MINE TO MARKET Smart investments lay foundation for healthy future 158 - Mount Isa Mines
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No.
158
Quarter 2, 2018
MINE TO MARKET
Smart investments lay
foundation for healthy future
Lady Loretta Black EHM Copper
ramping up Rock Cave celebrates Smelter
production development 10 years re-brick
begins underground success
Mine to Market No. 158 • Quarter 2, 2018
OP E R AT IONS H E A LT H A N D SA F E T Y Boost to turtle research at
Copper Smelter re-brick a red-hot success . . 1 In-house innovation improves safety James Cook University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lady Loretta production underway. . . . . . . . 2 at Mount Isa Lead Smelter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 QMEA and Glencore unearthing career
Eight-week Challenge inspires paths in mining for local students. . . . . . . . 20
Mount Isa Mines gearing up for
Lady Loretta Mine production . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 positive lifestyle changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
OU R P E OP LE
Ernest Henry Mining underground Mount Isa Mines wins the 2018
Northern Australian Emergency Stephanie Sherritt’s Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
turns 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Response Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 School Leavers Program fostering
Five new loaders help keep EHM mining careers for young locals. . . . . . . . . . 22
production on target. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Touch of colour helps keep
Tankhouse safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Young professionals represent
Unearthing the Black Rock ore body. . . . . . . 7 Mount Isa Mines on the national stage. . . . 23
Are you feeling fatigued?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Zinc Lead Concentrator receives Mining insights for female students . . . . . . 24
software upgrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 COM M U N I T Y Motivational morning for
New Xanthate Plant Commissioned . . . . . . 12 ‘Because of her, we can!’ 2018 NAIDOC Women in Mining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Glencore’s North Queensland Vacation week celebrates contribution of
students awarded scholarships. . . . . . . . . . . 21 Indigenous women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 E N V I RON M E N T
MICO flying high underground Glencore: enriching the communities Annual health check for our waterways. . . 15
in drone trial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 that support our operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
NO T IC E S
MIM back in the saddle for another
5 years of rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Announcements, Calendar of Events. . . . . . 21
From the COOs
CON TAC T T H E
E DI T OR I N C H I E F
Richard Norris, via email
The nature of the natural resources sector is able to access parts of our existing copper richard.norris@glencore.com.au
or phone 07 4744 3146.
that it is cyclical. resources more economically, and potentially
As a business our primary objectives over the revisit ore bodies that couldn’t be extracted MINE TO M AR KET
past years have been to produce commodities economically in the past. DE L I V E R E D T O
the world needs safely and responsibly, and We also completed a $30 million dollar Copper YOU R EM A I L I N BOX
make smart business decisions to insulate the Smelter shut-down and re-brick during March
Contact the Editor to
business against the cyclical shifts of the sector, and April, ensuring we maintain advanced subscribe to the Mine to Market
so we can continue to operate profitably. metals processing capability in Mount Isa e-flipbook mailing list.
This, in turn, ensures we remain a major and Townsville out to 2022, under Mount Isa
contributor to the state and national Mines’ Environmental Authority. WA N T MOR E?
economies, and continue to invest and have a Looking beyond the immediate impacts these You’ll find all the latest
positive impact in the communities in which investments have on our operations, they also from our north Queensland
we live and work. ensure we’re well placed when it comes time operations as well as previous
editions of Mine to Market,
As we look back on the first half of 2018, we to make decisions regarding our operations on our websites. Visit
recognise the significant investments that over the next few years. www.mountisamines.com.au
have been made into our people and assets While investments into our operational assets or www.ernesthenrymining.
com.au
across north Queensland. We’re optimistic ensure we remain commercially competitive,
about the next few years for the region. commitment to ongoing investment in the You can also follow Glencore
on social media:
The recommencement of mining operations safety and wellbeing of our most important
at Lady Loretta this year was matched by asset, our people, remains top of mind.
significant refurbishment and upgrades to A number of reviews around Safety Culture,
the Zinc Lead Processing facilities in Mount Work/Life Balance, and the ways in which we
Isa, ensuring we have appropriate capacity can contribute to the liveability of our region
to maximise the opportunities we see in the are underway across our operations, and we COM M U N I T Y
recovery of global zinc prices. look forward to seeing the fruits of this body F E E DBAC K
of work over the coming months. HO T L I N E S
Mining operations in Mount Isa are also
evolving with an eye on the future, with the We would like to thank you for your support Our Community Relations
establishment of the Black Rock Cave project. during this period of investment, and look team is responsible for
engaging openly and honestly
Using the innovative sub-level caving method forward to seeing some great outcomes with our stakeholders, as
– a technique we’ve perfected at Ernest Henry for our people, and broader community, well as responding to all
Mining over the past five years – we will be throughout the rest of the year. community enquiries. If
you have any questions
or concerns about our
operations, contact our
24-hour hotlines on:
Mount Isa Mines
1800 982 982
Ernest Henry Mining
Mike Westerman Greg Ashe 1800 346 463
Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer Townsville
Copper Assets Australia Zinc Assets Australia
07 4781 8211
Operations
Copper Smelter re-brick
a red-hot success
Furnaces re-bricked during the shutdown are lined with multiple layers of custom produced bricks to withstand the temperatures, up to 1,200 degrees Celsius, generated
during the smelting process
Specialist refractory bricklayers were contracted to complete the re-brick, laying
Re-bricking underway in the anode furnace during the $30 million Copper Smelter over 2,500 tonnes of refractory bricks through the ISASMELT™ furnace, an anode
shutdown in March and April furnace, and two rotary holding furnaces
I
n March and April, Mount Isa Mines The refractory bricks form part of our our people and the successful completion
successfully completed a 38-day, furnaces which operate at 1,300 degrees of the multi-million dollar project,”
$30 million Copper Smelter re- Celsius. Over time, the heat erodes the Richard says.
brick project on time and on budget, bricks and they need to be replaced.
“Our re-brick was completed safely, on
reinforcing our commitment to minerals
The smelting process also leaves budget and on schedule and will enable
processing operations in Mount Isa.
residual deposits throughout parts of our smelting operations in Mount Isa
Approximately 700 people were engaged the smelter, which impact on the flow to continue.
on the shutdown, including 230 Glencore of hot gasses and materials through the
“Our investment in this re-brick is a
employees and nearly 500 local and smelting process.
positive demonstration of our confidence
regional contractors.
Richard Harvey, Chief Processing Officer in advanced metals processing in
The shutdown included a number of North Queensland Copper Operations Mount Isa.
major maintenance projects including says the shutdown’s success was
“While we can’t predict future market
laying 2,500 tonnes of refractory bricks testament to the dedicated team who had
conditions, we will maintain our
in the ISASMELT™ furnace, an anode been planning the project for months.
metallurgical assets as long as they
furnace, and two rotary holding furnaces.
“With a large scale project like this, remain economically viable.”
planning is critical to ensure the safety of
M I N E TO M A R K ET 1
Lady Loretta Mine lies 140 kilometres north west of Mount Isa, producing a
zinc lead ore for Mount Isa Mines’ processing facilities
Operations
Lady Loretta
production underway
G
lencore’s Lady Loretta Mine (LLM), operated by Rory Burke, General Manager Metalliferous for Redpath
RedPath Australia, is now ramping up toward full Australia says that the site had been well cared for by Glencore
production after recommissioning during the first half staff during the closure, which was a significant advantage
of 2018 following two years in care and maintenance. when it came to recommissioning.
Redpath Mining was awarded the LLM operating contract “The high quality of care and maintenance by Glencore meant
for the remaining life of the mine, and took control of the site we could walk in and get development started virtually straight
on 1 March this year. Development work began at LLM on 6 away,” Rory says.
March, with the first ore trucked to Mount Isa Mines processing
“Key targets in getting production underway were met ahead of
facilities ahead of schedule on 24 April.
schedule, which is a great achievement from the workforce, and
Glencore staff from the LLM Owner’s Team and George Fisher a reflection on the professionalism and commitment they’ve
Mine were involved heavily in the recommissioning period, shown to the project.”
working closely with the Redpath workforce and providing
Marcus Doyle, Manager LLM Owner’s Team says the transition
extensive site-specific knowledge to get LLM operational safely
from care and maintenance to production is complex, but was
and on schedule.
completed smoothly.
2 M I N E TO M A R K ET
John McKinstry, Operations Manager Lady Loretta Mine, Stuart Reid, General
Manager Mining Zinc Operations, Shaun Van Der Merwe, Underground Mine
Manager Lady Loretta Mine, Rory Burke, General Manager Metalliferous
RedPath Australia, and Marcus Doyle, Manager Lady Loretta Owner’s Team
at the Lady Loretta portal
Mount Isa Mines gearing
up for Lady Loretta Mine
production
I
n April, the first ore from the recently restarted Lady
Loretta Mine (LLM) was processed at the Mount Isa
Mines (MIM) Zinc Lead Concentrator.
To provide the capacity required to process the new stream of
LLM ore, the Lead Processing team has restarted sections of
Ore haulage to the upgraded and refurbished Mount Isa Mines Zinc Lead
Processing facilities began in April the processing circuit that closed for a series of refurbishments
half-way through last year.
Ball Mill BM04 was placed into care and maintenance in mid-
2017 and since then has been refurbished with a full reline,
replacement of both motors and upgraded feed conveyor.
BM04 is used to grind the ore down to a fine powder, slightly
coarser than talcum powder. This finely ground ore is frothed
with reagents to separate mineral content from the waste rock.
During the shutdown periods, an opportunity was identified
to repurpose parts of the processing circuit and following
successful trials, these parts are now providing improved
flotation performance, leading to better metal recovery.
Clint Savage, Manager Technical Services says these
modifications, completed in June, were a part of a series of
innovations employed by the Zinc Processing team.
“Recommissioning essential infrastructure on site
requires careful sequencing to make sure we can provide “Improvements continue to be identified such as the recent
the services required by the operator to produce ore,” conversion of steel liners to composite rubber/steel liners in
Marcus says. the SAG mill for reduced power and increased life of mill
components,” Clint says.
“We needed to get electrical, ventilation and pumping
services online, followed by our production services like “The LLM readiness project has been made possible
crushing, and the batch and paste plants. through a successful collaboration across the Zinc
Processing department.”
“Our successes in the recommissioning have been down to
the great working relationship between the Redpath and Zinc concentrate from Mount Isa is sold to customers around
Glencore staff.” the world, and exported through Glencore’s Port Operations
in Townsville.
The Zinc Lead Processing teams at Mount Isa Mines have
also been working to increase capacity to take in the new ore Lead is smelted in Mount Isa into four tonne bullion blocks,
stream, completing a range of upgrades and refurbishments transported to Townsville and shipped to Glencore’s lead
to the processing circuit. refinery in the United Kingdom.
M I N E TO M A R K ET 3
Operations
Ernest Henry Mining
underground turns 10
Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) is celebrating 10 years of underground
mining in 2018 with another year of record production and ongoing
commitment to safety and continuous improvement at the operation.
T
he Ernest Henry ore body was Annual metal production has also
discovered in 1991, and EHM was significantly increased to more
established in 1997 as an open-cut than 70,000 tonnes of copper and
copper mining operation, extracting ore 100,000 ounces of gold in concentrate
for processing an on-site concentrator, in 2017.
smelting at the Mount Isa Mines copper
EHM is one of comparatively few
smelter, and refinery into copper cathode
mining operations globally that use
at the Townsville Copper Refinery.
advanced sub-level caving to extract
While open-pit mining is usually a the ore. Requiring specific ore body
comparatively economical mining characteristics, sub-level caving works
method, it becomes significantly more by letting waste rock around the ore
expensive as the mine gets deeper due body crumble into the spaces left by
to the large masses of waste rock that mining, leaving no open voids in the rock
need to be removed to keep the pit and removing the need for expensive
structure stable back-filling operations to maintain
geotechnical stability.
In 2007 the decision was made to
investigate the feasibility of extending Aaron Harrison Mine Manger EHM
mining operations through a conversion explains why it is important to recognise
to underground methods beyond the this milestone.
scheduled 2011 Life of Mine.
“It is a great honour to be the
A $589 million investment was underground manager in this milestone
approved, and a three-year underground year and now is the perfect time to
development program began in recognise the continued improvement of
February 2008. the underground operations over recent
years,” Aaron says.
When open-pit operations ended in 2011,
Kayla Stephens, Loader Operator at Ernest Henry Mining
production moved underground. Ore was “Productions output have been increasing
trucked to the surface during construction year on year and we continue to meet
of a one-kilometre deep shaft and the high expectations that we place on
hoisting system to the new underground ourselves. The continued success of the
mining complex. underground mine can be attributed
to the strong teamwork between all
The 75-metre high headframe houses the
underground crews and departments, so
hoisting system at the top of the shaft,
I’d like to thank all the people at EHM for
able to hoist around 1,000 tonnes of ore
their contribution.
per hour.
“It is this teamwork and collaboration that
The completion of the shaft and hoisting
will ensure the sustainability of EHM into
system enabled a step change in
the future and I can’t wait to see what we
production rates from 3 million tonnes
are capable of achieving.”
per annum achieved by trucking ore, to a
budgeted 6.8 million tonnes per annum in
our tenth year of operation.
4 M I N E TO M A R K ET
The Ernest Henry Mine Underground Shaft
Fast Facts
Location: 38 kilometres north east of SI NC E F E BRUA RY 2008
Cloncurry in north-west Queensland
• 14 million tonnes of ore trucked
Annual production capacity:
• 16 million tonnes of ore has been hoisted
6.8 million tonnes
• 30 million tonnes of ore mined from
Employees: 350 including contractors
underground
First cut of the Underground mine:
• 72 kilometres of underground
20 February 2008
development tunnels
Length of conveyors: 1.2 kilometres
Underground ore reserve (2017): 51.4 million
tonnes at 1.08% copper and 0.55 grams
per tonne gold
M I N E TO M A R K ET 5
Three of five new LH621 loaders have already been
delivered and put to work underground at EHM
Operations
Five new loaders help keep EHM
production on target
F
ive Sandvik LH621 loaders have arrived at Ernest Henry of the braking and transmission, so they give us more choice
Mining (EHM) early this year and commenced work in individually as operators.”
the mine.
As part of the purchase, Sandvik is conducting training for our
“These loaders will replace a number of older Caterpillar Operator and Maintenance teams to refresh and refine their
machines that have reached the end of their life cycle,” knowledge of the loaders.
Aaron Harrison, Mine Manager EHM says.
“The 621s are more advanced in terms of electrics but it means
EHM has had another two 621s working in its 12-strong you can test for more faults on the job from inside the cab,”
underground loader fleet since 2015 and they have more than Diesel Fitter Jeremy Graham says.
proven their $1.67 million value in that time.
“The training helps us to improve our diagnosis techniques
“With a bucket capacity of 21 tonnes, the 621s can carry more and build our confidence so we don’t have to rely on the Auto
material and better support our current Life of Mine production Electricians as much.”
profile of 6.8 million tonnes per annum,” Aaron says.
“We are extremely proud to have been able to increase our
production rates to current levels from the initial 6 mtpa
following shaft commissioning in 2014 and we hope to make
further gains as we continue to grow our experience and
improve our operating processes.”
Neville Gishford, who has worked as a Loader Operator at
EHM for four years and has more than 30 years of experience
on ‘boggers’ (as they are known by operators), welcomes the
arrival of the new machines.
“They’re great to operate because the power’s right there and
you can move the dirt faster and shift bigger rocks without any
holdups,” Neville says.
“They have a lot more electronics and allow you to set up some Jeremy Graham, Diesel Fitter, learns how to diagnose maintenance issues
electronically using the Vehicle Control Module screen inside the loader’s cab
of the specifics on how you want to operate the machine in terms
6 M I N E TO M A R K ET
Operations
Mark Jamieson, Manager Resource Development North Queensland Copper Operations explaining the The Black Rock Project team at the portal cut back site
development process to Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch
Unearthing the Black Rock ore body
I
n May, Mount Isa Copper Operations The Black Rock Cave project will achieve confidence in the operation here in
hosted representatives from Mount its first production ore in 2020, and Mount Isa,” Mr O’Neill says.
Isa City Council and the Department provide additional ore into the Mount Isa
“The addition of Black Rock ore to our
of Natural Resources, Mines and Copper Operations profile in parallel to
processing stream ensures we will be
Energy on site to mark the beginning existing mining activities out to 2023.
well placed when it comes time to make
of development of the Black Rock
Matt O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer decisions about our future operations.”
Cave project.
North Queensland Copper Assets
PYBAR Mining Services was awarded
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch was says developing the sub-level cave
the development contract, and has
invited to detonate the first cut of the complements the recent $30 million
employed about 40 people to prepare the
decline that will service the operation. investment in re-bricking the Copper
underground decline and develop mining
Smelter at Mount Isa Mines.
The project will operate parallel to levels during the construction phase of
existing copper mining operations at “Our recent investments in the Smelter the project, before it transitions to steady-
Mount Isa Mines, using sub-level caving re-bricking and the development of the state production in 2020.
to economically extract ore from the Black Black Rock orebody highlight Glencore’s
Rock ore body.
To be effective, sub-level caving requires
an ore body with specific size, shape and
fragmentation characteristics.
Ore is extracted in a carefully designed
and highly efficient pattern, using loaders
and vertical ore passes to transfer ore to
haulage levels at the bottom of the mine.
As the ore is extracted, the surrounding
rock fragments and caves in to fill the
void, eliminating the need to backfill large
open voids left by the more common sub-
level open stope mining.
Glencore’s Ernest Henry Mining, located
120 kilometres east of Mount Isa near
Cloncurry, successfully converted from
open-pit operations to sub-level cave Representatives from Mount Isa Mines, Mount Isa City Council, and Black Rock Cave mining contractor
PYBAR Mining Services at the portal after the first blast
mining in 2011.
M I N E TO M A R K ET 7
Our People
Stephanie Sherritt’s Story
Civil Engineer, Zinc Processing
W
ith an insatiable appetite where she was contracted to MIM to improvement works, 104 water structures
for site-based engineering undertake data collection. including 49 new containment structures
experience, determination, including ponds, dams and a block wall
“My job was to travel the 52 kilometre
persistence, and a belief that were constructed, with 26 kilometres of
long mining lease from south to north
opportunity doesn’t knock but presents new pipeline installed on site.
verifying storm water plans with the
itself when you beat down the door,
actual infrastructure in place as part of Stephanie took a step closer to a career
Civil Engineer Stephanie Sherritt
the water project. ‘in the field’ while in Mount Isa, leaving
has scripted her own path into the
Parsons Brinckerhoff and taking a fixed-
mining industry. “The Transitional Environment Program
term contract with MIM’s Environment
(TEP) had been approved; however,
You can tell from Stephanie’s team for the remainder of the Water Project.
the design work couldn’t proceed until
unmistakable accent that she grew up in
the drawings had been verified. My In 2017 Stephanie came on board with
Canada. Living near the Rocky Mountains
role was to ground-truth the maps, by MIM permanently as a Civil Engineer
in Calgary for the first six years of her
trekking from the southern end of X41 with the Zinc Processing team, working on
life, she moved to Brisbane in primary
to the northern end of George Fisher structural and civil engineering projects.
school. Brisbane provided her with
Mine. I gained valuable knowledge of the
exposure and opportunity to cultivate “Currently I am undertaking structural
MIM site during this project.”
her engineering passion. refurbishment projects at both the Lead
The task was completed all too quickly Smelter and the Lead Zinc Concentrator.
During school holidays in high school
and Stephanie returned to Brisbane We have nearly completed the
Stephanie attended science and physics
where she found herself yearning for replacement of a section of the top floor of
camps at the University of Queensland.
field work again. Despite a group of the Sinter Plant which, made of concrete
“It’s important for students to understand older colleagues encouraging her to stay and at height, is a challenge.”
what jobs they can do with science and in the city, she was determined to keep
“Other projects that I’m working on are
maths. Once I saw what was available knocking on doors to find a way to get
focused on improving health and hygiene
it solidified what I could do with back into the field.
in the plant. We’ve been working on the
engineering,” Stephanie says.
“I was continually expressing the desire Zinc Filter Plant hygiene project to seal
“At high school I had a physics teachers for more field experience. I was telling the area with a concrete slab and other
who encouraged me in this direction. anyone I could find that I wanted the projects in the concentrator to install
One school excursion was to Dreamworld opportunity, until I found someone who better drainage, with the goal of reducing
where we tested Newton’s Second Law of was going to help me achieve it. the amount of dust and spillage in the
motion, by wearing accelerometers on the work areas.”
“When I kept asking, things I never
Giant Drop.
thought could possibly come my way, “These sorts of projects are what I
“The benefit comes from getting kids into would just keep coming.” particularly like about being a project
Science, Technology, Engineering and engineer because I have the opportunity
As you would imagine, she jumped at
Maths (STEM) early and showing them to solve problems, and put new
the opportunity when a consultancy
what STEM has to offer. It’s not all about technology and new products to the test,
position became available with Parsons
guys in lab coats and there are real world but I also love working in teams.”
Brinckerhoff as Project Engineer for MIM’s
applications for maths and physics.”
$49 million Water Project, transitioning Stephanie’s persistence in searching for
The real work came during university MIM’s almost century-old mine site to field experience has paid off for her time
where Stephanie undertook vacation compliance with new conditions under and time again. She’s learned that with
placements working on construction of a the Water Transitional Environmental determination, hard work, not taking
new wing of Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital. Program (TEP). ‘no’ for an answer and her passion
for engineering, doors continue to be
Stephanie’s first taste of Mount Isa The completion of this project in 2016
opened in the mining industry.
Mines (MIM) came in 2014, working for was a major milestone for the team, after
engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff, five years of intensive environmental
8 M I N E TO M A R K ET“The benefit comes from
getting kids into STEM
early and showing them
what STEM has to offer.
It’s not all about guys in
lab coats.”
– Stephanie Sherritt
Stephanie and the Water Project Team at the completion of the Installing concrete slabs at the Zinc Lead Concentrator making it easier to hose
2016 Water Project and reduce dust in work areas
M I N E TO M A R K ET 9Lifting in modular preassembled deck sections for C3 conveyor bridge
Health &
Safety
In-house innovation improves safety
at Mount Isa Lead Smelter
Z
inc Processing Engineers have The engineering team developed a modular “It was completed thanks to the leadership
designed and installed a new design to make installation easier and safer of Rick Brill, Project Supervisor Zinc
modular conveyor bridge at in the challenging work environments Processing, with the support of the project
the Lead Smelter, improving safety around the Lead Smelter complex. team whose commitment ensured the
for installation teams and processing job was completed safely and without
Improvements to basic safety conveyor
operators into the future. incident, even with rain and high winds
bridge features, including higher kick
during the installation,” Nick says.
During an annual structural inspection by plates and the inclusion of drop shoots
the Engineering team on the Lead Smelter, for the safe disposal of conveyor spillage, All new safety features built into the C3
the C3 conveyor bridge was identified were included in the design. Conveyor Bridge will be implemented on
as showing signs of wear and tear and new bridges going forward with Conveyor
Nick Donker, Senior Engineer Zinc
replacement planning began. 15 the next conveyor to be replaced and
Processing says the team encountered
currently in the design process.
C3 Conveyor carries fluxes, coke and sinter difficult weather conditions during
into the feed prep storage bins. installation, but managed to finish the
work safely and ahead of schedule.
10 M I N E TO M A R K ETOperations
Zinc Lead
Concentrator receives
software upgrade
T
he rollout of Advanced Process Control (APC)
modules to improve performance across the
Zinc Lead Processing circuit continues, with
a fourth unit recently commissioned and more
scheduled into the future.
The latest upgrade, to the Semi-Autogenous Grinding
(SAG) mill, was completed in February this year.
APC software works with the existing control systems
to automate adjustments to the processing circuit,
maximising operational stability and performance
through the use of predictive models.
These models are established through extensive step-
testing during development to see what impact changes
to the settings have on the overall results.
This testing is repeated multiple times to build a set
of data that can be used to accurately anticipate mill
performance and allow adjustments to maintain
consistency and stability.
Adam Price, Senior Metallurgist says the software has
the ability to continuously monitor the plant, making
changes every 10 seconds if required to ensure reliable
and stable operation throughout the processing circuit.
“The APC software has been integrated to the Zinc
Rougher/Recleaner, Lead Ball Mill 04 Rougher, Lead
SAG Rougher, and Zinc Pre-Cyclones. The benefits vary The Zinc Lead Control Room,
depending on the process and the aim of that section where APC modules interact
with existing software to
of the plant, but the overlying benefit to all processes is improve plant stability and
improved plant stability” Adam says. performance
M I N E TO M A R K ET 11Operations
New Xanthate Plant Commissioned
M
ount Isa Mines’ Zinc Lead Sameer Morar, Superintendent Planning impermeable overalls. We continue to
Concentrator has completed a and Projects says some innovative maintain close engagement with the
$4 million project to commence solutions and controls to manage risks supplier to improve and maintain the
mixing its own ethyl xanthate, a key have been born from the project. quality of ethyl xanthate.”
reagent used in our zinc and lead
“We’ve collaborated with regulatory The previous ethyl xanthate supply
processing complex.
authorities, and have set a standard contract concluded at the end of April 2017.
The ore mined at our George Fisher regionally for how we’re handling The Copper Concentrator’s reagent farm
and Lady Loretta Mines is ground into xanthates to mitigate risks with material provided support to mix ethyl xanthate
a fine powder through a series of mills, handling,” Sameer says. for the duration of the construction of the
before being pumped into the Flotation new facility.
“This included the construction of
Circuit to separate mineral content from
a storage shed for ethyl xanthate “A number of technical challenges were
waste material.
containers to minimise thermal faced due to differences in supply quality
Reagents, including ethyl xanthate, attach degradation of the product and assist and type of xanthate mixed at the reagent
to the minerals and are carried to the with stock management. The mixing farm,” Sameer says.
surface by jets of air bubbles injected into facility was designed to provide live
“These were overcome due to
the base of the tanks. The rich metallic monitoring of carbon disulphide
good synergy between the Copper
froth is collected and concentrated for gas generation, and maintains strict
Concentrator and Zinc Processing
further processing and export. adherence to temperature ratings for
personnel. Excellent support was
plant equipment.
From conceptual stage in 2016, through received from the Reagent Mixing Plant
to the Xanthate Plant commissioning in “The safety controls present have at the Copper Concentrator to ensure
November 2017, the project team has met allowed us to implement a task-based our ethyl xanthate supply through the
and overcome many challenges along the approach for PPE usage, with the aim mixing plant construction phase.”
way, while delivering significant ongoing to minimise operator de-hydration
cost savings for the business. and fatigue associated with the use of
The ethyl xanthate storage shed is designed to
The Xanthate Plant was commissioned in minimise thermal degradation and assist with stock The operator is safely lifting the bag containing ethyl
November 2017 management xanthate to the mixing tank
12 M I N E TO M A R K ETJohn Fickling, Supervisor Indigenous Employment; Peter Kristensen, Indigenous
Employment Program Trainee; Dom Poppi, Lead Human Resources Advisor; and
Sam Arnold, First year apprentice Fitter/Welder Ernest Henry Mining attending the
Mount Isa Mines employees attending the MOB-FB Family Fun day in Mount Isa NAIDOC week careers fair in Cloncurry
‘Because of her, we can!’ 2018 NAIDOC week
celebrates contribution of Indigenous women
This year’s NAIDOC festivities celebrated the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
women play as active and significant role models in the community.
Our operations are full of inspiring women who play an
integral part in our business. NAIDOC week this year
provided a special moment in time to honour our Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander women who continue to inspire,
motivate and lead our teams.
A number of activities were held in Mount Isa and Cloncurry
with both Mount Isa Mines (MIM) and Ernest Henry Mining
(EHM) supporting events celebrating Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
Representatives from MIM attended festivities in Mount Isa
and a hosted stall at the MOB-FM Family Fun Day.
MIM also continued their sponsorship of the annual
NAIDOC ball held at the Irish Club which gathered
130 people and honoured Aunty Pattie who was awarded
the lifetime achievement award.
EHM employees attended the careers fairs in Cloncurry and
the annual NAIDOC March. The Kuppi Murri band night was
also a huge success and proudly sponsored by EHM.
Will Blackley, Supervisor Indigenous Employment for Mount
Isa Mines said that the women in our community have a have a
strong influence and presence and it was very special being able
to celebrate all that they do.
“It was also encouraging and rewarding to see so many
Indigenous Employment Program employees put their
Davinia Passi featured on our national Facebook page for her contribution to hands up and offer to help with events for NAIDOC week
Ernest Henry Mining Operations
celebrations,” Will says.
M I N E TO M A R K ET 13Fran Burgess, General Manager Processing, congratulates
the Challenge winner, Villimae Temo, Electrical
Apprentice, who lost 17.6% of his body weight
Health &
Safety
Eight-week Challenge inspires
positive lifestyle changes
Members of the Zinc Processing team are more motivated than ever after completing an eight-week
health and wellbeing challenge, collectively losing over 226 kilograms and 828 waistline centimetres.
T
he challenge aimed to promote proactive approaches
to health and wellbeing, and to encourage positive
lifestyle changes.
During the challenge participants provided their colleagues with
encouragement and support, helping each other to stay focused
and on track towards their personal goals, which included
increasing fitness for work, lowering cholesterol and blood
pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, and simply making
better lifestyle choices.
The challenge included education around lifestyle factors that
lead to life-changing chronic disease and focused on equipping
participants with tools for self-management and self-discipline.
Baseline measurements and health indicators were taken at the
beginning of the challenge and milestones set and assessed
every two weeks. Healthy recipe ideas, home workouts, free
workout locations, gym membership reimbursements and A regular fitness routine is the key to a productive, healthy lifestyle
other incentives were offered to keep everyone motivated and
on track to meet their targets.
Fran Burgess, General Manager Zinc Processing said
it was important to promote positive changes that are
sustainable, and provide an environment that supports these
behavioural changes.
“The eight-week challenge gave our people the tools to better
manage their health, establish new habits and, importantly,
make choices to reduce the risk of chronic disease and
promote fitness for work,” Fran said.
“Health and safety is a shared responsibility and working
together as a team encourages accountability not only for
ourselves but also our work colleagues.
“Congratulations to the challenge winner, Villimae
Temo, and well done to all who participated and have
made the commitment towards living a more balanced Fitness classes including boxing and hill walking were a part of the fitness
regime during the challenge
healthy lifestyle.”
14 M I N E TO M A R K ETPhoto supplied by Terry Valance of Tropical River Consulting
Environment
Alice Beer, Rehabilitation and Closure Analyst and Tegan Johns, Environmental School Leaver, pull up a 1.12-metre barramundi during the survey at Lake Moondarra;
the barramundi was released back into the ecosystem once measurements and observations had been recorded
Annual health check for our waterways
A
s part of our annual Receiving receiving environment which includes Candice Nucifora, Senior Environmental
Environment Monitoring routine inspections at prescribed Advisor Mount Isa Mines says the
Program (REMP), Environment reference and compliance sites to ensure health of our receiving environment is
teams at Mount Isa Mines, Lady we have appropriate data on how the evaluated by comparing the results of
Loretta Mine and Ernest Henry environment is performing. current sampling events to those from
Mining diligently monitor the health previous years where considerable focus
Some of the fauna monitored during
and integrity of our waterways and is given to any notable change in the
REMPs include macroinvertebrate
catchments to assess potential impacts size and diversity of flora and fauna
communities such as beetles and snails.
to the environment. communities, water quality, stream
While some macroinvertebrates are sediment and erosion.
REMPs are a requirement under the
sensitive to pollution, others can
Environmental Protection Act (1994) and an “Rainfall also has a significant impact
easily flourish in poor quality water.
important condition in the Environmental on the biodiversity of ecosystems. In
Because of this variability in sensitivity
Authorities (EAs) that govern our the Mount Isa region surface water is
to pollution, macroinvertebrates are
operations in Queensland. generally only present for short periods
excellent biological indicators of how
following rain events. This lack of
Receiving environments are the our waterways are faring.
water in creeks, streams and rivers can
ecosystems that could potentially be
Another component of the REMP is to have significant implications in the
impacted by mining activities, or natural
monitor fish health and abundance, this development and health of the receiving
changes such as seasonal variability
is completed through electrofishing, environment,” Candice says.
of rainfall.
which stuns the fish momentarily while
The next REMP surveys are due to be
Guidelines for REMP studies place strict measurements and health assessments
completed in November 2018.
regulations around monitoring our are completed before being released back
into the water.
M I N E TO M A R K ET 15Cloncurry State School Science Teacher Raquelle
Veiira (right) working with students in the
refurbished and upgraded Science Lab
Community
Glencore: enriching the communities
that support our operations
Each year we invest heavily in local organisations and initiatives through our
Corporate Social Investment programs, providing funding and support to projects and events
that make our communities vibrant and enjoyable places to live.
PA R K RU N MOU N T I SA Z ON TA C LU B OF MOU N T I SA Education and Cloncurry State School to
refurbish the school’s science lab.
Mount Isa’s weekend Parkrun has MIM was proud to be a platinum
received a CR Plus Automatic External sponsor of the 2018 Zonta International Along with improving the facilities for
Defibrillator donated by Mount Isa Mines. Women’s Day Dinner to acknowledge the all students, a quality education in the
social, economic, cultural and political Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths
If administered within a few minutes of a
achievement of women in Mount Isa. curriculum creates pathways for local
cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can increase
students wanting to pursue a career
a casualty’s chance of survival from Inspirational guest speaker and former
in mining.
10 per cent to 70 per cent. Mount Isa school student Kristee
Shepherd from the Making Strides
MIM is proud to provide this vital C E N TAC A R E COM M U N I T Y
Recovery Foundation shared her story
lifesaving equipment to this event that G A R DE N C L ONC U R RY
about overcoming adversity following a
promotes wellness and outdoor exercise
spinal cord injury. Funding from Glencore helped bring the
to the community.
Cloncurry Community Garden to life,
C L ONC U R RY A N D DI ST R IC T creating a shared community space for
H E A D SPAC E MOU N T I SA
SHOW S O C I E T Y the people of Cloncurry.
MIM sponsored Headspace Mount Isa
EHM was thrilled to sponsor the Incorporating computerised watering and
to host the 2018 Mount Isa Youth Week
Cloncurry Show once again. The two-day bore access to ensure year-round vibrancy,
Concert & Festival, with the concert to
June event celebrates the district’s best the area includes veggie gardens, fruit
be held in Mount Isa in March featuring
local produce and attracts quite a crowd, vines, bush tucker, communal cooking
artist Johnny Ruffo.
finishing with a fireworks display. spaces and a yarning circle.
The youth driven annual event celebrates
With guidance from Centacare staff,
the contribution of young people in our C L ONC U R RY STAT E S C HO OL
community and school groups have
community, and provides a valuable S C I E NC E L A B
driven the care and development of
platform for building connections
We recognise the importance that quality the project, ensuring a strong sense of
between individuals and services,
education plays in the communities ownership and investment from the
as well as for establishing local peer
in which we operate, and are proud to community.
support networks.
have partnered with the Department of
16 M I N E TO M A R K ETParkrun Mount Isa Co-ordinator Sarah Choyce and Stuart Reid,
General Manager Mining, Zinc Assets with the Defibrillator,
proudly donated by Mount Isa Mines
Indigenous youth perform traditional dance at the Community School and community groups have taken ownership of the gardens, looking
Garden opening after maintenance and care of the crops and communal space
Traditional Indigenous dancing at the Headspace Youth Week Concert Giving young people a voice at the annual Youth Week concert, with guest
and Festival performer Johnny Ruffo
M I N E TO M A R K ET 17Community
Helping turtles – Avril Plath, Community Relations
Officer Townsville with Associate Professor Ellen
Ariel JCU (in boat) and PhD candidates Adam
Wilkinson and Karina Jones with The Scorpion
Boost to turtle
research at James
Cook University
T
ownsville’s turtle population
is under watchful eyes with a
Celebrating the new, five-year sponsorship: Rob Katter, Member for Traeger, Tania Kernaghan, Miss Rodeo second research vessel doubling
Australia 2017 Emma Deicke, Agata Graham, Glencore Corporate Affairs, Kate Jones, Tourism Industry the James Cook University (JCU)
Development Minister, Jessica Ingham, two years old and Michael Maher, 2014 Australian Professional Rodeo
Association Saddlebronc Champion and multiple Isa Rodeo Open Saddlebronc champion turtle research fleet thanks to funding
from Glencore’s Corporate Social
Investment programs.
MIM back in the saddle for The Scorpion joins sister ship The Dragon
another 5 years of rodeo
on a range of projects assessing the
health of turtle populations off the coast
of Townsville. Associate Professor Ellen
M
Ariel says the addition of a new boat
ount Isa Mines has announced $60,000 to help establish the Isa Rodeo
brings new capacity and safety to the
a new, five-year agreement Hall of Fame in Mount Isa.”
turtle research programs.
as naming rights and gold
Natalie Flecker, Mount Isa Mines Rotary
sponsor of the Mount Isa Mines Rotary “The Scorpion will be in very high
Rodeo General Manager says she is
Rodeo securing major sponsorship demand and invaluable to the research
thrilled that Mount Isa Mines has once
through to 2022 and injecting over team for many years,” Ellen says.
again come onboard as the naming rights
$600,000 into the event.
and gold level sponsor of the rodeo for “Having the second boat will make
As one of the largest natural resource another five years. research much safer and more efficient,
sector employers in Queensland, with two research teams able to work
“We are so grateful for the level of
Glencore is committed to supporting together to locate and catch turtles in
support Mount Isa Mines provides to the
initiatives that improve the regional shallow seagrass areas.
whole community, and through its long
communities where we operate.
term sponsorship of the rodeo, it allows “We’ll be looking at vital data such as
This commitment is part of our multi- us to move forward with confidence size and weight so we can determine
billion dollar annual contribution to in staging a world-class event that the health of the turtles. Our main
Queensland – through jobs, buying has been recognised with Australian concern at the moment is the spread of
goods and services and directly Tourism Awards for the past two years,” the fibropapillomatosis virus, which is
investing in local communities. Natalie says. affecting green turtle populations near
Magnetic Island.”
Mike Westerman, Glencore Copper To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the
Australia Chief Operating Officer says he rodeo this year Kate Jones, Queensland Manager of Glencore’s Townsville
is delighted to continue the mine’s long Tourism Industry Development Minister Copper Refinery Paul Taylor says the
history of support for the iconic event. announced the entertainment line-up for company’s $19,400 funding investment
the 2018 Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo. in the new research vessel builds on its
“Mount Isa is known for two things
strong track record of supporting turtle
around the world, Mount Isa Mines and “The headline act for the Mount Isa
research in the region.
the Isa Rodeo, so it’s no coincidence that Mines Rotary Rodeo concert will be none
the two are so strongly linked,” says other than Jimmy Barnes. Along with “In 2009, Glencore invested in the setup
Mike. James Blundell, and The McClymont of Reef HQ’s Turtle Hospital, and over
Sisters will be headlining this wonderful a number of years we injected more
“Mount Isa Mines has been a major
concert in its 60th year,” Minister Kate than $30,000 to support the facility’s
sponsor of the Mount Isa Mines Rotary
Jones says. important work,” Paul says.
Rodeo for 60 years, which is a sign of our
support and ongoing commitment to Glencore is proud to continue our long- “Last year, we had the opportunity to
Mount Isa and its premier annual event. term partnership with the rodeo, which expand on this base by establishing a
injects around $8 million into the local new, $44,000 partnership with JCU, to fit
“To mark the Diamond Jubilee 60th
economy and attracts thousands of out the turtle nursery at the university’s
Anniversary, we’re providing another
people to the north-west. Turtle Health Research Facility.”
18 M I N E TO M A R K ETGareth Parkinson, Senior Safety Advisor Processing
descends from the head frame during the ropes
rescue component of the three-day competition
Health &
Safety
Mount Isa Mines wins the 2018
Northern Australian Emergency
Response Competition
G
lencore came out on top at The
Northern Australian Emergency
Response Competition hosted in
Mount Isa in June, as eight teams from
across north west Queensland and the
Northern Territory tested their skills
going head for head for the Best Overall
Team trophy.
Teams from Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines
(MIM), Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) and
McArthur River Mine (MRM) performed
strongly across the competition, against
other operations including, ERA’s Ranger Along with ‘Best Overall Team’, Mount Isa Mines took out a variety of minor awards on the evening
Mine, Cannington Mine, Phosphate
Hill, Newmont Tanami Mine, and
Lucas Ljubicic, Mount Isa Mines Planning opportunity for Mines Rescue teams to
Gove Operations.
Engineer was awarded second place in test their abilities in true-to-life scenarios
The MIM Rescue squad were crowned the Best Captain category, in his first and share knowledge and training
overall winners, securing the Best competitive event in that role. techniques.
Overall Team Trophy after dominating
“I certainly felt the nerves and pressure “Having eight teams from across North
Fire Fighting, Breathing Apparatus
on the day, but we have a good group of West Queensland and the Northern
(BA), Search and Rescue, and Team
guys and we just concentrated on doing Territory compete in this challenge is
Safety Award.
our best and giving the home crowd essential in improving skills, learning
MRM also performed strongly, taking out something to be proud of,” Lucas said. and confidence of our Mines Rescue
the top three ‘Best Individual’ placings, personnel,” Graham said.
“Being part of Mines Rescue ultimately
while EHM secured second place in BA
allows me to help my workmates if “It is a professional and well respected
Search and Rescue behind MIM.
there is an emergency situation onsite, competition adjudicated by experienced
Teams were tested over the three day competitions like this allow us to put all rescue personnel and we are always
competition on a range of team drills our training into practice so that we can proud to be a part of it.”
including fire fighting, road-crash rescue, ensure we have the skills to keep our
“This year it was extra special as we
and rescue at heights along with BA drills, people safe.”
were hosting the event and our Mount Isa
HAZMAT response, and theory and
MIM Senior Emergency and Protective Mines Team won it. I am very proud of
individual skills components.
Services Advisor Graham Hills said that their efforts.”
the annual competition is great learning
M I N E TO M A R K ET 19Community
QMEA and Glencore unearthing
career paths in mining for local students
The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) Gateway to Industry program works with schools and industry partners like
Glencore in north Queensland to highlight pathways into the resources sector for students across the state. Students from Year 7 through
to Year 12 are invited to participate in a range of hands-on workshops and experiences throughout the year built around the increasingly
important STEM curriculum – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Year Ten students get hands-on experience in the resource sector
Advisor Morgan Fenwick provided
guidance to the students.
The trade workshop, known as the
‘Toolkit’ workshop, invited special guest
Robbie Katter, Member for Traeger along
to give a helping hand to QMEA students.
Leanne Ryder, Human Resources
Manager for Glencore’s NQ Copper
Assets says the workshops are valuable in
demonstrating the wide range of careers
available in the resources sector, while
helping to attract the next generation of
tradespeople and professionals to the
resources sector.
Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter and Jessica Copper, Lead Geologist at MIM looking at drill logs and “At Glencore we’re committed to
comparing logged rock types to hand specimens with north west Queensland students
providing real and meaningful career
pathways for students. Our staff
Year 10 students from Spinifex State The professional workshop involved enjoy providing an authentic learning
College, Good Shephard Catholic College practical and theory based sessions environment and interacting with the
and Cloncurry State School participated looking at common work scenarios in the students while helping them achieve
in one-day workshops in June, providing resources sector. Mount Isa Mines Lead their dreams,” Leanne says.
insight into university-based and trade Geologist Jessica Cooper, Metallurgist
careers in the resources sector. Roxanne O’Donnell, and Environmental
Lessons in mine site water management for Year Seven
Good Shepherd Catholic College Year 7 every day in the Environment team at a
students took part in the QMEA Water mining operation.
4 All science workshop, examining
“It’s important for students to have access
how water is monitored, managed and
to resources sector professionals early in
treated to meet various water quality high school, while they’re considering their
requirements on a mine site. The program career options,” David says.
involved a series of fact sheets, activities
and practical problems for teachers to use “It was an opportunity to be able to provide
in their year seven science classes. insight to the students on the ways that
the Health, Safety, Environment and
MIM Environment team members visited Communities (HSEC), teams work with
the school to demonstrate typical in-field the more readily recognisable operational
monitoring practices and equipment to add departments to achieve common goals
real-world knowledge and application to the for the community and the business,”
activities the students had been studying. David says.
David Logan, Environmental Coordinator He was accompanied on the day by Tegan
says he was keen to be an industry mentor Johns, a former student at Good Shepherd,
David Logan, Environmental Coordinator and Tegan
Johns, Environmental School Leaver at Mount Isa
for the program, offering authentic practical now with the Environment team as a part of
Mines share their water quality expertise examples of how science is used in his job the School Leavers program.
20 M I N E TO M A R K ETOperations
Students in the trade skills MINT program had to From left to right: Dan Brooks, Manager Processing Tech Services North Queensland, Edward Provan,
incorporate a petrol engine into a bicycle during the Harry Kippin and Megan Grainger, vacation students and Aaron Harrison, Mine Manager Ernest
one week camp. The winning team show off their Henry Mining
creation with Member for Traeger Robbie Katter MP
Senior students Glencore’s North Queensland
spend holidays Vacation students awarded
hard at work at scholarships
QMEA camp
E
ight university students from “The scholarship acts as a great
Thirty-nine senior students from across Glencore’s Vacation Program launching pad for my engineering
north-west Queensland spent the first have secured scholarships career that will give me an edge in the
week of the mid-year holidays in Mount providing financial assistance global engineering environment”.
Isa working on a range of projects at through their studies, bringing them
the QMEA Make it Now in Engineering Steven Remmer was a vacation
a step closer toward a graduate role
(MINE) and Make it Now in Trades student at our Port Operations in
at Glencore.
(MINT) camps. Townsville where he worked with the
For some, the Vacation Program is their Projects Team and was also awarded
Sixteen students considering engineering first taste of the mining industry and is a scholarship, and says the experience
careers spent a week on site at Mount Isa a chance to decide whether the industry was incredibly rewarding.
Mines, working on projects as a part of the is right for them.
MINE program. “I am very grateful to have been given
Others return for multiple placements the opportunity to be a part of the
The students worked in teams of four during their studies, keen on securing Student Vacation Program that has
on real challenges facing operational a coveted Graduate position once they allowed me to apply the theoretical
departments on site, presenting their complete their degree. knowledge I have learnt at university to
solutions to a panel and fielding questions workplace situations,” Steven says.
at the end the week. While on site, participants work on
supervised projects and assisted with “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Port
Twenty-three students participated day-to-day tasks, building experience Operations and would like to thank
in the MINT program, working on a and on-the-job knowledge. everyone for their help and support.
trade skills challenge – integrating a
small petrol engine into the drivetrain After the three-month program, “I am positive this experience has
of a bicycle under the guidance of high-performing students are offered helped set the building blocks for my
Glencore apprentices. scholarships with the condition they future career.”
take up positions as graduates, or
complete another vacation placement
during their next holidays break.
Harry Kippen was a vacation student
with Ernest Henry Mining working
with the projects and reliability team
over the three months.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience
as I was exposed to a professional
engineering environment and it
really gave context to my mechanical
engineering degree,” Harry says.
“I was given projects and work tasks
that helped develop my engineering
Mount Isa and Cloncurry STEM students at the end of Port Operations Manager David Zammitt presents
the QMEA MINE and MINT program weeks knowledge and drove me to learn more Vacation Student Steven Remmer with his
and ask more questions. scholarship
M I N E TO M A R K ET 21You can also read
