CLAVER, Surigao del Norte—Adding more proof that mining and tourism can harmoniously coexist, Claver local government unit in partnership with Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) hosted the first-ever jigging and shore casting competition in the municipality on September 2 to 4, 2022. The competition, done in cooperation with the Marajaw Surigao Anglers, forms part of the Claver’s Panaghiusa Festival this year. The activity aims to showcase the municipality’s abundant marine resources that exist alongside the presence of the mining industry. The opening program kicked off with a tree planting activity at the TMC Biodiversity Area. TMC Resident Mine Manager, Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso, welcomed the LGU Claver officials, headed by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee, and the anglers all-over Mindanao. The anglers also visited TMC’s Lantaw Bay Garden which offers an overlooking view of TMC’s wharf and rehabilitated areas. “An niagi, daghan mga issues ang Claver mahitungod na sa atong mga minahan. So karon, atong na prove, napamatud-an nato, nga ang atong kadagatan limpyo ug ang atong mga kaisdaan healthy gajud sila (In the past, Claver had many issues concerning its mining operations. But now we have proven that our waters are clean and our fishes are healthy),” said Mayor Gokiangkee, who led the ceremonial jigging during the opening program in Barangay Hayanggabon. Indeed, Claver’s abundant marine resources is being complemented by the local mining sector’s value-adding projects, chief of which is the provision of training for fisherfolk, financial assistance, product development, and various types of assistance.

By: Engr. Paula Angeline Bacani “The mining sector continues an optimistic performance for year 2022. As early as Q1 2022, the metallic mineral production value kicked off the year with a 36.21% or PhP12.92 billion growth from PhP35.69 billion in Q1 2021 to PhP48.61 billion.” [1] The steady growth of the industry is indicated by the opening of new metal mines, mostly Nickel mines, and the expansion of existing mines. With the increasing production of Nickel Ore, QES Technology Philippines, Inc. has been a long-established partner of these mines on complete mining solutions from: [I] Geological Exploration on sales and service of handheld XRF and analyzers. [II] Sample Preparation on sales and service of crushers, pulverizers, presses, fusion machines, grinding machines, milling machines, drying ovens, etc. [III] Laboratory Solutions on sales and service of XRF, the benchmarked Spectro XEPOS, KF moisture analyzer, Auto-Titrator, lab consumables, and furniture/fixtures. And [IV] Environmental Monitoring for Compliance on sales of air quality and water quality monitoring systems. For year 2022, QES Technology Philippines, Inc. shares this another record-breaking sale of 14 (as of October 2022) laboratory XRF units to our clients, partners, and customers on the Mining Sector. Committed on quality and higher efficiency, QES not only supply analyzers but also help its partners solve challenges on costly maintenances of heavy mining equipment. This year’s #QESInAction held product presentations and exhibits on mining areas in Cagayan, Zambales, Palawan, Camarines Norte, and Surigao introducing its New Mining Solution: The Spectro Scientific On-Site Fluid Analysis. Machine condition monitoring based on oil analysis is a mandatory maintenance practice for the Mining Equipment Fleet. The Spectro Scientific On-Site Fluid Analysis is a solution for common challenges on site such as: [I] Remote Sites wherein it can be difficult to rely on outside lab analysis for oil testing because it takes long and by the time it’s determined there is a problem, there has been a major breakdown already. [II] Harsh Environments where mining equipment operate in conditions that are hard on the components and exposes the vehicles to large amounts of particulate contamination and debris that damage the hydraulics and gears. Constant monitoring of oil condition will prevent unexpected breakdowns. [III] Expensive Oil drains for large vehicles. Oil drain interval can be extended safely as long as the oil condition is at continuous monitoring. Reducing the number of oil drains required per vehicle even by just one time per year can significantly generate savings across a fleet for large mining vehicles. [IV] High Repair Costs. Oil analysis will help identify potential problems early – before they undergo breakdowns and costly repairs. Large mining equipment fleet can be enormously expensive to repair so mitigating a small problem before it becomes a breakdown will be a huge cost savings. [V] Downtime of Vehicles Impacts Revenue when a vehicle is unavailable due to mechanical problems it means it is not available to provide necessary service and will impact the revenue generating service it provides. Since equipment in the Mining Industry is frequently exposed to extreme environmental and working conditions, this new mining solution promoted by QES is an effective oil analysis program that keep these important assets in operation by reducing unexpected failures and costly unscheduled downtimes, thus effectively induces cost-cutting on operations. To assure partners continuous growth, QES joins the 2022 6th CARAGA Mining Symposium and 68th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference as exhibitor and organizes related technical webinars. You may scan below to visit/join their official Facebook group to keep update on their incoming webinars. Demo room is located at Unit 507, Page 1 Building, Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa, 1780 Metro Manila, Philippines. ​For inquiries and consultations, you may directly message: qtpmarketing@qesnet.com or visit www.qesnet.com   Reference: [1] Mines and Geosciences Bureau (March 2022). “Metallic Production Value Kicks Off 2022 with a 36.21% Growth”, Retrieved October 2022 from https://mgb.gov.ph/attachments/article/1197/Q1%202022%20Metallic%20Review.pdf

Part 2: Production-scale Plan, Optimized Production Schedule, SMP’s Risk Assessment  - By: Engr. Mae Ann R. Cabasag Ensuring optimal resource extraction, maximizing value of increasingly scarce resources, and having confidence in mine plans amid market uncertainties is possible through DS GEOVIA’s SMP solutions. In Part 1, we elucidate differences between mine plan and schedule, and strategic and tactical mine planning. We covered the approach in defining reserves and directional strategies. Establishing the Optimal Scale of Production After determining the best starting region and corresponding pushback directions, mine planners need to create a production-scale plan that can adapt to shifts in demand over life-of-mine and make three (3) major decisions: mine sequences, cut-off grade and production rate. These decisions are correlated, thus, changing one will alter the other two decisions. With the Hill of Value, we can visualize a value surface based on cut-off grade and production rate at the same time identify the point in the value surface that generates maximum value. Using the GEOVIA Whittle and SIMULIA process-automation tools, mine planners can run 9,680 sequences with various production rates, cut-off grades, and economic and market prices in less than a day. Optimizing Strategic Production Schedule In this approach, the mine planner can now identify which (blocks) to mine, when to mine and is left with a question: “How to optimize strategic production schedule that aligns with constraints, both technical and operational, and also maximize value (net present value)?” The answer? The need to understand what can be optimized in the mine production schedule— the schedule itself, cut-off grade, stockpiling and blending. Optimizing schedule can maximize net present value (NPV) by identifying what material to mine from generated pushback and when these will affect mine’s revenue and cost orders. The use of Milawa algorithm in GEOVIA Whittle helps determine the “what and when." The widely used cut-off grade optimization is Lane’s theory. It states, “Low-value material is discarded even if it is above the marginal cut-off grade. It will increase the mine’s NPV because the mine will spend more time early on processing higher-grade ore that otherwise would have been mined and processed later.” Extractive blending  maximizes value. GEOVIA Whittle provides “blend bins”, allowing mine planner to utilize the existing model without needing to manually re-classify block model data to achieve the most suitable blending. Assessing Risks of Your Strategic Mine Plan Mine planners assess risks in the plan using multiple scenarios. GEOVIA Whittle alone produces tens of scenarios. Thousands scenarios can be produced using GEOVIA’s SMP Workflow, and a combination of GEOVIA Whittle and SIMULIA tools. Moreover, GEOVIA’s SMP Workflow enables planners assess risks in each workflow’s steps by incorporating uncontrolled variables’ sets. It also allows mine planners to “use uncertainty analysis to determine the accuracy of the definition of the final pit and pushbacks as well as the production scale and schedule,” said Romero. Further, Monkhouse and Yeates, in Beyond Naïve Optimization (2007), identified five (5) sources of these uncertainties: Orebody Processing Market Discount rate Changing technologies Assessing the risks associated in processing, market and discount rate is easier compared to orebody uncertainty for it does not require the use of conditional simulations. However, it was found that the use of Monte Carlo simulation enables to address orebody uncertainty easily by incorporating to pit optimization routine the “to-be-assessed” input variables along with performing optimization routine for each scenario, resulting to pit shell sets. From some studies, GEOVIA SMP enabled customers to improve NPV from 10% to 50% and reduce stripping ratio by 16-20%, resulting lower mining costs. It also improved grade forecasting accuracy by 30%, reduced development cost by 10%, revealed best possible performance scenarios, and saved time by converting manual one-month process to semi-automatic process of three days. With Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA’s SMP, customers can focus on the importance of analyzing results and making decisions. To know more about SMP and other Dassault Systèmes Solutions and Services, contact DS Value Solutions partner Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. through paramina_solutions@paramina.com or visit www.paramina.com.   REFERENCE: Dassault Systemes. (2022). Strategic Mine Planning Articles 1-4.

Photo: The Sizer’s 3 stages of breaking MMD have been manufacturing Sizers for over 40 years, processing over 80 different materials in more than 70 countries worldwide. Sizers offer a compact and efficient way of comminution in primary, secondary and tertiary stage crushing, in both underground and open pit operations. Sizers have gained notoriety in wet and sticky applications where traditional crushers have struggled. However, MMD Sizers have been developed to thrive in applications not usually deemed appropriate for their deployment. As Sizers originated in the coal industry, some believe that Sizers are only suitable for soft material processing. This is simply not the case for MMD Sizers. MMD are specialists in Sizer technology, and we have evolved Sizers to be successful in a wide range of operations, in particular hard rock applications. The additional benefits a Sizer brings, such as producing a good shaped product with minimal fines whilst also being compact, energy efficient, and maintenance friendly, make it an appealing option when it comes to selecting a machine for hard material handling. Our dedicated in-house technical development team has provided consistent research and development since the Sizer’s inception in 1980, and enabled MMD’s machines to operate successfully in a variety of industries, processing some materials rated at over 250MPa. Hard rock inclusions could be mixed with wet and sticky material without any major alteration to Sizer design or detriment to performance. Where some conventional crushers struggle to cope with sticky material, the space between Sizer teeth and the constant agitation of material within the machine prevents material build-up, this can be further enhanced where necessary by adding side cleaning combs. Ultimately, MMD Sizers can handle any combination of wet, sticky, hard or abrasive material. This is particularly useful in climates where extremes of rainfall occur throughout the seasons, effecting the characteristics of the material being processed or where material types vary across the mine site.    Specialist Hard Rock Designs From the Sizer teeth design through to the drive train, the progress of these specialist heavy duty Sizers has taken many years of careful development and feature a range of adaptations to allow them to handle harder rock. Sizer teeth designed for hard rock and highly abrasive applications are engineered from upgraded material to resist wear, with additional hard facing in high impact areas. The tooth designs themselves are bulkier to ensure maximum longevity between wear component change-outs. MMD are constantly developing new tooth designs, using a combination of theoretical and physical stress testing to find ways to improve wear components. The extra forces required to break harder material also requires larger shaft diameters and heavy duty bearings. Another key feature throughout MMD’s range of Sizers is the use of in-house designed gearboxes. Using only the highest quality manufacturing processes, materials and components guarantees they are capable of dealing with the unique stresses inherent with sizing hard rock. Each machine goes through stringent design procedures to ensure the highest quality. In some instances, physical trials are performed to test sample material. MMD Sizer featuring side cleaning combs Robust Ancillary Structures MMD offer turnkey solutions in the form of semi-mobile and fully mobile sizer stations. Due to the lightweight nature and balanced breaking action of the Sizer, MMD Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations for hard rock applications generally only require simple pontoon bases rather than costly heavy duty foundations and civils. However, ancillary structures still require some adaptation to matchup with the impact forces generated in hard rock applications. For example, a fully fabricated one-piece hopper hood, with a wear resistant skin rather than wear liners reduces the risk of liners falling off due to high impacts. This skin is replicated on the hopper itself, along with a T-shaped lattice design in the impact area to combat high impacts from the truck dump. Adaptations such as these ensure MMD machines are designed to endure the harsh mining environment and are built to last. MMD Sizer stations undergo rigorous FEA, DEM and Explicit Dynamics analysis at the design stage. This examination provides data on impact forces, load conditions, fatigue cycles, as well as material flow characteristics, which assist in optimising the design. This is particularly useful for wet and sticky applications where material hang-up and blockages could be problematic in features such as hoppers and chutework. At MMD, analysis and design work is undertaken by experienced, fully qualified engineers who combine their technical know-how with industry leading software to design the best solution for customer specific challenges. One of the Semi-Mobile Sizer Stations processing Lateritic Nickel Ore Case Study In 2014, MMD delivered two compact semi-mobile Sizer stations to an island in the Philippines. These bespoke designs were installed to handle lateritic nickel ore. The material within the mine is generally very sticky with hard rock inclusions, however during the wet season the material characteristics change to become extremely wet. The turnkey Sizer stations featured 625 series Sizers with side cleaning combs and D4 Apron Plate Feeders along with supporting steelwork and electrical package. Run of Mine material is directly fed by dump trucks in to the apron feeder which in turn draws material into the sizer controlled rate of up to 500TPH. Lumps of up to 800mm can enter the Sizer chamber, which is then efficiently reduced down to 150mm product. Both these machines remain active, providing trouble-free operation and minimal maintenance. Watch the unit in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSLdwNoAY80

 The LiuGong 870H Wheel Loader with new H Series buckets loads heavy materials more manageable and faster, saving you time and lowering fuel consumption with higher productivity and higher efficiency. In tests, our new buckets increase production by 14% and reduce fuel consumption by 12% compared to competitors, delivering better fuel economy. The 870H will save you more fuel and money because of its low fuel consumption, which is the same as the 5.5T wheel loader in the industry. ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE At the heart of our exceptional powertrain lies the latest Cummins engine, ZF fully automatic transmission, and fixed & variable displacement hydraulic system combinations, delivering higher efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and superior operative performance. This powerhouse is designed to provide impressive acceleration and torque output, along with a severe bucket filling and lifting capability, which significantly increases cycle times and work efficiency by 85% compared to 5T products, up by 5% compared to competitors. In terms of productivity, one unit of 870H is equivalent to the productivity of 2 units of a 5T wheel loader, which saves you on labor and maintenance costs. ROBUST DESIGN & DURABILITY THE 870H Wheel Loader's heavy-duty split-clamp axle features with more robust load capacity. An articulated frame, spread hitch, and tapered roller bearing deliver better stability and longer service life. It also features new wear-resistant bucket teeth, and bucket blades give superior wear resistance compared to like products. SAFE & COMFORTABLE When it comes to operator safety, our cabs are second to none. Ergonomically designed, pressurized ROPS/FOPS cab, with 309 degrees panoramic visibility, the rearview camera offers operative comfort and safeguards your operator. This machine also features up to 70% reduction in vibration at the engine, cab, and seat connection for operative convenience.  

JRC is a visa consultancy business based out of Cebu City and has seven offices currently around the central and eastern visayas. We caught up with the founder and owner JR in his head office in Cebu City reflecting on the past few years and what lies ahead in an emerging economy and return of overseas nationals after the pandemic closed much of the country and how things will look for them now. I asked JR just how the company came to be and why. ‘For some 17 years I worked in the real estate market mostly from my one desk corner office at home. It was very tiring processing paperwork title deeds and all the associated, and could take months and years to be settled and I came to realise that doing the visas and associated was a process that took weeks and at most a few months to complete, and not many people were doing it. The complicated system to foreigners was a lot more straight forward for me, so I thought, why not, it was a service that was badly needed and we can do it better. So since 2017 we have been growing, acquiring new clients, the transition from real estate was not that hard, as the documentation is just a set format. It was more about getting the right staff working with us, who will understand the amount of legwork involved, working in a small office there has been a steady growth of staff and offices from 2 offices and 4 staff to over 30 staff now spread around Cebu, Molboal, in Pangloa and in Davoa and an office set up in Dumaguete Negros. A manila office is needed as most of the approval is centralised there so you need staff there who are accredited to process there. We offer the full range of visa services for those wanting to visit, and those already here who need all the official paperwork’s to live stay and marry here, as well as those wanting to work here. We work with all the key elements needed from legal to financial and have our own in house attorney and accountants ready to service our clients. The re-opening of borders and the returning tourists and residents will make the need to know the current rules and regulations, and update as soon as they are changed. Information is key, as it can be a very stressful process and can be costly as well. We will ensure that all our clients will get the correct information at the time. We have at our core the need to work in our communities and that our staff are always treated well and kept up to date with all the needs and changes so we can support all through the difficult times during and since covid. Our future is set in the contact with the overseas market, to be able to contact them via our social media and related networks, and that our staff are ready to meet the needs, both here and overseas. I am set in my ways to see that the company grows I make sure that all my staff are involved and happy and for me I prioritise my family time, with my wife working alongside me to give a great future for my family going forward.

Photo: The weavers who work hand in hand with HMC producing jobo pots and other weaving products The weavers in Sitio Campandan, in the island of Hinatuan, have been contracted by Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), to produce 5000 seedling pots made of ‘pandan dagat’ (pandanus tectorius) which they call “jobo pots” in a per-contract arrangement worth P25,000.   HMC engages the weavers as part of the mining company’s ESG initiatives. Rigena Perales is a 58-year old resident of Sitio Campandan and she understands the value add they contribute to HMC’s goal of getting rid of plastics used for seedling pots and helping augment the income of the people in the island. “Nakakatulong sa amin ang ganitong pinagkakakitaan nakakatulong pa kami sa gusto ng HMC na hindi na sana gumamit ng plastic para sa mga seedling pots dahil mabuti sa kalikasan,” Perales confirms. HMC is seriously adhering to the global clamor of employing ESG criteria in evaluating, measuring, and reporting about the company’s impacts to the aspects of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). “With all the deliberations about climate change and business sustainability it has become critical that our business moves are intertwined with ESG concerns and engaging the communities is a necessary aspect” says Engr. Francis J. Arañes, Resident Mine Manager. Arañes explains that it’s the whole process of sustainability that HMC is aiming for.   Right now, 40% of their seedling pots are “jobo pots” the big goal is at least 80% before the end of next year. Jomer D. Tiamson, HMC Environment Manager, says it entails cost because a plastic seedling bag is twenty-five centavos apiece (P0.25) while a ‘jobo pot’ which they buy from the weavers costs the company Five Pesos each (P5.00) “It is costly but whoever said that caring for the environment is cheap.  Besides, we are covering all the letters of ESG in this proposition – protecting the environment in adherence to the ‘no single use of plastic’ campaign; aim to uplift the lives of the people in the communities where we operate; and adherence to the mandate of the government as a responsible mining company.”

Superior coverage area and outstanding operator assistance features. The new Boomer E10 and E20 mark another breakthrough for automated face drilling rigs. Both rigs are available with optional battery-electric driveline for zero-emission tramming. The new Boomer E10 and E20 from Epiroc offer great flexibility and coverage thanks to their small footprint and powerful, multi-purpose BUT 45-booms. As part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the drill rigs are equipped with automation features that increase operator safety and productivity, and come with an optional battery-electric driveline for reduced environmental impact and healthier underground conditions. Suitable for both mining and construction Besides being compact enough for mine development, both drill rigs feature BUT 45-booms with telescopic feed beams. These powerful booms fit a wide range of applications and can tackle the requirements of heavy-duty construction work with ease. "This is yet another automation break-through for face drilling where Epiroc leads the way to safer and more productive mining and construction operations" Sami Niiranen, President at Epiroc Underground division Safe productivity with outstanding operator assistance features With features like teleremote drilling, auto level and setup assist, Boomer E10 and E20 strengthen productivity and safety for operators. The optional teleremote drilling feature lets the operator work at a safe distance from the face and enables drilling during shift changes. “Thanks to teleremote drilling the operator can drill a full face from a control room. Naturally, this is a safer workplace. In addition, you can reach up to 25% increased productivity by drilling during shift changes and lunch breaks”, says Camilla Spångberg, Global Product Manager at Epiroc’s Underground division. Furthermore, both drill rigs provide operators with setup assist. Thanks to the carrier being equipped with an advanced scanner measuring the distance to the walls and face, positioning the rig perfectly in the mine or tunnel becomes an easy task for the operator. “In combination with digital drill plans, setup assist eliminates time-consuming repositioning. It also ensures both productivity and great quality”, says Camilla Spångberg. Designed for great operator comfort and safety In the comfortable and safe cabin, operators can enjoy low sound levels (<65 dbA) and less vibration, and a new panel interface for tramming. In addition, great visibility and multi-functional joysticks ensure that operators always keep their eyes on task.

Despite common use of coal in power generation, one overlooked aspect is that coal is a significantly heterogeneous and complex material and its fuel characteristics vary significantly in the deposits in any direction depending on the geological conditions. Therefore, a thorough geological investigation to understand these changes is not only essential in characterising fuel properties, but also minimising the economic, technical and financial risks associated with coal quality parameters. A geological model supported with comprehensive database is the appropriate starting point in managing the drastic changes that customarily occur in fuel properties. Once the coal quality variation is determined from the model, it may be possible to schedule the mine production from different parts of the pit according to the fuel specs. However, it is also important to establish a good, robust coal quality monitoring program to manage the changes occurring the field by implementing a well-controlled representative sampling and testing program managed by a dedicated coal quality department. Relying on only a few parameters to characterise the entire coal deposit, and consequently the fuel specifications could result in high risk and potentially expensive consequences. If coal quality is used effectively at any part of the coal chain from mine production to power station, it is possible to make significant cost savings, mitigate risks and provide a fuel clean enough to reduce pollutants and unwanted emissions. In order to minimise the adverse effects of coal quality, it is important to implement some fundamental measures at the coal pit and power plant stockyard if both the coal mine production and power plant generation are particularly part of an integrated power generation system. However, these measures also applicable to any mine that sells its products in the open market to any power generation utility, or any power station that buys thermal coal from any coal producer. Mitigation measures on the adverse effects of coal quality include a number of crucial steps: Establishing a good geological and exploration/coal quality database containing all necessary information to characterise the target seam/s feeding into the power station. This is also a fundamental part of the power stations’ design criteria to determine the operational inputs for the duration of power station’s lifespan; Implementing a good robust sampling and sample monitoring program reflecting accurate representative results obtained at pit level and power plant stockyard; Performing the appropriate tests and assays which represent the real performance of coal and its waste product prior to plant design and during plant operations; and Providing fuel by blending the ROM product from the pit based on the coal quality and boiler design parameters. In order to minimise all the risks associated with coal quality parameters, it is important to establish a comprehensive database. A geological model is the appropriate starting point in managing the drastic changes that habitually occur in fuel properties. Once the coal quality is determined, it is possible to schedule the mine production from different parts of the pit.

Figure 1. Mineralogy of Nickel Laterites Reflectance spectroscopy was applied as a sampling tool for deriving compositional data of nickel laterites in the Koniambo deposits of New Caledonia. The aim of the work was to test the feasibility of acquiring spectral reflectance data for retrieving quantitative compositional information on nickel laterites exposed in mine bench walls as a routine sampling method for ore-grade control in a mining operation. The spectral reflectance data record complex variations in mineralogical and chemical compositions of nickel laterites. A key method tested in this work is a calibration procedure for converting spectral reflectance to weight percentage of chemical components. A partial least squares (PLS) analysis method was used for this purpose. The abundances of Ni, Fe, MgO, and SiO2, the four most important chemical components collectively determining the economical value and the metallurgical behaviors of lateritic nickel ores, were modeled by the spectral reflectance data of a set of reference samples. The models were then validated by an independent set of samples with known chemical compositions. The validated models were applied to spectral reflectance data acquired on mine bench walls to derive the chemical compositions of lateritic ores. The results have confirmed that the chemical compositions of nickel laterites can be modeled and predicted with confidence by use of spectral reflectance data. Parameters used for modeling were selected based on the considerations of (1) simplicity of data processing, and (2) relationships between chemistry (Figure 2) and mineralogy Figure (1). Smoothed and background-removed spectral reflectance data of the 400 to 2,500 nm wavelengths were used for modeling Ni, Fe, MgO, and SiO2. Figure 2. Chemometrics for Nickel Laterite using XRF and ASD Terraspec Hi-Res. Unique Applications for Terraspec 4 Hi-Res: Mineral exploration Deposit mapping Mineral assemblage identification Drill cuttings analysis Core logging Determining geochemical gradients Clay species delineation Faster vectoring to ore body ASD is a Malvern Panalytical Company. Recognized as the de facto technology for mineralogical analysis, the rugged portable ASD TerraSpec mineral spectrometers are trusted by top geologists for performing fast, precise pathfinder mineral identification for identification of exploration targets. The ASD TerraSpec 4 Hi-Res mineral analyzer brings new levels of efficacy to mineral exploration technology. This state-of-the-art mineral spectrometer offers enhanced performance in the SWIR 1 and 2 regions and a 6 nm resolution to help you determine the viability of mineral exploration targets faster and more precisely than ever before. These enhancements provide you with the ability to capture accurate spectral data more quickly, especially for samples with darker mineral features. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that reflectance spectroscopy by using ASD Terraspec 4 Hi-Res provides an efficient and effective sampling tool for deriving high density compositional data of nickel laterites. An approach combining reflectance spectroscopy with conventional sampling techniques will result in significant improvement on ore-grade control sampling in terms of representation and precision of data and savings on cost for sampling.

Photo credit: Chief Industries  Chief industrial conveyors are ruggedly built to withstand years of use in harsh operating conditions and are custom designed to fit your application and engineered for outdoor purposes or combined into an existing manufacturing process. Chief offers heavy-duty open belt conveyors for a wide range of bulk handling applications. Our belt conveyor is custom designed that help maximizes the efficiency of your operation. Available in a wide range of belt widths, including standards from 18-96", with load capacities up to 10,000 metric tons per hour, we have designs available for installation in port facilities, coal, mining, biomass, and any industrial operation imaginable. Components are manufactured to precise standards from heavy structural members to provide easy installation and strength. It's intended to remain engineered to minimize downtime and operate reliably long-term, despite harsh conditions, which will enhance the safety and reliability of the operation. Considering future demands, we look forward to good prospects for the material handling industry in the mining sector. Whether starting with a used conveyor system, rebuilding an existing one, or with a new custom-built system, we have the experience, resources, and capability to assemble the perfect conveyor package for your application.

Photo credit: 2GO 2GO, the largest and most integrated logistics and transportation services provider in the Philippines and a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, is best positioned to provide special handling and custom processing to serve various industries such as mining, power, telecommunications and infrastructure. With its own assets for end-to-end solutions, 2GO’s Special Containers and Value-Added Services (SCVASI) is backed by 25 years of experience in moving all types of cargo. Leveraging on the shipping business’s strength of schedule, reliability, and speed, 2GO SCVASI continues to expand its capabilities and offer borderless solutions. Apart from pioneering Less than Container-Load (LCL) reefer and isotanks in the country, 2GO SCVASI has proven expertise in its Project Logistics service—loading and unloading deliveries of oversized and overweight cargos for power generation, transmission lines, mining operations, cement manufacturing, pipes for geothermal operations and government infrastructure to the most remote areas in the country. 2GO SCVASI is manned by professionals to survey efficient routes, presenting methodologies on safe conduct of lifting of transformers, generators, railways, cement manufacturing equipment, solar and other industrial goods, and other equipment that require special handling. It currently has two customized 25-tonner Boom Trucks that will eliminate mobilization and de-mobilization of forklift on these weight categories. 2GO SCVASI, the Philippines’ leading provider of reefers, flexibags, isotanks, and project logistics, continues to make significant investments to soon deliver long dimension wind-power propellers. To know more about 2GO SCVASI, visit https://www.2go.com.ph/scvasi/

Weir Minerals rubber technology has long been a hallmark of its offering to the mining and minerals processing industry. The Warman® MCR® slurry pump is a case in point; often utilised in applications where competitors use metal-lined pumps, Weir Minerals continues to push the boundaries of what rubber is capable of in mill circuit applications. Weir Minerals has the ability to formulate, mix and develop proprietary rubber compounds with the properties required to achieve a high level of wear resistance in mill circuit applications, in which there’s a broad particle-size distribution, and particles are often hard and angular. R&D is an important focus for Weir Minerals and has been integral to its ability to remain at the forefront of innovation in the mining and minerals processing industry. Investing in R&D is central to its strategy and at the heart of its commitment to innovative engineering. Weir Minerals works closely with its customers to understand their specific challenges and problems and it develops solutions to improve their operations. It’s an on-going process, born out of a commitment to make mining more sustainable, efficient and safer.  The Warman® MCR® slurry pump, as a case in point, is underpinned by years of R&D, conducted by dedicated teams of engineers, scientists and product experts – this is what it requires to create a market-leading product. R55® rubber – Weir Minerals’ standard for rubber wear lining The Warman® MCR® pump utilises a unique rubber compound known as R55® rubber; its physical properties give it a high resistance to tearing and cuts, which means it’s capable of performing well in applications where competitors generally use metal liners. R55® is the standard rubber utilised to line Warman® MCR® slurry pumps.  The key to formulating a rubber with high tear and cut resistance lies, in part, in the reinforcement particles that are added. These filler particles have varying properties, but, generally speaking, there’s a correlation between how well the particles are dispersed and the relative wear resistance of the final product.  Armachrome® highly wear-resistant overlay material Weir Minerals is increasing utilising Armachrome® - a highly wear-resistant overlay material– in mill circuit applications. It’s one of the most wear-resistant materials commercially available and can be added to pump throatbushes, volute liners and, most recently, impellers. Armachrome® wear parts provide enhanced, extended wear life and localised wear performance.  For example, if there is only the need to improve wear performance around the eye, rather than applying Armachrome® material to the whole throatbush, Weir Minerals has the capabilities to locate the higher wearing material only in the target section experiencing high wear. Armachrome® wear parts is a bespoke Weir Minerals solution and extensive field results have been extremely positive. For instance, in oil sands operations, wear resistance has been significantly improved relative to white iron. Similarly, in Warman® MC pumps, the field results have been equally as promising.     As Weir Minerals continues to strive to make mining smarter, efficient and sustainable, R&D investment will play a crucial role in the development of advanced wear materials that help to achieve these objectives. Increasingly, customers are turning to Weir Minerals to help them reduce their carbon footprint because they know it has market-leading materials technology that extend wear life and improve efficiency. Click here to discuss how Weir Minerals’ materials technology optimises Warman® MCR® slurry pumps.

Actuators play a vital role in the operations of the mining industry. As an industry that operates in harsh and unpredictable environments, mining companies need reliable valve actuators in order to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Likewise, selecting the right flow control partner can make the difference between time spent replacing equipment and time spent focusing on long-term goals. Rotork is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of heavy-duty valve actuators. With over 50 years of experience serving the mining industry, Rotork has been able to supply thousands of actuators that are found in mining operations around the world.[1] In the case of intelligent actuators, Rotork is known for its non-intrusive innovations which prove to be particularly significant for the mining industry.

XRF Technology for Operational Efficiency 1. SAMPLE COLLECTION Samples are collected from the belt automatically using a cross-belt sampler Automatic operation using the plant’s distributed control system (DCS) No stopping or slowing the belt One sample every 15 minutes The system can be designed to sampling and preparation standards, including: ISO-12743: Copper, lead, zinc, nickel ISO-13909: Coke ASTM-E877: Chemical analysis ASTM-D7430: Coal 2. SAMPLE PREPARATION Collected samples are crushed to the required size From 15 kg to a 500 g puck From 50 mm to 4.5 mm (Crusher 1) From 4.5 mm to 200 µm (Crusher 2) Coal/ore moisture content is recorded Entire preparation process is automatically controlled and monitored 3. SAMPLE ANALYSIS VANTA XRF Measurement and Analysis Quantification of up to 30 elements in one measurement Detection down to 1 ppm for key elements Analysis of light elements, including magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and sulfur (S) Easy integration: No external control box Control via the Vanta Connect API or a PLC and discrete wire Rugged: Vibration tested (MIL-STD) IP54 rated Industrial locking connectors KEY FEATURES Advanced Software Capabilities Direct stream of inputs into plant control systems AI advisory capability to optimize operations Rugged System Modular design for ease of maintenance Lower maintenance cost Designed According to Industrial Standards ISO 12743 ISO 13909 ASTM E877 ASTM D7430 Ease of Implementation Seamless integration into existing plants Profit-oriented Solution Reduce shutdowns Improve productivity/efficiency Fast return on investment Fully Automated High productivity Continuous belt operation Real-time laboratory Fully automated chemical analysis Laboratory-quality measurements