9000 sales@immersivetechnologies.com www.immersivetechnologies.com
18 January 2011
AustralianMining
Underground coal mining loader SANDVIK Mining and Construction has released the LS151 underground coal mining loader, the first in a new generation of LS Series loaders. The machine is powered by a Tier 2 emissionrated MWM 4.10 TCA turbocharged engine rated at 107 kW, as well as a six tonne payload capacity. According to the company, the loader has 25% more power and 30% more torque than its predecessor, the Eimco 913 LHD, which means it gives greater tractive effort and increased towing power. The operator cabin features a certified The engine also comes with an automated ROPS/FOPS canopy. electronic shutdown system for increased safety. The manufacturer says the ergonomically designed operator cabin has a certified ROPS/FOPS canopy and is mounted forward of the articulation joint for improved visibility and ease of operation. The canopy height can range from 1790 mm to 2150 mm to suit different site requirements, while the dash and console heights have been reduced to improve visibility. • Sandvik Mining and Construction Richard Osborn 02 4985 2780 www.miningandconstruction.sandvik.com
Haul truck trays VR Mining has unveiled a new truck tray for Caterpillar 793 series haul trucks. The VR Steel body is designed to reduce operating costs and increase production by carrying a bigger payload, dumping it faster and using less fuel in the process. Features of the body include a high-wear resistant shell with integral wear provision, a unique ridge back, an ultra-strong top rail and open I-beam bolstering. These contribute to increased tyre life, a lower Increases production payload. centre of gravity for increased stability, and reduced maintenance. “These features also help reduce impacting and promote material flow during dumping,” VR Mining’s Dave Derman said. “This body is designed to offer the production benefits of a lighter weight body without sacrificing life expectancy and maintainability.” The new truck tray is the latest design in the range that VR Steel has been designing, building and refining over the past three years. • VR Mining 08 9534 4846 daved@vrsteel.com.au www.vrsteel.co.za
Protective structures
Light vehicle roll over protection.
ROPS Australia has unveiled its latest Roll-Over Protective Structures for mine safety. Highlights from its designed include the company’s electric-over hydraulically operated hinged design. ROPS for light vehicles used in mining applications will be another feature of the company’s focus. The mining industry is the main market for these ROPS which are fitted to trucks to offer crush protection to the operator in the event of the vehicle rolling over. An Australian-owned and operated company, ROPS Australia specialises in ROPS and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) for operator protection in the event of roll overs or falling objects. • ROPS Australia 08 9583 3944 info@ropsaustralia.com.au www.ropsaustralia.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG019.pdf
Page
19
7/12/10,
9:52
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: DRILL & BLAST
Drill hoses
Exploration drill rigs
RYCO has debuted its latest hoses for the mining industry. Released under the brand DRILLER, the hoses have been specifically designed for use on mining drill rigs. The high pressure large bore hose is suitable for air or oil and has the flexibility of half SAE bend radius. More commonly known as Bull Hose, the drill rig hoses are reinforced internally with two braided layers of high tensile steel wire with a robust, flame and abrasion resistant synthetic rubber cover. Available in two sizes – at 2” and with a maximum working pressure of 1300 psi, or at 11/2” with a maximum working pressure of 1450 psi – it has been designed to match with Ryco’s t700 series non-skive couplings. • Ryco 03 9680 8000 www.ryco.com.au
HYDCO International has unleashed its Australian-designed Hydco 1200H exploration drill rig. Described as ideal for WA drilling applications, the Hydco 1200H features powerful RC and coring capabilities. It can core drill to depths of more than 2000 meters and features a mast structure that produces 21.5 tonnes of pullback to provide contactors with high performance levels. Features RC and coring capabilities. The rig was developed to build on the success of the company’s Hydco 1000H drill. Hydco 1000Hs regularly drill to depths between 1000 and 2000 meters and have proven to be strong workhorses. The large, multi-purpose 1200H offers quick changeovers from air applications to coring. • Hydco International 08 9302 2455 ian@hydcointernationalsales.com www.hydcointernational.com
Modular drill rig BOART Longyear has launched the heli-transportable SC11 surface exploration drill rig. The compact and modular drill provides 5456 Nm of torque, can manage PQ size rods, and is targeted at the 1300 to 1500 metre NQ market. The drill rig is able to be broken down into a number of parts and flown into sites where it can be reassembled via quick connect hydraulic couplings, with the heaviest lift being only 680 kg. The SC11 comes with a large diameter, deep hole drilling capacity with a 132 kN pullback rating, and a variable speed motor that provides 5456 Nm at the head of the tri-cone drilling and 1230 rpm speed for diamond drilling. The rod handler is controlled hydraulically and utilises LM rod handling technology as well as proximity sensors to protect the operator from rod drops. • Boart Longyear 08 83758375 info@boartlongyear.com.au www.boartlongyear.com
Drilling rigs and fluids
Has a 132kN pullback.
AIRDRILL has showcased its growing Queensland presence. With the burgeoning coal seam gas drilling markets, Air Drill is well placed to provide the rig, expertise and knowledge for terrestrial-based drilling. Airdrill will also showcase its Schramm Rotadrills and Telemast Drill Rigs; multipurpose Drill Rigs, Exploration Drill Rigs, Grade Control Drill Rigs, Blast Hole Drill Rigs, Rotary Heads and Clutches; Matex Drilling fluids; Diaspan Spanners; and Atlas Copco (Hurricane) boosters. • Airdrill Nathan Horton 08 9334 5900 nathan.horton@airdrill.com.au www.airdrill.com.au
Diamond coring bits
Drilling software REFLEX has released the GMIT 5 software which controls gyro survey instruments. The software is updated from Reflex’s MeasureIT software, and provides greater control as well as full three dimensional displays. It allows operators to analyse post survey data in tabular and graphical formats, and view multiple borehole paths in 3D co-ordinates. This means operators no longer have to switch between plan and section views, as the 3D graphics allow them to easily analyse the drill hole from all direction and afterwards plot any of the available parameters after surveys on the drill site. The GMIT 5 software has faster processing speed than previous incarnations and also has improved diagnostic functions, which alert operators to survey errors by providing an error number and a brief description of it. The software allows the Reflex Gryo and High Temperature Gyro Smart Instruments to be used for a variety of drilling applications, including underground conventional, horizontal and drop tool. The software runs on field computers and controls the survey instruments via Bluetooth. The instruments themselves engage with orthogonally mounted digital MEMS-gyros and mounted accelerometers that sample and record data at a rate of more than 7000 samples per minute. www.miningaustralia.com.au
GMIT 5 guides the operator through the survey process from set up and tool connection to presurvey alignment, azimuth input, carrying out the survey, post survey alignment and the downloading of raw data. After survey completion, the data is transferred to a field computer for processing. Azimuths for each survey station is calculated based on the gyro data, and angular rates integrated according to time. The timing of the station marks is synchronized with the timing of the recorded gyro data, and the change of azimuth stations is calculated. For near inclined boreholes a known azimuth value can be entered, however for near vertical boreholes the software guides the operator through a procedure where the tool face of the gyro instruments are directed in a known azimuth direction using a sight (either optical of GPS compass) that is attached to the instrument. The software displays the azimuth and dip for each survey station, the borehole coordinates and a number of other parameters including deviations from the intended borehole path; gravity field; dog leg severity; and tool rotation. • Imdex Limited Kelvin Brown 08 9445 4020 kelvin.brown@imdexlimited.com www.imdexlimited.com
BOART Longyear has upgraded its Stage diamond coring bits. The new bits include upgrades to the Stage3 waterways, Stage bits with a 16 millimetre crown and an optional face-discharge feature. With crown heights of more than 25 millimetres, the new bits provide better penetration rates, longer active drilling in the hole and fewer rod trip outs. The design features an expansion of the window which improves productivity, revised Ready to cut from the box. window layout and Boart’s Razorcut face design which the company claims provides the driller with a ready to cut bit straight from the box. These window upgrades includes window with rounded corners for greater durability and increased resistance to damage caused by debris in fractured ground conditions. The Stage windows are now positioned to rotate in the opposite direction of the rod’s rotation, creating more surface material which increased the strength of the crown. The windows also feature an inward twin taper design to increase wear resistance and creates more material on the window’s inner diameter which increases material strength. In addition, the tapered windows cause high fluid velocity in the inner diameter, resulting in better flushing of fluids, cuttings and debris. The 16 millimetre model also includes the upgraded technology for more options when drilling at shallower target depths. • Boart Longyear 08 8375 8375 info@boartlongyear.com.au www.boartlongyear.com AustralianMining
January 2011
19
AM.JAN11.PG020.pdf
Page
20
7/12/10,
9:53
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: PUMPS, PIPES, VALVES AND COMPRESSORS
Dewatering pumps POLYURETHANE Processors (PUP) has launched its latest mine dewatering pump. The Betterpump 8H is an 8kW 1000-volt pump designed to give an outstanding service life. Refinements include: oil housings with stainless-steel centres for better sealing and longer life; premium-grade, abrasion-resistant polyurethane linings featuring the company’s specialised bonding technique that eliminates bond failure; chrome-iron (27%) impellers hardened to a minimum 650 brinel; thicker outer and stator casings for extra strength; quality components such as mechanical seals, C3 bearings and terminal blocks; stainless-steel strainer, studs,
nuts, lifting lug; cable entry machined from high-grade aluminium for strength and anodised to reduce corrosion. Rotors and stators for the 8H are produced overseas to PUP’s specifications, while other components are cast locally and machine-finished at the company’s CNC-equipped workshop with all blasting, lining, finishing and assembly undertaken at PUP’s Maddington factory. • Polyurethane Processors (PUP) 08 9459 3355 pup@bigpond.net.au www.polyurethaneprocessors.com.au
Corrosion resistant.
High flow pump AUSTRALIAN Pump Industries have released the GMP B4XRA SS high flow mining pump. Made from cast 316 grade stainless steel, the 10 cm pump provides flows of up to 2800 L per minute with heads up to 32 m. Maintenance is reduced because of the corrosion resistance of the high grade steel. The pump is able to draught contaminated water from tailings dams or waste pits with a vertical lift of six metres. The pump is coupled with a heavy duty 23 HP Hatz diesel engine which provides high torque. Alternatively, the pump can be powered by hydraulic power pack for mobile applications. • Australian Pump Industries Helen Mahoney 02 9894 4144 www.aussiepumps.com.au
Corrosion free pipes FUSION Plastics has highlighted its plastic piping and fluid control systems for corrosion free water and gas management. According to the company, its fluid control systems and piping replaces traditional piping and storage systems and can be used for the conveyance and storage of varied liquids from drinking water to hazardous chemicals, which place a high demand on piping in terms of safety and maintenance. “By implementing a total plastics solution you no longer have any issues with corrosion, meaning less maintenance and costs,” Fusion’s managing director Ben Karel said. “Additionally as plastic is also a lighter material and contamination free, it offers clean, inert material for the safe transfer of liquids and gases.” Fusion offers solutions from plastics engineering through to fabrication and piping systems. It currently has branches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. • Fusion Plastics Ben Karel 08 9494 1004 info@fusionaus.com www.fusionaus.com
Water contamination is unable to occur.
Integrated Plastic Piping Solutions Safer. Corrosive Free. Cost Effective. Less Maintenance. + Plastic Fabrication + Piping Systems + Plastic Tanks + Supply & Installation + National Project Management
20 January 2011
AustralianMining
Fusion provides totally integrated solutions in plastics engineering, piping systems and services. Fusion offers the unique combination of capabilities to fabricate, supply, install and project manage the delivery of complete plastic piping systems and pipelines, nationally. When safety is paramount, Fusion’s plastic piping systems provide safer alternatives for the conveyance of varied liquids and gas from drinking water to hazardous chemicals.
Perth 08 9494 1004 Brisbane 07 3216 6580 Melbourne 03 8601 1192 info@fusionaus.com fusionaus.com
Fusion Online Store fusionaus.com
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMSCHOCT_10.pdf
Page
1
16/09/10,
2:22
PM
REDA
ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SYSTEMS
*Mark of Schlumberger. Measurable Impact is a mark of Schlumberger. © 2010 Schlumberger. 10-AL-0066
High-Pressure Pumps for Mining Reliable Operational Performance
Maximize Uptime with REDA High-Pressure Pumps REDA* electric submersible pumps offer efficient mine dewatering and can be customized as required. REDA ESPs have been running continuously for more than 4 years in two mines in Queensland, Australia—reducing downtime and operator costs. Engineered for best-in-class reliability, Schlumberger REDA high-pressure submersible bore pumps and underground booster pumps provide a single lift to the surface.
www.slb.com/espmining
Global Expertise | Innovative Technology | Measurable Impact
AM.JAN11.PG022.pdf
Page
22
7/12/10,
9:56
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MAINTENANCE & MONITORING
Remote multimeters
Can scan flat plates and pipes.
Weld scanner RUSSELL Fraser Sales have launched Phoenix Inspection System’s Magman MkIII Circumferential and Longitudinal Weld Inspection Scanner. The compact Magman MkIII can be used for phased array, TOFD, and pulse echo inspections. Capable of carrying up to 12 ultrasonic probes, the Magman can scan flat plate welds as well as inspect pipes down to 1.5" outside diameter (circumferential) and 9" outside diameter (longitudinal). It can be used with any multi-channel flaw detection system and can be supplied with a guide chain and laser guide for accurate positioning. The scanner is self supporting on the work piece and comes with independent suspension on all four magnetic wheels. • Russell Fraser Sales 02 9545 4433 rfs@rfsales.com.au www.rfsales.com.au
Maintenance software MAINTENANCE Systems Solutions has showcased its expertise in software installation, maintenance and training. Maintenance Systems Solutions specialises in advising about, installing and providing on/offsite support for SAP software, as well as training people how to use it. While its main focus is on SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enterprise asset management (EAM), reliability engineering and training, Maintenance Systems Solutions also offers development with other maintenance packages. • Maintenance Systems 03 6428 7171 d.bridger@msspltd.com.au www.msspltd.com.au
Industrial borescopes RUSSELL Fraser Sales has unleashed its range of industrial borescopes. They are designed for improving visual inspection in hard to reach or darkened work areas, such as pipes. The range has a number of different borescopes, from the entry level EZ Scope to the advanced Ace Vision model with an articulating head. The borescopes feature probe diameters of more than 4millimetres; semi rigid or flexible cables that have lengths of between 1 to 30 metres; a two way Has an articulated head. articulating viewing head (in the case of the Ace Vision scope); wireless connectivity (for the Panrico Wi-Fi); a video and still image capture capability as well as the ability to upload these images to a PC. • Russell Fraser Sales 02 9545 4433 rfs@rfsales.com.au www.rfsales.com.au
22 January 2011
AustralianMining
FLUKE Australia has shone a spotlight on a new multimeter with a removable display for flexibility in unusual measurement scenarios. Named the Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter, it described as Fluke’s most advanced and capable distance measurement device, the 421D uses laser technology and is regarded as more accurate and dependable than devices using ultrasonic technology. The new meter features audible feedback for taking room angle and incremental measurements, a ±45° tilt sensor for taking indirect measurements The removable display can be viewed up to 10 metres away from a measurement point, meaning no more juggling of leads when taking measurements in hard-to-reach places where machines or panels are physically separated from a limit or isolator switch. • Fluke Australia Mirna Maroun 02 8850 3333 mirna.maroun@fluke.com www.fluke.com.au
Completely waterproof.
Real time particulate monitoring ECOTECH has released a real time particulate monitoring module for use with its range of particulate samplers. The real-time particulate module is combined with a high volume air sampler providing both instantaneous measurements of PM10 or PM2.5, along with compliance data collected by the sampler. The HighVol 3000 high volume air sampler is approved as a Reference Method for PM10 sampling and can also be fitted with a PM2.5 inlet. Combining it with a Real Time Particulate Module enables near real time measurement of ambient PM concentrations to be measured and logged by the sampler. Measurements made by the real time monitor can be logged as 1, 5, 10, 15 or 30 minute averages. The Real Time Module conditions air samples for RH then passes them through a forward light scatter laser nephelometer engine where the particulate mass is measured. A purge system protects the optics from excessive exposure to dust particles. The mass signal is continuously scaled to an analog voltage output which represents the real-time particulate concentration. The sampler can be fitted with a modem for remote downloading of data such as particulate concentration, flow, wind speed and direction. • Ecotech 03 9730 7819 www.ecotech.com
Pressure sensors BESTECH Australia has released the AST4000 industrial grade pressure sensors for a range of liquid and gas applications. With a one-piece stainless steel sensing element, the sensor can be used in rugged environments requiring a high cycle life and media compatibility. The sensor features a wide operating temperature range, has no oil, welds or internal O-rings and can withstand pressures up to 10 000 psi. It is designed for use in applications like water management, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) equipment. The pressure sensor’s accuracy is below ±0.5% and has an environmental protection rating of IP-66. The analogue outputs include four to 20 mA, one to five and one to six volts DC, zero to 50 mV and 0.5 to 4.5 ratiometric. The AST4000 is offered with a variety of threads, pressure ranges, outputs and electrical connections in order to make system integration seamless. • Bestech Australia 03 9584 1133 sales@bestech.com.au www.bestech.com.au
The units are rated to IP-66.
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AD_AMSANDJAN_11.pdf
Page
1
14/12/10,
9:52
AM
AM.JAN11.PG024.pdf
Page
24
7/12/10,
9:58
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MATERIALS HANDLING
Bulk conveyors FLEXICON has released bulk conveyors with tilt down portable bases for easy manoeuvering and removal of the flexible screw. Featuring a castor mounted frame, the conveyor is able to have the hopper, support boom and conveyor assembly tilted down, allowing the unit to fit through standard doorways and orients the conveyor tube horizontally which allows the screw to be removed for inspection and cleaning. All conveying units are tailor made for each application. The hopper, which features a hinged lid, feeds a flexible screw conveyor for transporting bulk materials from sub micron powders to rocks. The enclosed conveyor tube prevents product contamination and separation of blends. A broad range of specialized screws is available to handle free- and non-freeflowing bulk materials, including products that pack, cake, smear, seize, plug or fluidise. The frame is constructed from carbon steel with a durable coating. • Flexicon 1300 353942 sales@flexicon.com.au www.flexicon.com.au
24 January 2011
AustralianMining
Anti stick conveyor belts CONTITECH has released the more troughable anti stick ContiClean A-H conveyor belt. Specially designed to handle ultra sticky material such as desulphurised gypsum, unfired clay, titanium dioxide and wet ash, the belt can be troughed to a high extent even in cold temperatures. The A-H anti stick conveyor belt is antistatic and is also oil and grease resistant. Caked on material can be removed beyond the materials discharge point by a scraper tailored to the belt, meaning conventional hard metal scrapers are no longer a necessity. The narrow belt widths feature better troughing and running performance due to optimised rubber compounds used in its production. Due to this the belt conveyor can now operate at temperatures as low as -25 degrees celsius. The belt suffers minimal wear and tear, with the belt surface resistant to ageing and weathering. • ContiTech Eric Whiteley 02 8901 0553 patcaminer@aol.com www.contitech.com.au
The belts are antistatic.
Conveyor control software ABB Australia has developed the Mining Conveyor Control Program (MCCP) which is a software package designed for bulk materials handling and conveyor applications. The mining software allows for the setting of conveyor functions and managing of the critical and high speed conveyor communication requirements on multi-motor conveyors. The MCC program provides management of the start/stop controls, acceleration and deceleration, mechanical brake control, alarm processing, as well as the setting of
speed limits and torque limits. The software can become the speed regulator or master control for an entire conveyor system. The communication cycle time is less than five milliseconds. • ABB Australia Richard Dodd 07 3713 9049 richard.dodd@au.abb.com www.abbaustralia.com.au
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG025.pdf
Page
25
7/12/10,
9:59
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MINERALS PROCESSING
Tertiary grinding mills
Mill relining RUSSELL Mineral Equipment has unveiled its mineral grinding and mill relining products range. RME’s products, collectively referred to as the RME Mill Relining System, make the maintenance of grinding mills safer and more efficient by delivering significant reductions in relining downtime. The company offers mill relining technology for small mills (into which a man can enter) through to the world’s largest mills. RME has supplied its products and services to more than 160 mine sites in most world mining markets including Oceania, Africa, South America, North America, Asia and Europe.
RME’s Mill Relining System products and services include: Russell mill relining machines; Russell and Millmast liner handlers; Thunderbolt recoilless hammers; O-zone worn liner lifting tools; Russell feed chute technologies; inching drives; and service and support for commissioning, training, maintenance and spare parts. • Russell Mineral Equipment 07 4698 9100 rme@rmeaus.com www.rmeaus.com
Gyratory crushers METSO has released its re-designed 60-110E primary gyratory crusher. The new primary crusher features a reconfigured Spider, one piece bottomshell as well as a new rim liner retention system. The crusher also includes a 20% reduction in weight but with no reduction in capacity, an increase from 514 rpm up to 600 rpm, the option of being retrofitable (with nominal modifications) and reduced installation and transportation costs. The Spider now features an arched opening to reduce material bridging. New arm shields and Spider cap provide improved protection to the Spider. The new topshell is designed to eliminate vertical rib stress risers while at the same time utilizing horizontal bands to protect against concentrated loads. A high strength banded construction provides easier operation, and the removal of vertical ribs further decreased stresses. The primary crusher’s new rim liner retention system utilizes bars and clips welded in place, which connects the spider rim liners together, allowing for easy installation. • Metso Minerals Toby Cocks 08 9420 5592 toby.cocks@metso.com www.metso.com
www.miningaustralia.com.au
Features a single piece bottomshell.
THE first 3000 HP (2240 kW) Vertimill®, known as the VTM-3000-WB, is destined for Newcrest Mining Ltd’s Cadia Valley Operations, where it will be operated in a tertiary grinding role. The Metso VTM has been proven to grind more efficiently than ball mills with feeds as coarse as 6 mm to products finer than 20 microns. It has become the industry standard in concentrate regrind application, but has been slow to be adopted for large scale coarser applications. The hesitation to advance VTMs in primary and secondary grinding is largely because more VTMs are needed to perform the same task as a single large ball mill. The new VTM-3000-WB, however, reduces the number of units required. According to Leigh Cox, general manager of Newcrest’s Cadia Projects, additional grinding ultimately means improved recovery. “The VTM-3000-WB allows our high grade plant to operate at a higher throughput rate, or attain finer grind.” In addition to the process advantages of the Vertimill, the project also had space limitations, so the small footprint of a single VTM made it the ideal solution. The VTM was delivered mid-March 2010 and will be commissioned by the end of June. Installation support and process commissioning services are included. Newcrest is Australia’s largest gold producer and one of the world’s top 10 gold mining companies by production, reserves and market capitalization. The company has five operating mines in Australia, one in Indonesia, and one in Papua, New Guinea. • Metso Minerals 08 9420 5592 www.metso.com
AustralianMining
January 2011
25
AM.JAN11.PG026.pdf
Page
26
7/12/10,
10:20
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MAPPING, SURVEYING & MINE DESIGN
Laser scanning software
Mine planning software
TOPCON Positioning Systems (TPS) has released the ScanMaster 2.0 software, which it says is faster and more powerful than previous versions. The software is designed to work with Topcon’s recently released GLS-1500 laser scanner. According to the company, the scan master 2.0 has features such as lag-free visualisations, automatic edge and region extraction, volume computation, automatic noise filtering and automatic CAD extraction. The software is available as a free viewer module that enables instrument control, visualisation and data mark-up. The GLS-1500 scanner sends out a laser beam that captures data at 30,000 points per second at a range of 150m for The software is typical surfaces and an extended range designed to work with of 330m for more reflective surfaces. the GLS-1500 laser The unit has the mechanical ability to scanner. select from multiple lens arrays to control the laser beam. The company said this provides consistent four millimetre accuracy throughout the range from one to 150 m. • Topcon Positioning Systems 1800 867 266 info@topconpositioning.com.au www.topconpositioning.com.au
MINEMAX has unveiled its new collaborative planning software. Minemax Tempo is the first application with the capability to handle mine planning across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons, without needing expensive customised integration between applications. The software is designed for medium to large mining operations where a team of people have responsibility for different aspects of planning, and where poor mine plan compliance can cause massive economic losses. A key feature of Tempo software is its The collaborative software allows for short to long term plans. capability for multiple users to collaborate. This allows planners, managers and executives to easily interact, share schedules and make coordinated responses to schedule changes. Strategic schedules can be created and then refined down through a mine’s planning hierarchy, into practical operational schedules that align with the strategic plan. In this way, an operational plan that meets short-term targets can be derived from the long-term plan, and compliance easily measured. Users instantly know the impact their operational planning and tactical responses will have on the mine’s long-term value. • Minemax 08 9226 3288 www.minemax.com
Imaging spectrograph ADEPT Electronic Solutions is distributing the new highresolution hyperspectral imaging spectrograph from Specim, the V10M ImSpector. The unit’s resolution allows it to be used on aerial and ground vehicles for a variety of geological imaging and surveying applications in the mining industry. The unit can also be used for process and quality control applications and remote sensing tasks. According to the company, the spectrograph makes use of the most advanced and sensitive detector technology
available to guarantee an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The device provides negligible sub-pixel distortions with an excellent 1300 pixels spatial resolution and with an uncompromised imaging speed of 100 frames-persecond. • Adept Electroinic Solutions 02 9979 2599 adept@adept.net.au www.adept.net.au
Long range scanner
The mapping system can acquire data even in inclement weather.
Laser mapping system TOPCON Positioning Systems (TPS) has announced the IP-S2 HD Mapping System, a vehicle-mounted surveying and mapping system featuring a high-definition LIDAR scanner from Velodyne Lidar. The mapping system incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, including high-precision GNSS receivers, an inertial measurement unit, vehicle wheel encoder, 360° digital cameras and the HDL-64E S2.2 LiDAR scanner, the company said. The LIDAR sensor is designed to allow vehicle operators to acquire very dense point clouds while travelling at posted speed limits even in inclement weather. The senor scans more than 1.3 million points per second with 64 lasers. The mapping system can acquire a complete dataset with only a single crewmember in single vehicle. • Topcon Positioning Systems 1800 867 266 info@topconpositioning.com.au www.topconpositioning.com.au
26 January 2011
AustralianMining
MAPTEK has debuted its brand new I-Site 8800 laser scanner. Built for long range survey, the first I-Site 8800 was recently dispatched from Maptek’s Adelaide production facility to the Boddington bauxite mine south east of Perth. Maptek has designed the I-Site 8800 to be robust and reliable, improve efficiency and boost productivity. Benefits of the system are far-reaching, including range, accuracy, speed and battery life. From just one set-up point, the I-Site 8800 can acquire more than 1.3 million fully surveyed points in five minutes, with scan data instantly available. For example, in just 90 minutes the I-Site 8800 scanned a 2000m by 1500m pit and waste dump from 14 set-ups. Can acquire more than 1.3 million fully surveyed Maptek will also use GME to showcase its Vulcan mine points in 5 minutes. planning and modelling software, including improvements planned for the next release, Vulcan 8.1. Vulcan 8.1 will include new functionality for optimising stopes, scheduler options including a short-term planner and open pit grade-control tools to generate accurate and reliable results. Maptek has also released other products including: MineSuite – a production monitoring and reporting system which has been shown to be effective for increasing payload volumes and improving loading techniques for underground haulage operations; and I-Site Studio – 3D imaging software designed to improve efficiency, productivity and workflow. • Maptek Jane Ball 08 8338 9222 jane.ball@maptek.com www.maptek.com www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG027.pdf
Page
27
7/12/10,
10:25
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: MOTORS & DRIVES
Variable speed drives SCHLUMBERGER has released a next generation low voltage drive.The Schlumberger Speedstar 519 SWD variable speed drive is fitted with a phase shifting auto transformer and an integral output sine wave drive (SWD) technology for operating submersible and surface pumps. The drives are IEEE 519-1992 compliant, and virtually eliminate harmonic distortion reflected back Eliminates drive harmonics. to the power system. The drive also features a third party IP-56 enclosure that meets high standards for water and dust ingress in rough conditions, making it suitable for operation during ambient temperatures of 50º Celcius. • Schlumberger Australia 08 9420 4800 als.apg@slb.com www.slb.com
Energy savings for drives WEG Australia has released upgraded versions of its CFW09 and CFW11 variable speed drives, which include Optimal Flux Technology to remove cooling issues in motors. Optimal Flux Technology can eliminates the need for forced cooling in motors with speeds as low as 5Hz, even for constant torque loads with full motor torque demand. According to the company, this means the variable speed drives can be used with the full range of W21 or W22 series motors. WEG says the technology can provide cost and energy The technology can provide savings by removing the need for a cooling fan and the cost and energy savings in power and control systems needed to run it. Motor motor drive combinations. longevity is also extended by carefully regulating the time between pulses of the IGBTs, which therefore reduce the voltage impulses at motor terminals. This combination of motor and drive can decrease motor temperature rise is by as much as 11%. Since motor insulation life is doubled by every 10°C decrease in its operating temperature, the new technology can dramatically increase motor life. • WEG Australia 03 9765 4600 info-au@weg.net www.weg.com.au
Hybrid drive system LETOURNEAU Technologies Australia has released the Switched Reluctance (SR) hybrid drive system, which uses a DC bus system attached to the generator. In conventional DC drives, a diesel-driven AC generator supplies power, which is converted back to DC via silicon-controlled rectifiers to drive the wheel motors. The company says when electric motor powered loaders are required to brake; the traction motors become generators, feeding power back to the braking grid to stop the loader. If the braking grid cannot handle the energy generated, any excess would drive back though the generator and ultimately, cut off the machine’s fuel supply. The SR power system can recover and conserve almost 90% of energy generated during braking. • LeTourneau Technologies Australia 07 3902 9000 jchadwick@letouneau-aust.com www.letourneau-inc.com
Can recover and conserve almost 90% of energy generated during braking.
Harmonic filters NHP Electrical Engineering Products has unveied its new range of Schaffner harmonic. The range features both passive and active harmonic filters to help users comply with international standards and local utility codes while reducing the electrical and thermal stress on electrical infrastructures. The Schaffner ECOsine Passive Harmonic Filters represent an economical solution to the challenge of load-applied harmonic mitigation in three-phase power systems. They feature compact dimensions, quick installation and are easily commissioned with a range that covers loads from 4kW to 160kW. The Schaffner ECOsine Active Harmonic Filters feature the latest digital technology and have a response time of less than 300µs which means efficient harmonic mitigation, power factor correction and load balancing is achieved in real time. NHP’s introduction of the Schaffner ECOsine harmonic filters to the Australasian market complements its power quality product offering which includes Power Factor Correction (PFC) systems. Schaffner is an international leader in the fields of electromagnetic compatibility and power quality including harmonic mitigation solutions. It is showcases a wide range of NHP, Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Encompass Partner products including Pico, Micro Logix, SLC and Compact Logix and Control Logix programmable controllers; Powermonitor energy monitoring; and Atlas Safety Interlocks and SmartGuard PLCs. • NHP Electrical Engineering Products 07 4927 2277 dgreen@nhp.com.au www.nhp.com.au
Expanded motor series SEW-Eurodrive has added two- and sixpole versions to its established fourpole DR motor series. According to the company, the new versions will mean motor applications can be matched to the most correct gear ratio. Two-pole motors are ideal for highspeed applications, such as fans or pumps, while six-pole units have a The motor range now comes in two- and sixslower-operating speed and can be used pole versions. instead of multi-stage units. The two-pole motor option is offered in outputs ranging from 0.25 to 9.2 kW and the six-pole motor is available from 0.18 to 5.5 kW. The new two- and six-pole options are available in high efficiency IE2-class DRE and premium efficiency IE3-class DRP motor variants. The manufacturer says these variants are designed to exceed the efficiency requirements of the International Motor Efficiency Standard IEC60034-30 and the current Australian Standard AS1359.5. The units are available with a choice of up to three different brake sizes per motor size and various inverter options. The motors have an in-built encoder, but various incremental and absolute encoders can be added. • SEW-Eurodrive 03 9933 1000 enquiries@sew-eurodrive.com.au www.sew-eurodrive.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au
Spur and bevel gears ROTORK Australia has released upgraded IB – Bevel and IS – Spur gearboxes which are designed to suit aggressive environments. The units include stainless steel fasteners, a stainless steel input shaft, two-pack polyamide epoxy surface coatings and an IP-68 enclosure rating. The company says the units can be buried, submerged, used with aggressive fluids and can handle the high thrust The units can be buried, submerged and required for rising stem applications. The used with aggressive fluids. gearboxes are typically used with Gate, Knife gate, Sluice gates, Penstock and Globe valves. The devices are available in 19 models with various torques, thrusts, ratios and ISO 5211 flange interfaces for easy mounting to a wide range of valves. Rotork says the gearboxes can operate in any position. • Rotork Australia Lee Howard (03) 5338 1566 lee.howard@rotork.com.au www.rotork.com AustralianMining
January 2011
27
AM.JAN11.PG028.pdf
Page
28
7/12/10,
10:26
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: PROCESS CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION
Flow measurement
Automation controllers
HAWK has unveiled a range of products and services in 2010. Hawk has been manufacturing level measurement sensors in Australia for over 20 years. It has highlighted its Sultan – non-contact self cleaning sensor, which is designed for tough environments. The low frequency Sultan transducers create a massive acoustic wave that provides a self cleaning action, preventing build-up, resulting in a maintenance free level sensor. It will also Creates acoustic waves. showcase the Gladiator Microwave switch – for blocked chute protection, and point level switching for presence or absence of most solid and liquid materials. It can be used in any application where microwave energy is aborted by the material being monitored, including replacement of contact switching devices. • Hawk Measurement Scott Bryce 08 9331 5820 scott.bryce@hawk.com.au www.hawk.com.au
ROCKWELL Automation has unveiled its integrated safety, motion, discrete- and drivecontrol Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs). Available in two models, the Can control 8 axes of integrated motion. L43S and L45S, the new PACs has extended capabilities that were previously only possible in the larger ControlLogix platform. Including diagnostics and information capabilities, the GuardLogix PACs reduce shutdowns and prolonged restarts and provide for a single programming environment. The scalable GuardLogix PACs can control up to eight axes of integrated motion over the Serial Real-time Communication System network. The controllers also support the use of the Allen-Bradley CompactBlock Guard I/O modules and Allen Bradley POINT Guard I/O modules on EtherNet/IP, enabling fast system configuration and improved sharing of information. • Rockwell Automation 03 9896 0300 www.rockwellautomation.com.au
Portable vibration meters
Has a digital display.
KINGDOM has released Dytran’s D4190 portable vibration meter. Created for field testing accelerometers and other peak vibration measurements, the D4190 can be used with a hand held shaker for sensor validation. It works by converting vibration signals from a 10 mV/g or 100 mV/g IEPE accelerometer to the peak value of the vibration signals generated by the sensors. Constructed with a built in power supply that provides 2mA of current at +18VDC, it can power the accelerometers and two rotary switches, allowing the user to select a full scale range of 2g, 20g and 50g. The meter is designed with a digital display panel, a bias test switch for verifying operations and an output jack to monitor the output signal of the accelerometer with an oscilloscope or analyser. The D4190 weighs in at just 320 grams. • Kingdom 02 9975 3272 kingdom@a1.com.au www.kingdom.com.au
Flow rate totaliser TRIMEC has released the RT20 Flow Rate Totaliser in a robust metal housing. The company says the unit’s design is based on requests from the mining industry for a rugged construction and a high-visibility readout for continuous operation. The instrument is compatible with most manufacturers’ flowmeters and comes with scaled pulse and high and low flow alarm outputs as standard. The unit has a backlit LCD two-line display which may be read from distances normally associated with field re-fuelling and lubrication applications. According to the manufacturer, the instrument has an aluminium weatherproof housing and can be mounted in a number of ways, including directly to flow meter. • AMS Instrumentation & Calibration 03 9017 8225 sales@ams-ic.com.au www.ams-ic.com.au
Shaft driven speed sensors
Rotary position sensors
SIEMENS Industry Automation Division has released the shaft driven speed sensor Sitrans WS300. With four resolutions of 32, 256, 1000 and 2000 pulses per revolution, the sensor is able to accurately monitor low- to high-speed industrial applications. Weighing in at only 1.2kg, the light Sitrans WS3000 sensor for monitoring conveyor belt Monitors conveyor belt speeds. speeds also prolongs bearing life. Encased in cast aluminium, it is suitable for heavy duty industries and use outdoors. It is also available in stainless steel for harsh applications, and has hazardous dust approvals, making it suited to minerals processing. The Sitrans WS300 can be directly coupled to a rotating tail or bend pulley shaft ensuring accurate belt-travel readout, eliminating problems caused by belt slippage or material build-up. The new sensor monitors belt speed and can be used as an input to an integrator, which calculates flow rate, totalised weight, belt loading and belt speed. Sitrans WS300 can be combined with a Milltronics BW100 or BW500 integrator or Siwarex FTC PLC module, and a Milltronics belt scale for a complete weighing system. • Siemens Australia 131 773 www.siemens.com.au
BESTECH Australia has released Macrosensors RSE 1500 Series rotary position sensors. The contactless, fractional-turn, absolute output rotary position sensors provide an analog voltage output proportional to shaft rotation over a total range of up to 120°. They are designed for measuring the position of quarter turn ball and butter fly valves, flue dampers, weir gates, conveyor check weigher systems, dancer arm tensioners, and other applications involving fractional turn shaft movements. The rotary position sensors are also useful for other limited rotation applications requiring high reliability like pedal position sensing for mobile equipment, or throttle lever position sensing in boats, cranes, and articulating-arm utility service vehicles. This series of sensors use built-in electronics to offer DC input/output configuration. They are available for ranges of 0° to 30°, 60°, 90° and 120° with a true-zero 0-10V DC unipolar output. Normal electrical I/O termination is a 5-pin M-12 connector receptacle. Has a 360° rotation. The sensor is a full 360° rotation device, but the measuring range is marked, with the analog output increasing when the shaft is rotated clockwise in this range. The units exhibit non-linearity of <±0.1% of the full scale output while operating in the compensated temperature range of -20°C to 85°C. It also has a high tolerance for vibration and shock as well. The rotary position sensor itself is enclosed in a 1.5 inch diameter anodized aluminium shell, and has a 0.25 inch stainless steel shaft running in high performance ball bearings. • Bestech 03 9584 1133 www.bestech.com.au
28 January 2011
AustralianMining
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG029.pdf
Page
29
13/12/10,
10:58
AM
PRODUCT DIRECTORY: INDEX
Product Directory Company ABB Australia Adept Electronic Solutions Airdrill AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Aussie Pumps Bestech Australia Boart Longyear Bucyrus
Page 24 26 19 28 20 22, 28 19 18
Company Honeywell Hydco International
23 19
Imdex Limited Immersive Technologies
19 18
Kingdom
28
LeTournea Technologies Aust.
27
Maintenance Systems Maptek Metso Minerals Minemax
22 26 25 26
ContiTech
24
Ecotech
22
Flexicon Fluke Australia Fusion Plastics
24 22 20
NHP Electrical Engineering
Hawk Measurement
28
Polyurethane Processors
www.miningaustralia.com.au
Page
23,27 20
Company
Page
Rockwell Automation 23,28 ROPS Australia 18 Rotork Australia 27 Russell Fraser Sales 22,23 Russell Mineral Equipment 25 Ryco 19 Sandvik Schlumberger Australia SEW Eurodrive Siemens Australia Steel Blue
18 27 27 28 23
Topcon Positioning Systems 26 UniSA
23
VR Mining
18
WEG Australia
27
AustralianMining
January 2011
29
AM.JAN11.PG030.pdf
Page
30
9/12/10,
11:26
AM
MINING JOBS To advertise a new job contact Hussein Azzan at 02 9422 2851
To see the latest jobs available visit www.miningaustralia.com.au, which is updated daily. MECHANICAL ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: WA RESIDENTIAL ROLE. Want to work for a top class operation and be rewarded for your commitment and efforts? Ready for your next move on the way up? Take a look here! The search is on for a suitably skilled and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join this well established residential operation. Providing practical and technical maintenance support and solutions relative to mineral processing. Ideally you will come to us with Bachelor of Engineering or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. A minimum of three years work experience and some in an underground and processing plant environment is required. The rewards you can expect: An excellent package offered to attract a top notch candidate, residential role with relocation assistance provided, very good advancement opportunities. Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SENIOR MINING ENGINEER – ESTIMATIONS Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: This Mining Company is exceeding expectations with a year of expansions and they are poised for further strong growth ahead – they definitely have a footprint in the market. This Senior Mining Engineer/Estimator role is based in Perth and with at least 5 years in the industry, you would by now be well respected in your own right. Use your broad range of technical and communication skills which will enable you to make a valuable contribution to this team. You can be guaranteed that this will be a very interesting, varied, profitable and rewarding role with long term association. We are after a degree qualified Mining Engineer, preferably with a 1st Class ticket, with operational experience with some estimation hands-on knowledge. You need to be motivated with excellent work habits and have the ability to plan forward and prioritise multiple tasks. Communication skills are key to this role as you will required to work with members of various other disciplines. So if you are a high achiever looking to drive your career forward, there is only one thing to do – and that’s send through your resume. Please contact Dianne on 08 9443 0400 or diane@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SENIOR MINE CONSULTANT LOCATION – Melbourne Company – EMS Pty Description: Looking for inspiring and challenging and ongoing projects with a company that will reward you professionally and personally? Then it’s time to join one of the most respected up and coming consultancies around, providing engineering project solutions to a wide range of top clients. Offering a diversity you won’t get elsewhere. This company offers excellent professional advancement opportunities with a very stable go ahead company, plus a friendly enthusiastic team. An added bonus is a great package! If you have a good team ethos and are looking to join a dedicated, top performer with an exceptional company culture, this is for you! Please contact Dianne on 08 9443 0400 or diane@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au
30 January 2011
AustralianMining
TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: Your future starts NOW! This is a genuine opportunity to reap the financial rewards your extensive experience and management skill will afford you. The ins and outs of the role. Your technical career development will already have taken you from preparing annual exploration plans, supervising technical team members, budgeting, cost estimation modelling, developing business plans in support of continuous improvement initiatives. This position will give you exposure to diverse aspects of the business, thus positioning you for future growth – giving you an idea the role covers: This is a forward thinking team that loves all the challenges thrown at them ... you will need to be of the same culture. Because of the high degree of autonomy in this position and as a driven, creative and experienced Tech Services Manager, you can really sink your teeth into this role. Please contact Diane on 08 9443 0400 or diane@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT Location – Brisbane Company – EMS Pty Description: WA RESIDENTIAL ROLE. On offer is a whole new world of professional opportunities and challenges for a Maintenance Superintendent with a genuine passion for developing effective mechanical solutions and improvements. This is not the kind of role that will box you in to prescribed roles and responsibilities. The role will be as big as you and your ambition are willing to make it. Working closely with the Engineering Manager this leadership role will put you in the driver’s seat working across all areas of projects, reliability and maintenance for site and processing plant infrastructure. Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au EXPLORATION GEOCHEMIST Location – Perth Company – Ivanhoe Australia Description: As one of the top 150 companies on the Australian Stock Exchange, Ivanhoe Australia continues to build a substantial Australian based company that focuses on the exploration and development of major copper-gold, molybdenum-rhenium and uranium deposits. Along with the highly prospective Cloncurry Project which it acquired in late 2003, Ivanhoe Australia also focuses on the Tennant Creek Mineral Field in the Northern Territory and has recently purchased the Osborne Mine. Due to continued growth, Ivanhoe Australia has a fantastic opportunity for a Exploration Geochemist to join their friendly team working from their exploration site south of Cloncurry, near Mt Isa. Reporting to the Senior Geologist or Exploration Manager, you will be analysing samples of soil, rock and other natural materials across the exploration operations. If you are looking for a varied role with great opportunities for career progression with an expanding company – this is the opportunity for you! In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with competitive remuneration (commensurate with your skills and experience) as well as flexible salary packaging arrangements to significantly increase your take-home pay! Working on a Fly-In Fly-Out roster of 14 days on, 7 days off or
equivalent, you will enjoy great flexibility with the option of FIFO to Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns, with alternative locations considered for the right applicant. You will also benefit from working at a comfortable base in Cloncurry, with a pool, tennis courts and gym! Relocation assistance will be negotiable with the successful applicant as will be a phone and laptop. You will also be able to advance your career with ongoing professional training and development opportunities both on and off site, within a great company culture where your hard work will be truly valued. If you’re looking to escape the rat race and really expand your experience and career – Apply Now! To apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SITE ENGINEER Location – QLD Company – EMS Pty Description: Coal experience. This contract role is sure to tick all the boxes for any ambitious Site Engineer looking for a project that they can really sink their teeth into! These guys are looking for an experienced Site Engineer with the ability to project manage and oversee the design, delivery and construction management on their clients mine site on contract for a period of 6-12 months. The project is nearing design phase completion with construction well underway on site. Ideally you will come to us with at least 3-5 yrs experience on top of your civil or mechanical engineering qualification. The schedule is tight so you will need to think on your feet to achieve time targets. Previous experience in mining/ construction projects will be an absolute must. Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au SENIOR OPERATIONAL PLANNING ENGINEER Location – Perth Company – EMS Pty Description: Dare to dream! You have the right to be optimistic about your future. Your SUBLIME SKILL AND TENACITY are in need. This is the ideal Senior Mining Engineer position if you have a Mining Engineering qualification with a minimum of 6+ years experience in an Open Pit environment – with the last few years spent in planning, knowledge of Vulcan will go down a treat. Offers a long-term opportunity to join a well established company who is doing exceptionally well – with one of the largest open pits in WA, they have an enviable reputation and a very strong future and rewards its high achievers very well. Work within the Operations Planning team the focus of this role is mine planning 2-5 years out. Key responsibilities will be planning, designing of backfill and waste dump development, scheduling reconciliation and reporting procedures, close liaison with site and strategic planning team, budgets ... we can fill you in on more details. We can put you in touch with the decision makers straight away and will make sure you will be excellently remunerated and receive all the benefits you deserve for your skills and expertise. This is such a great opportunity to work with a great bunch of professionals ... there is no better place to be at the moment. So if you are a pro-active leader with good planning and super interpersonal, communication and software skills, then please apply. Please contact Nikki on 08 9443 0400 or nikki@emsjobs.com.au in strict confidence or to apply for this role, please visit www.miningaustralia.com.au www.miningaustralia.com.au
AM.JAN11.PG031.pdf
Page
31
7/12/10,
10:35
AM
EVENTS
Conferences, seminars & workshops Event submissions can be emailed to ozmining@reedbusiness.com.au Minesafe Summit 2011 15-16 February 2011 Hyatt Regency, Perth The importance of safety in mines is crucial both to the health and safety of the workers and the continual running of mining operations. With the increase, both nationally and internationally, of mining accidents and fatalities taking place: many mining companies are feeling the added pressure to ensure their operations are safe and the health of their workers is guaranteed. As current national and international events have shown, safety and health issues are exceedingly in the news and MineSafe Summit 2011 will be an opportunity to hear from leading international and national speakers address pertinent issues and topics relating to mine safety • Chilli IQ 02 9818 6566 www.chilliiq.com.au/upcoming
Practical HAZOPS for Engineers & Technicians 21-25 February 2011 Brisbane, Melbourne Training takes the form of an introductory presentation followed by interactive workshop examples where course participants can obtain an understanding of the HAZOP technique and HAZOP team leaders can practice the skills. • IDC Online 1300 138 522 idc@idc-online.com www.idc-online.com
Coal Processing Optimisation 2011 29-30 March 2011 Brisbane, QLD
With the demand for coal soaring over the past 12 months, the need for optimising coal processing is at an all-time high as companies seek ways to maintain and increase the highest levels of throughput. The Coal Processing Optimisation Conference 2011 is the only event in Australia focusing purely on coal processing within CHPPs. Such optimisation at your plant could have a substantial impact on your company’s bottom-line. Mining IQ’s Coal Processing Optimisation Conference serves as the meeting point for industry professionals to learn effective strategies and find out about the latest developments in the industry, such as new tailing reprocessing methods, innovative control systems, the latest in monitoring equipment and the use of Reflux Classifiers and large DMCs. • IQPC 02 9223 2700 info@iqpc.com.au www.iqpc.com.au
OZMINE 2011 29-30 March 2011 Jakarta, Indonesia This premier industry event consists of a two-day joint exhibition and conference, showcasing the capabilities of Australian companies serving the mining industry in Indonesia. In 2010, over 85 Australian mining equipment, technology, consumables and service companies exhibited at OZMINE. In 2011 it is anticipated this figure will reach 100 exhibitors with more than 2000 visitors anticipated. The event also draws regional industry players and will include members of Austrade ASEAN Mining Team and their buyer delegations.
• Austrade 13 28 78 info@austrade.gov.au www.austrade.gov.au
Hard Rock Mine Ventilation 29-30 March 2011 Perth, WA Ventilation is an essential part of underground hard rock mining. Not only does it ensure that air is sufficient for the operation of machinery and mining personnel, but it also serves to minimise dust and other particulates harmful to worker health. Furthermore, the reduction of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and methane is a crucial factor in reducing the risk of explosions and poisoning. • IQPC 02 9223 2700 info@iqpc.com.au www.iqpc.com.au
CIVENEX 18-19 May 2011 Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) NSW Division has sponsored this annual infrastructure Expo every year since 1955. For contractors, tradespeople, engineers and asset managers, Civenex is an ideal opportunity to keep up to date. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to compare the latest releases from suppliers across diverse industries such as equipment, systems and technology for earthmoving, construction, landscape, public space management and facilities, waste management and all infrastructure at work. • CIVENEX Frank Sticka 02 9716 7391 info@civenex.com
Safety Instrumentation & Emergency Shutdown Systems for Process Industries
Workshops on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage
21-29 March 2011 Perth, Melbourne, Sydney
Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) is the single most important environmental issue for the worldwide mining industry. In spite of considerable amounts of expenditure to remediate sites affected by AMD, progress in waste characterisation, acid drainage treatment and management, it is apparent that AMD still presents many challenges for mining companies and opportunities for new research. The workshop theme, “Emerging Trends in AMD Management”, emphasises the need for companies to learn from
The best safety systems is not the most expensive but rather it is the most practicable system; one that does not cause production losses whilst achieving risk reduction. This new workshop focuses on the management, planning and execution of safety systems in accordance with IEC 61511. • IDC Online 1300 138 522 idc@idc-online.com www.idc-online.com
20-24 June 2011 Darwin
advances in long term AMD management including assessment of AMD risk at pre-feasibility stages of projects, and integration of appropriate emerging technologies and research into AMD planning and management into life-of-mine planning and beyond. • JK Tech Leigh Goss 07 3346 5923 l.goss@jktech,com.au www.jktech,com.au
AIMEX 6-9 September 2011 Sydney, NSW Held every four years, the premier mining exhibition in Australia gathers together companies from all over the world to conduct business face-to-face with key buyers and decision-makers in the resources industry. It showcases the latest technology and mining services. • Reed Exhibitions Australia Peter Thompson 02 9422 2955 peter.thompson@reedexhibitions. com.au
W E L D E RS E N E R ATO RS
www.miningaustralia.com.au
AustralianMining
January 2011
31
AD_AMPIRAUG_10.pdf
Page
1
23/7/10,
10:09
AM
Servicing the Mining Industry for 30 years All Products and Services exceed MDG41 requirements Mining dedicated Service and Supply Centres with pressure testing facilities Specialists in Open Cut and Underground applications for all soft and hard rock mining All Service and Supply Centres ISO9001:2008 accredited RTO Registered by VETAB Project Management for machine overhauls and hose refurbishment NATA certified hose testing facility Experience across all OEM mining equipment manufacturers National fleet of mining specific mobile service units