Jan-Feb Print Edition

New safety initiatives for WA mines — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 08:24 AM

The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) announced a fresh set of safety measures in December. State mining engineer Simon Ridge said that a new culture of safety was needed to drive necessary changes in the industry.

Conference reflects buoyancy of PNG mining — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 08:39 AM

Activity is booming in Papua New Guinea’s mining and petroleum sectors. AJM editor Charles Macdonald spoke to Greg Anderson, executive director, PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum about the country’s progress.

Greenfield exploration effort nears climax in PNG — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 08:42 AM

An EU-funded €50m exploration program in the Highlands of PNG has reported widespread indications of gold, copper and nickel. In response, mining companies have been buying the datasets and acquiring exploration licenses.

Nautilus gets final approval for seafloor mining — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 08:47 AM

Like a sprinter on the blocks, ocean floor miner Nautilus Minerals has been poised and eager to start work in waters off PNG for some time. The starting gun, in the form of approval of its mining lease from the PNG Government, was finally heard in mid-January 2011. Charles Macdonald spoke to Nautilus’ chief executive, Stephen Rogers.

Chile pair spice up tray body market — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 08:52 AM

Durability, efficiency, performance – watchwords in the mining industry. Two Chilean-connected manufacturers are making tray bodies for haul trucks that they claim outlast, outperform and reduce running costs when retro fitted in place of OEM equipment. Mike Foley reports.

Caterpillar and Bucyrus top brass spruik benefits of deal — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 09:38 AM

Senior executives of Caterpillar and Bucyus have taken to the airwaves to persuade financiers, shareholders, regulators and the media of the benefits of their US$8.6bn union, which is expected to deliver synergies of US$400m per annum by 2015. Charles Macdonald reports.

Diamond in the rough — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 09:43 AM

The Argyle diamond mine has forged a successful partnership with the traditional owners of its mining lease in the East Kimberley. The relationship stands out as a welcome win for an industry with a chequered record of engagement with indigenous communities. The collaboration is based on a 2005 Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). Mike Foley reports.

Investors look to Kazakhstan, China’s resource-full neighbor — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 09:47 AM

Kazakhstan, already the world’s largest uranium producer, is increasingly a target for international minerals investors. But new players need to remain alert, with local advice necessary to negotiate a thicket of local bureaucracy.

WA stats show domination of iron ore — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 10:03 AM

WA’s mineral and petroleum industry had total sales in the 2009-10 financial year of $70.9 billion, with that figure having grown 14% each year over the last 10 years. WA currently has 540 commercial minerals projects listed, with 968 mine sites producing 50 different minerals. Mike Foley reports.

Using acoustic agglomeration of diesel particulates to reduce or eliminate diesel particulate emissions — by Dr. Patrick Glynn, Dipl. Elec. Eng, Mast. Tech. Man, PhD Project Leader CSIRO, QCAT — created Feb 25, 2011 10:07 AM

Anumber of ACARP/CSIRO (underground coal mining) and Peak3 Ltd/BMA (underground mineral mining) funded research projects have concentrated on diesel particulate matter (DPM) reduction to below .1mg/M3, using acoustic agglomeration for DPM conditioning and removal by either micro-cyclone or catalytic action.

Time to clear the air: ventilation skills in decline — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 10:11 AM

Ventilation specialist Dr Rick Brake warns that the changing landscape of the mining industry has put ventilation standards into decline. He is calling for the mandating of qualified ventilation specialists at mines. Mike Foley reports.

Dust management keeps up with development at Port Hedland — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 10:18 AM

The mining industry is upgrading dust management measures in Port Hedland as throughput soars. A range of monitoring and mitigation measures are in place. Mike Foley reports.

Dust management from pit to ship — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 10:27 AM

Dust emissions are increasingly on the radar of mining companies looking to satisfy their license conditions and foster positive community relations. Jon Harper, formerly senior atmospheric scientist at SKM, says companies need to change the entire management structure of how to deal with dust, right the way from pit to ship. Mike Foley reports.

Shipping shake up — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 10:32 AM

Shipping reforms are set to impact the bulk commodities community. Submissions to a Federal Government discussion paper, floating planned reforms to the Navigation Act 1912, closed on January 31. Industry working groups are examining the proposed new legislation. Mike Foley reports.

Bargain basement iron ore production — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 11:27 AM

Junior explorer and miner IMX Resources started shipping iron ore from Port Adelaide in December, all for the princely sum of $20m. The company has minimized costs by leveraging existing infrastructure, using a Rotainer rotary tippler system for loading and leasing custom-built ore containers.

New player to monitor dust in NSW underground mines — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 11:29 AM

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Dr Nikki Williams has hailed the Chief Inspector of Mines’ decision to accredit AECOM to perform sampling and analysis of airborne dust in NSW’s underground coal mines. Mike Foley reports.

Rotainer allows container ports to handle bulk — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 11:34 AM

According to the developer of the Rotainer container rotation system, the device has great potential for container ports, miners, suppliers of building products and the grain sector.

Vale skills up to grow its coal business — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 11:38 AM

The world’s number two miner, Vale, is quickly growing its coal business in Australia and Mozambique. AJM spoke to the company’s director, Australian coal operations, Steven Badenhorst about its strategy and initiatives in research and recruitment.

Don’t look down: underground coal contractors set to rise — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Feb 25, 2011 11:41 AM

Strong predicted growth in the underground coal industry has seen service providers steel themselves for the future. A range of IPO’s, acquisitions and mergers swept through the top end of the sector last year, with Delta SBD and Mastermyne at the forefront of moves. Mike Foley reports.