Cradle to grave
Mine and municipality join forces
Canadian group Platinum Group Metals and the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo , South Africa , have entered into an agreement to jointly develop a water supply management plan to increase the water supply and infrastructure capacity for both local community and Waterberg Mine usage . Platinum Group Metals ’ Waterberg JV is developing the Waterberg Project , a large-scale mine development in the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex .
The public-private partnership between the mining company and the municipality will benefit the mine and the communities surrounding the mining area . Capricorn District Municipality has identified groundwater resources proximal to the newly discovered Waterberg bulk mineable palladium-platinum-gold and rhodium project . At the pre-feasibility stage , independent specialists identified potential water resources for both the mine and local communities . The
joint responsible management of the water resources is the objective of the agreement .
An earlier , well-executed work and drilling programme conducted by the Capricorn District Municipality identified both potable and high-mineral unpotable water resources in the district . Work by Waterberg JV Co . has also identified some potable water resources . The unpotable water is now targeted for industrial use and potable water could then be prioritised for communities .
Good partnerships lower cycle times
When planning and implementing load-haul mining contracts , the importance of close cooperation between contractor and customer cannot be over-emphasised . This is according to Graeme Campbell , commercial and operations manager of Raubex Group company , SPH Kundalila .
“ It begins with the customer providing relevant and accurate data , so that the contractor can make the right calculations , but it goes much further than this ,” says Campbell . “ When both parties are focused on improving cycle times , the project efficiency can be significantly improved , and the cost reduced .”
He highlights that contractors will not be able to achieve the required cycle times if the customer causes any delays . But , on the other hand , it only takes small improvements to shorten cycle times and reduce the cost per tonne . This result should provide enough motivation for a constructive partnership .
“ There are basic principles of earthmoving that influence cycle times , and these include ensuring ideal conditions , both on site and off site ,” he says . “ On site , the loading area
SPH Kundalila partners with customers to reduce cycle times .
should be level and stable underfoot , while the haul road needs to be a well-maintained , quality surface with as few stops as possible .”
The offload area should also be easy to access , as this contributes to a quick turnaround time . “ Conducive off-site conditions mean that all activities must be accurately recorded , information on tonnes handled , and hours worked per shift must be regularly provided , and there must be constant feedback on health , safety , and machine status ,” he says .
Not only will this achieve the shortest cycle times possible , but it will ensure a safe working environment — to the benefit of both the contractor and the customer .
“ When adjudicating load and haul tenders , it is therefore vital that mines scrutinise the cycle times that contractors estimate , as this is a key criterion on which service providers can differentiate themselves ,” says Campbell . “ The difference between a couple of minutes per cycle could add unnecessary millions to the cost of a contract .”
SPH Kundalila
SEPTEMBER 2018 MINING MIRROR [ 57 ]