Modern Quarrying July-August 2015

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

De Beers seeks expressions of interest The De Beers Group of Companies is exploring the extension of the operating life of mine of the Kimberley Mines Tailings operation beyond 2018, by placing the mine on the market. The company has been investigating ways to extend the economic life of its tailings- based operation in Kimberley. In the past decade, the mine has taken steps to sustain the operation and succeeded in maintaining production in economically challenging times.” “It is encouraging that our work to date in considering all options has shown that Kimberley Mines may not have to close in the near future,” says Phillip Barton, CEO De Beers Consolidated Mines. “We are liaising with directly-affected stakeholders outlining feasible options to extend the potential life of the mine and its assets. We are engaging fully with employees, union representatives and with government at national and other levels; most importantly with the Northern Cape government and the municipality. “The asset has a superb team of managers and operators, and we are keen to offer the mine as a going concern to facilitate a greater degree of job security. The mine is De Beers’ second-largest producer in South Africa, with production in 2014 of 722 000 carats. With an appropriate operator, this asset has potential into the next decade.” The company hopes to close the expression of interest phase and conclude a sales agreement within the new few months. www.debeersgroup.com In 2014, Metso and Barloworld celebrated their 10 th partnership anni- versary for Metso mobile solutions. Based on this unique collaboration, Metso and Barloworld have expanded the Metso solutions partnership. From 1 May this year, the existing Metso Construction Business has been transferred to Metso Aggregates, based under the Barloworld Handling Division. Officially announced at the IQSA Conference in April this year, this is a decision supported by the executive management from both Metso and Barloworld Handling. Outlining the benefits to the customer, Andrew Stones, Metso Aggregates manager at Barloworld Metso, says it is a leaner and meaner operational structure, “offering our customers far more focus on their requirements from a dedicated team of specialised resources. This includes full support from Barloworld Handling, Barloworld Limited, Metso South Africa and the Metso Head Office in Finland. “By provid- ing the right dedication and focus to the quarrying industry, our aim is to offer the best advice and equipment to suit your requirements,” he confirms. “This is backed by a team of technical people who can assist you to maintain and keep your units running effectively, with the necessary inventory of spare parts on hand. “Leveraging on the similarities of the mobile industry and the quarry industry, will allow us to improve and grow as a business helping our customers to achieve the lowest sustainable cost per ton,” Stones says. Metso expands solutions partnership Andrew Stones can be contacted at Barloworld Metso on tel: +27 11 045 6161 or email: astones@bwmetso.co.za

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MODERN QUARRYING

July - August 2015