CONTRACT MINING
progression path for newcomers . Novices start at entry-level positions and work their way up to become highly skilled machine operators .”
Unlike many competitors who attempt to fasttrack novices into drill rig operator roles , which can hinder productivity , Murray and Roberts Cementation ’ s approach is more deliberate , according to Chamberlain .
“ As individuals gain basic knowledge of underground logistics and services , we begin training them as operators ,” he explained . “ After mastering fundamental skills with trucks and LHDs , we further assess their potential to advance as drill rig operators . In our training academy , we use a phased approach incorporating virtual reality , simulators and mock-ups to gradually increase stress and prepare trainees for real-world conditions without compromising safety or risking damage to equipment .”
He concluded : “ We are proud of our track record in developing artisans and miners who began as novices from nearby communities and have grown into valuable contributors to the industry and their local areas . This thorough training process ensures a strong pipeline of skilled individuals across our organisation .”
Closer to clients
Perenti has been collaborating with the wider innovation ecosystem to ensure it stays at the leading edge of the market .
Perenti has consolidated its position as a global leader in contract mining with more than A $ 1.8 billion ($ 1.19 billion ) of new / extended underground mining contracts with existing customers since the beginning of its last financial year ( ending June 30 , 2024 ), reinforcing the strength of its “ client relationships ”.
These client relationships can be seen on many levels .
For example , Perenti recently issued the findings of a landmark study into electrification with its client IGO and business partner ABB . This study demonstrated that the electrification of underground mining fleet is technically feasible , the cost is not prohibitive and , as battery-electric vehicle technology develops and the understanding of how these vehicles can be best integrated into an operating mine improves , the electric mining solutions will only become more competitive against existing diesel options .
The study has been backed up by extensive testing of such equipment , with Barminco , a Perenti company , having an approach of learning by doing with BEVs .
“ Collaborating with mine owners and OEMs to trial electric equipment , whether it be truck , drill and ancillary vehicle , builds our understanding and knowledge in this important area ,” Mark Norwell , Managing Director & Chief Executive
Officer of Perenti , said . “ Trials of electric equipment are incredibly important as they help us to understand how equipment performs in an operational environment .”
All that knowledge contributed to the study into electrification with IGO and ABB .
“ Being able to gather data on the performance and capabilities of new machines allows us to piece together an aggregated view of our future mines and reinforces our status as a trusted partner ,” Norwell added .
The company ’ s use of new technology extends beyond BEVs , though .
When Perenti launched its technology division , idoba , in 2021 , it took the view that as it sees greater shifts and acceleration of technology opportunities in mining , it needed the internal capability to drive that change from the inside out ; not from the outside in .
“ We have the deep domain expertise in mining that , when combined with our technology business , further improves our existing contracting services , as well as creates new potential lines of business ,” Norwell said .
The differentiator for idoba is the ability to develop products and trial them within its own captive ‘ sandpit ’ – a playground a lot of technology companies don ’ t have access to .
With operations – and supporting clients with matching values – Perenti can trial products in the field . This has been witnessed of late where it is rolling out products to test across its underground mines in Australia , through its DiiMOS platform , idoba ’ s integrated simulation and optimisation capability .
A world-first
Another mining services provider that is creating new technology in-house is Australia-based NRW Holdings .
When NRW acquired RCR Mining Technologies in 2019 , it inherited the Mining Technologies
Perenti teamed up with Sandvik and IGO to introduce Australia ’ s first Sandvik DL422iE battery-electric production drill into the Nova operation in Western Australia
business , which owns significant intellectual property across a range of products and processes . An OEM in its own right , RCR has an extensive product range , including apron , belt and hybrid feeders ; isolation gates ; spile bar systems ; radial , fixed and linear stackers ; modular primary crushing plants ; track-mounted in-pit mining units ; belt reelers / winders ; belt handling equipment ; scrubbers ; trommels ; ball chargers ; and hydraulic power units .
Earlier this year , RCR announced the launch of the Sealed Pan Feeder ( SPF ), a world-first , industry-leading product that , it says , redefines the future of apron feeder technology .
Combining the elements of an apron feeder with the sealing properties of a belt feeder , RCR has created a two-in-one machine that offers benefits beyond any traditional apron feeder .
Both the RCR Sealed Pan Feeder and the RCR Apron Feeder boast low-maintenance designs , outperforming alternatives in the market . The SPF shares over 90 % of its components with the RCR Apron Feeder , ensuring durability while introducing key improvements , such as : n Enhanced performance : The SPF reduces the need for maintenance outages , offering approximately 50 % fewer outages and 39 % less tool time over a 15-year period compared with standard , non-RCR apron feeders , the company claims ; n Maximised production : The reduction in maintenance frequency and outage duration translates directly to more ore throughput without increasing the size or speed of the feeder ; and n Cost efficiency : By eliminating the need for dribble conveyors , the SPF delivers more efficient operating costs , addressing carry-
52 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024