| |
| |
Portable Satellite Terminals Connect Remote Regions in Real Time
Filling the gap between the dish and hand-held devices, these units are finding new applications in exploration and operations
By Steve Fiscor, Editor-in-Chief
Miners and geologists working in remote locations often become accustomed to quiet, inaccessibility. With resources stretched thin and decisions being made in an instant , however, the ability to connect to the rest of the world is important. Internet and cellular connectivity in some cases might mean a half-day trip to an urban center. If communicating with headquarters was the sole purpose for the trip, the travel downtime could be viewed as a nuisance at best and more likely a complete waste of time……. read
more
|
|
|
| |
Vendors Boot Up a New Generation of Mining Software
From complete mine management down to the smallest detail of process or machine design, the latest programs are claimed to process and display data easier, faster and more accurately
By Russell A. Carter, Managing Editor
MINExpo 2008, the huge international mining trade show held September 22–24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, offered a bonanza of information for attendees interested in the latest loading, haulage and processing "iron" and the services and ancillary machinery needed to support it. However, perhaps not as visually imposing as 400-ton-payload haul trucks and massive excavators—but still highly important to a producer’s bottom line—was a raft of new or improved mining software products introduced at the show that ranged from complete mine management suite upgrades to specialized financial modules...... read
more
Top |
|
|
| |
New Technology Set to Unlock Low-Grade Nordic Mineral Resources
Leading edge technology is bringing mineralization previously regarded as unsuitable for mining to production, extending the lives of existing mines and finding new resources
By Kyran Casteel, European Editor
The regeneration of mining as a significant contributor to the economies of Finland and Sweden continues apace with both local and foreign companies participating. At least one mid-size international mining company, Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, has recently joined the party, taking over the 5-million-mt/y nickel-copper ore open-pit mine development project at Kevitsa in Finland. Another Canadian firm, Gold-Ore Resources, has acquired a 90% stake in the polymetallic Norrliden project from the Lundin subsidiary North Atlantic Natural Resources, having already purchased the Bjorkdal gold mine in the Skellefte mining field in Sweden…...
read
more
Innovation and Improvisation Keep Talvivaara on Track - Development of the Talvivaara Mining Co. (TMC) project, located in the Sotkamo region of eastern Finland and one of the largest known nickel sulphide deposits in Europe, has attracted a great deal of public attention in Finland and elsewhere, for a number of economic and technological reasons…. read more...
AEM Pools Canadian and Finnish Experience in Arctic Lapland - Although it has probably attracted less attention than Talvivaara, the Agnico- Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) Kittilä gold mine is nevertheless a major development for Finland and is also using mineral processing technology new to the country. Furthermore, some commentators expect the operation to be more profitable…. read more...
 Double Act: How Kemi Plans to Underpin Outokumpu’s Ferrochrome Expansion - Managers at the integrated Kemi mine, which supplies the chromium for ferrochrome and stainless steel production at the Outokumpu Tornio Works in Finland, 2008 might have expected 2008 to be a relatively uneventful year. After all, as Jyrki Salmi (manager-mining) and Heikki Pekkarinen (manager-mineral processing) explained last year…. read more...
 Established Miners Seek Economies of Scale - Although the major Nordic mining companies have generally enjoyed profitable operation through the past 12 months, not all the individual mines have performed well. And long-term, a key objective is to contain costs, at least partly by increasing the scale of operations…. read more...
 Mining Technology Suppliers Focus on High Tech Solutions - The major mining technology suppliers headquartered in the Nordic countries deliver a high proportion of their sales to foreign markets. To a considerable extent their success has been based on the advanced technology developed to meet the technical and economic challenges posed by their domestic mining industries…. read more...
 Global Mineral Processing Firms Refine Strategies - The global mineral processing and metallurgical technology suppliers based in the Nordic region continue their efforts to minimize delivery times through worldwide supply chain management, albeit not without difficulty. But they are maintaining investment in new technology development and have also been paying attention to broader business strategies…. read more...
|
|
|
| |
 The Challenges and Potential for West Africa
Despite the high logistics and operating costs involved, mining is booming in this remote region
By Antonio Ruffini, South Africa-based Editor
With virtual unanimity suppliers of mining services, minerals exploration groups and mine owners admit that operating in West Africa poses its challenges. Ralf Hennecke, general manager of international marketing for South Africa-based explosives company BME, a group that supplies five mines in West Africa, notes that for many, that region is seen as a difficult place to do business. "It is just a bit more extreme than other places," Hennecke said. "The climate, the dust, the heat, the remoteness. And, in particular, West Africa is logistically challenging.".....
read
more
Top
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Normet Scores Big Equipment Order from MMC Norilsk - Finnish mining and tunnel equipment manufacturer Normet Group recently reported that it had been awarded the largest deal in its corporate history, a €20- million-plus equipment sale to Russian mining company MMC Norilsk Nickel. The transaction, according to Normet, includes more than 60 mining vehicles for concrete spraying, rock removal, charging, personnel and explosives transport…. read
more |
|
|
 New Generation Outotec Thickeners Go into Kolwezi Cobalt-Copper Project - Outotec recently reported that a state-of the-art thickening system designed for First Quantum Minerals’ $550 million plus Kolwezi project in the Democratic Republic will be the first of its kind. Nine Outotec thickeners are due for delivery and installation at the Kolwezi cobalt and copper tailings operation in early 2009. Outotec’s technology for the Kolwezi project involves 42-m, high-rate preleach thickeners. In what the company describes as a world…… read
more |
|
|
Cat’s New 785D Hauler Features New Body, Higher Performance - Caterpillar’s new 785D rigid haul truck offers a target payload range of 142 to 155 tons (129 to 141 mt) depending on the specific configuration. The range, according to Cat, enables new trucks to integrate well with fleets of earlier 785s. The new truck is powered by a Cat 3512C HD engine that maintains fuel efficiency, delivers 1,348 net horsepower (1,005 kW) and is compliant with U.S. EPA Tier II emissions standards. The engine is capable of operating at altitudes up to 14,000 ft (4,267 m) with no derating;….
read
more
Top |
|
|
Long Range Scanner Boasts High Measurement Rate and Accuracy
- U.K-based 3D Laser Mapping’s ultra long range laser scanner is designed to capture millimeter-accurate 3-D mapping at very high speeds with a range of capture of over one mile. The first customer for the new scanner system, Mining Surveys, a specialist surveying company which primarily works within the heavy civil engineering, mining and waste industries, is planning to use the innovative laser measurement system to expand their operations into new……
read
more |
|
|
| |
|
Survey Data Collector Offers Rugged Case and Improved Convenience - Carlson Software has introduced the new Carlson Surveyor+ data collector, a magnesium- cased, ruggedized version with an IP67 water and dust-resistant ingress rating. In addition to more memory capacity and increased operating speed than the company’s current Surveyor model, the Surveyor+ is capable of holding an extra battery to increase operating time….
read
more |
|
|
Oil Skimmer Removes Pond and Pool Residue
- The Model 6V oil recovery system from Oil Skimmers Inc. is claimed to efficiently remove oily wastes that float on the surface of water. In operation, a specially formulated collector tube skims oil from the water surface: the oil adheres to the outside of the closed-loop tube, which is slowly drawn across the surface of the water and into the oil skimmer. The tube is drawn into the oil skimmer and through scrapers that remove the oil…. read
more |
|
|
Airborne Imaging System Offers Efficient Processing, Faster Workflow - Leica Geosystems claims its new ADS80 airborne digital sensor is superior to any other large-format digital airborne imaging technology available. According to the company, two available sensor-head configurations support the widest range of geospatial applications from orthophoto to 3-D feature mapping. Improved data throughput from an all-new control unit with flash memory facilitates simultaneous data acquisition of equal resolution imagery in all bands for photogrammetry and remote sensing applications.….
read
more
Top |
|
|
Foam Sealant has New Formula and Packaging - Touch-n-Seal is offering an improved version of its rib and roof air ventilation control foam sealant. The proprietary, nonstrength- enhancing sealant is a two-part polyurethane expanding foam system that provides an air/moisture barrier which, after application, isolates a coal seam from air movement that can cause scaling and general spalling of coal off the ribs and roof in underground mines.….read
more |
|
|
Borehole Plugs Can be Installed with One Hand-
MTi Group, a manufacturer and distributor of drill and blast consumables to the global mining sector, announces the release of the Solo BlastBag borehole plugs, claimed to be the first ever single-handed deployable, two-speed BlastBag. According to the company, the bags’ two-speed aerosol latch is the first of its kind and works in all temperatures from extreme heat to extreme cold. As the name implies, Solo indicates the ability to deploy and use the product with one hand…. read
more |
|
|
| |
|
SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2008: MINExpo 2008, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Contact: Hall Erickson; Tel: 800-752-6312; Fax: 630-434-1216; E-mail:
minexpo@heiexpo.com;
Web: minexpo.com |
|
|
|
SEPTEMBER 24-28, XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC), Beijing, China Conference Secretariat; Tel: 86-10-68310569; Fax: 86-10-68317050; E-mail:
impcexhibition@gmail.com |
|
|
| OCTOBER 1-3, 2008: PROCEMIN 2008, Santiago, Chile Contact: Fabiola Bustamante; Tel: 56-2 652 1555; Fax: 56-2 652 1570; E-mail:
info@procemin.cl;
Web: www.procemin.cl |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
FEBRUARY 8-11, 2009: 35th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, Denver, Colorado, USA. Contact: International Society of Explosives Engineers; Tel. 440-349-4400; Fax: 440-349-3788; Web: www.isee.org |
|
|
| |
| |
| For a full calendar of
mining industry conferences and events -
click
here |
|
|
| |
 Golden Star Resources Ltd. announced the appointment of John Labate as senior vice president and CFO. |
|
|
 Great Basin Gold Ltd. announced the following appointments: Phil Bentley has been named vice president: ore resources and geology; Don MacKinnon has been named Hollister mine’s superintendent; Richard Yancey has been named Hollister mine’s chief geologist; and Michael Curlook has been appointed head of investor relations and corporate development.
Top
|
|
|
 Bauxite Resources Ltd. announced the appointment of Daniel Tenardi as managing director.
|
|
|
Mintek recently announced that Alan McKenzie has been appointed manager of the minerals processing division; Marthie Kotze has been appointed consultant for the hydrometallurgy division; Neale Baartjes has been appointed manager of the mineral economics strategy unit; Sakhi Simelane has been appointed CFO; and Sindiswa Gaven has been appointed manager of the small-scale mining and beneficiation division. |
|
|
Raw Materials Group recently appointed Dr. Per Storm managing director. The firm also announced that Tom Niemi, former deputy chief executive of Boliden; present chairman Finnish Geological Survey, has been named chairman of the board. Karl-Axel Waplan, executive vice president European Operations Northland Resources; chairman endomines; former CEO Lundin Mining, has been named to the board of directors |
|
|
Veolia ES Technical Solutions, LLC announced the appointment of Jim Bell as president and CEO. He replaces Philippe Martin, who has been appointed vice president, innovation and technology for Veolia Environnement. |
|
|
Ben Schatz, president and owner of ChemGrout, Inc. located in LaGrange Park, Illinois, USA, is celebrating his 40th year with the company. |
|
|
 Olof Persson has recently been named president of Volvo Construction Equipment. He replaces Tony Helsham who will remain in the Volvo Group Executive Committee. Persson, currently president of Volvo Aero, will be replaced by Staffan Zackrisson
|
|
|
| |
About - providing an abreviated version
of the current print edition of E&MJ, WOMP is
distributed throughout the world to decision makers
in the global mining industry, the last week of every
month.
Subscribe to E&MJ - To receive
your own copy of the print edition of E&MJ, click here , and complete your
details. E&MJ is available free of charge to qualified
readers.
Contact - if you have views, opinons
or comments or editoral that you would like to submit,
we would be delighted to hear from you - click
here
Top |
|
|
The
Sterling Mining Suspends Production at Sunshine Mine - During mid-September, Sterling Mining Co. announced it would suspend commercial production activities at the Sunshine mine in Idaho. Since 2003, Sterling Mining staff and employees have been engaged in rehabilitating and resuming production at the Sunshine mine. However, despite resuming production in late 2007, the company said it had encountered a series of unforeseen and unavoidable delays........ 
Braemore Completes Upgrade, PGM Production Increases
- Braemore Resources plc reported that it successfully installed a new 3.2-mw smelter at the Mintek facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. The new facility is capable of processing around 2,000 metric tons per month and producing platinum group metals (PGMs) in an iron-nickel alloy at an annualized rate of up to 70,000 oz per year depending on feed grade. The smelting facility will steadily increase production over the coming weeks to reach these targeted processing rates. Braemore said it had accelerated......
Nord Resources Proceeds with Construction at Johnson Camp
- Nord Resources, which is reactivating copper mining at the Johnson Camp heap leach mine 65 miles east of Tucson, Arizona, has been issued the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality airquality permit required to proceed with construction at the mine. Contractors were mobilizing on site as of mid-August to begin installation of the new crushing and conveying system and other equipment. The company expects to reach full production from new ore in the Spring of 2009 at an estimated rate of 26 million lb/y..... 
Coeur Continues Appeal for Original Kensington Permit
- Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp. announced that, due to further substantial delay in the Environmental Assessment process triggered by a federal agency’s recent actions, it has requested the Forest Service to terminate the permitting process for a potential alternative Kensington paste tailings plan. The company continues to pursue its original tailings plan for Kensington, which is pending in the U.S. Supreme Court. A decision on the appeal is expected in the first or second quarter of 2009.... 
Farallon Starting Up G-9 Mine in Mexico - Commissioning of Farallon Resources’ G-9 zinc-copper-lead-silver-gold mine in Guerrero state, Mexico, was progressing as planned as of late August 2008. New equipment, including a third Sandvik jumbo drill, an 8-yd3 Elphinstone loader and four Kenworth trucks, had recently arrived at site, completing the mining fleet needed to meet targeted mine production of 1,500 mt/d. Haulage of concentrates by truck to the port of Manzanillo was scheduled….
Kangaroo Metals to Acquire California Creek Tin Mine - Kangaroo Metals Ltd., a diversified exploration and mining company with projects in North Queensland and Tasmania, has completed its due diligence examination of the California Creek alluvial tin mine and will progress to purchase. The California Creek alluvial mining operation is centrally placed on KML’s current California (EPM14877) and California West (EPM14357) tenements…. 
Cluff Gold Commissions Second West African Mine - Cluff Gold began commissioning the open-pit, heap-leach Kalsaka gold project in Burkina Faso in late August 2008 and expects to have it ramped up to design production capacity of 60,000 oz/y of gold by year-end. Kalsaka is Cluff’s second mine to come into production in West Africa this year. Its 40,000-oz/y Angovia gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire poured its first gold on March 14. The two projects are expected to produce a combined total of 100,000 oz in 2009…. 
Semafo Inaugurates Mana Mine
- Semafo announced that on June 30, 2008, the company hosted the official inauguration of its Mana mine in Burkina Faso. His Excellence Tertius Zongo, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso presided over the ceremony along with Semafo’s President and CEO, Benoit La Salle. Government officials from Burkina Faso and Canada along with members of the media and invited guests attended the event.……
New Inyanda Supports Exxaro’s South African Export Ambitions
- Diversified South African-based resources group Exxaro Resources commissioned its new Inyanda coal mine which is currently ramping-up to produce 1.5 million metric tons per year (mt/y) of A-grade thermal coal for the export market. The open cast mine, situated near Witbank in Mpumalanga, has been developed at a cost of R269 million and is expected to achieve its full production capacity of 1.5 million mt/y in the third quarter of 2008…... 
