We’re interested in your latest news, initiatives, products in conveying (on surface and underground) and simulators and virtual training. We welcome editorial contributions to these October issue articles – contributions we can weave into the overview article. The deadline is September 5. With extra distribution at FEM 2011, Levi, Finland (November 1-3, IM is the international media partner for this event. http://fem.lappi.fi) the October issue of International Mining magazine features:

Conveying – With tyre problems really beginning to bite again, the costs of operating haul trucks continues to grow. What are the latest developments from the conveyor competitor – underground and on surface?

Going deeper – Many mines combine open-pit with underground mining, and often the underground mine is an extension of the pit. Snowden’s Tony Finch looks at some of the associated challenges and some methods with which to determine the cut-over point from open pit to underground mining and the implications these have on project value. What news do you have?

Nordic focus – One of the strongest technology centres, Nordic mining has become very dynamic in recent years – one example being the Kevitsa nickel mine in Finland that is part of our Great Mines series. We report the latest technological progress.

Simulators and virtual training – Improving efficiency, effectiveness and safety while at the same time reducing training costs and time. Accidents involving new operators usually result from inexperience with situations.
Valuable experience can be gained much faster using simulator courses, repeatedly exposing trainees to situations. Tell us more?

Great Mines – The last in the First Quantum series, on Ravensthorpe and Kevitsa, two state-of-the-art nickel mines, one in Finland, one in Australia.