UK energy developer of a combined lignite mineral resource and mine mouth power plant located in the Thar desert in the southeast of Sindh Province, Pakistan, Oracle Coalfields, has received the coal price for its thermal power project in Thar.
Based on the mine feasibility study, the price was determined by the Thar Coal and Energy Board (TCEB), the government of Sindh, at an average price of US$60.23/t for an annual production of 4 million tpy.
TCEB’s determined price is lower than the original price petitioned by the company (US$76.48/t) due to the TCEB applying lower capital and operating costs than presented in the company’s original petition.
Mine capital costs (including financing costs) reduced from US$879 million to US$673 million, as determined by the regulator.
? 70:30 debt to equity financing structure has been permitted.
On the basis of this determined coal price, Oracle will proceed to apply to the National Electricity Price Regulation Authority for an initial electricity tariff for the power plant. To ensure that the internal rate of return is sustained throughout the thirty year lifetime of the project, the Thar Coal Tariff Determination Rules 2014 (the “Rules”) allow for further coal price petitions as costs change.
Shahrukh Khan, CEO of Oracle, said: “The determination of our coal price by TCEB is an important milestone for the company and represents the latest step towards our goal of developing a producing mine capable of supplying indigenous coal. The regulated coal pricing mechanism that applies to Thar coal isolates the project from the price fluctuations of internationally traded coal and provides an element of certainty to the equity investor.”
“We thank the relevant authorities in Pakistan for their work in determining our coal price. We remain steadfast in our determination to develop a long-term sustainable solution to the acute shortage of power in Pakistan,” Khan continued. “I look forward to updating the market on further progress in due course.”
Financial close is to be achieved on or before 31 December 2016 for this feasibility stage tariff to remain valid. Oracle is confident that, if the need be, it can ask the TCEB for an extension of this date. When capital and operating costs are finalised with the mining contractor, a Contract Stage petition will be submitted so that the coal price is adjusted to maintain the allowed project internal rate of return of 20%.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
ABB has inaugurated a new customer drives test laboratory at its factory in Helsinki, Finland. The facility now enables customers to have their own motors tested with ABB’s variable speed drives (VSDs) to verify their impact on performance and energy consumption.
ABB’s new customer drives test laboratory allows customers to evaluate the capability of their own motors when operating in combination with the new generation of ABB drives. The facility comprises independent equipment for high-precision measurements of drive/motor dynamic performance, load capability and efficiency.
The test laboratory is aimed primarily at high-volume drives customers and ABB partners such as technology companies in the machine building industries and system integrators. It offers a reliable way for customers to test various motor/drive combinations before introducing a new ABB product into volume production.
”This investment really supports the process of establishing the ideal drive/motor combination and demonstrates how we can help customers test their equipment up to 400 kW with a minimum amount of effort to verify that ABB’s solution is the best choice for their application,“ explained Morten Wierod, Managing Director of ABB’s Drives and Controls business unit.
“We are dedicated to our customers and want to help them achieve the right features and performance in their applications by investing in these facilities. Being able to test the customer’s own equipment together with our drives gives them the confidence that ABB really can support our partners and customers in their day to day operations,” Wierod said.
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
Despite the US Supreme Court’s stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP), many feel the EPA’s continued effort to work with states seeking to comply with the stayed rule is having a “deleterious effect” on states. Additionally, it has been pointed out that regulatory entities are fearful that if they do not continue to plan and work toward compliance with the plan, they may not have enough time to meet the EPA’s original deadlines.
Allison Wood, a partner at Hunton & Williams LLP, testified during a US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ hearing last week that states waiting for a final ruling by the US Court of Appeals on the legality of the CPP should not be intimidated by statements that insinuate the EPA will not extend the plan’s deadlines.
“This fear effectively negates the relief provided by the stay,” Wood told the committee. “States and regulated entities should be able to rest secure in the knowledge that if the power plan is ultimately upheld, that all the deadlines will reset and that they will not have any less time to prepare than they would have had in the absence of the stay.”
The CPP is intended to help combat climate change. The EPA estimates that by enforcing a clean energy plan, the nation would become less dependent on coal and rely more on renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions levels by 32 percent of what they were in 2005 by 2030.
Although the CPP has faced tremendous resistance — with 27 states opposing the plan’s stringent regulations — more than a dozen state environmental agency officials have sought additional information and technical assistance related to CPP compliance.
Wood, who has practiced environmental law for 18 years, said that the problem is that in trying to provide additional tools to the states that want to continue to work with the EPA, the agency “ends up forcing” other states and regulated entities to work toward compliance against their will.
“For example, if EPA issues a proposed rule, which it is planning to do with the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP), states and regulated entities need to comment on the proposal or risk not having any say in the design or implementation or aspects of the power plan,” she said. “In addition, with any final rule EPA may issue, such as the Model Trading Rules, the states and regulated entities have to decide whether to litigate these rules or waive their right to judicial review.”
The CEIP is a programme that rewards states for early investments in renewable energy generation and demand-side energy efficiency measures that generate carbon-free MWh or reduce end-use energy demand during 2020 and/or 2021.
The programme gives additional allowances, or Emission Rate Credits (ERCs), to states to encourage early reductions from zero-emitting wind or solar power projects and energy efficiency projects.
The EPA has indicated that state participation in the programme is optional.
“Some states have decided to continue to work on the power plan for a variety of reasons, which they are free to do,” Wood said. “States that do not want to work on the power plan, however, should not be forced to do so – something that EPA has acknowledged.”
ExxonMobil and ENER-G have created a free guide to energy efficiency measures for the mining sector, which can be downloaded here.
The guide provides advice and practical recommendations on how managers can prioritise productivity while also saving energy. It recommends adopting an integrated energy strategy, including smart metering and control strategies, energy audits, decentralised energy generation (such as combined heat and power [CHP]), and changing to more energy-efficient lubricants.
It also offers best-practice tips on reducing energy demand in offices, factories and warehouses; summarises the financial help available for implementing energy efficient measures (such as CHP); describes how the right lubricant selection can help companies save energy; and provides guidance on legislative and regulatory compliance.
“Industrial energy bills can be reduced by as much as one fifth through simple, cost-effective measures to cut wastage,” said Chris Marsland, Technical Director for ENER-G. “The guide outlines how onsite energy generation using efficient, low-carbon technologies, such as combined heat and power, can create enormous savings. The latest research shows that inefficient energy production is costing the UK £9.5 billion per year, whereas decentralised energy production using CHP can achieve cost savings of up to 40% over electricity sourced from the grid and heat generated by onsite boilers.”
The guide also contains advice from experts at ExxonMobil on how high-performance synthetic lubricants can help companies save energy.
“High-performance lubricants, such as the Mobil SHC Gear series, can help businesses to enhance energy savings, improve productivity and provide safety benefits by cutting unscheduled maintenance,” said Andrea Jacobsen, Industrial Marketing Manager for Europe, Africa and Middle East at ExxonMobil. “The mining sector, like many other energy-intensive industries, is looking at ways to cut its energy consumption without hampering productivity. We hope this guide will help increase awareness of the important role that lubricants can play in attaining that goal.”
Jacobsen highlighted the case studies in the guide, pointing out how these demonstrate the practical benefits of Mobil-branded lubricants. “In addition to helping customers to reduce costs, these lubricants can also help businesses achieve the requirements of ISO 50001 Energy Management certification. This is why lubricant choice should be a key consideration for companies that are looking to become more energy efficient.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. has received a contract to provide analysis and consulting services regarding the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalised regulations on coal combustion residuals (CCR) to City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, in the US.
The contract, with a maximum value of approximately US$4.9 million, has a base period of three years followed by two three-year options. Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is expected to support a comprehensive compliance approach to address landfills and surface impoundments impacted by the new EPA rule. Professional services include site planning, geophysical and environmental investigations, compliance recommendations and development of control plans.
In making the announcement, Jacobs Senior Vice President Aerospace and Technology Ward Johnson said: “Jacobs has been providing environmental services to clients worldwide for the past 35 years, and we have grown to become one of the leading experts in the US in implementing the EPA’s CCR regulations … In addition to evaluating, designing and constructing CCR facilities, we have expertise in evaluating the beneficial reuse of CCRs, including opportunities to recycle materials and minimise environmental impacts.”
Johnson concluded: “We look forward to building a strong relationship with City Utilities and to contributing significant value through this contract based on our extensive CCR knowledge and experience.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Mechel PAO, one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, has appointed Sergey Rezontov as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer.
“During his eight years in Mechel, Sergey worked his way from a specialist to a division director, and I gladly congratulate him with this new and important appointment. As Chief Financial Officer, he will be in charge of corporate financing, treasury, investor relations, strategic and operational analysis, mergers and acquisitions activities. Today stable work of our financial function is more important to the company than ever, and I am sure that Sergey, who is a talented finance professional and an adept negotiator, who knows the company through and through, will be able to tackle the tasks facing him,” Mechel PAO’s Chief Executive Officer Oleg Korzhov commented.
Previously, Sergey Rezontov headed Mechel PAO’s financial department since 2014. In 2013 – 2014, he worked as deputy Chief Executive Officer and Financial Officer of Lysva Metallurgical Company UK OOO. In 2012, he was Deputy Director of Mechel OAO’s treasury operations department. In 2006 – 2012, he worked first as a specialist and then as head of Mechel OAO’s corporate financing department. In 2004 – 2006, he was the manager of the metals and mining team in the corporate clients department of Commerzbank (Eurasia) ZAO.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has received a full turnkey contract order for a boiler and environmental facilities renovation project from Taiwanese State-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower).
The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Taiwan’s largest engineering construction firm, CTCI, on Units 1-4 of the Taichung thermal coal power plant.
MHPS will manufacture and supply the equipment needed for the renovation, such as boilers (burners), mills, desulfurisation equipment and electric precipitators and CTCI will manage the civil works and installation. Mitsubishi Corporation will act as the trading company.
This project at the Taichung Thermal Power Plant Units 1-4 is aimed at cutting nitrogen oxide), sulfur dioxide and particulate emissions from the coal-fired boilers in line with Taiwan’s tougher environmental regulations. The construction is expected to be completed in November 2019.
Based on Taiwan’s 2008 “Framework of Sustainable Energy Policy”, the country is aiming to keep CO2 emissions at 2008 levels from 2016 to 2020, then reduce them to 2000 levels (221 million t) by 2025, and has also toughened restrictions on other environmental pollutants. Based on this situation, existing coal-fired power plants are strengthening their environmental measures, and this project is part of those efforts.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Paringa Resources Ltd has finalised the CAPEX estimate for the construction and development of its Buck Creek No.2 mine.
Paringa’s proposed 1.8 million tpy No.2 mine is located immediately south of the company’s proposed 3.8 million tpy No.1 mine, both located within the Buck Creek Mine Complex.
The final CAPEX estimate, based on pricing provided by vendors and contractors, encompasses all major capital items, including site development, electrical substation, ‘box-cut’ access to the coal seam, surface facilities, coal preparation plant, materials handling and the Green River barge load-out facility.
The previous CAPEX estimate was US$44 million. This has been reduced by US$5 million due to continued reductions in the costs of labour, materials, and supplies as well as the optimisation of the facility’s design. The new estimate comes in at US$39 million.
Paringa indicated that the reduction in CAPEX is also an indication of the availability of highly experienced coal industry contractors and the competition among contractors to win mine development work in the Illinois Basin. The final CAPEX estimate will be incorporated into the bankable feasibility study (BFS), which is due during the September quarter of 2016.
Paringa’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Gay, said: “This is an outstanding outcome for Paringa and the result of long and hard work from our US management team. We are looking forward to continuing discussions with potential financiers this year and have received exceptional feedback since announcing our revised cornerstone coal sales agreement with LG&E and KU.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Stanmore Coal Ltd has reported that it has awarded a contract to UGM Highwall Mining Pty Ltd to commence highwall mining operations at Isaac Plains. The contract is for the extraction of over 300 000 ROM t of low cost coal. This coal will be extracted at approximately 20% lower FOB than the existing opencast and will be supplied to Asia.
The contract term is for 5 months, with a production target of 70 000 tph.
Nick Jorss, Managing Director of Stanmore, commented: “We are very pleased to have signed this contract with UGM after more than 12 months of preparation, detailed design and discussions with relevant State representatives. Highwall mining is an attractive option for Stanmore at Isaac Plains given the potential to produce lost cost, low impact incremental tonnes of coking coal to be sold to existing and new customers.”
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
Kal Tire’s mining tyre group has acquired Klinge & Co., a tyre services business in Australia.
Kal Tire has been operating in western Australia for approximately six years and has long intended to expand into eastern Australia where the majority of major mines operate.
“Even though our reputation is strong and recognised in many countries, it has been a challenge convincing customers of our credibility inside of Australia as our experience there has been limited.” said Dan Allan, Senior Vice President of Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “With Klinge, Kal Tire aligns with a well-respected, trusted company known to the Australian mining industry and secures our presence as a national tyre service provider.”
Both companies have aligned cultures with both being family-owned operations, Klinge & Co. is co-owned by Tom and Dianne Klinge and Kal Tire was started by Tom Foord in 1953 in Western Canada.
“Kal Tire and the Klinge tire services business is a strong comfortable fit for Dianne and I,” commented Tom Klinge, co-owner of Klinge & Co. “We share many of the same values and objectives, in particular when it comes to looking after customers and team members. And after much heart-felt thinking, we feel it is time to focus on the Klinge software business going forward.”
Klinge & Co. will be a software company going forward focused on tyre management systems, training, and tools. They have a proven tyre management tool called ‘TotalTyreControl’, which has become an industry standard for tyre management software. Klinge will continue to develop its software business in Australia and provide software training in other parts of the world.
Kal Tire began its move east when it was recently established in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, with the opening of a new mining tyre repair facility. Kal Tire will now be able to offer this valuable repair service, including its Ultra Repair™ technology and a number of other value-added offerings, to Klinge’s customers.
“We are excited to welcome Klinge’s 200 skilled personnel to the Kal Tire family,” stated Robert Foord, President of Kal Tire. “They bring invaluable experience with Australian miners. We’ve known Tom and Dianne Klinge for many years and we share the same commitment when it comes to how we think about our people and about our customers.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
The SUEK Group has commissioned the first connecting rail spur line between the Toki freight yard and the Vanino terminal station. This is part of the group’s programme to upgrade and expand railway infrastructure at its Vanino Bulk Terminal in the Khabarovsky region of eastern Russia. The expansion of the railway infrastructure began in April 2013.
The rail line is 3.5 km long and includes all necessary infrastructure, such as a highway overpass, a parallel road and power supply.
The connecting spur line is part of the programme to increase the annual loading capacity of the Vanino bulk terminal to 24 million t.
The new connecting spur line between the terminal and the Russian Railways network will increase railcar flows, while eliminating track routing and allocation issues on the national rail lines. The start of operations reduces loading bottlenecks by enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the Toki yard and allowing the full use of the Vanino Terminal loading capacity. The terminal now accepts an additional 120 railcars, which effectively doubles its daily volume.
The launch of the second phase of the upgrade programme will enable continuous unloading operations and will eliminate bottlenecks. With an initial capacity of 12 million tpy, the first and second parts of the upgrade programme will allow the terminal to process 24 million tpy of coal.
The upgrade of the SUEK Group’s Vanino Terminal rail infrastructure is in parallel to Russian Railways’ project to develop the Eastern portion of its network. As part of this program, the upgrading of dozens of rail stations and junctions has already permitted a significant increase in network capacity and product flows.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
At this year’s TOC Europe in Hamburg, Germany, Terex Port Solutions (TPS) is presenting a newly designed training program for harbour crane operators. It will help crane owners over the long term to fully exploit the potential of Terex® Gottwald harbour cranes in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.
The new concept offers specific modules, ranging from crane operator evaluation to safety training for experienced operators. Training courses with the new simulator are a central component of the comprehensive training program from TPS.
Alexander Bongart, Head of the training department at TPS in Düsseldorf, Germany, said: “By individually combining the new simulator training modules with proven onsite training courses, we offer every crane owner customised concepts for high-performance and safe cargo handling.”
The simulator presented at TOC Europe in Hamburg uses state-of-the-art technology, including motion base and Oculus Rift. Thanks to the integration of original components, such as the crane control system, crane operator seat, joysticks and Visumatic® monitor, especially realistic training scenarios are possible.
Bongart confirms: “Our new simulator satisfies the highest requirements and during the development phase experienced crane operators were impressed with how realistic the simulations were.”
Simulator training courses are especially safe since, in simulated extreme weather conditions and dangerous situations, real damage is ruled out. Terminal operators are using this cost-effective method so that they can also use their crane for productive handling in the terminal while operator training courses are taking place.
“Another major advantage”, Bongart concluded, “is that future crane operators can be trained with the simulator before the harbour crane is delivered.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
The National Mining Association (NMA) has highlighted evidence that unbalanced energy plans designed to limit America’s energy diversity are threatening the US economy, communities and access to reliable and affordable energy.
On 14 June, the US House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hears testimony from those most impacted by the Administration’s assault on fossil fuels – states, schools, unions and others that depend on coal for vital state revenues and jobs. Both revenue and jobs are at risk with current administration intentions to raise royalties and impose a three-year moratorium on federal coal production.
“Keep fossil fuels in the ground policies are an assault on affordable power and a threat to communities across America,” said Hal Quinn, NMA president and CEO.
“The Obama administration’s three-year moratorium on the leasing of coal reserves located on federal lands could jeopardise almost half of domestic coal supplies, creating less fuel diversity — with serious consequences for power generation, jobs, communities and American families. We applaud H.R. 5259, which seeks to limit the moratorium and to ensure that those who are impacted by federal land management policies have a voice in decisions over their livelihoods.”
At the same time that H.R. 5259 offers a voice to those directly impacted by unbalanced, “keep it in the ground” policies, the NMA indicated in a press release that the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management continues to hold public meetings on the federal coal program thousands of miles away from the communities most impacted by the policies. The next three public hearings are slated for Seattle, Wash. and Grand Junction, Colo. next week, and Pittsburgh, Pa. the following week.
Quinn added: “Fossil fuels generate 67% of our nation’s electricity; wind and solar account for only 5.6%. That’s why keeping fossil fuels in the ground, and away from American consumers, needlessly threatens American communities, businesses and homes.”
Quinn urged the administration to return to the all-of-the-above energy policy that has served the nation well for generations. “A diverse mix of coal, natural gas, nuclear power, oil and renewable sources, ensures that electricity is reliable and affordable to all,” concluded Quinn.
Kate du Preez is to become, a pioneering mining expert, is to become the state’s first female Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health.
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said Kate du Preez would become the first woman to hold the position since it was created in 2009.
Kate du Preez – also the first South African woman to obtain a mine manager’s Certificate of Competency in coal mining – will commence work next week after a global search.
“Mrs du Preez brings more than 16 years of experience in operational mining in South Africa and Queensland to this important position,” Dr Lynham said.“She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering and was identified as the best person for the job following a global recruitment process and consultation with industry and union representatives.”
“Mrs du Preez’s experience and expertise is welcome as government works with unions and industry to implement its five-point action plan to tackle the re-emergence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis,” concluded DR Lynham.
The Commissioner for Mine Safety and Health role involves:
Continental Commercial Specialty Tires (CST) will present selected products from its port tyre range at this year’s TOC Europe on June 14 – 16 in Hamburg. For the first time, the TractorMaster tyre will be showcased in the new tyre size 280/75 R 22.5.
“Port logistics is constantly changing. Digitalisation, connectivity and the requirements for minimal downtimes and reduced costs are challenges that our customers have to overcome,” said Julian Alexander, Product Line Manager Material Handling at Continental CST. “We are constantly developing our product range in order to be able to offer the best solutions for their individual needs from a single source – and for every port vehicle.”
Continental CST tyres, which are used in day-to-day port operations, feature safety and optimised performance, have positive effects on the environment and offer significant potential to reduce costs.
The high-performance pneumatic TractorMaster tire is now available in version 280/75 R 22.5 in addition to the existing tire size 310/80 R 22.5. The pneumatic tyre was specially developed for use on tractors and trailer applications. It offers good traction, a high load-bearing capacity and high mileage. The closed shoulder and the hard, wear-resistant compound of the tyre provide even wear, low abrasion and high resistance to damage. The tyre is equipped with Continental’s patented visual alignment indicator VAI which helps identify incorrect wheel alignment and suspension settings without complex electronic measurements, simplifying maintenance and reducing costs.
The ContiFlexBox tyre management system enables drivers and fleet managers to manage their fleets in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly way. It will be used in combination with the proven ContiPressureCheck™ tyre pressure monitoring system, which enables automatic collection of data on tyre pressure and temperature via sensors inside the tyres. The information is shown on the display in the driver’s cab. The ContiFlexBox will enable the collection, provision and transfer of tyre-related data to a central server via Wi-Fi or GSM for analysis and processing. The data will be transferred to mobile end devices as well as to the display in the driver’s cabin. The ContiFlexBox technology will first be available for port applications from 2017.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
GE Power has unveiled the Digital Power Plant for Steam, a suite of technologies that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving the efficiency of coal-fired steam power plants.
“The world is going to need 50% more power in the next 20 years and it will need to be affordable, accessible, reliable and sustainable,” said Steve Bolze, GE Power President & CEO. “In order to meet these needs and achieve the Paris COP21 goals, companies must embrace digital technologies that can enable and accelerate transformation to help decarbonise the world. Together, with our customers, we’re on a journey to realise the true power of leveraging software and analytics to provide comprehensive digital solutions that drive greater efficiencies that are environmentally compatible.”
By analysing data from more than 10 000 sensor inputs across the plant, GE’s Digital Power Plant for Steam informs plant operators about how to optimally run their power plants. This solution helps eliminate 0.58 Gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
“In a post COP21 world, we believe the best results will come from balancing a mix of fuel sources and creating maximum efficiency through the power of digital,” said Andreas Lusch, President and CEO of GE’s Steam Power Systems. “By combining the physical strengths of our legacy Alstom steam technologies with GE’s industry-leading digital capabilities, we can help our customers enhance the operating performance of their power plants to increase efficiency, lower emissions and reduce cost.”
With GE’s advanced controls and cyber security software, the Digital Power Plant for Steam interprets data drawn from sensors across the power plant, highlights key factors that may affect performance (such as fuel quality, plant aging and ambient conditions) and takes appropriate action through a closed loop control system.
Real-time monitoring of these factors is especially important when steam plants are operating in grid demand mode, requiring them to ramp-up generation faster and more often than they were originally designed to do. Without effective monitoring and control of key plant processes, fuel consumption is inefficient, emissions increase, and equipment life may be impacted.
“The only way we can do both is by applying data science and intelligent software-defined automation to every aspect of the electricity value chain, from generation to delivery and consumption,” said Ganesh Bell, Chief Digital Officer, GE Power. “Today’s announcement marks another big step on that journey.”
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
Boart Longyear, a leading provider of drilling services, equipment and performance tooling, has announced that Professor Anton Kepic has been appointed to the Boart Longyear Professorial Chair at Curtin University, based in western Australia.
The AUS$1.4 million investment to the university will support high-profile research in exploration geophysics, including the development of advanced instrumentation and the expansion of research capabilities in instrumentation and logging-while-drilling (LWD) technology.
“Even in the current down cycle, we recognise the need for research that will advance the long-term knowledge and capabilities of our industry,” said Kent Hoots, Senior Vice President, Global Products. “Our goal is to invest further in geological data services (GDS) to make geologists, drillers and students smarter. By doing so, they will be able to better analyze drilling data to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We look forward to working with Curtin University, which has an excellent record in exploration geophysics research, and we congratulate Professor Kepic on his appointment.”
Professor Kepic has been a member of Curtin University’s Western Australian Department of Exploration Geophysics for 15 years. He has held a long line of research leadership positions at the university, including Head of Exploration Geophysics, Director of the Centre for High Definition Geophysics, Program and Project Leader in Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Center (DET CRC) and Project Leader in Cooperative Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC).
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Vortex was founded in the US 40 years ago, specialising in a wide range of valves and components for handling bulk solids.
It has offices in Darlington, UK. These offices are responsible for the corporation’s business activities in Europe, Asia and Africa.
This year, Vortex’s UK base is celebrating is ten year anniversary.
According to Laurence Millington, Vortex’s International Sales Director, it has been more of a marathon than a sprint for expanding Vortex’s business outside of the Americas.
“Ten years ago, Vortex had a huge mountain to climb. When we started (in the UK) we had only a handful of customers throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Despite this, we knew if we could assist our customers by solving their processing problems, whilst striving to delivering excellent service and response, Vortex would find its place in these new markets.”
The proverbial mountain Millington mentioned involved a wide range of challenges, which included offering products that were certified in accordance to EU Directives and developing products that conformed to metric versus imperial standards. “The first three years were more about investing in the future than turning over profits,” commented Vortex’s Managing Director Travis Young.
In April 2016, the company moved into a newly renovated industrial building near Darlington town centre to house its primary offices and distribution centre.
“The new premises not only provides a great work environment for our employees, but offers a lot more room for growth,” commented Young. “We routinely host many agents and clients for training courses from all over the world, so the large conference room and product demonstration area are a welcome addition.”The move in April marks Vortex’s third relocation in ten years to accommodate more staff and warehousing space. Prior to its move to Enterprise House in Darlington, the company was located in the Morton Park Industrial Estate.
“Much of our growth can be attributed toVortex’s employees,” mentioned Young. ”We have a great team of people that maintain our company’s core values of respect, humility, integrity, and passion in both the UK and the US.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Superior Industries Inc. has reported that it is expanding its partnership with conveying equipment dealer, RB Scott Company Inc, who will now represent Superior’s lines of wet processing equipment and portable processing plants.
“RB Scott’s expedient and honest approach to customer service has made them an ideal partner of ours for decades,” said Jarrod Felton, President of Superior Industries. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with these new products.”
“Through this expanded partnership of product innovation and excellent customer service, we are excited to create more opportunities for material producers to improve their operational efficiencies and lower cost per ton,” said Felton.
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
Cortec has introduced its CorrLube™ VpCI® Lithium EP Grease, designed to provide lubrication with superior corrosion protection for bearings, fans and chassis.
CorrLube™ VpCI® Lithium EP Grease is a lithium complex grease formulated with premium quality, severely hydro treated base stock. It provides excellent resistance to oxidation and has high temperature stability; it is suitable for both operating and lay-up conditions. This lubricant’s formula is specifically designed with superior corrosion inhibiting properties against salt water, brine, H2S, HCl, and other corrosive agents. It includes Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI®) for areas not in direct contact with the grease.
CorrLube™ VpCI® Lithium EP Grease remains effective even in extreme operating conditions. It helps the suspension of solid additives such as graphite, molybdenum and disulfide, etc. Its thicker film consistency allows it to operate on worn parts, provide surface protection against movement, and reduce noise level.
Specific applications of CorrLube™ VpCI® Lithium EP Grease are as follows:
CST Industries has expanded its product portfolio with TecTank FP, a jackable flat panel bolted tank for the dry bulk sector.
TecTank FP was designed based on the heritage of industry leading designs from Peabody TecTank, Columbian Steel Tank and Columbian TecTank. The new addition extends CST’s dry bulk, heavy industrial product portfolio in order to meet the needs of its growing global customer base.
Currently, 21 tanks have already been ordered for installation wihin the US over the next several months.
The new design of TecTank FP includes an optimised bolt pattern, increased steel thickness, reduced hardware and fewer penetration points. It will be available in short lead time pre-configured model and fully customisable designs.
“Through lean development processes, CST reinvigorated its product development and innovation processes with the new TecTank FP design – and is now delivering a more substantial value to its customers and to the company as a whole,” said Tim Carpenter, President and CEO at CST Industries Inc.
“CST is committed to meeting the needs of our customers,” said Jay Anzelmo, Director of Dry Bulk Sales at CST Industries. “This addition to our product portfolio ensures that our customers have a complete line of engineered storage systems available to truly provide our customers with what they have told us they need: options. Because of the shear diversity of industries we serve, the types of materials stored and the capacity required, and each installed in a completely unique location – the market dictates supplier flexibility. With the addition of CST’s TecTank FP, CST becomes the only tank supplier in the world to provide both a flat-panel, jack-built tank and a chime-panel (CP) scaffold built tank, capable of safely and economically being installed on every diverse site condition imaginable. We are no longer limited to one or two design styles or erection methods like other tank suppliers; now, we are truly able to fulfil the commitments asked for by our customers.”
The jacking system used on the new TecTank FP is the first ever jacking system designed by licensed professional engineers and proof load tested by a third party lab. Tanks are jack-built from the ground up, allowing for faster construction.
“CST is constantly evolving and developing new ways to further engrain our value proposition as the complete storage tank solution provider for customers. This extension elevates our capability to respond to our customers’ desire for one-stop shopping,” concluded Jon Dilley, VP of Global Marketing at CST.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Mineral development company, Bushveld Minerals Ltd, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lemur Resources, has reached a settlement with Madam Rahajasoamampionona Ramiaramanana (the claimant) in respect of mining licence 4578 within its Imaloto power project coal concession in Madagascar.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement signed between Lemur Resources’s Madagascar operating entity, Coal Mining Madagascar S.A and the claimant, the claimant has irrevocably undertaken to give up all claims pertaining to the mining licence 4578. Simultaneously, both parties have agreed to immediately cease all legal processes, including applications or appeals previously lodged with the Madagascar judicial system.
This settlement puts an end the long running legal case in respect of mining licence 4578. In addition to reaffirming Lemur’s ownership rights over the permit, the settlement also confirms Lemurs longstanding belief in Madgascar as an emerging investment destination in Southern Africa.
Bushveld Minerals CEO, Fortune Mojapelo, commented: “We welcome the Settlement, which confirms Lemur Resources’ ownership of mining permit No. 4578, an important part of the Imaloto coal project. The settlement paves the way for Lemur to take forward the development of its Imaloto coal and power projects. Key to this development is the power purchase agreement over which the company is in negotiations with the Madagascar authorities. The agreement will allow the next stage in the development of the Imaloto project to be implemented as an integrated mine to power and transmission project, providing a captive market for its coal resource and unlocking the intrinsic value in the underlying project.”
The company maintains its development approach for the project: to secure a power purchase agreement with the state owned water and utility company, JIRAMA, that would pave the way for its economic realisation. The project has a measured and indicated resource of 136 million t of coal and has completed a prefeasibility study on the viability of generating power and transmitting the power to the surrounding areas and the strategic port town of Tulear. There are also a number of emerging mining projects in the area that could benefit from an efficient base load power source provided by the project.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Metso has announced changes to its executive team, effective 1 August 2016.
Jani Puro Beach and Urs Pennanen will join the management team.
Olli-Pekka Oksanen has been appointed Metso’s strategy and business development and member of the Executive Committee. Currently, he is responsible for the Flow Control business area’s strategy and business development.
As previously announced, Eeva Sipilä will start as Metso’s CFO on 1 August 2016. Current CFO Harri Nikunen has been appointed as mergers and acquisitions and special projects Director.
Metso’s current strategy and business director Simo Sääskilahti takes the lead in the development of valve technologies Flow Control business area, as part of the normal job rotation.
Metso’s President and CEO, Matti Kähkönen, welcomed the new members of the company’s management team and indicated they will strengthen the digitalisation, customer knowledge and innovation areas. He also thanked members leaving the organisation for their strong commitment to the company and wished them success in the future.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Georgia Power has announced that all of its 29 ash ponds across the state will cease operations and stop receiving coal ash within the next three years.
Additionally, the company is completely removing the ash from 16 ponds located adjacent to lakes or rivers where advanced engineering methods, such as the installation of impermeable concrete barriers designed to isolate the closed pond from groundwater, may not be feasible. The ash from these ponds will either be relocated to a permitted landfill, consolidated with other closing ash ponds or recycled for beneficial use (approximately 50% of the coal ash Georgia Power produces today is recycled for various uses, such as Portland cement, concrete and cinder blocks).
The company’s remaining 13 ash ponds will be closed in place using advanced engineering methods.
“We are aggressively working to close our ash ponds as quickly and safely as possible to meet EPA’s new standards for handling coal ash,” said Dr Mark Berry, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for Georgia Power. “As part of our strategy, we are also leveraging advanced technologies and engineering practices to ensure additional measures are in place that are protective of groundwater.”
Throughout the closure process, Georgia Power is monitoring groundwater around all of its ash ponds and will report results to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Additionally, more than 500 groundwater monitoring wells will continue to operate even after the ponds are closed.
Ash pond closures are site-specific and balance multiple factors such as pond size, location, geology, and amount of material; and each closure will be certified by a team of independent, professional engineers. Additionally, the company must also ensure reliable electricity for customers during the significant construction work that must take place within each generating plant in order to accommodate the handling of dry ash and complete the ash pond closure process.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has successfully commissioned another 195 MW thermal unit in Bihar, India.
This is the second 195 MW unit to be commissioned by the company at the 2 x1 95 MW Muzaffarpur thermal power plant Stage-II, which belongs to Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Ltd (KBUNL), a joint venture of NTPC Ltd and BSPGCL, in Bihar.
The first 195 MW unit at Muzaffarpur thermal power plant Stage-II was commissioned previously by BHEL in March 2015.
BHEL is the leading supplier of coal-fired main plant equipment to NTPC and its joint ventures, with an over 80% share in their installed capacity.
The company’s scope of work in the Muzaffarpur project envisaged design, engineering, manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of steam turbines, generators and boilers, along with associated auxiliaries and electricals, besides state-of-the-art controls & instrumentation and electrostatic precipitators.
Previously in the 1980s, BHEL had executed two units of 110 MW each at this project, which are still operational.
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Terex Port Solutions (TPS) has achieved success in India with its diesel-electric Terex® Gottwald mobile harbour cranes. IRC Natural Resources Pvt. Ltd has ordered two Model 4 mobile harbour cranes in the G HMK 4406 B 4-rope grab variant. These are for use in the company’s contract at Berth No. 13, Haldia Dock Complex.
The cranes will be transported in August 2016.
The two machines have a 40 t grab curve and a maximum lifting capacity of 100 t. They have an outreach of up to 46 m and maximum lifting speeds of 85 m/min and are equipped with a propping system adapted to the conditions at the berth.
Anil Gupta, Chairman, IRC Group, said: “Our global growth strategy continues to be aimed at diversification. Here, the port sector at the Haldia site will play a major role. To win the trust of our customers in our capability in this new sector right from the start, we opted for cranes from TPS in our new contract. These machines offer us both excellent productivity and high availability.”
Particularly with a view to the availability of the cranes, the order also includes an extensive spare parts and service package for 3 yrs.
Andreas Moeller, Sales Director Harbour Cranes TPS, stated: “We have significantly expanded our Indian business within a very short time. IRC is the eighth customer to order mobile harbour cranes from us since mid-2014. The machines for Haldia will be the eleventh and twelfth cranes to go to India in this period. We will then have delivered around 40 machines there overall […] It is especially operators of bulk terminals who are deliberately opting for the productivity and reliably of Terex Gottwald cranes, since fast-growing local industrial production requires a reliable supply of energy carriers such as coal.”
Shyam Pathak, Regional Director South Asia TPS: “In addition to existing customers established on the market, we have been able to win over up-and-coming terminal operators, such as IRC, with the versatility and high performance of our cranes […] Since 2014, the Indian economy has again gained momentum in many parts of the country. With these cargo-handling machines, we are once again pleased to be able to make a long-term contribution to this positive development. With this order we have also succeeded in extending our presence in India to another port.”
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
The 2016 edition of BNEF’s long-term forecast expects US$11.4 trillion investment in global power generation capacity over 25 yrs.
In May, Morrisey testified before the US Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee that the CPP is illegal.
According to the US EIA, US coal production in the first three months of 2016 was 173 million short t – the lowest quarterly level since the second quarter of 1981.
Atlas Copco Surface and Exploration Drilling division releases construction drill rigs updated to meet increasing market demands.
Tyler Trowbridge appointed to a newly created Global Product Manager role at McLanahan Corp.
Dust Control Technology has introduced a trailer-mounted dust control system with a powerful atomised mist design featuring a range of 100 m and the ability to deliver 140 000 ft2 of coverage area. The DustBoss® DB-100 Fusion is powered by a 480 V / 150 KW generator with a 6.8 l John Deere Tier III flex diesel engine.
“We had many discussions with customers who were interested in expanding their dust management coverage, after seeing our smaller DB-60 Fusion,” commented Dust Control Technology President Laura Stiverson. “We engineered the new design to meet those needs, yet still remain highly mobile, able to be towed easily just about anywhere on a job site.”
The DB-100 Fusion features a 150 gal. fuel tank. Doors are equipped with hinges and door stops for easy access, and the generator’s engine compartment is fitted with sound attenuation. Day-to-day operation can typically be managed by the remotely located on/off switch outside of the enclosure.
To achieve its 100 m throw distance, the DB-100 includes a 60 HP electric fan motor coupled with 10-90 PSI of inlet water pressure that’s run through a booster pump to achieve pressures as high as 250 PSI total. The DB-100 Fusion uses only about 38 GPM (143.8 LPM) to help avoid pooling or runoff. The unit shatters the inlet stream into millions of tiny droplets in the range of 50-200 microns. The device can also be customised with alternative nozzle options for specialised applications.
The standard machine is fed by a manifold of 30 nozzles. The DB-100 Fusion features simple, user-defined oscillation, along with adjustable elevation from -7º to 45º. It can also be outfitted with a dosing pump to accurately meter in surfactants or tackifiers to further enhance binding of dust particles. The unit can be set up to run potable water and can also be outfitted with a selection of filters to handle non-potable water sources. For applications in which the water source contains high amounts of sediment, additional external filters are available. For operation in cold climates, heaters for the enclosure and heat tracing for pipes are available as options, and each machine is equipped with multiple automatic drain valves to enhance freeze protection.
Users can set a custom oscillation range via the touch screen controls. The standard unit travels at a rate of 1 degree per second to provide ideal coverage, and the oscillator features a quick-release handle that allows the barrel to be repositioned in seconds, without using any tools. When the generator is turned off, a battery backup feature automatically returns the machine to the horizontal position, which is safe for towing, before it shuts down completely.
“Our goal was to design a freestanding unit, which catered to customer needs without compromising performance, delivering easy transport and adaptability to a wide range of locations and conditions,” Stiverson added.
Edited from press release by Angharad Lock
Japanese shipping company, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), has received the 88 000 DWT coal carrier, CORONA VICTORY, at Marugame Shipyard in Japan.
The CORONA VICTORY joins a fleet of 18 other Corona-series coal carriers, which are designed with wide beams and shallow drafts, making them suitable to enter port facilities at Japanese coal-fired power plants.
The Corona series was developed exclusively by K Line and had developed into a standard for thermal coal shipping in Japan.
Edited by Jonathan Rowland.
Global anthracite supply is falling significantly short of demand, according to Atrum Coal, which is developing the Groundhog anthracite project in British Columbia, resulting in prices significantly higher that those for Queensland hard coking coal.
“The premium in anthracite pricing has remained throughout the coking coal cycle and, as metallurgical coals increase in price due to supply/demand imbalances, anthracite has maintained and, in some cases improved, its relative price position,” Atrum said in a recent ASX release.
Anthracite lumps are currently fetching around US$150 per tonne (CFR Northern Europe), while anthracite fines fetch US$100 per tonne (CFR Northern Europe) compared to around US$95 per tonne for Queensland hard coking coal.
Looking ahead, Atrum sees long-term average prices of US$189 per tonne for lumps and US$128 per tonne for fines.
Supply of high-grade anthracite has fallen to below 20 million tpa, according to Atrum, as a result of Vietnam withdrawing from the export market and difficulties surrounding Ukrainian supply. Atrum expects demand of over 70 million t, however, by 2020.
Demand for high-grade anthracite comes not just of the steel industry but from speciality markets, such as water filtration, electric arc furnaces, chemical production, plastics manufacture and for conversion into synthetic graphite.
Edited by Jonathan Rowland.
Atrum Coal is preparing for site operations to extract bulk samples of anthracite at its Groundhog project in British Columbia, Canada, for supply to potential customers, primarily in Japan and South Korea.
The preparations follow the granting of a Bulk Sample Permit in early May, which allows the company to mine 100 000 t of ultra-high-grade anthracite by cut-and-cover surface and underground mining.
The anthracite will be supplied to potential customers for testing in blastfurnaces and sinter plants. “Since the award of the permit, the company has fielded numerous enquiries from anthracite users around the world seeking samples for test purposes,” the company said in a recent ASX release.
Under the permit, the company is able to establish ground-based access to the Groundhog site, which had not been possible before. This will help reduce onsite costs, mobilise significant project equipment and establish the production supply chain to market.
“Establishing the transportation route will allow Atrum to demonstrate its capability to develop a reliable and sustainable supply chain from the world’s largest high-grade/ultra-high-grade anthracite deposit,” the company said.
Initial construction work – including the ground-based access to Groundhog North – is planned to commence during the 2016 construction season. Bulk sample mining activities will follow immediately after.
During this next phase of development, the company also said it would evaluate the potential to supply anthracite to speciality users in high-value markets, such as filtration media and activated carbon, as well as the supply of upgraded anthracite to industrial smelters, to users of calcined anthracite and to the synthetic graphite market.
“While the company has maintained conservative pricing assumptions in all economic analyses, these high-value markets represent a genuine opportunity to achieve materially higher margins for custom washed and custom sized fractions of ultra-high-grade anthracite,” the company said.
Edited by Jonathan Rowland.
