annual report - amira international
TRANSCRIPT
ANNUAL REPORT
2012–2013
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
AMIRA International Limited ABN: 60 176 687 975 ACN: 004 448 266
AGM NotificationThe AMIRA International Limited Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday
4 December 2013 at 8:30am at MMG, 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank, Victoria.
Our VisionAMIRA International is a member-driven resources industry organisation that is an
essential part of our Member’s search for innovative solutions that add value.
Our MissionWe provide access for our Members to valued solutions through connecting research
infrastructure to the needs of our Members and supporting that infrastructure’s growth.
Our ValuesZero Harm: To ourselves, others and the environment
Creativity: The essences of innovation
Excellence: The standard we set for ourselves in all we do
Ethical Behaviour: We demonstrate integrity, transparency and sensitivity
in all our activities
Collaboration: We respect cultural and individual differences of all participants
and work together to achieve mutually rewarding results.
Key StrategiesBuilding Relationships: Nurturing and developing the global resources industry
network for our Members and the research community
Delivering Value: Maximise the benefit of our services to all our stakeholders
Success Through People: Ensuring attraction and retention of energetic talented people
2 ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
Cover image: Flinders Rangers (Provided by Scarlett Blewett)
This image: Kagbeni, Nepal (Provided by Scarlett Blewett)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
Contents
Overview 4
Chairman’s Report 6
Board Of Directors 8
Managing Director’s Report 10
Organisation Chart 12
Project Statistics 14
2012 – 2013 Member Listing 15
2012 – 2013 Researcher Listing 16
Projects Index 19
Data Metallogenica 48
AMIRA Offices Back Cover
3
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
4 OVERVIEW
AMIRA International is a member based organisation of mineral companies and suppliers, which develops, brokers and facilitates collaborative research projects.
Our business platform is to strengthen the businesses of our members by assisting their development and uptake of leading edge science and technology by:
• Creatingsponsorteamsofmembercompaniestosharethecosts and the benefits of selected research projects
• Workingwiththebestresearchersaroundtheworld
• Nurturingandsustainingresearchresourcesforindustrybenefit
• Formallyrepresentingtheindustryinareasimportanttoourmembers
• Providingaforumforindustrytomeet,networkandcooperateinareas of mutual interest
While AMIRA International does not in general carry out research itself, we broker collaborative projects between industry and world-leading researchers.
Our projects are funded by joint sponsorship from member companies. However we also leverage these funds by applying for government grants where appropriate. Our main role is to identify, develop and oversee these projects to ensure that project outcomes match sponsors expectations.
The Project Portfolio currently encompasses 25 projects with about:
• AU$55millionportfoliovalue
• AU$10millionnewindustryfunds
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
5
AMIRA INTERNATIONAL IS AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER BASED ORGANISATION OF MINERAL COMPANIES AND SUPPLIERS, CREATED TO IDENTIFY, DEVELOP, BROKER AND OVERSEE COLLABORATIVE MULTI-COMPANY RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT OUR MEMBERS.
Lolotoi Metamorphic Complex, Manatuto District, East Timor (Provided by Oskar Lindenmayer)
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
6 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
This last year has been a difficult year for the mining industry. Companies continue to review their research spend as they seek to extract more value from their assets. Although this brings challenges to AMIRA and its research partners, it also presents an opportunity for increased industry-wide collaboration, that it should facilitate.
In line with its members AMIRA has instituted cost control measures during the year; these have ensured a positive outcome for the fourth successive year. Also during the year we reached a significant milestone with a total of 696 projects successfully completed since 1960. These projects would not have been possible without the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of AMIRA’s staff over the years and the world class research institutions that we have partnered with. AMIRA’s contribution and the vision of its founders was a cornerstone in advancing the Australian mining industry into a position of world leadership in many areas and now in serving its members throughout the world as well as assisting to build and nurture research capacity where needed.
Despite the general slump in commodity prices during the year, it is pleasing to see that companies continued to invest in collaborative research. This is evidenced by twelve companies supporting the continuing project series P420E Gold Processing Technology, which commenced in April 2013, and the support for the project P1087 Integrated Tailings Management which also commenced during the year.
On the strategic front, during the year AMIRA embarked on a series of developments. One such is AMIRA’s Low Grade Copper Program aimed at changing the economic viability of low grade ore resources. While the program has an initial copper focus, the projects have significant application potential to other commodities including nickel, uranium and gold.
We will continue to work with our many research partners around the world, whilst at the same time developing new partnerships, to ensure that the AMIRA team develop world-class research to address the challenges of our members.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
7
Membership numbers have held reasonably steady despite the difficult industry situation. At the end of the financial year we had a total of 94 members one less than the previous year. This comes after some 45% growth in membership since 2009. A significant part of the growth has come from the mining equipment, technology and services sector and which currently make up some 35% of the total membership.
During the year, and for the first time, a special Supplier Member only forum was convened. The forum was convoked in recognition of the important role this sector plays in many AMIRA projects. The forum provided an important opportunity for members to discuss issues around engagement and participation in projects. Several important messages came out of the forum which I am pleased to say we are already acting on. We intend to hold the forum annually.
During the year the Board composition changed as we bid farewell and express appreciation for their service to Mr Renato Costa (Vale), Dr Natalia Streltsova (Vale), Dr Juan Carlos Salas (AMSA), Mr Mick Henderson (Russell Mineral Equipment), Mr Marcelo Bastos (MMG), Mr Kent Hoots (Boart Longyear) and Mr Laurie Stonehouse (Alcoa).
This was Mr Stonehouse’s second stint on the Board having served previously between 2002 and 2005. Mr Storehouse has retired from Alcoa and on behalf of the Board and AMIRA we thank him for his service and wish him well for the future.
We welcome Mr Gustavo Gomez (MMG), Mr Alan Muir (AngloGold Ashanti) and Dr John Russell (Russell Mineral Equipment) to the Board.
AMIRA continues to enjoy the support of its members through their representation on the Board. We are grateful to Board members for volunteering their valuable time.
We will continue to work with our many research partners around the world, whilst at the same time developing new partnerships, to ensure that the AMIRA team develop world-class research to address the challenges of our members.
Neville Plint Chairman of the Board AMIRA International Limited
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
8 BOARD OF DIRECTORSAS AT 30 JUNE 2013
Neville Plint Chairman
Aubrey Paverd Vice - Chairman Joe Pease
Peter Kondos Marinus Du Plessis Ian Sandl
Peter Lilly Gustavo Gomes Alan Muir
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
9
Walter Valery Rick Gilbert
Laurie Stonehouse Dave Bentley
John Russell Joe Cucuzza
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
10 MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT
During the year two major initiatives commenced. P420E Gold Processing Technology and P1087 Integrated Tailings Management. The former is the most recent in a series of AMIRA gold research projects which have operated almost continuously since 1983, commencing with P173 Carbon-in-Pulp Technology – properties of activated carbon fouling, regeneration (1984-86) at Murdoch University. The first project in the P420 series started in March 1994 led by Dr Steve la Brooy followed by Prof Ian Ritchie then with the A J Parker Cooperative Research Centre. Murdoch University and CSIRO were involved in this project through the CRC with in-kind contributions from BRGM, University of Laval and Curtin University. Subsequently Bill Staunton became manager of P420A project in 1997 and remained leader for the successive projects until he stepped down a year and a half ago. The project is now led by Prof. Jacques Eksteen.
Interest in reducing the technical uncertainty around paste and thickened tailings technologies, led to nine companies, three being suppliers, supporting the new project P1087 Integrated Tailings Management. The project is a collaboration between CSIRO, University of WA, Monash University and ATC Williams Pty Ltd. The latter is a private company with global expertise in mine tailings storage and management. This project is a good example of a supplier being directly involved with the research program.
Work on a number of key strategic initiatives commenced during the year. One that I wish to highlight is the Low Grade Copper Program. This program has been developed in response to the:
• large,andgrowing,inventoryoflowgradecopperresourcesthat fall below the cut-off grade for conventional concentrate production, and
• relativelypoormetalrecoveryfromheapleaching,particularlyfor primary sulphide minerals such as chalcopyrite.
There are challenging times ahead but with the dedicated and enthusiastic people that we have in AMIRA, the portfolio of projects that we are developing along with the partnerships that we have cultivated in the research community, AMIRA is well positioned to serve its members through this cyclic downturn and beyond.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
11
It is our view that successful development and deployment of new technology in this area will generate huge economic impact by making extraction of low grade copper resources viable. The Low Grade Copper Program comprises four related projects: Heap leach scale-up for liquid and gas dispersion; Continuous saturated coarse particle (Vat) leaching; In-situ fracture stimulation and leaching; and Micro-capsule leaching.
Proposals were also circulated on several important new and extension projects. These include: P1031 Uranium, copper and precious metals in oxidising sedimentary basins: controls on ore formation and location; P934B West African Exploration Initiative Stage 3; P705C Improving base metal electrowinning; and P933B Long-Term Acid Rock and Tailings Drainage Mitigation through Source Control. We expect these projects to attract support and start in the coming year.
Like many of our members during the year we reviewed expenditures and implemented cost control initiatives which helped us achieve a modest surplus. For example, the finance team was re-structured following the implementation of a cloud based enterprise resource planning software resulting in significant efficiencies and cost reductions. It is worth noting that this was the first time in many years that an operational surplus was achieved without the significant contribution of the upward revaluation of investments. This result has further strengthened the balance sheet and will help position AMIRA well in the face of uncertain economic winds.
This year saw new staff joining AMIRA. We welcomed Dr Chris du Plessis as Program Manager – Extractive Metallurgy/Mineral Processing based in Perth. Chris brings significant expertise in the metallurgical area as well as energy and enthusiasm. Chris also manages the Strategic Business Development Group. Dr Robert Gee was appointed as a part time consultant Program Manager in January based in Newcastle. Unfortunately, Robert accepted a full time position at ANSTO in June. We wish Robert all the very best in his new position and look forward cultivating new partnerships together.
There are challenging times ahead but with the dedicated and enthusiastic people that we have in AMIRA, the portfolio of projects that we are developing along with the partnerships that we have cultivated in the research community, AMIRA is well positioned to serve its members through this cyclic downturn and beyond.
Joe Cucuzza Managing Director AMIRA International Limited
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
12 ORGANISATION CHART
Daniel VertesFinancial Controller, HR Manager
& Company Secretary
Imran HussainInformation & Communications Technology Manager
Chris WardProgram Director
Yen WooFinance Officer
Terry BradenProgram Manager & North America Regional Manager
Ileana InocencioProject Support Officer
Gray BaileyProgram Manager
Donna CopolovProject Support Officer
Bernard XuAssistant Program
Manager
Ann WoolleyProject Support Officer
(South Africa)
Enrique CarreteroProgram Manager & Latin America Regional Manager
Mary Ann TironaProject Support Officer
Jacqueline RussellProject Support Officer
(Chile)
Mineral Processing & Extractive MetallurgyIT & CommunicationsFinance, HR & Legal
Katie LeggeExecutive Assistant
Joe CucuzzaManaging Director
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
13
VacantProgram Director
Alan GoodeDirector Data Metallogenica
Matthew DalzielProgram Manager
Adele SeymonProgram Manager
Kriba ReddyProgram Manager &
Africa Regional Manager
Advisors & Consultants
Olga VerezubStrategic Business
Development Coordinator
Strategic Business Development Exploration, Mining & Sustainability
Chris du PlessisManager Strategic Business Development
& Program Manager
Philip McInerneyConsultant Program
Manager
Edmundo TulcanazaConsultant Program
Manager
Ray ShawChief
Technology Advisor
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
14 PROJECT STATISTICSAS AT 30 JUNE 2013
2013 2012
AU$000 AU$000
TOTAL RESEARCH COMMITMENT
Geoscience 13,016 13,146
Mine Engineering 2,472 2,385
Mineral Processing 22,122 22,934
Extractive Metallurgy 6,521 8,195
Sustainability - 1,134
Multi-Disciplinary 10,704 11,370
TOTAL 54,835 59,164
ANNUAL RESEARCH SPENDING (BY MARKET)
Geoscience 3,154 4,235
Mine Engineering 522 661
Mineral Processing 4,344 3,559
Extractive Metallurgy 1,711 1,956
Sustainability 165 413
Multi Disciplinary 2,785 2,371
TOTAL 12,681 13,195
ANNUAL RESEARCH SPENDING (BY RESEARCHER TYPE)
Universities 6,460 6,320
CSIRO 2,634 1,092
CRC 2,587 4,875
Other 1,000 907
TOTAL 12,681 13,194
Project Numbers Number Number
Contracts in progress 25 54,835 31 59,164
Contracts commenced and additional sponsors 9 9,708 7 19,488
Contracts Completed 11 14,037 8 27,600
MEMBERSHIP
Members 94 95
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
152012 – 2013MEMBER LISTING
SUPPLIERSABITIBI Geophysique Inc
Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd
Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd
BASF Australia Ltd
Boart Longyear Pty Ltd
CAE Mining Corporate Ltd
Cytec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
FL Smidth Minerals Inc
Gekko Systems Pty Ltd
Geophysical Resources & Services Pty Ltd
Hatch Australia Pty Ltd
Industrie De Nora S.p.a.
INPPAMET Ltda
ioGlobal Pty Ltd
KEMIRA Chemicals Inc
Kemix (Pty) Ltd
KHUMSUP Pty Ltd
Magotteaux Pty Ltd
Metso Corporation
Nalco Australia Pty Ltd
Orica Limited
Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd
Outotec Oyj
Quantec Geoscience Ltd
QG Pty Ltd
RSR Technologies Inc
Russell Mineral Equipment Pty Ltd
Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd
SGS Australia Pty Ltd
Tenova Mining & Minerals
WesTech Engineering Inc
Zonge International Inc
PRODUCERS
Alcoa Inc
Anglo American Platinum Limited
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Antofagasta Minerals S.A.
Auginish Alumina Limited
Avocet Mining plc
Barrick Gold Corporation
BHP Billiton Limited
Boliden Minerals AB
Cameco Corporation
Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd
Codelco
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.
Eldorado Gold Corporation
Evolution Mining Limited
Exxaro Resources Limited
First Quantum Minerals Ltd
Fortescue Metals Group
Freeport McMoRan Mining Company
GFL Mining Services Limited
Glencore Xstrata plc
Golden Star Resources Ltd
Gryphon Minerals Limited
Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd
Hydro Aluminium AS
Impala Platinum Ltd
IAMGOLD Corporation
Independence Group NL
Issara Mining Limited
Kinross Gold Corporation
LKAB
Lonmin plc
Lundin Mining Corporation
Minerals and Metals Group Ltd
Newcrest Mining Limited
Newmont Australia Limited
Northern Star Resources Ltd
OZ Minerals Limited
Randgold Resources Limited
Resolute Mining Limited
Rio Tinto Limited
Roy Hill Holdings Pty Ltd
Semafo Inc
Servicios Industriales Penoles
Shell Canada Energy
St Barbara Limited
Teck Resources Limited
Total E & P Canada Ltd
Vale S.A.
Votorantim Metais Ltda
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Essel Mining & Industries Inc
G-Resources Group Limited
Hidden Valley Services Limited
Minera San Crisobal S.A.
Queensland Alumina Ltd
JUNIOR EXPLORERSAzumah Resources Limited
Castle Peak Mining Ltd
Drake Resources Limited
Intrepid Mines Limited
Regis Resources Limited
SIPA Resources Limited
Volta Resources Inc
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
16 2012 – 2013 RESEARCHER LISTINGAarhus University
Alford Mining Systems
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd
ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits (CODES) - University of Tasmania
ATC Williams Pty Ltd
Australian National University
Boojum Research
Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM)
Centre for Exploration Targeting - University of Western Australia
Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation
Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing CRC
Chalmers University
Colorado School of Mines
CRC for Optimising Resource Extraction
CSIRO - Earth Science and Resource Engineering
CSIRO Minerals Down Under Flagship
CSIRO Process Science and Engineering
Curtin University of Technology
Czech Geological Survey
Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS)
Ecole Nationale d’Ingeneurs
Fullagar Geophysics Pty Ltd
Hacettepe University
Ian Wark Research Institute (IWRI)
Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre - University of Queensland
Lakehead University
Levay & Co Environmental Services
Monash University
Murdoch University
Nancy Université
RMIT University
Sustainable Minerals Institute - University of Queensland
TechnoImaging Inc
Tunra Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates - University of Newcastle
Universidad de Concepción
Universidade de Sao Paulo
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Université de Toulouse
Université d’Orléans
Université Montpellier
University of Adelaide
University of Auckland
University of Cape Town
University of Melbourne
University of Oklahoma
University of Ouagadougou
University of South Australia
University of Tasmania
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Utah
University of Western Australia
US Geological Survey
Vernadsky Institute (Moscow)
W H Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre - University of Queensland
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
17
Copper IsaSmeltTM plant at Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia (Provided by Glencore Xstrata)
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
18 PROJECTS
Flinders Ranges (Provided by Scarlett Blewett)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
19INDEXGEOSCIENCE
P778A Predictive Exploration Geochemistry in Transported Overburden II
P934A West African Exploration Initiative - Stage 2
P1004A DET CRC Implementation
P1022 Rapid Inversion of TEM Data
P1036A Airborne Induced Polarisation - Stage 2
P1040 Building the Global Encyclopaedia of Ore Deposits
P1041 Application of New Technologies to Exploration of Gold Deposits
P1058 Spectral Induced Polarisation for 3D Mineral Discrimination
P1060 Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems
COMPLETED
P972 ATR Mineral Chemistry Applied to the Characterisation and Exploration of Andean Type Cu ± Au Ore Deposits
MINE ENGINEERING
P987 Scoping Study for ROES Development
P1037 Stope Optimisation and Stope Layout
P1043 Framework for Rapid Automated Underground Mine Optimisation
MINERAL PROCESSING
P009P Optimisation of Mineral Processing by Modelling and Simulation
P260F Influence of Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the Flotation of Fine and Coarse Minerals
P266G Improving Thickener Technology
P1087 Integrated Tailings Management
COMPLETED
P498C Enhanced Selectivity in Flotation Using Polymers
P667B SAG Mill Monitoring Using Surface Vibrations
P968 Flotation of Copper in Saline Waters
P996 Advanced Instrumentation and Control Strategies for Optimising Thickeners
EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY
P420E Gold Processing
P507D Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors
P575C A Qualitative Investigation of Strength and Breakage Behaviour of SGA Produced from Refinery Hydrates
P705B Improved Anode and Cathode Processes in the Electrowinning of Base Metals
P1110 Geometallurgy Roadmap
COMPLETED
P420D Gold Processing Technology
P521D Quantifying the Effect of Solid Phase Oxalate (SPO) on Gibbsite Agglomeration
P986 Improving Agglomeration of Crushed Ore
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
P843A Geometallurgical and Mine Modelling
P931A Reduced Erosion in Multiphase Flow
P1097 Systematic Evaluation of Transportable Moisture Limit Measurement Methods for Iron Ore Bulk Cargoes
COMPLETED
P599B High Concentration Suspension Pumping
SUSTAINABILITY
COMPLETED
P933A Alternative Treatment Options for Long Term ARD Control
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
20 GEOSCIENCEThe overall aim of this extension project is to develop guidelines for how, where and why to use biota, gas and/or other shallow sample media for mineral exploration in areas of transported overburden. The project builds on the results of P778 by undertaking further research into the biotic, gaseous and capillary mechanisms of vertical migration of metals from buried mineral deposits through transported overburden to surface in a variety of environments in Australia.
The principal deliverables of this new project will include continuous progress reports as well as technical reports describing the work completed at each study site.
A final project report describing the mechanistic models to account for observed metal migration or its absence, integrating all aspects of the study including different regolith and palaeo-climatic controls on migration, and variations with respect to different commodity elements will be prepared.
Research Providers
CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering - Dr Ravi Anand; Curtin University of Technology
Value
USD$1,362,150
Commencement Date
November 2010
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Adele Seymon
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Cameco Australia Pty Ltd; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Independence Group (ex Jabiru Metals); Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC); Newmont USA Limited; Regis Resources; SGS Minerals Services; Teck Resources Limited; Vale
P778A - Predictive Exploration Geochemistry inTransported Overburden II
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
21GEOSCIENCEThis project will build on Stage 1 of WAXI by developing a new geological framework to generate new exploration insights which will assist company sponsors to explore in this region.
The principal deliverables of this project will be:
• Acraton-scaleGISproductshowingthecraton-widegeophysicalstitches, sample locations, mineral deposits, interpretative layers of structures with fully attributed movement events, and the principal tectonic elements that control and divide domains of distinct mineralisation characteristics.
• Aspace-timechartcrosslinkedtotheGISshowingalloftheexisting and newly acquired geochronological data, with summaries of crustal growth, metamorphic, deformation and mineralisation events.
• Anunderstandingofthelandscapeevolutionandsurficialprocessescharacteristic of the particular climatic setting of West Africa over the last 60 Ma that will help to define exploration strategies for a wide variety of deposit types.
• TrainingofAfricanGeoscientistsinthetechniquesofexplorationgeology via a suite of six short courses over the life of the project, an annual symposium and workshops as necessary to facilitate transfer of knowledge of the outcomes of the project to sponsors.
• TrainingofyoungAfricanGeoscientistsviaasuiteofMScandPhDprojects directly funded by this project or in partnership with other funding sources.
• AnimprovedcapacityandconfidenceintheGeologicalSurveysandUniversities in West Africa to respond to the short and long term requirements of the minerals industry.
Research Providers
Centre for Exploration Targeting - University of Western Australia - Professor T. Campbell McCuaig; Czech Geological Survey; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) - Dr Mark Jessell; Nancy Universite; Université de Toulouse; Université d’Orléans; Université Montpellier; University of Ouagadougou - Professor Martin Lompo; University of the Witwatersrand - Professor Kim A.A Ncube-Hein; Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM); Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; Ecole Nationale d’Ingeneurs
Value
USD$3,399,547
Commencement Date
March 2010
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Joe Cucuzza
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Limited; AusAID; Azumah Resources Limited; Bureau des Mines et de la Géologie du Burkina; Castle Peak Mining; Centre de Recherches Géologiques et Minières - Niger; Department of Mines and Geology of Togo; Direction National de la Géologie République de Guineé; Direction Nationale de la Géologie et des Mines - Mali; Drake Resources Limited; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Geological Survey Department - Ghana; Gold Fields International Services Ltd; Goldbelt Resources Limited (Avocet); Golden Star Resources Ltd; Gryphon Minerals Ltd; IAMGOLD Corp.; Lihir Gold Limited (Now Newcrest); Ministère des Mines et de L’Industrie Senegal; Ministry of Land, Mines and Energy - Liberia; OMRG l’Office Mauritanien de Recherches Geologiques; Red Back Mining (now Kinross Gold); Resolute Mining Limited; Rio Tinto; SEMAFO Inc; Vale; Volta Resources Inc; Votorantim Metais
P934A - West African Exploration Initiative – Stage 2
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
22 GEOSCIENCE
P1004A - DET CRC Implementation
Value
AUD$900,000
Commencement Date
July 2010
Duration
8 years
Program Manager
Joe Cucuzza
Affiliate Members
ABM Resources NL; Australian Drilling Industry Association Limited; Australian Training Alliance; BASF Australia Ltd; Blackthorn Resources (BTR); Bureau Veritas Australia; Carpentaria Exploration Limited; Corporaal Enterprises; CSA Global Pty Ltd; Diarotech; Downhole Surveys Pty Ltd; DPI VIC Earth Resources; Drillco Tools; Geological Survey of NSW; Geological Survey of Queensland; Geological Survey of Western Australia; Geomole Pty Ltd; Geoscience Australia; Globaltech; Hardcore Diamond Products; Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd; HiSeis; Investigator Resources; ioGlobal; JK Tech Pty Ltd; LKAB Wassara AB; Minotaur Exploration Ltd; Monax Mining Limited; Moog Australia Pty Ltd; Nautilus Minerals Inc; Northern Territory Geological Survey; Olympus Innov-X; Paladin Energy Ltd; Rex Minerals Limited; Sage Automation; Sandvik Mining and Construction Australia Pty Ltd; Teakle Composites
AMIRA is managing the Affiliate program is continuously working with the CRC to recruit additional Affiliate members. The DET CRC officially commenced operations in May 2010.
There are three Affiliate colleges: METS Suppliers, Junior Explorers and Government Geological Surveys. Members of each college see all the research outcomes but importantly can get actively involved in some of the research activity from technology development through to trialling and testing of the prototype technologies and finally potentially in commercialisation in the case of Suppliers.
Research Providers
Professor Richard R Hillis - Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
23GEOSCIENCEThe aims of this project are to further advance the development of rapid approximate inversion of TEM data and to fully develop practical tools for integrated interpretation of multiple data sets in the VP software environment. The algorithms that have been developed currently provide 3D inversion results from TEM data two orders of magnitude faster than any other method currently available.
Research Providers
ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits, University of Tasmania - Dr Peter Fullager Fullagar Geophysics Pty Ltd
Induced Polarisation is a key, but expensive, geophysical methodology in the search for deeply buried minerals (and indeed in other shallow geophysical applications). While magnetics, gravity, radiometrics and electromagnetics have airborne alternatives to ground surveying, IP does not. Airborne IP (AIP) is an often-expressed desire of many explorationists. Building on the successes of Stage 1, Stage 2 has successfully achieved its aim of ground and airborne testing of relevant sensors.
Research Providers
RMIT University - Dr James Macnae
Value
AUD$557,874.54
Commencement Date
August 2010
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Philip McInerney
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Gold Fields Australasia Pty Ltd; Mira Geoscience; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited
Value
AUD$279,000
Commencement Date
February 2012
Duration
1 year
Program Manager
Philip McInerney
Sponsors
Abitibi Géophysique; Anglo American Spectrem Pty Ltd; BHP Billiton; Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd; Teck Resources Limited
P1022 - Rapid Inversion of TEM Data
P1036A - Airborne Induced Polarisation – Stage 2
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
24 GEOSCIENCEData Metallogenica (www.datametallogenica.com ) involves progressively building the global web-based encyclopaedia of ore deposits. It is a not-for-profit community enterprise owned by AMIRA International on behalf of the minerals industry. The initial seed funding from 1999 to 2004 to do this via AMIRA International projects (P554 and P554A) was provided by over 100 large and small companies plus government groups.
The initial phase involved purchasing and moving the original physical collection of representative samples from Canada and expanding it by 40% to cover over 3000-4000 deposits through 70,000 samples around the world, digitally photographing at high
quality and placing on the web, together with spectral mineralogy
of alteration for about 10% of the collection. Self-supporting growth
since then has greatly increased the coverage of supporting data
such as reports, maps, sections, photographs of field, core and
petrography, as well as a full listing of all Australian geological
theses from the Australian Geoscience Thesis Database (P874).
About 70 full PhD and MSc theses from around the world have also
been added to date. Much of the high quality material in DM is
original, unique and irreplaceable.
The next phase of building the global encyclopaedia of ore deposits
will involve much faster growth of several main activities through
increased annual funding through a new AMIRA project (P1040):
• Data Additions – an extremely large backlog of high quality
supporting digital technical material has already been accumulated from many sources, mainly companies, surveys and research groups for individual deposits and global
overviews, the main limiting growth factor being labour to add
the material to the web. This growth is very likely to continue, and may be augmented by geochemical analyses of relevant parts of the collection, as well as regional geological overviews.
• Global Geoscience Thesis Database – a progressive building of
a digital listing of geological theses from other areas around the world (P1018) to supplement the upgraded Australian version.
• Website Upgrade – improved, simplified and expanded
navigational arrangement of material on the web, as well as increased and sophisticated searchability and translation options for all global languages.
• Expansion Of Physical Collection – continued growth of coverage
and photography from missing key deposits around the world.
• IncreasedInteractionWithOtherDatabases–assessmentand
implementation of linked web facilities with other supporting
quality international databases.
Research Providers
AMIRA International Limited - Dr Alan Goode; P1040 Advisory Panel
Value
AUD$1,407,000
Commencement Date
June 2012
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Alan Goode
Sponsors
Alkane Resources Ltd; Altan Rio Minerals Ltd.; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd; Anglo American Services (UK) Ltd; AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; Boliden Minerals AB; British Columbia Geological Survey; Centerra Gold Inc; Coffey Mining; Compania de Minas Buenaventura; CSIRO; Department for Manufacturing Innovation Trade Resources and Energy (SA); DPI VIC Earth Resources; Drake Resources Limited; Encounter Resources Limited; Energia Minerals Limited; ENRC; Evolution Mining; Geological Survey of Canada; Geological Survey of Western Australia; Geoscience Australia; Gold Fields Ltd; Indophil Resources; Innova Resources Limited; Integra Mining Limited; Intrepid Mines; ioGlobal; Issara Mining Limited; Lundin Mining Corporation; Mawson Resources Ltd; Mincor Resources NL; New Gold Inc.; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; NSW Trade and Investment; Perilya Limited; Randgold Resources; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Sandfire Resources NL; Saracen Mineral Holdings Pty Ltd; Saskatchewan Geological Survey; SolGold plc; SRK Consulting; St Barbara Ltd; Stratex International Plc; Tasman Metals Ltd; Terra Search Pty Ltd; Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd; United States Geological Survey (USGS); Vale; Votorantim Metais; Xstrata Copper Limited
P1040 - Building the Global Encyclopaedia of Ore Deposits
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
25GEOSCIENCEThe project builds upon the results from the successful AMIRA project P923 and will undertake a series of short term site specific pilot studies nominated by the sponsor companies to focus on gold mineralogy and micro-geochemistry of pyrite utilising new technology advances. Four pilot study sites will be investigated and reported each year of the project. A group of three halo/vector study sites requiring more comprehensive research by the team will be selected on the basis of the pilot studies. This project is only now possible due to recent technology breakthroughs in the application of LA-ICPMS to rocks and ores.
These include:
• multi-elementlasertraceanalysistofingerprintdifferentpyritegenerations in a province and ore system,
• 2Dand3Dlasermappingofinvisiblegoldandothertraceelementsthroughout the paragenesis of ores and altered rocks,
• laserPbandSisotopeanalysisonvarioussulfidemineralsinoresand host rocks,
• anewtechniqueforrapidverylowlevelgoldandPGEanalysisonrocks, minerals, organic matter and matrix material, and
• comprehensiveanalysisofgoldmineralogytodeterminethenatureand siting of gold in ores and rocks; refractory gold, invisible gold, free gold, gold tellurides, gold-PGE minerals, gold-bearing organics etc.
These technologies have been developed in the CODES Centre of Excellence Laboratories, and are now available for application in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
The project framework will involve two integrated themes:
Theme 1:
Pilot studies – testing the application of the new laser technology to exploration case study sites provided by sponsors.
Theme 2:
Gold pyrite halos and vectors to ore - based on selected study sites from Theme 1.
Research Providers
ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Professor Ross Large
Value
AUD$591,000
Commencement Date
February 2010
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Adele Seymon
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Limited; G-Resources Group; Issara Mining Limited; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont USA Limited; Northern Star Resources Ltd; Sipa Resources Limited
P1041 - Application of New Technologies to Exploration and Evaluation of Gold Deposits
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
26 GEOSCIENCE
P1058 - Spectral Induced Polarisation for 3D Mineral Discrimination
Value
USD$648,000
Commencement Date
July 2011
Duration
1.5 years
Program Manager
Philip McInerney
Sponsors
Abitibi Géophysique; Anglo Operations Limited; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton; BHP Billiton SSM Development Pty Ltd; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Geophysical Resources and Services Pty Ltd; Khumsup Limited; Quantec Geoscience Ltd; Teck Resources Limited; Zonge Engineering and Research Organisation
One of the major challenges for mining geophysics is the ability to confidently distinguish between economic and uneconomic mineralisation. While mineral explorers routinely use different geophysical methods to locate if not delineate mineralisation, there has been no reliable technological methods for mineral discrimination that avoid drilling.
The goal of this Project was to develop techniques for mineral exploration and mineral discrimination based on spectral induced polarisation.
The objective was to develop such techniques based on spectral induced polarisation data using distributed acquisition systems and advanced methods of 3D modelling and inversion. In this project, TechnoImaging introduced new techniques for remotely determining the same IP parameters from both frequency- and time-domain field surveys.
Research Providers
TechnoImaging - Dr Masashi Endo; Dr Michael Zhdanov
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
27GEOSCIENCEP765A produced a series of mineral chemistry vectors within porphyry copper systems to allow the primary deposits to be “seen” from much further away than previously. The project focused on two problematic environments surrounding or overlying mineralised systems – “green rocks” and lithocaps. An unusual and popular feature of the project was to allow sponsors to actively test the vectors in real situations by submitting blind test sites to the research team. As an example, the giant high-grade Resolution deposit in Arizona was accurately detected from early exploratory drill holes under 1 km of barren cover. P1060 continues this work by looking at other simple minerals which are commonly found in such systems and which can be easily identified by field geologists. Other new aspects will also be researched to complement the earlier investigations, including a continuation of blind testing.
Research Providers
ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Professor Bruce Gemmell; Professor David R Cooke; Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine; Lakehead University
Value
AUD$3,570,000
Commencement Date
June 2011
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Adele Seymon
Sponsors
Anglo American Exploration Australia Pty Ltd; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd; Codelco; Compania de Minas Buenaventura; Eldorado Gold Corporation; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Freeport-McMoRan Australasia Inc; Gold Fields Ltd; G-Resources Group; Inmet Mining Corporation; Intrepid Mines; Lundin Mining Corp; MMG Australia Limited; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont USA Limited; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Exploration Pty Ltd; Xstrata Copper Limited
P1060 - Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
28 GEOSCIENCE
Value
USD$555,000
Commencement Date
January 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Joe Cucuzza
Sponsors
Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton Metals; Codelco; Newmont USA Limited; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Vale Exploration Pty Ltd
P972 - ATR Mineral Chemistry Applied to the Characterisation and Exploration of Andean type Cu ± Au Ore Deposits
COMPLETED
The overall objective of this proposal was to compile a comprehensive database in order to develop new robust and cost effective “mineralo-chemical” tools that will not only permit a better understanding of mineralising systems but more importantly offer explorers a new method of vectoring into mineral deposits. A key output from the project was a large database of the analytical results.
Research Providers
Universidad de Concepcion - Dr Osvaldo Rabbia Dalmasso, Dr Laura Hernandez; Aarhus University - Dr Thomas Ulrich; University of Oklahoma
Mt Mulga (Provided by Data Metallogenica Website, Peter Laznicka)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
29MINE ENGINEERINGThe ROES™ mining method is unique. It is the only mining method proposed to industry in the last decade that removes personnel from the production area. The method is very sympathetic to any overall mine automation plan. The proposed study will define the scope for a demonstration project that should, on completion provide sponsors with the confidence to trial the ROES™ mining system in one of their own mines.
The study will address the following items:
• Theparticularneedsofeachsponsorfromtheminingmethod
• Therisksassociatedwiththeenablingtechnologiesandtheoptionsproposed to minimise such risks
• Thescopefortheresultingdemonstrationproject
• Theroutetomarketforthetechnology
Research Providers
CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering - Mr Jock Cunningham
Value
AUD$87,000
Commencement Date
April 2013
Duration
6 months
Program Manager
Matthew Dalziel
Sponsors
Newcrest Mining Limited; VALE Canada Ltd; Xstrata Nickel Limited;
P987 - Scoping Study for ROES (Remote Ore Extraction System) Development
The stope design portion of P884 - PRIMO from which this project was developed, was focused more at strategic planning, and feasibility studies. Industry sponsors have identified the need for greater levels of detail and improved stope design solutions for medium and short term planning. The optimisation techniques being employed are amenable to more complex stope shapes, and additional design criteria that would follow as greater levels of detail are modelled and optimised. The choice of optimisation criteria, cutoff, penalties and shape geometry parameterisation can all be extended further. This project seeks to develop a complete solution for the optimisation of stope design and stope layout, covering strategic, tactical and operational planning.
Research Providers
Alford Mining Systems - Mr Chris Alford; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd
Value
AUD$1,035,000
Commencement Date
April 2011
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Matthew Dalziel
Sponsors
Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton; Boliden Minerals AB; CAE Mining; Deswik Mining Consultants Pty Ltd; Maptek Pty Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd (MMG); MineRP (Australia) Pty Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; VALE Canada Ltd; Xstrata Nickel Limited
P1037 - Stope Optimisation and Stope Layout
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
30
This new project brings together a team of applied researchers, industry consultants and software suppliers (who were participants in the PRIMO project) who can deliver an integrated set of tools for rapid, automated optimisation of underground mining projects, where the goal is to evaluate hundreds of scenarios and identify the best set of design criteria and parameters in a strategy optimisation project.
Research Providers
Alford Mining Systems - Mr Chris Alford; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd
Value
AUD$1,350,000
Commencement Date
April 2011
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Matthew Dalziel
Sponsors
Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton; CAE Mining; Deswik Mining Consultants Pty Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd (MMG); MineRP (Australia) Pty Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; VALE Canada Ltd; Xstrata Nickel Limited
P1043 - Framework for Rapid Automated Underground Mine Optimisation
MINE ENGINEERING
Orica delivering services in underground mining in New South Wales (Provided by Orica Limited)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
31MINERAL PROCESSINGP9P will deliver a more comprehensive range of models, as compared to P9O, as well as the standards and techniques for particle characterisation (composition and spatial arrangement of minerals) required as model inputs. Ore characterisation at the front end of the process will increasingly replace the traditional time consuming and expensive measurement of ore properties such as hardness, density, size distribution and floatability, required for the current models of the unit operations. These developments will, for the first time, link all unit operations so that the effects of changes in one area can be simulated and compensated for in other parts of the circuit. This integration of unit operation models will allow true overall process improvements to be identified.
The P9P project will be executed with a case study approach in two parallel paths:
• Implementationofcasestudiesatspecificsponsorsitesusingthe integrated simulation platform based on fit-for-purpose multi-component models.
• Developandupgradeorecharacterisationmethodsandmodelsthrough continued data acquisition and validation.
P9P will carry out extensive scientific research into the fundamentals of processes and unit operation phenomenon to underpin the development of unit operation models. Validation will be achieved by in-plant surveys and analysis undertaken within P9P. Where possible and appropriate, P9P will also provide for the development of on-line instruments and measurement devices which will also facilitate the development and application of the models. These developments, fundamental understanding and site activities will of themselves greatly benefit sponsors by direct application, training and technology transfer.
Research Providers
Chalmers University of Technology; CRC ORE (Optimising Resource Extraction); Hacettepe University ; Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; University of Cape Town
Value
AUD$13,283,010
Commencement Date
April 2012
Duration
4 years
Program Manager
Terry Braden
Sponsors
Alcoa of Australia Limited; Anglo American Plc; AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Barrick Gold Corporation; Bateman Engineering; BHP Billiton Base Metals; COREM; FLSmidth Minerals; LKAB; Lonmin Platinum; Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Metso Minerals Process Technology; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd (MMG); Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Outotec SEAP; Polysius AG; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Russell Mineral Equipment; Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Australia; Xstrata Copper Limited
P009P - Optimisation of Mineral Processing by Modelling and Simulation
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
32
The P260F Project is a 4 year project with the following objectives:
• Increaserecoveryofvaluemineralincoarse,compositeparticles in sponsor flotation plants and ores.
• Increaserecoveryofvaluemineralsinfineparticlesinsponsorflotation plants and ores.
• Improveselectivityinsponsorflotationplantsandoresbyincreasing rejection of gangue minerals, including minerals containing penalty element such arsenic, antimony, fluorine, mercury bismuth in base metal concentrates
• Increaserecoveryofgoldinsponsorflotationplantsandores.
• Assesstheimpactofreducingwaterconsumptioninflotation,and develop strategies to mitigate against negative impacts.
• Improvetheconcentratequalityofkeynon-basemetalconcentrates such as iron ore and phosphate concentrates with our research collaborators.
• Developcharacterisationtools,methodsandprotocolsforuseby sponsors.
• Technologyandinformationtransfertosponsorsoperations.
This is accomplished through three separate but integrated modules:
• TechnologyTransferModule
• SulphideMineralTechnicalChallengesModuleincludingToolsand Methodologies.
• Non-SulphideMineralTechnicalChallengesModule.
Research Providers
University of South Australia - Dr Max Zanin, Research Professor Bill Skinner; Universidade de Sao Paulo - Professor Laurindo de Salles Leal Filho
Value
AUD$3,350,750
Commencement Date
May 2010
Duration
4 years
Program Manager
Chris Ward
Sponsors
COREM; Eriez Flotation; Freeport McMoRan Process Technology Center; Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Outotec; OZ Minerals Limited; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Exploration Pty Ltd; Xstrata Technology
P260F - Influence of Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the Flotation of Fine and Coarse Minerals
MINERAL PROCESSING
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
33MINERAL PROCESSINGP266 series of projects has transformed thickener design and operation through combining advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling with detailed measurements for model development and validation that span from microscopic aggregate characterisation through to pilot and full-scale programs.
P266G focuses on the following four areas:
• MeasurementandModellingtowardsthefullthickenermodel(FTM)
• FTMApplicationtoControl
• DesignandOperation
• TechnologyTransfer
Research Providers
CSIRO - Dr Phillip Fawell; University of Melbourne - Professor Peter J Scales
Value
AUD$2,908,500
Commencement Date
September 2012
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
Alcoa World Alumina; Anglo Operations Limited; Aughinish Alumina Limited; BASF Construction Polymers Gmbh; Cytec Industries Inc; Tenova Delkor; FLSmidth Minerals; KEMIRA Chemicals Inc; MMG Century Zinc; MMG LXML Sepon; Newcrest Mining Limited; Outotec Pty Ltd; Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Shell Canada Energy; Teck Metals Ltd; Total E&P Canada; WesTech Engineering Inc
P266G - Improving Thickener Technology
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
34
Management of tailings is one of the most significant challenges facing the industry; as demand for commodities soar and grades decline the net result is that tailings volumes are rising rapidly with resulting cost increases and sustainability risks. There is an opportunity to improve the integrated and systemic understanding of recent developments in technology enablers for effectively managing tailings including flocculation, thickening, slurry pipelining and tailings stack design to assist industry to better design and operate tailings storage facilities (TSF).
CSIRO, ATC Williams, Monash University and the UWA have relevant, complementary capabilities and propose a multi-disciplinary research and development initiative to improve the economic and environmental performance of TSFs.
Research Providers
ATC Williams Pty Ltd - Mr Keith Seddon; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Mr Andreas Mönch / Dr Andrew Chryss; Monash University - Professor Murray Rudman; University of Western Australia - Winthrop Professor Andy (Andries) Fourie
Value
AUD$2,580,000
Commencement Date
October 2012
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
Anglo American Plc; BASF Construction Polymers Gmbh; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Gold Fields Australasia Pty Ltd; Nalco Australia Pty Ltd; Newmont Mining Corporation; Outotec SEAP; Shell Canada Energy; Total E&P Canada
P1087 - Integrated Tailings Management
MINERAL PROCESSING
COMPLETED
The AMIRA P498 series of projects (P498, P498A and P498B) was successful in bringing together polymer manufacturers and mineral companies as sponsors of research, with mutual benefits.
The completed P498C project provided sponsors with the ability to select the right polymer for the right application based on a knowledge of how the polymer interacted with mineral surfaces. This approach represented a significant improvement over previous trial-and-error based testing of polymeric reagents.
Research Providers
University of South Australia - Assoc. Professor David Beattie; Levay & Co Environmental Services - Mr George Levay
Value
AUD$678,500
Commencement Date
October 2008
Duration
3 Years
Program Manager
Chris Ward
Sponsors
Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd); CP Kelco Oy; National Starch; Newcrest Resources Inc
P498C - Enhanced Selectivity in Flotation Using Polymers
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
35MINERAL PROCESSINGCOMPLETED
The previous extension of this project developed a ruggedised piece of equipment to measure surface vibrations on mills, which was extensively tested at Northparkes Mine. The signals from the unit have been processed in a number of ways to show relationships to key mill operating parameters: toe and shoulder position, mill loading, particle size, ore hardness and liner wear.
This project worked to validate these relationships to develop predictive models including an on-line advisory alarm system to warn operators of substantial departures from normal operating conditions.
Research Providers
CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Ralph J Holmes; CSIRO Mathematical & Information Sciences; AMIRA International Limited
Value
AUD$996,000
Commencement Date
April 2008
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Kriba Reddy
Sponsors
Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd); Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Rio Tinto Limited; Xstrata Zinc
P667B - SAG Mill Monitoring Using Surface Vibrations
COMPLETED
Small operations in Chile have conducted flotation in sea water in the past, although much of the flotation know-how developed there has been lost. Gold and nickel operations in Western Australia are known to use highly saline waters and the Batu Hijau gold mine of Newmont in Indonesia uses seawater for flotation. Flotation of sulphide copper ores and their by-products (Mo, Au, Ag) in water with high concentration of electrolytes show problems in rougher and cleaner stages. For example, Cu, Mo and Au yield similar recovery levels in rougher circuits while concentrate grade decreases because pyrite depression is affected by the buffer effect of the electrolyte solution. In cleaner circuits pyrite depression using lime to adjust pH reduces recovery of Mo and Au.
Research Providers
Universidad de Concepcion - Professor Fernando Concha
Value
CL$360,000,000
Commencement Date
April 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Enrique Carretero Gonzaléz
Sponsors
Anglo American Chile Ltda; Antofagasta Minerals S.A,; BHP Billiton Base Metals; Teck Resources Limited
P968 - Flotation of Copper in Saline Water
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
36
Value
CL$472,100,000
Commencement Date
April 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Enrique Carretero Gonzaléz
Sponsors
Antofagasta Minerals S.A.; Codelco
P996 - Advanced Instrumentation and Control Strategies for Optimising Thickeners
COMPLETED
The project aim was to develop new instruments and control strategies to optimize the thickening operation in the mineral industry with direct impact on water consumption.
Research Providers
Universidad de Concepcion - Professor Fernando Concha
MINERAL PROCESSING
Orica delivering bulk explosives in Western Australia (Provided by Orica Limited)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
37EXTRACTIVE METALLURGYThe AMIRA Gold Processing Technology project has delivered industry focussed research outcomes for 25 years. This extension project proposes new initiatives in the area of gold processing set within the context of the complex technical, human resource development and environmental challenges that face the gold industries in the second decade of the 21st century. It also consolidates and extends the work performed in the AMIRA P420D program, which is built on a solid foundation of 25 years of research and industry support.
There are three focus themes in the project:
• TechnologyTransfer&ProfessionalDevelopment
• Frommineralstooptimisedplants;and
• FutureOreProcessing.
Technology Transfer focuses on plant surveys and inputs into models for plant optimisation, coupled with workshops and courses for professional development of staff. Models for plant optimisation includes the expansion of the online models from the liberation-leach, gravity-flash-float, leach adsorption models to new models for roasting which links mineralogy to thermodynamics. In addition, research will continue into ore characterisation, and the development of a Code & Guidelines for baseline ore testing. Theme two will also involve the integration of gold metallurgy linking it to gold ore mineralogy, superimposed onto geological regions in the resources allows the development of gold specific geometallurgical models. Future Ore Processing looks at more fundamental research into interactions of complex gangue minerals with the extraction of gold. The theme delves into the evaluation of preconcentration through continuous early gangue rejection, using continuous gravity, dense media and screening with an emphasis on ore characterisation of the amenability of ores for continuous high mass gravity separation. Additional research involves the investigation of environmentally benign gold lixiviants with an emphasis on organic acid lixiviants for application in heap leaching, dump leaching and in-situ leaching.
Research Provider
Curtin University of Technology - Professor Jaques Eksteen
Value
AUD$3,245,250
Commencement Date
April 2013
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Kriba Reddy
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd; Barrick Gold Corporation; Bateman Engineering; Gekko Systems Pty Ltd; Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited; Kemix (Pty) Ltd; Magotteaux Pty Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Orica Australia Pty Ltd; Randgold Resources; St Barbara Ltd
P420E - Gold Processing
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
38
Many trace elements are present in Bayer liquors. These come almost entirely from the bauxite ore, where they may occur either as pure minerals in small amounts or (more often) as contaminants of other mineral components. In most cases, the concentration of each trace element in the plant liquors tends to increase until a steady state is reached.
This project aims to increase the understanding of the chemistry of these elements in highly concentrated, alkaline solutions and allow improved control of their deportment through alumina refineries.
Research Providers
Murdoch University - Professor Glenn Hefter, Professor Peter M May
Value
AUD$600,000
Commencement Date
July 2011
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
Alcoa of Australia Limited; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Hydro Aluminium Metal Products; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited
P507D - Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors
EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY
The project focuses on alumina quality through:
• quantifyingbreakagemechanismsofdifferentaluminas
• establishingthedifferenceinaluminastrengthmeasuredbydifferent test methods
• identifyingtherelationshipbetweenprecipitationconditions,precursor hydrate features and alumina strength, and
• quantifyingthesignificanceofadditionalgibbsitegrowthlayerson alumina strength.
Research Providers
CSIRO Process Science & Engineering - Dr Iztok Livk
Value
USD$460,500
Commencement Date
June 2011
Duration
3 Years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
BHP Billiton / Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Hatch Associates Pty Ltd: Hydro Aluminium Metal Products; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited
P575C - A Qualitative Investigation of Strength and Breakage Behaviour of SGA Produced from Refinery Hydrates
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
39EXTRACTIVE METALLURGYThis extension project has built on the knowledge acquired in the earlier P705 series of projects led by the research team at Murdoch University and is the preeminent research program globally in the field of electrowinning technology.
The P705B project has been a highly cost effective vehicle for the participating companies to access significant technical knowledge on the electrowinning of base and other metals. It has provided significant opportunities for industry benchmarking, programs for staff development, training, further education and networking, resources for process optimisation (cost reduction/increased recovery/reduced energy consumption), tools and information to enhance tankhouse operating performances.
This project has also provided sponsors with valuable knowledge, tools and information relating to tankhouse OH&S issues through the provision of a greater understanding of acid mist generation and the fundamental processes relating to bubble formation.
Research Providers
Murdoch University - Professor Mike Nicol; Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); University of Utah; Laurentian University
Value
USD$1,485,000
Commencement Date
April 2010
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Chris Ward
Sponsors
Anglo Research; BHP Billiton Base Metals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Hatch Associates Pty Ltd; Industrie De Nora S.p.a.; Inppamet Ltda; Outotec; RSR Technologies Inc; Teck Resources Limited; VALE; Votorantim Metais
P705B - Improved Anode and Cathode Processes in the Electrowinning of Base Metals
Lolotoi Metamorphic Complex, Laclo River, East Timor (Provided by Oskar Lindenmayer)
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
40
The purpose of the Roadmap is to deliver a consensus of expert opinion on the strategic vision, the challenges and barriers to adoption, and the necessary steps required in addressing them. It identifies priority R & D that can be developed and pursued by both individual companies, or through collaborative partnerships. As well as taking a broader non-commodity specific view of the subject, the Roadmap will inform the development of the next extension to the P843A GEM project, subject to industry support, and scheduled to commence in 2014.
An important aspect of the development of the Roadmap has been the independent interviews undertaken with key stakeholders in Australia, South Africa, Chile and North America to help identify barriers to progress gaps and challenges and future needs. Dr Tim Napier-Munn (Australia / South Africa), Ms Romke Kuyvenhoven (Latin America) and Dr Karin Olson Hoal (North America) were engaged to undertake this initial survey work. The final document which provides an overall synthesis of the results of the above work has been prepared by an independent consultant, Mr Dean Collett.
Research Provider
AMIRA International Limited
Value
AUD$87,500
Commencement Date
July 2012
Duration
1 year
Program Manager
Olga Verezub
Sponsors
BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd; Teck Metals Ltd; Antofagasta Minerals S.A.; Vale Exploration Pty Ltd; Votorantim Metais; Xstrata Copper Limited
P1110 - Geometallurgy Roadmap
EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY
RUSSELL 8 (8 axis) - 6 tonne Mill relining machine built in 2009 for Newcrest’s Cadia Mill and includes a traversing seat. (Provided by Russell Mineral Equipment)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
41EXTRACTIVE METALLURGYThe Gold Industry faces challenges more urgent than ever before.
• Large,highgrade,free-millingdepositsarerarelydiscoveredandcompanies are turning to lower grade, complex and refractory ore bodies to maintain reserves.
• Humanresourcesarestillthekeytosuccessfuloperation,yetskilled gold metallurgists are in short supply.
• Investorspunishdeviationfromguidancefigures,yetthetoolstooptimise and to predict performance are not well suited to dealing with other than simple free milling ore bodies.
• OHS&Eissuesareintheforefrontofconcerns,yetreadilyappliedtools and know-how are not available to companies to facilitate adherence to duty of care standards.
This project offered companies the opportunity to tap into a world class R&D project at a high leverage of sponsorship investment. This proposal was structured around four research themes:
• CapturingandPreservingIndustryKnowledge
• PredictingandImprovingOreProcessing
• ProtectingtheLicencetoOperate
• ProcessingDifficultOres
Research Providers
Curtin University of Technology - William Staunton
Value
AUD$2,891,250
Commencement Date
August 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Kriba Reddy
Sponsors
AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Ausenco Services Pty Ltd; Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd; Barrick Gold Corporation; Gekko Systems Pty Ltd; Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd; Kemix (Pty) Ltd; Lihir Gold Limited (Now Newcrest); Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Orica Mining Chemicals; Randgold Resources; Tenova Mining and Minerals
P420D - Gold Processing Technology
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
42
Value
AUD$600,000
Commencement Date
May 2011
Duration
2 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
Alcoa of Australia Limited; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited; Rusal Aughinish
P521D - Quantifying the Effect of Solid Phase Oxalate (SPO) on Gibbsite Agglomeration
EXTRACTIVE METALLURGYCOMPLETED
The primary objective was to quantify the effect of SPO on gibbsite agglomeration under the conditions relevant to the Bayer process and improve fundamental understanding of the mechanism of a possible interference by SPO with gibbsite agglomeration.
Research Providers
CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Iztok Livk
COMPLETED
Heap leaching of low grade copper and gold ores has been successfully employed over the past two to three decades. It has been realised that percolation is highly dependent on the size distribution of the crushed ore with fines playing a significant role. To minimise the percentage of fines and improve overall percolation, agglomeration of crushed ore has been implemented in gold and copper heap leach operations. While agglomeration has become common practice to improve heap leach recovery, the fundamental understanding of the agglomeration process for crushed ores is still lacking.
The project proposed to provide practical quality control tools for agglomeration of crushed ore. The project proposed to divide the work into a hub of practical research and commodity spokes (gold, copper and nickel) designed to be the source of test ore and allowing specific sponsor guidance.
Research Provider
University of Utah - Assoc. Professor Michael S Moats
Value
USD$1,612,000
Commencement Date
April 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Terry Braden
Sponsors
BHP Billiton Minerals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd; Vale Exploration Pty Ltd
P986 - Improving Agglomeration of Crushed Ore
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
43MULTI-DISCIPLINARYThe initial P843 project made major advances in developing practical methodologies and tools to deliver predictive measures of processing performance. These can be embedded in resource models and exploited in mine planning and optimisation. It delivered a wide range of hardware and software tools with demonstrated potential for routine application. These include lower-cost physical testing devices for comminution, automated core loggers and a range of imaging and microscopy platforms. These are linked to enabling software for specialist textural analysis, multivariate modelling and data integration. The P843A extension project seeks to continue this development with an increasing emphasis on large-scale site-based comparative benchmarking and validation. The research will also extend to new deposit types and processing attributes (early environmental characteristics, blasting and predictive leaching) not covered in the original project (flotation recovery and comminution).
A further aim of P843A is to provide technology transfer mechanisms to support sponsors in the implementation of these tools and methods. Case studies include Los Bronces, La Colosa, Cowal, Escondida, Codelco Norte, Andina, Cadia East, Telfer and Prominent Hill.
Research Providers
ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits; Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation; CRC ORE (Optimising Resource Extraction); CSIRO Process Science and Engineering; Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre; University of Tasmania; W H Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre
Value
AUD$7,758,331
Commencement Date
July 2009
Duration
4 years
Program Manager
Joe Cucuzza
Sponsors
Anglo American Chile Ltda; Anglo Research; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd; Boliden Minerals AB; CAE Datamine U.K.; Codelco; Gold Fields Ltd; ioGlobal; Metso Minerals (Australia) Limited; Minera Escondida Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd (MMG); Mount Isa Mines Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newcrest Technology Ltd; OZ Minerals Limited; Quantitative Geoscience Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Sumitomo - Minera San Cristobal; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Australia
P843A - Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
44
Value
AUD$900,000
Commencement Date
May 2011
Duration
2.5 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
Alcoa World Alumina; BHP Billiton / Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited; VALE Canada Ltd
P931A - Reduced Erosion in Multiphase Flow
This project aims to develop new tools and more efficient solutions to reduce the wear/erosion maintenance costs in multiphase flows. This is being achieved through a combination of better knowledge of the fluid properties and the material properties of the vessels being used to transport fluids and with a solution focussed on the flow geometry.
Case studies proposed by sponsors are yielding valuable outcomes to increase understanding and leading to recommendations to reduce wear.
Research Provider
CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Jie Wu
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
There is a move by Maritime Authorities worldwide to have a Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) for each bulk cargo shipped by sea.
Current TML testing options are based on the use of methods originally developed for concentrates. For bulk cargoes containing coarse particles (e.g. iron ore, coal), these tests are problematic. The relationships between the three most widely used TML test methods are unclear, and the implications of removing the +6mm fraction before conducting the TML measurement are not understood.
This project will investigate the potential failure mechanisms of bulk iron ore cargoes while assessing the current TML test methods and relevance to any failure.
Research Providers
Creative Process Innovation Pty Ltd - Dr Tom Honeyands; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering; University of Auckland; TUNRA Bulk Solids - University of Newcastle
Value
AUD$1,958,500
Commencement Date
May 2012
Duration
2 years
Program Manager
Matthew Dalziel / Olga Verezub
Sponsors
BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd; Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd; CME (The Chamber of Minerals & Energy Western Australia); Fortescue Metals Group; Minerals Council of Australia; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Roy Hill; Vale
P1097 - Systematic Evaluation of Transportable Moisture Limit Measurement Methods for Iron Ore Bulk Cargoes
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
45MULTI-DISCIPLINARYCOMPLETED
A detailed understanding of the flow regimes obtained in P599 and P599A provided an opportunity to exploit various aspects of high concentration flows to improve existing processes and possible pumping applications.
There were five areas in which extension work was undertaken:
• Technologytransfer
• Flowfundamentals
• Verticalconveying
• Separationtechniques
• PipeToolsdevelopment.
As in P599 and P599A, all outputs of the P599B research were captured in new releases of the PipeTools software.
Research Provider
CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering - Dr Jie Wu; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering
Value
AUD$501,000
Commencement Date
September 2008
Duration
3 Years
Program Manager
Matthew Dalziel
Sponsors
Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Shell Canada Limited
P599B - High Concentration Suspension Pumping
Hope Downs - FLSmidth - Site exit aerial photo (Provided by FLSmidth Minerals)
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
46
Value
AUD$1,134,000
Commencement Date
December 2009
Duration
3 years
Program Manager
Gray Bailey
Sponsors
BHP Billiton Iron Ore; Hidden Valley Services Limited; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Tasmanian Government; Teck Metals Ltd
P933A - Alternative Treatment Options for Long Term ARD Control
SUSTAINABILITYCOMPLETED
This project:
• Evaluatedthereactionmechanismsandproductsofselectedtreatment technologies and approaches including limestone, phosphate rock and silicates (separately or in combinations).
• Incorporatedandevaluateddatafromfieldtrialsoftreatmentsfrom sponsor sites and companion research programs.
• Outlinedtheimplicationsformanagementandapplicationofselected technologies.
• Tofurthertesttheratesofneutralisationprovidedbyganguesilicate and non-carbonate minerals, validated these results and applied them to real waste mineralogies.
• Continuedmethodologydevelopmentfordeterminationofacceptable design targets for matching Acid Generation Rate vs Non-carbonate Acid Neutralisation Capacity.
Research Provider
Boojum Research - Ms Margarete Kalin Levay & Co Environmental Services - Dr Russell R Schumann; University of South Australia - Dr Jun Li, Professor Roger Smart
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
47
Cavity Quartz, Aileu District, East Timor (Provided by Oskar Lindenmayer)
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
48 DATA METALLOGENICA
Data Metallogenica is being built as a global encyclopaedia of ore deposits for the benefit of the international minerals industry and associated institutions.It is the world’s largest mineral deposit database, a unique technical information system made possible through the support of over one hundred international Foundation Sponsors from industry, government organisations and professional societies.
DM is a self-funding but not-for-profit enterprise, owned and operated by AMIRA International on behalf of the global minerals industry and associated institutions. Data Metallogenica will continue to develop as a major reference, training and educational resource for all, as well as being a key repository of much transient and valuable information on ore deposits.
It primarily aims to provide a technical introduction to individual deposits around the world, particularly for those unlikely to ever visit these deposits (even if they are still operating and available). DM therefore provides a virtual field trip to any deposit.
This year, the continuation of the P1040 project with the support of over 50 sponsors has seen the launch of the new DM website (http://www.dmgeode.com), allowing far greater utility of data, as well as a major expansion of the existing database.
Deposits can now be searched by location, commodoties and data type
Search results now appear on an interactive map, allowing users to see deposits in a regional context.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
49
NEW FEATURES INCLUDE…
Over 9 Gigabytes of new data: Includes hundreds of new sample plates, deposit summaries, photo galleries, technical reports, industry and academic presentations.
New translation features: The website and text from documents can now be automatically translated into 71 languages making DM very valuable as a reference and training tool.
Greater Global coverage: Technical information on over 500 new deposits, especially in regions such as Asia, Russia, Africa and South America.
Relaxed search criteria: Searches can be made on fragments of deposit names and aliases of deposits.
More specialised searching: Searches can be made on specific data types (eg. geophysics, regolith), commodity classes (eg. Base Metals, Diamonds) and world-parts, countries or states.
New map features: Searches now return interactive map plots, allowing users to see the regional context of deposits.
Deposit portal pages: Descriptive data for each deposit can be found on a single deposit portal page, along with an interactive map, sample plates and useful internal links.
CONTINUING FEATURES…
Physical collection and photographs: The original and unique physical collection is now stored at the DMITRE Core Library in Adelaide, South Australia, and consists of over 70,000 representative samples of ores, alteration, host rocks and regolith from thousands of individual deposits. High quality photographs of all sample plates are available on the website.
Thesis database: Full listing of all Australian geological theses, plus 1600 economic geology abstracts for Australian theses and 70 full PhD and MSc theses from around the world are available in a searchable database.
Commodity overviews: Overviews of deposit types for selected commodities by world experts.
New deposit portal pages display technical data, including Lithotheque plates and descriptive data, alongside summary descriptions of deposits and an interactive map.
New deposit portal pages display technical data, including Lithotheque plates and descriptive data, alongside summary descriptions of deposits and an interactive map.
AMIRA INTERNAT IONAL L IM ITED
50
AMIRA INTERNATIONAL BROKERS COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH PROVIDERS BY LEVERAGING AVAILABLE INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT FUNDS
Road to Muktinath, Upper Mustang District, Nepal (Provided by Scarlett Blewett)
ANNUAL REPORT 2012–2013
51
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