Australian Mining is proud to announce the finalists for the 2020 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
The Australian Mining Prospect Awards Epiroc Hard Rock Mine of the Year Award recognises a hard rock mine that is performing well or has carried out an innovative project or program.
“Congratulations to all the finalists for being nominated for the Australian Mining Prospect Awards,” Epiroc said.
“Epiroc is very proud to be the sponsor for the Hard Rock Miner of the Year award.
“At Epiroc we recognise how important diversity and inclusion is for the success of our business. We strive for all people to be welcomed, valued, represented and included.
“Epiroc recognises that gender diversity is particularly critical to our success. We’re passionate about our strategies to attract and retain talented people in our global operations and proudly support women in mining and resources in Australia.”The finalists of the Epiroc Hard Mine of the Year Award are:
Mineral Resources, Koolyanobbing iron ore mine
Mineral Resources’ strong progress towards its operational goals at the Koolyanobbing mine since acquiring the project from Cleveland-Cliffs has been a Western Australian mining success story.
The company has guided a major turnaround in the performance of the operation, rapidly increasing production and shipments since the 2018 acquisition.
Originally targeting 6-6.25Mtpa at the time of acquisition, by June 2020, Mineral Resources had hit a production rate of 12.5Mtpa co-ordinating people, assets and fleet spanning over 200 kilometres.
The ramp-up demonstrates the high standard and creativity of project services, planning and efficient execution, delivering the more than two-fold increase in the project’s economic inventory. With such significant extensions, Mineral Resources has increased the number of jobs in the region while expanding the regional footprint to create further opportunities.
The mining services company uses its own rail fleet to transport product to the Port of Esperance for export.
OceanaGold, Haile gold mine
Based in South Carolina mining town Kershaw, the historic Haile operation has become the largest gold mine on the United States’ east coast under OceanaGold’s stewardship.
Since pouring first gold in January 2017 and starting commercial production later that year, the company has increased its open pit mining fleet to 25 vehicles. This year, the company aims to produce between 135,000 to 175,000 ounces of gold.
OceanaGold has mined four open pits, constructed a world-class CIL/flotation/ultra-fine grind process circuit, and expanded the surface infrastructure since acquiring the site from Romarco Minerals in 2015.
The company continues to explore the area to identify new resource targets and to grow an underground mine operation, which is in the final stages of engineering, pending approval. Through Haile, the company has created a neighbourhood of communities which it supports with employment opportunities and the purchase of goods and services.