Mine to Market - April 2009

ISSUE 96 : 1
minetomarket
ISSUE 96 : APRIL 2009
Xstrata receives Most Interactive Display award
Shave for a Cure a success
Cloncurry gets water-wise
Water recycling at Townsville port
2 : mine to market
WELCOME
Steve de Kruijff
Kevin Hendry
As I’m sure you’ll all aware, the global economic slowdown has seen some
strengthening in commodity prices in the past month. Xstrata’s focus is on sustaining
production and reducing capital expenditure projects. We will continue to work on
identifying opportunities and synergies to significantly reduce our cost base and help
ensure our north Queensland operations remain sustainable.
We are very proud to have received the Most Interactive Display Award at the 2009
Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo held in March and we thank our internal Expo
committee and all of our volunteers for their hard work in making our stand a great
success. It was pleasing to see so many exhibitors showcasing local businesses and
demonstrating support in strengthening the mining and tourism industries in the
Mount Isa region. For more details on this year’s Expo, please refer to page four.
Congratulations to all those involved from Mount Isa Mines and Ernest Henry Mining
operations who helped to raise a combined total of over $36,000 in the Leukaemia
Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. To read more about our fundraising initiatives
please refer to page eight.
Xstrata North Queensland’s site and divisional sustainability reports are progressively
being released during April and May. To view the sustainability reports please visit the
Xstrata intranet or the Xstrata website: www.xstrata.com/publications.
We look forward to bringing you further updates on our operations next month and
invite you all to attend the upcoming community information sessions being held in
Townsville, Cloncurry and Mount Isa over the following months. Please refer to the
calendar of events on the back cover for more details.
XSTRATA STOCK PRICE
Xstrata is listed on the London
and Zurich stock exchanges.
As at 23 April 2009 the
Xstrata share price on the
London Stock Exchange (XTA.L)
was 5.25 (GBp).
With the arrival of the cooler weather and mid-year almost upon us, we look forward
to many exciting events taking place in the north west region in the upcoming
months. These include the Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo in August, of which
Xstrata is once again proud to be the naming rights sponsor, the Cloncurry Merry
Muster in July and Bowen Show in June. Also in June we look forward to celebrating
Q150 events in the region with the official opening of the Family Fun Park and arrival
of the Q150 steam train to Mount Isa on 6 June. For more details on Q150 events visit
www.celebrateisa.com.au.
The upcoming public holiday long weekends are timely reminders for those of us
travelling to remain focused on road safety. On site, your safety is to remain a top
priority and we ask for your continued cooperation in the area of hygiene monitoring.
FRONT COVER
Christina McKinally,
Environmental Advisor, Xstrata Zinc.
CONTACT THE EDITOR
Input from all Xstrata North
Queensland operations is invited.
Any articles, innovations,
achievements, ideas or suggestions
are very welcome.
Please contact Catherine Peters,
Community Relations on
email: [email protected]
or phone: 4744 3140.
STEVE DE KRUIJFF
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Xstrata Copper North Queensland
KEVIN HENDRY
EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER
Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa
ISSUE 96 : 3
Great results at the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival Triathlon
Mike Westerman – EHM’s General
Manager, Vicki Wilson – Senior Community
Relations Advisor, and Lil Howarth –
Environmental Advisor, also competed in
the event, finishing fifth in two hours and
10 minutes.
Congratulations to the Ernest Henry Mining
(EHM) teams who entered into this year’s
Dirt and Dust Triathlon. Two of the three
teams placed in the corporate team division
of the event.
Held from 3 to 5 April, the Julia Creek Dirt
and Dust Festival is one of EHM’s partners
under the Xstrata Community Partnership
Program North Queensland (XCPPNQ).
The triathlon was held on 4 April as part
of the annual festival and involved an
800 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike ride and
a five kilometre run.
Anna O’Rourke, Dan Buckley, Cam
McClymont, Jules Blunt, Ben Robinson and
Matt Hasted celebrate their success in the
Dirt and Dust Triathlon at the races.
Dan Buckley – Survey Mine Technician,
Anna O’Rourke – Mining Engineer Medium
Term Planning, and Cam McClymont –
Mechanical Apprentice, finished second
in a time of one hour and 33 minutes.
Ben Robinson – Concentrator Safety
Advisor, Brian Webb – Superintendent
Magnetite Process Interface Engineer,
and Matthew Hasted – Electrical
Technician, placed third in a time of
one hour and 39 minutes.
EHM employees were also successful in
the individual sections of the triathlon too.
Bill Robinson – Senior Mine Maintenance
Supervisor, placed second in the 45 to
49 year age group while Jules Blunt –
Environment Superintendent, placed third
in the 30 to 34 years category. Greg Walker
– Mine Production Superintendent, placed
ninth in the 25 to 29 years section.
Congratulations also to Xstrata Copper’s
Anthea Barrow who placed second in her
category with an impressive time of 1:40:57
while Michael Holmes, General Manager
MICO, came in second place in his category
with a time of 1:43:05
Dan Buckley completes the 20km bike leg in
the Dirt and Dust Triathlon in 52:57 minutes.
Copper Smelter receives a face lift
The hill face before rehabilitation.
The teams from Xstrata Copper’s Ernest
Henry Mining (EHM) and the copper smelter
at Mount Isa Mines shared their expertise in a
recent project to enhance the visual
appearance and outlook of the area
surrounding the smelter.
The hill face to the north west of the smelter
was deteriorating and had remnants of
previous smelting process structures that
had been partly demolished many years ago.
The condition of the hill face was unstable,
potentially unsafe, and in need
of a face lift.
The hill face after rehabilitation.
The main aims for the project were to
eliminate loose material that may dislodge
over time as a result of stormwater and
cascade into the working area below,
thereby eliminating the safety risk, and
achieve a good tidy-up of the bank.
Ryan Turner – EHM Mine Manager, was able
to provide a recommendation of a way
forward to enhance the area and
coordination of the project was carried
out by John McGuffin – Civil/Structural
Superintendent, at Mount Isa Mines.
A detailed methodology was developed
and experienced personnel and resources
were made available from Ryan’s team to
execute the works.
To ensure that the project was completed in a
safe manner, all staff involved in the project
participated in a series of detailed risk
assessments and site inspections, ensuring
that all aspects of the project were covered
and all issues were addressed prior to
commencement on site.
A dozer and excavator were used to clean up
the area before a large weighted chain (which
is standard equipment at EHM) was dragged
across the hill face by the dozer to remove any
loose debris and smooth out the surface.
As EHM conducts work of this nature on a
regular basis, a request was made for the
services of EHM Operator, Dave ‘Toby’
Bolton, who was able to complete the work
safely and efficiently.
By using Xstrata’s equipment and expertise,
the project costs were able to be kept to a
minimum to ensure that the work was
completed within budget. As is evidenced in
the photographs, the final outcome produced
a safe, quality, cost effective and time
efficient project with a much improved look.
The copper smelter would like to thank Dave,
John and Ryan for making their experienced
resources available and for achieving such a
fine result.
Thank you Brett Harries for your contribution
4 : mine to market
Xstrata wins Most Interactive
Display award at 2009 Mining Expo
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines proudly accepted the Most
Interactive Display award for the second consecutive year
at the 2009 Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo.
This year, a committee of volunteers from across the
copper and zinc operations (led by the Community
Relations team) pooled their expertise and ideas to help
make this year’s stand the best to date.
Over 800 students from Mount Isa and Cloncurry schools
were invited along to visit the Xstrata stand. An array of
hands-on activities allowed children to learn more about
our operations and various roles within the mining
industry.
three of Xstrata’s community partners from the Xstrata
Community Partnership Program North Queensland
including Queensland Health’s Mount Isa Diabetes Clinic,
North West Wildlife Carers Group and Arilla Indigenous
Women’s Paper Mill who provided paper making
demonstrations.
The Environmental department proved extremely popular
this year with biodiversity and water sampling activities.
Results of the Lead Pathways Study Phase 1 were available
and members of our environment team were on hand to
answer questions.
Black and yellow were the dominant colours of the
Xstrata stand with the launch of BSafe campaign.
Following on from the success of last year, the Xstrata
Our colourful BSafe mascot greeted visitors to the display
stand included a detailed display showing the various
while our Health and Safety team introduced our BSafe
stages of our mining processes
initiative to the community which
from the exploration stage
included a colouring-in and
Ian Brown and Brian Isaac man
through to our finished products.
Xstrata’s historical mining display at
‘name the bee’ competition.
A geology camp was set up to
the Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo.
demonstrate the work
It was a battle of the sexes over
undertaken by our exploration
at the Mines Rescue display with
team. This led to a hands-on
a girls vs boys playoff in the
display of our mineral processing
mechanical advantage
operations including a mini
demonstration using a tug of war
flotation cell and footage of
scenario. Our real-life heroes also
anode casting at the copper
re-enacted some of the safety
smelter. Life-size samples of our
and training drills and fitness
finished products of copper
tests they regularly undertake,
anode, copper cathode and lead
proving popular with students
bullion were also on display.
and spectators alike.
In celebration of a milestone year,
the 85th Anniversary of the
establishment of Mount Isa
Mines, an air-conditioned, historical mining museum was
constructed and manned by some of our own ‘living
legends’ who provided information and stories about
Mount Isa’s early years. Visitors were invited to come and
take a journey back in time and discover our rich history.
Pictures, historical mining equipment, and personal
artifacts of John Campbell Miles were among the items
on display.
This year, Xstrata introduced a sustainable development
stand involving the Community Relations, Environment
and Health and Safety departments. The Community
Relations display provided information about Xstrata’s
Corporate Social Involvement program and showcased
A hands-on, fully operational
display of the Xstrata Skills
Centre showcasing the Xstrata
Apprenticeship Program once again enabled students to
try their hand at different trades and learn more about a
career as a tradesperson.
Human Resources representatives were also available at
the Xstrata career booth to provide advice on career paths
into the mining industry
Thank you to everyone on the committee and all of our
volunteers who helped to make this year’s display the best
to date! A special thank you also to employees and
members of the Mount Isa community who contributed
either their time or personal memorabilia to help create
our very special historical display
ISSUE 96 : 5
6 : mine to market
RHF slag treatment campaign a success at EHM
Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) will begin its
second Rotary Holding Furnace (RHF) slag
treatment campaign for the year following
its next planned shut-down in early May.
RHF slag is a by-product produced during
the smelting process at the Mount Isa
copper smelter. It contains up to 3%
copper so is usually treated through the
Mount Isa copper concentrator to recover
additional metal.
RHF Slag in the flotation stages
of the concentrating process
at the EHM Concentrator.
The copper smelter produces more slag
than the Mount Isa copper concentrator
can treat, so EHM will conduct three slag
treatment campaigns this year as part of
a project to reduce Work In Progress
stocks for Xstrata Copper in North
Queensland. The project will also allow
EHM to fully utilise its mill capacity,
increasing metal outputs for 2009.
The first slag treatment campaign took
place in February and involved around
341,000 tonnes of slag. The slag was
transported to EHM by truck over a four
month period from November last year.
It was stockpiled before being processed
through the EHM Concentrator over
four weeks.
EHM’s Concentrator Manager, John
Twomey, says the first slag treatment
campaign was a huge success.
“We achieved more metal than
we’d planned in the first campaign,
producing 5,800 tonnes of copper and
1,900 ounces of gold,” he said.
“The second campaign will run for
around two weeks in May and we’ve
scheduled the third campaign for
December”
Work Hardening Structures
A holistic approach to Injury
Management has been developed for
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines employees
to support a safe and sustainable
return to work.
Collaboration between Xstrata and
Mount Isa Physiotherapy led to the
development of a Work Hardening
Centre at the Mount Isa Physiotherapy
clinic. Anthony Kocken, General
Manager Mining – Xstrata Zinc, Helen
Poyzer – Health and Medical Services
Superintendent, and David Rose,
Physiotherapist/Ergonomist – Mount Isa
Physiotherapy/Ergofix, were the main
drivers in making available more
specialised rehabilitation tailored to suit
the mining industry.
The Work Hardening Centre is the first
specialised assessment and industrial
rehabilitation facility in Queensland.
It provides ergonomic functional
assessment of job roles and
individualised, job-specific rehabilitation
to industrial workers, specifically within
the mining industry. It mimics specific
job roles while providing real work
demands, with similar climatic
conditions and builds work fitness.
This specialised rehabilitation integrates
a risk management approach into
manual tasks and prepares workers
to enter or return to physically
demanding tasks.
The centre also has the capacity
to be utilised as a task-specific
pre-employment assessment in which
job applicant’s biomechanical ability to
perform key physical demands or roles
are observed before they enter the
workplace.
The Xstrata Skills Centre has made a
sizable contribution in the development
of the new Work Hardening Structure.
Boilermaker and fitter apprentices
developed an innovative approach to
recycling and fitting out an old mucker
2900 cabin, fabricated infrastructure
ladders and constructed the walking
platform to simulate uneven and
broken ground.
“The Work Hardening Centre with the
newly commissioned structures is
another positive step towards improved
health and safety for our employees,”
said Anthony Kocken.
Thank you David Rose, Physiotherapist/
Ergonomist – Mount Isa Physiotherapy/
Ergofix, for your contribution
Vance Martin carries an electrical cable
over uneven ground.
From left to right: David Rose,
Physiotherapist/Ergonomist – Mount Isa
Physiotherapy/Ergofix, Anthony Kocken,
Helen Poyzer, Ron Eastburn, and Vance
Martin, with refurbished mucker
2900 cabin.
ISSUE 96 : 7
Cloncurry gets water-wise
Close to 600 Cloncurry residents
are now more water-wise thanks
to a Queensland Government
initiative called the Cloncurry
Waterwise Service.
The free service ran for four weeks
and provided residents with a
one hour consultation with a
licensed plumber who installed
water friendly shower heads,
checked for leaks, made toilets more
water efficient, and provided advice
on how to conserve water.
Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) took
part in the program, arranging for
the service to be taken up by
employees living in the houses it
owns in town. EHM also gained
permission to roll out the program
in its rental houses, and worked to
promote the service on site to all
employees.
“We’re proud to have been
associated with this initiative
because it promotes sustainable
water use in Cloncurry,” said Mike
Westerman – General Manager EHM.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have
a wonderful wet season this year,
but it’s important we work to
conserve water for the future”
Looking inside EHM’s Emergency Response
Vehicle before its $65,000 refurbishment.
Peter Free – plumber from the Cloncurry Waterwise
Service, installs a new water efficient shower head
for Jorge Bugueno – Geotechnical Engineer at EHM.
A look inside the upgraded
Emergency Response Vehicle.
EHM’s Emergency
Response Vehicle
gets a make over
EHM’s Emergency Response
Vehicle has recently undergone a
$65,000 refurbishment.
The vehicle now has improved
suspension so it can better
handle driving in the pit and
underground. It has also been
fitted with internal and external
lighting, a satellite phone and a
new $10,000 stretcher.
The stretcher, known as a Stryker
M1 Rugged Roll-in, can carry up
to 228 kg and is more robust and
user-friendly than what was
previously being used.
“The way it’s arranged will make
it easier to treat a patient
because there are now two
oxygen ports for suction and
administration and the cabinets
are within better reach,” said
Paul Bealing – Safety and
Emergency Advisor at EHM
8 : mine to market
Shave for a Cure
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has once again placed in the
nationwide rankings as a top fundraiser for the Leukaemia
Foundation’s annual Shave for a Cure challenge.
The lead smelter team sent a challenge to the copper
smelter team in a ‘battle-off’ to see who could raise the
most money. The lead smelter raised over $2,140 through
a bare foot bowls competition, barbecues and shaves,
money boards, and raffles, while the copper smelter and
bulk products logistics team just managed to tip the lead
smelter’s total to raise $2,369.
As a site, Mount Isa Mines raised a combined total of
$30,128 and is currently sitting in sixth position in the
nationwide rankings. This year the zinc division challenged
the copper division to beat their total
from 2008. Copper rose to the
GFM’s Cameron Moore
challenge to raise $15,980, narrowly
braves the hot wax.
beating zinc’s total of $14,148.
Mount Isa Copper Operations (MICO)
dug deep with their fundraising
efforts, which ranged from barbecues
and shaves to a series of morning teas
selling home baked muffins and
cookies, to raise an impressive $5,355.
John Loader – Manager Mine
Production and a die hard NSW
supporter, even coloured his hair
maroon and wore a Queensland jersey
for an entire day to raise $500 for MICO.
Over at engineering services, several barbecues and
shaves were held and colleagues of Ron Gurd – High
Voltage Maintenance Supervisor, contributed $710 to see
him shave his head.
Crowds gathered at Central Office to witness makeover
magic as our Chief Operating Officer for Xstrata Copper
North Queensland – Steve de Kruijff, shaved off his beard,
raising $600 towards the cause.
A combined fundraising effort
between GFM’s Cameron Moore
– Planning Engineer, and Matt Breen
– Mine Planner (and campaign
manager for Cameron) raised an
impressive $2,235 for Cameron to
shave his head and wax his legs.
Alex Farrar – Graduate Geologist, also
raised $1,078 and this, combined with
barbecues, raffles and donations,
brought the GFM total to $4,802.
Black Star Open Cut mine held a
month-long fundraising campaign
with activities ranging from a ‘hotdog
day’ to a ‘pancake day’ and a ‘cupcake day,’ boosting
their total to over $2,650.
The zinc-lead concentrator had another successful year.
The bacon burgers and pizzas went down a treat for the
staff during a shave-off at the Mill Office which brought
their total to $4,227.
Congratulations to all departments and to everyone who
participated in raising vital funds for this worthy cause
EHM raises close to $6,000 for Shave for a Cure
The second event was held on
Wednesday 18 March. Rod Emery –
Mine Surveyor, and Anna O’Rourke –
Mining Engineer Medium Term Planning,
had their heads shaved while Julie
Hogan – Travel Coordinator, and Davinia
Passi – Administration
Assistant, both coloured their hair.
Two boilermakers from Hastings
Deering – Joe Laucirica and Michael
Todd – raised big bucks by having their
eyebrows, underarms and chests waxed.
EHM held two Shave for a Cure events
at the village in March raising $5,801 for
the Leukaemia Foundation. While seven
people registered to take part officially,
others jumped in at the last minute,
shaving their heads and waxing to
smash the site’s goal of raising $2,500.
The first shave and colour night was
held on Wednesday 11 March and the
following people left with new
hairstyles: Matt Walters – Safety and
Emergency Advisor, Kieran Bibby – Plant
Metallurgist, Brian Dwyer – Inventory
Controller, Des Marriot – Drill and Blast
Coordinator, Malcom Symons and
Maurice “Mozza” Camiller – Drillers.
Stephen Tootell – Head Chef for Sodexo,
even shaved his goatee for the first time
in eight years.
The Leukaemia Foundation will use the
money raised to provide care and
support to patients and families living
with leukaemias, lymphomas, myelomas
and related blood disorders
EHM’s Trae McGovern shaves
Anna O’Rourke’s head.
ISSUE 96 : 9
10 : mine to market
Remote soil moisture monitors installed for bio-fuel trial at EHM
In the March edition of Mine to Market
we profiled a new bio-fuel trial that’s
being conducted by a company called
Australian PhytoFuel on the Ernest Henry
Mining (EHM) term lease.
Six monitors were installed throughout
the trial area on 25 March so soil
moisture around the Pongamia Oil Trees
(mellittia pinnata) in the plantation can
now be monitored remotely.
Each monitor will record data from six
probes that are inserted in the ground at
various depths, before transmitting the
information every hour to a hub unit
located on a nearby fence.
Australian PhytoFuel Chief
Executive Officer, Marshall
Mackay, tests the soil
moisture monitor that was
installed at EHM’s Pongamia
Oil Tree trial site on 25 March.
Marshall Mackay – Chief Executive Officer
for Australian PhytoFuel, says the data
can be accessed by phone from
anywhere.
“We’ll dial in to download the data by
mobile signal once a week from
Brisbane,” said Mr Mackay.
“We’ll monitor soil moisture levels around
the trees for the first two years of the
trial and we’ll also conduct root growth
measurements twice a year to monitor
how fast the trees’ roots are growing.
“This will help us to know when the trees
require supplementary watering and it
will allow us to develop a model showing
soil moisture requirements for Pongamia
Oil Trees in the Cloncurry area,” he said.
Mr Mackay says he’s hoping to install two
cameras on the data hub in coming
months so they can also receive images
of the trees remotely
EHM wins inaugural Bedpan Cup Relay
EHM’s ‘Miner Emergency’ team claimed
victory in the Bedpan Cup Relay held at
Cloncurry’s Mary Kathleen Park as part of
Curry Day on 15 March.
The relay was held to raise funds for the
Cloncurry Hospital Auxiliary and EHM
donated prizes for the event. Each team
had to estimate how long it would take
for all four members to travel 50 metres
each and the team that finished closest to
its predicted time, won.
‘Miner Emergency’ guessed it would take
one minute and 13 seconds to complete
the course but did it in one minute and
12 seconds. The team was made up of
Ryan Turner – Mining Manager, Kirstin
Westerman – Casual Relief Nurse, Clay
Taylor – Technical Services Manager, and
Bill Robinson – Senior Mine Maintenance
Supervisor. Their team name will be
engraved on the bedpan trophy
which will be displayed at the hospital.
EHM entered a second team into the
relay called ‘Butterfly Express’ consisting
of Julie Hogan, Jenna Graham, Davinia
Passi, and Vicki Wilson
EHM’s ‘Miner Emergency’ team with the coveted bedpan trophy they
received after winning the Cloncurry Hospital Auxiliary Bedpan Cup.
ISSUE 96 : 11
Employee profiles
Marci Dixon
Alan Richardson
Tracey McKenna
Safety Training &
Administration Superintendent,
Black Star open cut
Mine Services Superintendent,
Ernest Henry Mining
Document Control/Project
Administration – Technology,
Townsville copper refinery
Birthplace: Toowoomba.
Birthplace: Atherton,
north Queensland.
Birthplace: Townsville.
Birthplace: Buckinghamshire, UK.
Years with Xstrata: 3 months.
Years with Xstrata: 18 months.
My Role at Xstrata involves:
Organisation, storage and retrieval
of project data.
My role at Xstrata involves:
Using geological, geochemical and
geophysical techniques to explore
the Mount Isa – Cloncurry area for
economic copper deposits.
Years with Xstrata: Four.
My Role at Xstrata involves:
Developing and maintaining safety,
training and admin systems.
Strengths: Ambition to succeed.
Weaknesses: Shoe shopping...
actually any kind of shopping!
Family: I have two gorgeous
daughters.
Favourite TV show/movie:
Packed to the Rafters/
The Note Book.
Holiday destination of my
dreams: Africa.
Five celebrities I would like
to invite to dinner: Pink, Shemar
Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, and Patsy
and Edina from Ab Fab.
If I could change something,
it would be: My addiction to Ebay.
Wish for the future: To be able
to spend more time with my mum
and dad.
Years with Xstrata: 10.
My Role at Xstrata involves:
Drilling, blasting, dewatering and
contractor management
Strengths: Honest and
dependable.
Weaknesses: Eating too much
since giving up smoking.
Family: My wife Alison, son Kyle
and daughter Jess.
Favourite TV show/movie:
Shawshank Redemption.
Holiday destination of my
dreams: Exploring the Kimberly
region.
Five celebrities I would like to
invite to dinner: Billy Connelly,
Malcolm Douglas, Wally Lewis,
Lance Armstrong and Rick
Charlesworth.
If I could change something,
it would be: Health issues for
some of my family members.
Strengths: Flexible attitude to
change.
Weaknesses: Sparkling wine.
Family: I have one sister in the Isa
and the rest of the family are here
in Townsville.
Favourite TV show/movie:
Brothers and Sisters/Mentalist.
Holiday destination of my
dreams: Australia!
Five celebrities I would like to
invite to dinner: John Travolta,
Susan Sarandon, Glenn McGrath,
Bryce Courtenay, and Magda
Szubanski.
If I could change something,
it would be: Cruelty to humans
and animals.
Wish for the future: Healthy,
wealthy and wise.
Wish for the future: Health,
wealth and happiness for my family
and friends.
Richard Lilly
Exploration Geologist,
Exploration (Strategic Planning)
Strengths: Talking about rocks,
rocking out on the drum kit.
Weaknesses: Being a pommie,
cricket, beer.
Family: My wonderful wife Cathy,
son Matthew (3) and daughter
Abigail (1).
Favourite TV show/movie:
Team America, Hot Fuzz, Scrubs,
South Park.
Holiday destination of my
dreams: Just about anywhere
in Australia.
Five celebrities I would like to
invite to dinner: Dave Grohl,
James Hetfield, Flea, Gordon
Ramsay and Eddie Izzard.
If I could change something,
it would be: More holidays.
Wish for the future: To have a
happy family.
Water recycling at the Port
Xstrata’s Townsville port operations minimises
consumption of town water wherever possible
and maximises recycled water. An initiative
completed in early 2009 which reflects this
was the installation of a 45 kilolitre tank and
pump system in the western yard at the
Townsville port operations.
The tank allows for storage of captured
stormwater that is then recycled
through the washdown water network. This
network is used to regularly hose down areas
around site which in turn results in an overall
improvement in stormwater quality.
Water storage tank at port operations.
Hose down water is also collected in the
sumps prior to being treated for reuse.
The addition of the 45 kilolitre tank is highly
beneficial to the site because not only does it
reduce consumption of town water, it also
increases the capacity for stormwater to be
captured during significant downpours.
In 2008, approximately 1 megalitre of water
was recycled at the port operations which was
a 46% increase from 2007. With the new tank
and pump system installed, it is anticipated
that the amount of water recycled will be even
greater this year.
Thank you Joel Anderson for your
contribution
12 : mine to market
Is your waistline wreaking
havoc with your heart?
Overweight and obesity have reached
epidemic proportions in Australia, along with
many other countries. In 2005, 7.4 million
people aged 18 years and over (54% of
the adult population) were classified as
overweight or obese. This was an increase
from 5.4 million adults (45% of the adult
population) in 1995. These statistics indicate
that levels of overweight and obesity are
rising steadily; a worrying trend considering
excess body weight is a risk factor for
cardiovascular disease (CVD) in addition to
a wide range of other health conditions,
such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and some
cancers. CVD is the term used for diseases of
the heart and blood vessels, which cause
heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. It
affects nearly one in five Australians and is
the leading cause of death and disability.
A healthy BMI for an adult is between 20
and 25. Adults with a BMI between 26 and
30 are classified as overweight, while those
with a BMI greater than 30 are considered to
be obese.
An even better predictor of heart disease risk
is waist circumference, which indicates the
level of internal fat deposits that coat the
heart and other vital organs including the
liver, kidneys and pancreas. The waistline
should be measured at the point midway
between your lowest rib and your hipbone,
roughly in line with your belly button.
The following guidelines can be used to
determine your risk of heart disease and
other chronic illnesses from your waistline
measurement:
How does excess body weight
affect my heart?
Research has shown a strong link between
excess body weight and CVD. Indirectly,
overweight and obesity can cause CVD
through increasing the prevalence of other
risk factors, such as high blood pressure,
type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Studies have also shown a direct relationship
between the level of overweight and obesity
and the degree of myocardial (heart muscle)
dysfunction, independent of other risk
factors for CVD.
How do I know if I’m at
increased risk?
Overweight and obesity are most commonly
defined using body mass index (BMI),
which is a simple index of weight-to-height.
You can calculate your BMI using the
following equation:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m)2
For example, if you weigh 65 kilograms, and
your height is 1.67 metres, the calculation is
as follows:
BMI= 65 ÷ (1.67 × 1.67)
= 23.3 (healthy weight)
MEDICAL
Increased risk
Men: 94 cm or more
Women: 80 cm or more
For more information
on assessing and reducing
your risk of CVD, contact
the following:
Gemini Medical Centre
07 4744 2242
National Heart Foundation
www.heartfoundation.org.au
or 1300 362 787
How do you measure up?
www.measureup.gov.au
Nutrition Australia
www.nutritionaustralia.org
Healthy Active
www.healthyactive.org.au
Greatly increased risk
Men: 102 cm or more
Women: 88 cm or more
How can I reduce my risk?
Fortunately, overweight and obesity are
modifiable risk factors, and you can
significantly reduce your chances of being
affected by CVD by reducing your BMI and
weight circumference to within the normal
range. This can be achieved by following a
safe, sensible nutrition and exercise program.
There are many people who can help you
achieve your weight loss goals, including
doctors, fitness trainers, dietitians, and
therapists. With a healthy, long-term
approach to weight loss, your waist will
shrink – and your heart will thank you
Cloncurry Community Information Session
Cloncurry residents and businesses are invited to
attend the Xstrata Copper Ernest Henry Mining
community information session to be held on:
Please join us to hear an update of our operations
from General Manager Ernest Henry Mining,
Mike Westerman.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
at Cloncurry Shire Hall at 5.30pm
Light refreshments will be served.
ISSUE 96 : 13
Role models rock
Ian de Satge with Garbutt State School students.
Xstrata employee of more than 30 years,
Ian de Satge, captivated the students at
Garbutt State School on 30 March when
he volunteered to be the Books in Homes
Role Model.
Ian spoke to the student community about
how reading has provided such wonderful
opportunities in his life and showed off his
favourite childhood book, The Legends of
Moonie Jarl, written and illustrated by his
very own Auntie Olga and Uncle Wolfie.
“Books in Homes invites interesting people
from all walks of life to volunteer to be Role
Models; to inspire and encourage primary
aged students to pick up their books and
read for fun!” said Kim Kingston,
Coordinator for Books in Homes Australia.
“Promoting a love of books and the joy
that comes from reading and imagining the
magic of a good story is something that
lasts a lifetime!,” said Kim.
All the children and staff at Garbutt State
School sincerely thank Ian and Xstrata
for their support and funding for
the Books in Homes initiative through
the Xstrata Community Partnership
Program North Queensland
Xstrata employees celebrate their anniversaries
Celebrating 20 Years
Back row from left to right:
Steve de Kruijff – Chief Operating Officer
Xstrata Copper North Queensland, Peter
Ferguson, Steve Jenje, Reggie Nardoo and
Peter Lane – Copper Mine Maintenance
Manager.
Front row from left to right:
Buck Rodgers, John Loader – Manager
Mine Production, and Barry Merrick.
Celebrating 30 Years
From left to right:
John Loader – Manager Mine Production,
Judi Pauza and Steve de Kruijff – Chief
Operating Officer Xstrata Copper North
Queensland.
14 : mine to market
A day in the life of a mine geologist
The five geologists at Black Star open cut
(BSOC) zinc-lead mine ensure the quality
supply and movement of ore everyday.
Jacinta uses green flagging
tape to delineate the ore.
These tasks may include core logging/
sample inspection, ore spotting, face
mapping and interpreting geological
data. One of the more important
responsibilities of a mine geologist at
BSOC is grade control. Grade Control is
the delineation of ore material and waste
material. This ore classification is
completed prior to each blast and is
a detailed process.
Jacinta Ogilvie has been working as a
mine geologist at BSOC mine for over
two years. In 2007, Jacinta commenced
Xstrata’s two-year Graduate Program,
after having completed a Bachelor of
Science with Honours in Geology at
Monash University.
Jacinta works a nine days on – five days
off roster. A typical day sees her starting
at 5:45am ready for a 6.00am morning
inspection which takes around an hour.
This inspection involves driving around
BSOC pit and examining active mine
areas, including dig faces and drill
patterns. This gives the geologists an
overview of what has happened
overnight and an expectation of what
will happen throughout the day. This
daily task orientates the geologists and
allows Jacinta and her co-workers to
prioritise their duties.
Like all geologists at BSOC, Jacinta has a
strong knowledge of various computer
software programs and in particular is
proficient in MineSight 3D (a 3D
modelling program) and Acquire (a
geological database) which are two
programs that Xstrata geologists use
on a daily basis.
There are different challenges between
an underground geologist and an open
pit geologist. Compared to an
underground operation, an open pit
geologist sees the ore body differently
as the ore can be more widely mapped
however once exposed, cannot be
referred to later as it is mined out when
the pit progresses.
The inspection includes an inspection of
the ROM (Run of Mill). The ROM is
where ore from the pit is sent before
being crushed and sent to the Heavy
Medium Plant. Jacinta estimates
stockpile tonnages at the ROM and also
at the Star Gully stockpile terminal.
The Star Gully stockpile terminal contains
ore that has been transported from
George Fisher Mine along the haul road.
Following the morning inspection Jacinta
attends the 7:00am daily Positive
Attitude Safety System (PASS) meeting
involving all technical services such as
geologists, engineers and voids
personnel. A technical services PASS
meeting involves a dedicated discussion
on how to work around voids as voids
awareness is an important part of
working at BSOC.
mine geologist. After this Jacinta and her
co-workers perform their other tasks
based on the requirements of each day.
Jacinta uses MineSight 3D to conduct
a geological interpretation of a grade
control mark out.
At 7:30am the daily production meeting
commences and involves representatives
from most departments at BSOC. In this
meeting participants discuss what
happened overnight and what is the
plan for all pit operations for that day.
ROM, which was calculated during the
morning inspection. Confirmation of the
stockpiles at GFM and a forecast of what
GFM will be trucking in on the haul road
are presented. This daily reconciliation
allows the geologists to determine how
much ore is available as mill feed, how
much ore is required to keep the HMP
producing metal, and the blend ratio
(the ratio of ore from BSOC and ore
from GFM that will ensure the
concentrator receives maximum recovery
of the ore).
At 9:15am the daily ROM management
meeting or ‘Ore Call’ commences.
In this meeting, geologists present a
spreadsheet depicting all updated figures
of the ore stock from the pit and on the
At 10:00am Jacinta emails out the
meeting figures in the ROM
management spreadsheet to all
concerned parties, which brings an end
to the routine and structured day of a
Although most geologists would like to
spend more time outdoors in practical
hands-on activities, the ratio of time
spent in the office to the time spent
outdoors is around 50:50 depending on
the demands of each particular day.
Ask Jacinta what she loves most about
her job and she will tell you it’s the
communication and interaction with her
colleagues. “I love working with such a
diverse range of people and I continually
challenge myself to communicate
effectively with my peers, supervisors,
managers and operators,” said Jacinta.
Jacinta also loves the fast paced working
environment of the open pit and
working towards deadlines. “There is
always the possibility that something
unplanned could happen and although
plans are made it is challenging to
anticipate everything. Reacting quickly is
critical to ensuring the instantaneous
recovery of ore and to avoid ore loss,”
she says
ISSUE 96 : 15
My colleagues don’t know this, but...
Jessica Zappala
Yvette Griggs
Vicki Wilson
Barry (Baz) Merrick
Human Resources Advisor,
Townsville
Graduate Electrical Engineer,
GFM
Senior Community Relations
Advisor, EHM
Senior Technical Advisor
(Electrical), MICO
My colleagues don’t know
this, but I fell out of the window
of my parents’ high set house
when I was two… and walked
away without a broken bone!
My colleagues don’t know
this, but I was featured in the
2008 edition of the book,
“Who’s Who of Queensland”.
My colleagues don’t know
this, but I speak conversational
French.
My colleagues don’t know
this, but my ‘Roadtrains in
Action’ photo album is rated 16th
in the photo site Webshots.com in
the Trucks category and overall
my truck albums are rated at 39th
out of 7,800.
My favourite food is hard to
pick (I don’t want to offend the
Texas T-Bone!). I’ll give anything
a go once!
I drive a SS Holden Commodore.
The person I most admire is
my Dad.
In my spare time I try to fit in as
much family and friend time as I
can… between the housework.
My favourite food is Oysters
Kilpatrick.
I drive a Mazda Astina 323.
The person I most admire is
my 84 year-old grandmother.
In my spare time I play violin,
sew and watch Doctor Who.
My pet hate is incorrectly placed
apostrophes.
I can’t live without my iPhone.
My favourite food is almost
anything, but especially medium
rare steak and caramel
cappuccinos (but not together!).
I drive a silver Honda CRV.
The person I most admire is
my fiancé Cam who’s always
calm and never angry.
In my spare time I read, watch
DVDs, sing loudly, exercise and
lately I’ve been busy wedding
planning.
My pet hate is dirty dishes left in
the sink.
My pet hates are dishonesty
and laziness.
I can’t live without my family
and friends.
I can’t live without good music
and hugs from loved ones.
My favourite food is roast leg of
lamb cooked in a Webber kettle
with roast spuds and vegetables.
I drive a Nissan Maxima
The person I most admire is my
wife Lauren for her community
work over the past 15 years.
In my spare time I enjoy digital
photography.
My pet hate is green salads
being replaced with rice and
pasta salads.
I can’t live without Glennfiddich
single malt whisky.
How will you be remembered?
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention
Month and it comes with a very powerful
message – how you behave makes memories
– what will your story be?
Throughout the year the Mount Isa Domestic
and Family Violence Action group has been
working to ensure that the message of
awareness and prevention of family violence
reaches our communities, and the month of
May is dedicated to reinforcing these messages
and informing our community of the resources
available to both victims and perpetrators.
This year the theme is How you behave makes
memories – what will your story be?
This powerful message encourages everyone to
think about their relationships and consider how
others will remember you. In particular children
are very susceptible to family violence and living
with violence or fear can have a significant long
term effects on children, both emotionally and
behaviourally.
Throughout May, the community will have an
opportunity to think about how they
communicate with their partner and family, and
consider the memories they’re leaving behind
with their children.
Community activities will include a street march
on 16 May in Mount Isa to raise awareness of
the issues surrounding family violence and a
community breakfast at Towns Leagues Club on
the 30 May. There will also be local media
around the issue and local BBQs across our
region.
Everyone can play a role in raising awareness
about this important issue and May is a great
time to reflect on your own family
communication strategies and to look for ways
to improve communication within your family.
For more information about domestic and family
violence and the Mount Isa Domestic and Family
Violence Action Group:
visit http://www.nqdvrs.org.au/
or contact Catherine Devine for the Mount Isa
Domestic and Family Violence Action Group
on 4743 0946.
Xstrata and the Department of
Communities – Domestic and
Family Violence Prevention Perpetrator
Program and support staff
In early 2008 the Xstrata Community
Partnership Program Queensland (XCPPQ)
committed to a partnership with the
Queensland Department of Communities to
deliver a domestic and family violence
prevention perpetrator program in the
Mount Isa region, and enhance prevention
services in the Emerald region.
As a result of this partnership the North
Queensland Domestic Violence Resource
Service has employed a male worker to assist
and support men who are both perpetrators
and victims of Domestic and Family Violence
If you require assistance,
information or support to deal with
Domestic and Family Violence:
In an emergency – Police 000
Mt Isa Police – 4744 1111
North Queensland Domestic Violence
Resource Service – 4743 0946
Centacare Family Services – 4743 4449
Lifeline – 131 114
24hr telephone support lines
Domestics and Family Violence
Women’s line – 1800 811 811
Domestic and Family Violence
Men’s line – 1800 600 636
16 : mine to market
Classifieds
For sale
Brand New Double Carport with
Gable Roof – 5920 x 5920. Still in
original packaging. Bought new for
$3,750. Will sell for $3,000 ONO.
Ph 0411 478 599 or 4743 7803.
Explorer DC56lt, separate fridge/
freezer compartments. AC power
adapter, $1,000 ono. Ph 4742 1134.
PHOTO COMPETITION
Employees from Townsville Copper
Refinery and Port Operations, Bowen
Coke Works, EHM and Mount Isa
Mines only are invited to list items for
sale. Please contact your community
relations department for the
classifieds form.
All submissions are due to the Editor
by the 3rd business day of each month.
Mine to Market will not accept any
commercial advertising notices.
Congratulations to
Water Distribution Supervisor Steve
Vidler and Gemini Medical Nurse Sue
Burton on their recent engagement.
Congratulations to Kapil Gohel who
correctly guessed last month’s photo
competition was part of a bearing in a
motor from page 14
Peter Christian (Strategic Mine
Planning) and Anna White on their
recent engagement.
Calendar
May
2-4Gregory Canoe Marathon
Horse Races and Bullride
4
Labour Day (public holiday)
5Normanton Show, Campdraft
and Rodeo
6New Starters Induction
(Mount Isa)
12Community Information
Session (Cloncurry)
16
Cloncurry Race Day
21Women In Mining and
Resources Qld Networking
function (Mount Isa)
22-24 AusIMM Congress (Mount Isa)
23Cloncurry and District Show
Society Diamonds and Pearls Ball
28Refinery/Port Operations –
Biggest Morning Tea in Australia
30-31 Camooweal Campdraft
June
3New Starters Induction
(Mount Isa)
6
Q150 Mount Isa celebrations
8Queen’s Birthday (public
holiday)
12Cloncurry and District
Annual Show
19Mount Isa Show
(public holiday in Mount Isa)
20-21 Gregory Campdraft
23
Bowen Show Day
26-28 Saxby Roundup
29
Townsville Show Day
July
1New Starters Induction
(Mount Isa)
3
Mount Isa Campdraft
3-5Rockhana Gem and
Mineral Festival
9-12 Stockman’s Challenge
14Community Information
Session (Mount Isa)
17
Boulia Camel Races
21Bowen Community
Information Session
22Bowen Key Stakeholder
Morning Tea
25
Quamby Rodeo
31
Cloncurry Merry Muster
Can you guess this month’s
photo competition? You will
find the answer somewhere in
this publication.
For your chance to win, email
[email protected]
before Friday 15 May.
The winner will receive a double
movie voucher and have their
name published in the next issue
of Mine to Market