CONTRACT MINING
Filling the gaps
The supply and demand dynamic has tipped in favour of the contract mining sector . All they need now is the resources to take advantage , Dan Gleeson discovers
As more projects feed through the development pipeline on the back of higher commodity prices and forecast metals and minerals consumption , the demands for skilled labour are increasing .
In certain regions where the pressures on recruiting personnel are even more acute , this is leading to a supply-demand gap , which , for more mined production to hit the market , must be filled .
This is where well-resourced contract miners are cleaning up .
One only need hop on an investor call with these companies to hear about the extensive contract pipeline they have , the ample opportunities they have for expansion and the way they are resourcing for the future on the back of this uptick .
By leveraging technology , new equipment supply and in-house training regimes , agile service providers are making the most of this market surge .
Proven whole of mine expertise
Redpath ’ s extensive mining service offering has earnt it a global reputation among the industry , which it is continuing to leverage in contract mining markets such as Australia .
While it is not the only contractor in the domestic space able to transition from development to production , it is one of the few proven operators able to make a seamless move , according to Gavin Ramage , Redpath Australia ' s Managing Director .
“ There ’ s others that can do that , and we compete with them on a daily basis ,” he told IM . “ Unlike our competitors , we have built the credibility over time to operate a whole mine .”
The list of underground mining services the company is equipped to carry out includes shaft sinking , raiseboring , mine development , contract mining , raise mining , underground construction , engineering , technical and speciality services .
One of its largest projects in Australia , from a scope perspective , is at the Lady Loretta zinc mine in Queensland .
Glencore awarded Redpath Australia the contract in December 2017 , encompassing the entire underground and surface operations and associated facilities management .
“ We do everything in that mine , from the development to all the production activities , to
GHH ’ s new contract mining arm , GHH Bumi Mining Service , is now carrying out contract mining at Hindustan Zinc ’ s Zawar Mala zinc-lead mine in India
run-of-mine activities on surface , to loading their ore trains that go back to the mill at Mount Isa ,” Ramage said . “ It is one of our largest projects right now .”
The skills shortage affecting all industries , including mining , in Australia is resulting in this diverse service offering becoming an even more valued proposition .
High commodity prices and a pipeline of development-ready projects , most of which
Redpath and Silver Lake are experiencing the benefits of leveraging an autonomous and interoperable mining fleet in partnership with RCT and its ControlMaster Guidance solutions at the Rothsay mine
42 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021