Tag Archives: Indonesia

Thiess extends mining services stay at Wahana and Hanoman mines in Indonesia

Thiess says it has received contract extensions in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, at the Wahana coal mine from Bayan Resources and at the Hanoman coal mine from PT Cakrawala Langit Sejahtera , which mines the pits in the Satui area owned by Arutmin, part of Bumi Resources.

With a combined value of A$480 million ($320 million) over more than three years, Thiess will extend its mining services, including drill and blast, load and haul, and pit dewatering.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We are excited to continue to deliver sustainable mining outcomes for our longstanding partners Bayan and PT CLS by working the two adjacent mines.

“These extensions reinforce our capability and credentials for operational excellence. They also give us opportunities to showcase our passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion, where we continue to increase the participation of women and people with disability in our workforce.”

Thiess President Director, Indonesia, Jeffrey Kounang, added: “The solutions we provide for both clients enable our team to maximise resource recoveries and optimise the reserves of both operations. We are proud to continuously live up to our clients’ expectations and deliver on our promises.

“We are also very pleased to be able to continue working with the Satui community, which started back in the early 2000s, to help create lasting social and economic values.”

These contract awards build on two separate agreements Thiess has signed in Indonesia, both announced this week. Thiess successfully extended a long-term contract with Bayan Resources to continue providing mining services at the Melak mining complex, in East Kalimantan, while it also secured an agreement with Kaltim Prima Coal to extend its current mining services contract and to provide fleet hire services at Sangatta mine, also in East Kalimantan.

Thiess extends KPC stay and bolts on hire services for Sangatta mine

Thiess has secured an agreement with Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) to extend its current mining services contract and to provide fleet hire services at Sangatta mine, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

With revenues of A$210 million ($141 million) and commencing in January 2023, Thiess will expand its services from land preparation, load and haul, asset management and rehabilitation, to include equipment hire and maintenance.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “The KPC mine in Sangatta has been an important part of the Thiess business for more than 30 years. We are proud to continue contributing to our client’s ongoing success, while extending our strong record of safe operations.

“We also welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the Sangatta community where we have been involved for some 30 years.”

Thiess President Director, Indonesia, Jeffrey Kounang, said: “Our team in Sangatta played a significant role in securing this extension, managing operations safely and meeting our client’s expectations, despite the often challenging weather impacts. And they did this while achieving a fantastic record of 10 million work hours injury free!

“This extension gives us the opportunity to continue delivering sustainable results for the client and the community, which we are so passionate about.”

Thiess has been working with KPC since October 2003 and currently undertakes a range of contract mining services for four of KPC’s pits including mine planning, stripping, blasting, overburden removal, mining and stockpiling.

Thiess to carry on with full mining services at Bayan Resources’ Melak complex

Thiess says it has successfully extended a long-term contract with Bayan Resources to continue providing mining services at the Melak mining complex, in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Starting in May 2023, Thiess will continue to provide full mining services including load and haul, drill and blast, coal hauling and road maintenance and rehabilitation.

Thiess previously announced an extension at the operation back in 2019.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “Thiess has been delivering excellent outcomes for Bayan Resources at Melak since 2008. We strive to continue providing sustainable mining solutions for Bayan, building on our long, successful partnership.

“This extension is a testament to our ability to deliver long-term safe and sustainable operations in Indonesia, while we continue to work on expanding our operations in other areas.”

Thiess President Director, Indonesia, Jeffrey Kounang, said: “We are pleased to be extending our operations at Melak where we have delivered exceptional outcomes for the client and community for the past 14 years, continuing our relationship with Bayan Resources.

“We are also excited about our collaboration with the West Kutai community in continuing to build a positive legacy.”

In 2008, Thiess was awarded a contract to develop and operate the Melak greenfield coal mine. The mine is divided into the two different mine concessions, Teguh Sinar Abadi and Firman Ketaun Perkasa.

Metso Outotec to deliver thickeners for nickel HPAL project in Indonesia

Metso Outotec says it will deliver thickeners for a nickel laterite hydrometallurgy project owned by China’s Ningbo Lygend Resources Technology Ltd on Ono island in Indonesia.

The order covers 25 state-of-the-art thickener units for its nickel laterite HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leaching) project, the OEM says.

Metso Outotec’s scope of delivery includes several Planet Positive thickening products, including High Rate, High Compression, and Paste Thickening technologies equipped with ReactorwellTM feed system where applicable, it added.

“Ningbo Lygend produces high quality MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitation) raw material for battery production in Indonesia,” Paul Sohlberg, Senior Vice President, Minerals Separation, Metso Outotec, said. “They chose Metso Outotec thickeners for their project, thanks to our sustainable, state-of-the-art technology combined with our good understanding and references of similar process plants. The Metso Outotec thickeners enable optimised production and high recovery rates.”

Metso Outotec says it is a global leader in the design, fabrication and supply of thickening and clarifying solutions and related services for the mining industry and has delivered over 2,400 thickeners to its customers worldwide.

The Ningbo Lygend Resources order strengthens the company’s position in nickel laterite HPAL applications, it added.

Gold miner IMK feels the benefit of Volvo CE ActiveCare connection

Since implementing Volvo Construction Equipment’s ActiveCare, Indonesian gold miner Indo Muro Kencana (IMK) has experienced productivity improvements that could easily be replicated across the industry, according to Hendro Sugito, Aftermarket Director at Indotruck Utama, authorised dealer for Volvo Construction Equipment in Indonesia

Gold exploration and mining company IMK, based in Central Kalimantan, connected the country’s largest ever fleet of machines to ActiveCare, the remote monitoring and proactive maintenance service, in November 2021.

IMK’s 52 articulated haulers and seven crawler excavators are fitted with sensors that convey real-time information relating to their production, fuel consumption, health and even operator skill to a portal in the cloud.

Some data points, such as location, speed and load are also communicated from machine to machine to help the operators complete work safely and efficiently.

The dashboards and reports then enable the plant and site manager to identify areas for productivity and efficiency improvements, implement adjustments and set new targets for further progress, according to Volvo CE. This could involve tweaking the number and capacity of machines on site to reduce idling time, finding more direct driving routes, or introducing training for certain operators.

Nine months on, the data has helped IMK increase productivity across its three sites by approximately a third, while reducing fuel consumption for the benefit of the environment and the company’s bottom line, Volvo CE says.

Another major benefit of connecting the fleet has been the positive impact on the convenience, effectiveness and cost of managing machine servicing and repairs, according to the OEM.

With ActiveCare, an artificial intelligence tool monitors all error codes and alarms transmitted from the machines to the cloud. The algorithm sorts through the data, prioritising the alerts according to urgency and severity and attributing probable causes.

This saves a huge amount of time and effort for the plant manager and helps them to determine whether immediate intervention is required for an issue or if the service technicians can wait until the next scheduled downtime. The engineers can also remedy small issues before they have the chance to develop into more serious and expensive problems, and always be ready with the right tools and parts.

Overall, the system has given IMK unprecedented insight into equipment availability, Volvo CE says. This information is key to productivity and profitability in a mining environment where machines are expected to operate almost 24 h/d and any time lost is a loss in earning potential. With ActiveCare, IMK can now optimise its machine availability and ultimately boost overall profitability of its facility, the company concluded.

XCMG 72-t battery-electric trucks start up at Vale operations

Vale says it has become the first major mining company to test 100% electric 72-tonne trucks, with the trial of the XCMG Mining Machinery Co. Ltd vehicles at its Brazil and Indonesia operations.

The trial of the vehicles represent another step in the electrification of the company’s assets, it said, which is part of its wider plans to operate with net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The first electric trucks to be used by a global mining company, tested at Água Limpa, in Minas Gerais, and Sorowako, in Indonesia, emit no CO2, replacing diesel with electricity from renewable sources. They also reduce noise, which minimises the impacts on the communities that live near the operations.

The equipment was produced by XCMG Mining Machinery Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co. Ltd, the largest machine manufacturer in China.

Last year, Vale signed an MoU with XCMG Construction Machinery Limited, a subsidiary of XCMG, for the potential supply of mining and infrastructure equipment, including zero-emission and autonomous equipment.

The 72-t electric off-highway trucks, model XDR80TE, are part of the Vale PowerShift program. Their batteries are able to store 525 kWh, allowing them to operate for up to 36 cycles along the established route, just over a day of operations, without the need to stop and recharge, and with the possibility of regenerating energy during descents, reducing the use of mechanical brakes, maintenance work and vibration, in addition to providing more operational comfort to drivers. The machine has temperature control technology, which allows it to adapt to high temperature, humidity and rainy working conditions, and to perform even in extremely cold, high altitude and harsh weather conditions.

Alexandre Pereira, Executive Vice President of Global Business Solutions at Vale, said: “To us, this partnership with XCMG is another important step in our long-term relationship with China and towards more sustainable mining. Our goal is to expand, together with global partners, the development and co-creation of technologies that respect the environment and zero out emissions.”

Dr. Hanson Liu, the Vice President of XCMG Machinery and General Manager of XCMG Import & Export Co., said: “XCMG and Vale have reached a consensus on the green development concept of dedicating to low-carbon mining and realising net zero emissions. The delivery of XCMG’s latest pure electric mining truck, XDR80TE, at this time is a manifestation of the joint efforts of both parties on promoting global environmental protection as well as green and sustainable economic development.”

Currently, emissions from off-highway trucks running on diesel represent bout 9% of Vale’s total scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The Powershift program was created by Vale with the aim of replacing fossil fuels with clean sources in its operations. The program is promoting innovative solutions to electrify the company’s mines and railroads. In addition to the 100% electric truck, Vale’s strategy for the electrification of assets also includes the operation of battery-powered locomotives in the yards of the ports of Tubarão, in Vitória, and Ponta da Madeira, in São Luís. In Canada, the Powershift program has also led to tests with electrical equipment in underground mines – there are currently about 40 that are currently operational.

Vale’s operational equipment electrification strategy also includes a partnership with its peers BHP and Rio Tinto. Last year, the three companies, along with 17 other mining companies, launched the Charge On Innovation Challenge, a global open innovation challenge with the goal of finding innovative solutions to accelerate the safe charging of batteries for future electric off-highway trucks.

PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi starts training operators with Immersive PRO5 simulator

PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi (PT. PPA) has became the first company in Indonesia to incorporate Immersive Technologies’ PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator technology, with the first two of four units commissioned in the PPA office at the PT Multi Harapan Utama mine site.

Launched at MINExpo 2021, the PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator set a new benchmark in realism, reliability and training value for operator training technology, according to Immersive.

A commissioning celebration and handover was carried out by Edwin Trisnohadi, Regional Vice President Immersive Technologies Asia & Indonesia region, and Director of PT. PPA, R. Teguh Sapto Subroto. Also present at the event were Sunaryo, Head of PPA Academy, and Teddy Ramdani, Customer Support Manager of PT. United Tractors, Tbk.

Equipped with a professional-grade visual system, the PRO5 is the first mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D, a one-piece curved display, photo-realistic graphics and RealView™ head tracking technology, according to Immersive. It delivers realism at a level not previously seen by the mining industry, according to the company, with these advancements helping new and experienced mining equipment operators develop competencies at a rapid pace, while maintaining high levels of learning retention.

Previously, in order to improve the competence of newly graduated workers, PPA’s only option was on-iron training. This takes extra time and also has safety risks. Now, these novice “green” workers can develop psychomotor skills and learn critical behaviors in a safe, simulated environment, while also reducing fuel consumption, according to the company.

PPA is a mining contractor, which, in recent years, has recorded significant growth to become the third largest contractor in the Indonesian mining industry.

The speed of growth requires an investment in the workforce and training tools to become more effective and efficient and to prepare personnel to become mine-ready. This year, PPA is targeting an additional 100 million bank cubic metres (BCM) above last year’s 267 million BCM. In order to achieve this target, an additional 3,200-3,500 operators are needed. The company also needs an additional 1,500-2,000 mechanics. PPA targets an addition of 150 million BCM next year, with another circa-6,000 mechanics and operators needed to support this.

To onboard 6,000 workers, PPA can no longer rely on outdated training techniques.

R. Teguh Sapto Subroto said: “Simulators will help us to develop personnel at a safe and steady pace, independently of disruptions such as weather conditions. We need this technology.”

Before arriving at the decision to buy four PRO5 platforms, PPA had made an in-depth study of simulation vendors and related solutions, according to Subroto. This involved proof of concept product testing from Immersive Technologies.

“The biggest challenge in workforce development is to rapidly develop quality talent with the skills to be safe and productive,” Subroto said. “If you recruit well, you will compete with others, but skill levels may remain 30% below ideal. To produce a quality workforce, you need the right tool that make humans more efficient and effective.”

The simulators will later be managed by the PPA Academy.

Ramdani said that this latest PRO5 simulator has only been available to the market for a short period of time and PPA incorporated it rapidly because of the value it could bring. “Hopefully it can help PT. PPA in building worker competencies, especially for operators,” he said. “PPA recorded the highest growth in the industry which must be balanced with the quality of qualified workforce.”

Trisnohadi explained: “This level of realism and reliability will help companies produce quality workforces and significant return on investment. Our goal is to help PPA in obtaining a world-class workforce, which ultimately would result in greater operational efficiency.

“This PRO5 simulator is the cutting-edge product from Immersive Technologies with the latest evolution of display systems. It is a combination of seamless curve screen with stereoscopic 3D technology which provides unmatched training value and highest levels of learning.”

Thiess to return to Central Kalimantan with new mining, rehab and port management contract

Thiess says it has been awarded a life-of-mine contract to provide mining, rehabilitation and port management services by PT Kapuas Tunggal Persada and PT Tempirai Inti Energi in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Thiess will operate the adjacent Kapuas Tunggal Persada (KTP) and Global Bara Mandiri (GBM) mines and will deliver turnkey operations, including mine design and planning, drill and blast, overburden removal, load and haul, asset maintenance and management, haul road maintenance, water management, rehabilitation and port operations, it said.

Commencing from July 2022, with revenue of A$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) over eight years, this contract marks Thiess’ return to Central Kalimantan.

Thiess Executive Chair & CEO, Michael Wright, said: “We’re excited to work with our new client who shares the same passion for sustainable mining practices and outcomes as we do.

“This new contract is an opportunity to continue our record of delivering excellence for our clients in Indonesia, with a clear focus on safe, responsible production and industry leading rehabilitation.”

Thiess Executive General Manager Asia, Cluny Randell, added: “This contract is recognition of our team’s ability to deliver long-term performance and productivity gains for clients.

“We look forward to working together with our client and the local communities to deliver long-term social, environmental and economic value.”

A day earlier, Thiess confirmed that its mining services contract at Peak Downs Mine in Queensland, Australia, had been extended for another five years by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Located southeast of Moranbah, Peak Downs is an open-pit mine producing high-quality steelmaking coal and is one of Australia’s largest mines by recoverable coal reserves.

Under the contract, Thiess will continue to operate and maintain mining equipment to move additional overburden at the mine and support BMA’s production requirements over the next five years. Starting from July 2022, revenue to Thiess is worth over A$700 million.

Metso Outotec to deliver 100th Anode Casting Shop to Indonesian copper smelter

Metso Outotec says it will deliver its 100th Anode Casting Shop to PT Smelting’s (PTS) copper smelter in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia.

The OEM, which says it has been a frontrunner in the development of anode casting technology for several decades, says the Gresik project is a true milestone for the company.

Today, most of the world’s copper anodes are produced with Metso Outotec’s proprietary anode casting technology, it stated.

Sami Maaniittu, Director, Anode Casting, Metso Outotec, said the system to be delivered to PTS is one of the world’s largest Twin Wheel Anode Casting Shops with a guaranteed capacity of 120 t/h.

Metso Outotec’s predecessor companies started the development and testing of automatic anode casting already in 1969 in Harjavalta, Finland.

“Before that, castings were made manually with controlled ladle tilting,” Maaniittu said. “The first anode weighing and casting machine was delivered to the USA in 1972, and a year later, the first complete anode casting shop was installed at the Harjavalta Smelter in Finland.”

Metso Outotec’s Twin Wheel Casting concept, paving the way for today’s standard, was developed in the 1990s. The equipment design significantly improves casting capacity and provides more efficient use of floor space, according to the company. The wheels are supported on large centre bearings and driven by double drive systems developed to eliminate the backlash effect in the wheel movement and to ensure even quality.

The first Twin Wheel Anode Casting Shop systems were delivered in 1997. Since then, the Twin Wheel has become the first choice of high-capacity anode casting shops, according to Metso Outotec.

Today, most of the anode casting shops supplied by Metso Outotec are fully electric without any hydraulic systems. Their high level of automation ensures premium anode quality with excellent weight accuracy and low reject rate combined with high capacity and availability, the company said. Metso Outotec Anode Casting Shops are safe and easy to operate and feature low energy consumption.

In addition to full anode casting systems, Metso Outotec offers a variety of modular updates for the existing installations, including automation and services.

Metso Outotec to provide PT Huafei Nickel Cobalt with Planet Positive Larox filters

Metso Outotec has been awarded what it says is a major contract for the delivery of sustainable tailings filtration technology to PT Huafei Nickel Cobalt’s greenfield laterite nickel ore project in Indonesia.

Metso Outotec’s scope of delivery consists of the engineering, manufacturing and supply of the Planet Positive Larox® FFP3512 filters, as well as installation and commissioning advisory services and spare parts.

The fully automatic fast-opening filter press (FFP) combines the benefits of membrane technology and sidebar design with high mechanical and process performance, providing safe and sustainable high-volume dewatering of tailings with low operating and life cycle costs, Metso Outotec said.

The hydrometallurgical plant has a targeted annual output of 120,000 t of nickel metal and is expected to be in operation during the June quarter of 2023.

Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive portfolio, which the Larox FFP3512 filters are a part of, focuses on the most environmentally efficient technologies – of which there are more than 100 – in the company’s current portfolio, responding to the sustainability requirements of its customers. The customer requirements relate to energy or water efficiency, reduction of emissions, circularity and safety, Metso Outotec says.

Jussi Venäläinen, Vice President, Filtration business line at Metso Outotec, said: “For our customer, the key criterion for selecting Metso Outotec’s filtration technology was safe and sustainable tailings processing with proven service capability. In addition, we were able to meet the customer’s wish for a quick delivery time.

“We are very pleased to have been chosen as the solution supplier, and we look forward to working together with our customer on this important project.”

Metso Outotec’s filtration product portfolio is the largest in the field and the energy, emission and water efficiency is in a league of its own, the company said. It has carried out over 14,000 filtration tests and delivered more than 5,000 filters for various applications worldwide. Most of the filters are sold under the Larox product name along with Metso Outotec corporate branding. Metso Outotec also accommodates all filtration-related service and spare parts needs through its global service network.

The value of the order is over €30 million ($33 million), and it has been booked in Minerals’ Q1 (March quarter) 2022 orders received.