Tag Archives: Bis

Bis’ Rexx, Razor and HUGO solutions up for sale

Automation, Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , ,

Australia-based Bis has put its innovation portfolio up for sale, a company spokesperson has confirmed.

The company, which serves numerous mining houses across Australia, handles, hauls and processes millions of tonnes of raw materials and commodities every year.

On the logistics side, it has a fleet for out-of-pit, on-road and off-pit applications. When it comes to material handling, it refers to itself as an expert in production input management, including inbound supply chain, out of pit, run of mine, processing, ship and train loading. And its underground services cover the hire of equipment, maintenance services and contract mining, and labour hire.

In the last decade or so, the company has leveraged this position and tight client relationships to develop innovative products aimed at solving a number of challenges mining companies experience – on surface and underground.

In the former category is the Bis Rexx hauler (pictured), a 160-t-payload mining truck with multiple steering and driving axles, enabling it to handle gradients of up to 12% when fully loaded while reducing fuel consumption by up to 40%. Rexx has already been widely trialled, including at Griffin Coal’s Ewington mine, Gold Fields’ Granny Smith mine and Glencore’s Murrin Murrin nickel operation, all in Western Australia. Both hybrid and electric power options have been discussed in the past, in addition to the potential for retrofitted automation.

Underground, Bis has developed a specialised grader for the coal market called Razor. The key features of Razor include high engine power and grader mass that has been optimised to increase tractive effort by over 30% and the use of four gears (as opposed to three) for greater flexibility on difficult ground. Whitehaven Coal secured one of the first units after launch in 2020.

The most recent innovation to come out of Bis is the HUGO (Hybrid Underground Operations) underground mining truck. Offering payloads of up to 80 tonnes, HUGO comes with a diesel-electric hybrid power train that, the company says, meets the current need for lower emission solutions, while providing a platform for decarbonisation and development in using alternative energy sources. The truck brings a 40% increase in productivity compared with today’s largest available 60-65 t trucks and a 50% increase in speed-on-grade capability, Bis says. Late last year, the company said it had reached the next stage in the commissioning process of HUGO with Proof of Concept testing.

Bis to deliver electric fleet of forklifts to BlueScope’s Port Kembla operation

Environmental, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , ,

Bis has announced plans for the roll out of a new electric fleet of specialised assets at BlueScope’s Port Kembla operation in New South Wales, Australia.

The battery-powered high-capacity forklifts and associated maintenance services were a critical part of a recently secured five-year contract renewal between BlueScope and Bis for the Illawarra-located steelmaking operation; the latest in a 30-year continuous relationship between the two companies, Bis says.

The idea to incorporate electric forklifts into the new contract was inspired by BlueScope’s climate strategy and decarbonisation pathway, which sets out its approach to reducing emissions across its operations.

Bis Chief Executive Officer, Simon Atkinson, said: “Building on our strong existing partnership, we are committed to helping BlueScope achieve its low-carbon goals. The new electric forklifts are practical evidence of this. They will represent up to 63% of the new forklifts that are being rolled out, and our aim is to keep the fleet evolving. Their configurations have been optimised specifically for BlueScope. Options include small footprint, flameproof specifications, custom mast heights, extra wide carriages and thin tynes with chisel tips, dual drive tyres and a variety of specialised attachments.

“Each unit also features a range of new technology capabilities for operators as well as pedestrian safety. We want to drive sustainability improvements as much as we can for our customers, and the shared expertise we have with BlueScope is yet again delivering significant and measurable outcomes for its business.”

A reliability coordinator will provide performance metrics, insight into continuous improvement initiatives for additional sustainable savings and support for site trials and training, Bis said.

David King, Australian Steel Products Contract Manager, said BlueScope deeply values Bis’ proactive and solutions-focused approach as it works hard in targeting a 12% reduction in its greenhouse gas emission intensity for its steelmaking activities by 2030.

“We aim to create carbon efficient and climate-resilient solutions for our customers and to make this a reality we have set a goal of net zero GHG emissions across our operations by 2050,” he said. “This will only come about as a result of working collaboratively with innovative partners and suppliers, like Bis, to challenge the status quo and enable ideas to materialise across all facets of the steelmaking process.”

Mobilisation of the new contract commences in July 2024, Bis says.

Simon Atkinson commences CEO role at Bis

Mining people, Mining services, , , ,

Bis’s new Chief Executive Officer, Simon Atkinson, has formally commenced following his appointment by the Bis Board in December 2022.

Atkinsons joins Bis from Pacific National, Australia’s largest privately-owned rail logistics business, and prior to that, Incitec Pivot Limited, where he ran the Asia Pacific downstream business in Commercial Explosives and Fertilisers.

Bis Chairman, Graeme Hunt, said his appointment represents the latest significant milestone in Bis’ century-long history.

“Simon is an esteemed safety, customer and people focused executive and we are delighted to welcome him to Bis,” he said. “He has an exceptional track record in strategy, HSE leadership, people development, process optimisation and value creation through execution excellence. Bis is in good hands with Simon at its helm.”

Hunt also conveyed his unreserved gratitude to Michael Porter, who has been serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer since mid-2022.

“Michael has made a significant contribution during this time and I thank him for his continued steady leadership, open engagement and deep industry experience,” he said. “With Simon coming onboard, Michael will resume his position as Chief Operating Officer and, in so doing, will continue to provide invaluable oversight and executive support to the business.”

Atkinson said the opportunity to lead one of Australia’s pioneers in the resources and logistics sector is something he does not take lightly.

“At every turn in Australia’s mining history, Bis has been there. It is a humble company with dedicated, hard-working people who get on with the job of serving their customers, safely and productively in an entrepreneurial way. This is evident in its growing innovation pipeline and its inherent ability to continually help customers solve problems and optimise their operations.”

Bis to haul bauxite for Rio Tinto at Gove operations

Base metals, Mine operation news, Mining services, , , , , , ,

Bis says it has signed a multi-year bauxite haulage contract with Rio Tinto for its Gove operations in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Bis will deploy an efficient, high payload haulage solution to Gove, enabling a day shift only approach, which will also provide a strong foundation for managing employee attraction, it said.

Bis Chief Executive Officer, Brad Rogers, said the new contract is testament to the company’s focus on innovation and safety.

“I’m very proud we are able to offer a tailored and efficient haulage solution to Rio Tinto in a way that is conducive to a compelling employee value proposition.

“Given the remoteness of the operation – Gove is 1,000 km from Darwin – the ability to meet Rio Tinto’s production requirements in a cost efficient manner, with day shift only operations, will help to deliver a safe and reliable operation. We are excited to commence at Gove and look forward to supporting Rio Tinto at this important operation.”

The haulage and road maintenance contract will see Bis provide off-road haulage of bauxite, road grading, dust suppression and associated support services.

Assets include 230 t haulage combinations, loaders, graders, a water cart and other support equipment. Mobilisation of the new Gove contract begins immediately.

Bis has a long history of providing haulage, material handling and site services in the Northern Territory across a variety of commodities including manganese, iron ore and bauxite, it said.

This latest contract award comes only weeks after the company announced it had also secured a project with new customer, Stanmore Resources, at its Bowen Basin operation in Queensland.

Bis bolsters Bowen Basin presence with Stanmore Isaac Downs contract

Coal technology, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , ,

Bis says it is bolstering its presence in Queensland’s Bowen Basin region through a new off-road haulage contract with Stanmore Resources.  

The multi-year contract award, which follows a competitive tender process, will see Bis deliver load and haul services between Stanmore’s Isaac Downs mine in the state and the nearby coal handling and and processing plant (CHPP) facility.

Isaac Downs is an open-pit metallurgical coal mine expected to produce up to approximately 35 Mt of run of mine coal over 16 years.

A bespoke haulage solution comprising high payload haulage combinations was developed in-house at Bis for the project, which will be supported by a range of ancillary assets and services, it said. 

Bis Chief Executive Officer, Brad Rogers, said he was delighted to be welcoming Stanmore Resources as an important new customer. 

“Our companies share similar strategic goals, so I am thrilled we are supporting Stanmore – a dynamic resources leader with a strong track record of safety, productivity and innovation – into the next critical phase of the Isaac Downs project. 

“Bis has a long, demonstrable history of delivering bespoke and cost effective haulage solutions that are uniquely customer specific and grounded on a stringent safety approach.  

“These factors, coupled with a commitment to active site management and supervision will be fundamental in ensuring we not only meet, but exceed Stanmore’s expectations.”

Commenting on the contract award, Marcelo Matos, Stanmore Resources’ Chief Executive Officer, said the Bis solution offered an industry-leading approach combined with highly beneficial local expertise.    

The contract award continues what has been a big start to 2022 for Bis following recently secured contracts for Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) in New South Wales, as well as another new Bowen Basin contract for Anglo American’s Capcoal operations near Middlemount, it said.

Rogers added: “This contract comes at an exciting time for Bis as we cement our presence in key markets and maintain our unwavering focus on delivering value every day for our customers.”

Mobilisation of the new Stanmore Resources Isaac Downs contract has already commenced. 

Bis devises bespoke on-road haulage solution for Hunter Valley Operations

Coal technology, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Bis says it has signed a multi-year on-road haulage contract with Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) at its New South Wales-based processing facility.

The load and haul solution features a bespoke high payload on-road haulage rig ideally suited for the Glencore- and Yancoal-owned joint venture, which is located 115 km northwest of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Comprising A-Double and B-Double trailer configurations, loading and road maintenance equipment, the dedicated fleet will transport material from HVO’s preparation plant to its Newdell train load out facility, Bis said.

Bis Chief Executive Officer, Brad Rogers, said: “Building on our existing long-term relationship with Glencore, we are delighted to continue our support to the HVO joint venture operation for Yancoal and Glencore. The NHVR-approved Bis haulage solution adopted at HVO was specifically designed by our in-house team to cater for a greater payload capacity thereby reducing the number of overall truck movements, operational health and safety risks and fuel consumption.”

The contract comes only months after Bis secured another new multi-year haulage contract on the eastern seaboard for Anglo American’s Capcoal operations near Middlemount, in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Bis and GFG Alliance agree on Whyalla mining and steelworks contract extension

Mine operation news, Mineral processing, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

Bis is set to continue its long-standing commercial relationship with GFG Alliance’s integrated mining and steelworks at Whyalla, in South Australia, after the two companies signed a new multi-year materials handling and export facilities services contract.

The materials handling service involves the movement and processing within the steelworks of bulk materials, iron and steel slag, scrap and semi-finished products; while the export facilities service includes train unloading and ship loading at the harbour and management and maintenance of the export facilities.

The contract will help drive continuous improvement, resulting in significant efficiencies while providing greater opportunities to optimise each company’s assets and workforce across multiple work-fronts, Bis said.

Bis has been operating various service contracts at Whyalla for the last 60 years, with the contract extending its long history of providing essential core services at the integrated mining and steelwork operations.

Bis to provide tailored equipment solution for Anglo American Capcoal contract

Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Australia-based Bis has secured a new multi-year contract for Anglo American’s Capcoal operations near Middlemount, in the Bowen Basin of Queensland.

The off-road haulage, materials handling and site services contract is the latest in an ongoing relationship between Anglo and Bis that spans more than 20 years.

The contract will see Bis supply a tailored high payload equipment solution for the operation’s rejects haulage. Additionally, the company will deliver site services including road maintenance, dust mitigation and run of mine equipment feed, as well as haulage of topsoil, rock and run of mine coal as required.

Bis Chief Executive Officer, Brad Rogers, said the company’s ability to provide a tailored haulage and logistics solution, specific to this operation, was a key factor in securing the new contract.

“We have a long history of integrating customisable OEM innovations and existing solutions to deliver against specific customer objectives. This competency continues to drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs for our customers. It’s a formula that works.

“For instance, the specific higher payload capacity solution put forward for this project delivers significant advantages for Anglo American. It means a reduction in the total equipment required, vehicle movements and fuel consumption; all three of which directly contribute towards improved safety, sustainability and productivity outcomes for the customer.”

The range of tailored equipment incorporated to deliver the project includes double trailer configuration haulers, wheel loaders, graders, water trucks and a compaction roller.

The fleet is fitted with the latest Bis safety and productivity management systems, including Trifecta, which is a new in-cabin artificial intelligence driver and vehicle monitoring software developed with EDGE3 Technologies. The system collects and analyses data in real time to improve both safety and productivity. The system collects, analyses and reports driver behaviours such as drowsiness, mobile phone use, smartwatch use, smoking, seatbelt and other violations. Trifecta then ‘learns’ over time to pre-empt high risk incidents in real-time through alerts to drivers and supervisors. Bis says it has exclusive rights to use and sell the system across a range of markets.

On site mobilisation for this new contract is expected to commence from August.

Bis, Xsights, Roborigger and IES to embark on METS Ignited-back sensor tech program

IoT, Mineral project development, Mining finance, Mining industry recognition, Mining maintenance, Mining software, , , , , ,

METS Ignited has announced four ambitious companies to take part in a 12-month program to evaluate new cost-effective sensor technologies.

“With more data available, in shorter timeframes, on an expanding number of devices – IoT sensors and data collection are changing the nature of the mining industry and providing METS companies with significant opportunity to develop new applications to capture and extract value,” METS Ignited said.

METS Ignited is dedicated to helping the Australian METS sector develop globally competitive skills and knowledge, and drive the adoption of digital technologies and innovation into industry.

Its Industry Growth Centre has partnered with Innovation Central Perth (ICP), a centre led by Cisco with partners Curtin University, Woodside and CSIRO’s Data61, to aid the development and commercialisation of IoT technology to service a wide array of industries.

Due to the level of interest and calibre of applications, METS Ignited extended the original opportunity of two memberships valued at A$10,000 ($7,128) each, to four. The four Western Australia-based businesses embarking on the program are Bis, Xsights Digital, Roborigger and Integrity Engineering Solutions (IES), all of which are set to accelerate their knowledge and application for IoT technologies in an innovation program run by ICP, it said.

Bis is a resources logistics company, providing innovative logistics, materials handling and specialised equipment solutions to the global mineral resources sector.

Xsights is an Australia-owned company focused on being the leading provider of technology-enhanced data collection and insights reporting solutions for real-time audience measurement and asset tracking.

Roborigger paves the new way of thinking about crane lifting and logistics with the wireless load controlling device that improves safety and efficiency by keeping people away from the loads, controlling loads using wireless and logging all load movements with images and weight.

IES has developed the patented RT-Bolt load measurement system, which allows real-time measurement of the load in any fastener during assembly or operation. This facilitates significant improvement of the reliability of critical bolted joints in the resources industries.

ICP’s Wireless Industrial Sensor Environment Program will deliver foundational learning in sensors, visualisation platforms, data science, networks and communications. Each of the participating companies will gain access to a test environment and resources to collaborate and build real world industrial IoT solutions, METS Ignited says.

Bis’ UGM backs up growth plans with new Morisset facility

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , , , ,

Australia-based underground services provider, UGM, has opened the doors on its new purpose-built diesel and electrical workshop facility in Morisset, New South Wales.

UGM, which forms part of the Bis group, said the location for the new facility was strategically selected for its proximity to the region’s key mining operators, providing enhanced services for customers.

Building on UGM’s existing underground repair, overhaul, field service and spare parts services, the western Lake Macquarie facility was also designed to support UGM in delivering new services to a broader customer set.

Bis Underground Services General Manager, Mark Doyle, said the move will bolster UGM’s diesel and electrical capacity and provide faster expert service for its underground mining and civil customers.

“The Morisset location provides proximity to local mining operations and the opportunity to design a space with a much larger footprint, to support our growth plans.

“The new facility is three times larger, enabling UGM to offer a broader range of niche customer solutions. One of these is growing our tunnelling infrastructure capabilities, including our licensed Mitsui roadheader operations, which services major civil underground projects throughout the Eastern seaboard.”