market - ernest henry mining xstrata power station underway following approval from the state...

Issue 71 February 2007

MARKETXstrata Power Station underwayFollowing approval from the State Government, construction commenced in early February on Mount Isa Mines’ new 30 megawatt gas-fired Xstrata Power Station (XPS).

Once completed XPS will be one of the most energy-efficient power stations operating in Australia.

Initially earthworks were required at the site adjacent to the XPS land to relocate power lines. Following this, the preparation and levelling of the XPS site began by Clarke Energy, who are the principal contractors managing the construction work.

Once levelling has been completed, civil works will begin by Mount Isa contractor, Nortask.

Xstrata is building the new power station in order to meet the demand for extra energy, due to its expanding operations. The power station will supplement short-term energy requirements over and above what can be reliably and cost-effectively supplied from Mica Creek Power Station.

Steve de Kruijff, Chief Operating Officer, Xstrata Copper North Queensland said the XPS is a short term solution for Mount Isa Mines’ energy supply.

“This increase will allow copper metal production to increase to 300,000 tonnes per annum and the zinc/lead production to reach

Heavy earthmoving equipment begins site preparation for Xstrata’s new $36M power station

eight million tonnes of ore per annum,” Mr de Kruijff said.

Once completed, the XPS is expected to consist of 11 individual gas-fired engine / generator sets, each holding around 3 megawatt capacity.

A gas conditioning station, a switch room and other ancillary plant and equipment will also be built on the site as part of the XPS configuration.

“Xstrata is very proud to have been granted worldwide recognition for best industry practice for the modern technology being incorporated into this project,” Mr de Kruijff said.

All 11 engines have been specifically designed for natural gas fuel, supplied through the Carpentaria Gas Pipeline at Mica Creek Power Station.

Detailed health and safety assessments, which sustain Xstrata’s highest commitment to strict environmental standards have been completed. Each gas-fired engine will be housed in an enclosure designed to limit noise emission. While air emissions will be significantly lower than environmental guidelines.

The commissioning date is expected for late October 2007.

Inside Hazardous Waste Amnesty 5 Apprentice Induction 12

National Pollutant Inventory 2 Xstrata in the Community 8 CSC Team 14

Road Safety 3 Exploration in the North West 11 Gemini Health 15

Page � | Mine to Market | February �007

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new employees within the company. This month, I took pleasure in addressing our 74 first year apprentices on their first day with the Xstrata Skills Centre and wish them every success for their apprenticeship training. Xstrata Copper also welcomes the General Manager of the zinc lead concentrator to Mount Isa, Mr Mike Cooper, and our new Human Resources and Community Relations Managers for North Queensland - Mr Tony Page and Ms Melanie Edgar. Looking forward, I would like to reinforce with all our workers the need to take responsibility for your safety while at work. This is our number one priority.

Following recent media coverage about the release of the National Pollutant Inventory Annual Report, Mount Isa Mines would like to take the opportunity to clarify the control of emissions and toxicities in the Mount Isa Region.

Firstly, Mount Isa Mines reports annually to the National Pollutant Inventory for the relevant financial year as per Federal Government requirements. The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is an internet database that contains information relating to the emissions for 90 substances that may originate from industrial facilities or diffuse sources. NPI substances have a wide range of toxicities. It is important to note that a small emission may not necessarily be insignificant; for example, a small emission of a highly toxic substance may be of more concern than a larger emission of a substance of relatively lower toxicity.

If a facility uses more than 10 tonnes of selected NPI substances, consumes more than a specified amount of energy, or emits more than a certain amount of total nitrogen or total phosphorus to water, then it is required to estimate and report its emissions. In collecting information for facilities, emissions are directly measured or estimated. The techniques used to estimate these emissions have been approved by Commonwealth, State and Territory environment agencies.

Diffuse sources include non-industry (eg. households - lawn mowers, cigarettes) and transport (eg. vehicles) as well as smaller facilities that do not estimate and report for themselves. The inclusion of this data provides a more comprehensive picture of the emission of compounds across Australia and provides context for facility emissions.

The NPI provides data on emissions only and identifies potential hazards associated with listed substances. The ultimate fate of NPI substances emitted to the environment impacts the effect they have on human health. The environment is not addressed by the NPI as the pollution exposure to humans and the environment cannot be determined solely from the NPI.

Many additional factors determine whether a pollutant emission is felt as ground level pollution. Examples of additional factors are the:

• height of an emission above the ground (high stacks versus ground level vehicle exhausts)

• nature of receiving environment • chemical reactivity of the substance • prevailing weather conditions

Pollution control is the responsibility of States and Territories. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has fallen within its licence emission limits for several years. This was confirmed by a Department of Mines and Energy / Environmental Protection Agency compliance audit completed in October 2006. In addition, we have 15 environmental monitoring stations in Mount Isa which are all dedicated to measuring smelter emissions in the Mount Isa community. These are monitored 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. During 2006, the smelters were shut down for a total downtime of 657.6 hours for the copper smelter and 200 hours for the lead smelter as a result of wind blowing over the city.

Mount Isa Mines is continually striving to improve its environmental performance and major improvements to both the copper smelter and lead smelter are being implemented. In 2005, emissions from the copper smelter had reduced by approximately 80% since 2000, which mainly comes as a result of the installation of the Southern Cross Fertilizer Acid plant. In 2006, an additional capture of approximately 5% of the copper smelter emissions was achieved through the installation of hoods over the converters as well as improved communication with the acid plant operating personnel. The long term goal for capture is 95% of total emissions from the copper smelter.

The lead smelter has achieved a 17% reduction in emissions since 2000 through improvements in process input quality. A pre-feasibility study to install lead ISASMELT technology at the lead smelter commenced in 2006 and will continue into 2007. The installation of the lead ISASMELT technology will also assist to both improve process efficiencies and reduce emissions. We regularly report this information to our local community through community information sessions, held approximately every four months, as well as our annual emissions report in our site Sustainability Reports.

Information about the National Pollutant Inventory

A message from Steve de Kruijff, Chief Operating Officer

February �007 | Mine to Market | Page �

Stock PriceXstrata is listed on the London and Zurich stock exchanges. As at 21 February 2007 the Xstrata share price on the London Stock Exchange (XTA.L) was 24.98 (GBp).

With the number of road changes taking place across the lease it is timely to remind personnel of their obligations and the basic road rules when operating vehicles or mobile equipment on the lease:

• Keep left• Wearing of seat belts in vehicles and mobile equipment

is compulsory• Right of way is given to emergency response vehicles

with flashing RED, GREEN or BLUE lights/sirens and explosive vehicles with flashing RED lights

• Drivers shall not exceed the speed limit specified on the road sign

• All vehicles travelling on the lease shall have their head lights and amber flashing /revolving light turned on at all times

• All light vehicles shall be fitted with a high visibility flag and pole

• Drivers shall not use mobile phones whilst driving unless the phone has been fitted as hands free

• All vehicles have right of way at pedestrian access crossings

• Overtaking is only permitted if the front vehicle pulls to the side, stops, and it is safe to pass - passing in Black Star Open Cut can only occur with positive radio communication

• Do not overtake haul trucks or front end loaders in any circumstance

• All loads shall be secured • Drivers shall conduct pre-start checks prior to operating

vehicles or mobile equipment• Drivers shall maintain at least 50 metres distance from

the vehicles in front (a greater distance is required when

driving at night and in wet conditions)• All vehicles that have been on the lease are required to go

through the vehicle wash bay prior to exiting the lease• Drive to the road and weather conditions• Drivers shall be trained and deemed competent for the

roads and areas being accessed eg. some roads and areas are restricted

• Under no circumstances are light vehicles to travel on the George Fisher Haul road unless specifically authorised by the George Fisher Mine Manager

Security is responsible for policing traffic rules and have the full support of the Senior Management Team to enforce these rules - as such they are to be treated in a courteous manner at all times. In instances of non-compliance with the road rules the issue will be raised with the person’s Department Manager or Contracting Company. It is in everyone’s best interest and safety to observe these rules when operating vehicles or mobile equipment on the lease.

Road Safety at Mount Isa Mines

Keep Safe - obey all road rules while driving on the lease

Community Information Session

The next Xstrata Mount Isa Mines Community Information Session will be held

Date: Tuesday 3 April Time: 5.30 pm Venue: Mount Isa Civic Centre

Please join us to hear the latest news, developments and important announcements from Mount Isa Mines. All welcome.


From Kriel, South Africa comes recently appointed Senior Environmental Advisor- Metallurgical Operations, Roux Meyer.

Roux, his wife Mechelle and two daughters, Rochelle and Shané, left Kriel in January this year where they had been living for the past five years. Most recently, Roux worked as an Environment Superintendent at Ingwe Operational mines (Optimum Colliery).

Prior to this, Roux was an Environment Superintendent at Ingwe Mine Closure Operations where he was responsible for the rehabilitation, monitoring and closure of several mines.

“Being able to do rehabilitation and closure before I gained some operational experinece was of great value to me as an Environmentalist” Mr Meyer said.

Today, Roux’s principal role with Xstrata is to provide advice and environmental management assistance to the lead and copper smelters. He also liaises with the Air Quality Control Centre to ensure that stack emissions and plant control are operating in line with regulatory standards.

With a family background of nature conservationists, Roux found his passion for the environment at a young age.

“Being a nature conservationist was my early dream but being able to contribute in sustainable projects where the balance between social, economical and environmental aspects must be sustained became a challenge as part of my environmental career path,” he said.

As far as life in Mount Isa goes, Roux is confident that his family will adjust quickly.

“We love nature, fishing and camping and now we have a whole new country to explore,” he said.

They are also big rugby union and cricket fans.

“We will miss South Africa but we will have more than enough to keep ourselves busy with, here in Australia,” he said.

Xstrata welcomes Mike Cooper as the new General Manager of the zinc lead concentrator in Mount Isa. Mike joins us from Xstrata’s Zinc operations in New Brunswick, Canada.

As General Manager, Mike’s role involves advancing operational performance of the existing concentrator facilities as well as integrating new capital projects in order to increase metal production.

Graduating as a metallurgical engineer in 1982, Mike started work for Wabush Mines (iron ore) and Rio Algom (uranium) before moving to Brunswick Mining & Smelting, which later became Falconbridge and more recently Xstrata. Here he worked at the lead-zinc-copper concentrator and in 2003 was appointed as Concentrator Manager.

Managing the Mount Isa Mines Zinc-lead concentrator, which is one of the more technically complex concentration circuits in the world, will no doubt prove to be challenging.

“My job always presents new challenges. The most challenging task is to understand the various operating issues and how to most effectively use the available resources to overcome bottlenecks and barriers,” Mr Cooper said.

Mike enjoys the challenges of the job as they require creativity along with a good toolbox of techniques and methods.

“One of the most enjoyable parts of the job as concentrator manager is interacting with people and seeing a team work together towards reaching goals. I am focussed on building a strong team of motivated individuals to make an impact,” he said.

Having only just arrived in Mount Isa on February 14, Mike is anxiously awaiting family members to join him in Mount Isa once the Canadian high school year finishes in July.

Staff Profile:

Roux Meyer

Staff Profile:

Mike Cooper


Clean Up Australia Day –Hazardous Household Waste Amnesty

Location: 99-101 West Street, MICC Sanitation Depot (Cnr West and Alma Street)Dates: Friday 2 and Saturday 3 March 2007Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Waste that will be accepted: - Insecticides - Paint - Herbicides - Aerosols - Oil and fuel - Solvents - Cleaning products - BBQ gas bottles - Car batteries - Fire extinguishers - Swimming pool chemicals

Waste types that will not be accepted: - Oxy acetylene bottles - Building spoil - Green waste - Putrescible waste - Engine parts (food scraps) - Electrical goods - Medical Waste

As part of the annual Clean Up Australia Day event, Xstrata Mount Isa Mines in conjunction with the Mount Isa City Council will co-ordinate Mount Isa’s Hazardous Household Waste Amnesty on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 March 2007 after a successful inaugural amnesty in 2006.

Xstrata’s commitment to a clean and safe environment will once again see the mine’s Environmental team assisting the Mount Isa community, by collecting and discarding hazardous household waste in an environmentally safe method.

Environment Manager for Xstrata Copper North Queensland, Mr Ed Turley, continues to urge the community to correctly discard household wastes, and encourages the community to use this amnesty as the opportunity to do so.

“Hazardous household waste put into wheelie bins which then go to the landfill, or waste tipped down the stormwater system can have negative effects on the surface water and groundwater in the local area,” said Mr Turley.

“There is a high cost and inconvenience with cleaning up illegal dumping,” he said.

In order to avoid the incorrect disposal of hazardous material, the waste will be received by Mount Isa Mines personnel and packaged appropriately prior to its disposal.

The Mayor of Mount Isa, Councillor Ron McCullough, stressed the importance for an environmental culture to be nurtured in the community not only to further improve our quality of life but also to protect and preserve the area for future generations. Both children and adults are encouraged to take part in the waste amnesty.

Mount Isa City Council’s (MICC) premises located at 99-101 West Street will again be the centralised location for residents to deposit household waste that may otherwise become a hazard in the home, or disposed of incorrectly.

Some examples of household hazardous waste that may be dropped off include insecticides, herbicides, oil and fuel, cleaning products, car batteries, paint, aerosols, solvents, empty BBQ gas bottles, swimming pool chemicals and fire extinguishers.

In addition to the hazardous waste amnesty, Mount Isa Mines will be participating in the ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ activities in Mount Isa.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to help keep Mount Isa a clean and tidy city,” said Mr Turley.

It’s time to clean out your shed for Mount Isa’s second Hazardous Household Waste Amnesty

Household hazardous waste from domestic users (not commercial) can be discarded at the MICC premises at 99 - 101 West Street on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 of March between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Xstrata’s environmental staff assist in last year’s hazardous household waste amnesty


Xstrata Zinc at Mount Isa Mines is demonstrating new innovation in transportation through using road trains which pull five trailers of ore behind one prime mover.

As a safety protocol, the five-trailer road trains use a designated haul road on the Mount Isa Mines’ lease, between George Fisher Mine and the zinc operations at Mount Isa Mines. Therefore, the spectacular vehicle won’t be seen on public roads in Mount Isa.

Supplied to the mine by BIS Industrial Logistics, the vehicle can carry up to 315 tonnes of ore, giving it a 470 tonne (gross vehicle mass), is 72 metres in length and has a total horse power of 1050. The prime mover uses 600 hp and the power trailer 450 hp, while the unit has ninety-four tyres fitted to the vehicle.

General Manager Mount Isa Zinc Lead Operations, Kevin Hendry, said the vehicle is another example of how Xstrata is continuing to set the standard with mine safety through reducing the number of road trains required daily from eight to three.

“It substantially reduces the number of trips required between George Fisher Mine and Mount Isa Mines as it can carry larger quantities of ore,” said Mr Hendry.

Operations Manager with BIS Industrial Logistics George Fisher, Mr Markus Metsala, said the third trailer is a tri-drive trailer and powered by a Cummins ISX motor coupled to an Allison automatic transmission controlled by the driver in the prime mover.

“The power trailer is manually operated by the driver in the cab when pulling-out loaded, and after reaching the desired road speed, can be switched to operate off the foot throttle,” said Mr Metsala.

The mine has two five-trailer road trains and one 4-trailer roadtrain.

The drivers of the five-trailer road trains have had extensive training by BIS Industrial Logistics driver trainer, Rick Pearn, to operate the twin-powered unit and manoeuvre the extra long vehicle.

Innovation with Safety in the fast lane

LOOK what was found at the Copper Smelter!

Our environmentally friendly smelter staff rescued the blue-tongue lizard and returned him to his natural habitat.

His peculiar copper colour due to camoflauge perhaps?

February �007 | Mine to Market |

Mount Isa Mines is undergoing structural changes at the old copper concentrator crusher as part of the mine’s proactive rehabilitation program.

Steve de Kruijff, Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper North Queensland, said the old copper concentrator crusher building, that is no longer in use, will be demolished over the coming few months, with preparatory work well underway.

“Mount Isa Mines has a site rehabilitation program whereby any unused or out of date structure is demolished to keep the mine site a clean, safe and efficient workplace,” Mr de Kruijff said.

“As part of our progressive rehabilitation program, a clean, neat and tidy workplace is a safe, manageable and environmentally friendly workplace,” he said.

Demolition contractor the Moltoni Adams Group has been contracted by Xstrata for the deconstruction. After a number of weeks of mobilisation activities, the Moltoni Adams crew is ready to commence the demolition process. The work began on Saturday 3 February 2007 and will continue until after Easter 2007.

“Unlike the Fluoro Solids Roaster (FSR) demolition project last year, the crusher building will be deconstructed primarily by cutting and lowering the main components of the building by crane,” Mr de Kruijff said.

“Mount Isa Copper Operations Engineering has engaged the services of Xstrata Safety and Health, Environmental, Bulk Products, Heavy Vehicle Workshop, SIMTARS, Copper Concentrator, Xstrata Legal Services, Technical Records and others to utilise the expertise of Xstrata personnel on site to achieve a well planned and executed project,” Mr de Kruijff said.

“The Safety of Moltoni and Xstrata personnel during this project and protection of existing live services in the vicinity of the crusher building is paramount to its success, and accordingly a tight focus continues to be maintained on safety at all times,” he said.

With the project scheduled to continue post-Easter 2007, the Mount Isa community can expect to see the crusher building slowly being reduced to ground rubble over the next few months.

Further updates on the project will be featured in upcoming editions of Mine to Market.

Demolition starts on old crusher building

pictured right:top: the old copper concentrator crusher buildingmiddle: crusher floor foundations in the buildingbottom: primary and secondary ore bins


Xstrata Copper’s Ernest Henry Mine has donated carpet and toys and the little people’s’ dining suite to the local Cloncurry Playgroup to help make their play area an even brighter space for children and parents.

General Manager of Ernest Henry Mine, Mr Cam Schubert, said Playgroup is a great place for toddlers to develop important social skills and for parents to share time with their children in a structured play environment.

“The demographics of the region – particularly in Cloncurry – show that Cloncurry has a very young population, and we recognise we can help ensure social and learning support networks are provided for through our robust donations and sponsorship program,” said Mr Schubert.

“We are proud to be supporting the

Playgroup and we hope that the donations and the toys will provide they playgroup’s children with hours of fun and entertainment,” he said.

“Ernest Henry Mine’s support of childcare and kindy centres, and more recently the Playgroup, as well as the school in Cloncurry demonstrates Xstrata’s continued commitment to the communities in which it operates,” said Mr Schubert.

The playgroup meets at the Library every Wednesday at 10.00am.

A very motivated committee has worked hard to make this group available to parents and their children over the past two years. The Cloncurry Playgroup is supported by the Cloncurry Council which allows the Playgroup to use the Town Hall supper room.

New furniture for Cloncurry Playgroup Association

Pictured above are the very appreciative children and parents following replacement of the ‘little people’s’ dining suite. The Cloncurry Playgroup displays their hand-painted ‘Thank you’ sign for Ernest Henry Mine.

Apex thanks George Fisher Mine

The Mount Isa APEX Club has

expressed their gratitude to

Xstrata’s George Fisher Mine

for donating an Atco Hut for

use as the Apex clubhouse.

APEX is an active service

club that has been operating

in Mount Isa for 46 years and

contributes to projects that

benefit: kids with cancer;

families with an autistic

child; and Australians of all

ages who suffer diabetes

and melanoma.

The club also supports the

free phone service of kids-at-

risk run by ‘Kids Helpline’.

President of APEX Mount Isa,

Mr Adam Housden, said it had

been a long term goal of the

club to source a clubhouse,

however the George Fisher

Mine had graciously donated

an Atco hut until their own

clubhouse comes to fruition.

“Without this type of

generosity, clubs such as ours

would find it difficult to make

a considerable difference in

today’s society,” Mr Housden

said.


Yallambee Aboriginal Community is an Indigenous community consisting of ten houses provided by the Department of Housing for eligible members of the Aboriginal community in Mount Isa.

Anywhere between 10-20 families live at Yallambee on a regular basis, many of these with young children.

A small community centre operated at Yallambee until approximately mid-2005 when vandals broke in through a skylight, causing extensive damage to the ceiling and lighting at the centre.

In mid-2006, Xstrata provided a donation to the Brilla Brilla (meaning small children) Community Centre to enable repairs to be undertaken and help assist the ‘Centacare Mount Isa Communities for Children’ project team to move into the centre and restart the daily playgroup activities for the children living at Yallambee.

Ms Maryann Devine, Project Manager of Communities for Children, said Xstrata’s donation provided an indispensable venue for the community workers to operate from and most importantly brought the much missed “playgroup” back for the children of Yallambee.

“Having the Brilla Brilla centre operational again has opened a world of opportunities for the Yallambee community,” said Ms

Devine, “Not only has it enabled the playgroup to reopen, but it also provides a venue for both Aboriginal health workers to conduct visits and for members of the Yallambee community to readily access the community workers,” she said.

Communities for Children in partnership with Healy State School have also recently started a project aimed at encouraging the many children living in Yallambee to attend school on a regular basis. The project offers the children an opportunity to attend Brilla Brilla Community Centre for breakfast, dress for school, collect a lunch

provided by the centre and be collected by the school’s bus and taken to school for the day. After classes have finished, the school bus drops the children back to Brilla Brilla where afternoon tea and supervision of homework is provided.

“This is another example of how Xstrata’s donation has made a difference to the children of Yallambee.” said Ms Devine. “Prior to the repairs being carried out to the centre, the children in the community did not attend school as there wasn’t a facility here for this program to be operational,” she said.

Making a difference at Brilla Brilla

Children from Yallambee’s playgroup celebrate a birthday at the Brilla Brilla Community Centre

Can you help to make a difference at Brilla Brilla?

Xstrata in the community

Xstrata is currently collecting items to assist the Brilla Brilla Community Centre and Yallambee Community. If you and your family have any of the following items in good condition that you wish to donate, please contact Melissa Trim or Justine Scarsi on 4744 2210 • Childrens and adults clothing • Children’s shoes • Hats • Toys in good working order for the Playgroup

Xstrata in the community

| Mine to Market | February �007

The second bi-annual Mount Isa to Townsville Charity bike ride is being held over the Easter Weekend. Teams of riders from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Townsville will compete for the honour of raising the most money for their nominated charity.

In 2005, The Xstrata Ernest Henry Mine Team came second to the Towsville Cycling Club’s Resam Team. The inaugural race was gruelling and supremely satisfying, after battling headwinds all the way to Townsville the exhilaration of finishing the race at the Townsville velodrome was evident by the broad smiles over the weary riders faces - pleased that the race had been completed in less than 36 hours.

The race heads off from Mount Isa on early Easter Saturday, with the riders camping on the other side of Hughenden at Prairie before starting the second day (Easter Sunday) to Townsville.

Nine hundred kilometres in less than two days on a push bike is not for the faint hearted. Keep an eye out for teams of riders training over the next six weeks as they prepare for one of the most extensive road races in Australia. Riders are training in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Townsville.

If you happen to pass the riders on your way to Townsville this Easter, please be sure to give them a wide berth and a toot and a wave of encouragement as you go by.

Mount Isa to Townsville Charity Bike Ride on again!

Happy to have made it - the Ernest Henry Mine team arrive at the Townsville Velodrome after last year’s ride (above) and celebrating after the ride (below)

Ernest Henry Mine (EHM) hold an annual competition to guess when the first inch of rain will fall within a single rainfall event on a particular date. This year, Kevin Payne (Concentrator Technician) won the perpetual trophy which proudly supports a rain gauge and the name of the person with the winning (educated) guess.

This year, Kevin nominated the date of 17 January which was when the first inch of rain fell on site at Ernest Henry Mine (41.6mm).

Rainfall at the site is welcomed by the Environment team as a means to promote rehabilitation which is being completed whilst Ernest Henry Mine continues its operations. Regular flora and fauna studies demonstrate that Ernest Henry Mine site is promoting biodiversity on those areas of land where disturbance from waste rock has occurred.

The competition reminds everyone that the wet season is upon us and any rain (especially an inch) will have an effect on the operations and environment of the mine.

The first inch of rain competition is held annually at EHM with recognition this year being made to Kevin with prizes including an EHM Watch, Pen set and Electronic Weather Station!

EHM’s first inch competition

Kevin is pictured below with some of the Environment team members Doug McCallum, Andrew Treweeke and Kerry Nisbet.

February �007 | Mine to Market |

Xstrata Copper conducts exploration in the Mount Isa and Cloncurry regions searching for copper ore bodies to replace those that are being mined in our operations. The challenge that we face is that big ore bodies are rare and there is a lot of land and rock in which they can be disguised.

Mount Isa Mines’ most recent Exploration Manager, Mr Dugi Wilson, who has been newly appointed the General Manager of the Freida River Project, said the starting point is to look at what has been done by others.

“By looking at Government geological survey maps that show the distribution of the various rock types can be a great starting point,” said Mr Wilson.

“Secondly, exploration geologists look at previous prospecting projects by individuals and companies, given the region has been explored for as long as there has been white settlement in the region,” he said.

“For example Ernest Henry discovered copper at Cloncurry River in 1867 which led to the development of the Great Australia Mine,” he said.

Mount Isa Mines have large libraries and databases in archives which contain data ranging from sketch maps by prospectors to highly-technologocal multi-spectral airborne surveys.

Ore bodies have specific characteristics, for example at Ernest Henry Mine the copper minerals are found with a magnetic iron mineral (magnetite) and the Mount Isa copper minerals are in such concentration that they conduct electricity much more easily than that of the surrounding rocks. Both obviously have more copper than the surrounding rocks and in most cases the amount of copper gradually decreases away from the ore body.

According to Mr Wilson, “if we are looking for another Ernest Henry Mine we look for areas where the rocks are strongly magnetic and the rocks, soils and streams all have a little more copper than you will find everywhere else”.

“All simple stuff, but its a bit trickier than it sounds. The simple work has generally been done before and that’s when the research comes into play: checking what has been done before, where slight hints of mineralisation recorded by the ‘old-timers’ but not properly followed up,” he said.

“Additionally both copper and magnetite are fairly common so exploration geologists have to decide which are the traces (say 200 parts per million for copper) that we should evaluate and what is LEVERITE, a term commonly known as (leave her right there),”he said.

What happens in the Exploration Department?

Inspecting core samples at Ernest Henry Mine

Having decided that an area is worth assessing in more detail a geologist visits the site looking for traces of the mineralisation or changes to rocks that occur, when they have altered from when the ore body was originally formed. If the right signs are evident the geologists design a series of field tests to look for ore.

“Most tests involve sampling soil or rock to outline an area with copper enrichment and putting electricity into the ground or wires lying on the ground to check the electrical properties of that piece of ground. If both techniques encourage further work then drilling is generally the next stage. The holes drilled range from 100 to 250 metres in depth but at Mount Isa we have drilled a hole 3009 metres deep,” Mr Wilson said.

The challenge is to develop systems that help to improve ground selection and the process used to evaluate that ground. This will assist with an ore find the next mine, but also assist geologists to make an early decision on whether to drill a target or look somewhere else.

Xstrata has exploration targets focused around Ernest Henry Mine and Mount Isa Mines but spread as far away as Dajarra in the south and Thorntonia in the north. “We are guests on other peoples land and so the team put a great amount of emphasis on consulting with land owners, conducting cultural heritage surveys, reducing the impact of our operations on the environment and safely working in a range of places,” said Mr Wilson.

� | Mine to Market | February �007

A sea of new bright orange outfits filled the Xstrata Skills Centre auditorium as the 2007 apprentices were inducted into the Xstrata Apprenticeship Program.

All 74 apprentices will be primarily based in the custom-built training facilities of the new $1.4 million Xstrata Skills Centre which opened early last year.

Superintendent of the Xstrata Skills Centre, Mr Dick Kostowski, said the focus of the Skills Centre is extremely valuable to Xstrata in a strategic sense by providing enhanced skills to employees.

“With a shortage of skilled workers within Australia in the current resources boom, Xstrata started the Apprentice Program in order to help develop our own employees and continue to attract and retain our workforce,” Mr Kostowski said.

Meanwhile, Xstrata Copper’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve de Kruijff, said Xstrata’s four-year Apprentice Program is designed to produce the best tradesmen in Australia.

“The apprentice program is growing each year and in this year’s intake the 74 apprenticeships that were offered cover a range of trade disciplines from Electrical and Mechanical through to Diesel Fitting and Boiler Making,” Mr de Kruijff said.

The apprentice intake boasts six women; which is an increase from five from last year’s apprenticeships.

The first year of the program is based in Xstrata Skills Centre’s trade specific workshops and training rooms, with a four week field release into one of the mine’s production areas. This is based on four and a half day’s training in addition to TAFE studies.

The second, third and fourth years provide the apprentices with first-hand experience in an area of production on Xstrata’s Mount Isa Mine site as well as

the opportunity to attend ongoing skill enhancement programs in the Skills Centre.

Following in the footsteps of her older brothers, Ms Aimee Pierce, a first year Electrical Apprentice, said “I like the fact that the apprenticeship allows me to find out firsthand what I am most interested in.” She also felt that the program offered her a good starting point to becoming an Engineer.

Likewise, 17 year old school leaver and first year apprentice, Mr Thomas Gurnett, decided to apply for the Apprentice Program after undertaking work experience as an electrician. He said he hoped the program would give him a good understanding of the electrical trade and perhaps set him up for a career in electrical engineering.

In addition to the 74 apprentices, there are 24 school-based students starting at Xstrata next month. These students will attend one day per week to learn about the opportunities within the mining sector. The students are given lessons and are able to work in the Skills Centre workshop to learn more about each trade. Ten School Based Apprentices from 2006 are now in the first year Apprentice Program.

Mr Kostowski said the Skills Centre team are looking at developing a three month work placement program for fourth year students who are excelling. This would give them the opportunity to work at either Xstrata’s Copper Refinery in Townsville or at the Ernest Henry Mine in Cloncurry.

A former electrical apprentice himself, Steve de Kruijff said that “Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to start your career. They provide a diversity of trade opportunities in underground, open cut and various plants as well as provide a strong platform to go onto other roles”… perhaps even that of the Chief Operating Officer.

Seventy-four new apprentices start at Xstrata

February �007 | Mine to Market | Page 1�

Xstrata Copper’s Mount Isa Mines in conjunction with Spinifex State College and Good Shepherd Catholic College, have been conducting an extremely successful scholarship and work experience program for the past three years.

The program, which provides a total of six weeks’ work experience to students in year 11, has provided students with the opportunity to experience first hand what working on a mine site is all about. One week of work experience is conducted in year ten and similarly, another week is spent receiving training in the safety aspects of the mining industry.

The students are given the opportunity in year ten to apply for the program through the Superintendent of the Xstrata Skills Centre’s, Mr Dick Kostowski. At first they are required to nominate an area in which they want to work: such as diesel fitting; fitter and turning; clerical or engineering. However, they are also encouraged to try other areas within the mining industry.

Once the students have completed their work experience, they can then apply for a School Based Apprenticeship in their chosen field.

The benefits of the program are that students can experience working in a variety of fields within the mining industry, in a variety of locations which assists them in gaining an understanding of which type of career would best suit them.

Students, when asked why they chose to participate in the program, responded “Because I wanted to be a diesel fitter in the mining industry and it would give me more experience”; or alternatively, “I saw it as an opportunity in life”.

Similarly, “Because I am interested in it and I grew up around the mining industry” and “To find out what being in the trade workforce is all about”.

Students spent their time doing a variety of different tasks, such as pulling apart alternators, conducting rebuilds, cleaning parts, changing light bulbs and replacing switchboards and truck tyres through to working with the geologists taking samples. All of these

tasks provide hands-on experience in the fields of an electrician, electrical engineering and geology.

Learning how to use an Oxy Torch and going on top of the Lead Smelter Stack were considered highlights of the work experience unit just completed.

As a result of the program many of the students now aspire to obtaining a career in the mines as diesel fitters, fitter and turners, and electricians. Those who have chosen to go to University are choosing Electrical Engineering or Geology as their careers.

The benefits of the work experience program are immeasurable as the students gain a full understanding of working in the mining industry. For Mount Isa, that means hopefully fewer students will leave the area once completing their schooling and will instead stay and secure employment at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines and continue to be part of the community they’ve always called home.Written by Gaynor BowdenQMEA Mount Isa Hub Coordinator.

Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy Hub School Program -Opening the door for a career in mining

EHM Vacation students recently spent a day visiting Mount Isa Mines. Pictured going underground are: Back (left-right): Jarred Pye, Andrew Treweeke, Dan Hansen, Ian McConnell Ben Warner and Cat HarringtonFront (left - right): Nicole King, Jo Harrison, Steph Millard, Stef Creddy and Stacey Webb

Come Dressed in Green or just be seen

at the

St Patrick’s Day Ball Friday 16 March

Cloncurry Shire Hall 7:30 pm

Hosted by the Cloncurry anddistrict Show Society

Bar, live band, supper and dancing. Gather a group and come along. Tickets $50 per person on sale at Lilly Janes (formerly Just Jills) or Phone 4769 4578 lucky door prize. Dress: Smart attire, but no jeans.


Since May 2003, CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation) has been working in Mount Isa providing the Xstrata community with all IT, infrastructure and applications support. This includes office server management, application support - functional and technical support, application enhancement, desktop and notebook management - as well as Local Area Network and email management.

CSC, which operates 24 hours a day on the Xstrata site with a team of five people, also manages Xstrata help desk and, through its Global Management Centre in Sydney, monitors and resolves any technology problems for the company.

From the Mount Isa Field Services Team, Mr Mark Newell, said the expertise CSC provides is not just about computers.

“We help our Xstrata Queensland (XQL) customers solve a range of problems, including any kind of desktop-related issue, from fault diagnosis of trouble tickets reported to the helpdesk, or requests from CSC lines of service such as network related faults, server faults, installing printers, ‘how do I do this?’ type queries related and advice on best practice use of technology,” said Mr Newell.

“The Xstrata staff do an important and often dangerous job. Our role is to ensure that the technology behind them supports them in the best way possible,” he said.

Mr Newell, who is also onsite Team Leader, said that most recently, “There had been an upgrade of all the servers to new ones. This means that equipment is more reliable with less downtime recorded, they respond faster and have greater storage capacities and supplement other

infrastructure projects like the Network remediation where all network switches and patch cabling have been replaced.”

In addition to this all the desktop computers at XQL Mount Isa and other XQL sites have undergone a refresh, all new equipment has been supplied (about 1300 at Mount Isa).

The old server room has been decommissioned and a new data centre in the old administration building now houses all the new servers.Mr Newell said the focus for CSC is to continue to build strong working relationships with our XQL workmates and value adding our customer service.

“We want to listen to what our customers have to say about how we can help them, and provide workable and timely solutions,” he said.

We will have more news of these activities over the coming months. CSC will have a regular feature in Mine to Market. In upcoming issues we will look at tips and tricks section and what else is going on in other XQL/CSC sites.

CSC Team: their expertise is more than just computers

CSC Mount Isa Field Services Team members from left to right: Mark Newell, Warwick Duff, Frank Generoso

Do you know the story behind this picture?Staff at Mount Isa Mines recently came across this spectacular old photo during a routine clean up.

It’s an amazing picture that demonstrates how far the mining industry has advanced within the health and safety realm over many decades.

If you know what the story is behind this picture, please let us know by calling the Community Relations Department on 4744 2210 or emailing [email protected] and we will publish the background in an upcoming edition of Mine to Market.

February �007 | Mine to Market | Page 1�

Your eye sight is one of your most valuable faculties and one of your most vulnerable.

To prevent damage to your eyesight, you should ensure that you use appropriate eye protection at all times. This is particularly important on the mine site in preventing injury, however it is also applicable within your home situation when performing tasks such as mowing the lawn or wipper snippering to avoid damage from flying objects such as dog bones, dirt and dust particles. Damage to eyes and eyelids caused by sun exposure which can cause pterygiums and skin cancer can also be prevented by wearing appropriate eye protection.

On most mine sites, the locations where safety glasses should be worn are similar to those designated for safety helmets and are usually sign posted, these signs must be obeyed at all times. Failure to obey such a sign could result in personal injury or death.

If you determine that a risk exists that may cause harm to your eyes then you have an obligation to wear eye protection regardless of whether or not a sign is in place. As well as clear safety glasses, tinted lens versions are available for outside work where direct or reflected glare from the sun could cause discomfort or eye damage.

Ensure that you are familiar with, and observe, the requirement for safety glasses in your work area. If you are in doubt about what level of protection is satisfactory for a given area of work, consult your work area supervisor.

Goggles offer greater protection for eyes than safety glasses. They are also a mandatory requirement in certain circumstances, such as:

• Working where dust is generated such as in the crushing area

• Working with compressed air• Working with pressure hoses• Working with impact tools• Working with power tools• Working with explosive-powered tools• Working with chemicals • Where stated in Standard Work Instructions

There are other tasks which require the use of additional face protection as well as safety goggles, these are:

• Handling, mixing or using chemicals and other materials including cement

• Grinding• Drilling• Hammering• Chipping rock

If an injury to your eyes occurs make sure you get medical attention immediately to ensure prompt treatment and prevent unnecessary complications from even the simplest of injuries. Remember that once your eyesight is damaged it is very hard to repair and may never fully recover.

Eye protection in the workplace

New Xstrata apprentices tour the lease

All 74 new apprentices from the Xstrata Skills Centre recently undertook a surface tour of Mount Isa Mines. The tour was organised to ensure the apprentices would familiarise themselves with and

gain a greater understanding of the mining operations prior to working on the lease later this year. Pictured here are electrical apprentices from the Xstrata Skills Centre setting off on their tour.

Blue Care would like to express their sincere appreciation to all Xstrata staff who donate through the Workplace Giving program.


CLASSIFIEDSClassifieds are free to Mount Isa Mines’ employees. The deadline for each issue is the first working day of every month. Forms available on the intranet. Please keep descriptions to 25 words or less.

Mount Isa Mines LimitedABN: 87 009 661 447

Private Mail Bag 6Mount Isa

Queensland 4825Australia

Tel: (07) 4744 2011Fax: (07) 4744 3731

www.xstrata.com

What’s this?

For sale

Congratuations to Karen Saunders from the Chem Lab who correctly guessed last month’s photo competition was the signpost at the entrance of the Mount Isa Golf Club.

Karen has won a double pass to Cinema Mount Isa. Thank you to all others who correctly guessed the photo.

Can you guess this month’s Mount Isa Mines photo competition (pictured above?).

For your chance to win email [email protected] with your answer. The winner will be drawn prior to the March edition of Mine to Market.

16ft Caravan, Refrigerated, air/con, stove, fridge, carpet, fly screens, double bed, freshly painted, $1,500 neg. Ph 4743 333.

2004 Blue Commodore Station Wagon, less than 22,000 km’s, as new condition, air/ con, power steering, cruise control, tinted windows, roof rack, radio/CD player plus balance of new car warranty. Reg until October 2007, $25,000 ono. Ph 4743 5863 or 0434 076 334.

Full Size Violin, only used for one term of instruction - excellent condition, includes case and rosin, $200. Ph 4743 7325.

Furniture, Pine Single beds, metal bunks, metal Queen bed, 2 x 2 seater lounge, 2 x Double Japanese futons, fold up futon, microwave, VCR, wall unit, stereo, gas BBQ. Ph 0421 540 897.

Furniture - custom made big 3 seater + 2 seater + 2 large single lounge chairs with ottermen $1,500. Brand new suede recliner lounge chair - light in colour, $500. 9 piece dining setting - 8 swivel chairs, laminated table top with steel frame, $400. Ph Judith on 4743 0405.

1985 model Holden, VK Calais. 308 V8, 5spd, supra gearbox, excellent condition. Roadworthy, 17 inch mags, central locking, CD player, leather interior, digital instrument panel. $6,500 ono. Ph 0438 435 274.

Mazda Bravo Utility in very good condition. 32,000 km, aluminium tray, ladder rack, inbuilt tool boxes, $14,000 ono. Ph 0434 073 415.

140HP Mercury Outboard, Controls, trim/tilt, gearbox, drive, carbies, prop - all in good condition. Cylinder damaged. Cheap spare parts. Make an offer. NEC bar fridge, excellent condition, $50. Ph 0402 956 823.

Paint Protection- Buying a new car or just want your car looking new again? You need paint protection to protect your car from fallout, UV harmful rays, bird droppings and other environment damage. Call Daza on 4743 3565 or 0410 046 294.

1999 VT Series 2 White 7 Seater V6 Commodore Station Wagon, excellent condition, only done 101,000 km’s, air/ con, power steering, tinted windows, tow

bar, bullbar, spotlights, radio/cassette/6- Stacker CD player. Registered May 2007, $15,000 ono. Ph 4743 5863 or 0434 076 334.

White V6 Manual Camry Sedan 1999, new tyres, remote control, CD player, cruise control, tinted windows, mags, spoiler. Small dent on right rear panel, needs new right hand front indicator and steering rack. Otherwise good condition. $7,500 or reasonable offer. Ph Brad 0428 491 493.

2000 White Corolla 5 door Hatchback, Very good condition, under 59,000 km’s. $14,000 ono. Ph 0434 607 949.

Yamaha Wave Blaster II 760, Cover and trailer included, 11 months rego on both, $4,000. 7 piece dining table $250, 48cm TV $200. All offers considered. 80cm Sony Flat Screen TV $500. Contact Travis on 0439 437 000.

Jeep Pram 3 wheel liberty, light weight, one hand fold, wheel pump, musical steering wheel and accessories, excellent condition $200 ono. Panasonic stereo, 5 disc, am/fm tuner, turntable, dual cassette, amplifier, good speakers, excellent condition $160 ono. Ph 4743 2741.

Nissan XTRAIL 2005 ST manual, white, nudge bar, roof rails, tint, cargo barrier, air/con, cruise ctrl, 1 yr warranty, 34,000 km’s. Never been off road. $26,990 Ph 4744 3022 or 0407 739 928

Soft Canopy to suit Toyota Landcruiser tray back ute. Support structure is rail mounted and collapses up behind the cab when not required, $450. Ph 4743 1142.

White Shower Screen. Brand new 183 cm H x 1 m W, $250. Ph 4749 1964 or 0411 575 527.

Early Model Suziki 4 x 4, 1.8 toyota motor, many spares. Good project $800 ono. Ph 4749 1512.

Accredited pig crate, quality built to very high standard by respected tradesman guaranteed best in town. Hot dip galvanised hanging rack, dog crate, ready to hunt. $1,100. Ph 0408 174 085.

Tandem trailer 8 x 5 with wooden floor and gal cage. jockey wheel, rego. $1,000. Ph 0432124825.

For sale

market - ernest henry mining xstrata power station underway following approval from the state...

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