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The Big BlueThe Big Blue

The Flinders Highway Issue– Townsville to the north west

• More ‘ZOMBIES’ among the living• The Goldfields Ashes story• The promise of Dugald River• Engineers in Isaac

– a mine’s challenge to the scourge of mental illness

Des

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Mar

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SS/1

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All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced in part or in full by any means without written permission of the managing editor. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

March 2015

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Queensland Industry Advocate

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3 Zombies rising More junior explorers are being turned into ‘zombies’ by poor

market conditions.

4 Opportunity risingA newly formed Queensland contracting company has hit the ground

running and secured multi-million dollar contracts.

5 Opportunity tightening Contractors coming off the infrastructure boom are advised to look

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2 Queensland Industry Advocate | March 2015

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Australian researchers have conducted a study that can point mining operations towards reduced energy costs and more eff ective processing.

Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre ( JKMRC) University of Queensland researchers Dr Grant Ballantyne and Professor Malcolm Powell found that on average, 26 to 46 per cent of a gold or copper mine’s energy consumption is attributable to comminution.

Comminution is the most energy intensive process at a mine and involves the crushing or grinding of a solid rock.

Th e research has provided a benchmark for industry so

that mines can assess where they sit in terms of their energy consumption and make changes where necessary.

“In a lot of these cases it’s not about where the mine sits at the present or to point at the mines and say you’re bad. It’s about the mine’s action to move down on the curve and improve their position,” Dr Ballantyne said.

A key approach to saving energy was by knowing your ore, said Dr Ballantyne.

“It’s really important to note what can be gained from leveraging off your geological variation with fl exible processing options,” he said.

“It’s looking at what the

An energy usage study helps mines find efficiencies in their processing cycle.

Putting the microscope over power consumption

ore body actually requires and designing the circuit around it.

“Energy is a very important issue to be on the Australian landscape and internationally. I really think it’s one of the big-ticket issues of my generation.”

Th e approach of energy comparison and reduction is gaining some momentum in industry with the support of the Coalition for Eco-Effi cient Comminution (CEEC).

A number of mines have signed up for the analysis and there are plans to launch a CEEC-hosted website where mines can enter their data to fi nd out where they sit on the comminution energy consumption curve.

Th is will facilitate the expansion of the benchmarking to include 50 to 70 per cent

of the world’s gold and copper consumption and to eventually include other commodities such as nickel, zinc, silver, coal and iron ore.

Th e mines included in this

study covered 15 per cent of global gold production, 24 per cent of the global copper production and all of Australian gold and copper production.

Dr Grant Ballantyne and Prof. Malcolm Powell.

As operations worldwide battle a tough market and a commodity price slump, Australian producers are being reassured there are ways to remain profi table.

Th e commodity crisis was brought to a head recently when the world bank released its lower revised forecast for global growth, said Fat Prophets resources analyst David Lennox.

“Th at sent a shudder

through the base metal prices and we saw them all fall. Copper fell to about that $2.50 range per pound (US dollars),” Mr Lennox said.

“At $2.50 an Australian operation can actually still be quite profi table with the US dollar price. With 75cents US dollar to Australian dollar there’s quite a cushion for Australian producers,” he said.

“Copper prices will

probably continue to trade at around $US2.50lb level until such time that we start to see forward estimates in economic growth rising rather than being revised down.”

On the other side of the coin is the old story of supply vs demand.

A stable price for the commodities would require a reduction of supply, which in some cases will mean mine

closures, said Mr Lennox.“What we’re seeing in

both of the markets (copper and gold) is a great deal of concern over the supply side,” he said.

“We need to see some changes in the operational side i.e. closure of mines and then we’d expect to see a more stable price of copper and gold.”

“Certainly towards the latter part of 2014 and into

2015 we saw a signifi cant fall in base metal prices such as copper as the market came to that realisation that there was going to be signifi cant supply.

“On the gold side, we saw there was an easing in the safe-haven aspects for gold which saw the price come down signifi cantly. Also the US dollar started to rise in value towards latter 2014 and that had an incremental fall in the gold price.”

Supply influences on gold and copper price

3Queensland Industry Advocate | March 2015

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An industry which once swarmed with excited junior explorers driven by the dollar sign and endless prospecting opportunity is now dragging an increasing number of ‘zombies’ along for the ride.

Early indications are that the trend of the walking dead is set to continue.

According to the latest quarterly cash update by BDO, one in nine of the 816 junior explorers that reported in the December 2014 quarter undertook no exploration expenditure.

While this number remains static from the previous quarter’s report, 17 fewer companies lodged their results.

Th e report found that average exploration expenditure had fallen for the fourth straight quarter to $604,000 per company – signifi cantly down from the average expenditure in the June 2013 quarter of $980,000.

Further to this, 47 per cent of explorers have reported insuffi cient cash to fund

Tough times are sorting out Junior miners whose numbers welled in the boom.

‘Walking dead’ numbers up

cycle.“Th ere was huge opportunity

to raise money 2007-2010 and then there was a bust,” he said.

“Where there are opportunities everybody jumps in, especially when there’s money around so you get an excess of companies being formed.

“It’s quite natural that over time those companies that are well-founded, have a valid business model or valid opportunity and good

management will be successful and the others get weeded out.”

Th e problem is that geologists who know little about business and eff ective management are running the juniors that are struggling, said Mr Branch.

Th e solution now requires out-of-the-box thinking, he said.

“Most junior explorers are founded by very competent geologists, but often all they really know is prospecting,” he said.

“When times get really tough

the wheat is sorted from the

chaff and a prospector who is

not simultaneously a competent

business person struggles.

“Th e companies that have

been successful have either

strengthened up their boards and

executive management teams so

they’re making much wiser and

stronger decisions. Or they have

been taken over through back

door listings.”

Allan Branchcompany turnaround specialist.

operating expenses at current levels for one or two quarters.

“Conditions continue to toughen for the sector, and although there are some explorers experiencing success, for many there is still no light at the end of the tunnel,” BDO partner Dan Taylor said.

Despite the negative reports, company turnaround specialist and ex-chief executive offi cer of junior explorer Krucible Metals, Allan Branch said the results are just part of a natural business

“There was huge

opportunity to raise

money 2007-2010

and then there was a

bust” - Allan Branch


NEWS

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Co

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It’s survival of the fi ttest and the strongest and most durable mining businesses will be those who embrace innovation according to an industry specialist.

Miners in the current volatile market conditions are generally taking short-term action to reduce costs and increase productivity, said Deloitte Australia national mining leader East Coast, Reuben Saayman.

Th e priorities moving forward were about balancing short-term investor expectations with long-term business imperatives, said Mr Saayman. ‘Innovative thinking surrounding energy savings, fi nancing and infrastructure will separate those who sink and those who swim,’ he said.

“For me innovation is a whole culture change that needs to happen within mining companies,” Mr Saayman said.

“Queensland miners have embarked on a number of cost cutting exercises. We’ve seen production at record levels and in that respect they’re achieving success.

“Th e challenge that’s next is ensuring the cost savings are sustainable and for that they need to look at innovation.”

Shared infrastructure, renewable energy, and alternative fi nancing sources are some of the solutions, said Mr Saayman.

“Companies can, in fact, innovate in multiple ways, such as leveraging supplier knowledge around specifi c operational

Embed innovation into corporate DNA

Innovation needs commitment from senior leadership, focus and dedicated resources, a systematic approach and a clear vision on how it will complement or align with existing operational excellence programs.

Think big, test small,scale fast

Look at the components of an entire system to uncover the biggest opportunities for structural improvement and then run small tests to establish proof of concept.

Leverage emerging technologies

3D visualization tools can help companies track their people, equipment and changing environment at each mine site, in real time.

New mineral processing technologies to reduce safety hazards and unlock previously

A newly incorporated company is taking on a $120m project and aiming to secure 120 jobs in the top end.

Bowen Basin Contractors (BBC) will run the three-year Weipa Housing Project from design phase right through to completion.

Th e project includes 100 three and four bedroom executive style houses and 70 two-story walk up town houses.

Th e gated complex will also include gym and swimming pool facilities.

Th e project would be the fi rst of its kind on Indigenous owned land said BBC managing director Zane Brache.

“Bowen Basin Contractors went in and tendered for a land parcel, we won that tender, so we’re going to develop the land, build houses on it and sell them off ,” Mr Brache said.

Th e project is in civil construction phase and has a 2018 completion but that may be extended, he said.

Alongside the permanent jobs on off er and a range of contracting jobs is the opportunity for apprenticeship positions.

“If we can identify key people suitable for apprenticeships we will aim to put 10 – 15 apprenticeships on this project,” Mr Brache said.

“At the end of it we should have 15 trades people coming out of the project. “We will target Indigenous employment fi rst and local employment will be a strong focus.”

Th e company also has a design and construct project for a 650-person temporary accommodation village in Miles and a construction project for a 252-person village in Bluff .

Auction house Graysonline is reporting more than 8,700 items worth in excess of $10m have been sold throughout Queensland over the last 12 months.

Civil, construction and mining earthmoving plant and equipment registered the highest number of sales and biggest dollar value.

But changing market conditions could be just around the corner.

Th at’s coming from auction house, Graysonline.

Sitting at the top of the list for regional sales was Gladstone with 2688 items grossing $1.59m.

Th is could be attributed to the wrap-up of operations in the area as Curtis Island moved out of construction phase and into operation, said Graysonline general manger Queensland

Chris Corbin.“Th ere is gear being sold

through our platform and maybe some other competitors as projects fi nish up especially in regional or remote areas of Queensland and other states,” he said.

“Especially at the end of the gas projects. Unlike the coal mines, once the gas pipeline is built there is little material and equipment required for maintenance.

Next in line was Emerald with a reported 268 items sold for more than $4.59m followed by Mount Isa with 566 items at $1.34m and Mackay with 718 items at $872,000.

“Regions such as Emerald and Mount Isa are a little bit quieter at the moment because the mining side of things is down and that’s really the back bone of those towns,” he said.

Sales of plant and equipment are reflecting changes in the economy.

“Th ere’s also less exploration

drilling going on which means

that there is less drill rigs

required and there’s a little bit

of consolidation in the market

which means less equipment is

required.”

New projects such as Adani’s

Carmichael coal project could

encourage a fresh spike in

activity, said Mr Corbin.

“We’re looking at putting on

some extra staff .

“We think there will be a lot

more equipment across a number

of categories and regions moving

forward and we’re gearing

ourselves up for that.”

Equipment from

Graysonline.

Machinery off-loading peaks

challenges, redefi ning their participation in the energy value chain or fi nding new ways to engage and partner with major stakeholders and constituencies.”

“And as operators begin to apply innovation to their full operational ecosystem, they stand to realise signifi cant gains.

“It is a journey that miners will need to embark on to make sure there are sustainable changes in the business model to address the volatility in the prices we have seen.

“It will be survival of the fi ttest.”

Innovation was identifi ed as one of the top ten key issues to industry for this year in the recent Deloitte Tracking the Trends report for 2015. Read the full report www.deloitte.com.au

Reuben SaaymanDeloitte Australia national mining leader East Coast

Deloitte top tips for innovationuneconomic mineral deposits.

Social media to facilitate electronic booking at mine sites and enhance employee access to information.

New production and logistics technologies to reduce both the use of natural resources and emissions.

Become part of an innovation ecosystem

Consider entering alliances or joint ventures with technology providers and other companies

already taking steps to harness organisational intelligence.

Prepare for new operational realities

As companies rely increasingly on automation, for instance, they will likely require fewer mine workers. Th is can also raise community concerns he said.

Consider other ways to create jobs by using purchasing power to spread mineral wealth and provide social benefi ts across a broader community ecosystem.

Innovation push for mines survival

Bowen Basin Builders Blooded in Big Business


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Suppliers urged further afieldBe proactive and get ahead of the game. Th at’s the message from Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) to suppliers.

Th e advice comes as three of the biggest projects in Queensland near construction completion.

Th e Curtis Island LNG plants are forecast to reach completion by 2016. Th ey had a combined peak workforce of 14,500 people with current numbers sitting at about 14,000.

GEA project offi cer Kim Roberts said now is the time to look at the other opportunities in the Gladstone region and beyond.

“Over the last three years, suppliers in the region have been forced to increase their capability and capacity in order to meet

the demand, that’s what makes Gladstone the industrial hub that it is,” she said.

“Moving forward it’s important to be part of the early conversations for new projects and expansions in order to place yourself in a good position come time for tender.”

One issue was knowing the right people to speak to, Ms Roberts said.

To support the local supply chain in expanding, GEA have launched the GEA Project Research Document, distributed to over 200 members of the organisation.

Th e document provides a ‘snap-shot’ of all current and proposed projects; project status, project value and contacts for Queensland-wide projects.

Although the construction completion date for Curtis Island is within sight, a demand for skilled workers still exists.

A process of continuous mobilising and demobilising through the various phases of construction meant that the company was currently looking to recruit said Bechtel Gladstone general manager Kevin Berg.

“As we move through commissioning and startup of each of the six trains being built on Curtis Island, we will see a growing number of people demobilising. Th is occurs gradually as work fronts are completed,” he said.

“We are also continuing to recruit. In fact we are still in need of specifi c skills such as electrical instrumental trades right now, so if you know of anyone looking for job with those skills, we’d love to hear from them.”

More than 26,000 people have been

employed during construction with some employees transitioning across projects.

“Some opportunities may also exist with other projects outside the Gladstone region for those with the right skillset,” Mr Berg said.

From construction completion in 2016 the maintenance of the QCLNG plant will be taken over by Monadelphous Group.

Up to 40 workers will be involved in maintenance activities including supply and operation of cranes, scaff olding, mechanical and electrical equipment.

QGC Operations Director Walter Simpson said Monadelphous would employ local people where possible and workers would be based in Gladstone.

It would create economic and social benefi ts for the community, Mr Simpson said.

Demand for specialist staff• Organisations that do not pre-position or

infl uence the tender prior to release reduce their chances of winning by up to 80 per cent.

• Most organisations will miss at least one key item in their response to the evaluation criteria or misinterpret at least one of the requirements lowering their overall evaluation score.

• Many business development and sales people believe that real sales are done face-to-face. To a large extent this is true.

• Get to know the buyers before the tender is published.

• Use the tender response as an opportunity to ensure the buyer wants to know you before they make a buying decision.

• A strategic approach to writing your tender response will ensure you a better success rate and the best use of your resources. Th is will ensure you win business you really want - and can deliver it professionally.

Tips from GEA

Curt

is Is

land

LN

G


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Th e recent Queensland election had all the characteristics of a political episode of Jerry Springer.

On one side of the stage sat new Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk on the other was LNP favourite Campbell Newman.

Seats were in the air, each side accused the other of broken promises, and the audience heckled, including radio personality Alan Jones.

And just when it looked like Newman had the support of the audience, a surprise guest (enter Peter Wellington), who had been fl irting with both candidates, appeared on stage next to Ms Palaszcuk.

Under his breath, Newman muttered some last words about asset leasing and with that the fi nal LNP supporters in the audience fell silent.

A triumphant Labor side has now emerged with a minority government and all eyes are on the new Premier, her cabinet and the changes they will bring.

One of the big issues facing the mining and resources sector is the Labor ban on new 100 per cent fl y-in, fl y-out (FIFO) operations and pending review of existing 100 per cent FIFO mines.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said Labor’s pledge to retrospectively review existing employment arrangements at two Bowen Basin mines had sent a shudder through the resources sector.

“Changing the rules under which companies have committed billions of investment dollars would

be a very bad move by any government serious about attracting new investment and jobs,” Mr Roche said

However there were those who expressed relief.

“We are very encouraged by Queensland’s new mining minister Anthony Lynham confi rming the review will take place as soon as possible,” Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said.

Th e CFMEU labelled Labor’s win as a ‘victory for Queensland coal mine workers and regional communities’.

“100 per cent FIFO discriminates against locals and denies freedom of choice,” the organisation said in a website bulletin.

Another big talking point was the possibility of a reinstatement of the uranium mining ban.

Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady spoke to QIA:

“I’ve been working long and hard for the creation of the uranium industry and the former Newman government lifted the ban,” he said.

“I think if the incoming Labor government whose mantra is about developing jobs, re-impose that ban, it will be a retrograde step.”

Anti-nuclear activists did not agree.

“In the shadow of Fukushima, a continuing nuclear disaster directly fuelled by Australian uranium, it’s more important than ever to ensure uranium mining is kept out of the sunshine state,” said Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear free campaigner, Dave Sweeney.

Does Gen Y make better workers?

Kira WeidigJCU geology student

“I think the positive with Gen Y is the fact that they’re more able to prioritise their deadlines. Basically because they’re more used to multi-skilling. We like to go out and do lots of social things but by the same time you still need to prioritise whatever deadlines you have before you can go and do that – we sort of tend to focus on those things. I think probably the only negative would be the fact that even though, yes, we do look for employers who are going to give you that form of security in career longevity, we’re well aware that that’s not the case so most of the time if we don’t see that that’s going to happen with an employer, we’re already looking for our next job when we may have only been there for a day.”

David HunterQueensland Nickel Senior Metallurgical Controller

“I think Gen Y people are more innovative from what they learn at university – there’s a lot newer technology and they’re learning new technology. Technology is changing much more rapidly than in the past when I was at uni. A lot of the technology when I was back at uni in the 1980’s had been around for fifty plus years. Whereas now days, there is some newer technology in hydro and pyro metallurgy which Gen Y people are learning about at uni and they’re able to investigate and implement in the work place. Another thing too is because they’re more proficient with social networking and communication the way a lot of management has a lot less hierarchy nowadays in companies – I think that’s very important that they’re able to communicate with other people they work with in a more flatter company structure. I think that’s an advantage for them and for their company.”

Dylan CrauseTownsville Yacht Club, first year apprentice chef

“I think that they’re an underrated generation. The generation above us is quite a big of a stuff up and that these kids have sort of seen that they actually need to work hard to get a job because there’s not many jobs out there. They’ve all sort of tried to work hard at school and really want a job. They like coming to work and earning money. They like it – I like it. I like working, I would work for free but don’t tell my boss that though. Yeah, I love my job. I’ve had my job since I was about 12, in hospitality and my dad got that for me through a friend.”

Where are their strengths and their weaknesses?Th e issue was raised at the recent AusIMM North Queensland Branch Technical

Meeting Generation Y and Employment in the Minerals Industry in Townsville.Here’s what some industry members had to say on the issue.

What do you think about Gen Y? Join the discussion online.


REGIONAL ROUND-UP

TownsvilleA $20m commitment by the State Government would help to create more than

2,000 jobs in the Townsville region.

Th e Townsville State Development Area (TSDA) aims to boost employment

and deliver an economic benefi t of more than $800m, said Townsville

Enterprise General Manager Economic Development, Tracey Lines.

“Th is targeted funding is a signifi cant step forward in ensuring the city has

a much greater capacity as a logistics and distribution hub, making it more

attractive and aff ordable for major industries to invest in Townsville,” Ms

Lines said.

“Townsville Enterprise has been working with the Townsville City

Council and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce for a long time to

secure funding for this priority project as part of the $450m Regional

Jobs Package and it’s great to see the State Government has listened and

committed funding for a project that will create jobs.”

Cairns Work has commenced on a $400m building project in Cairns.

Th e Nova8 development got underway in January and aims to create a seven towers residential and commercial space on behalf of the Singapore-based Aspial Corporation.

Th e Spencer Street site is expected to bring more jobs to the region as the fi rst tower to be developed will be 17 stories high and need around 1,000 workers to assist in the construction phase.

Th e completed fi rst tower would include 208 apartments and 12 townhouses on the lower levels of the building, Williams Graham & Carman Solicitors said in a report.

Six residential and one commercial tower, each between 17 and 19 stories, would be built as part of the project Th e Cairns Post reported.

Th e project is the fi rst of its scale to be seen in the city in eight years.

MackayA new coal berth is in use at Hay Point with the fi rst ship

loaded and shipped to Indonesia in mid February.

GOU Tou 303 was fi lled with 82,500 tonnes of coal

from the Peak Downs mine, reported Th e Daily

Mercury.

Th e port’s capacity was increased from 44mtpa

to 55mtpa following the implementation of

the HPX3 expansion project.

Th e expansion saw the addition of a

new berth and ship loader and the

replacement of the existing jetty,

surge bins and trestle conveyors.

Th e installation of cyclone

moorings at the site was also

completed as part of the project.

ToowoombaTh e National Party of Australia has announced its full support of the Inland Rail project.

Nationals Federal Leader and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren

Truss confi rmed the party’s commitment to the project in early February.

Th e project is set to link the Port of Melbourne directly to the Port of Brisbane, via tunnels

through the Toowoomba Range.

Th e development would become a leading means of transport for trade, said Toowoomba and

Surat Basin Enterprise chief executive offi cer Shane Charles.

“For Toowoomba, Surat Basin and Darling Downs regions, we absolutely need this vital piece of

infrastructure,” Mr Charles said.

“Th ese numbers have been thrown around a lot, but the reality is that 50 per cent of trade

travelling to or emanating from the Port of Brisbane comes from Toowoomba and regions west, and

freight demand is only going to increase in coming years.”

Th e Inland Rail Implementation Group is currently preparing a report for the Government

that will propose construction priorities, community engagement strategies, route alignment and

fi nancing options.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

MouraAnglo American’s Dawson mine open cut coal operations are up for sale.

Th e 51 per cent stake sale follows a $US2.5b half-year loss.Th e sale was part of a company plan to streamline its focus onto priority

assets, said Anglo American Coal business chief executive offi cer, Mr Seamus French said.

“We are streamlining our coal portfolio to focus capital on our priority assets to strengthen our business and these assets no longer align with our core business portfolio in Australia and our broader global Coal business,” he said.

Th e company’s Foxleigh, Callide and Dartbrook mine in New South Wales are also on the market.

Proceeds of the sales will be distributed into key focus areas for the business and aid in reaching Anglo American’s long-term net debt target.

Mount IsaA new gas pipeline could bring more jobs and cheaper energy to Mount Isa residents.

Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady is currently in talks with the Northern Territory for the development of a Northern Territory to Queensland connection.

Th e development would be a big step forward for the city, Mr McGrady told the North West Star.

“I’ve been promising the community for some time of major developments and this a great start to cementing not only the North West’s, but Queensland’s relationship with the (Northern) Territory,” Cr McGrady said.

Although the Labor Government hasn’t yet discussed plans for a gas pipeline to connect the two states, Cr McGrady said he was confi dent that the Labor Party would also support the development.

“I’m certain Labor will support it - the mantra of all political parties has been ‘jobs, jobs, jobs”, Cr McGrady said.

Th e Northern Territory has already received 14 expressions of interest from companies interested in building the line.

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t 07 3818 6966


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Celebr ating 20 years

Th e cyclical nature of the mining and resources industry

has seen some regions across the State fall on hard times.

QIA checked in with some of the peak industry bodies and

industry experts and discovered that, overall, the long-term

outlook is bright …

It’s been up before and it will be again. Th at’s the forecast for north west Queensland according to AEC Group Economist, Matthew Kelly.

But the success of the region is dependent on infrastructure development, said Mr Kelly.

“A lot of the opportunities relate to more intensive agriculture and expanded resource production.

“Th e missing link there is the enabling infrastructure. Th ings like rail access, electricity connection and gas to make the projects a little bit more

economical for proponents.“In terms of money, it’s the

political world at state and federal level and the private sector, but traditionally it’s been a public sector place to pay for the leading infrastructure to make the development work.”

Exploration is also key, he said.“Th ere’s a diverse array of

mineral opportunities which means exploration is really the central to knowing what’s out there and maximising the opportunities of new projects and new economic activity.”

Despite a long-term battle

with drought there are also opportunities in agriculture, he said.

“Drought has been terrible there but it doesn’t change the fact that in the longer- term outlook of food security and diminishing agricultural land globally there are stronger opportunities.”

Last year the North West Queensland Strategic Development Study highlighted the top priorities for the region as

• New Mine Exploration and Development.

• Irrigated and Intensifi ed Agriculture.

• Energy Generation, Security, and Export.

• Supply Chain Productivity, Effi ciency, and Reliability

Read the full report at

MITEZ.com.auIn Mackay, the future is about

working smarter, not harder according to Resource Industry Network Chair, Tony Caruso.

“It is also essential that we continue to position our region for future projects,” he said.

“Th e Galilee Basin will be pivotal to our region’s future growth. Our region is the hub of the resources sector and we want that to continue to be the case as the Galilee basin comes online.

“To do that we need to ensure that the proponents of the Galilee understand what this region can off er and the second part of that is to make sure we have the infrastructure in place or at least underway to support this new basin.”

In the south west the recent climate has seen those involved

in the service industry for the gas sector do well.

But as major projects in this sector transition from the construction phase to the operations and maintenance phase companies in the supply chain will start to do it tough, said TSBE chief executive Shane Charles.

“Construction companies remain stable and are still doing very well. Optimism and activity for the construction sector will continue to be driven by the new infrastructure coming to the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region,” he said.

Major developments include:• Toowoomba Second Range

Crossing Project• Continuing work on QIC’s

retail redevelopments including the Grand Central centre.

An eye on the cycle of fortune

Anglo American’s fl agship Grosvenor metallurgical coal project reached a milestone in February with the fi rst coal sale loaded on the MV Spring Aeolian bound for India.

More than 19,000 tonnes of Grosvenor’s coal product was shipped after being transported from the site in Moranbah

195kms to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal near Mackay.

Th e Grosvenor product was part of approximately 78,000 tonnes of Moranbah North Hard Coking coal loaded on-board the MV Spring Aeolian.

Grosvenor’s fi rst coal sale added to Anglo American’s high quality product portfolio from

our Queensland operations said Head of Marketing and Sales Metallurgical Coal Rod Elliott.

“Our $1.95b investment in Grosvenor is the cornerstone of our asset portfolio and growth, and seeing the fi rst commercial benefi ts from our investment is a very important achievement,” Mr Elliot said.

First Grosvenor coal shipped to India The Spring Aeolian with Grosvenor’s first coal.

Tax incentive for explorationFederal Parliament has passed new measures designed to boost minerals and energy exploration.

Th e Exploration Development Tax Incentive scheme passed by the Senate brings Australia into line with countries like Canada in encouraging exploration investment and activity.

Under the scheme, eligible

explorers can convert a portion of their tax loss to exploration credits, which are then available to shareholders as a tax deduction.

Th e scheme will commence in July this year and will be capped at $100m over three years.

Queensland Exploration Council chairman Dr Geoff Dickie said that while Queensland was renowned for its

minerals prospectivity, much of

the state was yet to be explored

using the latest technologies.

Th e latest ABS data shows

that exploration spending

continues to fall in Australia

(down 16.7 per cent in the year

to December 2014) with total

spending in Queensland falling

from $844m (2012) to $390m in

2014.

The scheme

starts on 1 July

2015 and will be

capped at $100m

over three years

before a review.

Photo: courtesy

of Vale


NEWS

Sales: Michelle Silver

m: 0439 536 466 p: (07) 0747 550 336 f: (07) 0747 550 338e: [email protected]: www.industryadvocate.com.au

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Get more ACCESS to Civil Engineering

Cannington Beyondblue charity launchTh e arrival of a bright blue CAT AD60 haul truck to the BHP Billiton Cannington operation has marked the launch of the mine’s 2015 charity campaign.

Cannington will band together with workers on-site with the aim to raise $50,000 over the next 12 months.

A key focus will be generating awareness of the issues surrounding anxiety and depression and on providing resources and support, said Cannington Corporate Aff airs Improvement Simone Sullivan.

“I think this charity means a lot to our crews, and the blue truck will play a key role in generating constant awareness,”

Th e Port of Townsville will be the logistics hub for the construction and maintenance of the largest coal operation in Australia.

More than 200,000 tonnes a year will pass through Townsville Port to support Adani’s Carmichael mine and rail development.

Everything from project cargo, construction materials and a constant supply of fuel and chemicals would be imported for the Adani Carmichael coal project, said Townsville Port trade and property general manager Claudia Brumme-Smith said.

“It’s one of the largest coal projects in the world and it will need 99 years of supplies,” she said.

said Mr Donchi.“So hopefully if there is

anyone struggling, they will have the resources to seek help,” he said.

Monies raised throughout the year will go to Beyondblue support services and resources

which are provided throughout Australia free of charge.

“Our main message is around hope, recovery, and resilience. It means providing people with the information, giving them hope, and the resources to aid recovery and resiliency,” Mr Donchi said.

“It also helps people look out for their friends and what they may go through and it will start a conversation.”

For further information on Beyondblue visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636.

“Moving forward we see an opportunity to off er the port’s services for that period.”

Th e Carmichael lease is

located 160kms north-west of Clermont placing

Townsville Port 60kms closer to the lease than Mackay.

Upgrades over the last fi ve years including two new berths and the port access road, have placed the port in good stead to service the needs of the $16b development said Ms Brumme-Smith.

Th e most important berth for Adani project cargo would be Berth 10, said Ms Brumme-Smith.

“We invested about $85m in an upgrade for cruise, defence and general cargo vessels and this will be utilised for some of the cargo coming in from Adani,” she said.

“We also have berths three and four that will take some of the

share.”While existing infrastructure

should be able to handle the bulk of project requirements, money will be spent on upgrading the existing laydown area to make it multi-cargo functional.

Th e upgrade spend will sit at about $1.6m over the next 12 months.

Th e port is also in the process of upgrading its berth to accommodate LR1 vessel tanks which ship bulk fuel.

Townsville would be the fi rst Queensland port on their route able to facilitate their size Ms Brumme-Smith said.

Th e port is also expecting 15 per cent growth this year on the 58,706 containers in handled in 2013/2014.

she said.Beyondblue Fundraising and

Partnerships Manager, Joshua Donchi said the campaign would deliver the Beyondblue message to a key demographic.

Mines like Cannington typically have a largely male workforce operating on fl y-in, fl y-out rosters, said Mr Donchi.

FIFO workers have a higher rate of depression and anxiety so the campaign will allow us to reach those who are at high risk,

Adani imports through Townsville

Claudia Brumme-SmithTownsville Port trade and property general manager

Cannington

workforce celebrate

the launch of the

2015 Charity of

the Year.

Photo: John de Rooy

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Falls of more than 65mm over three hours was enough to wipe out the 2015 Goldfi eld Ashes for the A Graders on the last day of the competition.

Th e rain forced the cancellation of the Queensland Bulls Masters XI v Charters Towers Invitational XI game late on Sunday afternoon and the A1 division matches on Monday.

Despite the downpour on Sunday afternoon, two and half days of sunshine saw 227 teams head to the Towers to join in the Australia Day-weekend cricketing tradition.

Th e Ashes were awarded to A Fish Called Wanda (players from various locations across state) for the fourth time in fi ve years, based on their superior total runs margin.

Townsville team, the Wanderers fi nished as runner ups.

G-Force made fi rst place in the B1 comp, GT

Radials came in fi rst place in the B2’s and Th e Minions wore the crown for the Ladies comp.

But it was the social comp that attracted the masses and this year the Happy Chappy’s took out the title.

After 67 years, the competition doesn’t appear to be fading with population numbers in the north-western town increasing by the thousands for the event each year.

Groundsman Roma Bailey is responsible for the cricket pitch preparation. Th is year teams played across 75 grounds.

“It takes a bit to organise, to make sure they get mowed and trimmed but with the help of volunteers it goes ok,” he said.

“It’s also lucky that many of them are owned and cared for privately by the schools, the airport and other places. It’s still a big job though.”

It was foundation day weekend

in 1949 when eight towns from

around north Queensland came

together to play three days of

cricket in the hot and dusty town

of Charters Towers.

67 years on and the event

has grown to host more than

250 teams and is believed to

be one of the biggest cricket

competitions in the world.

Th e concept for the carnival

stemmed from a love of cricket

and a need for a morale boost

post-war said Charters Towers

historian Michael Brumby.

“Charters Towers had been

through 50 years of no longer

being the most prominent town

in north Queensland. Mining

gave out in about 1906 so we

had shrunk back to a town of

6,000 to 7,000 people,” Mr

Bumby said.

“Th e town itself probably

wasn’t doing so well after the war

and it was a bit of a struggle.”

Th e driving forces of the

carnival were the Charters

Towers Cricket Club president

Ian Mann and secretary Jack

Neeson.

Ian was the manager of the

local gas works and Jack was a

number-taker in the railway.

Th eir vision for the Carnival

was described in the following

statement.

“Th e object of the Carnival

is to bring together from near

and far our fellow cricketers

to participate with good

sportsmanship and friendly

rivalry in the King of Games.”

Th e eight teams who played in

the inaugural event came from

Charters Towers, Townsville,

Hughenden, Ayr, Pentalnd,

Ingham and Homestead.

Th e competition was initially

known as the Foundation

Day Cricket Carnival but a

ceremonious event at the local

gun club saw it re-named as the

Goldfi eld Ashes.

In 1950 three wickets were

burnt to ashes, said Mr Brumby.

“Th ey were later wrapped

in red cellophane paper,

reminiscent of their fi ery ending,

and eventually were placed in a

cup to become a coveted prize

for the carnival,” he said.

“With this symbolic act,

a commitment was made by

all visitors to return for this

prize, especially when Charters

Towers won the fi rst ashes and

Hughenden claimed the runner

up honors.”

Th e competition has now

gotten into the psyche of north

Queensland, said Mr Brumby.

“Most people who come have

got problems with their cricket

rather than their drinking but

police always say in general the

crowd is great,” he said.

“Th ere are some really strong

traditions there and some

people return each year passing

the tradition on generation to

generation.”

Goldfield Ashes a headline NQ Event

Inaugural Ashes

- President of

the Charters

Towers Cricket

Association Jack

Meeson - left

and secretary

Ian “Gassy”

Mann Ashes with

trophies, 1949.

Mountain Men

Team Goldfield

Ashes, 1979 - Back

Row - Peter Grigg,

Peter Lemson, Mal

Carrington, Gary

Campbell, Howard

Lowe, John Roots,

Dave Johnson.

Front Row - Keith

Marxsen, Nick

Sellars (Mascot), Ken

Sellars (Capt) Ken

Peace.

The ‘Fish’ reel in 2015 Ashes


INDUSTRY LEADERS

Who says leaders are made out of cleanly laundered suits and straight ties?

Australian Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri has worked the farm for 40 years and still prides himself on the fact that he takes dirt under his fi nger nails into boardroom meetings.

Th e years on the farm and a passion for advocacy have given Mr Schembri ample motivation in his role as the Australian Canegrowers chairman.

Born on a cane farm north of Mackay and a third generation farmer, Mr Schembri developed a taste for the industry early in life.

Th roughout his early career a desire for change drove him to put his hand up for the Canegrowers and in 1983 he became one of the youngest members to be elected to the organisation.

Since then Mr Schembri has worked his way through the ranks and he now sits in one of

the organisation’s top positions.He said that becoming

chairman in 2013 was one of his biggest career achievements.

“Leadership is an interesting thing. You have to have passion for the people you represent and I represent 4,500 cane farmers in the state of Queensland,” Mr Schembri said.

“My style is all about working with people, harvesting the talents and contributions of people.

“If you want to travel fast, you travel alone, but if you want to travel further in life you travel with others and that’s my style.”

After 32 years with the organisation, Mr Schembri said he was still enjoying the challenges.

“Th e industry today is so diff erent to what it was years ago,” he said.

“Th e political landscape has changed, other industries such as mining have emerged and technically I’ve witnessed a lot of advances.

Denis Wagner is one of the driving forces behind the fi rst greenfi eld public airport in Australia for almost 50 years.

Mr Wagner is the project manager for the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and as such played a crucial role in the project development and construction.

A Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise study into the airport’s economic benefi ts, suggests economic output of Toowoomba is set to increase by $472m dollars by the fi fth year of operation.

It also says more than 3160 jobs will be created.“To be in a position of leadership and be able

to play such an important role for this project felt great. I have a real passion for the success of the region,” Mr Wagner said.

“It was also a very exciting and challenging project which used interesting technology and construction methods,” he said.

“It was an extremely satisfying feeling to see that

fi rst plane at the airport and something that myself and the whole Wagners team were very proud of.”

Denis works alongside his three brothers Neill, Joe and John in the running of the family business , Wagners.

Th e company was started in 1989 with three trading divisions - Wagners Concrete, Quarries and Transport. Today Wagners has grown to become one of Queensland’s largest privately-owned construction materials and mining services companies.

Denis credits the company’s success to strong leadership skills.

“We have a saying at Wagners that people don’t always believe what you say but they believe what you do,” he said.

“So if you conduct yourself in a manner that you’re always proud of, people respect that and that’s certainly how I lead.”

Canefarmer shorts and thongs maketh the manPaul Schembri

This Wagner led Wellcamp Denis Wagner

“I think we’ll see just as much change, if not more into the future.”

Despite the demands of the job, Mr Schembri can still be

spotted down the paddock or the fertiliser shed in his work clothes.

“Getting back on the farm is a great reality check. I still get

a buzz to see freshly planted

cane come out of the ground. It

keeps me humble and focused on

what I represent.”


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Prospects for engineers are still positive despite an industry downturn.Th at’s according to CQ University vice-chancellor Professor Scott

Bowman.Figures released by Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) show that

90 per cent of civil, 81.8 per cent of electrical, and 60 per cent of mechanical engineering students from CQ University go on to full time employment within four months of degree completion.

Th ese statistics are indicative of an ongoing demand for skilled engineers from the region, said Professor Bowman.

“Th e mining industry is still taking a lot of engineers,’ he said “Th ere’s a lot of talk about a downturn in mining but if you look at the production it’s still way up.

“Th at industry needs a supply of skilled engineers and if new mines start up, that’s a call for engineers too.”

Th e university is currently undertaking a statewide expansion of engineering facilities and courses.

Th e expansion will see close to $20m in spending this year alone and up to $30m over the next two years.

“In Mackay we’re starting an engineering program that specialises in mechatronics and robotics,” Professor Bowman said.

“Th is is in response to a demand for specialised engineers for industry. “In Cairns we’re off ering four-year engineering degrees from 2016.

“Th ere’s a lot of new industry in Cairns with civil and some aspects of manufacturing. It’s an engineering region and there continues to be a demand for engineer graduates.”

Th e State Government has committed $1m towards engineering laboratories and equipment for CQ University’s upcoming Cairns campus which will open its doors later this year.

Th e campus plans on off ering electrical, mechanical and civil engineering degrees.

CQU taps demand for engineers

CQ University engineering students Angus Hughes and Mattison Rose.

Isaac Regional Council west operations engineer Patrick Moore was once part of a team tasked with building 26km of haul road in a remote area near Cloncurry with a three-month deadline and a tight budget.

Now his focus is on the development and improvement of roads in the northern Bowen Basin.

Over the next 12 months Mr Moore will be involved with a number of upgrade projects.

“Our key priorities include investigating methodologies to improve black soil and poor foundations on our rural roads, and programming and tracking our rural road re-sheeting programs,” he said.

“We’ll also be carrying our

various fl oodway upgrade projects to improve fl ood immunity and functionality, and repair aged infrastructure.

“I’ll also be assisting with a multitude of design and construction projects and working to improve the effi ciency of Council’s construction teams.”

Mr Moore is a husband, father to two kids and sibling to 12 brothers and sisters. He says it can be a challenge to juggle work with family time.

“I’ve been married for 12 years and have two children, a boy and a girl, aged seven and nine,” he said.

“One of my proudest personal achievements was in the space of one week, I moved my family

Marathon runner and ‘die-hard Broncos and Queensland Reds fan’ Brian Ashcroft is a key cog in Isaac Regional Council’s infrastructure improvement wheel.

Th e acting director - engineering and infrastructure is among the personnel tasked with implementing water and sewerage upgrades and an effi cient waste disposal strategy across the region.

Mr Ashcroft has a wealth of experience under his belt spanning almost 40 years including eight years with the Department of Forestry, eight years working for the Hong Kong government planning and assessing major infrastructure projects, and 20 years managing multi-disciplinary consulting

businesses in London, Asia and Australia.

Mr Ashcroft said he enjoyed the diversity of his role and the opportunities it off ered to build new capacities.

“My main aim is to drive a high level of service to the communities in Isaac, with a genuine focus on our SHARP (Strengthening Healthy and Attractive Regional Places) outcomes,” he said.

“I have a great desire to get the best out of a very knowledgeable, dedicated and professional team.”

Mr Ashcroft had his hand in a number of key projects internationally including the original planning for the Channel Tunnel rail link in the UK.

from Mackay to Rockhampton,

my wife had her second child,

and I started my own consulting

business,” he said.

“I make designated family

time, and do my best to balance

this with work demands.”

Outside offi ce hours, Mr

Moore said he liked to hit the

surf and spend time with his

kids.

He said his proudest career achievements included work he did in Hong Kong and another project back on home soil.

“Professionally, it (his proudest achievement) was setting up environmental assessment and planning procedures in Hong Kong and designing and building the forest park system for Queensland Forestry,” he said.

Patrick MooreRoads development

Brian AshcroftInfrastructure improvement


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It’s a buyers market on the property front according to industry experts in Townsville.

Low prices and a positive growth forecast for the region made investment in the area attractive, said REIQ Townsville zone chairman Damien Keyes.

Fringe city properties off ered strong capital growth perspective, said Mr Keyes. While the outer suburbs located closer the hospital and university presented strong rental opportunity.

“Th ose properties tend to accelerate at a stronger rate when the market picks up and while they’re soft it’s a particularly good time to jump in,” said Mr Keyes.

“A lot of what’s transacting is under the $500,000 and is a mix of investors and home buyers.

“With the prices where they are, the opportunity sits fi rmly with the buyers at the moment.”

According to the latest quarterly data from REIQ, the median house price in Townsville is $342,768.

Despite a recent drop in property prices, rentals were holding, therefore increasing the return for investors, said Mr Keyes.

“Th ere are lots of tenant options for investors looking to minimise vacancy rates by buying in a broad market,” he said.

“Townsville is a fantastic place to invest in long-term. It’s widely acknowledged as the capital of north Queensland. It has a very broad economic base there’s still lots going on here and we’re not really highly dependent on one sector to drive growth.

“It represents a brilliant chance to get in there, prices are not going to stay this level forever and it could certainly go to levels we’ve never seen before.”

Th e secret to Townsville’s future success, looking forward, was economic diversity, said Live and Invest Townsville principal, David Menson.

“Th e good thing is we don’t have all of our eggs in one basket,” Mr Menson said.

“We’ve had some tough years in the past but we’ve turned that now, and hinging on the interest rate drops we should see some positive changes soon.”

Townsville was a desirable location and could look foward to strong growth in 2016. ‘‘It really is a lifestyle package here,” Mr Menson said.

Townsville off ers tropical living at its best for locals Rod and Gloria Tome.

Th e pair moved from Sydney 20 years ago and has never looked back. Over the years they have watched the city grow.

Th ey have followed the Cowboys from their fi rst year, seen new suburbs pop up and the emergence of public services and key infrastructure.

“When we fi rst moved to Townsville we were in Kirwan and it was like we were out in the bush then. Now look at it. It’s really expanded over the years. Douglas and North Shore weren’t even

there then. Townsville has really gone ahead,” Mr Tome said.

Following retirement late last year Mr and Mrs Tome decided to sell up their current property and build a new home on 2400 sqm at the Mount Margaret Park Residential Estate in Rupertswood.

On completion, the four bedroom, plus study home will boast a big country style kitchen, a swimming pool and a Balinese hut. And of course what north Queensland home would be complete without a big shed for a fi shing boat.

“We have a 12 x 9m shed for our 8m boat at our current place and I am going to build another one exactly the same at the new place,” Mr Tome said.

For Mrs Tome, the new build will give her a chance to indulge in one of her favourite hobbies – interior design.

“I enjoy interior decorating. I’m going to go for that modern Queensland look with a bit of industrial thrown in,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to putting my own stamp on the house, the yard and the pool and all that goes with it.”

Buyers market in the north’s Capital

NQ the place to live

Rod and

Gloria Tome

say Townsville

is NQ living at

its best.

15Queensland Industry Advocate | January 2015

Joint effort for apprentices

BHP Billiton donated A$250,000 to the Salvation Army to provide support to community members aff ected by Cyclone Marcia.

Th e funding, through the BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities (BSC) program, went toward the Salvation Army ‘Fill a Fridge’ initiative with all funds used to provide essential food and household items.

Th e Salvation Army’s Major Colin Maxwell said that the organisation fed up to 900 people after the cyclone and the funding from BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities went a long way in helping those in need get back on their feet.

In addition to BSC’s $250,000 donation, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), which has coal operations in central Queensland, also provided seven generators to help address ongoing power outages in the Yeppoon area, said BHP Billiton President, Coal, Mike Henry.

“Many of our employees live in these communities and our people at BMA are on the ground and continuing to work with local Disaster Management Groups across aff ected areas to assess what further support can be provided,” Mr Henry said.

As well as the A$250,000 donation, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities will donate two dollars for every one dollar donated by an employee through the BHP Billiton Matched Giving Program.

BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities is a charity established by BHP Billiton as part of its community investment program.

BHP backs cyclone relief through Salvos

Community funding Darryl Fraser (TAFE Diesel teacher), Greg Mitchell (TAFE Queensland North Regional Director) Brad Ryan (MTU Detroit Diesel) Adrian Pope (Popey’s Diesel Services), Adrian Bush (BHP Billiton).

Th e RACQ North Queensland Rescue Helicopter was one of eleven community organisations considered to be servicing an area most at need that have been funded by the Glencore Community Program.

Th e program distributed $1.4m in grants to communities including Cloncurry, Mount Isa, Townsville and Bowen.

A city development offi cer who will sit in the Commerce North West offi ces, will be jointly funded with Mount Isa City Council and Books-in- Homes, that will help children

improve their literacy skills, is

funded in seven schools from

Camooweal to the Coast.

Th e Cootharinga Society of

North Queensland has been

funded to create a joint Glencore

hub to advance the quality of life

of people with disabilities.

Another 17 units will be built

at the Laura Johnson aged care

home in Mount Isa and the

Townsville Hear and Say centre

has been funded to boost eff orts

to better respond to the early

intervention of lifelong needs of

children.

The RACQ North Queensland Rescue Helicopter will fly more missions thanks to a grant made through the Glencore Community Program. Photo: Rob Parsons

Isaac Council helps clean-up

A collaborative industry eff ort will enhance the prospects of apprentices in Mount Isa.

It involves a Cannington Mine-donated Mercedes Benz diesel engine which was recently refurbished by Popeys Diesel Service for Certifi cate III Diesel Engine Fitting block training at Mount Isa TAFE.

Adrian Pope, owner of Popeys Diesel Services said he was once himself an apprentice training at TAFE and knew how invaluable it was to be able to work on modern diesel engines and diagnose and fi x problems during training.

“Th rough the software donated by MTU Detriot Diesel we can program electronic faults for the Diesel Engine Fitting

apprentices to fi nd and fi x in the TAFE Queensland North workshops,” Mr Pope said.

“I know TAFE and their Diesel Engine Fitting teacher Darryl Fraser is extremely grateful for the donation and will be incorporating the Mercedes Benz engine into the training for Stage 2 and onwards apprentices.”

TAFE Queensland North worked closely with industry in Mount Isa securing training resources that ensured the Diesel Engine Fitting apprentices return to their workshops with the skills that they can put to good use for their employers said Diesel Engine Fitting teacher Darryl Fraser

“At TAFE Queensland North

we want the apprentices we train to be job ready and equipped to make a real contribution to the effi cient operations of their employers’ workshops,” Mr Fraser said.

“A training resource such as this Mercedes Benz diesel engine will make such a diff erence to the quality of the training we provide and is a further indication of the close alliance between our local Diesel Industry and TAFE Queensland North.

“Industry has high expectations of the training we provide to their apprentices and this donation is a further expansion of the skillsets we are able to teach their employees.”

Cannington

Proudly supporting mining communities

BUILDING MINING COMMUNITIES SUPPORTED BY BHP BILLITON CANNINGTON

Isaac Regional Council played a direct role in the clean-up of Rockhampton following Cyclone Marcia.

Around 20 Isaac staff with vehicles and equipment were deployed to Rockhampton Regional Council the week following the clean-up, said Isaac Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Mayor Anne Baker.

It included workers from Isaac’s land care, road works and SES crews while seven SES members, two vehicles and storm damage equipment were deployed to the Capricorn coast to clear fallen trees, debris and

tarp roofs.“I thank our staff for their

dedication and commitment, particularly our SES members who are all volunteers,” Cr Baker said.

Mayor Baker encouraged community and corporate members who wished to donate to access the website

www.givit.org.au.

GIVIT is a grassroots

Australian charity that connects

those in need with those willing

to give.

GIVIT, wherever possible,

purchases items from local

providers to support the local

economy as it also recovers.

Isaac relief teams help in Cyclone Marcia Clean up.

BRISBANE

131-137 Mica Street, Carole Park QLD 4300Email [email protected] 07 3275 7222Fax 07 3277 0183

BUNDABERG

Unit 2, 5 Scotland Street, East Bundaberg QLD 4670Email [email protected] 07 4132 7100Fax 07 4151 1567

CAIRNS

Cnr Cook & Tingira St, Cairns QLD 4870Email [email protected] 07 4035 3722Fax 07 4035 3723

GLADSTONE

42 Bensted Street Gladstone QLD 4680Email [email protected] 07 4973 5600Fax 07 4972 8587

GYMPIE

35 Oak St, Gympie QLD 4570Email [email protected] 07 5482 1488Fax 07 5482 3051

HAMILTON

712-716 Kingsford Smith Dr, Hamilton QLD 4007Email [email protected] 07 3861 2000Fax 07 3868 2037

IPSWICH

292-296 Brisbane St, West Ipswich QLD,4305Email [email protected] 07 3281 2500Fax 07 3812 1439

MACKAY

69 Diesel Drive, Mackay, Paget QLD 4740Email [email protected] 07 4963 3800Fax 07 4963 3888

MT ISA

1 Traders Way, Mt Isa QLD 4825Email [email protected] 07 4743 4344Fax 07 4743 4830

ROCKHAMPTON

211-213 Farm Street, North Rockhampton QLD 4701Email [email protected] 07 4924 7600Fax 07 4924 7669

SOUTHPORT

72 Link Drive, Yatala QLD 4207Email [email protected] 07 3297 4000Fax 07 3382 6119

TOOWOOMBA

313 Taylor St, Toowoomba QLD 4350Email [email protected] 07 4634 5555Fax 07 4634 5788

TOWNSVILLE

1-3 Greg Jabs Crt, Garbutt Townsville QLD 4814Email [email protected] 07 4755 8111Fax 07 4755 8122

ROMA

35 Hawthorne St, Roma QLD 4455Email [email protected] 07 4620 4800Fax 07 4620 4899

YATALA BASE

72 Link Drive, Yatala QLD 4207Phone 07 3297 4000Fax 07 3382 6119

Available at all Blackwoods Queensland Branches

EQUIPMENT REVIEW

Contractors in the mining industry are in a conundrum.

Th ere’s an increase in demand for plant and equipment as mine owners ramp up production to counter the shortfall in price.

At the same time traditional funders are restricting room to move. Th ose in the industry call it ‘headroom.’

Contractors may experience ‘head room’ limitations where their existing funders are getting

closer to maximum exposure and any additional fi nance may incur higher rates and less fl exible terms.

It’s worthwhile considering spreading debt across a broad base of banks and fi nance companies. In the current market there are at least ten capable and competitive fi nanciers who will readily fund plant and equipment in mining and related industries.

Th e trick is to access several funders, let them compete for your business and in doing so, secure fi nance which best fi ts your business and its future growth.

If you develop a track record with fi ve

lenders instead of one or two, you are more likely to avoid ‘head room’ issues and future growth on your terms is more easily achieved.

To take advantage of this broader market, you need to know the appetite of each funder, what their sweet spots are and present a formal submission.

An independent, reputable fi nance broker has the expertise, the resources and the market knowledge to pitch your business to the most suitable underwriting funder(s).

Competitive brokers often develop long term, in-depth relationships with their clients, often spanning 10–20 years. Contrast this with the revolving doors of bank account managers who may only meet the client two to three times before disappearing.

Finance brokers should provide alternate funding products and more importantly suitable terms and conditions to best fi t the business. Whether it’s traditional Equipment Finance, Working Capital or Alternative Banking, the broker can save business operators time, money and hassle.

Finally, competent brokers should perform the role of a long term associate/mentor in the fi nance area helping business owners as they grow. For more information on getting fi nance right as your company grows and the role of a fi nance broker, contact Phil Horton on 0408 776 220 or qldsales@fi nlease.com.au who will welcome your enquiry.

Finlease Australia broker Phil Horton

Contractors conundrumADVERTORIAL


Th ere’s now an electric Z-boom lift designed to cater for growth in the warehouse sector.

Genie’s new Z-33/18 is the fi rst entirely new compact, lightweight electric Z-boom lift designed for both indoor and outdoor maintenance applications.

It had a sensitive side said Terex Aerial Work Platform’s Qld and PNG sales manager Kurt Kinder.

“Th is model is well-suited to applications on sensitive surfaces such as inside airports, shopping centres, theatres, even museums and galleries – in addition to routine outdoor maintenance tasks,” said Mr Kinder.

“It is a completely new Genie® model designed to off er a great combination of features and ‘up-and-over’ lift capabilities combined with powerful drive motors. Th e Genie Z-33/18 boom lift will help increase effi ciency on jobsites where space is tight.”

Th e key features of the new boom lift include solid non-marking or multi-surface tyres, tight inside turning radius with zero tail swing for manoeuvrability and the ability to drive at maximum height.

Its high effi ciency and excellent manoeuvrability allow it to meet the needs of a variety of lightweight application job sites, said Mr Kinder

To make transport easier, this compact unit’s boom stows down to only 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width and 4.17 m (13 ft 8 in) in length. Drive speed is an effi cient 5.95 kph (3.7 mph).

In addition, the Genie Z-33/18 boom lift features mechanical switches that are conveniently protected within the boom to avoid damage.

Safety, comfort and versatility have been delivered in a single package with the new JCB1CXT skid steer backhoe loader, which can be operated and driven while facing either the loader or the backhoe, said JCB CEA National Product Manager Glenn McLeod.

Th e ability to drive while facing the backhoe will help improve productivity, said Mr McLeod.

“Because the 1CXT can be driven while the operator is facing either direction, there’s no need

to spin the seat back around before the machine can be repositioned. Th is extra convenience can add up to a lot of time on the jobsite.”

Th e 1CXT has a speed of 7.5kph in both the forward and reverse directions.

It has a track design that, ‘ensures a more stable platform for smoother performance and excellent fl otation, particularly over soft or wet terrain’.

Th e new model had high drive track motors with four rollers to reduce ground pressure contact.

New skid steer loader

Genie in a bottle

JCB1CXT skid steer backhoe loader.

Genie’s new

Z-33/18

lightweight

electric Z-boom

lift.


NQ OPERATIONS

Sales: Michelle Silver

m: 0439 536 466 p: (07) 0747 550 336 f: (07) 0747 550 338e: [email protected]

Get more ACCESS to Manufacturing

PRINT WEB SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTION

A $40m infrastructure project in Townsville hopes to deliver solutions to a key access issue in north Queensland.

Th e Dalrymple Road Bohle Bridge Crossing will provide emergency access and connectivity in and out of Townsville during times of fl ooding.

Th e bridge will be located where Dalrymple Road crosses the Bohle River, between the new subdivision ‘Greater Ascot’, near Shaw and Golf Links Drive intersection with Dalrymple Road, Mount Louisa.

Th e project will be funded at the federal, state and council level over two years.

Th e crossing was a key infrastructure project for 2015, said Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill.

“We have the funding, the design is complete, and it’s out to tender at the moment,” she said.

“Road projects are major infrastructure projects and they’re the projects that will hopefully keep many of our local contractors going during this period.

“Our capital works program for 2014-2015 is about $192m which is quite signifi cant considering most of that work goes to private contractors.”

Th e project would appeal to a pool of high caliber engineers and skilled workers said Townsville City Council, director of infrastructure services, Neil Allen.

“Because of the downturn we’re lucky with the calibre of workers we can attract to projects like this,” he said.

“Th ey’re looking for iconic projects to be involved in. Landmark projects draw

Patricia O’Callaghan describes herself as ‘north Queensland, through and through’.

Born and bred in Mount Isa Ms O’Callaghan is the chief executive offi cer at Townsville Enterprise.

Ms O’Callaghan began her career in media and public relations but soon developed a passion for economic development of the region and moved into a role heading up the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce.

“I really believe in organisations such as the Mount Isa chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise. Th ey are in a unique position to make a real diff erence in the communities that they exist,” she said.

“You’re able to work and advocate to all levels of government to secure funding commitments for infrastructure or projects but you’re also in a position to infl uence government policy which can really make a diff erence to businesses and even

residents in the regions.”Ms O’Callaghan moved to Townsville

to take on a role as General Manager of Tourism and Events with TEL, and earlier this year she moved into the position of chief executive.

Living in Mount Isa and Townsville for most of her life had provided a key understanding of the needs of the north, said Ms O’Callaghan.

“I think we’ve really seen the impact of the downturn in the resources sector,” she said.

“At the moment the key issues are around jobs, support for our mining industry, and support for policy amendments that will ensure its future.”

“I understand the needs of the north - I’ve lived and breathed it my entire life.”

Ms O’Callaghan’s key achievements to date include the delivery of the Townsville north Queensland region’s fi rst marketing brand in 14 years– Alive with Curiosity.

$192m Infrastructure budgettechnical experts from all around the country and give those that are here a good chance to be part of something special.

“Building bridges doesn’t seem like a landmark project but in reality, a $40m bridge over a river that’s fl ooded several times every year on a busy road is quite a landmark.”

A raft of other infrastructure projects in the pipeline aim to off er more solutions to key issues facing the north.

Continuing this year will be stage one of the $25m Townsville Boating Park, the Magnetic Island waste transfer station, and a number of other minor projects.

Th e boating park will be the biggest recreational boating facility in the north with 16 boat ramps, parking and a small

precinct including boat storage, maintenance and a café.

See references to these and other major infrastructure

projects on our North Queensland Mining and Infrastructure Projects Map at www.industryadvocate.com.au

Construction

progressing

well on the new

reservoir at

Mount Louisa.

Th e campaign went on to win the

Queensland Multimedia Award for Best

Film or video TV Advertising Campaign.

Ms O’Callaghan was also awarded the

2013 Australian Institute of Management

Young Manager of the Year Award –

Queensland.

Mt Isa influence in CEO


Glencore Australia is getting more out if its Ernest Henry asset near Cloncurry.Increased production of own-sourced concentrates at the mine has contributed to a fi ve per cent increase in copper output.It’s tied to the shaft commissioning in mid-2014, which allowed underground production to ramp up.Copper production was up to 259,100 tonnes, (13,400 tonnes higher than 2013),according to the company’s latest annual report. ‘Th e increase refl ects higher own-sourced cathode output from the Townsville refi nery due to increased production of own-sourced concentrates, primarily from the Ernest Henry mine,’ the company said in the report.A boost in gold production was also attributed to higher grades.

‘Gold production was 62,000 oz, 38 per cent (17,000 oz) higher than 2013, relating to higher grades, including the treatment of more Ernest Henry material (higher gold content) than in 2013.’On the zinc front, production was reported at 661,600 tonnes – nine per cent (53,200 tonnes) higher than 2013. Th e growth was a refl ection of the successful expansion of the Lady Loretta mine in Mount Isa and commissioning of the Phase 3 expansion at McArthur River, said the company.Th e expansion is expected to increase ore production to fi ve million tonnes per annum (from 2.5 million tonnes).Ernest Henry processes and smelts copper from other smaller regional mines.

NQ OPERATIONS

Expansion of WillowsShopping Centre

Th e $90m expansion of the Willows Shopping Centre is being undertaken with an eye to service a forecast 2.4 per cent annual population growth slated for Townsville over the next ten years.

Dexus Wholesale Property Fund is expected to start the $90m redevelopment before the new fi nancial year.

Th e development will provide an additional 11,000 square metres of retail space and include the latest format Woolworths, basement and rooftop parking, two new mini-majors and around 35 new speciality stores as well as a fresh food precinct fronting the new Woolworths.

Bruce Highway – Townsville Ring Road – Section 4 (Shaw Road to Mount Low)

Th e Federal government is contributing the lion’s share of funding to the Townsville Ring Road project.

It’s committed $160m to the estimated $200m price tag of section 4 which involves the construction of the fi nal section of the Townsville Ring Road, from Shaw Road, 11.5km across the Bohle Plains, to Mount Low in the northern beaches. Planning is underway by Seymour White which has been named as principal contractor.

It will be built to motorway standard, with a 100km/h speed limit.

Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA)

Townsville City Waterfront

Priority Development Area (PDA) comes into eff ect this year and is designed to encourage investment initiatives into the development of 97hectares of land on both sides of Ross Creek adjacent to the CBD.

Th e PDA project was declared in September 2014.

Th e site is an important part of the Townsville urban area and will make a substantial contribution towards the vision of having 30,000 people living, visiting and working in the CBD by 2030.

Stadium Northern Australia Th e new Labor government

committed $100m to the Stadium Northern Australia development as a funding promise in the recent state election.

Th e concept is for an integrated elite sports stadium,

Major project millions fund a lift to Townsville’s lifestyle

entertainment and events facility.

More than $300m funding is

being sought in total.

It is the anchor project for the

city’s vision for a new waterfront

precinct in the CBD.

Townsville Enterprise is

briefi ng the state government on

roll-out of committed funding

and additional funding required

to deliver the project by 2019.

CBD utility upgrade

Ageing inner-city utilities

infrastructure in Townsville’s

CBD will undergo a staged

upgrade to support an inner-city

revival.

Townsville City Council

has targeted water storage

and approximately 12km of

underground water and sewerage

pipe work over the next four

years.

Th e council set aside $7m in

this year’s budget to kick start

the project with the construction

of a 32ml reservoir in West End.

Magnetic Island Waste Transfer

Station

More than $8m is being spent

on Waste Transfer Station at

Magnetic Island.

Th e overall project will include

widening a section of West Point

Road, a 450sq metre building

that houses the drop-off facility,

resource recovery and buy-back

areas, a green waste collection

area as well as security fencing,

car parking and vehicle access

points.

Th e transfer station is expected

to be completed and opened for

operation late this year.

Hoisting operations from Ernest Henry Mining’s kilometre-deep underground shaft commenced in June 2014 which has enabled increased production rates.

Photo: Rob Parsons

Copper up at Ernest Henry

A $90m expansion has been slated for the Willows Shopping Centre in Townsville.

Queensland Industry Advocate has two packages to give away. For your chance to WIN just email the answer to the following question to [email protected].

Include ‘Nuance Competition’ in the Subject line.

BHP-Billton has announced a plan for a demerger to form a new, independent global metals and mining company. It includes the Cannington operation in north western Queensland. What is the name of the new company?

Now, thanks to Nuance Power PDF, business users can get all the features they need to create and edit PDF fi les, forms and layouts, and for converting and securing fi les for use in other formats.

With Power PDF, users can combine and assemble documents, compare documents side-by-side, comment and review, easily manage batch workfl ows as well as choose from a range of security options to lockdown PDFs.

Power PDF also integrates with many third-party applications, enabling users to incorporate PDFs into existing workfl ows,

increasing organisational, operational and worker effi ciency.

As Nuance’s Director for Imaging & Dragon Sales APAC, Craig Jennings, explains, ‘Power PDF provides a breath of fresh air for businesses in Australia. It’s easy to use, includes every feature a business needs to work with PDF documents and is available at a very competitive price.’

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St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent

A leading Queensland

boarding school for girls

DDISSCCOOVVERRDISSSSSSSCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRR tthhhhheeetttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeee DDIIIIFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEERRRREEEENNNNCCEE!DDDDDDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

St Margaret’s

PREPREP YEAR 12 BOARDING YEARS 712

Speak with our Head of Boarding, Lesa Fowler, about your daughter’s education at MINEX 2015 (Hoecker Pavilion - Booth 61)

To learn more about Brisbane Grammar’s world class boarding programs, talk to our Director of

Boarding, Simon Hill, at MINEX, Buchanan Park, Mount Isa, 13-14 May.

CRICOS No: 00489C

From your home to ours

r,Sr

To learnGrammarprograms,

Boarding, SBuchanan Par

A day and boarding school for boys years 5 - 12MA0

315

+61 7 3834 5200 | [email protected] | www.brisbanegrammar.com

Choosing a boarding school for your daughter is an emotional decision. Quality education is vital, access to excellent care and pastoral support is essential, and links to family and community can help smooth the journey.

For 120 years the people of rural and regional Australia have entrusted St Margaret’s with the education and care of their young women.

Th is long held tradition provides St Margaret’s staff with exceptional insight into the care and education of girls in a boarding environment. Equally important is the understanding of each girl’s origin, community and background.

St Margaret’s 170 boarders hail from all corners of the country, including eight girls from the immediate Mount Isa area, and the school regularly visits regional centres to connect with families, past, present and future.

Th is year, St Margaret’s Head of Boarding Lesa Fowler is attending MINEX in Mount Isa in May.

Managing a cattle property 120km north of Mount Isa, Nicole Kennedy says her family were searching for a supportive and secure environment for their daughter, Sarah, knowing they would be so far away.

As a former boarder herself, Nicole anticipated the possible challenges but

Mount Isa boys Hamish Nelson and Max MacRae enjoy returning to their hometown, but can’t emphasise enough the incredible opportunities, both academic and cultural, on off er to them as Brisbane Grammar School boarders.

Today BGS caters for almost 1700 boys, from years 5-12, with 102 boarders calling the school home.

Year 10 student Max said there was a place for all boys at Harlin House.

“It’s a lot of fun here in the boarding house, I’d defi nitely recommend it to anyone thinking about going to Grammar,” he said.

“I was a bit nervous at fi rst, but my advice is not to worry at all, there’s defi nitely something for everyone here and I’ve made some great friends.”

Year 7 student Hamish, who has signed

up for fencing as an extracurricular activity, agreed.

“Th e year is going so quickly, but I’ve made some good mates and have so many opportunities here,” he said.

Hamish said his parents were considering moving down to Brisbane from Mount Isa next year, and while he’d love to spend more time with them he would be reluctant to leave the boarding house.

BGS Director of Boarding Simon Hill said Harlin House off ered access to a highly individualised approach to boarding, where each boy’s story is valued.

“Academic support by teachers from the day school is off ered to all boarders in the evening, and a full seven day a week activity program keeps the boys wonderfully engaged,” he said.

said Sarah was the most homesick student

she’d ever seen!

“Th e school was amazing about it. Sarah

had a really lovely house mum and the

pastoral care was wonderful. Th ey kept

working with her and helping her. Th ey

kept in touch with me, sending regular

emails and always taking my calls. She is

so much happier now, which is great,” said

Nicole.

With Nicole’s niece and other local girls

boarding at St Margaret’s as well, fi rst-

hand news regularly fi lters through.

“It’s so nice to get calls from other local

families visiting the school to say they’ve

just seen Sarah laughing and having a

great time,” said Nicole.

Families visiting MINEX will fi nd St

Margaret’s in the Hoecker Pavilion (stand

61). Ms Fowler will be happy to answer

any questions about the School and can

also put you in touch with other regional

families who have been a part of the St

Margaret’s boarding community.

A place to call home

St Margaret’s year eight border Sarah Kennedy from Armour Station 120km north of Mount Isa.

The boarding experienceMount Isa boys Mac MacRae and Hamish Nelson make the most of opportunities at Brisbane Grammar School.


Queensland is home to some of the most deadly snakes in the world.

It’s a point of pride, but what would you do if you came face-to-face with one of the world’s most dangerous creatures?

Director SSSAFE (Snake and spider safety awareness for Employees) Craig Adams said workers in remote locations such as mine sites are at particular risk.

“While the risks of being bitten by a snake are still relatively low compared to other things, if you work remotely or live out the bush and come across snakes regularly you need to know how to manage the bite,” he said.

“In these remote locations, time and distance becomes the enemy if someone is bitten.

“If you are bitten by a venomous snake you could be in trouble in as little as 15 to 45 minutes.”

Stories from safety offi cers on mine site include snakes found in the pits, trenches, the dongas and other facilities.

Snakes are typically most active in the spring and autumn, however, Queenslanders can expect to encounter snakes throughout the whole year, Mr Adams said.

“Venomous snakes are widespread and they’re found in every habitat. Queensland holds the most venomous snakes in the world but most notably the Taipans and the eastern brown snakes,” he said.

SSSAFE off ers training in snake catch and release as well as snake and safety awareness including fi rst aid and what to do if a snake becomes a threat.

“It’s in response to an industry need for employees to know about this type of thing,” Mr Adams said.

“Australia has the most venomous snakes in the world so we owe it to ourselves to learn a bit about them particularly how to deal with a snake bite.”

Th e training was vital for remote workers said HSE manager Corbets Group Mitchell Tompkins.

“Corbet’s operations are largely in remote areas of the Surat Basin so it is crucial our workers are trained in snake and spider awareness and know the correct fi rst aid procedures in the event of a venomous bite,” he said.

Our fauna spotters do catch a lot of snakes on site and our machine operators have reported seeing a six foot (long) brown snake on site so we do see them around.

Snake activity up in AutumnCraig Adams with Fierce Snake, Windorah in Queensland.

NQ OPERATIONS

“Accommodating, flexible and delivering on what they say they will do. Discovery Parks live up to their promise”

BlackwaterEmerald

REST ASSURED DISCOVERY PARKS HAS THE SOLUTION!Discovery Parks is an Australian owned and operated business specialising in accommodation solutions for the mining and resource industry. With parks located in Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia, we understand the specifi c needs in providing affordable and sustainable workforce housing.

A good night’s sleep is invaluable and our extensive network of properties offers comfortable and secure accommodation with modern facilities and amenities to create a safe and relaxing environment for you and your employees. Whatever your project, Discovery Parks can provide you with a complete accommodation solution.

For bookings or to discuss your workforce accommodation needs, please contact us on 1800 134 033 or www.discoveryparks.com.au

Discovery Parks off ers all in the North West Region. Ranging from accommodation solutions for those touring throughout the area; those staying for work, and those who wish to reside long-term in the area.

Discovery parks – Mount Isa, Discovery Parks - Argylla and Discovery Parks - Cloncurry all off er a spectrum of choices.

Catering for large workforce crews, to sites for caravanners, and everything in between, Discovery Parks off ers the whole accommodation spectrum.

Discovery even off ers complete camp management services and off -site catering for special events.

With the recent changes in our resource industry, more people and families are moving around Queensland in search of employment opportunities.

Discovery Parks now off ers a wider range of powered sites at our parks to make medium to long term stays more comfortable.

Th e parks are also a great solution for the transient worker. Leave the car at our park and commute between work and home.

With modern amenities and vast choices of powered and en-suite sites, Discovery Parks take the worry out of the accommodation search. Th is is the ideal way to settle down and enjoy the many facilities and services our parks provide, making it a holiday while staying at home.

Long-term sites are on off er from the peaceful outback of Cloncurry, to the bustling town of Mount Isa. Creating instant solutions for those with new work, families moving from afar, or those just seeking a more convenient and economical way of living.

Further afar in our locations around Central Queensland; our Rockhampton, Blackwater and Biloela parks all have aff ordable choices for travellers and those staying longer with their caravans, with sites suiting large rigs to the smaller van.

Let Discovery take care of you. Check out our sites, cabins and workforce rooms at www.discoveryparks.com.au or call 1800 134 033

Discovery Parks across the state

Dusk at Discovery Holiday Parks Rockhampton Site

ADVERTORIAL


NQ OPERATIONSADVERTORIAL

Planning is underway for the 2015 Mount Isa Mining Expo (MINEX) with thanks to Energy Power Systems Australia; with over 130 indoor and outdoor exhibits representing all areas of the mining industry forecast.Hailed as one of the largest annual Mining Expo’s in eastern Australia, attracting both national and international exhibitors, 2015 marks a special year for the event celebrating 20 years.Showcasing the wealth and quality of the mining industry throughout north west Queensland and the Carpentaria Minerals Province, one of the world’s richest mineral producing regions, MINEX 2015 with thanks to Energy

Power Systems Australia will be hosted at Mount Isa’s Buchanan Park over two days, May 13 and 14.Annually boasting hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors to the iconic mining city, MINEX delivers a strategic opportunity for businesses, contractors, consultants, services and corporate entities to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience; highlighting just what makes them a stand out in the mining industry. In line with the event’s theme - Celebrating 20 years - MINEX 2015 with thanks to Energy Power Systems Australia will also feature a very special mine rescue challenge. Expected to attract specialist mine rescue

teams from across the state, even the nation, the unique challenge will simulate realistic rescue scenarios and be sure to attract the crowds. MINEX 2015 with thanks to Energy Power Systems Australia kicks off on the

evening of Tuesday May 12 with a VIP Sponsors’ Function, and culminates on the evening of Th ursday May 14 with the hugely popular Closing Function. Gates open to the public at Buchanan Park from 9am to

6pm on Wednesday May 13 and Th ursday May 14.Persons interested in being a part of the 2015 event are encouraged to visit the MINEX webpage at minex.org.au or to follow the event on the all-new dedicated Facebook page.

MINEX is a suppliers goldmine

Mt Isa’s Buchanan Park is the site for MINEX 2015.

Outback Queensland’s Premier Mining Expo

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With thanks to Energy Power Systems Australia

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Ligentia Australia has positioned itself at the vanguard of the scan, pick and pack Asia origin value-added services revolution which is gathering momentum across Australia’s direct sourcing retail supply chain sector.

Australian headquartered in Brisbane, the company has 12 offi ces with warehousing facilities in China, plus an extensive network right across Asia into India and Bangladesh via parent company, Ligentia Asia.

Large retailers like Wesfarmers, Woolworths and Myer continue to grow their direct sourcing programs with manufacturers in countries like China.

Some have embraced and are now expanding the off shoring of as much of their downstream logistics functions as possible, to lower-cost upstream environments.

Typically, the mega-retailers work with large multi-national logistics operators such as DHL, K&N, Schenker and Toll.

Ligentia Australia managing director, Bundaberg-born Dean Neville, said his company had chosen to take a more

considered and agile approach; tailoring logistic solutions to individual clientele and growing the collaboration as well as the businesses, regardless of sector.

Ligentia Australia partners with direct sourcing retailers, wholesalers, tier 1 construction and energy infrastructure companies.

Th e business plan, which Mr Neville described as “conservative”, has exceeded board expectations, tracking at 250 per cent ahead of projected revenue three years into its Australian foray.

Warehousing facilities and distribution in Australia represent a signifi cant component of cost of goods sold from shelves of retail outlets: Ligentia Australia’s tailored solutions handle the entire operation from source points in China and across Asia, through to fi nal delivery sites be they retail store-shelf or remote CSG construction sites according to Mr Neville.

Th e technology driven process off ers 24-7-365 interactive monitoring of consignments along clientele’s critical path.

Mr Neville said direct sourcing

was becoming more and more prevalent in the retail, sub-retail and industrial sectors.

Ligentia has developed innovative, transparent, cost eff ective solutions which allow clientele to outsource their logistic chain and warehousing functions to a trusted solution provider in Ligentia, he said.

“Readying goods for distribution in a high-labour cost environment against short lead time allocation planning from a static bricks and mortar footprint is a costly non-value adding exercise for most Australian businesses,” he said.

“Our innovative critical path service solutions developed around “source to shelf ”

logistics outsourcing and lead time reduction adds up to demonstrable savings, improved inventory fl ow and generally leaner business operations for our clientele.”

And it’s clear by the growth of the company over the past three years that clients, which include a diverse mix of direct sourcing retailers, brand wholesalers, shop fi tting specialists, modular and prefabricated housing, construction, automotive and industrial safety companies, are happy with the tailored, personalised approach.

Th ree of Ligentia Asia’s 12 offi ces in China - Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen - are operated as specialist origin

New connection to AsiaVAS (Valued Added Service) warehouses and with Qingdao coming on line early 2015.

Mr Neville said expansion with China’s inland industrial centre growth is inevitable: “our business plan includes OVAS warehouse expansion into these key inland cities in 2016/17”.

Mr Neville said the company’s Australian business was evenly split servicing a spectrum of customers with conventional containerised transport solutions, through to specialised project, road and 3PL warehousing requirements.

“I expect we will see ongoing growth servicing our retail customers as they further leverage direct sourcing opportunities, in addition to expansion of our domestic 3PL warehousing and distribution services ” he said.

Boasting a team of 62 full-time employees, the company’s head offi ce is situated in Brisbane with warehousing operations established in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Ligentia Australia has also expanded into the Surat Basin where it has transport depots in Roma and Miles.

ADVERTORIAL


Decisions on the future of uranium mining in Queensland should be put on hold pending a Royal Commission in South Australia.

Th at’s according to Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady.

It comes as the incoming Labor government begins work on some of its key election promises including the re-instatement of a ban on uranium mining in Queensland.

Th e ban was lifted by the previous LNP Newman government.

Mr McGrady urged the Labor government to leave existing legislation in place until such time that evidence of all the pros and cons was provided.

Results of the Royal Commission would off er solid evidence one way or another, said Mr McGrady.

“It would be futile of the Labor government to re-oppose uranium mining when the labor counterparts in South Australia are embarking on a royal commission,” he said.

“Th e commissioners won’t accept political rhetoric, they won’t accept scare tactics, they won’t accept the usual clichés from opponents or indeed the

ALP uranium policy questioned

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supporters of uranium mining.“Anybody giving evidence

will have to have actual evidence and will have to prove that what they are saying is true.”

North west Queensland has two major uranium deposits that could off er up to 1,000 jobs and a much needed boost to the region, said Mr McGrady.

“My advice is that we all pay lip service to the ideals of job creation. I think the public would judge any government

harshly that would introduce

policies that would have a

detrimental eff ect on job

creation in our state,” he said.

Th e Queensland Resources

Council re-iterated its position

against a reintroduction of the

ban.

A return to past Labor policy

would be a disappointment

but not a surprise, said chief

executive Michael Roche.

“Th e lifting of the ban

injected a lot of confi dence

into the sector particularly

encouraging more exploration

of uranium,” he said.

“It would be a setback

particularly for the north and

north west of the state.”

Minister for State

Development, Mines and

Natural Resources, Dr

Anthony Lynham would not

comment on specifi c plans but

re-iterated Labor’s position on

the issue.

“It is Labor Party policy

not to allow uranium mining.

Th at has been a longstanding

position and has not changed,”

he said.

Tony McGradyMount Isa mayor

Map showing uranium resources in Queensland. Part of Australian uranium resources map © Australian Government Geoscience Australia published 2010.

NQ OPERATIONS

Archimedes at Wulguru

Wulguru Steel supplied 11 bucket elevators to a silica mining plant.

Townsville based Wulguru Steel purchased Archimedes Engineering in 2010 as a strategic acquisition to further the product handling side of its business.

Archimedes off ers a raft of engineering knowledge and is a specialist designer and fabricator of screw conveyors, bucket elevators and mixers.

Th e success of the acquisition has cemented Wulguru Steel as a one-stop-shop for industry said General Manager Wayne Landrigan.

“Within the industry itself there’s only a few players who can do what we do and do it well,” Mr Landrigan said.

“We can assess the most appropriate design based on what a client needs to move, how much they need to move and how far they need to move it.

“We make an assessment of the product characteristics and make recommendations on the design. Th en with

the combined capabilities of the Wulguru Group we can then fabricate, install and commission it.”

On top of its domestic success, the products and services of Archimedes have also received international recognition with the company exporting products to places such as Vietnam, PNG and Hong Kong.

“Th e future is positive given the broad industry reach we have. Coupling the strength of the Wulguru Group, we have the ability to provide a one-stop-shop,” Mr Landrigan said.

“As a result, the Archimedes Engineering business has experienced strong fi nancial growth in the time that it has been owned by Wulguru Steel and we expect to see that growth continue.”


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NQ OPERATIONS

Th e success of one of Australia’s most remote complex chemical plants is underpinned by its symbiotic relationships with other key operations in north Queensland.

Incitec Pivot’s Phosphate Hill plant, located 900 kilometres west of Townsville, is the biggest fertiliser plant in Australia.

Th e site hosts an open cut phosphate mine and export and warehouse facilities.

Th e 1.3m tonnes of sulphuric acid consumed each year comes in large part from the Glencore copper smelter in Mount Isa and the Sun Metals zinc refi nery in Townsville.

Th e interdependent

releationships with other businesses were critical, said Incitec Pivot Fertilisers chief operating offi cer James Whiteside.

“Our relationship with Glencore sees us substantially reduce their emission of S02 into the atmosphere by turning it into a useful product,” Mr Whiteside said.

“It’s in our interest because it is the cheapest form of acid that we can make so it’s a very important relationship. Our sulphuric acid plant actually sits right alongside the copper smelter in Mount Isa.”

Long-term gas agreements are another way the operation keeps

costs down.But rising prices were still

an issue when faced with the challenge of remaining globally competitive, said Mr Whiteside.

“We run the plant at consistent levels all year so reliable gas is very important,” he said.

“We’re a big consumer of

natural gas not as a source of energy but as a source of feedstock for ammonia production.

“It means we’re sensitive to the price of gas. Obviously it’s been a big issue with the development of the Queensland LNG industry and it puts some impost on the business.

“In a global market, we can’t pass on rising input costs.”

60 per cent of annual tonnage is shipped domestically to major agricultural markets.

All product is railed to the port of Townsville for export domestically and internationally.

Phosphate Hill has a minelife of at least 20 years.

Cross operations dependency

Phosphate Hill

in north west

Queensland

is the biggest

fertiliser plant in

Australia

Innovative scientifi c approaches to new exploration are being applied in one of the world’s most prospective metals and base metals regions.

Th e Mount Isa Geophysics Initiative is a $9m two-year project that aims to reduce exploration risk by improving the understanding of regional sub-surface geology and cover thickness and character.

“It’s aimed at underpinning a new era of successful greenfi elds exploration in the region and revealing targets that will become the major new mines of the future,” Geological Survey of Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines geoscience manager of minerals Paul Donchak said.

Mineralised Mount Isa rocks extend for many hundreds of

$9m project encourages exploration in NW Qld

kilometres beneath the shallow cover rocks, said Mr Donchak.

“Most of those covered rocks haven’t been looked at and there’s every chance they have the same resource endowment

as has already been found in the exposed areas.”

While under cover deposits are generally considered high-risk investments, the surveys should make them much more

attractive, said Mr Donchak.Last year was the fi rst year

of the initiative. It centred around the seismic transects in the Boulia to Birdsville area. Th e results are currently being processed.

Plans for year two include a wider and more extensive assessment of what’s under cover in areas north and east of Cloncurry.

Th e researchers will be looking specifi cally for conductive targets.

“A lot of mineralisation goes hand in hand with conductive rocks so if we can locate where some of those conductive targets are under reasonably shallow cover, they would off er attractive targets for explorers,” Mr Donchak said.

“Th ese targets will be located

by cutting-edge geophysical

techniques including

magnetotelluric (MT) and high

powered aerial electromagnetic

(EM) surveys that aim to see

through the conductive cover

rocks that have plagued previous

greenfi elds exploration in the

region.

“Th e data from these surveys

will be integrated into 3D

models of the subsurface, using

some of the most advanced

computing methods in the

country.”

Th e models will complement

the recently completed Boulia-

Birdsville and Longreach-Four

Ways seismic transects which

were designed to detect major

ore-forming pathways that bring

mineralizing fl uids from deep in

the earth’s crust.

Th e Mount Isa Geophysics Initiative seismic survey

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NQ OPERATIONS

A successful stoping trial at Dugald River has delivered positive results for MMG’s north west Queensland operations as Century wraps up.

19 trial stopes were successfully mined and backfi lled during the trial last year, and 450,000 tonnes of ore produced.

If approved, the ore will be trucked to Century for processing later this year, said MMG general manager of Queensland operations, Mark Adams.

“Th e trial was very successful,”Mr Adams said. “Th e key fi ndings were that we can mine it successfully and safely.”

“15 months ago there was a concern that the somewhat fractured hanging wall wouldn’t be able to be mined safely and productively. With a lot of work we’ve proven that it’s not the case.”

Th e trial gave some strong indicators on mine production for the future but Mr Adams declined to comment on numbers.

Th e operation would not act as a replacement for Century and other operations wrapping up in the region, he said.

“Century is a half million tonne a year zinc metal producer, Dugald River is smaller than that and certainly smaller than other operations such as Mount Isa (Mount Isa Mines).

Century will close later this year but options for further mining are still being investigated, said Mr Adams.

One option is reprocessing of material out of the tailings dam.

A tailings re-treatment project was completed last year and successfully produced the fi rst part of the process for re-treatment - a low-grade

Questions have been raised over the future of a robust gold project earmarked for the north west.

Malachite Resources is ‘investigating its options’ for the Lorena Gold Project following the announcement that 50/50 joint venture partner BCD Resources had gone into administration.

Th e project, located near Cloncurry, is expected to produce about 30,000ozs of recovered gold from an open cut operation in its fi rst year should it progress.

Malachite Resources is currently reviewing its position in light of the recent development, the company said in a statement.

“Malachite will also continue to investigate its own funding requirements

and options.”Malachite currently holds 100 per cent

unencumbered ownership of the mining licences relating to the Lorena Gold Project.

In accordance with the terms of the joint venture agreement between the parties BCD has not yet earned its 50 per cent interest in the project as it has not met its obligation to fund project development through to the completion of construction and commissioning of a plant to produce a gold concentrate.

MI Steel fabricators is the contractor that has been charged with the on site build.

For now, the equipment has been put down and construction has been put on

hold, said MI Steel Fabricators managing

director, Jonathan Dempsey.

“We have to stop work down there at

the present time,” he said. “We have been

advised we will be contacted again once

the work starts back up.”

“We’re just playing the waiting game

on that one at the moment but we’ve been

working at Glencore in Mount Isa doing

labor hire and we’ve been keeping busy.

“We can’t just sit and wait for Lorena.”

Electrical and piping installations for

the plant and construction of the tailings

dam are among the key components

that need to be completed before plant

commissioning can take place.

concentrate.Post-closure, Century will be

kept in a state of operational readiness, said Mr Adams.

“We will take everything from the concentrator to the offi ces, into a state of operational readiness. So we will have the

ability to re-start as and when we make a decision about tailings re-treatment,” Mr Adams said.

“Currently the state of

operational readiness looks to be between three and fi ve years.”

An exploration program is also funded until the end of this year.

Successful Dugald River trial

MMG Century processing plant at Lawn Hill will be kept in a state of operational readiness for approximately three years after the end of production.Photo: Jackson Magriplis

New Lorena Gold Project shelved


NQ OPERATIONS

moving the company forward’ she says.

Ms Sperber fi rmly believes in the capabilities of NSS employees, and has been sailing the NSS ship through rough economic conditions.

Rather than sitting it out, NSS is taking measures to improve and expand its services. ‘We are fi rm in the belief that our service off ering and capabilities will see us obtain more work in the near future’ says Sperber.

Internally, the company is reinforcing safety measures and further developing its systems, procedures, work practices and maintenance programs to ensure optimal effi ciency and to deliver outstanding results for clients.

NSS is also building on its consistent commitment to giving back to the surrounding community. Juliette is determined to support charities that give back to Central and Northern Queensland in real, measurable ways.

In the last three months, NSS has donated to Disadvantaged Children’s Movie Day, Peter

Downey’s XI Goldfi eld Ashes Cricket Team, Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay and Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation.

NSS has also committed to participating in the Townsville Running Festival in August 2015. Ms Sperber is encouraging all employees and their families to get active, and run or walk in the 2.5km Hero Run event.

Company culture is a key part of creating the highly eff ective teams of NSS, and Ms Sperber is confi dent the team can achieve the ambitious goals she has set for NSS.

‘NSS has an outstanding team of people. We want to build upon the strong reputation that we have and make sure that what we deliver is even safer, more productive and cost eff ective than it has been in the recent past.’

‘After four months as NSS general manager, I am fi nally hitting my stride. It is my intention to build up business and make NSS more profi table for our shareholders as well as our employees. We are all in this together.’

Recently appointed general manager, Juliette Sperber, has been working with the NSS management team to create a new vision for NSS, and is leading the company to reinforce their position as regional Queensland’s leader in stevedoring, transport and logistics.

From day one, Sperber has brought a fresh perspective to operations, looking at everything from improving service off erings to fi nding ways to give back to the Northern Queensland community.

‘I have been fortunate in my very short time as general manager to gain acceptance by NSS employees, and to be seen as someone who is

New NSS general manager, Juliette Sperber

Changes are happening atNorthern Stevedoring Services

A campaign to process ore from CopperChem’s Mount Colin Mine through Ernest Henry Mining’s (EHM’s) Concentrator Plant has seen benefi ts fl ow throughout Glencore’s north Queensland operations.

Over six months EHM processed 290,000 tonnes of copper ore into concentrate in targeted four-day campaigns around the processing demands of Ernest Henry ore.

Th e concentrate was then further processed through Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines copper smelter and Townsville Refi nery, extending benefi ts to the wider north Queensland business.

Th e opportunity to process third party ores allowed local mining companies to get their product to market by leveraging the capacity of Ernest Henry’s Concentrator said Glencore north Queensland copper assets chief processing offi cer Richard Harvey.

“Since the mine transitioned to an underground operation the Ernest Henry Concentrator hasn’t been used to its full capacity so the opportunity to process third party ore not only increases the output of copper concentrate from Ernest

Henry but also strengthens the sustainability and profi tability of the operation,” he said.

“Additionally the Ernest Henry team has processed other alternative ore types including slag from Mount Isa Mines and other third party material.”

Th e concentrator team had successfully taken on the challenge of processing alternative ore types, said EHM concentrator manager Nathan Bullock.

“Each time we process an ore type other than Ernest Henry the concentrator team has to

reconfi gure the plant’s circuit

to suit the processing needs of

the third party ore. Our Ernest

Henry ore requires a high

throughput rate for a low grade

ore, however Mount Colin ore

required a low throughput rate

for a high grade ore,” he said.

“Th e team have demonstrated

their capability to successfully

treat third party ore while

proving they have the knowledge

and fl exibility to deliver good

results that fl ow on for our wider

north Queensland business.”

Third party

ore from

nearby Mount

Colin Mine is

stockpiled at

Ernest Henry

Mining before

being processed

through the

concentrator.

Third party boost to output

An irrigation project in the Gulf of Carpentaria could open up more than 21,000 hectares of opportunity for the ‘wild west cowboys’ of the region.

Proponents for the Gilbert River Irrigated Agricultural Area proposal aim to open up new cropping, export and development opportunities in the area between Georgetown and Croydon.

Th e project centres on a dam proposal and a number of options have been canvassed including a 300,000 ML storage at Green Hills Station.

A 2011 engineering assessment of construction costs for this location came in at approximately $180m.

A dam would act as a catalyst for a number of diff erent

industry opportunities, said Gulf Savannah Development chief executive offi cer Lara Wilde.

“On the one hand at the moment we are already cropping in that area without irrigation, and with some irrigation,” Miss Wilde said.

“But with a dam then the sky is the limit as to what we could grow.”

“With grain we can fi nish cattle and then we can talk about an abattoir.

“If we have sugar cane we can talk about an ethanol plant.

While timeframes surrounding dam construction and project progression are uncertain, Miss Wilde said changes in the region over the next four or fi ve years will make ‘heads spin’.

Dam the benefitsIrrigation in the gulf presents limitless opportunities for farming

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Gary Davis and Neil Hoskin (Dust-A-Side Australia) with Andrew Willett (Fire & Safety Australia) at TSBE February Enterprise Evening - Toowoomba.

Gavin Walton (TSBE), Michael Matthewson (Wiley and Co) and Mark Steinhardt (InterFinancial Corporate Finance) at TSBE February Enterprise Evening - Toowoomba.

Bruce Messenger (Queensland Nickel), Tim Fisher and Ron Furnell at AusIMM Generation Y and Employment in the Minerals Industry Technical Meeting - Townsville.

Line Jenssen and Jarah May (both Queensland Nickel) with Ged Welsh (Hays) at AusIMM Generation Y and Employment in the Minerals Industry Technical Meeting - Townsville.

Amanda Gray (Quest), Cr Vern Veech (Townsville City Council) at NQ Transport, Trades and Mining Expo launch - Townsville.

Trevor Prior (Juru Enterprises Ltd) and Dameim Aidon (JEL) at Bowen Basin Contractors Networking Event - Townsville.

Laura Smith (Toowoomba Regional Council), and Patrice Lund (RACQ Group) at TSBE February Enterprise Evening - Toowoomba.

Tony Boyle (Avis), Louise Smith (CAT Energy Power Systems) with Cr Jenny Hill (Townsville City Council) at NQ Transport, Trades and Mining Expo launch - Townsville.

Ian Kraeme (Mantle Mining) with Patrick Walta (Carbine Resources) at 34th QEC Explorers’ Investor Forum - Brisbane.

Angie Akee (Kyburra Munda Yalga), Peter Buckland, Kym Calderwood, (Adani) and James Doyle - at Bowen Basin Contractors Networking Event - Townsville.

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