African Mining November 2019 | Page 19

GLOBAL NEWS  The technology also includes features such as G-Dash which empowers operators by presenting a graphical dashboard of the machine telemetry and diagnostic features to ensure optimal loader performance. AUSTRALIA: KOODAIDERI PRE-STRIPS Implementing the ControlMaster Guidance Automation solution across Westgold’s Big Bell, Paddy’s Flat, Comet, South Emu and Starlight operations standardises the company’s production technology and will deliver signifi cant effi ciencies and synergies. NRW Holdings has been awarded Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri iron ore mine pre-strip contract. The project scope includes the development of initial mining pre-strip and earthworks infrastructure to enable the commencement of mining operations. The project value is circa AUD95-million and is expected to have a duration of approximately 78 weeks with works commencing in November 2019. RCT Business Development Manager Mining – APAC Ryan Noden said each delivery is being tailored to site-specifi c requirements. “Over the past few months RCT has been working in a staged approach to upgrade Westgold’s existing systems and consolidate the operating system across all operations to ControlMaster,” Noden says. AUSTRALIA: OSBORNE ON AUTOMATIC Automation specialist RCT has entered into a project with Chinova Resources to install and commission autonomous technology at its Osborne copper and gold mine in Queensland, Australia. The project involves RCT installing its ControlMaster Guidance Automation packages on two CAT 2900 loaders to operate at the underground mine. RCT will also provide an underground Teleremote Cabin complete with a Laser Guard Containment Unit and analogue communications as well as a Fibre Optic Control Station (FOCS) located on the mine’s surface. AUSTRALIA: BGC EXTENDS ATLAS CONTRACT Australian mining and construction fi rm, BGC Contracting, has been awarded an extension to its contract with Atlas Iron at its Mt Webber iron ore project in Western Australia. Atlas Iron has confi rmed that BGC Contracting’s current mining contract, will be extended through to June 2022. This will be a life-of-mine contract extension, which will see BGC Contracting providing services up to the end of operations at the Mt Webber mine site. Under the contract, BGC Contracting will continue to provide a range of mining services including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, dumping and mineral processing for the operation. BGC Contracting’s CEO Greg Heylen welcomed the decision and thanked the Mt Webber project team for their delivery on what was a signifi cant project for the company and importantly, will now continue for another three years. Heylen says that the new contract also signifi es a strong vote The Osborne copper-gold mine is located 195km south east of Mount Isa. Run as a fl y-in, fl y-out operation for its 180 staff , the mine was formerly wholly owned by Placer Dome. Production began in August 1995, open-pit mining fi nished in February 1996 and was replaced by output from the underground section in April 1996. An underground crushing and hoisting system was commissioned in mid-1998. At its peak there will be over 150 site-based personnel required for the project. NRW will utilise major plant from its existing fl eet for the project. Chinova Resources has installed autonomous technology at its Osborne copper gold mine in Queensland. www. africanmining.co.za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining  November 2019  17