APR2021australianminingreview.com.au A product of Publications & Exhibitions Australia Pty Ltd GALAXY’S SHINING STAR P32 DUST CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION P51-65 RRP $10.00 incl GST Get a Load of That Austin Engineering is leading the charge towards lighter construction trucks with delivery of a higher payload. See Pages 69-71 The Experts in Ground Water Pumping | See Page 36THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR HANDLING YOUR LAYFLAT HOSE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR HANDLING YOUR LAYFLAT HOSE REEL SYSTEM REEL SYSTEM Rapid deployment & retrieval Mine dewatering Manages large diameter layflat Turn-key solutions Self-contained power source Crusader Hose Pty Ltd 22 Industry Place, Bayswater VIC 3153 Australia (03) 9720 1100 www.crusaderhose.com.au For enquiries: sales@crusaderhose.com.au Customised Layflat Hose Systems We listen. We understand. We design, build & deliver. Call us today. Hose Reel Systems by Crusader Hose are designed for the Australian Mining Sector.GENERAL MANAGER Trevor Pickett 0429 916 282 trevor@australianminingreview.com.au EDITOR Ray Chan ray@australianminingreview.com.au ACCOUNTS MANAGER Teresa Sabatino accounts@australianminingreview.com.au Contents 04 18-19 24 28 35 51 74 49 45 76 82 90 91 06 92 25 32 42 66 80 50 46 News Features Industry Focus Mining Lifestyle Technical Talk COMMODITIES SNAPSHOT NEWS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Point your phone camera here to view online version! MINING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA GREENBUSHES LITHIUM 20 Risk and Insurance SERVICE TRUCKS IN MINING BHP SOUTH FLANK GALAXY RESOURCES COMPANIES GEARING UP DUST CONTROL MINE MAINTENANCE FACILITY MANAGEMENT DUMP AND HAUL TRUCKS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES INDUSTRIAL WELDING WATER MANAGEMENT ARASIVE AND JET BLASTING CHEMICAL STORAGE MINE ENGINEERING HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS SHOTCRETING SERVICES MAGNETS AND MAGNETIC SOLUTIONS WOMEN BE THEMSELVES AND THRIVE OVERCOMING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC P92 POISED FOR LITHIUM REVOLUTION P 28 FLUID INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE P88 JOURNALISTS Kathleen Southway, Kate Christian RESEARCH Jason Strydom, Wayne Dyson ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Biliana Harman SALES EXECUTIVES Cal Christelow, Chrissy Nurthen, Donna Orton, Quentin Roberts, Natasha Lill DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Matthew Pickett matt@australianminingreview.com.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeremy Pickett jeremy@australianminingreview.com.au FRONT COVER IMAGE Shaun Croaker @ Heavy Ignition PRINTER Australian Community Media The Australian Mining Review is a free publication to all mine sites and mining companies in Australia. Its value is $11 an issue. (Includes GST, postage and handling). The copyright is vested in the Proprietors of The Australian Mining Review; neither whole nor any part of this issue may be reproduced without permission. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Publications & Exhibitions Australia Pty Ltd and its staff, but are those of the respective author who accepts sole responsibility and liability for them. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS: The Trade Practices Act, 1974 came into force on the 1st October 1974. All advertisers and advertising agents are directed to carefully study the provisions of the Act, which contain strict regulations on advertising. It can be an offence for anyone to engage, in trade or commerce, in conduct deemed “misleading or deceptive”. Specifically s53 of the Act contains prohibitions from doing any of the following in connection with the promotion, by any means, of the supply or use of goods or services: (a) falsely represent that goods are of a particular standard, quality, value, grade, composition, style or model or have had a particular history or particular previous use; (b) falsely represent that goods are new; (c) represent that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, uses or benefits they do not have; (d) represent that the corporation has a sponsorship, approval or affiliation it does not have; (e) make a false or misleading representation with respect to the price of goods or services; (f) make a false or misleading representation concerning the need for any goods or services; or (g) make a false or misleading representation concerning the existence, exclusion or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right or remedy. PENALTIES: For an individual — $10,000 or six months imprisonment For a corporation — $50,000. It is not possible for this company to ensure that advertisements published in this newspaper comply with the Act and the responsibility must, therefore, be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertising for publication. In case of doubt, consult your lawyer. ABN 28 112 572 433 CONTACT US P (08) 6314 0301 F (08) 9481 7322 160 Beaufort Street, Perth, WA 6000. PO Box 8023, Perth BC, WA 6849 E-mail the editor at editorial@australianminingreview.com.auW A Premier Marc McGowan says the creation of new environmentally- minded portfolios in his Cabinet should not concern the resources sector. The WA Labor Party was returned to power in March in an historic landslide, and now reigns over both houses with absolute majorities. Among the new portfolios created were a Climate Action role for incoming minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, and responsibility for Green Hydrogen to veteran Alannah MacTiernan. The moves come as WA gears itself as an emerging renewables energy hub up, with a rise in battery production plants, wind turbines and blade production facilities. Its vast area is able to host large-scale solar and wind power farms to power hydrogen and ammonia plants, which can fuel a domestic manufacturing industry, as well as supplying ammonia and hydrogen to Asian markets. With the State depending on royalties from mining and in particular iron ore, Mr McGowan said he did not think the focus on reducing emissions would be a point of concern for the resources industry. Although he has said that no carbon targets would be legislated at a state level, both the ALP and Liberals want to achieve net zero by 2050. “If you talk to any of the mining companies, they are totally on board with taking action on climate,” Mr McGowan said. “So [having ministers] is just a great demonstration the government wants to work with industry to achieve outcomes in this area.” P ilbara Minerals has introduced a new digital trading and sales platform for spodumene concentrate production from its Pilgangoora Project in WA. The company will work with GLX Digital to provide Pilbara Minerals with a further avenue for sales growth, offering interested parties the ability to access current and future unallocated spodumene from its operations. GLX Digital already provides a digital trade platform to the natural gas industry which has been successfully deployed over the past five years, with multiple buyers and sellers over multiple jurisdictions. Known as the “Battery Material Exchange”, the new platform is intended to facilitate discreet sales of its spodumene concentrate product by either auction (screen trading), tender process or bilateral sales agreement. It provides anonymity to all users ensuring secure customer relationships, with the information security management 2 system being certified to ISO 27001, which is widely regarded as best practice in relation to information security. The selling platform will define a timeframe for sale of each cargo and will utilise the company’s existing sales terms and conditions, inclusive of a letter of credit. Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said the introduction of the hydrogen industry portfolio was recognition of the critical role green hydrogen would play in the global energy transition, required to meet the targets established by the Paris Agreement. “Fortescue has set an ambitious, industry- leading target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, supported by our wholly-owned subsidiary Fortescue Future Industries, which is focused on harnessing the world’s renewable energy resources to produce green electricity, green hydrogen, green ammonia and other green industrial products,” she said. ”We welcome the appointment of Ms MacTiernan to this position and with the continued support of the WA Government and the minister, we are confident that WA can be at the forefront of the establishment of a global green hydrogen industry.” The Chamber of Mines and Energy said it looked forward to continuing to work closely with the WA Government around key issues that will help ensure the State remains safe, globally competitive and has the capacity to grow. Chief Executive Paul Everingham said this included: • Delivering on government’s streamlining reform agenda to reduce duplication and administrative burden, while maintaining robust approvals oversight • Government support to ensure the mining and resources sector has access to the right people, with the right skills at the right time to seize current opportunities. While the sector is strongly focused on creating jobs In the case of a sale by auction, the platform will provide a channel for multiple potential buyers to anonymously bid on that cargo. The successful bidder (who will continue to remain anonymous) will then have the cargo loaded on a vessel in accordance with the defined terms and conditions for that sale, including the final auction price. “He has a deep understanding of the sector and I’m looking forward to continuing our strong working relationship,” she said. “When COVID-19 hit, we worked very well together to keep the industry running and support local jobs.” Ms Wilkinson also looked forward to working with Deputy Premier Roger Cook, who will take on State Development, Jobs and Trade, and Science. “With the addition of the State Development, Jobs and Trade and Science portfolios to his responsibilities, I expect to work even more closely with Mr Cook to ensure natural gas can continue to support local jobs and drive the economic recovery of our State,” she said. AMR and training West Australians, and the 135,000 people currently working within it is a record, there are significant labour pressures in the current environment. • Continuing to refine leading risk-based COVID-19 protocols that have enabled the sector to operate safely and effectively through the pandemic, and managing the rollout of vaccinations across the sector’s workforce. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association welcomed the reappointment of Bill Johnston to the Mines, Petroleum and Energy portfolios. APPEA’s WA State Director Claire Wilkinson said Mr Johnston had been “a steady pair of hands for the oil and gas industry”. The facility will operate in conjunction with the company’s existing and new or future offtake agreements and will initially be used to sell unallocated or available spodumene concentrate that sits outside existing offtake terms. Pilbara Minerals Managing Director and CEO, Ken Brinsden, said the introduction of the Battery Material Exchange should position the company well to maximise its participation. “Creating a digital marketing and sales platform represents a logical evolution for the industry and we are pleased to be working with GLX Digital to lead the industry,” he said. AMR Digital Platform For Spodumene Climate Action for WA WA Premier Mark McGowan (right), FMG chairman Andrew Forrest and FMG chief executive Elizabeth Gaines, turn the sod at FMG’s new Eliwana mine. The Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project in WA. News6 AMR APR2021Quattro Project Engineering have rethought underground mine infrastructure. Infrastructure Reinvented quattrope.com Bravo Building, 1 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Domestic Airport The results speak for themselves. Reduced exposure hours while saving time & money. Visit Quattrope.com to see how our innovative QProduct line can assist you. +61 8 9373 1140 info@quattrope.com How it’s installed. How it works. What it looks like. Q-Claw & Q-Brace Suspension System Vastly reduced manual handlingSimple, efficient & safe See our Editorial on Page 37T here are renewed calls for governments to tackle inefficient legislation and red tape in the Australian mining industry, amid warnings that the current prices of iron ore will not remain high over the long-term. Atlas Iron chief executive Sanjiv Manchanda, speaking at the March WA Mining Club event, says it is critical for Australian producers and governments to actively look at ways to reduce costs, particularly from red tape, compliance costs and payroll tax. “We must speak up against inefficient legislation and government red tape that restrict us from being able to develop and continue and contribute,” he said. “The mining industry improves the living standards of each individual in this nation including helping to pay for defence, police, hospital, health services, roads, state kindergartens, emergency services and much more. “It provides the metal that are essential for people’s lives around the world.” Mr Manchanda is also calling for a review of tax incentives that will allow plant upgrades in order to improve iron ore grades and therefore remain competitive on the global market. L atest drilling at Bryah Resources' Australian Vanadium project at Gabanintha has registered bonanza gold grades of up to 182g/t. Bryah holds the rights to all of the nickel, copper and gold at the WA-based project, while AVL holds the rights to all of the cobalt as well as the vanadium-titanium-magnetite deposit and the resource itself. Managing Director Neil Marston said the latest gold assays were an outstanding result for the company and confirm the exciting gold potential of the historic mining area of Gabanintha. “Last year we started assaying for gold from historical drilling within the vanadium deposit at Gabanintha,” he said. “Recording exceptionally high-grade gold assays of 10m, grading 27.5g/t gold with 1m assays of up to 182g/t Au within a fault cross-cutting the high-grade vanadium zone, opens up a whole new exploration concept for the company to target.” The discovery comes after Bryah recently “This will help Australian producers maintain our market share and cost-competitive basis.” Hancock Prospecting took over the financially-troubled Atlas Iron in October 2018, and under the leadership of Mr Manchanda, developed a strategic plan which included paying off debt, bringing down the cost base and investing in new developments to capitalise on strong market conditions. The company has completed the Pardoo, Wodgina, Abydos and Mount Dove mines, with several new projects underway to meet global demand for iron ore. A total of 100mt of iron ore has been shipped from the Pilbara to-date, at a rate of about 26-27t per day and about 8.5mtpa. “In producing and shipping that 100mt, we’ve contributed $1b in state royalties for the wellbeing of the state and the nation and to every individual,” Mr Manchanda said. The company’s operating model is more agile than the larger players with a focus on smaller mines and contractor-based partnerships across all stages of operations and value chains, including mining, crushing, screening, haulage and port operations. sold its Tumblegum South gold deposit within the Gabanintha Project to Star Minerals. The company has struck an agreement that will enable it to receive $500,000 cash, nine million shares (valued at $1.8m) and seven million in performance rights, which will convert upon achievement of milestones into 7m Star Minerals shares. The move enables Bryah to focus on its core copper-gold exploration projects while srill retaining significant exposure to near-term gold production at Tumblegum South. Bryah will likely hold 21.6% equity in the new explorer upon its successful ASX listing, which could increase to over 30% through conversion of performance rights upon commencement of gold production at Tumblegum South. Both transactions are conditional upon Star Minerals undertaking its $5m IPO and obtaining ASX approval to list by May 31. Selling the Tumblegum South gold deposit allows Bryah to focus on exploration for new high-grade copper-gold deposits at its flagship Bryah Basin project and on the remainder of its Gabanintha project. The Tumblegum South gold deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 600,000t, grading 2.2g/t gold for 42,500oz. “The Tumblegum South gold deposit sits on a mining lease which was granted in November 2020,” Mr Marston said. “In December 2020 Bryah signed a Development Agreement to potentially access the Kirkalocka gold processing facility to treat gold-bearing material from Tumblegum South. “This Development Agreement with Kirkalocka Gold remains in place and Star Minerals will assume Bryah’s rights and obligations under the agreement at completion.” AMR Red Tape Hinders Iron Ore Atlas Iron chief executive Sanjiv Manchanda speaking at the WA Mining Club on government legislation, cost reductions and alternative markets for Australian iron ore. The Tumblegum South gold deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 600,000t, grading 2.2g/t gold for 42,500oz. Bryah Strikes Gold Bonanza It explores, develops and ships iron ore in a direct shipping ore (DSO) format that allows Atlas to size to exact specifications without the need for beneficiation. “We export the ore as it is mined in terms of quality,” Mr Manchanda said. Its primary operation is the Mt Webber mine in Pilbara, WA, about 230km from the Utah Point stockyard at Port Hedland. “Annual production rate for FY20 and FY21 is marginally above 9mtpa and it’s a combination of lump and fine products,” Mr Manchanda said. Its new Sanjiv Ridge mine, previously known as Corunna Downs, about 239km from Utah Point, hauled its first shipment of ore by road to Port Hedland in February this year. “The mine will provide a boost to our annual output within an expected 5mt of lumps and fines to be hauled by road to Utah Point adding another 5-6 years to the Atlas value chain and lifecycle,” Mr Manchanda said. Miralga Creek, an extension of the completed Abydos mine, will commence construction in mid-2021, subject to final regulatory approvals, and is expected to produce an additional 2.5mtpa for another three to four years of life. Atlas Iron is also developing, in collaboration with its sister company Roy Hill, the McPhee Creek project while also exploring, on its own, a number of other tenements with the intent to create new operations. When asked if India was the next major export destination for Australian iron ore, Mr Manchanda said that India plans to add 100mt of steel production capacity over the next five years, to its current 250mt. “The challenge is that India also has iron ore mines with the capacity to produce that 300- 350mt of steel,” he said. “We have historically shipped small tonnages to India [and] we keep getting enquiries but there is nothing sustainable yet. “However there is some very strong anticipation that it could change over the next five years [and] we remain keenly interested.” Mr Manchanda also believes African iron ore supply will impact Australian producers in future. “I think one day it will,” he said. “We must take steps to make sure that we remain competitive in the international market as an iron ore producer.” AMR By Kathleen Southway News8 AMR APR2021Broons Group (08) 8268 1988 - info@broons.com - www . broons.com BH-1300 MS 14 Tonne 1300mm Module BH-1950 MS 18.5 Tonne 1950mm Module Broons has led Impact Roller technology for over 35 years, with benefits to the mining sector: Features Heavy Duty Linkage Gusseted Chassis Extra Wear Plates Lugged Tyres • Deep Compaction • Unrivaled Productivity • Haul Road Construction • Capping Tailings Dams • Rock Rubbilisation • Tyre Wear Reduction • Limit Suspension Fatigue • Operator Comfort • Secure Tip Heads • Low Running Costs • Reduce Fuel Costs • Risk Mitigation IMPACT ROLLERNext >