Tag Archives: mining

Hexagon’s Mining division looks to simplify drill hole data collection with MinePlan GeoSlate

Mineral exploration, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Hexagon’s Mining division has announced the introduction of HxGN MinePlan GeoSlate, a mobile, geological drill hole logging application that, it says, simplifies the field data collection process.

GeoSlate, part of MinePlan’s Exploration Geo package, collects field drill hole data via a recommended field-ready mobile tablet. It integrates with MinePlan 3D, completing the geology workflow from exploration through resource estimation, the company said.

“Built for optimal performance and designed for the field geologist’s workflow, GeoSlate saves time by eliminating the hassle of configuring logging templates from scratch,” Hexagon’s Mining division said. “GeoSlate solves many of the challenges facing geologists who are tasked with geological, exploration, production, sampling, geotechnical, hydrogeological and other field data collection and data management needs.”

Data can be instantly published over Wi-Fi using Hexagon’s microservice architecture, syncing directly to connected MinePlan drill hole databases for subsequent geologic analysis and workflow execution. Instead of spending time exporting/importing, collating and transmitting data, customers can use Hexagon technology to securely store and transfer data from the field to the centralized database at the click of a button, the company claims.

“Access to data should take minutes, but often takes days, even months,” Derek Badner, Product Manager, Hexagon’s Mining division, said. “As part of the integrated MinePlan portfolio, GeoSlate minimises time to data. When connected to Wi-Fi, data can be published from the app and synced in seconds to any authenticated MinePlan Drillhole Manager solution around the globe.

“Valuable time wasted performing data reformatting and quality assurance is minimized using the app’s automatic data validation in the field. We believe GeoSlate will quickly become essential for any mine’s data collection and management needs.”

ArcelorMittal to expand iron ore mining and logistics operations in Liberia

Comminution of minerals, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , ,

The Government of the Republic of Liberia and ArcelorMittal have signed an amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) which paves the way for the expansion of the steel major’s mining and logistics operations in Liberia.

With the MDA amendment coming into effect, ArcelorMittal Liberia will significantly ramp up production of premium iron ore, generating significant new jobs and wider economic benefits for Liberia, it said.

The expansion project – which encompasses processing, rail and port facilities – will be one of the largest mining projects in West Africa. The capital required to finalise the project is expected to be approximately $800 million, as it is effectively a brownfield expansion.

The expansion project includes the construction of a new concentration plant and the substantial expansion of mining operations, with the first concentrate expected in late 2023, ramping up to 15 Mt/y. Under the agreement, the company will have reservation for expansion for at least up to 30 Mt/y. Other users may be allowed to invest for additional rail capacity, it said.

As the largest foreign investor in Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia says it has invested over $1.7 billion in the country over the past 15 years.

More than 2,000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, with Liberians envisaged to fill the majority of the roles created, the company said.

ArcelorMittal operates a Vocational Training Centre and provides two-year residential certificate training in mechanical and electrical trades. As part of the expansion, ArcelorMittal Liberia has also launched a training and development program for high potential Liberian employees who will gain on the job experience and knowledge in ArcelorMittal Mining operations globally.

The employees will receive advanced training in the fields of mining production and operation optimisation, plant maintenance, planning and execution, plant electrical operation systems and electrical maintenance. Other training areas include plant fitting and heavy-duty mobile equipment maintenance, as well as mine production and operations.

Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman, ArcelorMittal, said: “The expansion of mine, processing, rail and port facilities is the largest iron ore project in West Africa and will draw international attention to Liberia as an attractive country to invest in. The current planned expansion is part of a long-term commitment by ArcelorMittal to Liberia that includes undertaking planning for the further expansion of our iron ore asset to at least 30 Mt per annum.”

EY addresses Americas mining and metals company needs with new Centre of Excellence

Environmental, IoT, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EY Canada has announced the launch of an EY Americas Mining and Metals Centre of Excellence that, it says, will offer companies across the Americas access to cutting-edge services and innovation-led solutions that meet the most pressing needs of mining and metals businesses, today and in the future.

“Post-COVID-19 investments in infrastructure, combined with demand to sustain the energy transition, will drive significant growth in the mining and metals sector over the next three to five years,” Theo Yameogo, EY Americas Mining and Metals Leader and the man leading the centre’s charge, said. “But capitalising on these opportunities is going to require a major pivot – and we want to be there to support companies as they navigate the path forward. While working cross-collaboratively with our colleagues in the Americas to combine our business and technical expertise with emerging technologies, the centre will ground us under one unified vision to help companies drive meaningful and long-term growth.”

Powered by EY wavespaceTM, the centre’s integrated, business-led and technology-enabled approach will, EY says, support the growth ambitions of mining and metals companies by focusing on four key areas:

  • Technical expertise: bringing advanced knowledge and understanding of the unique business landscape, including reserves and resources, mine planning and tailings management;
  • Digital transformation: connecting the dots to link investments to value realisation through strategic roadmaps, prioritisation of initiatives and disciplined execution;
  • Operations management: improving efficiency and productivity in operations through data-driven diagnostics, culture uplift and integrated planning and execution; and
  • Decarbonisation and ESG: supporting adoption of carbon footprint analytics, greater energy optimisation and increased health and safety.

Jad Shimaly, EY Canada Chairman and CEO, said: “The mining and metals industry is an integral part of our Canadian fabric, and is poised to be an increasing contributor to job and economic recovery moving forward.

“We’re excited the centre will allow us to play a role in enabling Canada’s journey in the energy transition, while supporting mining and metals companies as they look to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that deliver long-term value for stakeholders.”

The first Americas Mining and Metals Centre of Excellence will be hosted in Canada, with an additional location operating in Latin America later this year, according to the company.

New ICMM reports reinforce mining’s role in economic development of host countries

Environmental, Mining industry recognition, Mining policy, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , ,

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has published two reports that highlight the contribution the mining industry makes to the economic development of host countries.

‘The Mining Contribution Index (MCI)’ and ‘ICMM Members’ Tax Contribution Report: 2019 Update’ demonstrate the pivotal role mining plays in many national economies, and the contribution it makes throughout commodity cycles, according to the ICMM.

The Mining Contribution Index (MCI): 5th Edition
This report shows that between 2016 and 2018, many of the world’s poorest countries relied on their income from mining as the primary driver of economic activity. As a result, 21 of the top 25 ranked countries in this edition qualify as “resource dependent” using the criteria applied in ICMM’s Social progress in mining-dependent countries report, it said.

Published every two years, the MCI ranks 183 countries from across the world according to the relative importance of mining to the economy of that country. The fifth edition saw seven new entrants to the top ranked 25 countries, with Suriname and the Democratic Republic of the Congo retaining the top spots. Across all five editions of the MCI, the top 25 remain dominated by low and middle-income economies.

Notably, six of the seven countries that dropped out of the top 25 in this edition were African, a contrast to the increase in African countries within the top 25 in the previous edition. These changes were due to a recovery in gross domestic product across the continent between 2016 and 2018, the ICMM said

“The fifth edition of the MCI confirms that many of the world’s most mining-dependent countries continue to rely on their natural resources as the primary driver of economic activity,” it said. “The Natural Resource Governance (NRGI) Institute’s Resource Governance Index rates 84% of the top 25 ranked countries in the MCI as weak, poor, or failing. It is therefore clear that there is more to do to ensure that mining’s contribution to national economies is maximised and that mineral wealth translates into broader-based economic and social progress.”

The ICMM Members’ Tax Contribution report: 2019 Update
This report, prepared by PwC, extends the dates covered by ICMM’s first Members’ Tax Contribution Report, to include 2018 and 2019. Over the full 2013-2019 commodity cycle, ICMM member survey participants reported corporate income tax (CIT) payments of $96.6 billion and royalty payments of $56.7 billion, totalling a contribution of 153.3 billion to public finances. During those seven years, for every $100 of profit before impairments, $39.40 was charged in corporate income tax and royalties, according to the report.

The 2019 update of the ICMM Members’ Tax Contribution report shows that after a decline in the first half of 2016, commodity prices recovered, and, together with general economic growth, led to an increase of tax and royalties. “However, even in 2016, when some members were making little to no profit, they still paid $5.5 billion in royalties, thus providing a dependable stream of revenue for host governments through the cycle,” the ICMM said.

In 2018 and 2019, the members of ICMM which completed the most recent survey reported total CIT and royalties of $25.5 billion and $26.8 billion, respectively, which was an increase from $17.3 billion in 2017.

Nicky Black, Director of Social and Economic Development at ICMM, said: “Taken collectively, both reports paint a picture of the contribution mining makes at a national level. We know from the Social progress in mining-dependent countries report that responsible mining can be transformative, leading to substantial reductions in levels of poverty and overall improvements in social wellbeing. Mining companies stimulate economic activity by providing exports, the revenue from which can be invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure and supporting government.”

She added: “ICMM members recognise that efficient, effective, transparent, and stable resource governance is critical in ensuring that mineral wealth translates into broad-based economic and social progress. Through these reports ICMM hopes to encourage evidence-based debate and focus attention on the vital role of effective mineral resource governance.”

Metso breaks records as it looks forward to more growth

Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Environmental, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , , , , , ,

It was a record year in terms of profitability for Metso in 2019; a year that saw the minerals processing company make several strategic decisions to fundamentally change its group structure.

Orders received across the group increased 5% to €3.7 billion ($4.1 billion), with sales growing 15% to €3.635 billion. Adjusted EBITA rose from €369 million in 2018 to €474 million (13% of sales) in 2019, while operating profit jumped to €418 million from €351 million.

Metso President and CEO, Pekka Vauramo, said 2019 was in many ways historical and transformational for the company.

“It also marked a record in our financial performance, as our sales increased in both segments and our profitability was higher than ever in the company’s history,” he said.

The company also launched some major new products – including the Metso Truck Body and the VPX filter – in addition to publishing the Metso Climate Program, which aims for notable reductions in emissions.

The year will be remembered for two major strategic decisions from Metso.

“The first was the acquisition of McCloskey, a Canadian supplier of mobile aggregates crushers and screens,” Vauramo said. “After the closing of the acquisition in October, Metso’s offering strengthened in the mobile aggregates equipment market, which is estimated to see the industry’s fastest-growing demand.”

“The second and truly transformative step was the decision related to the partial demerger of Metso, after which Metso’s Minerals business will be combined with Outotec to create Metso Outotec, a unique company in the minerals, metals and aggregates industries,” Vauramo said.

At the same time as this, the company took the decision to allow its valves business to continue as an independent listed company named Neles.

Vauramo said: “We are confident that, as a result of this transaction, both companies will be well-positioned to grow and create value for our customers and other stakeholders.”

Shareholders of both Metso and Outotec approved the transaction in October at respective meetings and internal preparations have proceeded according to plan, Vauramo said.

The completion of the transaction still requires approvals from the competition authorities in various markets, but according to the company’s estimate, closing should take place on June 30, 2020.

Jennmar to become US underground coal rail and tie component leader

Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , , ,

Jennmar, a subsidiary of Frank Calandra Inc, says it has acquired the Vossloh track, tie and rail accessory inventory from Atlantic Track.

Along with the entire mining inventory, Jennmar has purchased all machinery necessary to support Vossloh’s current mining business consisting of rail, tie and rail straightening capabilities, it said.

Tony Calandra, Group President of Frank Calandra Inc and Calandra Group LLC, said the acquisition made Jennmar the “premier provider” of rail and tie components for the underground coal market in the USA.

Michael Calandra, Executive Vice President of Frank Calandra Inc, said Jennmar will continue to offer the same services with enhanced resources and capabilities.

“This will not affect or delay any current business. We will honour all existing POs that were issued to Vossloh Track Materials prior to January 1, 2020,” he added.

Australia has much to gain from resource sector technology advances, report says

Automation, IoT, Mining industry recognition, Mining policy, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , ,

Harnessing new technologies in the mining, oil and gas industries will add A$74 billion ($50 billion) to the Australian economy by 2030 and create more than 80,000 new local jobs, according to a new report from METS Ignited and NERA.

Titled ‘Staying Ahead of the Game Report’, the report says data analytics, automation and robotics technologies continue to transform the resources sector and Australia needs to be at the forefront of technological progress or risk other countries taking the lead.

The report was designed to attempt to predict the nature and scale of how Australia’s resources industries, including both the producers and their supply chains, might change if they fully embraced the latest advances in operational technologies such as analytics, automation and robotics.

It further analysed what these changes mean for employment and workforce development (especially in the operations areas across regional Australia), and the wider economy.

To estimate the impact of these technological changes, the report analysed 30 types of technological innovation considered most relevant and carried out more than four dozen interviews with industry and technology experts to support the findings.

It also laid out a four-step roadmap that, it said, will lead Australia to success. The four steps were around strengthening collaboration, creating and supporting national cross-industry automation technology clusters, expanding the “entrepreneurial ecosystem” and boosting skills and research and development.

Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said Australia has one of the most competitive mining, oil and gas industries in the world which will continue to boost its economy as it transforms.

“A vibrant and competitive resources sector is vital to Australia’s economic future and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies will be a key driver of industry transformation,” she said. “The use of analytics and robotics not only provides significant safety and environmental benefits, it is also rapidly increasing job opportunities.”

Andrews added: “This kind of technology opens up new, unexplored opportunities for the resources sector and what this report shows is the huge economic opportunity if new technology is embraced.”

The report was produced by METS Ignited and NERA, two industry growth centres established to drive innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

It comes shortly after a A$2 million Future Technology Project Fund was made available through NERA for projects that accelerate the commercialisation of science and technology, improve the uptake of innovative digital technologies, and encourage future investment, productivity and global trade, in the oil, gas and energy sector.

FLSmidth notes sustainability and digital mining developments in Q2 results

Automation, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Environmental, IoT, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , , ,

FLSmidth’s June quarter saw an improvement in revenue and profitability as the company’s Mining and Cement divisions continued to perform strongly.

The company’s order intake for the June quarter amounted to DKK5 billion ($752 million), down 2% from the same period a year ago. Mining order intake, specifically, declined 7%, mainly due to a lower capital order intake, the company said. This included an order of around DKK375 million from Rio Tinto for its Koodaideri iron ore project.

During the quarter, the company also completed the acquisition of IMP Automation.

FLSmidth’s order backlog stood at DKK16.8 billion by the end of June, up 16% from the same time last year.

Revenue increased 16% year-on-year in the quarter to DKK5.5 billion on high activity level, while earnings before interest taxes and amortisation came in at DKK487 million, up 28% year-on-year.

FLSmidth Group CEO, Thomas Schulz, said: “The second (June) quarter showed a strong performance with improved revenue and profitability, driven by both Mining and Cement. Following a slow start to the year, we have been successful at converting backlog to revenue in the second quarter. In close cooperation with our customers, we have continued to deliver on our vision to provide sustainable productivity enhancement.”

Schulz continued: “Our success with both service and capital orders, demonstrates our customers’ confidence in our ability to enhance their productivity. This is supported by an increased push for sustainable solutions that ties in well with our position, capabilities and track record.”

In the company’s Mining division, Schulz said the company saw increased interest for new technologies such as dry stack tailings, but also a general need to reduce water consumption in the production process. The company said the mining market remained robust.

The company added on the mining market: “Equipment demand continues to evolve around replacement and brownfield projects, with select greenfield opportunities. Miners are attentive of rising global issues and remain cautious on large and high-risk investments. The long-term pipeline for larger projects is encouraging, but most projects are currently not reaching further than the engineering/prefeasibility stage.”

It continued: “Customers across regions and commodities are increasingly demanding digitalised solutions to improve performance, reduce operating costs and maximise safety in operations. Similarly, customers show increased interest in technology to obtain a more sustainable production, not least our effective solutions for tailings management given the latest issues with tailings dams failures and the related environmental impact.”

Integrated Pump Rental keeps its head during Lesotho mine dewatering project

Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , , ,

Integrated Pump Rental says the quick deployment of its dewatering solution has allowed a Lesotho mine to keep operating as normal.

A constant flow of water into the mine’s pit area demanded water be urgently and reliably pumped out, according to the company. A fuel-efficient Sykes Xtra High Head pump set was chosen for the job, pumping into a 200 mm HDPE line with a head of 127 m to a holding dam.

According to Integrated Pump Rental’s Andre Strydom, timing was of the essence to the customer: “We secured this dewatering contract due to our quick and effective response. The Sykes XH150 unit was on site and commissioned just 24 hours after receiving the call from the customer.”

Strydom highlighted that, as mines and quarries go deeper, conditions require a solution like the Sykes XH150. With its automatic priming and solids handling capacity, it is designed to dewater more efficiently and effectively.

“The unit has one of the best shaft stiffness ratios of any automatic priming pump on the market,” he says. “Sykes engineers have ensured that the enormous pressures and heads associated with such performance do not compromise seal integrity through shaft flexing.”

All models have the ability to operate unattended at high discharge heads, with the pumps able to be primed with long suction hoses and the ability to manage suction lifts of up to 9 m.

“The units can even run dry for extended periods due to the oil bath mechanical seal assembly,” the company said. “Designed for robust and reliable performance with high volumes of water, Sykes pumps have an established reputation for the fast and effective control and removal of sub-surface water.”

The pumps can even operate in “snore” condition, Integrated Pump Rental says, which accommodates fluctuating suction levels. “In these conditions, the pump will snore until the liquid is available for the pump to fully re-prime itself automatically,” the company added.

ABEL receives diaphragm pump order from Mexico miner

Base metals, Mineral processing, Mining services, Water management, , , ,

ABEL GmbH says it has received a large order for the delivery of 14 hydraulic diaphragm pumps from a Mexico mining company.

The Germany-based company received the order in March, with the pumps to be used for the transport of sulphuric acid-containing jarosite sludge in the course of zinc production.

ABEL explained: “The entire process of hydrometallurgical zinc extraction is also known as jarosite leaching. This process separates iron and zinc by chemical precipitation. This is the most used process of zinc production worldwide.”