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Fuel integrity keeping mining moving

Fuel integrity keeping mining moving

AUSTRALIA’s two-speed economy has been well-documented, with the country’s mining industry continuing to outpace the rest of its industry in terms of economic growth. To keep the mining industry moving, simple things like maintaining the quality of diesel fuels to run modern mining equipment fleets becomes even more important. BP global mining deal and offer manager Andy Weller said the pace of change in diesel technology, including the use of more modern diesel engines, often made engines more susceptible to abrasive wear and tear caused by particulates present in some fuels. “The older engines, ironically, did not have such a problem using the cleanest fuel available is the best way to avoid this,” he said. “BP Ultimate Diesel cleans...

Reliable video or phone conferencing with a global reach

Reliable video or phone conferencing with a global reach

FOR more than 10 years, Video Conference Global Linx (VC Global Linx) has provided cutting-edge video conference technology to customers, negating the frustration of sourcing and booking reliable videoconference venues in a timely and cost-efficient manner. For customers using video or phone conferencing between far-flung locales such as Sydney and San Francisco or Melbourne and Manchester, VC Global Linx offers fast and affordable solutions. The company’s expertise in formulating tailored solutions to meet individual or group requirements ensures each client’s satisfaction. VC Global Linx can bridge and link multiple sites, or organise person-to-person calls. VC Global Linx also provides its own video conferencing facilities in Darwin for hire, and has access to more than 7000 facilities across the globe, as...

A complete range of flexible acoustic solutions

A complete range of flexible acoustic solutions

LEADING noise control and sound proofing technology manufacturer Flexshield has been servicing the Australian mining industry since 2003. With solid experience and a full range of products the company is able to provide a complete noise control solution – from noise assessments to the supply and installation of engineered acoustic treatments. Flexshield’s products include acoustic enclosures, attenuators, baffle silencers, modular acoustic panel and flexible noise control barriers. All of the company’s products are NATA accredited, providing assurance for customers that products will perform to their requirements. Offering a complete turnkey range of flexible curtains, welding screens, flexible screens used for factory zoning and flexible swing doors, the company provides cost-effective solutions for controlling both workshop and environmental hazards. All of...

Unbeatable FIFO value and comfort from air charter specialist

Unbeatable FIFO value and comfort from air charter specialist

AIRCRAFT charter specialists Australian Air Solutions (AAS) tailors its time-efficient, cost-effective and comfortable charter services for mining companies and contractors of all sizes. “We understand FIFO, because I and all our staff have been there,” AAS managing director Brendon Hempel said. “Backing out the driveway to start another four or five hour journey to work can grow tired pretty quickly, so travel take any longer than it needs to.” The company can fly between 9 and 19 passengers from Brisbane direct to Moranbah, Emerald or Roma at unbeatable prices. “By supplying a regular contracted service to the mines, we can often provide prices 30 per cent per seat cheaper than the airlines,” Mr Hempel said. Cost...

Savoir-faire in fantastic France

Savoir-faire in fantastic France

WHEN thinking of France, it is often the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe that spring to mind as ‘must-see’ attractions. While indulging in cheeses, crusty baguettes and Champagne is a an integral part of the French experience, travellers who step away from the throngs of tourists will be pleasantly surprised by some of the other unique experiences the country has to offer. Bubbles with a difference Imagine spending the night under the stars of the sprawling French countryside, with no ceiling or tent to obstruct the view. Attrap’ Rêves (roughly translating to ‘dreamcatcher’) has made this a reality through its chain of ‘bubble’ hotels, which allow dreamers and stargazers alike to sleep under the night...

Upbeat despite falling profits

Upbeat despite falling profits

MINING giant Rio Tinto has retained a positive economic outlook in the face of plummeting first half profits, due in part to sluggish demand from China. Despite posting results which exceeded the market expectations of about US$4.94 billion, Rio’s first half underlying profit of US$5.2 billion showed a 34 per cent decrease. The company attributed the US$2.6 billion profit drop to lower commodity prices, as well as increased operating costs and weaker production. “Lower prices were the main driver of a reduction in underlying earnings in the first half of 2012, but overall we continue to generate strong earnings and cash flows,” Rio chairman Jan du Plessis said. “Whilst we are mindful of short-term uncertainties we remain convinced of the...

Productora passes another significant milestone

Productora passes another significant milestone

EMERGING copper explorer and developer Hot Chili has achieved what it reported to be its “most significant milestone to date” as it looked to make a final mining decision for the Chile-based copper-goldmolybdenum Productora project within the next 12 months. The company acquired the Uranio lease – representing a critical 1.2km portion within the centre of the project – in a public auction held by the Chilean Commission for Nuclear Energy in July this year. The successful bid brought to a close consolidation efforts comprising nine separate deals with individual landholders spanning four and a half years, and opened the door for the potential development of a large-scale central pit at Productora, 5km south of the town of Vallenar in...

Future looks golden for Murchison

Future looks golden for Murchison

EMERGING miner Kentor Gold has poured the first gold doré bar from its wholly-owned Murchison gold project in WA. The bar weighed 1.13kg and was estimated to be approximately 90 per cent gold. Kentor managing director Simon Milroy said this was a big milestone for the company as it joined the ranks of gold producers. “The plant is settling down nicely, with the mill continuing to achieve higher throughput than designed on a consistent basis,” he said. “Initial gold production is sourced from the Burnakura plant’s gravity circuit. “Gold loadings on the CIL circuit’s carbon are building steadily.” Murchison, about 50km south of Meekatharra, comprises two deposits – Burnakura and Gabanintha – and is the first of...

Offtake agreement sets uranium miner’s future a-glow

Offtake agreement sets uranium miner’s future a-glow

URANIUM miner Paladin Energy has signed a US$200 million, long-term offtake contract (LTC) with a major US utility that will see it deliver 13.73 million pounds of uranium between 2019 and 2024. The company reported that it would fulfil its delivery commitment from either its current African mining operations (which include projects in Namibia, Malawi and Niger); a project yet to be developed; or from a combination of both options. A US$200 million prepayment will be made in tranches before January 31, 2013. To secure Paladin’s obligation to deliver product representing a specified prepayment amount, the utility will hold security on 60.1 per cent of Paladin’s Michelin project in Canada. Paladin reported that the percentage of Michelin secured would be...

Gold deal has silver lining

Gold deal has silver lining

MARKING the start of the annual Diggers and Dealers mining conference in Kalgoorlie last month, two major WA gold producers signed a deal that will see them merge into one of the largest gold mining companies in the state. The $426 million takeover of Integra Mining by Silver Lake Resources will create a major Australian gold producer with a 6.6 million ounce resource base and a forecast production rate of 400,000 ounces per annum by 2014. Under the agreement, Integra shareholders will be offered 1 new Silver Lake share for every 6.28 Integra shares. The Silver Lake offer values Integra at $0.452 per share. The transaction offers shareholders of both companies the opportunity to create material value, given the proximity...

Trenggalek receives boost from mining major

Trenggalek receives boost from mining major

A partnership agreement with mining major Anglo American looks set to fast-track exploration activities at Arc Exploration’s Trenggalek gold project in Indonesia. The 300 square kilometre project, in the southern mountains of East Java, sits along the same belt as Intrepid Mines’ Tujuh Bukit copper-gold deposit, which holds an estimated resource of 25 million ounces of gold. “This new agreement with Anglo American is a very positive step forward for Arc Exploration,” Arc managing director John Carlile said. “Our exploration results to date indicate that Trenggalek is an area with major gold potential.” An ongoing exploration program conducted by Anglo will be used to review the project’s potential, with the objective of moving the project towards resource estimation. Anglo recently...