The AusIMM Health and Safety Committee newsletter | Vol 1 2013
In this edition: From the Chair | The M-Tex Mining Collaborative Network | Ventsim | NSWMCHS Conference Research into mental health in mining | Committee and contacts | The Bulletin | Contribute | Social media
With recent AusIMM Board approval of funding for project
activity, the Committee is currently scoping out the details of a
priority project which will focus on the need for continual
improvement in the integration of best practice health and safety
in the work place.
It is intended that the outcome of this project will be structured
course material tailored for AusIMM members and delivered in
selected city locations. This material will be particularly of
benefit to CP members who are looking for professional
development courses to keep faith with their CPD commitments.
The AusIMM H&S Committee now has representation from all
the key operational areas of member workplace activity and has,
in recent years, overseen the development of H&S reference
material in both the Mine Managers' Handbook and Field
Geologists' Manual. These documents are recommended as
essential reference manuals for mining industry professionals.
In the latest AusIMM Bulletin, readers may well have noticed
that no recommendation was made in respect of the Jim Torlach
Health & Safety Award for 2012. We are now seeking member
assistance in ensuring that 2013 will see the nomination of well
qualified candidates, either individuals or teams who have
excelled in the implementation of outstanding H&S practice.
This year, The AusIMM has entered into a collaborative
relationship with the NSW Minerals Council with the objective
of working together on various activities that will enhance best
practice in H&S. We hope that this arrangement can be extended
eventually to mining councils in state/territory based
jurisdictions.
2013 is shaping up to be a busy and fulfilling year, with H&S
very much a 'top of mind' interest for us all.
Angus M Robinson FAusIMM(CP)
Getting on with the job
From the Chair
M-Tex Mining Collaborative Network
The M-Tex Mining Collaborative Network – unearthing solutions to mining sector challenges through fibre and garment engineering and textile technologies by Ashley Van Krieken MAusIMM, Network Liaison
The December issue of The Health and
Safety News introduced readers to a new
cluster facilitation and network
development project aimed at bringing
innovative textile and clothing solutions
to problems in the mining sector – the M-
Tex Network.
Since that time the Network has
progressed significantly receiving
positive responses from individuals in
both the TCF (textiles, clothing and
footwear) and mining sectors.
The first meeting of the Industry
Reference Group (IRG) provided
valuable direction for the project in
addition to also electing Angus M
Robinson, current Chair of The AusIMM
Health & Safety Committee, to the
position of Chair of the project’s IRG.
A number of recommendations flowed
from this meeting including the need to
have a corporate mining representative
on the IRG and the importance of
engaging with researchers – those both
external and internal to mining and
resource companies. A focus on
procurement staff to raise awareness of
the potential solutions and products
available was also discussed.
The Network currently has 16 TCF
members and five R&D providers in
addition to opening discussions with
national and state based mining
organisations. The most recent network
event saw several of these organisations
meet at CSIRO Clayton to discuss
potential projects, technologies and
research that could be advanced to the
minerals and resource sector.
Discussion was prompted by
presentations from Dr Stephen Giugni,
Deputy Director, Minerals Down Under
Flagship, CSIRO and Dr Bill Humphries,
Theme Leader, Future Manufacturing
Flagship, CSIRO.
Dr Giugni outlined a series of global
challenges facing the Australian mineral
and resource industry including
increasing environmental compliance,
declining discovery rates, increasing
production costs and skills shortages
before going on to outline some of the
projects and the work CSIRO is
undertaking in these areas. Dr
Page 2
Humphries focused on sustainable high performance materials and
their application over a range or areas including filtration, recovery
of valuable materials, geotextiles, safety clothing and safety
curtains.
At least one collaborative project was identified in the area of
personal protective equipment for the minerals and resources
industry with several other companies and researchers discussing
other ideas and applications of technology.
A core focus for the project in coming months is to get direct
feedback from the minerals and energy sectors on real problems
they are facing currently and those they anticipate. There was
considerable discussion on how textiles have been used by defence,
emergency services and even NASA to provide protection, comfort
and utility in extreme environments for both equipment and
individuals. The group also discussed the applicability of new
concepts and ideas in this area for the minerals and resources
industry.
For more information on the network please visit
www.m-tex.org.
Please direct any comments or issues you believe should be
addressed within this networking group to:
Ashley Van Krieken
Network Liaison
Email [email protected].
M-Tex, continued
An essential element of modern mine
ventilation engineering is the ability to be
able to simulate existing as well as
proposed modifications to mine
ventilation systems.
Since the development of the theory of
mine ventilation, numerous methods
have been developed to achieve this goal.
In the modern mining world the
dominant method of achieving this is by
the use of computer programs, which
allow models to be correlated against real
mine ventilation measurements and then
allow modifications to the system to be
modelled with confidence. One example
of this type of software is the Australian
developed Ventsim software. Provided is
a brief history of the program’s
development.
In 1976 Malcolm Rose, Group Mining
Engineer MIM Holdings Ltd (MIM) and
Terry Fisher (Ventilation Superintendent)
invited Dr Malcolm McPherson from
Nottingham University to visit Mt Isa
with the intention of improving and
monitoring the ventilation of complex
and extensive copper, lead, zinc and
silver mine.
As a result Dr Kevin Gibson, a protégé of
Dr McPherson and a builder of the
modified original ‘Vnet software’ was
employed for two years to develop a
mainframe (Univac) ventilation model
and establish an acceptable correlation.
The model was developed and calculated
resistances and fan curves were
incorporated. The correlation (+90 per
cent) was achieved during the university
break of 1979 in Mount Isa (Brown,
Fisher and Gibson (1980)).
By 1980 MIM had a fully functional and
correlated ventilation simulation package
that enabled tracing paper plotted
emergency plans to be overlain on the
mine plans. At this stage the trackless
nature of the mine had necessitated nodes
in the model to use a nomenclature that
enabled 3D plotting.
These plans were invaluable in directing
persons to safety during emergencies
such as the 15 level conveyor belt fire
that shut the copper mine down for a few
days. Simulations were conducted from
surface to assist the fire directors. All
primary underground booster fan curves
were included in the model and each
primary fan had performance data for
every two degrees of adjustment that was
controlled from mine control on surface.
In 1992, a computer program called
AIRNET 2000 was developed for MIM
by Craig Stewart for MS-DOS desktop
computers to import and graphically
present and simulate models created on
the mainframe ventilation system.
Encouraged by the positive feedback
from AIRNET 2000, permission was
sought by Craig Stewart to independently
develop new software for Microsoft
Windows called ‘Ventsim’. In exchange
for the IP rights, MIM was given
Ventsim – A brief history by Dr Michael Tuck MAusIMM, Associate Professor of Mining Engineering, School of Science, Information Technology and Engineering, University of Ballarat
M-Tex Challenge Workshop
A key outcome of this R&D briefing was the creation of the first
Challenge Workshop for the network which is intended to bring
representatives from the TCF and mining industry together
alongside R&D institutions to network and collaborate.
The focus of this workshop is to take a broad overview of the
issues for the mineral and resources industry ahead of a facilitated
panel discussion with those attending. Two speakers – one from
an overall industry perspective and one from an individual
professional perspective have been invited to give their views on
the issues and challenges facing the industry now and into the
future.
This workshop is scheduled for Monday 25 March in Melbourne
beginning at 8.30 am and concluding at 1 pm. All AusIMM
members are invited and encouraged to attend this event to
contribute their ideas and thoughts on how TCF products may be
able to provide solutions to problems they or their companies
face.
If you would like to attend this free workshop and lunch please
register via
http://m-texchallengeworkshopmar2013.eventbrite.com.au.
Several of the network’s TCF participants will also be attending
the Mining Australia Expo on 20-22 March in Perth as well as
Austmine (as part of the federal government’s trade booth) also in
Perth on 20-24 May.
Ventsim
Page 3
Ventsim, continued
The NSW Minerals Council’s (NSWMC) annual Occupational
Health and Safety Conference attracts more than 500 delegates
from all levels of the NSW minerals industry workforce, major
product suppliers, contractors and representatives from
government, industry groups and unions. It is recognised as the
major health and safety conference for the NSW minerals
industry.
This year’s OHS conference asks a very simple question – what
does health and safety really mean and are we doing enough as
individuals and as an industry to manage the risks we face every
day?
The conference will shine a light on the many health and safety
systems used across the industry, with a particular focus on the
impacts of mental health and how we can address the risks
associated with this important health issue.
With registration available soon, the NSW Minerals Council has
generously offered to discount registration fees for AusIMM
members.
When: 19-22 May 2013
Where: Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Registrations will open soon. Click here for further information.
Click here to view a YouTube video of the 2012 NSWMC
Occupational Health and Safety Conference.
New South Wales Minerals Council Health and Safety Conference What does health and safety really mean?
unrestricted use of the software.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s
new graphical features were added to the
software incorporating true 3D
representation and graphical
rotation of mine ventilation
models, as well as new
simulation features such as
contaminant simulation.
The final version of Ventsim
Classic (version 3.9) was
released in 2007, by which time
the majority of Australian mines
and universities had adopted it.
In 2008, Chasm Consulting was formed
by Craig Stewart to exclusively develop
a new version of Ventsim software from
the ground up. In mid-2009, the new
software program ‘Ventsim Visual’
underwent beta testing at a number of
consulting companies and mines and in
2010 the software was released for world
-wide distribution, gaining considerable
success in Australian and overseas
markets.
In 2011, Ventsim Visual Version 2 was
released; containing new features such as
gas simulation and recirculation
prediction and in 2012 Version 3 was
released with significant interface
revisions including multiple windows
and multi versioning of models.
At the end of 2012 Ventsim Visual
software is now in use at more than 800
mining companies, consultants and
government agencies around the world.
More than 30 universities now use the
software to help teach students about
mine ventilation (Ventsim 2012).
Perhaps the key to the initial success of
Ventsim includes the foresight of MIM
staff to manage ventilation circuits and
energy management, the appointment of
Craig Stewart to the ventilation staff at
MIM and exposure to the incumbent
software and the early adoption and
support by a number of key ventilation
consultants and professionals, which
provided critical feedback and gave the
software credibility to the wider market.
Receiving feedback from customers
during training or through on-site use
also greatly assisted the developers in
improving the software for the
customer’s needs.
A final key point in the software’s
success may be that for every algorithm
and ventilation simulation method
developed into the software, a
proportionally much greater time is spent
making the software interface easier and
more enjoyable to use, ensuring end
users can readily access and use the
available features.
Ventsim continues to be developed to
reflect changes in the computing
environment as well as the
changing needs of the mine
ventilation community. A good
example has been the inclusion
of auxiliary ventilation routines
and mine climate prediction
within a single computer
package. It is a true example of
how Australian mining
engineers and the Australian
mining industry are and have been at the
forefront of modern and innovative
mining research and practical application
for a number of years.
The author would like to thank Terry
Fisher, Craig Stewart and Rick Brake for
their invaluable input into this brief
paper.
References
Brown J R, Fisher. T H and Gibson K L,
(1980). The development, application
and correlation of computer simulation
techniques of the Mount Isa ventilation
system. Proc Second International Mine
Ventilation Congress. Mousset Jones P
(ed). Reno Nevada. SME.
Ventsim (2012) www.ventsim.com
… a true example of how Australian mining engineers and the Australian mining industry are and have been at the forefront of modern and innovative mining research and practical application for a number of years.
Conference
Page 4
Air pollution control
Air pollution control equipment manufacturers take positive stance in raising skills
Established in 1987, the Air Pollution
Control Equipment Manufacturers
Association (APCEMA) has had an
on-going involvement in air pollution
matters and continues to have a key role
in assisting industry to combat air
emission problems and thus address
health and safety responsibilities.
APCEMA comprises leading national
companies who manufacture and supply
advanced process and air quality
management products for Australian
industries (including mining) and world
markets. This capability is supported by
established international resources, a
commitment to quality, as well as a
commitment to applying state of the art
technology developed on the basis of
the wide experience of its members.
Many members are utilising their
expertise and experience in
neighbouring countries, thus playing an
important role in industrial pollution
control in south east Asia and the
Pacific Region.
A major part of the APCEMA strategy
to improve air quality is in the design
and implementation of educational
programs. The aim of these programs is
to raise the skills of end users, specifiers
and designers of pollution control
technologies and to foster the uptake of
best practice in their use.
Over a period of 20 years, APCEMA
has conducted technical courses
throughout Australia and overseas,
including government supported
projects aimed at raising international
awareness of Australian technology in
industrial air pollution control.
A more recent initiative is the conduct
of workshops for Environmental
Protection Authorities in Australia to
provide government regulators with
technology updates for utilisation in
environmental impact statements and
the resolution of community
complaints.
APCEMA’s courses are underpinned by
the key objectives of using proven
methodologies and expert advice in
helping participants to solve business
problems and to improve their ability to
cost effectively introduce, modify,
operate and maintain dust and fume
control technologies. The total number
of people who have taken part in these
programs is now approaching 9000.
APCEMA is managed by the Australian
Industry Group (AI Group), a peak
industry association in Australia which
along with its affiliates represents the
interests of more than 60 000
businesses. As a consequence,
APCEMA has a direct linkage to the
skills and expertise of major industry
body, recognised for their strong policy
leadership role in all environmental
issues. APCEMA utilises this linkage to
help drive its policy positions and to
provide input to the AIG’s decision
making process.
Membership of APCEMA is strong and
continues to grow. All members are
bound by a constitution to provide
quality products and services to
industry, and undertake to strictly
observe and comply with a business
code of ethics. A statement certifying
membership and observance to the code
of ethics is issued to all members for
use in tendering and business generally.
Currently, 20 leading manufacturers and
suppliers are full members of
APCEMA.
APCEMA has also established strong
and well developed linkages with the
Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation
(CSIRO) and the various environment
and conservation state departments.
APCEMA has produced a Membership
Capability Directory. This is a
comprehensive listing of all APCEMA
members. The directory comprises
details of members' products and
services, full contact details,
information on domestic and overseas
market activities and examples of major
project involvement. The directory is
given wide circulation to relevant
government departments, environmental
regulators, and industry participants at
APCEMA' technical seminars.
Low pollution process technologies will
become increasing critical for industry
as we transition to a clean energy future
and APCEMA members stand well
placed to meet the demands of industry
and to bring forward new technologies
that can be adopted as cost effectively
as possible.
Further information on APCEMA and
the capabilities of its members can be
obtained at www.apcema.org.au.
Links
Health and Safety links
Government of South Australia: Occupational Health & Safety
Committee
Government of Western Australia Department of Mines and
Petroleum Mining Safety and Health
Minerals Council of Australia Safety and Health Performance
Minerals Industry Risk Management Gateway
Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy H&S
NSW Minerals Council Mine Safety and Health
Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources and
Mines Mining Safety and Health
Safe Work Australia – Mining
Queensland Resources Council Safety and Health
Tel: 1300 515951 Email: [email protected]
www.acrrmh.com.au
RELIABLE RESEARCH INTO MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MINING INDUSTRY!
An exciting spin-off from the Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health’s (ACRRMH) work with companies in mining, resources and remote construction is some early but significant research findings regarding the mental health and emotional wellbeing of employees, according to the Centre’s CEO, Dr Jennifer Bowers. Speculation and extrapolation abound but genuinely useful research and reliable, productive information about the mental health and wellbeing of workers in the mining and resources sector has been scarce until now. This is because the companies themselves and their employees are, understandably, reluctant to share sensitive information. “A key element of the ACRRMH’S suite of innovative mental health programmes and materials is our detailed wellbeing and lifestyle survey. The survey responses provide critical data and, at the same time, help establish benchmarks against which we can measure progress,” said Dr Bowers. “Our research is yielding solid information about mental health and wellbeing which will help identify impacts on productivity. These findings relate to social connectedness, physical fitness, gender and work practices. Decisions by boards and senior management can now be informed by some reliable data.” Concerned for a long time at the lack of reliable data about mental health in the mining and resources sector, the Centre has established a close working relationship with the The University of Canberra. Under the supervision of ‘healthy and sustainable communities’ research program director, Professor Helen Berry, Dr Léan O’Brien’s team has analysed the first tranche of ACRRMH surveys. “Fascinating and very useful indicators are beginning to emerge. This work is important and, in many ways, ground-breaking,” Dr Bowers said. “The methodology is sound and the sample sizes are large enough to support analysis and then to inform policies and practices. Our collaboration with The University of Canberra brings added strength and credibility to the findings.” Dr Bowers said that getting accurate, statistically significant results is always a challenge for university think-tanks and most other organisations. “But the ACRRMH is able to do what few other organisations can. We actually work out on remote sites and, because we’ve earned the trust and confidence of our clients, we can survey hundreds of employees on site and over time as we roll out our programmes,” she said. “The survey data, professionally analysed and reported on by our colleagues at The University of Canberra means that our clients will get a great deal of reliable data on which to base changes to OH&S and HR policies and practices,” she said. “Once we have delivered the report to and consulted with our clients, we look forward to sharing the findings with the mining, resources and construction sectors more broadly,” concluded Dr Bowers.
For media enquiries, Dr Jennifer Bowers – 0437823860 Embargoed: 10 March 2013
Committee and contacts
Health & Safety Committee members
Page 6
Secretariat and AusIMM contacts:
Wayne Robins
Senior Policy Manager, AusIMM
Phone: +61 3 9658 6116
Donna Edwards
Senior Coordinator, Society and Committee Services
Phone: +61 3 9658 6135
Jock Cunningham (CSIRO rep)
Terry Fisher
Bruce Ham
Allan Jackson
Jamie Ross
Ralph Rossouw
Geoff Sharrock
(AusIMM President)
John St George
Peter Tilyard
Chris Towsey
Michael Tuck
www.twitter.com/theausimm | www.facebook.com/ausimm | www.youtube.com/theausimm
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The AusIMM is not responsible for
statements made or opinions advanced by
authors in this publication and accept no
liability (including liability in negligence)
for and given no undertaking concerning
the accuracy, completeness or fitness for
the purpose of the information provided.
The Health and Safety Committee is always looking for fresh ideas
to make the Health & Safety News as lively and interesting as
possible for our readers.
If you have any feedback, would like to make a suggestion or
contribute to the Health & Safety News with an article or comment
piece, do not hesitate to contact us.
Please email the Secretariat, Donna Edwards via
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Angus M Robinson (Chair) [email protected]
The Bulletin
If you are interested in contributing editorial to The Bulletin, please
contact the Editor via [email protected].
August edition
Article proposal deadline 31 May
Regional Feature: New Zealand
New South Wales
Gold
Minerals Education
Health & Safety
October edition
Article proposal deadline 31 July
Regional Feature: Vic/Tas
Geometallurgy
Mine Ventilation
Water in Mining
Resource & Reserve Estimation
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