Tag Archives: National Mining Association

Jeffrey Dawes looks forward to a sustainability-focused MINExpo 2021

Automation, Environmental, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining industry recognition, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As the world’s largest mining event, MINExpo INTERNATIONAL is used as an industry barometer for the health of the sector. While this year’s event will be a little different given the impacts of COVID-19, the anticipation continues to build for an in-person gathering that will highlight the biggest and best mining has to offer.

Ahead of this year’s event, sponsored by the National Mining Association (NMA) and due to take place on September 13-15, in Las Vegas, IM put some questions to Jeffrey Dawes, MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2021 Chair. Dawes is also VP of Komatsu’s Global Mining Business Division and President and CEO of Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining Corp.

IM: How will this MINExpo be different to previous editions? How are companies planning to ‘open up’ their exhibits and presentations to the widest audience possible considering COVID may restrict some of the in-person international attendance seen in previous years?

JD: MINExpo offers the mining industry the unique opportunity to experience, in person, the newest mining equipment and talk directly with the technical experts behind the most innovative technology and solutions. NMA has done a great job adapting plans this year as COVID restrictions have evolved, so they were prepared for a very different experience if need be, but fortunately it looks like we will be able to have a fairly normal show experience, albeit from a North American perspective – we will be missing some of our international friends who cannot join this year’s event. Part of what has always made our industry great is a strong sense of community, so it will be great to be able to get together in person after such a long time.

To accommodate our friends and colleagues who won’t be able to make the show in person, exhibitors this year have plans to utilise the latest in virtual technology to showcase what will be at the show. Exhibitors will also be able to upload product information, videos and other materials to the online directory, which will be available and open to anyone for a year after the show. Finally, the Opening Session will be live streamed.

Jeffrey Dawes, MINExpo International 2021 Chair

IM: What will be the big innovation themes at the event and what do these themes say about the future direction of the mining industry? 

JD: Digitalisation, electrification and automation will be the big innovation themes this year. Full enterprise optimisation can only be achieved by connecting tasks, processes, systems and people across the value chain. Solutions that leverage digitalisation, electrification and automation are the key to that full enterprise optimisation. They also play a crucial role in creating sustainable systems that support society’s growing needs in the most environmentally responsible ways.

IM: In a general sense, what positive impacts do you think COVID has had on the mining sector’s innovation/technology uptake? Has it accelerated the rate of innovation through necessity (remote working, increased HS&E considerations, shift to cloud-based network infrastructure, etc)? Is this likely to shine through at MINExpo in terms of what companies are showcasing and talking about?

JD: COVID really gave the mining industry a chance to reflect on its goals and take a deeper look at the tools now available to help it reach those goals. I think it also helped us gain a better understanding of the importance of aligning our business objectives – to extract the minerals needed by society – with society’s need for us to do that in the most sustainable, efficient and least intrusive ways possible. I’m certain that the products and solutions presented by the exhibitors at MINExpo this year will centre on the innovations and technology available now and in the near-term future that will help mines meet both their own and society’s needs.

IM: How do you see Komatsu’s contribution shaping/influencing the event? Are your solutions likely to be the ‘talk of the show’?

JD: We think so, yes. This year at MINExpo, Komatsu will focus on the power of smart technology and connected systems, the freedom of interoperability on an open platform, and the equipment and solutions that will help our industry move forward toward a more sustainable future. I’m particularly looking forward to sharing our newest haulage concepts, which are designed to help meet our customers’ needs for autonomy and the drive toward zero emissions. We’re also excited to give attendees their first in-person look at our newest surface blasthole drill, with 122,000 lb (55,338 kg) of pull-down force, the ZR122. Also, our newly branded WE1850 Gen3 wheel loader with switched-reluctance hybrid drive technology, with a bucket capacity of 60 tons (54 t), and our latest offerings for underground hard-rock and soft-rock operations.

Ultimately, at Komatsu we believe in providing our customers with the technology, solutions and flexible support they need for the lifecycle of their equipment and mining operations. Our customers need a reliable partner they can trust with whom to invest for the future of mining. We aim to be that partner.

IM: Aside from being a topic of discussion on the stands and in the conference rooms, how will sustainability be on show at MINExpo? Will this be the most ‘sustainable’ MINExpo yet in terms of organisation, emissions, etc?

JD: Mining has always been an essential part of keeping modern society moving forward. As we say, if it’s not grown, it’s mined. As an industry we have to focus on how to evolve to continue to meet those needs sustainably. The mining industry is already finding new ways to extract the minerals needed to meet the requirements of the world’s more energy conscious and environmentally friendly future. I am sure that many of the exhibits at this year’s show will showcase those new sustainability-focused solutions.

IM: Are you able to provide any preliminary expectations of attendee numbers?

JD: Varying country restrictions – and the US’ own restrictions – are obviously making this a year unlike any other, placing unusual limitations on attendance. However, we were pleased to have nearly 90% of our 2020 planned exhibitors re-book for this year and new exhibitors are booking space every day. We’re looking forward to welcoming representatives from 32 countries as both exhibitors and attendees. We hope to see even more attendees register as vaccination rates continue to rise, case numbers fall and an increasing number of countries lift travel restrictions as evidenced by recent changes in Canada.

International Mining is a media sponsor of MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2021

MSHA looks to accelerate tech uptake in underground ‘gassy’ mines

Automation, Coal technology, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining policy, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , , , ,

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has proposed revisions to its standards that could speed up the testing of electric motor-driven mine equipment and accessories in underground “gassy” mines in the country.

Under the proposed rule, during a one-year transition period, mine operators could use equipment and accessories that meet either 14 voluntary consensus standards (VCS) or the existing MSHA approval requirements.

After that period, operators would be required to use the consensus standards for equipment and accessories covered by consensus standards, MSHA said.

“The proposed rule would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the product approval process and promote the use of innovative technologies for improved mine safety and health,” it added.

Rich Nolan, National Mining Association president and CEO, said the industry had long advocated for updates to the standards.

“Current standards have resulted in a backlog of superior technologies awaiting MSHA approvals, even as those technologies are being used successfully in mines elsewhere around the world or by other occupations in the US,” he said.

“The proposed updates will allow us to provide the best available protection for miners through a more efficient and effective process.

“Put simply, this translates into people being safer sooner.”

The 14 VCS have been developed by the American National Standards Institute, the International Society of Automation, UL LLC and the International Electrotechnical Commission. They contain general and specific construction and testing requirements for equipment used in explosive gas atmospheres, explosive dust atmospheres or hazardous locations. The agency will accept tests from these organisations in lieu of MSHA’s standards, the NMA said.

Examples of equipment covered by the regulations include portable two-way radios, remote control units, longwall mining systems, portable oxygen detectors, miner-wearable components for proximity detection systems, and powered air-purifying respirators.

“NMA and its members have tenaciously worked for this change to streamline the process by which MSHA approves and certifies equipment for use in gassy mines,” the NMA said.

(Photo courtesy of Peabody Energy Inc)

Usibelli coal mine achieves CORESafety certification from the NMA

Coal technology, Mining industry recognition, Mining safety, , , , , ,

The National Mining Association (NMA) has recognised the Usibelli coal mine (UCM), in Alaska, USA, with its CORESafety® certification.

CORESafety is the NMA initiative with the objective of zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in mining’s injury rate within five years. Usibelli joins 10 other companies whose operations have been independently certified under NMA’s signature safety initiative, the association said.

UCM’s mine production has grown from 10,000 tons/y (9,072 t/y) in 1943 to around 1 Mtons/y (907,185 t/y).

“We celebrate Usibelli’s dedication to safety,” Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO, said. “Participation in the CORESafety program has already helped companies across the industry increase safety awareness and vigilance, prioritising the miners who we depend on for our modern way of life. Our CORESafety member companies are leaders in mining safety and health management, and Usibelli’s track record clearly shows leadership in this field.”

UCM President and CEO, Joe Usibelli Jr, said: “CORESafety isn’t a program that expires, it’s a system that has become part of our culture. Recently, we set an all-time high safety record of 1,085 days without a lost time incident – and that is because CORESafety is a part of our fabric.”

CORESafety is a risk-based mine safety and health management system developed by NMA.

CORESafety participants agree to: commit to the CORESafety system; implement a functionally-equivalent version of the CORESafety safety and health management system; submit to NMA annual self-assessments of progress toward implementation of the CORESafety safety and health management system; and, if the company elects, to become or maintain CORESafety certification, complete a thorough third- party assessment of its safety and health management system to verify that it is functionally equivalent to CORESafety and submit the assessment report to NMA.

SomaHive LLC of Parker, Colorado, conducted the independent, third-party certification audit on July 21-22, the NMA said.

Komatsu’s Jeffrey Dawes to chair MINExpo 2020

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The National Mining Association (NMA) has announced that Jeffrey Dawes of Komatsu will chair MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2020.

A long-time leader within Komatsu and the industry, Dawes is VP of Komatsu’s Global Mining Business Division, and President and CEO of Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining Corp.

Held every four years and sponsored by NMA, MINExpo INTERNATIONAL is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global mining event, bringing together worldwide industry leaders ready to purchase the latest equipment and services, explore innovative new technologies, meet face-to-face with suppliers, and make valuable new connections, the NMA said.

“I am honoured and excited to be chairing the 2020 show,” Dawes said. “What an exciting time for our industry and a great moment to gather as one to reveal the future of mining and the latest tools and technologies to meet the world’s demand for essential minerals.

“NMA is a strong and steadfast representative of our industry and has made this event a continued source of inspiration, innovation and excitement. We’re looking forward to a fantastic show together.”

Born in Australia, Dawes studied Metallurgy at the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie and completed a PhD at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Center at the University of Queensland. He began his career as a mining consultant and worked for several mining companies in different capacities before joining Komatsu in 1998.

Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO, said: “As the leader of a company that represents nearly a century of manufacturing excellence, which consistently advances and showcases our industry’s best technologies, I can’t think of a better chair for MINExpo 2020 than Jeff.

Next year’s MINExpo will bring together more than 40,000 attendees – both those who have been in the industry for decades and those who are just beginning their mining careers, representing domestic and international operations and all phases of mining. With its strong domestic foundation in the US, but extensive global footprint, Komatsu is an ideal partner for 2020.”

MINExpo INTERNATIONAL covers the entire industry – exploration, mine development, open pit & underground mining, processing, safety, environmental improvement and more. It will take place on September 28-30, 2020, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Nevada, USA.

CONSOL Energy wins NMA plaudits for safety initiatives

Coal technology, Mine operation news, Mining safety, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

CONSOL Energy Inc has become the 10th mining company to be fully certified under the National Mining Association (NMA)’s CORESafety® initiative.

The certification, which aims for zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in rate of injuries within five years, is the culmination of a multi-step, multi-year process that requires dedication at every level of an organisation, according to Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO.

“Safety is an area where complacency has no place and the CORESafety framework is an important tool to drive constant vigilance and awareness,” he said.

Jimmy Brock, President and CEO of CONSOL Energy, said it was a “tremendous” honour and testament to the work and dedication of its miners, to receive the certification.

“Safety is more than a core value at CONSOL Energy, it is a condition of employment and a way of life,” he said. “Reaching this milestone demonstrates our employees’ commitment to safety and our focus on continually integrating best-practices while embracing technology and innovation, as we strive towards an incident-free workplace.”

For over 10 years, CONSOL has operated under an “Absolute ZERO value system” based on the premise that having zero accidents is normal and that any accident is uncharacteristic and inconsistent with company values, according to the NMA.

Consol owns and operates the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and the Baltimore Marine Terminal, in addition to controlling over 1 billion tons (907 Mt) of undeveloped reserves, according to its website.

CORESafety’s approach to safety and health emphasises accident prevention and uses a risk-based management system anchored in leadership, management and assurance, the NMA says. The framework is designed to go beyond what is required by regulations, focusing on a goal of continuous improvement. Its objective is zero fatalities and a 50% reduction in mining’s injury rate within five years of implementation. In 2017, companies participating in the CORESafety system closed the year with zero fatalities across US operations.

CORESafety is a risk-based mine safety and health management system developed by NMA. The NMA said: “CORESafety participants agree to: commit to the CORESafety system; implement a functionally-equivalent version of the CORESafety safety and health management system; submit to NMA annual self-assessments of progress toward implementation of the CORESafety safety and health management system; and, if the company elects to become or maintain CORESafety certification, complete a thorough third-party assessment of its safety and health management system to verify that it is functionally equivalent to CORESafety and submit the assessment report to NMA.”

M&S Insurance and Safety Consultants Inc conducted the independent audit in September 2019.