Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012:
Satisfying the Hunger for Natural Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The global demand for commodities has protected Australia and New Zealand from economic uncertainty in recent years. Although the two countries have a seemingly infinite wealth of natural resources, mining companies are still affected by immense political, economical and social challenges. To keep up with the increasing demand, mining Chief Operational Officers (COOs) must sustain resources and improve efficiency of all operational affairs.

Bringing together senior mining executives, consultants and solution providers, the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June, offers mining companies an intimate atmosphere for highly focused discussions on the key drivers and issues currently shaping the industry.

The honourable John Howard, 25th Prime Minister of Australia will be present, to discuss leadership in the new century. During his four term period, Howard delivered innovative strategies for international security and a unique economic vision. During the Summit, he will examine the role of world leaders, and how to handle the growing concerns of globalisation, the environment and threats to international security. 

The premium forum will provide indispensible insights from industry leaders, such as Brian Hearne, COO at Xstrata Zinc, a global mining company and the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal. Hearne has 23 years of experience in the mining sector and will share his views on preserving sustainability.

Other speakers include Michelle Ash, GM of Operational Excellence at MMHG, who will share her views on solving diversity issues in mining, and Sean Freeman, COO at NSL Consolidated, who will talk on managing the sensitivities of compliance from development to production.

The Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012 programme will include presentations on engaging with local communities to provide socio-economic benefits, recalibrating recruitment tactics to bait a younger workforce, catalysing the need for automation and increasing safety and reliability processes. The Summit provides a vigorous agenda of keynote and case study presentations, pre-arranged business meetings, workshops and round table discussions for COOs, Heads of Mining Operations, Directors and Managers of Mines.

The marcus evans attendee-centric approach is designed to ensure all participants obtain maximum value from their participation whilst providing strategic intelligence essential to staying ahead in today’s constantly evolving and competitive marketplace.

An opportunity for mining executives to meet with key industry solution providers and network with ultimate thinkers in the industry, the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012 is one not to be missed.

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012

This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website

marcus evans group – mining sector portal

The Mining Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Capturing Field Data in Mining 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Using GPS fleet tracking and mobile technology is a cost effective and efficient way to manage compliance risk and improve operational efficiency in the mining sector, says Stephen Grundy, Co-Founder, Pinpoint Communications.

From a sponsor company at the upcoming marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June, Grundy shares his views on increasing mining safety and decreasing environmental and reputational risks.       

How can mining companies better adapt and respond to changing business parameters and risks?

Mine owners have health and safety challenges not only for mining sites, but the surrounding communities, and must take care of the environment they are operating in.

Managing a mobile workforce that crosses communities, private land and mine sites, needs to be taken into consideration. Mine operators must implement health and safety policies to protect all stakeholders. The challenge is in enforcing and measuring these policies in an environment that is often far from the corporate head office or even the mine site itself.

Mine operators are turning to GPS fleet tracking technology that has been widely used by field service industries. GPS fleet tracking and in-vehicle management systems have proven to greatly reduce safety, environmental and reputational risks.

What can be done to help mining executives capture field data more efficiently?

Having a system that enables field workers to get to the work site more efficiently by navigating the best route to locations that would not be found on any normal street map is crucial. The work done and problems encountered can then be entered into the system electronically and sent back to the operations base. This would reduce the time and cost of entering and analysing data on the field, from days to minutes.

How can field workers be updated in real time with hazards and notifications?

Monitoring and reporting on vehicles has greatly reduced the risk of accidents and environmental damage in and around a mine site. The next step is to provide the driver with specific information about road conditions and the environment he or she is driving in.

We recently worked with Santos to develop a unique navigation solution that provides drivers the ability to drive through an extensive private road network in Western Queensland. This navigation terminal provided drivers with specific notifications, such as the speed limit, hazards on the road, navigation to remote wells, pump locations and recommendations. This proactively helps drivers adjust their driving behaviours according to road conditions.

What tips do you have on improving en-route planning and maintenance scheduling?

Having a clear graphical picture of where fixed assets and the mobile workforce are located gives operation planners a transparent view of the best crew for the job. It enables them to identify who is nearby and can perform the task most quickly.

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012

This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com

marcus evans group – mining sector portal

The Mining Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About Pinpoint Communications

Pinpoint Communications is an Australian owned and operated company that manufactures GPS hardware and mobility software for the collection and distribution of remote data. Over the past 10 years Pinpoint has delivered industry based solutions for OH&S compliance, productivity and operational savings. Industry solutions are available for Mining; Utilities; Transport; Civil Contractors; Local Government and the Hire Industry.

www.pinpointcomms.com.au

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Minding the Generational Gap

Daniel Poon, Executive Producer of the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June 2012, shares his outlook on the mining sector.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Underneath the wide expanse of Australia’s landscape and New Zealand’s rough terrain, lies one of the most sought after commodities in the world – natural resources. The mining industry and mining-related sectors single-handedly bolstered the Australian economy during the recent global financial crisis, triggering a two-speed economy. As the Chinese and Indian economies are rapidly developing into global powerhouses, their inevitable appetite for resources has also been compounding. As production, operation and expansion projects are proliferating, it is apparent no one wants to be left behind.

Yet, everyone is sharing a common speed bump across such a diverse industry during this boom – talent shortage. Yesteryear’s low desirability to begin and continue one’s career in the mining sector is proving to be the reigns, holding back a bullish industry. There are not enough young workers capable of replacing an aging workforce, causing a growing generational gap. Fortunately enough, companies were quick to notice this and are going all out to recruit, retain and motivate talent to remain competitive in such a cannibalistic environment. With not enough talent going around, poaching is second-nature and corporate cannibalism has become a survival-of-the-fittest practice. To make matters worse, wages are escalating because the demand for skilled professionals outstrips its supply, thus putting employees in a powerful position to command better remuneration and FIFO opportunities.

With a smaller employee pool to draw from, technology is slowly but surely taking over. Intelligent systems not only reduce operating costs by increasing predictability in production and maintenance, but also eliminate human exposure to hazardous working environments. As automation is quickly gaining grounds and integrating itself to daily operations, senior executives will have to anticipate a paradigm shift in recruiting and working with the future workforce. The next generation of miners will have to be competent with automation systems in order to be relevant in the industry, so much so that IT and automation knowledge can potentially make or break a miner’s career.

In the short term, there is still increasing pressure from various parties for mining companies to contribute back to society because of the boom by creating a win-win situation for all. These can include creating jobs for local residents, engaging transparently with the local community, and providing public infrastructure, transport systems and educational facilities in mining towns. Furthermore, the growing interest from highly-capable female professionals is ideal to fill in the gap caused by the lack of skilled professionals. With an increasingly diverse demographic at the mines today, it is imperative for senior management and leaders to inspire a unified workforce to boost motivation, loyalty, and ultimately productivity.

The marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012 offers vital opportunities for top operations executives and solution providers in this maturing market to benchmark their learning experiences and hear from the industry’s leading executives as they reveal the key factors to consider when maximising the global demand for local resources.

Contact: Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian, Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012

This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com

marcus evans group – mining sector portal

The Mining Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Adopting Asset Management Strategies in Mining 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mining asset management would drive out waste and ensure the company meets its target production, says Bob Platfoot, Managing Director, Covaris. “Without asset management, even though the ore is sitting in the ground, their equipment will not dig up and transport it at the rates they have committed to the market,” he adds.

From a sponsor company at the upcoming marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6 - 8 June, Platfoot shares his views on increasing labour efficiency and off-site reliability analysis.     

What off-site reliability analysis solutions would you recommend to mining utilities?

Regional support teams need to mature in asset management, which is a combination of the essential engineering support plus the enabling functions of appropriate organisational structures, use of asset information systems and application of risk management to prioritise decision-making. With maturity in asset management at that level, mining sites can then be better supported to lift their capabilities in maintenance, managing projects and undertaking reliability improvement. Relying solely on sites to improve without such support will fail, since there is usually insufficient critical mass of skill and knowledge at the actual mine.

Companies are investing heavily in asset information systems but not in skills and tools to use that information to deliver productivity and improve return on investment in the asset base.

What asset management strategies would you recommend? 

We are using BSI PAS 55 which is being developed by global forums into ISO 55000. This requires a global strategy that pulls everything together across the business; organisational enabling strategies that  are critical to advise people what their role is and how to do it, asset lifecycle strategies which define what processes have to be in place and finally individual asset-based strategies on critical plants that are managed through an asset management plan.

In terms of delivering asset care, we rely heavily on a time-based preventive maintenance approach to manage lean resources mixed in with a strong predictive approach, where we understand the condition of assets in detail and forecast the timing of major work.

How can mining organisations optimise cost reduction through labour efficiency?

It is advisable to contract out specialised requirements under performance-based contracts, particularly where contractors can leverage the skills from other industries or projects. Local labour can then be used for specific tasking which is unique to local assets and conditions. Good work planning will then assist in improving personal productivity of tradespeople, but scheduling and the integrated agreement on the timing of work between operations and maintenance will lift the productivity of whole teams.

Any final comments?

Adopt asset management. It is an essential business process that requires internal knowledge within the company. It will drive out waste and assure the company that it can meet its target for production that the market expects. Without asset management, even though the ore is sitting on the ground, their equipment will not dig up and transport it at the rates they have committed to the market.

Contact:
Stacey Melvin
Journalist
marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012

This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 - 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com 

marcus evans group – mining sector portal

The Mining Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About Covaris

Covaris is a specialist consulting engineering company delivering world class asset management solutions to blue chip clients across mining, manufacturing, facilities, utilities and other sectors. The company continually re-invests in research and innovation, thereby providing options for the most advanced approaches to driving out waste and maximising return on investments for their clients. With mature programs in services delivery, technology and education, the company can offer a total solution package suited for the people and operations of any client.

www.covaris.com.au

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Digging for Diversity in the Mining Sector

Michelle Ash, a speaker at the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, on choosing diverse locations and employees in mining. Interview with: Michelle Ash, GM Operational Excellence, MMG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mining organisations are following the ore bodies as they seek to develop new resources. Increasingly, this means venturing into non-traditional countries and moving away from OECD low risk countries, says Michelle Ash, GM Operational Excellence, MMG. “Some parts of Africa, South America and Asia present high risk and diversity, but offer immense growth potential,” she adds. 

A speaker at the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June, Ash shares her views on safety and retaining talent in the mining sector.      

In your opinion, how can mining executives be more cost efficient?

In order to deliver cost savings to their bottom line, mining executives must focus on productivity. When operating, there must be a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. This means eliminating inefficient processes that can lead to rework and duplication of efforts. We need to ensure each element in the process is moving as efficiently as possible. This should include a fundamental improvement of the business’ logistic streams.

Engaging people and motivating them to use their skills fully will lead to increased levels of discretionary efforts. Ultimately it will improve the operations and develop novel solutions to problems. Proficient leadership and technology will help organisations drive costs down and productivity up.

How can they add value?

The mining industry is continuing a rapid growth period. New and increasingly challenging operating environments will offer immense growth opportunities.  

Executives must add value to their organisation and their community as mining effectively depletes non-renewable sources. In addition to new jurisdictions, a challenge will be the quality of the ore bodies with lower grades, resulting in higher costs. This is creating a challenge around automation, technology and innovative problem solving to bring costs down.

What can be done to increase safety?

If we cannot get safety right, nothing else works, so it becomes the base and foundation for the industry. Safety has to become a value upon which everything else is built. There is a strong correlation between safety performance and employee alignment and loyalty.

Over the past few years there have been improvements in safety, but not enough. As the industry has expanded to non-traditional mining areas, we have brought in people from other industries. We need to take the time to develop the systems, skills and knowledge to make sure they are able to work productively and safely. We must work to educate employees on what it is that can cause serious injuries and even death. 

How can mining organisations attract and retail talent?

As an industry we have a small talent pool in which we borrow from each other. We must look towards other industries and see who can translate their skills into mining. Organisations have to make an effort to develop the skills that are applicable to the industry, whether or not the individuals have a background in mining. We also need to work on becoming more attractive to non-traditional employees, which means we need to be more flexible with our approaches and style of leadership and culture.

To retain employees, we must go back to the basics and build leadership and authenticity, in order to work through the areas of diversity and ensure people feel valued for their contribution to the success of the business.

Any final thoughts?

Mining executives must learn to engage with a diverse community. The more they isolate themselves from diverse groups and thinking, the more likely it is that they will lose touch with the industry as it changes thus making it harder to achieve their organisation’s goals. 

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012

This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 – 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com

marcus evans group – mining sector portal

The Mining Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Australia has become a less attractive investment option since new taxes on carbon and mining were proposed, according to reports which may be off interest to people attending mining business events.

Evy Hambro, managing director of BlackRock told The Age that ‘Australia has definitely dropped down the list relative to its historical position because of the uncertainty around the tax changes.’

In fact Mr Hambro says that the new taxes are ‘two new burdens that are having to be shouldered by resource companies’, adding that it could lead to unemployment and lost investment in the company.

However, despite growing pressure over the proposed mining tax, Australia’s PM Julia Gillard insists that the government will go ahead with the planned increase.

Marcus Evans presents mining business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.
 

The trend for mergers and acquisitions in mining shows no sign of slowing and will be the talk of mining business events this year.

And multi-national mining company Anglo American is set to merge with the world’s biggest cement company to create a Uk construction materials business.

Anglo American owns Tarmac in the UK, and revealed today a plan for a joint venture with Lafarge which would combine its cement contracting businesses with that of Tarmac.

The venture is predicted to have annual sales of £1.8bn and would employ a workfore of 7,300.

Profits have recently soared at Anglo American thanks to its successful mining of iron ore.

The firm has also experienced success in the platinum business. Anglo Platinum is now the world’s largest producer of the metal which is a staple in manufacturing.

Marcus Evans presents mining business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

Attendees of mining business events this year will look to the North East for signs of growth in the UK sector, after a recent merger and acquisition.

York Potash Ltd has been sold to Sirius Minerals plc, along with 600 square kilometres of mineral rights.

The deal includes coastal land between Scarborough and Whitby where vast amounts of potash is found under the shore.

Sirius is now looking into the viability of the first new deep potash mine in Britain in forty years.

If approved, York Potash will begin to look into the effects of the move on the environment.

While the project may be controversial, it has the potential to create up to 5,000 jobs both directly and indirectly.

And the deal should prove a vital boost to the UK mining industry as a whole.

Marcus Evans presents mining business events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

Mining events over the coming months will have to come to terms with a changed environment: after month after month of stellar performance, mining stocks are now under pressure.

Wednesday saw a wide range of London-listed miners drop sharply, with Anglo American leading the plunge.

Their stocks fell by 2.5 per cent, while BHP Billiton dropped by 1.6 per cent.

Concerns about the environmental and financial aftermath of the ongoing Japanese nuclear disaster are at the heart of the mining sector’s unease.

"No one wants to get back into equities until there’s a cast-iron all-clear from the Japanese government," head of sales at Capital Spreads Angus Campbell told the Wall Street Journal.

Indeed, world uranium spot prices have plunged by ten per cent over the course of the week so far, and are expected to continue to drop on Friday.

Marcus Evans presents mining events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.

A maiden drilling project in Western Australia has shown promising gold and copper reserves to meet demand, mining conference delegates may be interested to hear.

The Dundas project, which is being run by Thor Mining showed 0.25 per cent copper and 0.17 grams per ton gold on the first attempt to drill the 66 air hole core area.

Strongly anomalous copper and gold values were discovered in 20 and 16 of the holes respectively, all of which lie within a small area.

Proactive investors reported that Thor Mining had located several other patches of copper and gold in the area.

Chairman Mick Billing said: "These first results in the top metre or so of bedrock are extremely encouraging."

More drilling is to be scheduled as soon as possible, the news provider reported.

Australia exports around 300 tonnes of gold a year. It is the world’s third largest exporter.

Marcus Evans presents mining conferences, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.