Print Edition Collection

Cybermine 4 simulates both surface and underground — by Kristen Hulsey — created Jan 17, 2012 11:40 AM

 

Five star rating for Abigroup’s Mt Kuring-gai workshop — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 11:45 AM

Leading contractor Abigroup says a five-year program addressing workshop efficiency has resulted in it becoming Australia’s first company to achieve Caterpillar’s 5-Star Contamination Control (CC) accreditation.

Deepwater dreaming: SA iron ore stymied by glacial port progress — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Oct 10, 2011 04:39 PM

South Australia is chock full of minerals. Iron ore is amongst the most bountiful. But for as long as there is no deepwater port, the question remains over whether the state can capitalise on the commodity’s boom before it goes bust. Mike Foley reports.

Australia’s sorry magnesium tale — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Oct 10, 2011 04:48 PM

Bob Brown* wrote a column on magnesium for AJM from 1999 to 2007. Here he recaps the magnesium boom that swept Australia around the turn of the new millennium and the subsequent bust.

Scanning technology promises virtual boreholes — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Oct 10, 2011 05:00 PM

A new ground mapping technology has tantalising potential for minerals exploration, if it can deliver on its promises. UK developer Adrok spruiks its new breed of scanner as an improvement on existing seismic imaging techniques. AJM spoke to managing director Gordon Stove.

Charting Maptek’s success — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:00 AM

Maptek founder and chairman Bob Johnson is self-deprecating when it comes to his success, putting it down to “a good idea in the right place at the right time”. But for 30 years, his Australian software house has led an industry it pioneered in the 1980s. Johnson spoke to AJM’s Mike Foley.

Scales of success: Gekko thinks small to grow big — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 10:51 AM

According to Midnight Oil’s song Lucky Country, in Australia even “the geckos are paid to live in the sun.” If only it were so easy for mining technology companies. Mineral processing specialist Gekko Systems can bask in its success now, but no-one gave it a free ride. Mike Foley reports.

Business as usual for Mincom after acquisition by ABB — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 10:47 AM

Mincom, the biggest fish in Australian mining software waters and a major player internationally, was recently swallowed by the leviathan ABB Group. Mike Foley spoke with Mincom’s chief strategy officer, Jennifer Tejada, to find out what the future holds.

The black art of filter media — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:15 AM

By Juha Hoijer, sales manager for filter cloths, Outotec (Filters) Service Products Centre and Robert Grimm, filtration spare parts manager, Outotec South East Asia Pacific.

High clay ores – a mineral processing nightmare — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:06 AM

 

A beautiful fine grinding solution for MIM — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 10:55 AM

When MIM was confronted with hard to process, finer grained deposits in the early 1990s it turned to a German pigment grinding solution used in the cosmetics industry. Brenton Burford of Xstrata Tech, owner of the technology since 2003, fills the AJM in on the saga of the IsaMill.

Survey ranks potential of Australian explorers — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:27 AM

David Upton, author of The Olympic Dam Story, has created the Exploration Guide Australia to identify companies that have most improved their chances of making discoveries.

Landowner compensation – understanding the impacts on the enterprise — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:23 AM

Compensation can be one of the most emotive issues surrounding land access. In this article Ian David* sums up the key issues and provides a checklist of considerations for miners.

“Mature” NSW rolls out exploration initiatives — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 11:18 AM

While outgunned geologically by Western Australia and South Australia, NSW is providing a raft of smart pre-competitive geoscientific data in a bid to attract exploration dollars. A conference in June showcased the State’s latest initiatives.

FEATURE | Barging, Transshipment & Container Tippling — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 12, 2011 10:03 AM

Comprehensive 19-page feature.

Mine Site Technologies offers export vision — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 12, 2011 09:52 AM

It only took 22 years for Mine Site Technologies to become an overnight success. The communications company that began as a one man band has just received the Austmine Craig Senger Top Exporter award ahead of a stellar field. Mike Foley spoke to the company’s Denis Kent.

Pitfalls aplenty as supply sector pushes overseas — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 15, 2011 09:46 AM

Mining equipment technology and services (METS) companies are increasingly looking abroad for expansion. Literally hundreds of companies are embarking on new ventures, setting sail from calm local waters, bound for the turbulent seas of foreign markets. Mike Foley reports.

Banlaw re-shaping the fuel game — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Aug 12, 2011 09:34 AM

Banlaw began life in 1980 as a maker of refuelling equipment. Managing director of business development Bill Clifton bought the company in 1999, backing his hunch that fuel costs would increasingly trouble miners. Mike Foley reports.

Groundhog Day for Excel trio at Whitehaven — by Charles MacDonald — created May 30, 2011 01:43 PM

Three executives who made it big when Peabody bought Excel Coal are set for another big pay day as their next vehicle, Whitehaven Coal, is readied for sale. Charles Macdonald examines the Whitehaven growth story with two new mines costing $1bn set to boost output from 5.5mtpa to 15.5mtpa by 2015.

Narrabri Mayor mulls the good and the bad of mining boom — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 03:00 PM

The Gunnedah Basin’s mining industry is set to take off and local council is brac-ing itself for the changes. Mike Foley spoke to Narrabri Shire Mayor Robyn Faberto find out what it means when the mining boom rolls into town.

Tinkler held nerve to snare Maules Creek from beleaguered Rio — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 02:35 PM

Aston Resources’ purchase of the Maules Creek deposit from Rio Tinto during the depths of the GFC may enter mining folklore as one of the great opportunistic deals. AJMeditor Charles Macdonald spoke to Todd Hannigan, chief executive of Aston Resources about the deal and the Maules Creek project.

Custom-engineered drives for aerators and liquid mixers — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 11:15 AM

Bonfiglioli says it is engineering advanced technology heavy drives for clean and robust service in applications where they are mounted vertically to aerate or mix liquids.

Cat claims extra productivity, durability for giant excavator — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 11:09 AM

Caterpillar says its new 90 tonne 390D L hydraulic excavator, which replaces the 385C L, incorporates a refined design that provides greater hydraulic power, stronger structural components, added safety and convenience features, plus improved serviceability.

ABB wins $30m substation order from Rio Tinto — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 11:02 AM

Power and automation company ABB has won an order worth around $30m for a substation that will increase Rio Tinto’s power supply so that the global miner can expand iron ore mining at Hope Downs mines in the Pilbara region.

Komatsu claims emission cuts for Hybrid excavator — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 10:56 AM

Komatsu has developed a 104 kw hybrid excavator engine that it claims can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%. If replicated in the field, that would mean a 10kg per hour reduction in CO2 emissions compared with an equivalent diesel engine.

Integrated machine tracking, remote service and site management — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 10:26 AM

Position Partners has launched an integrated suite of telematics services designed specifically for civil construction, quarrying, mining and related applications, incorporating machine tracking, remote servicing and site management.

Volvo supplies 133 machines to PNG LNG project — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 10:22 AM

In 2010 Volvo Construction Equipment signed a deal to provide 125 machines to the Papua New Guinea Liquid Natural Gas Project (PNG LNG). Now, almost a year on, Volvo has delivered 133 units and the machines have started work.

First AC drive P&H 4100XPC shovel for Australia — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 09:58 AM

Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek coking coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin has ordered a second P&H 4100XPC electric rope shovel, this time an AC drive model. It will load two P&H draglines.

Bobcat S650 skid steer loader — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 10:02 AM

Bobcat Australia has released a new S650 skid-steer loader with a vertical lift path, .55.41 kW and rated operating capacity of 1220 kg.

Wollongong bulk solids addressing mining infrastructure — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 09:47 AM

Bulk solids researchers and consultants at Wollongong University are increasingly tackling the mining industry’s infrastructure problems. These include the impact of wet and sticky ores on bulk handling equipment and how best to handle dust.

New book on investing in the mining boom — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 08:57 AM

A Sharebuyer’s Guide To Investing In The Australian Mining Boomis a 500-page bookby experienced mining executive and academic Dr Allan Trench.

Port Kembla rail model to identify future bottlenecks — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 08:51 AM

The Port Kembla Port Corporation and SMART Infrastructure Facility are conducting a research project to model Port Kembla’s rail capacity.

Wollongong Uni to open world class infrastructure centre — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 14, 2011 08:41 AM

A new $62m infrastructure research facility at Wollongong University, due to open in mid-2011, will provide state-of-the-art analysis and modelling for local and international infrastructure planning. Mike Foley reports.

Short course for transfer chute design — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 05:01 PM

Transfer chutes are ubiquitous at mines and processing plants, and yet some engineers struggle to produce good and easily maintained designs. In response, chief engineer at Bechtel, Steve Davis recently ran a course in Perth on the technical methodologies behind transfer chute design, with a repeat in Brisbane on July 15th. The transfer chutes short course is intended to arm attendees with a check list of design considerations.

Friction and grit in conveyors avoided with air springs — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 04:53 PM

Friction and grit can kill conveyors –and their favourite accomplice is aggressive environments such as those found in mines and mineral processing plants. Air Springs Supply says its air spring actuators are perfect for applications around belt scrapers.

Flexco’s PT Smart belt training solution — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 04:40 PM

Flexco Australia says the PT Smart works with both mechanical and vulcanised belts and is easy to install. The company adds that it is made of durable materials and is versatile and economical to use.

Risk aversion slows uptake of novel conveyor technology — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 04:30 PM

Innovative Conveying Systems (ICS) has supplied four of its ingenious conveying systems to a fertiliser plant, and has two on trial with major mining companies. Industry conservatism seems to be the only bar to a faster uptake of the technology, ICS’ managing director Mike Hamer tells Mike Foley of AJM.

NORD and Jacmor solution for complex alumina application — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 04:19 PM

NORD Drivesystems AU and Jacmor Engineering combined forces to provide an intelligent drive solution to solve an expansive performance specification for large screw conveyors moving alumina hydrate.

Chinese company acquires Valley Longwall — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 03:58 PM

After a protracted sales process, Valley Longwall International, a supplier of specialised equipment to the coal mining industry, has been sold to Taiyuan Mining Machinery Group Coal Machine Co. (TMG), for an undisclosed sum.

Finnish sensors promise better flotation control — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 03:49 PM

Numcore Oy says that its new imaging technology uses impedance tomography to create real-time 3D images from inside the pipelines and tanks used by the processingindustries. The measurement devices have application in concentration plants in the mining industry.

Irish washing specialist appoints 888 as WA distributor — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 03:37 PM

DE has confirmed a new dealer for Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia. The washing equipment specialist from Northern Ireland has added 888 Crushing & Screening to its global distributor network.

Maximise your recoveries in a flash — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 03:22 PM

In this article, Rob Coleman* of Outotec describes flash flotation and its benefits,the various circuit options and how to determine if flash flotation will be suitablefor a mining operation’s ore.

Trends with selection and sizing of large grinding mills — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 01:06 PM

By Damian Connelly, director/ principal consulting engineer, Mineral EngineeringTechnical Services (METS)

Large scale semi-mobile gyratory crushing plants – evolution and outlook — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 02:47 PM

By Detlef Papajewski, vice president crushing technology, ThyssenKrupp Fördertechnik GmbH, Germany, and Christoph Hoetzel, senior engineer processing, ThyssenKrupp Materials Handling, Australia

Metal binding polymer shows remediation promise — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 12:10 PM

A metal binding polymer product, developed at the University of Queensland, is showing promise in early trials. When added to contaminated soils the product binds to toxic metals, potentially making vegetation cover safe for cattle to graze. Mike Foley reports.

Voyager pushes Oyu Tolgoi comparison at Mongolian project — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 11:56 AM

Junior explorer Voyager Resources believes that forthcoming deep drilling will unlock the potential of its Khongor copper-gold project in Mongolia. The company’s managing director Kell Nielsen draws parallels to Ivanhoe Mines’ early deep drilling at the giant Oyu Tolgoi project in 2001. Charles Macdonald reports.

BULKEX bulks up and targets miners — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 11:31 AM

From October 25 to 27 in Sydney the BULKEX trade show will showcase a wide variety of bulk handling technologies and equipment, much of which is targeted at the mining sector. BULKEX is co-located with two other major exhibitions.

New mine closure regulations for WA — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 09:24 AM

The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has released an options paper proposing a fidelity fund to reform the system of public liability for mine closure and rehabilitation in the state. Currently mines pay a bond against unsuccessful closure and rehabilitation costs.

Miners urged to lift their game on mine closure — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 10, 2011 09:19 AM

In the middle of the mining boom, the rate of successful closures is not keeping pace with industry expansion. AJM canvassed the issue with a range of experts. Mike Foley reports.

New skills initiatives for resources sector — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 05:18 PM

With the skills crisis likely to worsen, the Federal Government has announced two new remedies – a $200m skills investment fund and speedy migration agreements for major projects. Mike Foley gauges industry and training sector responses to the problem.

Infrastructure keeping pace with Gunnedah mine development — by Mike Foley — created Jun 09, 2011 03:28 PM

With Gunnedah coal production set to rise from 6mtpa to 50mtpa by 2050, rail and port expansions are needed. ARTC’s $200m investment in track duplication and PWCS’ T4 show that infrastructure capacity should stay ahead ofdemand. Mike Foley reports.

Ageing workers’ health a concern for coal industry — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 04:11 PM

Australia is ageing, its workforce especially. And mining is no exception. Coalservices’ NSW general manager Mark O’Neill, speaking at the recent Gunnedah Coal conference, suggested four key measures employers can use to manage the health of an ageing workforce. Mike Foley reports.

Coalworks advances Vickery South — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 03:49 PM

The Vickery South coal project, located about 25kms north of Gunnedah, is ajoint venture between Coalworks, as project developer, and Itochu as financial backer. Production from the 51mt inferred JORC resource is expected to start in mid-2014, ramping up to between 2 –3mtpa. Mike Foley reports.

Idemitsu expands Boggabri Coal — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 03:59 PM

Idemitsu plans to ramp up output of its wholly owned Boggabri Coal project. The expansion will extend the life of the mine by over 20 years. The company has lodged a development application with the NSW Department of Planning and hopes to begin production by 2013. Mike Foley reports.

Aston not in eye of environmental storm — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Jun 09, 2011 02:42 PM

While BHP Billiton’s Caroona and Shenhua’s Watermark projects have attracted most environmental angst from concernedfarmers, Todd Hannigan believes Maules Creek is out of the line of fire.

SKM strategy chief shifts to PB — by Charles MacDonald — created Apr 29, 2011 10:10 AM

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) has appointed Dr Phil Williams as director of strategic consulting to lead the company’s business development across the Australia-Pacific, Asia and Southern Africa (AAPSA).

Mining consultant Q&A — by Mike Foley — created Apr 29, 2011 08:38 AM

 

Australia’s largest in-pit crushing system taking shape — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 10:19 AM

Four giant in-pit crushers are taking shape at Citic Pacific Mining’s Sino Iron project at Cape Preston in north west WA. They are being manufactured by ThyssenKrupp, with components being fabricated in Australia, Germany and China.

Bolt from the blue: junior chases cobalt near Broken Hill — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 08:28 AM

Broken Hill Prospecting Limited (BPL) is aiming to tap the expanding cobalt market, with early plans to mine a rare cobalt-only deposit 25kms south west of the silver, lead and zinc capital of Broken Hill.

Devil in the detail: miners wary of Coalition’s land use policy — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 07:49 AM

March 2011: a state election, a change in government and a new paradigm for minerals exploration in NSW. The Coalition says its Strategic Regional Land Use policy will work to preserve prime agricultural land, righting the pendulum that has swung too far in favour of miners. Mike Foley reports.

Native title harmony helps Pluton advance Buccaneer project — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 07:36 AM

Pluton Resources’ flagship iron ore project on Irvine Island, in the Buccaneer Archipelago, is at an advanced stage of exploration. Crucially, the company has secured a native title agreement with traditional owners, a feat which eluded BHP and Portman, two companies that had previously planned to mine the island. Mike Foley reports.

MACA contracted by WPG at Peculiar Knob — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 07:29 AM

Mining and Civil Australia’s (MACA) mining services contract is worth $285m over 70 months, requiring MACA to hire a further 100 staff. Chief executive Chris Tuckwell said MACA’s current fleet of 100t excavators and 90 to 100t class dump trucks will be upgraded to the next size.

Ausco wins accommodation contract — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 07:28 AM

WPG awarded Ausco Modular a $13m contract to supply accommodation for the Peculiar Knob project. The new village will house around 250 workers, in over 100 buildings. Ausco Modular will transport the buildings from Adelaide to the mine.

Peculiar Knob: entree on WPG’s South Australian project menu — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Apr 29, 2011 07:23 AM

Iron ore junior WPG is gearing up to deliver on its promising direct shipping ore project at Peculiar Knob in South Australia, south east of Coober Pedy. However, the 19.2mt of 64% Fe direct shipping ore at Peculiar Knob is not the only string to WPG’s bow. Mike Foley spoke with WPG’s executive chairman, Bob Duffin.