An owner of a construction company needs to keep his or her eye on a lot of things concerning the industry — from local employment laws to national environmental rules to the latest trends and technology. But probably the most important element of a company a contractor needs to know about concerns tools on the jobsite — the latest in skid-steer loaders, lasers, walk-behind saws, concrete countertop molds and so much more. Whatever you might be looking for, Concrete Contractor’s online portal ForConstructionPros.com makes equipment searching easy with the launch of “Equipment Connection,” an online compendium of construction equipment and materials.
Concrete contractors will find the most pertinent tools for their jobsites in the “Concrete Equipment” and “Decorative Concrete” categories, but don’t let that stop you from exploring other categories like “Blades & Abrasives,” “Earthmoving Equipment,” and “Hand-held Tools.” I think contractors will find “Equipment Connection” helpful in many ways. For example, visit the “Trowels” subcategory page to find trowels from dozens of manufacturers, or visit the Multiquip company page to find all the equipment this company offers over all categories and subcategories.
Take a look at this valuable online resource, bookmark it and visit it often. Let me know if you have any suggestions to make the site easier to navigate or more helpful to your business.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ISG wins Liverpool contracts for Beatles Story and BugWorld Experience
ISG has announced a further two new projects to create high profile visitor attractions in the Liverpool city centre. The contractor will deliver a new extension to the popular Beatles Story and also create the UK's very first insect themed attraction – the BugWorld Experience.Following on from winning the contract to build a new £10.5 million ferry terminal building on Liverpool's Pier Head waterfront, ISG has been awarded a further phase of works with Merseytravel (Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority and Passenger Transport Executive) to create a new extension of the Beatles Story visitor attraction inside the terminal on the banks of the River Mersey. The new facilities will include a 40-seat 3D interactive cinema and a large exhibition area with stunning views overlooking the famous Liver Building and Liverpool's famous world heritage waterfront. The fast-track project is scheduled for completion in April.Rogers Group Investments has contracted ISG to modify a listed building at the Albert Dock in preparation for a brand new, state-of-the-art visitor attraction, which will be arriving in Liverpool in July 2009. The BugWorld Experience is the first of its kind in the UK and will show visitors the world through a bug’s eyes. A number of endangered species will become residents of the BugWorld Experience, where the bug experts are committed to helping maintain and boost their populations through conservation, education and carefully planned breeding programmes.Craig Tatton, managing director of ISG’s regional business, commented: "The legacy of Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture title continues to derive important economic benefits for the city and has helped raise its profile across a global stage. Liverpool’s continuing renaissance is evidenced by the growth of innovative visitor attractions such as the Beatles Story and the BugWorld Experience, which is only the third exhibition of its type in the world after Chicago and Toronto.”
The increased incidents of youths climbing cranes will surely end in tragedy
Using cranes to attach protest messages and banners is not new but a more recent development will surely end in tragedy: Construction companies are reporting rising incidents of youths climbing cranes and then taking pictures of their foolhardy exploits to post on popular file sharing and social networking websites. Youths may think it's a laugh to climb cranes on building sites and upload the pictures of their mischief on popular file sharing websites but it's surely only a matter of time before there is terrible tragedy. Richard Lang, Managing Director of Tag Guard Ltd, comments, “We have had a number of recent enquiries from construction companies including existing clients concerned about the increasing number of incidents where youths have climbed cranes with scant regard for the risks they are taking. The motive appears to be to post pictures of these so called ‘acts of bravado’ on file sharing websites like YouTube.”“Just in the last month Tag Guard wireless security systems installed on cranes at a large development in Manchester city centre were activated in the early hours of the morning; this alerted the on-site security personnel who informed the police and they were able to arrest four youths in the process of attempting to climb one of the cranes.”“Site developers Bovis Lend Lease were pleased that the youths were arrested and obviously relieved too that a potential tragedy was averted; discussions are now under way with Bovis about extending the use of the Tag Guard systems on cranes at their other sites around the country.”“We feel there is a terrible inevitability that if steps are not taken to increase security at building sites where cranes are in use then a mixture of alcohol and bravado combined with the opportunity to publicise such potentially lethal stunts on file sharing websites will result in the death of one or more young people falling from a building site crane.”
Fortescue Metals contract in WA
One plant is designed to service a 1,000 person camp and the other for a 500 person camp that is planned to be expanded to 1,000 persons in the first quarter of 2009.The plants were manufactured at the Stornoway facility in Brisbane on a very tight delivery schedule to meet the client’s requirements for start–up in January 2009. Both plants had to meet a strict specification including:• Must be o Transportableo Expandable / modularo Factory tested prior to installation• Easy to operate and maintain• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) design• High quality effluent for maximum reuse options• Proven design and performance at other mine sitesThe success in securing this business follows the recent supply of two (2) Class ‘A’ STP’s to the Rio Tinto Mesa ‘A’ Iron Ore project in the Pilbara
Positive Results for Road Ice Treatment
Many Tasmanians are very familiar with the hazard posed by ice formation on public roads during the winter months. As part of our ongoing commitment to innovate and provide better services to Tasmania and the travelling public, Stornoway Maintenance has pioneered the use of environmentally friendly chemical ice treatments to assist motorists enjoy safer road conditions.Through the application of a spray on solution, the treatment both prevents ice formation (if applied prior to icy conditions), or causes rapid ice breakdown, resulting in a safer driving environment much faster. With numerous studies showing negligible environmental impact, the treatments are considered industry best-practice and widely used in sensitive alpine areas in Australia and overseas.Stornoway Maintenance undertook a trial of Calcium Chloride chemical ice treatment with the Hobart City Council (HCC) over a 1.3km section of road in the winter months of 2006.The areas that were trialled with Calcium Chloride were isolated sections of road that had traditionally been subject to ice. These locations included shaded or damp areas such as roads in gullies and near rivulets. The treatment was not required over long road lengths, rather short isolated sections were targeted for treatment.The trial was very successful in terms of preventing ice forming on the treated sections of roads. The photo below was taken on26 July 2006.Ice did not form where the road was treated with Calcium Chloride. It did however form on sections of the road and the sides of the road which were not treated.These results occurred consistently throughout the trial. Ice did not form on those sections of the road that were treated.As a result, Mountain Park officers were not required to spread grit on the areas that were treated with Calcium Chloride.The outcomes of this trial were very positive and resulted in the HCC engaging Stornoway Maintenance to monitor and maintain the ice affected roads on an ongoing basis.
Bonal Technologies achieves excellent customer satisfaction rating
Bonal International, Inc. has announced the results of a recent blind Customer Satisfaction survey performed by an independent consulting firm on its three product lines – Meta-Lax, Pulse Puddle Arc Welding and Black Magic from customers acquiring equipment over a 16-month period. The overall satisfaction rating in the three areas surveyed reached excellent satisfaction rating percentages. The overall rating for the equipment was 98% and sales and service was 98%. The satisfaction rating reached an outstanding level of 93% for overall results of using Meta-Lax technology.One customer commented on their overall results, “We are seeing higher quality repairs with a faster, cheaper process that allows us to avoid moving large parts to the furnace.” Another customer summed up their experience this way, “I think they do an excellent job and cannot think of any way that our experience could have been better.” Companies involved in the survey represented a wide range of demographics, from small machine shops to large organizations, from 10 different countries and a variety of different industries including fabricating, machining, aerospace, mining, mold making, gunsmithing, high performance racing and specialty metals producing. Commenting on these outstanding results A. George Hebel, III, chairman of Bonal Technologies said, “We are extremely pleased with these results and we will strive to do even better by providing unprecedented quality in all we do.”Bonal’s patented technology and its three product lines
Allied forces
In September health and safety experts from Europe and the US convened to discuss best practise and the way forward to further improve the sector. Safety is a high priority in both Europe and across the Atlantic in the US and led to the formation of the Atlantic Alliance as a forum to share knowledge and understanding. The group meets every two years and the most recent events - the fifth - was held near Washington DC in September courtesy of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.
Russian cement association calls for end to export duties
Soyuzcement – the Russian association of cement producers – has said that cancellation of cement export duties will provide the industry with new business opportunities. The organisation has said that it intends to lobby the Russian prime minister to cancel the 6.5% duty imposed on cement exports.
According to Soyuzcement, removal of the duties could increase export opportunities to around 2million tonnes per year, which is four times the 471,000tonnes that the Federal Customs Services reports for exports in 2008.
According to Soyuzcement, removal of the duties could increase export opportunities to around 2million tonnes per year, which is four times the 471,000tonnes that the Federal Customs Services reports for exports in 2008.
Model performance
Imagine being able to model aggregate production right from the feed hopper to the output conveyor and predict actual productivity? Well according to Bedrock Software, this can easily be achieved. Growing emphasis on cost per tonne production means that getting the maximum performance out of crushing and screening equipment is essential. But with so many different settings on all the machines on offer, it can be difficult to know exactly what the optimum is...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Owen has England future - Lampard
Owen is yet to play under Capello and was recently referred to as England's "history" by the Italian.
But Lampard says the 29-year-old, who has scored 40 goals in 89 England caps, should not give up hope of a recall.
"Michael Owen is one of the best strikers ever to play for England and I am sure if he is fit and playing well, he will be in the team," said Lampard.
"His goalscoring record is unbelievable, but he has been injured for a long time and Fabio does not feel he is ready to play," added the Chelsea man.
Lampard insisted there is nothing personal between Owen and Capello and that his exclusion is just down to fitness and form.
"Capello has shown he is a fair manager and has no personal agendas, he just wants to win games," said Lampard.
"The situation would be the same if I was injured or if Wayne Rooney is injured. If you are fit and playing well you will be in."
Capello opted to call up Darren Bent after Carlton Cole was ruled out of the game against Ukraine on Wednesday because of a thigh injury.
Emile Heskey will also miss the World Cup qualifier after picking up a hamstring injury in the early stages of the friendly win over Slovakia at the weekend.
But Capello has ruled out bringing in Owen, who has only just returned to action for his club Newcastle after an ankle ligament problem.
But Lampard says the 29-year-old, who has scored 40 goals in 89 England caps, should not give up hope of a recall.
"Michael Owen is one of the best strikers ever to play for England and I am sure if he is fit and playing well, he will be in the team," said Lampard.
"His goalscoring record is unbelievable, but he has been injured for a long time and Fabio does not feel he is ready to play," added the Chelsea man.
Lampard insisted there is nothing personal between Owen and Capello and that his exclusion is just down to fitness and form.
"Capello has shown he is a fair manager and has no personal agendas, he just wants to win games," said Lampard.
"The situation would be the same if I was injured or if Wayne Rooney is injured. If you are fit and playing well you will be in."
Capello opted to call up Darren Bent after Carlton Cole was ruled out of the game against Ukraine on Wednesday because of a thigh injury.
Emile Heskey will also miss the World Cup qualifier after picking up a hamstring injury in the early stages of the friendly win over Slovakia at the weekend.
But Capello has ruled out bringing in Owen, who has only just returned to action for his club Newcastle after an ankle ligament problem.
US reporters face N Korea trial
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said preparations were under way for indictments and a trial.
Euna Lee and Laura Ling were detained on 17 March on North Korea's border with China.
The move comes amid growing tension in the region ahead of North Korea's controversial satellite launch.
The North says the launch is part of its communications programme, but the US fears this is a cover for testing long-range missile technology.
Confusion
"The illegal entry of US reporters into the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and their suspected hostile acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements," the KCNA said.
It said "a competent organ... is carrying on its investigation and, at the same time, making a preparation for indicting them at a trial on the basis of the already confirmed suspicions".
Euna Lee, a Korean-American, and Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, work for Current TV in California.
There is still some confusion as to exactly where the reporters were arrested.
South Korean television station YTN and unnamed diplomatic sources said that North Korean guards crossed the Tumen river into Chinese territory to arrest the journalists.
Pyongyang says the reporters crossed its border illegally.
Euna Lee and Laura Ling were detained on 17 March on North Korea's border with China.
The move comes amid growing tension in the region ahead of North Korea's controversial satellite launch.
The North says the launch is part of its communications programme, but the US fears this is a cover for testing long-range missile technology.
Confusion
"The illegal entry of US reporters into the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and their suspected hostile acts have been confirmed by evidence and their statements," the KCNA said.
It said "a competent organ... is carrying on its investigation and, at the same time, making a preparation for indicting them at a trial on the basis of the already confirmed suspicions".
Euna Lee, a Korean-American, and Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, work for Current TV in California.
There is still some confusion as to exactly where the reporters were arrested.
South Korean television station YTN and unnamed diplomatic sources said that North Korean guards crossed the Tumen river into Chinese territory to arrest the journalists.
Pyongyang says the reporters crossed its border illegally.
China denies spying allegations
The spokesman of the Chinese embassy in London said that there was no evidence to show Beijing was involved.
He suggested the findings were part of a "propaganda campaign" by the Tibetan government in exile.
The research was commissioned by the Dalai Lama's office alarmed by possible breaches of security.
'Pieced together'
In an official statement, Liu Weimin writes that the report by Canadian researchers at the Information Warfare Monitor is "just some video footage pieced together from different sources to attack China".
Mr Liu stresses that in China "it is against the law to hack into the computers of others". Cyber attacks, he says, are "a global challenge" requiring global co-operation.
"China is an active participant in such co-operation in the world."
The report said that the electronic network had infiltrated 1,295 computers in 103 countries, including computers belonging to foreign ministries and embassies.
'No conclusive evidence'
The Canadian researchers had been approached by the office of the Dalai Lama, who feared the computers of his Tibetan exile network had been infiltrated.
The researchers said that while the network was based mainly in China, there was no conclusive evidence China's government was behind the infiltration.
They said ministries of foreign affairs of Iran, Bangladesh, Latvia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Barbados and Bhutan appeared to have been targeted.
Compromised
The researchers said hackers were apparently able to take control of computers belonging to several foreign ministries and embassies across the world using malicious software, or malware.
"We uncovered real-time evidence of malware that had penetrated Tibetan computer systems, extracting sensitive documents from the private office of the Dalai Lama."
They said they believed the system, which they called GhostNet, was focused mainly on governments in Asia.
He suggested the findings were part of a "propaganda campaign" by the Tibetan government in exile.
The research was commissioned by the Dalai Lama's office alarmed by possible breaches of security.
'Pieced together'
In an official statement, Liu Weimin writes that the report by Canadian researchers at the Information Warfare Monitor is "just some video footage pieced together from different sources to attack China".
Mr Liu stresses that in China "it is against the law to hack into the computers of others". Cyber attacks, he says, are "a global challenge" requiring global co-operation.
"China is an active participant in such co-operation in the world."
The report said that the electronic network had infiltrated 1,295 computers in 103 countries, including computers belonging to foreign ministries and embassies.
'No conclusive evidence'
The Canadian researchers had been approached by the office of the Dalai Lama, who feared the computers of his Tibetan exile network had been infiltrated.
The researchers said that while the network was based mainly in China, there was no conclusive evidence China's government was behind the infiltration.
They said ministries of foreign affairs of Iran, Bangladesh, Latvia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Barbados and Bhutan appeared to have been targeted.
Compromised
The researchers said hackers were apparently able to take control of computers belonging to several foreign ministries and embassies across the world using malicious software, or malware.
"We uncovered real-time evidence of malware that had penetrated Tibetan computer systems, extracting sensitive documents from the private office of the Dalai Lama."
They said they believed the system, which they called GhostNet, was focused mainly on governments in Asia.
Court hears Khmer Rouge testimony
After months of pre-trial hearings, the former prison chief known as Comrade Duch listened while a court official read out the charges against him.
He is accused of crimes against humanity, torture and premeditated murder for his alleged role in the deaths of more than 10,000 people.
The Khmer Rouge killed up to two million people in less than four years.
Forgiveness?
The UN-backed trial first opened in Phnom Penh last month, but this is the first day that proceedings have properly got under way.
Duch, whose really name is Kaing Guek Eav, is the first Khmer Rouge leader to face the tribunal - with four more of the regime's senior figures in custody and awaiting trial.
He is the only one who has admitted his part in the atrocities and asked for forgiveness from his victims. Duch cuts an unassuming figure these days, according to the BBC correspondent at the tribunal, Guy De Launey.
Now a slight grey-haired 66-year-old, the former prison warder politely confirmed his name and family details at the start of the court session, then asked for permission to sit down.
But the charges against him are grave, and when the prosecutors read out the long indictment against him, it was full of gruesome details.
It described medieval methods of torture and execution allegedly carried out by Duch when he was in charge of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison.
"Several witnesses said that prisoners were killed using steel clubs, cart axles, and water pipes to hit the base of their necks," the indictment said.
Duch's job was to extract confessions from prisoners of counter-revolutionary activity, but "every prisoner who arrived at S-21 [Tuol Sleng] was destined for execution", the document said.
Duch has previously told investigators he had not wanted to take charge of the prison, but feared for his own life if he did not follow orders.
He said he knew that inmates were being tortured but did not participate himself.
He is accused of crimes against humanity, torture and premeditated murder for his alleged role in the deaths of more than 10,000 people.
The Khmer Rouge killed up to two million people in less than four years.
Forgiveness?
The UN-backed trial first opened in Phnom Penh last month, but this is the first day that proceedings have properly got under way.
Duch, whose really name is Kaing Guek Eav, is the first Khmer Rouge leader to face the tribunal - with four more of the regime's senior figures in custody and awaiting trial.
He is the only one who has admitted his part in the atrocities and asked for forgiveness from his victims. Duch cuts an unassuming figure these days, according to the BBC correspondent at the tribunal, Guy De Launey.
Now a slight grey-haired 66-year-old, the former prison warder politely confirmed his name and family details at the start of the court session, then asked for permission to sit down.
But the charges against him are grave, and when the prosecutors read out the long indictment against him, it was full of gruesome details.
It described medieval methods of torture and execution allegedly carried out by Duch when he was in charge of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison.
"Several witnesses said that prisoners were killed using steel clubs, cart axles, and water pipes to hit the base of their necks," the indictment said.
Duch's job was to extract confessions from prisoners of counter-revolutionary activity, but "every prisoner who arrived at S-21 [Tuol Sleng] was destined for execution", the document said.
Duch has previously told investigators he had not wanted to take charge of the prison, but feared for his own life if he did not follow orders.
He said he knew that inmates were being tortured but did not participate himself.
Obama sets tight auto aid terms
General Motors will be given 60 days and Chrysler just 30 days to submit new plans for recovery.
Soon after ordering the resignation of GM chief Rick Wagoner, Mr Obama said bankruptcy protection could speed up the restructuring process.
But he also offered conditional assurances about the industry's future.
Government guarantees
"We cannot, we must not and we will not let our auto industry simply vanish," said Mr Obama.
"But our auto industry is not moving in the right direction fast enough to succeed."
He said the car firms had run into trouble because of a "failure of leadership - from Washington to Detroit".
Restructuring plans may "mean using our bankruptcy code as a mechanism to help them restructure quickly and emerge stronger", he said.
This could make it easier for the firms to "quickly clear away their old debts that are weighing them down so they can get back on their feet and on to a path of success".
Mr Obama said this would not have to involve breaking the companies up.
Stocks slide
Talk of bankruptcy unsettled investors and US stocks fell sharply.
The leading Dow Jones index ended down 3.3% at 7,522.02 points in New York, with GM shares down 25% at $2.71.
Soon after ordering the resignation of GM chief Rick Wagoner, Mr Obama said bankruptcy protection could speed up the restructuring process.
But he also offered conditional assurances about the industry's future.
Government guarantees
"We cannot, we must not and we will not let our auto industry simply vanish," said Mr Obama.
"But our auto industry is not moving in the right direction fast enough to succeed."
He said the car firms had run into trouble because of a "failure of leadership - from Washington to Detroit".
Restructuring plans may "mean using our bankruptcy code as a mechanism to help them restructure quickly and emerge stronger", he said.
This could make it easier for the firms to "quickly clear away their old debts that are weighing them down so they can get back on their feet and on to a path of success".
Mr Obama said this would not have to involve breaking the companies up.
Stocks slide
Talk of bankruptcy unsettled investors and US stocks fell sharply.
The leading Dow Jones index ended down 3.3% at 7,522.02 points in New York, with GM shares down 25% at $2.71.
New heavy duty recycling trommel from Stelex
Stelex Construction Equipment of Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK, have recently unveiled their latest generation of heavy duty recycling Trommels for handling bricks, concrete etc. from builders/construction waste, and mixed domestic waste.
The model HT152 offers many design benefits, with a completely new 1.5m diameter barrel design made up of four 2 m sections. This features easily replaceable punch plate aperture panels. The panels slide easily into the barrel and are locked in place by heavy-duty rubber lifters. Screening apertures can vary between 38mm up to 200mm, dependent upon individual customer's requirement. Drive is by direct, maintenance free hydraulic motors.
The unit can accept a feed size of 300 mm and can be fed directly from a conveyor through an in-built feed chute at a process rate of up to 250 tph. The compact unit can easily fit into an existing recycling processing circuit or be supplied as a stand-alone unit when dealing with a specific type material feed.
The advantage of the machine is that it is aimed specifically at the growing heavy-duty recycling market, where operators need a well engineered, lightweight yet heavy-duty machine with a ‘switch on and forget' reliability.
Additional features include fitted walkways with handrails, and low noise nylon support rollers for extended wear.
Stelex also manufacture a range of Hercules heavy duty Trommels, both mobile and static, with outputs of up to 1500 tph, which are used extensively in the quarrying industry.
The model HT152 offers many design benefits, with a completely new 1.5m diameter barrel design made up of four 2 m sections. This features easily replaceable punch plate aperture panels. The panels slide easily into the barrel and are locked in place by heavy-duty rubber lifters. Screening apertures can vary between 38mm up to 200mm, dependent upon individual customer's requirement. Drive is by direct, maintenance free hydraulic motors.
The unit can accept a feed size of 300 mm and can be fed directly from a conveyor through an in-built feed chute at a process rate of up to 250 tph. The compact unit can easily fit into an existing recycling processing circuit or be supplied as a stand-alone unit when dealing with a specific type material feed.
The advantage of the machine is that it is aimed specifically at the growing heavy-duty recycling market, where operators need a well engineered, lightweight yet heavy-duty machine with a ‘switch on and forget' reliability.
Additional features include fitted walkways with handrails, and low noise nylon support rollers for extended wear.
Stelex also manufacture a range of Hercules heavy duty Trommels, both mobile and static, with outputs of up to 1500 tph, which are used extensively in the quarrying industry.
2008 OAIMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show
The Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) hosted their two day 2008 Annual Meeting and Trade Show in November at the Hilton Columbus on Chagrin Drive in Columbus, Ohio. Attendees enjoyed educational sessions that focused on local, regional and national industry issues, historic, panel, inspirational and motivational presentations, an awards and scholarship breakfast, exhibits, entertainment and an evening reception with an OA-PAC (Ohio Aggregates — Political Action Committee) Live Auction plus post-annual meeting field trip and open house. After an early morning registration and continental breakfast sponsored by Cantwell Machinery Co., the Columbus Equipment Co. and LaFarge North America among the open exhibit area, attendees enjoyed a warm welcome from OAIMA president Joan Martin, O. Brugmann Sand & Gravel; Rick Feltes, LaFarge NA, Past Chairman of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA); and “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” by Patrick Jacomet, OAIMA executive director, who stressed the organization’s 90th anniversary program (1918-2008). Following that was a presentation by April Bott, a partner in Chester-Willcox & Saxbe LLP, on “OEPA’s Water Quality Rule Changes & Potential Ramifications for Aggregate Industry,” and then a break sponsored by Brady, Coyle & Schmidt Northern Ohio Explosives. The morning ended with talk entitled “Setting the Record Straight” by Jeffrey Hoblick, Training Specialist Mine Safety & Health Administration Educational Field Services
Marv Fleming building plants designed from the top down
SALEM, OR — With more than 40 years of industry experience under his belt, Marv Fleming knows a thing or two about designing a batch plant. As the owner and operator of Marv Fleming Enterprises — “It’s a Mom & Pop operation,” Fleming says. “I’m chief cook and bottle washer” — Fleming has been in and around the business of concrete production for much of his life. When Doug Jorgensen and his brother, Mitchell, approached him about purchasing a concrete batch plant for their growing Molalla Redi-Mix and Rock Products, Inc. (MRM) business, Fleming came to the table prepared. Not only did he put the purchasing together for the Jorgensen brothers, he helped to design a Belgrade batch plant that, in the end, was as unique as MRM itself. “We’ve been doing this sort of thing every since we came to Salem in ‘76,” Fleming said. “We do some things with concrete plants, we’ve done a couple asphalt plants over the years and we’ve done a lot with crushing plants. We’ve fabricated custom screening plants and custom crushing plants, stuff like that.” Fleming recalled that MRM had been operating a SPOMAC plant, part of that business’ original operation. “They had that plant. I think that was an existing operation their dad bought from somebody,” he said. “I’d dealt with them before and sold them some conveyor components over the years. I’d worked for a dealer that worked with Stephens batch plants and some Belgrade plants. When I went on my own, I went with Belgrade.” According to Fleming, MRM had received quotes from other dealers looking to sell them what they needed. However, “I was able to come in with the low ball, and that’s what they went with.”
REMco takes on Raptor Cone Crushers in the West
REMco, Rock Engineered Machinery Co., of Livermore, CA, was recently appointed by Wales, WI-based FLSmidth Excel LLC to market and support the full range of Excel Raptor® Cone Crushers including the popular XL300 as well as the XL 400, XL 600 and XL 900 models. REMco has more than 26 years of renowned service to aggregate producers and contractors, which makes it a good partner with FLSmidth Excel to promote and support the Raptor Cone Crushers throughout California and in the Pacific Northwest through its associated company, Steelhead Machinery, based near Seattle, WA. Damian Rodriguez, president of REMco, says that the new partnership with FLSmidth Excel is a “natural evolution of our company’s growth and we are excited to be able to offer the Raptor Cone Crusher line to our customers.” He added, “We are impressed with the quality and toughness of design of the Raptor Cone Crusher and with the level of support provided for it by the FLSmidth organization.” Founded in 1982, REMco is a California corporation based in Livermore, CA. It is renowned for fine reduction technology and rock processing expertise in the mining, industrial minerals, construction materials and the growing recycling industry. The company manufactures the broadest line of fully autogenous rock-on-rock VSI (vertical shaft impactor) crushers for the reduction of hard, abrasive rocks and ores. REMco also offers rock-on-anvil type VSI machines for limestone and less aggressive materials.
Large-diameter radial shaft seals barrier to contaminants
contaminants and resulting potential damage. These seals with diameters larger than 8-inches can operate in a wide range of speed, temperature and environmental conditions to meet the most demanding and extreme application requirements. Large diameter seals are offered in a variety of designs, configurations and materials to accommodate heavy duty equipment used in the metals, wind energy, construction, mining and pulp and paper industries, among others. Types in this extensive product line include HDS metal clad seals in several standard styles featuring a single sealing element and nitrile lip; high performance HDL metal clad oil seals for especially severe conditions exhibiting high speeds and temperatures; and highly advanced EP-2000 metal clad grease seals providing aggressive contaminant exclusion by pumping contaminants away from the seal’s springless lip. All rubber seal types include metal inserted SBF versions eliminating the need for a cover plate and fabric-reinforced HSF seals designed as solid round or with an open joint or split. Custom versions of all large diameter seals can be developed to meet application needs.
How do you measure project success?
I live in Phoenix, and recently saw the new light rail train go by overhead when driving on the interstate. The light rail has been under construction for several years and was just put into production at the end of December. It cost about $70 million per mile to build and only 20 miles of it are in place, a total investment of $1.4 billion. As you may know, the Phoenix metropolitan area is a sprawling city. The local calling area is more than 90 miles across and encompasses several cities. Only time will tell if Phoenicians will abandon their cars to take the train, especially given the limited area that the rail line serves and the fact that people will have to wait in 100-plus degree heat to catch the train for six months of the year. But … the local politicians said that Phoenix needed a light rail system, so now we have one. This story illustrates a point about how the success of a project is measured and how we can mislead ourselves about the success we achieve. In this example, the tracks are laid, the train cars are installed and the system is operational; all measures of success to the politicians. Usage by the people will be the real test of success for the community. In the mining and aggregates business, it is also easy to measure project success by installation date. I have met engineers, plant managers and tech services managers that considered a project complete when the equipment was turned on, tested and put into production. Their view of success mirrored the Phoenix politicians — the project was complete when the equipment was operational.
Wacker Neuson sees profits
Wacker Neuson will be paying a dividend to its shareholders following a good performance in 2008. The company says that based on its 2008 balance sheet profit of €43.50 million, it will pay out €0.19/eligible share. During 2008, Wacker Neuson’s net profit reached €43.50 million compared with €62.84 million for the previous year. Meanwhile the firm’s annual balance sheet profit also totalled €43.50 million, compared with €99.53 million for the previous year.
Wacker Neuson sees profits
Wacker Neuson will be paying a dividend to its shareholders following a good performance in 2008. The company says that based on its 2008 balance sheet profit of €43.50 million, it will pay out €0.19/eligible share. During 2008, Wacker Neuson’s net profit reached €43.50 million compared with €62.84 million for the previous year. Meanwhile the firm’s annual balance sheet profit also totalled €43.50 million, compared with €99.53 million for the previous year.
Oman - new highway gears up
A new 275km highway project is Oman is now being launched. Some US$16.63 million worth of engineering design contracts for sections II and III of the project have been awarded by the Government Tender Board. Section I is for a 90km length of road and Section III will involve an 85km section. The tendering process for sections II and III received bids from 10 consulting engineering firms. These were: National Engineering Services Pakistan & Partners (NESPAK), Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment, Dar al Handasah, Khatib & Alami, Parsons International, Conser & Partners, Botek Bosphorus, Cowi & Partners, Century Architects and Modern Engineering.
Colombia's La Linea tunnel receives additional funding
A US$270 million loan looks set to help restart work on Colombia’s La Linea tunnel construction project. The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) is providing the loan, which is equivalent to around 68% of the total cost of this project which has an estimated cost of $400 million. Meanwhile, some 25% of the cost of the project will be financed with local contributions and the remaining 7% with a loan previously granted by CAF. Work on the La Linea tunnel is planned for completion in 2013 and the link is intended to improve traffic between Bogota and Buenaventura. The tunnel is being built by a consortium Consorcio Segundo Centenario, which comprises Colombian, Mexican and Spanish firms. Although the project has been planned for some time it has suffered numerous delays due to design changes, legal challenges and fundings issues.
MTM Medium Speed Trapezium Mill
Zenith MTM Medium Speed Trapezium Mill is a leading-world-level industrial mill. Basing on industrial mill research of many years and adopting world-leading-powder processing technology， it is designed by our own engineers and technical workers. Our machine adopts many advantages from numbers of mill all over the world, such as trapeziums working surface, flexible connection, roll linked pressure boost, etc. It has overcome the traditional mills defect completely in application, capacity, fineness, energy consumption, service life, etc. It is the ideal substitute of the traditional mill like Raymond mill, high pressure suspension mill, ball mill, etc. Nowadays, our products have been widely used in metallurgy industry, electric power industrial, chemical, building, steel industry, coal industry, etc. And it has brought large economic benefits to our customers and the society.
XZM Ultrafine Mill
Zenith XZM Ultrafine mill is widely used in making fine powder or micro powder, a new kind of machine for producing fineness and ultra-powder. It is mainly used for grinding the material with middle and low hardness, below 6% moisture, and the material should be non-explosion and non-flammability, such as: calcite, chalk, limestone, dolomite, kaolin, bentonite, steatite, mica, magnetite, iolite, pyrophillite, vermiculite, meerschaum, attapulgite, diatomite, barite, gypsum, alunite, graphite, fluorite, phosphate ore, potassium ore pumice, etc. The size of the finished production can be adjusted between 325-2500 mesh.
Ultrafine mill Features:
1. Reliable2. High capacity and low cost3. Easy adjustment of product fineness 4. Clean, environmental protection
Ultrafine mill Features:
1. Reliable2. High capacity and low cost3. Easy adjustment of product fineness 4. Clean, environmental protection
High Pressure Grinding Mill
Zenith High Pressure Mill is mainly applied to the powder processing of mineral products in the industries of metallurgy, construction materials, chemical, and mining, etc. It can produce powder from various non-flammable and non-explosive mineral materials with Mohs hardness below 9.3 and humidity below 6%, such as barite, limestone, kaolin, ceram and slags, etc. The Product size is adjustable in the range of 80-425 mesh. It is possible to produce 30-80 mesh coarse powder through special device in the machine if necessary.
High Pressure Grinding Mill Feature:
1. High capacity. 2. Wide size range of final product (30 mesh-1000 mesh) 3. National dust-dump standard. 4. Easy to adjust separator. 5. Multi-class seals
High Pressure Grinding Mill Feature:
1. High capacity. 2. Wide size range of final product (30 mesh-1000 mesh) 3. National dust-dump standard. 4. Easy to adjust separator. 5. Multi-class seals
Vibrating Feeder
Zenith Vibrating Feeder is built to withstand the toughest work in a quarry or mine by matching different applications; The feeder series is designed particularly for continuous use with any hard and abrasive materials through uniform flow. They are backed by years of service proven performance in the mining, aggregates, glass, cement, chemical, wood products and steel industries.
Vibrating Feeder Features:
1) flexible design 2) extra heavy-duty construction 3) exclusive vibrator technology 4) Good performance-conditioning, no flushing phenomenon of materials.5) easy maintenance and low operating cost
Vibrating Feeder Features:
1) flexible design 2) extra heavy-duty construction 3) exclusive vibrator technology 4) Good performance-conditioning, no flushing phenomenon of materials.5) easy maintenance and low operating cost
Aggregate Plant
Aggregate plant includes vibrating feeder, jaw crusher, impact crusher, vibrating screen, belt conveyor and centrally electric controlling system, etc. The designed capacity is from 50t/h to 500t/h. To meet customer’s specific requirement, we can also add other equipments such as cone crusher, dust catcher on the production line.
Sand washing machine
The Zenith sand washing machine of XSD series is a kind of cleaning equipment of international advanced level for sand and slag pellets, it is developed on the basis of introducing foreign outstanding technology of the same kind of products.
Sand washing machine is widely used for cleaning materials in the following industries: quarry, minerals, building materials, transportation, chemical industry, water conservation and hydropower, cement mixture station and so on.
Features:
1. Simple structure. The bearing device of impeller drive is separated from water and materials with water, to avoid in a large degree that the bearings are damaged by being soaked with water, sand or some polluted things. 2. Being used for cleaning sand in quarries, it has many advantages compared with traditional spiral sand washing machine: There is little loss for medium-sized and fine sand and stone powder. The grade and the fineness of the sand for construction after being washed can be up to the national standards, such as sand for construction and cobble and broken stones for construction. There are no other wear parts except the screen mesh. It has longer service life and lower maintenance frequency
Sand washing machine is widely used for cleaning materials in the following industries: quarry, minerals, building materials, transportation, chemical industry, water conservation and hydropower, cement mixture station and so on.
Features:
1. Simple structure. The bearing device of impeller drive is separated from water and materials with water, to avoid in a large degree that the bearings are damaged by being soaked with water, sand or some polluted things. 2. Being used for cleaning sand in quarries, it has many advantages compared with traditional spiral sand washing machine: There is little loss for medium-sized and fine sand and stone powder. The grade and the fineness of the sand for construction after being washed can be up to the national standards, such as sand for construction and cobble and broken stones for construction. There are no other wear parts except the screen mesh. It has longer service life and lower maintenance frequency
Vibrating Screen
Vibrating Screen are used to separate materials into various sizes for further processing. Or for end use. Depending on our need. The material is separated by passing it through a vibrating “screen box” which has a number of different sized screens, or meshes, which the material falls through like a sieve, the material falls onto attached conveyors which stock pile the end products. The end products can then be used in the building and construction industries.
Vibrating Screen Features:
1) High screening efficiency 2) High capacity and reliability 3) Long bearing lifetime 4) Easy maintenance
Vibrating Screen Features:
1) High screening efficiency 2) High capacity and reliability 3) Long bearing lifetime 4) Easy maintenance
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Symons Type Cone Crusher
For higher productivity, better reliability and flexibility, long service life, and better final product quality, the Symons type cone crusher is absolutely your best choice. Symons type cone crusher offer several outstanding features such as excellent tramp release system, unique hydraulic lifting system, high crusher throw and reasonable cavity design, all of these features ensure the Symons type cone crusher can offer the unbeatable performance in secondary, tertiary and quaternary applications. If your aggregate or mining business demands the 24-hours running, high-reduction, big capacity application, you will find the Symons type cone crusher optimized for your demands. The innovations like the stable lubrication, excellent sealing feature, great abrasive material applied in key components and rugged construction effectively reduce the wear rate , extend the replacement period of the spare parts, evidently reduce the production cost in per ton hour material processed. All of these can help you to achieve the highest level of profitability.
Symons Type Cone Crusher Main Features:
1. Higher capacity and less wear costs. 2. Wide range of application suitability. 3. Easy to maintain, reduce the downtime and maintenance costs. 4. Stable running performance and easy operation.
Symons Type Cone Crusher Main Features:
1. Higher capacity and less wear costs. 2. Wide range of application suitability. 3. Easy to maintain, reduce the downtime and maintenance costs. 4. Stable running performance and easy operation.
Hydraulic cone crusher
HPC series hydraulic cone crusher adopts computer optimization design to speed up main shaft speed. The unique crushing chamber replace system can quickly replace components in crushing chamber to meet different size requirement. The friction disc design and rotation of eccentric shaft bushing around fix cone plus more reasonable "labyrinth seal" system are unique features of HPC series, which have more advantages like easier operation, larger application scope, more reliable, more smooth functioning comparing with spring and traditional cone crusher. It is the most ideal equipment for large stone crushing factory and mining industry.
Character and technical advantages of Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher:
HP Series Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher has a better performance compared with spring cone crusher and ordinary Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher: 1. High crushing ratio and production efficiency 2. Less spare part consuming and low operation cost 3. between-layer pressuring crushing and better finished product shape. 4. Hydraulic pressure protection and hydraulic pressure cavity clearing, high automatization and less stop production and repairing time. 5. Thin oil lubrication makes the service time increased. 6. Manifold crushing cavity 7. Easy maintenance and operation. 8. The crusher can provide customers a higher capacity, better product shape, and easy be operated.
Character and technical advantages of Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher:
HP Series Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher has a better performance compared with spring cone crusher and ordinary Hydraulic pressure Cone Crusher: 1. High crushing ratio and production efficiency 2. Less spare part consuming and low operation cost 3. between-layer pressuring crushing and better finished product shape. 4. Hydraulic pressure protection and hydraulic pressure cavity clearing, high automatization and less stop production and repairing time. 5. Thin oil lubrication makes the service time increased. 6. Manifold crushing cavity 7. Easy maintenance and operation. 8. The crusher can provide customers a higher capacity, better product shape, and easy be operated.
B Series Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher
Zenith B series Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher is the most advanced impact crusher in modern world. It introduces high quality roller bearing like Sweden SKF and America TIMKEN, which ensure the smooth running of main unit. Hydraulic system used in upper cap, it is easy and convenient to maintenance and replace spare parts. The feeding is our sole patent that using central feeding and central feeding with cascade feeding, the feeding method can change as per needed so as to satisfy customer’s different request.
B Series Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher Features:
1. Advanced double pump oil lubrication system minimize the maintenance frequency 2. High precision roller bearing, smooth main unit running, and long service time 3. Hydraulic lift cap, easy and convenient replacement and maintenance 4. Over vibration alarm system 5. Special dustproof seal system, outside powder is prevented from entering oil mouth 6. Unique feeding method (change between central feeding and central feeding with cascade feeding make “rock on rock” and ‘rock on iron” possible, both crushing and shaping are achieved. 7. Particular material throw head design and reasonable material selection prolong the service time.
B Series Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher Features:
1. Advanced double pump oil lubrication system minimize the maintenance frequency 2. High precision roller bearing, smooth main unit running, and long service time 3. Hydraulic lift cap, easy and convenient replacement and maintenance 4. Over vibration alarm system 5. Special dustproof seal system, outside powder is prevented from entering oil mouth 6. Unique feeding method (change between central feeding and central feeding with cascade feeding make “rock on rock” and ‘rock on iron” possible, both crushing and shaping are achieved. 7. Particular material throw head design and reasonable material selection prolong the service time.
Impact crusher
After introducing advanced techniques, Zenith impact crushers is optimized and widely applied in the first and secondary crushing. It can crush material like granite, basalt, bluestone, etc the longest side of which is less than 500mm, and anti-pressure strength is not more than 320Mpa, and the final product is ideal device for aggregation used in highway and railway surface as well as water and electricity industry.
Impact crusher features:
1) Locking sleeve assembly Connection2) Blow bar with high chrome3) Hydraulic or hand opening4) Special impact plate5) Cubical shape of final product6) Easy maintenance7) Reliable performance
Impact crusher features:
1) Locking sleeve assembly Connection2) Blow bar with high chrome3) Hydraulic or hand opening4) Special impact plate5) Cubical shape of final product6) Easy maintenance7) Reliable performance
JCE Series Jaw Crusher
Shanghai Zenith Company is the leading manufacturer of stone & mineral processing equipment in the world. We've installed about thousands of crushing equipment all over the world since the end of the 20th century. Nowadays, JCE series jaw crusher of European style adopted international advanced technology, considering crushing efficiently hard and abrasion proof stuff, it has uncontrovertibly become the most popular equipment in the world.
The features of JCE series Jaw crusher:
1. Perfect raw material with world-level manufacturing technology. 2. More advanced movable jaw assembly lengthens LCE service time. Movable jaw assembly, composed of high-quality cast steel structure, is driven by two big flying wheels which is also made of cast steel. Moreover, heavy eccentric axle is processed by forge mold. All of these make the JCE series jaw crusher extremely reliable. 3. Integral cast steel structure is adopted for bearing seat. Integral cast steel bearing matches well with the jaw crusher frame, at the same time, radial strength of the bearing seat is highly strengthened. However, the single bearing seat does not have this advantage. 4. Finite element analysis technology is adopted to ensure the jaw crusher more stronger.
The features of JCE series Jaw crusher:
1. Perfect raw material with world-level manufacturing technology. 2. More advanced movable jaw assembly lengthens LCE service time. Movable jaw assembly, composed of high-quality cast steel structure, is driven by two big flying wheels which is also made of cast steel. Moreover, heavy eccentric axle is processed by forge mold. All of these make the JCE series jaw crusher extremely reliable. 3. Integral cast steel structure is adopted for bearing seat. Integral cast steel bearing matches well with the jaw crusher frame, at the same time, radial strength of the bearing seat is highly strengthened. However, the single bearing seat does not have this advantage. 4. Finite element analysis technology is adopted to ensure the jaw crusher more stronger.
jaw crusher
Based on years’ experience and technology development, Zenith jaw crusher series are of 14 different models, which can meet most crushing requirements in primary and secondary crushing. Flexibility discharge opening setting of jaw crusher allows higher degree match with relative equipment. Zenith jaw crusher is easy to install, debug and maintenance, the continuous improvement and refinement has made it the preferred jaw crusher among professionals and customers. Every feature of Zenith jaw crusher has been carefully designed to provide superior quality and performance. It is widely used in fields of mining, metallurgical, construction, smelting, hydraulic and chemical industries, etc.
High Pressure Grinding Mill
Zenith High Pressure Mill is mainly applied to the powder processing of mineral products in the industries of metallurgy, construction materials, chemical, and mining, etc. It can produce powder from various non-flammable and non-explosive mineral materials with Mohs hardness below 9.3 and humidity below 6%, such as barite, limestone, kaolin, ceram and slags, etc. The Product size is adjustable in the range of 80-425 mesh. It is possible to produce 30-80 mesh coarse powder through special device in the machine if necessary.
High Pressure Grinding Mill Feature:
1. High capacity. 2. Wide size range of final product (30 mesh-1000 mesh) 3. National dust-dump standard. 4. Easy to adjust separator. 5. Multi-class seals
High Pressure Grinding Mill Feature:
1. High capacity. 2. Wide size range of final product (30 mesh-1000 mesh) 3. National dust-dump standard. 4. Easy to adjust separator. 5. Multi-class seals
MTM Medium Speed Trapezium Mill
Zenith MTM Medium Speed Trapezium Mill is a leading-world-level industrial mill. Basing on industrial mill research of many years and adopting world-leading-powder processing technology， it is designed by our own engineers and technical workers. Our machine adopts many advantages from numbers of mill all over the world, such as trapeziums working surface, flexible connection, roll linked pressure boost, etc. It has overcome the traditional mills defect completely in application, capacity, fineness, energy consumption, service life, etc. It is the ideal substitute of the traditional mill like Raymond mill, high pressure suspension mill, ball mill, etc. Nowadays, our products have been widely used in metallurgy industry, electric power industrial, chemical, building, steel industry, coal industry, etc. And it has brought large economic benefits to our customers and the society.
Technical Advantage:
1. Effective grinding effect. 2. Outstanding spring structure. 3. High capacity. 4. Low energy consumption. 5. Convenient to adjust the fineness.
Technical Advantage:
1. Effective grinding effect. 2. Outstanding spring structure. 3. High capacity. 4. Low energy consumption. 5. Convenient to adjust the fineness.
XZM Ultrafine Mill
Zenith XZM Ultrafine mill is widely used in making fine powder or micro powder, a new kind of machine for producing fineness and ultra-powder. It is mainly used for grinding the material with middle and low hardness, below 6% moisture, and the material should be non-explosion and non-flammability, such as: calcite, chalk, limestone, dolomite, kaolin, bentonite, steatite, mica, magnetite, iolite, pyrophillite, vermiculite, meerschaum, attapulgite, diatomite, barite, gypsum, alunite, graphite, fluorite, phosphate ore, potassium ore pumice, etc. The size of the finished production can be adjusted between 325-2500 mesh.
Ultrafine mill Features:
1. Reliable2. High capacity and low cost3. Easy adjustment of product fineness 4. Clean, environmental protection
Ultrafine mill Features:
1. Reliable2. High capacity and low cost3. Easy adjustment of product fineness 4. Clean, environmental protection
Aggregates Business Europe January February 2009
Hardly a day goes by without the words recession or credit crunch hitting the headlines. Many question how many of these headlines are really media hype but how much will the instability of the banking world affect aggregates production in Europe? In preparing the news for this issue of ABE, it is clear the financial crisis is impacting the quarrying sector with slower sales recorded in the fourth quarter of last year, compared to 2007. But where will the market go from here?Governments around the world have committed many billions of Euros of funding for infrastructure investment over the next few years. While these projects may take a while to get started on site, they will mean a guaranteed market for building materials for their duration.But the current lower levels of demand are impacting on the cash flows of companies right now. Cemex has just been through a massive refinancing programme to extend the maturity of its debts from buying Rinker and Heidelberg is also looking at a similar process to spread its commitments from acquiring Hanson. Market analysts have suggested that Lafarge could be the next global player to readjust its debt that resulted from the takeover of Orascom last year.UK-based Ennstone is also suffering a lack of liquidity as its good business in Poland has failed to offset difficult conditions in the US and slow business in the UK. The company has been selling off assets since late last year but without prospects of a quick return to growth in the US or the UK, it looks like the business may go into administration.While these debts and lower levels of revenue growth point to a difficult year, this recession is very different from others experienced in the past. This economic crisis differs due to the speed at which it hit - the whole situation seemed to spiral after the collapse of the US-based Lehman Brothers bank in September 2008 - and also because the economic drivers of industry still exist, it is just the access to credit that is causing the problem.All with commitments to infrastructure, governments around the world have also been pouring millions into the banking system but until those institutions start to lend to each other at reasonable rates again, we cannot expect the global economy to recover.While the crisis seems to be global - with the UK, Spain and Ireland worst hit in Europe - the severity of the impact on the aggregates market does vary. Quarry operators who have already reported their accounts for last year are indicating that markets such as Switzerland and some parts of Eastern Europe are still performing well and good growth is being seen in other emerging markets.Few want to put a date on, or can agree when, widespread recovery will start - some are optimistic for spring this year while others, and depending on the region they are looking at, suggest it could be mid-2010 before the market rebounds. Nonetheless, some industry analysts have warned that the recovery, triggered by re-availability of credit, could be as rapid as the arrival of the decline, leaving many quarry operators struggling to meet demand. The companies that are likely to do well following the recovery are the ones that are currently using this lean period to sharpen and optimise their businesses.
Model performance
Imagine being able to model aggregate production right from the feed hopper to the output conveyor and predict actual productivity? Well according to Bedrock Software, this can easily be achieved. Growing emphasis on cost per tonne production means that getting the maximum performance out of crushing and screening equipment is essential. But with so many different settings on all the machines on offer, it can be difficult to know exactly what the optimum is...
Screen solution
Real-time monitoring of vibrating screen performance could help guarantee reliability, according to Metso Minerals. Performance monitoring software is becoming a common feature on construction equipment but now the benefits may also be seen on vibrating screens. Metso Minerals has joined forces with Metso's Automation division to develop the new technology...
Holcim starts Venezuelan proceedings
Almost a year after Venezuela nationalised the cement industry, Holcim has said that it is initiating arbitration proceedings against the government to settle claims for compensation. The company has said that an agreement has not yet been reached and has started the arbitration process to finalise the deal.
On 3 April 2008, the President of Venezuela publicly announced that the Government would nationalise the cement industry in Venezuela. On 27 May 2008, the President issued a Decree nationalising Holcim Venezuela and the interests of Lafarge and Cemex in the country.
The Nationalisation Decree became effective on 18 June 2008 and Holcim chose to negotiate compensation for its nationalised assets. Under the plan Holcim was to retain 15% of the shares in Venezuela Holcim but in October the Venezuelan Government stopped communication and no agreement on share price has been reached.
Holcim has said in a statement that Venezuela has breached its obligations to Holcim, under the Agreement between the Republic of Venezuela and the Swiss Confederation on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, dated November 18, 1993, by failing to pay the compensation required under those treaties for the expropriated assets.
Holcim has said that it hopes to reach agreement on a fair market price for the business at the time of nationalisation but as yet Venezuela has not responded.
On 3 April 2008, the President of Venezuela publicly announced that the Government would nationalise the cement industry in Venezuela. On 27 May 2008, the President issued a Decree nationalising Holcim Venezuela and the interests of Lafarge and Cemex in the country.
The Nationalisation Decree became effective on 18 June 2008 and Holcim chose to negotiate compensation for its nationalised assets. Under the plan Holcim was to retain 15% of the shares in Venezuela Holcim but in October the Venezuelan Government stopped communication and no agreement on share price has been reached.
Holcim has said in a statement that Venezuela has breached its obligations to Holcim, under the Agreement between the Republic of Venezuela and the Swiss Confederation on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, dated November 18, 1993, by failing to pay the compensation required under those treaties for the expropriated assets.
Holcim has said that it hopes to reach agreement on a fair market price for the business at the time of nationalisation but as yet Venezuela has not responded.
Strabag's acquisition of Cemex subsidiary approved
The Hungarian competition authority GVH has given the go ahead for Austria-based Strabag to acquire Cemex’s operations in Hungary.
However, the approval has only been granted under the agreement that Strabag sells Cemex Hungaria's pre-mixed concrete production plant in Salgotarjan. The condition to the sale was made because of Strabag’s existing presences in the aggregates and ready mixed concrete markets in Hungary.
However, the approval has only been granted under the agreement that Strabag sells Cemex Hungaria's pre-mixed concrete production plant in Salgotarjan. The condition to the sale was made because of Strabag’s existing presences in the aggregates and ready mixed concrete markets in Hungary.
Buzzi reports positive trend in parts of Europe
Italy-based cement producer Buzzi Unicem has announced that net profit for 2008 was down 12% at €471million on 2007 and noted a strong downturn in the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, the company has also said that it has recorded a favourable trend in Central and Eastern Europe with sales growth in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
The company said that these positive trends were just enough to offset the downward trend elsewhere as well as the strong slowdown in Italy and the United States and a slight decrease in Russia and Mexico. The company recorded a 0.7% increase in sales during 2008, compared to the previous financial year, to take it to €3.52billion.
A statement from the company said, “For the year 2009, the economic scenario is difficult and tricky, since the scope and global nature of the crisis will undo the advantages of the group’s good geographical diversification. Consequently, notwithstanding the present uncertainty of all estimates, we believe that, at consolidated level, the year 2009 will close with recurring operating results 20/30% lower than the ones posted in 2008; currency volatility will play a key role in determining the actual decline. Hope remains that trading conditions will start to improve in the last part of the year, especially in the countries most stricken by the crisis during 2008 (United States of America, Italy).”
The company said that these positive trends were just enough to offset the downward trend elsewhere as well as the strong slowdown in Italy and the United States and a slight decrease in Russia and Mexico. The company recorded a 0.7% increase in sales during 2008, compared to the previous financial year, to take it to €3.52billion.
A statement from the company said, “For the year 2009, the economic scenario is difficult and tricky, since the scope and global nature of the crisis will undo the advantages of the group’s good geographical diversification. Consequently, notwithstanding the present uncertainty of all estimates, we believe that, at consolidated level, the year 2009 will close with recurring operating results 20/30% lower than the ones posted in 2008; currency volatility will play a key role in determining the actual decline. Hope remains that trading conditions will start to improve in the last part of the year, especially in the countries most stricken by the crisis during 2008 (United States of America, Italy).”
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Kaltim Prima Coal Mine, Indonesia
Kaltim Prima, one of the new generation of Indonesian thermal coal producers, is located in north-eastern Kalimantan. It is operated by PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), which from the project's inception up to late 2003 was jointly owned by BP and Rio Tinto. The Indonesian government receives a royalty equivalent to 13.5% of the revenue. The operation is self-contained and employs some 2,700 people.
Although BP and Rio Tinto's Contract of Work required the companies to divest part of their holding to local interests, up until 2003 no Indonesian purchaser was able to raise the finance needed to buy them out.
In mid-2003, the companies announced the sale of their holdings in KPC to PT Bumi Resources for a cash price of $500m, including assumed debt. PT Bumi Resources already owned PT Arutmin Indonesia, another major Indonesian coal producer, and has interests in oil, natural gas and mining, amongst other commercial sectors.
In 2006, PT Bumi announced the sale of all its coal holdings to PT Borneo Lumbung Energi for $3.2bn. However, the deal subsequently failed, although PT Bumi later indicated that it still intends to divest a proportion of its holdings.
Although BP and Rio Tinto's Contract of Work required the companies to divest part of their holding to local interests, up until 2003 no Indonesian purchaser was able to raise the finance needed to buy them out.
In mid-2003, the companies announced the sale of their holdings in KPC to PT Bumi Resources for a cash price of $500m, including assumed debt. PT Bumi Resources already owned PT Arutmin Indonesia, another major Indonesian coal producer, and has interests in oil, natural gas and mining, amongst other commercial sectors.
In 2006, PT Bumi announced the sale of all its coal holdings to PT Borneo Lumbung Energi for $3.2bn. However, the deal subsequently failed, although PT Bumi later indicated that it still intends to divest a proportion of its holdings.
Equinox Minerals Lumwana Copper Mine, Zambia
Australian/Canadian mining company Equinox Minerals Ltd is close to producing the first copper from its Lumwana open-cut copper mine project in Zambia. Located in the North West province of Zambia, 220km west of the Copperbelt and 65km west of the town of Solwezi, it is reported to be Africa's largest copper mine and is scheduled for commissioning in mid-2008.
Equinox's mining licence covers 1,355km² and includes two major copper deposits, Malundwe and Chimiwungo, as well as 25 exploration prospects. The licence is valid for 25 years (from January 2004) and is renewable for a further 25 years.
Equinox completed a uranium feasibility study in 2008 which showed output of 2Mlb per year of uranium oxide and 15,000t of copper could be mined simultaneously from the discrete uranium-enriched zones in the Lumwana copper pits. Uranium plant commissioning is now targeted for 2010 and copper production is due to start in July 2008.
In May 2008 Equinox Minerals was also able to secure a long-term (99 years) land title to 35,000ha for its township and mine operation areas.
Although Lumwana was discovered in 1961, no serious work was carried out there until Equinox became involved in 1999. At the time, the property was controlled by Phelps Dodge Corp. Equinox formed a joint venture with Phelps in which Equinox could earn 51% of Lumwana by investing $10m and completing a feasibility study. Later, Equinox bought Phelps out for $5m, giving Equinox 100% ownership of Lumwana.
Equinox's mining licence covers 1,355km² and includes two major copper deposits, Malundwe and Chimiwungo, as well as 25 exploration prospects. The licence is valid for 25 years (from January 2004) and is renewable for a further 25 years.
Equinox completed a uranium feasibility study in 2008 which showed output of 2Mlb per year of uranium oxide and 15,000t of copper could be mined simultaneously from the discrete uranium-enriched zones in the Lumwana copper pits. Uranium plant commissioning is now targeted for 2010 and copper production is due to start in July 2008.
In May 2008 Equinox Minerals was also able to secure a long-term (99 years) land title to 35,000ha for its township and mine operation areas.
Although Lumwana was discovered in 1961, no serious work was carried out there until Equinox became involved in 1999. At the time, the property was controlled by Phelps Dodge Corp. Equinox formed a joint venture with Phelps in which Equinox could earn 51% of Lumwana by investing $10m and completing a feasibility study. Later, Equinox bought Phelps out for $5m, giving Equinox 100% ownership of Lumwana.
Crandall Canyon Utah, USA
At the end of August 2007, with all efforts having failed to locate the miners missing in the Crandall Canyon mine for more than three weeks – and presumed dead – the US Department of Labor announced an independent investigation to look into the handling of the disaster.
The coal mine is located in the north-west of Emery County, 35 miles south-east of Fairview and 15 miles west north-west of Huntington, just off Utah State Route 31 and surrounded by the Manti-LaSal National Forest. The mine permit area extends to over 5,000 acres and occupies fee land as well as federal and state leases, with surface operations being carried out on around ten acres of disturbed land within the forest.
The co-owners of the mine are the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and UtahAmerican Energy (formerly Andalex Resources) a subsidiary of the Murray Energy Corporation, with Genwal Resources – the operating division of UtahAmerican – responsible for running it.
GEOLOGY AND RESERVES
The mine is in the Wasatch Plateau coal field, which is characterised by fine to medium grain late Cretaceous grey sandstone, inter-bedded with subordinate light and dark grey carbonaceous shales and coal, with continental and transitional sediments. Further marine sediments lie below the main deposits.
The coal mine is located in the north-west of Emery County, 35 miles south-east of Fairview and 15 miles west north-west of Huntington, just off Utah State Route 31 and surrounded by the Manti-LaSal National Forest. The mine permit area extends to over 5,000 acres and occupies fee land as well as federal and state leases, with surface operations being carried out on around ten acres of disturbed land within the forest.
The co-owners of the mine are the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and UtahAmerican Energy (formerly Andalex Resources) a subsidiary of the Murray Energy Corporation, with Genwal Resources – the operating division of UtahAmerican – responsible for running it.
GEOLOGY AND RESERVES
The mine is in the Wasatch Plateau coal field, which is characterised by fine to medium grain late Cretaceous grey sandstone, inter-bedded with subordinate light and dark grey carbonaceous shales and coal, with continental and transitional sediments. Further marine sediments lie below the main deposits.
Blue Ridge PGE Project, South Africa
Ridge Mining's Blue Ridge project is situated on the Blaauwbank farm, about 30km south-east of Groblersdal, on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC), South Africa.
Ridge Mining started exploration work on the project in 2001 and completed a feasibility study at the end of 2005. Mine development, estimated to cost $170m, began in January 2007.
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Ridge Mining and BEE partner Imbani, which had invested more than $100m of equity by December 2008. In December 2007, project finance agreements were signed with a consortium of banks consisting of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, Standard Bank and Investec Bank for R715m, giving full finance through to first production, which is set for the end of 2008.
The cash operating cost assumption for Blue Ridge is $660/oz to produce platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, giving an expected payback period of five years.
Ridge Mining started exploration work on the project in 2001 and completed a feasibility study at the end of 2005. Mine development, estimated to cost $170m, began in January 2007.
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Ridge Mining and BEE partner Imbani, which had invested more than $100m of equity by December 2008. In December 2007, project finance agreements were signed with a consortium of banks consisting of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, Standard Bank and Investec Bank for R715m, giving full finance through to first production, which is set for the end of 2008.
The cash operating cost assumption for Blue Ridge is $660/oz to produce platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, giving an expected payback period of five years.
Samarco Project, Brazil
Samarco project in South East Brazil is an integrated open pit mine, pipeline and port operation producing iron ore pellets, jointly owned by BHP Billiton and Vale.
In 2005, the boards of the two companies approved construction of a third pellet plant at Ponta Ubu, together with a mine expansion, a new concentrator at Germano, port enhancements and a second slurry pipeline. The project was completed in 2008 at a cost of around US$1.5bn.
During FY2008 the mine produced around 17mt ore, an increase of 8.5% on the previous year.
Record sales volumes reflect shipping efficiency, the RGP3 ramp-up and improvement initiatives.
At 396km long, Samarco’s pair of slurry pipelines are the world’s longest. The pelletising facility on the coast enables Samarco to operate its own port facility at Ponta Ubu, which can accommodate two vessels of up to 170,000 tons. The 313m-long by 22m-wide ship loading pier also receives carriers and tankers bringing coal and fuel oil for the pelletising plant.
Samarco is operated as an independent business with its own management team and has been granted mining concessions by the Brazilian government provided that it mines the Alegria complex according to an agreed plan.
In 2005, the boards of the two companies approved construction of a third pellet plant at Ponta Ubu, together with a mine expansion, a new concentrator at Germano, port enhancements and a second slurry pipeline. The project was completed in 2008 at a cost of around US$1.5bn.
During FY2008 the mine produced around 17mt ore, an increase of 8.5% on the previous year.
Record sales volumes reflect shipping efficiency, the RGP3 ramp-up and improvement initiatives.
At 396km long, Samarco’s pair of slurry pipelines are the world’s longest. The pelletising facility on the coast enables Samarco to operate its own port facility at Ponta Ubu, which can accommodate two vessels of up to 170,000 tons. The 313m-long by 22m-wide ship loading pier also receives carriers and tankers bringing coal and fuel oil for the pelletising plant.
Samarco is operated as an independent business with its own management team and has been granted mining concessions by the Brazilian government provided that it mines the Alegria complex according to an agreed plan.
Jembayan Thermal Coal Mine, Indonesia
The Jembayan thermal coal operation covers an area of over 12,000ha in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, some 150km north-west of Balikpapan and 80km from the sea.
Straits Resources subsidiary Straits Asia Resources (SAR) completed its acquisition of the mine in 2007 in a deal worth $350m, which was made up of $275m in cash and the issue of 75 million SAR shares to the vendors, representing 6.9% of Straits Asia's enlarged issued share capital.
The mine has been operating since 2004 with substantial year-on year ramp up. For the financial year ending December 2007, Jembayan produced 3.96Mt in 2007.
Jembayan produces two brands of coal: Prangat, which is bituminous and rated 6,000CV ADB; and Jembayan, which is sub-bituminous and rated 5,500CV ADB. Straits Resources says that the purchase of this multi-pit operation has added significant value and prospects to Straits Asia's investments in coal. Less than half the concession area has been explored and Straits Asia intends to complete a major drilling programme during 2008.
The acquisition of Jembayan is expected to double SAR's coal production. Commenting on the move, Richard Ong, CEO of SAR said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Straits Asia to expand its thermal coal mining business in Indonesia. Jembayan is an outstanding coal mine with excellent infrastructure. I am delighted with this transaction and that the vendors will hold a stake in the future of the combined businesses."
Formerly a copper-only producer, Straits Resources has divested a number of its copper assets over the last few years and has been investing primarily in revamped gold projects.
Jembayan geology and reserves
The Jembayan concession covers a total area of nearly 13,000ha. In November 2007, SAR upgraded its available resources at the Jembayan mine to 254Mt (from 138Mt) as continued exploration efforts bore fruit. This is the second upgrade of Jembayan's resource since SAR acquired the mine in December 2007, and its management is optimistic that further drilling efforts will lead to more resource upgrades.
In addition, SAR's exploration target for in-situ coal at Jembayan has been raised to 600Mt – 700Mt, substantially higher than the 200Mt it had originally targeted. The resources upgrade puts SAR in a position to raise its output in the long run. However, analysts said that they did not expect any impact on the group's near-term earnings due to ongoing capacity constraints.
Straits Resources subsidiary Straits Asia Resources (SAR) completed its acquisition of the mine in 2007 in a deal worth $350m, which was made up of $275m in cash and the issue of 75 million SAR shares to the vendors, representing 6.9% of Straits Asia's enlarged issued share capital.
The mine has been operating since 2004 with substantial year-on year ramp up. For the financial year ending December 2007, Jembayan produced 3.96Mt in 2007.
Jembayan produces two brands of coal: Prangat, which is bituminous and rated 6,000CV ADB; and Jembayan, which is sub-bituminous and rated 5,500CV ADB. Straits Resources says that the purchase of this multi-pit operation has added significant value and prospects to Straits Asia's investments in coal. Less than half the concession area has been explored and Straits Asia intends to complete a major drilling programme during 2008.
The acquisition of Jembayan is expected to double SAR's coal production. Commenting on the move, Richard Ong, CEO of SAR said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Straits Asia to expand its thermal coal mining business in Indonesia. Jembayan is an outstanding coal mine with excellent infrastructure. I am delighted with this transaction and that the vendors will hold a stake in the future of the combined businesses."
Formerly a copper-only producer, Straits Resources has divested a number of its copper assets over the last few years and has been investing primarily in revamped gold projects.
Jembayan geology and reserves
The Jembayan concession covers a total area of nearly 13,000ha. In November 2007, SAR upgraded its available resources at the Jembayan mine to 254Mt (from 138Mt) as continued exploration efforts bore fruit. This is the second upgrade of Jembayan's resource since SAR acquired the mine in December 2007, and its management is optimistic that further drilling efforts will lead to more resource upgrades.
In addition, SAR's exploration target for in-situ coal at Jembayan has been raised to 600Mt – 700Mt, substantially higher than the 200Mt it had originally targeted. The resources upgrade puts SAR in a position to raise its output in the long run. However, analysts said that they did not expect any impact on the group's near-term earnings due to ongoing capacity constraints.
Sebuku Coal Mine, Indonesia
The coal seams of Sebuku Island occur within the lower part of the Eocene Tanjung formation. The coal seams are preserved within a number of deposits in the south-west region of Sebuku Island.
The main deposit is preserved within a broad north-south trending syncline that is truncated along the eastern boundary by the major Kanibungan Fault. The flanks of the syncline dip gently at typically less than 10°.
The Tanah Putih deposit lies to the northwest of the main deposit and fills a basin that deepens and thickens to the west. Further seams are developing at depth and thickening to the west above the ultramafic basement.
The strata consist predominantly of weak mudstone and shale with interbedded coal seams. All strata are capable of being mined without the need for blasting.
The coal is of high volatile bituminous rank with an average in-situ ash of 12%, total sulphur of 1.05%, a calorific value of 6,085KCal/kg (air-dried basis) with an average in situ total moisture of 14%. The coal is typically lustrous with occasional bright bands.
The main deposit is preserved within a broad north-south trending syncline that is truncated along the eastern boundary by the major Kanibungan Fault. The flanks of the syncline dip gently at typically less than 10°.
The Tanah Putih deposit lies to the northwest of the main deposit and fills a basin that deepens and thickens to the west. Further seams are developing at depth and thickening to the west above the ultramafic basement.
The strata consist predominantly of weak mudstone and shale with interbedded coal seams. All strata are capable of being mined without the need for blasting.
The coal is of high volatile bituminous rank with an average in-situ ash of 12%, total sulphur of 1.05%, a calorific value of 6,085KCal/kg (air-dried basis) with an average in situ total moisture of 14%. The coal is typically lustrous with occasional bright bands.
Spence Copper Cathode Mine, Atacama Desert, Chile
It is one of the company's newer projects, with the first copper cathode extracted in 2006. The mine reached design capacity in the third quarter of 2007, after which it was able to reach the current annual production rate of 200,000t of copper cathode.
Spence is the first greenfield large-scale mining project to be developed in Chile in six years and the first large SX-EW (solvent extraction and electrowinning) project constructed globally this decade.
Commenting at the opening, BHP Billiton president base metals, Diego Hernandez said: "This is an outstanding asset that incorporates global best operating practice and the latest technology."
Construction of the mine was undertaken at a cost of around $1bn, with annual capex estimated at around $20m. Around 90% of the engineering was undertaken in Chile, and 99% of the management team is Chilean nationals.
Spence has 663 full time employees – of which 70% are from the Antofagasta Region – and 489 contractors. Women make up about 8.5% of staff.
BHP Billiton has emphasised that design and the construction of the site was guided by best-practise safety standards, and the mine has already earned a number of awards for its achievements in this area. Mine life is currently estimated at 19 years.
Geology and reserves
The supergene enriched and partially oxidised porphyry copper deposit is of Upper Paleocene age (about 57 million years). The deposit is 100% covered by gravels and depth to mineralisation ranges from 80m to 100m below the surface. Oxide and supergene sulphide mineralisation is amenable to heap leaching (atacamite and chalcocite).
Proven and probable reserves of oxide ore as of the end of 2007 were 74.8 million
Spence is the first greenfield large-scale mining project to be developed in Chile in six years and the first large SX-EW (solvent extraction and electrowinning) project constructed globally this decade.
Commenting at the opening, BHP Billiton president base metals, Diego Hernandez said: "This is an outstanding asset that incorporates global best operating practice and the latest technology."
Construction of the mine was undertaken at a cost of around $1bn, with annual capex estimated at around $20m. Around 90% of the engineering was undertaken in Chile, and 99% of the management team is Chilean nationals.
Spence has 663 full time employees – of which 70% are from the Antofagasta Region – and 489 contractors. Women make up about 8.5% of staff.
BHP Billiton has emphasised that design and the construction of the site was guided by best-practise safety standards, and the mine has already earned a number of awards for its achievements in this area. Mine life is currently estimated at 19 years.
Geology and reserves
The supergene enriched and partially oxidised porphyry copper deposit is of Upper Paleocene age (about 57 million years). The deposit is 100% covered by gravels and depth to mineralisation ranges from 80m to 100m below the surface. Oxide and supergene sulphide mineralisation is amenable to heap leaching (atacamite and chalcocite).
Proven and probable reserves of oxide ore as of the end of 2007 were 74.8 million
Anglo American Says Looking at Australia Iron Ore
Anglo American is looking at possible iron ore joint ventures or acquisition opportunities in Australia, a senior company official said on Tuesday.
"Nothing is imminent but we are looking at joint ventures and acquisition opportunities," Paul Caghill, head of group business development for Asia Pacific and Australasia for Anglo American, told Reuters.
Earlier this month, the mining giant said it sold its remaining 11.3% stake in South Africa's AngloGold Ashanti for around $1.3bn.
Speaking on the sidelines of the fifth annual Asia Mining Congress 2009, Caghill said it was likely to be a very difficult year in the iron ore market, with conditions next year also tough.
"Right now there are very difficult price negotiations going on between consumers and producers which are likely to see a significant reduction in the price of iron ore compared to last year. "
"But in the long term we think it is a good business to be in, driven by the economic forces in China in particular and India to follow."
"Nothing is imminent but we are looking at joint ventures and acquisition opportunities," Paul Caghill, head of group business development for Asia Pacific and Australasia for Anglo American, told Reuters.
Earlier this month, the mining giant said it sold its remaining 11.3% stake in South Africa's AngloGold Ashanti for around $1.3bn.
Speaking on the sidelines of the fifth annual Asia Mining Congress 2009, Caghill said it was likely to be a very difficult year in the iron ore market, with conditions next year also tough.
"Right now there are very difficult price negotiations going on between consumers and producers which are likely to see a significant reduction in the price of iron ore compared to last year. "
"But in the long term we think it is a good business to be in, driven by the economic forces in China in particular and India to follow."
Mining Service Companies See Recovery After Gloomy 2008
Mining service companies are beginning to see a recovery in their orderbooks, the first green shoots of confidence in an industry slammed by the global economic downturn.
"In the past two months, business is better compared to October, November and December last year," said a general manager at a Southeast Asian mining equipment company, who was attending the Asia Mining Congress in Singapore this week.
"Compared to the same time last year, sales are still bad, but there are signs of recovery. Orders are coming in and we are getting more enquiries from customers." He asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to media.
Mining service companies supply the equipment – the mills, drills, rigs and specialist know-how, that the mining companies need in order to pull metals and minerals out of the earth.
The companies, which include heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar and Outotec of Finland, were among the first to suffer when the industry last year slashed capital expenditure by around 40%, or $200bn, in order to preserve cash.
Commodity prices have seen a 60% decline since touching record highs in the middle of 2008 but in spite of the falls delegates said the mood was surprisingly positive.
"Sentiment is reasonably bullish. We think there are signs of progress," said Andrew Berlach, managing director of FLSmidth Minerals, part of a Danish-based cement and minerals equipment company.
He added the turning point had yet to show up in a lot of news and data, which reflected the state of the economy in late 2008, before trillions of dollars in stimulus were in place.
"This is a very good time to invest, you can get capital costs down by 30%-35% at least."
Berlach also said lead times for getting equipment were down significantly from recent years, when long queues meant it could take three years to receive a piece of equipment.
Gold miners were also buoyant, benefiting from bullion prices hovering around 10% short of record highs.
"Gold prices are still strong and in Australian dollar terms they are phenomenal. We are benefitting to a degree from the slowdown elsewhere," said a regional exploration manager for a major gold miner, who was also not authorised to talk to media.
"We've been able to hire new people that otherwise might have gone into industrial metals, especially on the engineering side. We're also finding it easier to get equipment."
As well as stirrings of life in new equipment sales, the market for parts for existing equipment may remain healthy as miners try to maintain older equipment.
"We will see improvements and we are quite optimistic about this part of the world," said Peter Nathan Cazenas, business line manager at Swedish engineering firm Sandvik.
The company is seeing strong orders for replacement parts and consumables, he added.
"The aftermarket business is going to be strong... people are patching up equipment so even if we don't have a lot of new machine sales, the after-market will support."
"In the past two months, business is better compared to October, November and December last year," said a general manager at a Southeast Asian mining equipment company, who was attending the Asia Mining Congress in Singapore this week.
"Compared to the same time last year, sales are still bad, but there are signs of recovery. Orders are coming in and we are getting more enquiries from customers." He asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to media.
Mining service companies supply the equipment – the mills, drills, rigs and specialist know-how, that the mining companies need in order to pull metals and minerals out of the earth.
The companies, which include heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar and Outotec of Finland, were among the first to suffer when the industry last year slashed capital expenditure by around 40%, or $200bn, in order to preserve cash.
Commodity prices have seen a 60% decline since touching record highs in the middle of 2008 but in spite of the falls delegates said the mood was surprisingly positive.
"Sentiment is reasonably bullish. We think there are signs of progress," said Andrew Berlach, managing director of FLSmidth Minerals, part of a Danish-based cement and minerals equipment company.
He added the turning point had yet to show up in a lot of news and data, which reflected the state of the economy in late 2008, before trillions of dollars in stimulus were in place.
"This is a very good time to invest, you can get capital costs down by 30%-35% at least."
Berlach also said lead times for getting equipment were down significantly from recent years, when long queues meant it could take three years to receive a piece of equipment.
Gold miners were also buoyant, benefiting from bullion prices hovering around 10% short of record highs.
"Gold prices are still strong and in Australian dollar terms they are phenomenal. We are benefitting to a degree from the slowdown elsewhere," said a regional exploration manager for a major gold miner, who was also not authorised to talk to media.
"We've been able to hire new people that otherwise might have gone into industrial metals, especially on the engineering side. We're also finding it easier to get equipment."
As well as stirrings of life in new equipment sales, the market for parts for existing equipment may remain healthy as miners try to maintain older equipment.
"We will see improvements and we are quite optimistic about this part of the world," said Peter Nathan Cazenas, business line manager at Swedish engineering firm Sandvik.
The company is seeing strong orders for replacement parts and consumables, he added.
"The aftermarket business is going to be strong... people are patching up equipment so even if we don't have a lot of new machine sales, the after-market will support."
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