Modern Mining August 2020

Madagascar and Phalaborwa Copper Mine. “We also completed various projects in Botswana, including the Morupule Coal Mine expansion project and Debswana’s Jwaneng Cut 8 Diamond Mine in 2012,” says Anderson. More recently, Fluor applied its modular approach for the first time in southern Africa at Debswana’s Letlhakane Diamond Mine’s tailings resource treatment plant. Elsewhere, the company has just completed two major multi-year projects in Guinea, expanding its presence in bauxite and iron ore in West Africa. Current projects in Botswana include the engineering, procure- ment and construction management

“While Fluor has been progressing on a num- ber of innovation initiatives, the recent unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of our focus and intention towards innovation and execution excellence. During 2020, select global Fluor projects have been utilising technology which has enabled remote inspections and surveillance and has offered increased safety as a result of the application of such innovation and technology adop- tion during these times.” In conclusion, Anderson says Fluor’s commitment to sustainability includes a pledge to work closely with clients to set up collaborative joint health, safety and environmental teams. “We view sustainability as meeting the needs of clients while conducting business in a socially, economically, ethically and environmentally responsible manner. “Our local development and training programmes focus on mobilising and integrating client personnel into existing Fluor projects, thus advancing their per- sonal development,” concludes Anderson. 

of Khoemacau’s copper and silver starter project. It is at this project where a safety milestone of 3-mil- lion hours worked without a lost-time injury, has been achieved. “The significant safety achievement can be attrib- uted to the team’s commitment to safe work practices and a zero harm mind-set for everyone to go home safe and healthy every day,” says Anderson. “The milestone was reached over a period of one year with a peak workforce of more than 1 700.” In 2019, Fluor was awarded the engineering, pro- curement and construction management contract for all the surface infrastructure for the Khoemacau copper and silver starter project in northwest Botswana. The project is expected to produce an annual average of 62 000 tonnes of copper and 1,9-million ounces of silver with a life of mine in excess of 20 years. To the future The spread of COVID-19, says Anderson, is disrupt- ing lives and operations across industries. The mining and metals industry has not been spared; the entire value chain has been affected as organisa- tions are forced to limit access to offices, mine sites and all manufacturing facilities. “The whole industry has been plunged into a period of change and uncertainty that requires immediate action. Moving forward, it will be a bal- ancing act as we have to take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at all operating sites, while gradually opening offices and mining sites to recover, adapt and thrive again,” he says. Companies and industries, he adds, are being guided by the regulations of the Department of Employment and Labour, the Minerals Council of South Africa, the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the directives and guidelines issued by Government.

One of the major projects for Fluor was Rio Tinto’s Ilmenite mine’s wet plant in Madagascar.

Key takeaways  Mining & Metals clients around the globe rely on Fluor’s expertise and experience to execute and manage large, complex projects in challenging and remote locations  The company’s focus on capital efficiency during feasibility studies and front-end engineering design resonates with its clients and has been a key differentiator in the market  One of the major developments in the company’s offering in recent times was the launch of its underground mining services in Africa  Fluor recently reported a new safety milestone of 3-million hours and no lost time injuries in one year at Khoemacau’s copper and silver starter project in Botswana  Fluor South Africa (Pty) Ltd is a Level 2 BBBEE Contributor with an equiva- lent Black Ownership of 54,5% and Black Female Ownership at 24,2%, in terms of the new BBBEE Codes of Good Practice (COGP)

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