Mining and GeologyMining & Metals Australia, Africa and Asia

ContentsCompany overview 1

Beyond Zero 2

From concept to closure 3

Mining capability overview 5

Resource database validation and 5 evaluation of sampling quality

Exploration targeting 5

Geological modelling 5

Geostatistics and resource estimation 7

Ore reserve estimates 7

Open pit mining services 8

Underground mining services 5

Technical audits and due diligence studies 9

Studies 9

Sustainable operations 10

Industry experience 11

Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia 11

Platreef, Republic of South Africa 12

Resolution, USA 12

Twin Metals Project, USA 13

Victor, Canada 13

Caspiche, Chile 14

Jaboia Project, Brazil 14

Bisha Mine, Eritrea 15

AMEC is a focused supplier of high value consultancy, engineering, and project management services to the world’s mining & metals, oil and gas, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets. AMEC designs, delivers and maintains strategic and complex assets for its customers.

AMEC has developed some of the most challenging mining projects in the world from concept to closure. AMEC’s success is based on a customer-focused approach delivered by professionals from its centres of mining expertise in Australia, Canada, USA, Peru, Chile, Brazil, South Africa and the UK.

Company overview

AMEC provides a full range of services for mining and metals projects, from front end geology and environmental consulting through to feasibility studies and detailed design, project delivery, asset support and mine closure.

A recent major development in the growth of AMEC was the acquisition of the respected Australian based organisation Minproc, incorporating its extensive experience and specialist skills in minerals resource projects. This has significantly increased AMEC’s footprint within Australia, Africa and South-East Asia.

1 Mining and Geology

AMEC’s Mining & Metals locations

AMEC’s major locations

AMEC’s vision is to achieve sustainable, world class Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) performance excellence throughout our global operations.

The AMEC Beyond Zero program creates an HSSE culture where strong leadership, personal responsibility and an unyielding commitment to excellence are cornerstones of how we conduct our business. We consistently take HSSE performance beyond the work place and out into the wider community.

For many years, AMEC has had a goal of zero harm to people and the environment.

Engagement at various levels within the organisation provides an opportunity to influence safety behaviour and create a culture of HSSE commitment greater than self-interest. AMEC has developed engagement tools to support this process, taking our HSSE performance ‘Beyond Zero’.

Beyond Zero

Mining and Geology 2

We believe that nothing is so important that it cannot be done safely.’’Samir Brikho, Chief Executive AMEC

AMEC is one of the few engineering companies that provide a comprehensive mineral resource development service from early exploration advice, mineral resource and reserve estimation, through to project implementation and into operational capital improvements.

AMEC recognises that the key to a successful project outcome is the regional experience that an engineering company can access and bring to a project.

A particular strength of AMEC is the depth of knowledge and experience of the integrated geology, mining and process engineering teams. These team have extensive expertise in mineral exploration, resource definition, reserve estimation, mineral extraction, mine design, and all aspects of minerals processing and materials handling and has an operating background in various industry sectors.

From concept to closure

AMEC has developed some of the most challenging mining projects in the world from concept to closure.”

3 Mining and Geology

Геология Добыча ТЭО Проектирование процесса

Детальное проектирование

Выполнение проекта

Вынесение главных решений

Mining capability overviewWith an internationally renowned team of geologists, resource analysts and mining engineers, AMEC’s mining team focuses on identifying the most cost effective and technically sound solutions for the client, and has extensive experience in mineral resource and reserve estimation, open pit and underground mine planning and reporting to various international industry standards. AMEC works closely with clients’ in-house metallurgists and design engineers to produce feasibility studies, expert reports, technical reviews and audits of existing studies and operations.

AMEC has expertise in all aspects of geology and resource estimation through to mine optimisation, design, costing and economic evaluation.

AMEC’s vast experience in mineral commodities include gold, silver, platinum, copper, uranium, nickel, lead-zinc, nickel laterite, potash, diamonds, chrome, iron ore, bauxite, coal, evaporite deposits and mineral sands over a wide variety of deposit types and scales.

From the early stages of exploration through to final feasibility, AMEC can provide exceptional support and insight to help turn a prospect into a project. Some of our services and techniques are outlined in this section.

We design your projects for safety, efficiency and ease of maintenance, and bring your projects to production as soon as possible.”

5 Mining and Geology

Resource database validation and evaluation of sampling quality

Geological modelling

A mineral resource estimate is only reliable when estimated from an accurate and robust database of geoscientific data.

AMEC experience team provide a database review service, which will assess the accuracy, precision and chain-of-custody of the data including key items such as data locations, geological coding, assay data, geotechnical logging and key metallurgical results that may be inputs to a mineral resource or ore reserve estimate.

An understanding of the geological controls and domain limits of mineralisation is fundamental for the development of a predictive mineral resource estimate.

Development of this geological ore body knowledge base also allows more reliable exploration testing of potential extension or repetitions to zones of mineralisation.

Additionally, the mineral resource estimate should include the key geo-metallurgical character of the deposit such as the modelling of oxidation domains.

AMEC’s geological services include:

  Identification of geological controls to mineralisation

  Assessment of exploration potential

 Design of in-fill drilling programmes

  Identification of geological domains

 Development of geological block models

  Validation of mineralisation controls displayed in resource models

 Review of geological basis for selection of metallurgical testwork samples.

Mining and Geology 6

Exploration targeting

With years of international industry experience, AMEC can assist with developing conceptual exploration targets, drill program design and management, statutory and annual reporting, QAQC and sampling advice, review of exploration results and Independent Geologist Statements.

An often overlooked part of exploration is “what do we do when we find something?” AMEC can assist with this transition and assist with processes which will work through the exploration phase and into the production phase.

Mineral resource estimation

Ore reserve estimates

7 Mining and Geology

AMEC’s mining team relies on experienced geostatisticians and geologists working together to produce meaningful grade block models of mineral deposits. Important mining or processing characteristics may also require numerical modelling, for example sulphur content to predict flotation performance, arsenic or other contaminants for waste disposal, or acid generating potential/neutralisation capacity of wallrocks for waste dump design and environmental control.

These professionals have worked on a large number of diverse deposit types and include mining geologists who have had practical experience in reconciling resource models with production data. This experience equips them to select the most suitable approach to resource estimation for a particular deposit.

The resource estimation process involves:

 Geological modelling and wire-framing

  Statistical analysis

 Geostatistics and variographic analysis

 Grade interpolation and resource estimation

 Grade control reconciliation and model tuning (where available)

 Mineral resource classification and reporting to JORC, NI 43-101 and other international reporting codes.

The Ore Reserve estimate is a fundamental component of an existing or planned mining operation. It defines the economically mineable portion of a Measured or Indicated Resource, including appropriate allowances for dilution and losses that may occur during mining.

Many operations under-perform, or fail, due to inappropriate mining methods being selected for the deposit, or through underestimation dilution and losses. AMEC’s mining engineers have all served in operating mines and have the understanding required to balance theory with practical hands-on experience.

By working together, our in-house geologists and mining engineers will quickly and confidently identify the optimal mining method for each client’s orebody, and will liaise directly with the process metallurgists to ensure the appropriate ore characterisation for treatment optimisation.

Open pit mining services

Mining and Geology 8

The mining team’s focus is to identify the most cost effective, technically sound solution for the client. The team uses the industry standard Whittle suite of optimisation software as a tool to identify potential ultimate pit limits and intermediate pit development stages, and to assess project risk. Using a combination of experience and innovative use of this tool, AMEC has been able to substantially enhance project cash flows and turn around project economics at the mine design and scheduling stage. During mine design, particular attention is given to staged pit definition to allow deferral of waste mining and associated costs. Production scheduling is integrated with mining equipment selection and pit designs to minimise overall project costs.

Services provided include:

 Open pit optimisation

 Determination of optimal open pit to underground mining interface

 Detailed open pit design and scheduling

 Material handling studies

 Due diligence reviews

 Operational and geotechnical reviews

 Mining studies from reopening through to DFS level

 Mining equipment selection

 Production scheduling (mining and processing)

 Waste dump design and groundwater management

 Operating and capital cost estimation for Australian and International locations

 Mine contract specification, preparation and tendering.

Each deposit is unique. AMEC works closely with its clients to ensure delivery of the best solution for their particular mining situation, rather than providing a boiler-plate product.

The mining team includes engineers with extensive underground mining experience who can offer clients practical and cost effective design, scheduling, and operational solutions.

There will be regular client interaction and review so there are no surprises.

Services provided include but are not limited to:

  Evaluation of mining method options

 Open pit / underground interface optimisation

 Underground mine design and scheduling

 Material handling and shaft design studies

 Groundwater management

  Ventilation design

 Mining contracts

 Operating and capital cost estimation

 Block, panel and sublevel caving studies and design.

Underground mining services

9 Mining and Geology

In addition to reviews commissioned by external parties, the mining and geology team also carries out a continuous stream of reviews of the mining and geological work performed by others (owners and other consultants) as part of a larger population of AMEC coordinated feasibility studies. This gives AMEC a very large (current) reference database of local and international projects.

Services provided include:

 Brownfields exploration advice and planning

 Mineral sampling assessments

 Mine technical audits

 Project evaluations

 Due diligence studies

 Project risk assessments

  Independent technical expert reports.

AMEC has enhanced its integrated service package by including the animation capability. Using proprietary techniques, resource models, mine designs, plant and site layouts can be converted rapidly into three-dimensional, animated computer models and incorporated into presentations illustrating a client’s current or planned operation.

In conjunction with the other disciplines, the mining team routinely produces feasibility studies to a definitive standard suitable for raising project finance, for both Australian and international projects. The quality of AMEC studies is recognised by leading Australian and International sources of finance, including the World Bank and European Bank.

These studies have been for underground, open pit, or combined developments, at all production scales. Since establishment, AMEC has expanded its capability, and reputation for excellence, into a comprehensive turnkey mineral development service.

AMEC can assist with:

  Infill drilling requirements

 Data collection, compilation and validation

 Mineral resource estimation

 Mining factors and orebody modelling

 Project scoping

 Pre-production requirements

 Geotechnical and hydrological assessments

 Project optimisation

 Detailed mine design and scheduling

 Ore reserve statements

 Development of capital and operating costs

  Equipment production estimates

  Infrastructure requirements

 Manpower planning

 Project development scheduling

  Economic analysis.

Technical audits and due diligence studies

Studies

For more than 50 years we have demonstrated our commitment to preserve fragile environments and unique ecosystems regardless of where a project is located.”

Our future depends on how we execute our work today. AMEC cares about the legacies that our projects create, just as we care about the communities in which we live.

For more than 50 years we have demonstrated our commitment to preserve fragile environments and unique ecosystems. Our environmental scientists and socio-economic specialists conduct baseline assessments, community consultation, impact and risk assessments, and closure and reclamation planning. Our engineers perform geotechnical analyses, develop water and waste management plans, and design water treatment facilities.

Sustainable operations

Our multi-discipline teams create innovative, safe and environmentally sound solutions for tailings and waste rock storage, mine backfill, and mine waste characterization and develop mitigation strategies for acid rock drainage (ARD) control and cyanide management. We also design practical geotechnical solutions for soil and rock engineering works including open pits, underground developments, foundation elements and access corridors.

One of AMEC’s particular strengths is that we have all of these skill sets within a single company. By working side by side, we all gain a better understanding of each project’s risks and opportunities. This collaboration makes us better managers and better engineers. And it makes better projects.

Industry experience

11 Mining and Geology

Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia Ivanhoe Mines

Located in Mongolia’s South Gobi desert, Oyu Tolgoi is one of the largest copper-gold porphyry deposits in the world. Since the discovery hole was drilled in 2001, AMEC has provided geological and resource estimation support at the remote location. This accelerated into fast-track mining options, scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility studies with AMEC as the lead engineer for a multi-consultant team involving engineering capabilities in Australia and North America. AMEC completed the Integrated Development Plan in 2005, and since then, have provided oversight and Qualified Person’s roles in support of resource estimates for the Hugo and Hugo North deposits.

Resolution, USA BHPB/RioTinto

At the giant underground Resolution Cu-Mo Project AMEC is assisting BHPB and Rio Tinto with their extensive block cave expertise. AMEC will provide assistance with managing the underground expansion prefeasibility study as well as providing front end studies of the underground ore transport system.

Previously AMEC’s Dr. Georges Verly has also provided expertise with simulating geological uncertainty for the project.

Mining and Geology 12

Platreef, Republic of South Africa Ivanhoe Nickel and Platinum

AMEC supported this project over a five-year period providing services in quality control of exploration data, resource estimation, metallurgical test program development and monitoring, and scoping studies to determine the best development options for this large nickel-platinum deposit. The studies required unique approaches to assaying for sulfide specific nickel, geological modeling, resource estimation, and milling /smelting options to realize the best value.

13 Mining and Geology

The Victor diamond mine is the largest capital project ever to be developed in northern Ontario; it is also the province’s most remote and inaccessible mine. AMEC and De Beers Canada, working in a strategic alliance, successfully completed the project safely, within budget and well ahead of schedule. In 2001, AMEC began studies to determine the project’s viability. Following this stage, AMEC provided engineering, procurement and logistics, construction management, project management and commissioning services to complete the open-pit mine, process plant and associated facilities and infrastructure.

Victor, Canada De Beers Canada

This project is amongst the world’s largest Cu-Ni-PGM polymetallic sulphide deposits. The AMEC study confirms this project as a growing platinum group metals and gold resource and as one of the world`s larger palladium and platinum resources outside of South Africa.

AMEC completed an interim resource estimate resulting in significant upgrading of the resources of the project as well as compilation of independent NI 43-101 Technical Report.

Twin Metals Project, USA Duluth Metals Ltd.

Mining and Geology 14

Caspiche, Chile Exeter Resources

The Caspiche property is an advanced-staged exploration project located in the Atacama Region of Northern Chile, approximately 120 km southeast of Copiapó. Exeter Resource Corporation commissioned AMEC to complete a mineral resource estimate for the Caspiche property and to provide the results of this work in an independent NI 43-101 Technical Report.

Jaboia Project, Brazil Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation

The Caspiche property is an advanced-staged exploration project located in the Atacama Region of Northern Chile, approximately 120 km southeast of Copiapó. Exeter Resource Corporation commissioned AMEC to complete a mineral resource estimate for the Caspiche property and to provide the results of this work in an independent NI 43-101 Technical Report.

15 Mining and Geology

AMEC has developed some of the most logistically and technically challenging mining projects in the world, providing services from preliminary studies through detailed design, procurement, construction management and overall project management.”

Bisha Mine, Eritrea Nevsun Resources Ltd

In addition to performing the prefeasibility and feasibility studies for the development of the 23,000 tpd Bisha Gold, Copper and Zinc Mine, AMEC also oversaw the final SEIA to World Bank/IFC and Eritrean government regulatory standards.

AMEC’s scope included design and implementation of the biophysical baseline programs, training and capacity building of local professionals, and the development and execution of the public consultation and disclosure plan for the project. The public consultation phase was of particular interest given the remote region and need to find ways to franchise people with little understanding of the mining process. AMEC’s world-class team of human environmental personnel was instrumental in creating a trusting relationship and effective communications with the local landowners and other public parties with project interests.

AMEC brings credibility and capability to every stage of your project.”

Find out more at amec.com/miningIn the Americas and Europe, mining@amec.com

In Australasia and Africa, bd@amec.com

Mining & Metals centres of excellence

Australia - Brazil - Canada - Chile - Peru - South Africa - UK - USA