All posts by Paul Moore

Komatsu to unveil latest electric equipment solutions at MINExpo

6th August 2024Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Sustainable miningPaul Moore

Electrification is a critical step toward reducing emissions from mining equipment and helping mining organisations meet their sustainability goals. Komatsu says it is excited to introduce the industry to its latest electrification solutions at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 24 to 26.

Komatsu says it is committed to helping mining organisations reduce their environmental impacts by developing a range of products and solutions designed to meet their needs, wherever they are on the path to sustainability. The company’s electrification initiatives it says “are built on its decades of experience electrifying equipment, both for the company’s electric drive trucks and loaders and for its fully electric underground soft rock mining machines.” Komatsu is now expanding on that knowledge to develop electrification solutions for all areas of mining.

Ausenco gets pre-feasibility engineering work for Los Bronces underground

6th August 2024Base metals, Mine shafts and equipment, Mineral project development, Mining servicesPaul Moore

Ausenco recently announced on July 29 that it has been selected to carry out the Pre-Feasibility Engineering B for the infrastructure of the underground phase of Anglo American’s Los Bronces Integrado project. This project is focused on the underground mining of the high-grade Los Sulfatos deposit, one of the largest copper resource deposits in the world. The current plan estimates variable mineral extraction, through successive and increasing phases, ranging from 1 to 14 Mt annually.

Ausenco’s main objective is to confirm the business case defined by Anglo American in previous phases, providing an optimised design that increases the project’s value for Los Bronces Integrado’ underground infrastructure, with a solid technical package and execution strategy. This will result in outcomes that support CAPEX, OPEX, and master schedule parameters, with the precision and foundations established by Anglo American in their Investment Development Model (IDM).

According to Pablo Cabezas, Ausenco’s Project Manager, the project will last 12 months and include comminution and material handling, ventilation, backfill production plants, drainage and water pumping systems, power supply and distribution systems, automation and control installations, as well as workshops, offices, changing rooms, and other operational support areas.

“There are very significant technical challenges, both due to the scale of the resources and their extraction, the complexity of an operation designed with cutting-edge technology, and the community and environmental aspects, with a deposit located in an environmentally sensitive area close to the country’s capital,” he explains.

The Ausenco team for this project includes a local group of professionals with extensive experience in underground projects, alongside international experts with specialised knowledge. The team will collaborate to optimise the design, while respecting the socio-environmental goals that Anglo American is committed to for this project and will offer solutions that maximise value.

IAMGOLD achieves commercial production at Côté Gold

6th August 2024Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Precious metalsPaul Moore

IAMGOLD Corporation recently announced on August 2 that the Côté Gold Mine has reached commercial production. Côté Gold is located in Ontario, Canada and is operated as a joint venture between IAMGOLD, as the operator, and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

Commercial production is defined as the achievement of reaching a minimum of 30 consecutive days of operations during which the mill operated at an average of 60% of nameplate throughput of 36,000 t/d.

“I would like to commend our teams at Côté Gold who have come together to achieve another great milestone as we progress and ramp up what we believe will be one of Canada’s largest gold mines and a model for modern mining in Canada,” said Renaud Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAMGOLD. “Since achieving the first pour of gold on March 31, 2024, our teams have spent the last four months methodically and iteratively testing and ramping up all facets of the mine. This process has required remarkable commitment, ingenuity and teamwork to bring all the systems online together to achieve this milestone.”

“With commercial production behind us we continue to focus on improving plant availability towards our goal of Côté exiting the year at 90% of nameplate throughput. Further, in May we completed our equity financing which has positioned us well to repurchase the 9.7% interest in Côté this November and return to 70% ownership thereby gaining more exposure to this foundational and keystone asset for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

The ramp up of the plant continues to progress, with all major equipment demonstrating the capability to operate at or above design levels. After the initial pour, focus early in the second quarter was on testing the processing circuits to handle nameplate loads. The primary components of the overall plant responded well achieving at or above nameplate throughput, though availability of the dry-side of the processing facilities was limited, in particular in the crushing and screening circuits. The company is planning a multi-day shutdown in September to address and mitigate the impact of traditional wear and tear on availability of the circuits, in support of the goal to ramp up throughput to 90% by the end of the year.

Murray & Roberts Cementation grout plant achieves 20 years without a single LTI

6th August 2024Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining people, Mining safety, Mining servicesPaul Moore

There are few mining-related operations that have operated for two decades without a lost time injury – but Murray & Roberts Cementation has achieved just that at its grout injection plant between Northam and Thabazimbi in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The 36 strong team at this grout plant oversees the logistics of mixing on surface, managing over 5 km of pipeline to underground destinations, and injecting grout at the workface to prevent inundation where water is intersected during mine development. Andre van Buuren, Murray & Roberts Cementation Project Manager, highlights the depth of experience that underpins the facility’s safety culture.

“Achieving 20 years without an injury is a real testament to the collective effort of our team, applying our corporate strategies and taking personal accountability for everything that happens on site,” says van Buuren. “It is no coincidence that there is very low staff turnover at this plant – where it is not unusual for our people to have up to 25 years of service.”

The average term of current staff is 10 to 15 years, with Northam injection plant site supervisor Hendry Collins having been with the operation for over 20 years. This has allowed a culture of safety to mature, and to be passed down from the more experienced staff to the newer entrants. Without overloading people with systems and procedures, he explains, everyone is imbued with a commitment to uncompromising safety principles that emphasise personal responsibility. This is expressed in key messages such as “If you see it, you own it” – which hold everyone to an exacting safety standard.

“Everyone is also steeped in the discipline of identifying the highest safety risk in every task they undertake and to ensure that it is mitigated,” he says.

As in any mining environment, this work certainly includes its fair share of risks. The Northam grout injection plant regularly pumps specialised grout mixtures at pressures of up to 10 MPa to underground workings. Over 20 tonnes of cementitious material are commonly injected into designated areas over a three to four day period, according to Murray & Roberts Cementation Senior Project Manager Pieter Oosthuysen. A recent water intersection incident required as much as 56 tonnes to be injected at high pressure to stem the flow of groundwater at a single point.

“A compact surface team oversees the running of the plant, which includes two 100 tonne silos among a range of equipment and backup units,” says Oosthuysen. “Most are part of the underground teams, working in day shifts and night shifts. They follow the mining teams as the mine deepens, extending the grout range to allow injection to be conducted whenever necessary.”

Safety is also a key aspect of the training that injection plant staff receive at the Murray & Roberts Training Academy at Bentley Park near Carletonville. This dedicated training facility includes a mock-up of a grout plant, where the experiential value of the training is enhanced.

Van Buuren highlights the importance of engaging every member of the team in the safety strategies employed, right down to the selection and adoption of protective equipment. In line with regulations and best practice, there is considerable time invested in deciding on even the most appropriate PPE such as boots or glasses to ensure these serve the purpose – before these are rolled out for use.

“This is part of visible leadership, a corporate strategic imperative that provides an example to our younger people,” he explains. “It prevents the ‘old worker’ syndrome where experienced personnel are tempted to take short cuts despite knowing better. Constant reinforcement – including positive recognition – is vital to ensure that complacency never creeps in.”

Louis Neethling, Foreman at the grout plant, emphasises the culture of care which is nurtured within each team – where every member is expected to look after not only themselves but those around them.

“We recognise that promoting safety is rather like sweeping water uphill,” says Neethling. “If you stop sweeping, the water will run back again; it is an ongoing task to ensure safe behaviour, and to find ways of improving safety performance.”

Tribe Tech ships its first autonomous RC drill rig

31st July 2024Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mineral exploration, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Steel and iron orePaul Moore

Tribe Technology PLC, a disruptive technology-first developer and manufacturer of world-class autonomous mining equipment, has announced the shipment of its first autonomous reverse circulation TTDS GC 700 drill rig from the manufacturing site in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

This is a major milestone for the company and is the culmination of significant engineering hours over the last four years, pioneering design and innovation along with extensive collaboration with its first customer, McKay Drilling, a subsidiary of Major Drilling Group International Inc.

This first drill rig has been manufactured and sold to industry leading drilling contractor, Major Drilling, for use at a Tier 1 iron ore mining asset in Australia. Delivery to Australia is on target for the end of September 2024 as stated in the company’s previous operational update.

Following arrival in Australia, the company will undertake validation of the drill rig in the field in conjunction with the customer during the fourth quarter of 2024. Charlie King, Chief Executive Officer at Tribe Tech, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have accomplished this major milestone of shipment from our factory in Northern Ireland of the first autonomous RC Drill Rig to Major Drilling’s subsidiary McKay Drilling in Australia. We look forward to the demonstration of the operation of the Drill Rig in the field and this will be a tremendous platform for expanding our customer partnerships. I would like to thank McKay Drilling for the significant support in the development phase of this product and belief in the Company to deliver this first innovative Drill Rig.”

FLSmidth to deliver thickeners & filters to large greenfield US lithium plant

31st July 2024High tech minerals, Industrial minerals, Mineral processing, Mining services, Sustainable mining, Water managementPaul Moore

FLSmidth has received a major order to deliver thickeners and filters to a large, greenfield lithium plant in the US. This new FLSmidth order will contribute to an increased supply of lithium, which is required for electric vehicle battery production. Based on extensive ore testing and preliminary equipment designs, the technologies that FLSmidth will deliver will help reduce operating costs for the customer.

The order is valued at approximately DKK340 million and was booked in Q3 2024. The FLSmidth equipment is due to be delivered during 2025/2026 and it says will provide attractive service potential in the longer run.

FLSmidth says the order involves delivery of nine thickeners and six filters to a greenfield lithium project in Nevada, US. “A key requirement in the development of this large lithium deposit is to utilise the most efficient process technologies with the lowest environmental impact, leading the customer to engage with FLSmidth. Lithium is crucial for the batteries used by the electrical vehicle industry, and lithium processing is one of the core competencies of FLSmidth.”

“The green transition is hinging on the efficient supply of critical minerals. This project will help to increase the supply of lithium, and thereby strengthen the supply of this critical mineral supporting the electrification of society. We have world leading technologies for lithium processing, and I am happy to see this being recognised by customers as well,” comments Chris Reinbold, Products Business Line President at FLSmidth.

Komatsu achieves major AHS milestones including 10 trucks >100,000 hours

31st July 2024Automation, Bulk handling, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining servicesPaul Moore

With a fleet of more than 750 autonomous haul trucks commissioned worldwide, Komatsu customers have hauled more than 10 billion metric tons of material and are adding to that milestone at a rate of over 6 million metric tons per day. Additionally, 10 Komatsu autonomous trucks have achieved a benchmark of 100,000 autonomous hours each, a first in the mining industry.

Komatsu launched the FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) in 2008, marking the world’s first commercial application of an AHS. In the years since, Komatsu has continued to innovate alongside customers to meet their evolving needs and offer tailored autonomous solutions to promote enhanced operations on a mine-by-mine basis.

The value customers create from implementing a Komatsu AHS the OEM says is tangible in terms of promoting improved safety practices, productivity and cost reduction. “FrontRunner achieves these benefits through its predictable fleet management, dependable production, and enhanced component life by leveraging Komatsu’s people, process, and technological expertise. For instance, customers who have adopted AHS have seen significant improvements in tire and brake life and reductions in overall maintenance. The FrontRunner system enables increased operational metrics and provides customers a trusted partner with a wealth of industry experience to assist in driving their operations forward.”

“Since paving the way with the first commercial autonomous haulage operation in the marketplace 17 years ago, Komatsu is proud to continue being an industry leader in autonomy,” said Martin Cavassa, Business Development Manager, Autonomous Systems at Komatsu. “Our highly skilled AHS team comprises of application and technical experts, as well as training and support specialists who possess in-depth knowledge and expertise. In every engagement, we bring that expertise to the table to help our customers achieve all the value that FrontRunner can deliver to their operations.”

Wabtec secures $277 million loco order from SimFer to support Simandou

31st July 2024Bulk handling, Mineral commodities, Mining services, Steel and iron orePaul Moore

Wabtec Corporation has announced an order for Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives from SimFer, a joint venture among the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). The order, valued at $277 million, will provide a locomotive fleet to service the rail operations for the Simandou high-grade iron ore project, located in the east of Guinea.

SimFer Managing Director Chris Aitchison said: “Our new partnership with Wabtec represents an important milestone for the Simandou project and brings us even closer to the delivery of the TransGuinéen railway – critical infrastructure that can support economic development across the country.”

He added: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering Simandou to globally recognised environmental standards, by providing locomotives that will deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and the capability to meet international emission standards.”

The ES43ACmi is a dual-cab locomotive with a 4,500HP Evolution Series engine. The locomotive provides best-in-class fuel efficiency, and proven performance in high-temperature environments. It also meets UIC 3A and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 3 emission standards.

Wabtec President of Freight Equipment Rogerio Mendonca said: “We are proud that the largest mining and related infrastructure project in Africa will leverage Wabtec’s world leading engineering and manufacturing resources. Our global team worked together to understand SimFer’s needs and provide a solution specifically tailored for Simandou.”

The Simandou mountain range, located in the southeast of the Republic of Guinea, contains the world’s largest untapped reserve of high-grade iron ore, estimated at over 2 billion tonnes. Simandou represents a transformational opportunity for Guinea and will support economic development across the country.

Goodyear announces sale of OTR tyres business to Yokohama for $905 million

22nd July 2024Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining servicesPaul Moore

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Off-the-Road tyre business to The Yokohama Rubber Company, Ltd for US$905 million in cash. The transaction follows a previously announced strategic review of the OTR tyre business in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Goodyear’s OTR tyre business provides industry-leading OTR tyres around the world for surface and underground mining, construction and quarry, and port and industrial end markets. It added: “Goodyear OTR offers a comprehensive suite of trusted products, services and tyre management solutions that help customers optimise their operations and improve productivity and efficiency.”

“The sale of the OTR business marks an important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “We are grateful to our OTR colleagues who have driven the success of the business and are committed to working closely with Yokohama to ensure a smooth transition for customers and associates.”

Goodyear will retain its business providing OTR tyres for US military and defence applications. Pursuant to a Product Supply Agreement to be entered into with Yokohama in connection with the closing of the transaction, Goodyear will manufacture certain OTR tyres for Yokohama at some of its manufacturing locations for an initial period of up to five years after the closing of the transaction.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by early 2025. Goodyear intends to use transaction proceeds to reduce leverage and fund initiatives in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Goodyear produces OTR and mining tyres not only at its main base in Akron, but also at a range of other global locations. These locations are Colmar-Berg in Luxembourg; Nippon Giant Tire in Tatsuno, Japan; Topeka, Kansas; Americana, Brazil; Cali, Colombia; Bogor, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Karienga, South Africa.

The move brings market share and production capability and capacity for much larger radial mining tyres into Yokohama’s offering including 57 in and 63 in radials. Yokohama’s existing OTR tyre business is mainly for ADTs but also smaller to mid class rigid trucks. This includes radial tyres in the 33.00R51 size with multiple compound options, for example the RB42 and RL42 tyres with E-4 deep rock tread. The RB42 is also offered in a 27.00R49 size plus it has the RL47 46/90R57 tyre. Yokohama in addition supplies bias ply tyres up to 40.00-57 size and has a wide range of both radial and bias ply wheel loader, wheel dozer and grader tyres. Its OTR tyres are made in West Point, Mississippi as well as Onomichi City, Japan; Visakhapatnam, India and other global locations.

PT Freeport Indonesia formally opens new copper smelter in East Java

19th July 2024Base metals, Metallurgy, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining services, Precious metalsPaul Moore

Coordinating Minister of Economy Airlangga Hartarto and Investment Minister/Head of Investment Coordination Agency BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, accompanied by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) President Director Tony Wenas, formally launched commencement of PTFI’s new copper smelter recently in the Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate (JIIPE) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gresik, East Java.

“I can only describe this plant as extraordinary. In the span of just 30 months from the project’s groundbreaking by the President, its construction was (able to be completed) on time. This is indeed extraordinary,” Hartarto said in his address. He said Freeport’s smelter development is part of agreement reached over the IUPK special mining operation permit awarded to the company.

The construction process has been completed on time, and the smelter is now operating, with production commencing in August and full capacity to be achieved in December 2024. “So this (smelter) is indeed very timely, with renewable energy currently trending, along with demand for critical minerals, one of which is copper,” the Coordinating Minister said.

He said with the PTFI smelter’s presence, mining activity and the refining process are now able to be conducted domestically. This is expected to positively impact the nation’s economy, with value added minerals now available for utilisation in the country.

Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in his address conveyed thanksgiving and happiness on the Freeport smelter’s commencing operation, bearing in mind the challenges the development process had encountered. “Today I am happy and thankful as this was a long journey. I am very well aware this smelter development was not an easy undertaking, and at one point was facing jettisoning, the dynamics involved were truly excruciating. In 2021, just as we reached the decision to begin development immediately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit us. But now today we are together witnessing this (commencement of smelter operation). This substantiates Freeport management’s commitment to implementing IUPK requirements,” Lahadalia said.

Acting Director General of Minerals and Coal Bambang Suswantono who was representing the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister said the ESDM Ministry monitored and closely followed the Freeport smelter development. “This launching of Freeport smelter operation in Gresik marks commencement of the minerals downstreaming drive directed by the President (Joko Widodo). Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), Freeport, the Gresik Regency and East Java Province governments, have supported timely completion of the Freeport smelter development that marks the beginning of minerals downstreaming in the country.”

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said development of this new smelter was a consequence of PT Freeport Indonesia commitment to support the copper mineral downstreaming policy launched by the government. He said going ahead, vast amounts of copper will be in high demand globally. Other countries are racing to take part in energy transition, and will need vast amounts of copper. “The President’s calling for the IUPK to require new smelter development was an unerring intuitive judgment. Global demand for copper will continue to rise, accelerating establishment of an ecosystem for electric vehicles, accelerating Indonesian gold,” he said.

The official launching of PTFI smelter’s operation took place in the area across from the sulphuric acid tank. The launching was marked by the pushing of a siren button, followed by monument inscription signing. Also attending the event were Acting East Java Province Secretary Bobby Soemiarsono, on behalf of the Acting Governor of East Java, and Gresik Regent Fandi Akhmad Yani.

PTFI’s new smelter can refine copper concentrate at a production capacity of 1.7 Mt/y to produce around 600,000-700,000 t of copper cathode. In addition to producing copper cathode, the smelter will produce anode slime that will subsequently undergo refining in the Precious Metals Refinery (PMR) to turn out gold and silver bullion, as well as Platinum Group Metals (PGM). As of the end of May 2024, PTFI investment in development of the world’s biggest copper smelter with a single line design amounted to US$3.67 billion.