ISSUE 82 : 1

minetomarketISSUE 82 : JANUARY 2008

Eating for shift workHow it all began: Townsville Copper Refinery

Record tonnes at George Fisher Mine

Even time roster at EHM

2 : mine to market

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WELCOMEWelcome to a new year and our new look 2008 Mine to Market newsletter. Kevin and I are pleased to be able to bring you this publication which now covers our Xstrata Copper and Xstrata Zinc operations across North Queensland.

From 2008 onwards, not only will Mine to Market bring you stories from Bowen Coke Works, Ernest Henry Mining, Townsville Copper Refineries, the Port Operations, and Xstrata Mount Isa Mines, it will turn the spotlight on you, the people behind our operations who are contributing to our joint successes.

Throughout Mine to Market you will come across a new feature of coloured boxes at the beginning of each story. These boxes represent key areas of our business.

Corporate Health & Safety Environment Community (internal and external) General

Each month you will also see ‘regular’ segments such as: Employee profiles; Vox pop (questions about a topical issue in the community or at work); Calendar dates; My colleagues don’t know this, but…; Gemini health and safety message; On the move (new appointments and promotions); Classifieds (for sale notices); and the Photo competition.

Other improvements include feature profiles on our operations, work crews, teams and departments. This is where we are looking for your input. If you have any story ideas about projects, initiatives, milestones or achievements, then we encourage you to contact the Editor (details at the bottom of this page).

We look forward to bringing you news from our North Queensland operations. Next month, Kevin and I will share an overview of our key milestones for 2008. In the interim, please remember these simple words while you are at work “Safety starts and stops with you”.

STEVE DE KRUIJFF KEVIN HENDRY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SENIOR SITE EXECUTIVE Xstrata Copper North Queensland Xstrata Zinc North Queensland

Steve de Kruijff

Kevin Hendry

ISSUE 82 : 3

How it all began: Townsville Copper Refinery

In the early 1950s with the proving of substantial copper ore reserves in the lodes operated by Mount Isa Mines Limited at Mount Isa, it became apparent that it would be economical and highly desirable to greatly increase the copper production rate from the mine. The satisfactory marketing of this increased copper production that would be well in excess of the Australian market requirements, called for the availability of a copper refinery strategically located to refine copper ready for sale.

Various alternatives were investigated and early in 1956 it was decided to register Copper Refineries Pty Ltd as a subsidiary company of Mount Isa Mines Limited for the purpose of constructing and operating a copper refinery at Townsville.

Land was acquired at Stuart on the outskirts of the city in a location that had many advantages. This location provided proximity to rail routes, ample land area in an industrial district, reasonable access to the Townsville port, access to the labour force of the city and other facilities such as electric power and general services.

Once a general manager was appointed, the company set about the task of assembling a technical and administrative staff able to carry out the considerable amount of design work necessary to establish such a plant.

In order to ensure that the designs were based on established sound practices, arrangements were made to obtain as much technical detail available from the American Smelting and Refining Company – a company that had been closely associated with Mount Isa Mines Limited for many years. The design work was carried out jointly by technical officers from both the American Smelting and Refining Company and Copper Refineries Pty Ltd.

Basic decisions were made to enable the main building frames to be put in place. Then the work of designing the remainder of the plant was carried out. This progressed along with construction so that design and integration of the design details could all proceed at the maximum economic rate.

In executing the project, the Company decided to act as the main contractor for the construction and to sublet work to many sub contractors, each of whom was a specialist in their own field.

Appropriate technical staff were appointed on the basis that such staff would be suitable for integration into the

operating staff of the plant and would be available to carry out further construction and operational duties in the event of any decision to expand. This plan worked extremely well and yielded, as a by product, a fully integrated workshop maintenance staff who were familiar with the plant equipment having either installed or built it.

Having acted as its own contractor, the Company converted a number of skilled construction operators into skilled production operators. And so it all began.

Operational from July 1959, the Refinery celebrated its official opening on 2 October, 1959 with the then Premier of Queensland, the Hon GFR Nicklin performing the honours. Over the ensuing years many changes and developments occurred including

the development of the ISA PROCESS refining technology in the late 1970s. In 1999, forty years down the track, CRL underwent a $61 million tankhouse expansion to increase its refining capacity to 270,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of copper cathode.

A new era began in June 2003 when Mount Isa Mines Holdings was taken over by Xstrata plc.

In 2006, for the very first time, anodes were delivered from an outside source – a trial of 500 tonnes from PASAR – for refining in the tankhouse. Another expansion was completed in 2007 giving the refinery the capability to refine 300,000tpa. In late 2007, 11,105 tonnes of anode from Altonorte was successfully refined at the refinery, with further shipments expected in 2008.

With its 50 year anniversary approaching next year, the copper refinery looks forward to the future with security and enthusiasm

The administration building today

The tankhouse today

4 : mine to market

Alison MillardCustomer Services Officer, Townsville

Yes. We have had fluoridated water in Townsville since 1964. Recent media reports advise fluoridated water does help protect teeth against decay.

Dom StollGraduate Metallurgist, Copper Smelter

Yes. The government needs to help protect children’s teeth.

Kevin GranichMaintenance Supervisor, Bowen Coke

Yes. It is a well studied topic abroad that has proven benefits to reduce tooth decay and improve dental hygiene.

Rick Leeman Safety Advisor, George Fisher Mine

I believe fluoridation of Queensland’s water is a positive step in improving dental health for the population in general – not to mention decreasing those dreaded trips to the dentist!

Laura BuratoAdministration Assistant, EHM

Yes, because it will help maintain healthy teeth as there is a growing risk of cavities in young children.

Do you agree that Queensland water should be fluoridated?

From the 7th of January this year, Ernest Henry Mine (EHM) will implement a new family friendly ‘Even Time’ roster.

General Manager for Ernest Henry Mining, Mr Mike Westerman, said that this roster will allow for more flexibility for the individual and place EHM in a more competitive global position.

“The most significant outcomes expected from this change will be related to safety, production and lifestyle wellbeing,” said Mr Westerman.

“For me it is improved family time – I’ve got a young family so I’m able to be involved with more activities at home,” said Col Griffiths, Concentrator Production Supervisor.

Kevin Wrigley from Dispatch says ”The best thing about the even time roster for me is that I’m home every other week, which means I get to spend more time with my girlfriend.”

The EHM managers’ decision to implement the new roster covers a number of reasons.

MEETING EXPECTATIONSThe new roster was requested by our employees following surveys and discussions over some years.

BENEFITS TO CLONCuRRyCloncurry will be more accessible from major destinations with additional flights from Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns.

This will make it easier to conduct business and work in Cloncurry, which will in turn benefit the local community due to the increased flight availability on Mondays.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOyEESIncentives are available for employees to live locally in Cloncurry to promote balance between locally based and FIFO employees. The incentives for living locally will be an increase in salary from $5,000 to $6,000 per annum. In addition local employees can earn up to $15,000 per annum from voluntary extra shifts.

BENEFITS TO EHMThe new roster and incentives are expected to reduce workforce turnover and increase job satisfaction.

“The cost of delivering this change is significant, however we are now well placed to attract further staff and offer conditions which are at the forefront of the industry,“ said Mr Westerman. The even time roster was fully implemented during January and will promote a healthy work life balance for EHM employees

Even time roster at EHM

ISSUE 82 : 5

Parents with school age children have been warned by the Queensland Government to check the school holiday calendar before they book travel or accommodation for Easter this year to avoid confusion and financial hardship.

For the first time in at least 10 years, the Easter long weekend does not coincide with the end-of-first-term school holidays. Therefore, to avoid costly disappointments, families should be aware that the Easter long weekend will take place between Friday 21 March and Monday 24 March.

Parents may mistakenly assume the school holidays begin with the Easter weekend, as it does most years, but that’s not the case this year.

Easter Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays but the school holidays do not begin until two weeks later. This year the public school holidays will run from 7 to 11 April. Parents with children at private schools are also urged to check what dates their holidays start.

Traders are not obliged to make changes or give refunds for cancellations for pre-paid travel or accommodation bookings. Consumers who make travel or accommodation bookings, based on their own miscalculation of holiday dates, may end up out of pocket.

When making any travel or accommodation bookings, you should always be sure to:

get receipts and proof of bookings;

receive confirmation in writing the cost of all inclusive items and extras and details of any charges for booking changes or cancellations;

provide contact details to booking or travel agents and accommodation providers; and

if there is a problem, talk to the trader to try to work out a mutually agreeable solution

AVOID EASTER AND SCHOOL HOLIDAy CONFuSION

The George Fisher Mine team set a new benchmark for production tonnes in a calendar month for the third consecutive month in December.

December’s production figure of 303,533 dry metric tonnes (dmt) was a substantial increase on the previous record set in November. The 846,647 dmt production for the last quarter saw the operation achieve a record financial year target.

The turn around at George Fisher has been due to the efforts of the operation as a whole, this can be seen in the KPIs that support the production achievement:

Record backfill tonnes placed with 1.726 million tonnes of fill placed that include 645,188 tonnes of paste fill

Development and rehabilitation totalling 18,725 meters exceeded the budget of 13,190 metres

Production drilling exceeded budget with 264,389 metres of production holes drilled

These results cannot be achieved without having a culture of working safely. The improvements in our safety statistics reflect the changing culture at George Fisher with the Disabling Injury Frequency Rate (DIFR) dropping from 15.0 to 11.7 and the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) dropping from 4.6 to 1.9 through the course of the year.

The future looks bright for George Fisher Mine, going forward into 2008, the new KG53 decline/incline project linking George Fisher North and South through the upper levels will open up

opportunities to produce additional tonnes through the decline in the last quarter of 2008 and on into the coming years.

A big thanks from the management team to all involved at George Fisher Mine, including Operations, Services, Maintenance, Logistical, Technical, Management and Contractor teams, for their efforts in 2007.

The team members will be presented with a Leatherman multi-tool branded with the Xstrata logo as a token of thanks for their efforts in achieving the December 2007 record.

Thank you to Geoff Hender, Acting George Fisher Mine Manager,

for his contribution

2007 – An excellent year for George Fisher Mine

Paste Fill Plant at George Fisher Mine

6 : mine to market

Youth Pathways Program is a school-based program that is focussed on students at risk of disengaging from the education system. The aim of the program is to either reengage students into regular school at Mount Isa’s Spinifex State College, or find a meaningful pathway to work. The program incorporates an alternative curriculum that includes a range of community-based agencies and organisations such as TAFE, Arilla Paper, Turning Point, Outback Arts, and the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC).

Since its inception, the Youth Pathways Program has provided assistance to many students at risk by working closely with several community groups to provide work experience and alternative skills to those learned in the usual classroom environment. Each student of the program is individually assessed and a program tailored for the specific needs is developed with the ultimate goal of the student being transitioned back into mainstream schooling. Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has funded $120,000 over three years from 2005–2007 to this initiative.

The primary focus of the program in 2007 has been to ensure that student literacy and numeracy skills were developed to

enable these young people to participate in our community. In 2007 the college received extra funding which enabled them to increase guidance officer hours to ensure students could access counselling. The aim is to address some of the underlying issues that might account for the students’ original disengagement from education.

During 2007, Spinifex State College staff also made over two hundred home visits to families, in addition to near daily phone contact. This program is only successful if there is a close relationship between the school staff and caregivers.

“At Spinifex State College we are focussed on ensuring that we are offering an educational program suited to all of our students. Xstrata’s Community Partnership Program funding has supported our delivery of this very important program. Through this program students have developed skills that will allow them to be active participants in our community,” said Mrs Denise Kostowski, Principal of Spinifex State College.

“Thank you Xstrata for your continued support of community projects. By working together we have been able to positively influence the lives of many students,” she said

Spinifex State College youth Pathways Program update

Students participating in theyouth Pathways Program at Spinifex State College

ISSUE 82 : 7

Representatives from Townsville State High School, Tropic Sun Theatre, Lifeline, La Luna Theatre Arts, Townsville Hospital Foundation, Delta Society Australia, Townsville Cycle Club, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville Coast Guards, Oonoonba State School, Garbutt State School, Mundingburra State School, and Cancer Council Queensland, who are involved

in Xstrata’s North Queensland Community Partnership Program joined Townsville Managers, Merv Sharkey, Mark Roberts, Dave Worelin, Greg O’Shea, and Community Relations Officer, Avril Plath, for morning tea in December to celebrate another successful year of the program. While the inaugural partnerships (2005–2007) concluded at the end of 2007, the morning

tea was an opportunity to celebrate the successful outcomes of these initiatives and those continuing on into 2008.

With additional funding being made available for the Community Partnership Program for 2008–2010, Xstrata looks forward to new community associations this year

Townsville community partners gather

It’s that time again to start thinking about ways that your department can raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. The 2008 World’s Greatest Shave will be held from 13–15 March and we are looking for volunteers from each department to help coordinate fundraising for this worthy cause.

If you are interested, please contact your team secretary or Catherine Peters, Community Relations, cpeters@xstratacopper.com.au.

Townsville Community Partners

8 : mine to market

My favourite food is seafood of any description.

I drive a diesel 4x4.

The person I most admire is David Attenborough.

In my spare time I like to get outdoors.

My pet hate is evaporative air conditioning – the time when it’s least effective is when you need it most!

I can’t live without my morning cuppa.

Anu Datta

Senior Environmental Advisor,Environment Department, Mount Isa

Sue WicksHuman Resources Advisor, NQ Division

Bradley JamesCommercial Officer,Townsville Copper Refinery

Mike WebsterRehabilitation Co-ordinator,EHM

My favourite food is anything chocolate.

I drive my friends home at 2am.

The person I most admire is my Mum.

In my spare time I love to Line Dance – when I am not involved with community organisations.

My pet hate is ordering a side salad and getting a bowl of lettuce.

I can’t live without dancing, unless there’s plenty of shopping.

My favourite food is nearly anything that has been BBQ’d.

I drive a little white Ford Laser. It’s not cool. The only thing that’s missing is pink seat covers and frangipani stickers.

The person I most admire is my grandfather.

In my spare time I like to cook, watch sport, go to the track.

My pet hate is garage sales

I can’t live without my wife, beer and form guide.

My favourite food is all food! Lamb chops.

I drive a Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab Blue and Grey.

The people I most admire are those who have faced adversity but still give to others around them.

In my spare time I fish, camp and enjoy spending time with my family.

My pet hate is traffic jams.

I can’t live without my family – they are most important.

My colleagues don’t know this, but...

Xstrata Zinc’s Lead operation is focused on continuously improving its health, safety, and hygiene standards.

Recently, the Lead Smelter introduced Automatic Overshoe Cover Dispensers for employees and visitors entering the administration office from the smelter and mine site. This was in response to and following the successful trial in late 2007 involving manual placement of overshoe covers on workboots.

“The automatic dispenser prevents employees’ hands from coming into contact with their workboots and helps to reduce contact with lead, which can generally be absorbed through inhalation or ingestion (for example hand to mouth),” said Scott Ezzy, Lead Smelter Manager.

“The electronic intelligence mode machine enables employees and visitors to place their workboot into the allocated area and within five seconds have it covered by an overshoe cover,” he said.

The Lead Smelter’s Automatic Overshoe Cover Dispenser is just one of many new initiatives introduced across the mine site under the guidance of Xstrata’s Lead Committee. Based on the 100 per cent improvement in the cleanliness of the Lead Smelter administration office, the machine may have the potential to be rolled out across the lease

Innovation improves hygiene in Lead Smelter

The new automatic shoe dispenser at the Lead Smelter office

ISSUE 82 : 9

Following on from an article in September’s edition of Mine to Market, this article is a results summary of Phase 1 of the Whole of Emissions study project, being undertaken in Mount Isa.

The Whole of Emissions Study was initiated by Xstrata Mount Isa Mines in late 2006 to assess and determine whether there were any potential significant risks to human and ecological health in the Mount Isa community from current or previous mining operations in and around the city.

The study is designed around three material phases to investigate and assess:

1. Emissions to Land,

2. Emissions to Air, and

3. Emissions to Water.

World renowned toxicologist, Associate Professor Barry Noller was appointed by the Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (CMLR) which is part of the University of Queensland’s highly regarded Sustainable Minerals Institute, to undertake the study in April 2007. His team is currently completing the initial study into Phase 1 – Emissions to Land.

The following overview summarises the results to date of Phase 1 of the Whole of Emissions Study. This plain English summary is endorsed by the CMLR, however, it does not contain all the comprehensive scientific details.

OVERVIEWAn initial study of Phase 1 – Emissions to Land in the Mount Isa and Leichhardt River area was undertaken by CMLR between April and August 2007. The purpose of Phase 1 was to assess the performance and effectiveness of remedial works completed by MIM Holdings in cooperation with the Mount Isa City Council and the Queensland Government CHEM Unit, between 1991 and 1994, on historical contamination in the river. This occurred from mining activities and practices during the 1940s and 1950s. During the initial Phase 1 study, 21 representative soil and sediment samples were collected from upstream and downstream in the

Leichhardt River and are indicated in Figure 1.

Laboratory analysis of the 21 representative samples was completed using the Physiologically-Based Extraction Technique (PBET) that simulates transfer through the gastro-intestinal tract of a human being. This method provides a good estimate of bio-availability of lead. Application of the percentage of bio-accessibility as a factor to total concentration is then applied to the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) soil guidelines as a means of giving a more accurate estimate of bio-availability.

Comparison of the total concentrations of lead in soils and sediments were then made against the NEPM Level A Health Investigation Levels (HILs) – which sets limits for highly sensitive land use including vegetable gardens with less than 10 per cent of vegetable and fruit

intake as well as child care centres, and NEPM Level E Health Investigation levels (HILs) – which sets limits for parks, recreational open space and playing fields, including secondary schools.

Initially, results of the analysis showed exceedances of total concentrations for seven sites, assuming 100 per cent bio-availability. Bio-availability is the portion (mg/kg) of total heavy metal in a sample that could be potentially absorbed by a human. This will vary based on body mass – Child 14 kg, and Adult 70 kg. Comparison of the measured bio-accessibility (a measure (mg/kg) of bio-availability of metal in a sample that could be absorbed given that it would have a limited time before it is passed through the body) from the PBET results, when applied as a factor against total concentration, gave site specific bio-accessibility concentrations and showed that only a small number of sample site/element combinations could be considered to be a potential risk to human health, requiring further investigation.

Samples at the Skate Park, Kruttschnitt Oval and Splashez swimming pool, as well as downstream in the Leichhardt River, showed only low levels of lead. These areas were emphatically ruled out as being potential areas of risk to the community.

The Leichhardt River historical mine sediments between the Grace Street Bridge and downstream of the velodrome showed exceedances for lead. A desktop risk assessment for human health shows that an amount of two kilograms (2 kgs) of the highest level of total lead found would need to be consumed daily by an adult, and 400 grams daily by a child, to induce poisoning from lead.

Further studies are scheduled for 2008 in order to better understand the mineralisation in the community as well as to make more informed decisions based on scientific facts, as part of the recommendation from Associate Professor Barry Noller from the University of Queensland

Whole of Emissions Study update

Figure 1: Soil/sediment sampling locations (Does not include upstream/downstream control sampling points)

10 : mine to market

Shift workers tend to sleep less due to the rotation of night and day shifts that disrupts their body’s circadian rhythm or body clock. The body clock is responsible for many of the body’s activities such as temperature and hormone levels. It also prepares the body for working, sleeping and digesting food.

Your body’s digestion slows down at night whether you are working or not. This makes heavy and fatty meals eaten at night difficult to digest which can lead to digestion problems such as heartburn, indigestion and constipation. These can be aggravated by things we take to keep us awake, such as caffeine and smoking.

You can manage these symptoms by trying the following tips.

WHEN TO EAT AND DRINKWhere possible, keep to daytime eating patterns and relax and enjoy meals

Try having two meals at regular times and a night meal in the middle of a night shift before 1am. This is because a meal eaten in the second part of the night shift can decrease alertness.

Consider having the largest meal of the day after the day sleep.

Avoid high protein and high fat meals prior to going to bed as this can make it difficult to get to sleep.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINKLimit coffee and cola drinks. Drink lots of water instead.

Eat foods high in fibre – this will assist a sluggish gut.

Eat light meals high in carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread and salad which are easy to digest.

Fresh fruit and low fat dairy products also make healthy snacks.

Avoid foods high in fat and calories as they take longer to digest and can make you feel drowsy.

Avoid alcohol in the last few hours before sleeping because it lowers the quality of sleep and overloads the bladder.

* Source: Queensland Government, Department of Industrial Relations, Fatigue Management Guide, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Eating for shift work

NEW yEAR’S RESOLuTIONEver wanted some help to kick start your New Year’s health resolution? Maybe you’d like some assistance to lose a little weight, quit smoking, manage stress and get active?

Whatever your resolution, a new initiative lead by Xstrata Copper and Gemini Medical means now you can get off to a flying start.

The Passport to a Healthier You program will be launched on 28 January and will be piloted at:

• SiteServices • MICOCoordination (including Diamond Drilling and Raise Boring) • CopperSmelter Maintenance

The program involves a series of seven visits over 12 weeks with a Registered Nurse. The nurse will work with you to set targets and encourage you along the way.

Phil Cochrane Promoted to Reclamation and Reliability Officer, Supply Services, Mount Isa

Anu Datta New Senior Environmental Advisor for Zinc-lead operations, Mount Isa

Tom Bartlett Promoted to Finance and Commercial Superintendent, MICO, Mount Isa

Robyn Ward New HR Officer for Townsville

Matt Walters New Health and Safety Advisor/ ERT Trainer at EHM

On the move

ISSUE 82 : 11

CALLING uNDERGROuND WORKERS FOR MINES RESCuEMount Isa Mines Rescue Teams are looking for new recruits now. By joining the Mines Rescue Team, you can obtain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response.

If you are interested, please contact Ron Pippenbacher on ext. 2333 or Ron Pickering on ext. 2525 as soon as possible so that the preliminary groundwork of obtaining manager’s approvals and fitness and medical assessments can be carried out prior to the next course starting early in 2008.

Paul Gentle from the Mount Isa Mines Rescue Team

12 : mine to market

In a workplace committed to elimination of harassment and discrimination

TEAM PLAYERS PLAY BY THE RULES

All employees have the right to be treated fairly, and to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Discrimination and harassment are unlawful, and are treated seriously by Xstrata. To help us to help you, we have trained some of your peers to act as EEO Contact Officers.

These EEO Contact Officers are available to discuss options, identify strategies for the resolution of grievances, and provide support for those involved. All enquiries and discussions are treated confidentially.

Let’s get it sorted…

WHO ARE THE CONTACT OFFICERS?

Copper Smelter Britt Butler

Mine Development Ian Sharratt and Adrian Kapernick

Copper Concentrator Arthur McHugh

Exploration Shirley Schultz

Mine Maintenance Roslyn Budd, Nathan Bullock and Don Healy

IT and Business Systems Nadine Hardwick

Support Services and Logistics Dave Thomas

Supply and utilities Monique Smillie

Bulk Product Transport Yvette Bawden and Garry Abel

Finance Melissa Cox

Finance Naomi Russel

Safety and Health Fiona Rogan

Xstrata Skills Centre Pete Langdon

Site Services Simone Stockwell

Zinc Lead Operations Fiona Pascoe

CRL Robyn Ward

EHM Katrina Donovan and Jim Dalton

CalendarJanuary28 Australia Day – public holiday

30 XCPPNQ Luncheon (Mount Isa)

31 XCPPNQ Luncheon (Cloncurry)

February 1 XCPPNQ Luncheon (Townsville)

5–8 EHM Shutdown

6 New Starters Induction (Mount Isa)

March1 Isa Race Meeting

Welcome to Isa Surface Tour (new teachers and emergency services personnel)

2 New Starters Induction (Mount Isa)

Clean up Australia Day (all sites)

5 Community Information Session (Bowen)

6 XCPPNQ Luncheon (Bowen)

7 Zinc Anniversary Dinner (Mount Isa)

13–15 Shave for a Cure (all sites)

15 Local Government Elections

St Patrick’s Day

16 Curry Day

18 Community Information Session (Mount Isa)

21 Good Friday – public holiday

Boulia Camp draft and Races

22 Easter Saturday

23 Easter Sunday

Hughenden Country Music Festival

24 Easter Monday – public holiday

28 Copper Anniversary Dinner (Mount Isa)

April2 New Starters Induction (Mount Isa)

4 Julia Creek Dirt ‘n’ Dust

Copper Anniversary Dinner (Mount Isa)

15–18 Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo

25 ANZAC Day – public holiday

WANT TO KNOW MORE?Visit the Intranet for…

•MoreinformationonEEOContactOfficer contact details

•MoreinformationonFairTreatmentprocedure and policies for discrimination and harassment

ISSUE 82 : 13

Birthplace: Australia.

years with Xstrata: 8 months.

My role at Xstrata involves: Directing incoming and outgoing calls, filing, attending to visitors to Central Office.

Strengths: Outgoing and friendly. My family.

Weaknesses: Chocolate!!!!!

Family: Husband, two daughters and two staffys.

Favourite TV show/movie: Criminal Intent and Deadliest Catch.

Holiday destination of my dreams: A private island somewhere in the South Pacific.

Five celebrities I would like to invite to dinner: Anyone that’s happy to have a beer and a bbq.

If I could change something, it would be: Cheaper flights.

Wish for the future: More travelling, health, wealth, and continued happiness.

Sharon BorgReceptionist, Central Office Mount Isa

Kim BeasleyAdministration Assistant, Bowen Coke Works

Malcolm MaddisonSuperintendent Health Safety and Training, Ernest Henry Mine

Robert PriceTyre Contract Supervisor,George Fisher Mine and Handlebar Hill Open Cut

Birth Place: Manly, NSW.

years with Xstrata: 4½ years.

My role at Xstrata involves: Safety/training, administration, rehabilitation.

Family: Married 23 years. I have two daughters, two dogs and a cat.

Favourite TV show/movie: CSI and any mysteries. Movies I love to watch – The Hunt for Red October, The Body Guard and Space Jam.

Holiday destination of my dreams: Greece or Canada.

Five celebrities I would like to invite to dinner: Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, Dianna Ross, Chuck Norris and Marcia Hines.

If I could change something, it would be: Be healthier in 2008 and have money in the bank, so I can do whatever I like.

Wish for the future: To enjoy life to the fullest and become a grandmother.

Birthplace: Sydney.

years with Xstrata: 2 years.

My role at Xstrata involves: Site safety.

Strengths: Approachable – always able to listen.

Weaknesses: Listen too much! Too much tucker.

Family: Wife of 11 years.

Favourite TV show/movie: Top Gear.

Holiday destination of my dreams: Bora Bora.

Five celebrities I would like to invite to dinner: Dr Carl, Nigella Lawson, Robert Barrett (AKA Les Norton), Paul Featherstone, Paul Carter.

If I could change something, it would be: more time at home!

Wish for the future: Successful in any endeavour.

Birthplace: Mungindi, QLD.

years with Xstrata: 17 years and 3 months.

My role at Xstrata involves: I manage the Klinge & Co tyre contract.

Strengths: Team work; Positive attitude.

Weaknesses: Chocolate.

Family: Wife, Denise and one son, John.

Favourite TV show/movie: Anything with lots of action.

Holiday destination of my dreams: I am going to try a cruise.

Five celebrities I would like to invite to dinner: None. I would prefer to have my family and friends around!

If I could change something, it would be: I am pretty content with my life. I can’t say I would change anything.

Wish for the future: To win the lotto.

Employee profiles

A new Sandvik DS420 is the latest piece of equipment for the Mount Isa Mines’ underground copper mine.

The Sandvik DS420 is a sophisticated cable bolting jumbo for rock reinforcement in underground mines and tunnels with small and medium cross sections The full bolting cycle can be done safely by one operator located under the canopy or in the soundproof, air-conditioned cabin

New Sandvik cable bolter

14 : mine to market

During November, two Electrical Apprentices, led by Kerri Brisbane, Electrical Apprentice Team Leader at the Xstrata Skills Centre, travelled to Emerald, Queensland to compete in a Skills Competition against first year Xstrata Coal Apprentices.

The First Year Program run by Xstrata Coal involves all apprentices attending TAFE for one year and completing Stage 1 for a number of trade areas including Fabrication, Electrical, Diesel Fitting and Mechanical Fitting. The Skills Competition was a reflection of this program which meant our two electrical apprentices had

to compete in the electrical section as well as in a number of areas not normally associated with the electrical trade.

Simon Coles finished equal first in the Measuring and Hand skills component with a score of 100 per cent, and third in Electrical with 94.5 per cent. This placed him in overall fourth position. Meanwhile, Teresa Teaukura-Brown took out first place in the Electrical component with 95.5 per cent and finished seventh overall.

Both apprentices gained valuable knowledge from the experience and really enjoyed the opportunity to compete against their peers

Apprentices compete with Xstrata Coal

Melbourne based security contracting company, SECUREcorp, has recently taken over the security contract for the Xstrata Mount Isa Mines operations.

SECUREcorp is a nationwide operation providing services to government, educational facilities, retail properties, various critical infrastructures and now the

mining sector. They signed a three year contract to provide the security personnel for the Mount Isa Operations in November 2007.

SECUREcorp is a privately owned Quality Assured Australian Security, Cleaning and Risk Management Company formed in 1998. They have taken on the majority of the personnel from the previous provider, ISS Security, including the site manager Ms Coral Lowe.

Security is based at the Isa Mine Control Centre located at the R62 vehicle gate where they operate a 24/7 security control centre. They are responsible for the monitoring of the Cardax Security system which covers not only security access but fire and environmental alarm systems for issues across the site.

One of the most important functions of this room is taking emergency calls through our 2222 emergency

number. They provide the link to the site’s relevant emergency agencies; Mine Rescue, Queensland Fire and Rescue, and Queensland Ambulance Service.

Essentially SECUREcorp, who report through the Safety and Health department is responsible for providing security personnel and access control for Mount Isa Mines, Black Star Open Cut (BSOC), Handlebar Hill Open Cut, and George Fisher Mine. Gardenia Street, George Fisher Mine, and Haul Road (BSOC) gates are manned full time by security officers. Their role includes crib port searches and assistance in security investigations.

SECUREcorp also provides mobile patrols and other services to the site including first response in emergencies, providing road traffic control, security for both onsite assets and offsite assets, and vehicle escorts on site

New security contract for Mount Isa Mines operations

Xstrata’s Darren Bracey with SECUREcorp’s Coral Lowe and Gary Champion

Simon Coles competes in the Skills Competition in Emerald

ISSUE 82 : 15

Once again in 2008, Mount Isa Mines has developed innovative safety calendars, designed to encourage children of mine site employees to ask their parents questions about working safely at home and at the mine.

The Xstrata Zinc Safety Calendar features cartoon images and colouring in competitions based on specific safety scenarios on the mine site. Each month, children colour in the cartoons and enter them into a competition to be judged by the mine’s Health Safety Environment and Community (HSEC) Committee.

“It has been identified that children learn so much from their parents, so Xstrata wanted to encourage discussion within the home about good health and safety practices,” said Mr Callaghan.

Entries will be collated by the Safety Department and a monthly winner drawn from the pool of correct responses. Each monthly winner will be awarded $150 for their colouring efforts and $50 for a correct answer to the safety question.

“The 2007 calendars successfully proved to be a unique tool designed to prompt family discussions about safety and we encourage the users of the 2008 calendar to do the same,” said Mr Callaghan.

Similarly, the MICO calendar was sent to all MICO employees in December. Their calendar was based on drawing competitions where kids were asked to develop a safety theme, either in the home or in the workplace. There were six age brackets in the competition; 4-5 yrs, 7 yrs, 8 yrs, 9yrs and 10-12 yrs.

Winners of the competition featured in this year’s calendar and received a $150 Harvey Norman voucher.

“The MICO calendar is aimed at promoting safety awareness for children and MICO employees. From road and pool safety, to safety when dealing with chemicals, kids can learn from a young age how to act safely in potentially dangerous situations. Likewise, the calendar reinforces best safety practices for our employees, both at home and in the work place,” said Mr John Loader, Manager MICO Maintenance.

If any Xstrata Zinc or Mount Isa Copper Operations employees missed out on receiving their calendar, please contact Taryn Dredge on ext. 6645 or Alison Fisher on ext. 8961

Safety Calendars

Winners of the 2007 Zinc Safety Calendar Competition

16 : mine to market

A day in the life of: N3500 Mining Development Crew CXstrata Copper’s Mining Development crews are responsible for advancing development headings to create drives which allow access to production stopes and infrastructure. They also complete rehabilitation of existing drives. This involves the installation of rock bolts, mesh and cable bolts. The number one priority for all employees is to work safely and assist other crew members to remain safe and sustain no injuries while carrying out their daily tasks.

A typical shift for a mining development crew starts on the R62 plat where they meet with their cross-shift to exchange hand-over information. The handover can include notification of safety hazards and controls and issues at the job site. They may also discuss equipment performance and discuss what additional gear is required for the oncoming crew to perform their work.

After catching the R62 cage to 21C level of the mine, the crew proceed to the crib room to have the daily Positive Attitude Safety System (PASS) meeting, a communication tool to improve the flow of safety information and encourage safety improvement.

Following the PASS meeting, the shift boss will go through the daily plan with the crew, informing them what job sites will be worked during that shift. This includes where each crew member will be working and what needs to be mucked, bolted, bored and fired, as well as what services are to be installed.

When the all-clear is given after firing, the crew departs from the 21C level crib-room, complete pre-starts on their vehicles, travel to the 27C crib room and then onto their respective job sites.

On arrival at the job sites, the crew carry out safety inspections of the site and pre-start inspections on any equipment. They also complete a risk assessment on the task they are about to undertake.

After half a day (or night’s) productive work, the crew return to the 27C crib room and break for an hour for crib.

At the end of the shift, the crew conducts shut-down checks and minor maintenance on all equipment to ensure it is ready for the next crew rostered on.

Information on the progress of each job (e.g. how many holes bored, how many loads of ore tipped etc) is provided to PITRAM and the shift boss, before catching the cage up at 7:45pm. On arrival back at the R62 plat, the crew see their cross-shift (handover shift) to provide an update on the shift, before showering and heading home for a well earned rest.

A typical crew consists of:

Shift Boss – responsible for the crew’s safety and production performance. This includes communicating safety and production information to the crew members, setting priorities, facilitating training and completing job site and safety audits.

Miners (2) – Miners operate the jumbo drill rigs and install ground support bolts and mesh to make the drives safe. The miners are also responsible for drilling holes in a drive so they can be charged with explosives.

Cable bolter (1) – Cable bolters operate a drill rig which drills and installs grouted cable bolts into the drives to provide a deep, long term ground support.

Offsiders (2) – Offsiders work with the miners, assisting them with loading of bolts and maintenance on the drill rigs, as well as hot-seating during crib breaks

Truck Drivers (2) – After the trucks are loaded by the loader operator, the truck drivers transport ore to the ore pass or waste stock piles.

Loader Operator (1) – The loader operator mucks (removes) ore from the headings after firing, loads the trucks, and does clean-ups where required

Charger (1) – The charger installs explosives into the holes bored out by the miners so that it can be fired at the end of the shift. They are also responsible for carrying out face-preps to ensure a clean firing has occurred from the previous shift

Serviceman (2) – Servicemen provide services to the job sites (air, water, drainage), hang extension cables and vent, install DCB pins and also jack cable bolts. The Serviceman also assists the miners by providing them with parts required on the job such as mesh, bolts, and plates

ISSUE 82 : 17

“ The PASS meeting covers topics such as safety concerns, alerts that have been issued, and feedback on safety from the previous shift.”

18 : mine to market

Another successful year for Xstrata Skills Centre

Apprentices who completed TAFE with straight Honours in 2007

The Xstrata Skills Centre has had another exciting and highly successful year of operations in 2007 with the recent graduation of the centre’s 74 apprentices.

The graduation ceremony, held during December, was also promoted as an open day for the parents, partners and friends of the apprentices. Eleven apprentices received awards and prizes for their outstanding achievements and efforts throughout 2007.

“The Xstrata Skills Centre continues to go from strength to strength. The good results achieved by the apprentices would not be possible without the commitment of the Instructors and Mount Isa TAFE teachers in setting high standards and expectations.

The apprentices take with them a skills set based on business needs, an understanding of our safety culture and practices and a desire to continue to learn,” said Dave Watson, Superintendent, Xstrata Skills Centre.

The following apprentices received awards:

School Based Apprentice of the Year – Lewis Hovi Encouragement Award – Leigh Lorenz

Fabrication Apprentice of the Year – Ricky O’Donoghue Encouragement Award – Robert Townsend

Mechanical Fitting Apprentice of the Year – Cam McClymont Encouragement Award – Shane Hill

Diesel Fitting Apprentice of the Year – Nicholas Martell Encouragement Award – Stephen Tattersall

Electrical Apprentice of the Year – Teresa Teaukura-Brown Encouragement Award – Tamara DeLorenzi

Superintendents’ Award Adam Keddie

Nine first year electrical apprentices achieved straight Honours over eighteen Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects at TAFE.

Teresa Teaukura-Brown, also a qualified Motor Mechanic and mother of two, topped the group with an overall average of 95.5 per cent.

To have nine out of thirty-one apprentices finish with straight Honours is not only a credit to the students but also the Xstrata Skills Centre staff and the Mount Isa TAFE. Many other apprentices achieved a mix of credits and honours and they are all to be congratulated on their outstanding efforts in 2007

School based Apprentice of the Year, Lewis Hovi

Electrical Apprentice of the Year, Teresa Teaukura-Brown

ISSUE 82 : 19

In July 2007, a team of 10 fourth year metallurgical engineering students from the University of Queensland went on a South American field trip to some of the world’s largest mining and minerals processing plants including Xstrata Copper’s own Altonorte Smelter near Antofagasta, Chile.

The students, some of whom will be graduate metallurgists at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines in 2008, spent two weeks in Chile carrying out survey work and inspecting the latest technologies used in copper production. The aim of the field trip was to gain an understanding of the process plant design issues of mineral processing plants to be used in the final year plant design course, as well as experiencing how another culture operates in the mining industry.

Altonorte is situated 20 kilometres south of Antofagasta, Chile’s largest port. As part of the visit, students attended corporate meetings with Xstrata North Chile in Antofagasta,

where senior managers outlined the company’s South American operations, explained potential developments Xstrata Copper has for the region, and outlined the opportunities for metallurgists in South America.

In Antofagasta the students met with fellow metallurgy students from the Catholic University of North Chile, who guided them around the university and the facilities of their metallurgy department, which included a very advanced and well equipped hydrometallurgy facility. It was also a chance for the students to discuss their opinions of the global metallurgical industry.

After arriving back in Brisbane, the students made a presentation about their experiences to industry representatives including Xstrata Copper Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charlie Sartain.

Sante Di Pasquale from the School of Engineering at the University of Queensland believed that the trip was worthwhile to provide students with a broad range of experience and understanding of global mineral process operations.

“This field trip was highly beneficial to the students from both an engineering and cultural aspect. It toured a broad variety of mineral processing plants from both old style operations to the very modern, using latest designs and technology,” he said.

Final-year student, Mr Eddie Paul, said the trip was organised to gain first-hand experience of the mining and minerals processing operations of the world’s major mining companies.

“We saw excellent examples of engineering practice, spoke to senior technical engineers and managers, and had the opportunity to learn about Chilean culture from metallurgy students of the Universidad Catolica Del Norte,” he said

Altonorte hosts uQ students

CharlieSartain,ChiefExecutiveOfficerofXstrataCopperandDavidWay,PrincipalMetallurgist of Xstrata Copper Australia, with the team of UQ metallurgical engineering students

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Employees from Townsville Copper Refinery and Port Operations, Bowen Coke Works, EHM and Mount Isa Mines only are invited to list items for sale. Please contact your Community Relations Department for the classifieds form.

All submissions are due to the Editor by the 3rd business day of each month. Mine to Market will not accept any commercial advertising notices.

PHOTO COMPETITION

Classifieds

Congratulations to Michelle Arnold who correctly guessed that December’s photo competition was part of the giant christmas lights which were hanging in the gum tree outside the Isa Civic Centre.

Can you guess this month’s photo competition? You will find the answer somewhere in this publication.

For your chance to win, call the Editor on (07) 4744 3140 or email cpeters@xstratacopper.com.au before Tuesday 12 February. The winner will receive a double movie voucher and have their name published in the next issue of Mine to Market