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Annual Report 2011-2012

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Vision

Mission

Values

Key Strategies

AMIRA International is a member-driven minerals industry association that is an essential part of our members’ search for innovative solutions that add value to their business.

We provide access for our members to valued solutions through connecting research infrastructure to the needs of our members and supporting that infrastructure’s growth.

Zero harm: To ourselves, others and the environment Creativity: The essence of innovation Excellence: The standard we set for ourselves in all we do Ethical behaviour: We demonstrate integrity, transparency and sensitivity in all our activities Collaboration: We respect cultural and individual differences of all participants and work together to achieve mutually rewarding results.

Building relationships: Nurturing and developing the global resources industry network for our members and the research community Delivering value: Maximising the benefit of our services to all our stakeholders Success through people: Ensuring attraction and retention of energetic talented people

ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

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Contents

Overview ............................................................................................ 4

Chairman’s Report ............................................................................. 5

Managing Director’s Report ........................................................... 7

AMIRA International Board ........................................................... 10

AMIRA Organisational Chart ........................................................ 11

Contract Activities ............................................................................ 12

Members ........................................................................................... 13

Research Providers ......................................................................... 14

Project Index .................................................................................... 15

Geoscience ...................................................................................... 17

Mine Engineering ............................................................................ 31

Mineral Processing ......................................................................... 34

Extractive Metallurgy ..................................................................... 46

Multi-Disciplinary ............................................................................. 52

Sustainability ................................................................................... 59

ACN 004 448 266

ABN 60 176 687 975

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AMIRA International is an independent association of minerals companies, created to develop, broker and facilitate collaborative research projects. Our business platform is to strengthen the businesses of our members by assisting their development

and uptake of leading edge science and technology by:

• Creating sponsor teams of member companies to share the costs and the benefits of selected research projects • Working with the best researchers around the world • Nurturing and sustaining research resources for industry benefit • Formally representing the industry in areas important to our members • Providing a forum for industry to meet, network and cooperate in areas of mutual interest. While AMIRA International does not in general carry out research itself, it brokers collaborative

projects between industry and world-leading research providers by leveraging available government

and industry funds.

Our projects are funded by joint sponsorship from member companies, and we pursue additional

sources of funding to benefit these research efforts. Our main role is to develop, facilitate and oversee

these projects so that sponsoring members gain the expected benefits.

The Project Portfolio currently encompasses around 38 projects with about:

• AU$60 million portfolio value • AU$13-20 million new industry funds/year

Overview

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The past year has seen AMIRA International emerge from a period of consolidation and restructuring into a focused organisation with a strengthened balance sheet and a growing project portfolio. Particularly encouraging is the support shown by members for the flagship mineral processing program P9P. With committed member funds of more than AU$13 million, this is one of the biggest programs in AMIRA’s 52-year history. This support is no doubt partly a reflection of the superb record of technology advances and sponsor impact delivered by previous phases of this long-running program and the confidence this provides that the research teams can deliver on the present ambitious targets. It is also testimony to the quality of the global research teams involved. Many of these researchers have developed extraordinarily deep knowledge through participation in multiple phases of P9 and are proof of the value of the sort of sustained research that collaborative programs, detached from the fluctuating needs and budgets of individual companies, can create. At the other end of the scale AMIRA has ventured into a new area with its portfolio of iron-ore related research projects. This in turn has drawn a number of companies to join AMIRA for the first time. Such support from a sector which has traditionally relied heavily on proprietary research is gratifying. AMIRA as a truly global organisation is exemplified by the work that commenced

during the year to replicate the West Africa Exploration initiative, with capital across the Atlantic. AMIRA continues to service its members around the world and continues to work with the world's best researchers. This support for research in fields both old and new may reflect a resurgent interest in the capacity of collaborative research to provide value in these uncertain times. When the leverage of multiple support results in $10 of research funding for every dollar invested (as is the case with P9P) the numbers certainly look compelling. All this gives me a degree of confidence for the year ahead. Much of the credit for the present strength of AMIRA International must go to my predecessor as chairman, Doug Magoon, who steered the organisation through difficult times following the global financial crisis which began in 2008. Equal credit, however, must go to the present board and to the management and staff of AMIRA at offices around the globe. We begin the new financial year with a new Managing Director. Joe Cucuzza is well known to AMIRA member companies, having served as head of geoscience/exploration at AMIRA for many years (where he also initiated important roadmaps) and more recently as business development manager. His hands-on knowledge of the practices and processes of collaborative research will be invaluable in ensuring the efficient delivery of high quality research outcomes on which AMIRA’s member support depends.

Chairman’s Report

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He replaces Dr Wayne Stange, who has joined the SMI-JKMRC at the University of Queensland. On behalf of the board I would like to thank Dr Stange for his contribution. The challenges facing AMIRA International and the minerals industry in the year ahead are considerable. Uncertain economic times and softer prices for many commodities will put pressure on the research budgets of many our members. This in turn creates pressure on our team to identify the most relevant research opportunities and the most capable researchers while ensuring timely and efficient research delivery and technology transfer. It will also require prudent financial management. We have an excellent team in place at AMIRA offices around the globe and a world-class network of researchers. I, and all of your board, look forward to meeting those challenges.

Dr Neville Plint Chair of the Board AMIRA International

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The past year has been one of solid achievement marked by significant milestones including: • Solid operational performance; • A management focus on implementing

AMIRA’s new strategy – engaging with sponsors and providers to develop and manage project portfolios that have tangible value for Sponsors;

• Strengthened engagement with research providers and sponsors.

Operational Performance The AMIRA team managed, among many challenges, to ensure that the 2011-2012 operating performance was in line with the budget and plan. This resulted in a significant surplus for the third successive year, further strengthening AMIRA’s balance sheet and sustainability. Strategy Implementation During the year AMIRA reaped the first fruits of a more strategic approach to project development. The iron ore and uranium sectors were targeted for the development of a portfolio of projects through extensive sponsor engagement to understand industry needs across the respective value chains. Project P1097 ”Transportable Moisture Limit for Iron Ore”, was supported by six companies and is a clear demonstration of an industry-pull strategy resulting in more relevant and value-based projects. Another example of this approach was illustrated in the development of P1047 “Improving Coarse Flotation Recovery Using

Fluidised Bed Flotation”. If successful this project will make a significant contribution to reducing specific energy usage for minerals recovered by flotation. The project is focused on accelerating technology development and scale-up in order to make this technology accessible to sponsors within a short time. Engagement AMIRA’s ability to identify important research needs that are complementary to the scope of members’ proprietary research is much enhanced by close interaction with researchers and sponsors. In line with AMIRA’s strategy, engagement with key research partners was deepened. For example, working closely with CRC ORE has resulted in substantial Commonwealth funding (about AU$1.5M) for the development of a new Integrated Extraction Simulator (IES) which will add significantly to the delivery improvements in modelling and simulation technology to sponsors. AMIRA’s biennial Exploration Managers Conference is another event that demonstrates AMIRA’s strategy to engage with members. This year’s conference, held in Perth, established a new benchmark for industry involvement. It was, as always, stimulating, with senior exploration managers from member companies and senior geoscience researchers from institutions around the world discussing new technologies and concepts.

Managing Director’s Report

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This year’s EMC was innovative in that members were also invited to bring along a promising young geoscientist from their organisation. It is a sign of the industry’s commitment to fostering a new generation of talent that most companies chose to do so. Another approach gathering momentum is the use of TAPs (Technical Advisory Panels) by AMIRA to solicit input from groups of sponsors who have strong, clearly defined and articulated perspectives around technology-based solutions.

P9P AMIRA’s long-running P9 project entered a new era with its 50th birthday celebration marked by a most enjoyable dinner in Brisbane, which was attended by many of the core participants of P9 during this half-century. It was most rewarding to hear short speeches from a range of industry participants on what P9 has meant to their organisations. In many ways P9 has transcended its status as a “project”. It has become a community of sponsors and researchers working together to develop and implement improvements in ore-characterisation and the modelling and simulation of mineral processing circuits. So far engaged sponsors of P9 have achieved significant benefit in the form of improved operational performance and reduced risk in capital projects. This impact and sponsors’ confidence that P9 will continue to deliver resulted in sponsors funding a further extension to the P9 program – P9P has a budget of around AU$13M of industry funding over the next four years. Another characteristic of P9P is the participation of several international research groups under the leadership of University of Queensland’s SMI-JKMRC. A new participant this year is Chalmers University (Sweden) that has world-class expertise in crushing. AMIRA sincerely appreciates the strong

support from Professor Geoff Gault and Craig Brown of the SMI-JKMRC in working with AMIRA in the successful closeout of P9O and start-up of P9P. Staff Movements This year saw continued reshaping of AMIRA’s staff to ensure that the organisation can function efficiently and effectively and has the people skills to deliver on its strategy. This resulted in several departures as well as new staff. AMIRA welcomes Dr Chris Ward as Program Director – Extractive Metallurgy, based in Perth, and Enrique Carretero as Program Manager in Santiago. Chris and Enrique bring significant expertise in the metallurgical area as well as extensive networks, energy and enthusiasm. Conclusion I was faced with a particularly difficult challenge this year: I was offered the role of Director of UQ’s SMI-JKMRC. After much soul-searching I decided to accept this new challenge. One aspect of my new role that I look forward to is to continue to support AMIRA and participate in the AMIRA community through the SMI-JKMRC. I look forward to working closely with Joe Cucuzza to ensure that the AMIRA–JKMRC relationship is even stronger in years to come. In closing I would like to personally thank the AMIRA staff and board and three individuals who have provided me with exceptionally strong support during my short, but hopefully worthwhile, stay at AMIRA International:

• Dr Neville Plint – Chair of AMIRA International

• Professor Geoff Gault – Director of the SMI-JKMRC

• Dr Ray Shaw – Chief Technology Advisor

Wayne Stange

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As the incoming Managing Director I would like to offer my thanks to Wayne Stange for steering AMIRA towards a successful year and to wish him well at the JKMRC. Underpinning last year’s outcome has been a focus on the strategic initiatives commenced by Wayne. The key initiatives will continue but with a greater emphasis on value for members. An important element of AMIRA’s strategy will be extending our global reach through stronger partnerships and broader geographic focus that address members’ needs wherever they operate. An example of this is the development of the project P1061 "South America Exploration Initiative – SAXI: Tectonics, Architecture and Stratigraphy of the Guyana Shield". This project aims to replicate the successful West Africa Exploration Initiative (WAXI) across the Atlantic. The concept first originated from sponsors of the WAXI project was subsequently endorsed at the 2012 Biennial Exploration Managers Conference. Another manifestation of our strategy has been the steady increase in membership. During the past year membership rose to 95. We would have to go back almost 10 years before member numbers were this high. In the intervening period industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions and the GFC among other things, led to a drop in member numbers. However, this has been slowly turned around through an emphasis on delivering value projects and by broadening the geographic focus of operations enabling us to attract a wider audience of companies. A pleasing aspect of this increase has been the increase in smaller organisations becoming members. We are committed to working closely with our members to ensure our focus is squarely on delivering solutions to real world problems. We also recognise that our research partners will be integral to AMIRA’s ability to deliver these solutions. Maintaining and cultivating new relationships will be an important goal in the next year. Joe Cucuzza

Mr Joe Cucuzza Managing Director AMIRA International

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Mr Marcelo Bastos Chief Operating Officer

MMG Australia Limited

Mr Joe Pease General Manager—Xstrata

Technology Xstrata Copper Australia

Dr Neville Plint Chairman

Head Research & Development

Anglo Platinum

Dr Ian Sandl Regional Manager -

Exploration - Asia Pacific Teck Australia Pty Ltd

Dr Walter Valery Senior Vice President—

Global Metso Process Technology

& Innovation Metso Minerals

Mr Rick Gilbert Vice-President,

Technology Freeport-McMoran Mining Company

Dr Juan Carlos Salas Manager of Innovation Antofagasta Minerals

S.A.

Dr Aubrey Paverd Vice-Chairman

Director Compania De Minas

Buenaventura

Mr Laurie Stonehouse Vice President - Technology

Alcoa Aluminio SA

Mr Dave Bentley Group Head of Technology

Development Anglo American Pty Ltd

Mr Marinus Du Plessis Manager,

Technical Advisory and Innovation Technology

Exxaro Resources Limited

Dr Peter Kondos Senior Manager

Research & Development Barrick Gold Corporation

Mr Mick Henderson Product Development

Manager Russell Mineral

Equipment Pty Ltd

Mr Kent Hoots Vice President

Asia Pacific Boart Longyear Pty Ltd

Prof Peter Lilly Senior Manager Research &

Development BHP Billiton Limited

Dr Natalia Streltsova Director Technical

Development Vale Australia

AMIRA International Board

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AMIRA Organisational Chart

Jose Cabella Consultant Program

Manager

As at August 2012

Joe Cucuzza Managing Director

Katie Legge Executive Assistant

Daniel Vertes Financial Controller / Company Secretary

Ken Chaaban Finance Officer

Ileana Inocencio Project Support

Officer

Donna Copolov Project Support

Officer

Ann Woolley Project Support

Officer

Imran Hussain Systems

Administrator

Mary Ann Tirona Project Support

Officer

Chris Ward Program Director

Extractive Metallurgy BU

TBC Program Director

Exploration Mining Sustainability BU

Terry Braden Program Manager

Gray Bailey Program Manager

Enrique Carretero Program Manager

Alan Goode Project Director Data

Metallogenica

Matthew Dalziel Program Manager

Kriba Reddy Program Manager

Adele Seymon Program Manager

TBC Strategic Business

Development

Olga Verezub Strategic Business

Development Coordinator

Bernard Xu Assistant Program

Manager

Jacqueline Russell Project Support

Officer

Philip McInerney Consultant Program

Manager

Alan Stuart Strategic Business

Development Advisor

Ray Shaw Chief Technology

Advisor

Consultant Program Managers

/ Advisors

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2012 AU$000

2011 AU$000

Total Research Commitment

Geoscience 13,146 14,124 Mine Engineering 2,385 2,310 Mineral Processing 22,934 29,542 Extractive Metallurgy 8,195 7,097 Sustainability 1,134 1,224 Multi Disciplinary 11,370 17,806 TOTAL 59,163 72,104 Annual Research Spending (by market)

Geoscience 4,235 1,781 Mine Engineering 661 199 Mineral Processing 3,559 5,712 Extractive Metallurgy 1,956 1,596 Sustainability 413 348 Multi Disciplinary 2,371 3,237 TOTAL 13,195 12,874 Annual Research Spending (by researcher type)

Universities 6,320 9,712 CSIRO 1,092 1,704 CRC 4,875 709 Other 907 749 TOTAL 13,195 12,874 Project Numbers

No. No.

Contracts in progress 31 59,163 32 67,194 Contracts commenced and additional sponsors

7 19,488 10 13,610

Contracts completed 8 27,600 6 7,087 Membership

Members 95 88

This is a summary of AMIRA's activities for the year. The figures presented have not been audited and include variable exchange rate adjustments. Direct comparisons between years should only be taken as indicative.

Contract Activities

As at 30 June 2012

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Members

PRODUCERS Alcoa World Alumina Anglo Platinum Management AngloGold Ashanti Antofagasta Minerals S.A. Avocet Mining PLC Barrick Gold Corporation BHP Billiton Boliden Minerals AB Cameco Corporation Cayeli Bakir Isletmeleri A.S, Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd Codelco Compania de Minas Buenaventura Eldorado Gold Corporation Exxaro Resources Limited First Quantum Minerals Ltd Fortescue Metals Group Freeport McMoran Mining Company GFL Mining Services Limited Golden Star Exploration Hydro Aluminium Metal Products IAMGOLD Corporation Impala Platinum Independence Group NL Inmet Mining Corporation Issara Mining Limited Kinross Gold Corporation LKAB Lonmin Platinum Lundin Mining Corporation Minerals and Metals Group Ltd Newcrest Mining Limited Newmont Australia Limited Northern Star Resources Ltd OZ Minerals Randgold Resources Limited Resolute Mining Limited Rio Tinto Limited Roy Hill Semafo Inc Servicios Industriales Penoles Shell Canada Energy St Barbara Teck Total E & P Canada Ltd United Company RUSAL Vale Votorantim Metais Ltda Xstrata Technology

INDIVIDUAL G-Resources Group Limited Hidden Valley Services Limited Minera San Cristobal S.A. Queensland Alumina Limited EXPLORERS Azumah Resources Limited Castle Peak Mining Limited Drake Resources Limited Intrepid Mines Regis Resources Limited SIPA Resources Limited Volta Resources Inc SUPPLIERS ABITIBI Geophysique AMDEL Limited Ausenco Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd BASF Australia Ltd Bateman Engineering Pty Ltd Boart Longyear Pty Ltd CAE Mining Corporate Ltd Cytec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd FL Smidth Minerals Inc Gekko Systems Pty Ltd Geophysical Resources & Services Hatch Australia Pty Ltd Industrie de Nora S.p.a. INPPAMET Ltda ioGlobal Pty Ltd Kemix (Pty) Ltd KHUMSUP Pty Ltd Magotteaux Pty Ltd Metso Minerals Nalco Australia Pty Ltd National Starch Orica Mining Service Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd Outotec Quantec Geoscience Ltd Quantitative Geoscience RSR Technologies Inc Russell Mineral Equipment Pty Ltd Sandvik Mining & Construction Australia Pty Ltd Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd SGS Australia Pty Ltd WesTech Engineering Inc Zonge International

As at 30 June 2012

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Aarhus University Alford Mining Systems AMC Consultants Pty Ltd ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits (CODES) - University of Tasmania Australian National University Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM) Centre for Exploration Targeting - University of Western Australia Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing CRC Chalmers University of Technology CICITEM Colorado School of Mines CRC - Deep Exploration Technologies CRC ORE (Optimising Resource Extraction) CSIRO Curtin University of Technology Czech Geological Survey Dickson Research Pty Ltd Ecole Nationale d'Ingeneurs Freelance Global Limited Fullagar Geophysics Pty Ltd Fundacion Chile Hacettepe University Ian Wark Research Institute (IWRI) Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) Institute of Experimental Mineralogy Moscow Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre Lakehead University Laurentian University Levay & Co Environmental Services McGill University

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Murdoch University Nancy Université Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Santiago Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Norte RMIT University Russian Academy of Sciences Sustainable Minerals Institute TechnoImaging Tunra Bulk Solids Universidad de Antofagasta Universidad de Chile Universidad de Concepcion Universidad de Santiago Universidade de Sao Paulo Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Université de Toulouse Université d'Orléans Université Montpellier University of Adelaide University of Auckland University of Cape Town University of Melbourne University of Newcastle University of Oklahoma University of Ottawa University of Ouagadougou University of Queensland University of South Australia University of Tasmania University of the Witwatersrand University of Utah University of Waterloo US Geological Survey Vernadsky Institute (Moscow) W H Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre

Research Providers

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Project Index

GEOSCIENCE Page No.

P778A Predictive Exploration Geochemistry in Transported Overburden II 18 P934A West African Exploration Initiative - Stage 2 19 P972 ATR Mineral Chemistry Applied to the Characterisation and

Exploration of Andean type Cu ± Au Ore Deposits 20

P1004A DET CRC implementation 21 P1022 Rapid Inversion of TEM Data 22 P1036A Airborne Induced Polarization - Stage 2 23 P1040 Building the Global Encyclopedia of Ore Deposits 24 P1041 Application of New Technologies to Exploration and Evaluation of

Gold Deposits 26

P1058 Spectral Induced Polarization for 3D Mineral Discrimination 27 P1060 Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal

Systems 28

Completed P962 Ni-PGE Potential of Mafic and Ultramafic Magmas - A Combined

Thermodynamic Modelling and Melt Inclusion Approach 29

P1036 Airborne IP - Stage 1 30

MINE ENGINEERING

P1037 Stope Optimisation and Stope Layout 32 P1043

Framework for Rapid Automated Underground Mine Optimisation 33

MINERAL PROCESSING

P009P Optimisation of Mineral Processing by Modelling and Simulation 35 P260F Influence of Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the

Flotation of Fine and Coarse Minerals 36

P498C Enhanced Selectivity in Flotation Using Polymers 38 P667B SAG Mill Monitoring Using Surface Vibrations 39 P705B Improved Anode and Cathode Processes in the Electrowinning of

Base Metals 40

P968 Flotation of Copper in Saline Water 41 P996 Advanced Instrumentation and Control Strategies for Optimising

Thickeners 42

Completed

P009O Optimisation of Mineral Processing Through Modelling and Simulation

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P266F

Improving Thickener Technology 45

Continued on next page…

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EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY Page No.

P420D Gold Processing Technology 47 P507D Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors 48 P521D Quantifying the Effect of Solid Phase Oxalate (SPO) on Gibbsite

Agglomeration 49

P575C A Qualitative Investigation of Strength and Breakage Behaviour of SGA Produced from Refinery Hydrates

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P986

Improving Crushed Ore Agglomeration 51

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY

P599B High Concentration Suspension Pumping 53 P843A Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling 54 P931A Reduced Erosion in Multiphase Flow 55 P1097 A Systematic Evaluation of Transportable Moisture Limit:

Measurement Methods for Bulk Cargos 56

Completed

P924 Australian Mineral Science Research Institute 57 P1057

Systematic Innovation Application to Minerals Industry 58

SUSTAINABLITY

P933A Alternative Treatment Options for Long Term ARD Control 60

Completed

P791A

Potroom Dust: Character & Causes 61

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GEOSCIENCE

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Predictive Exploration Geochemistry in Transported Overburden II

The overall aim of this extension project is to develop guidelines for how, where and why to use biota, gas and/or other shallow sample media for mineral exploration in areas of transported overburden. The project will build on the results of P778 by undertaking further research into the biotic, gaseous and capillary mechanisms of vertical migration of metals from buried mineral deposits through transported overburden to surface in a variety of environments in Australia. The principal deliverables of this new project will include continuous progress reports as well as technical reports describing the work completed at each study site. A final project report describing the mechanistic models to account for observed metal migration or its absence, integrating all aspects of the study including different regolith and palaeo-climatic controls on migration, and variations with respect to different commodity elements will be prepared. Sponsors AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Cameco Australia Pty Ltd; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Independence Group (ex Jabiru Metals); Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC); Newmont USA Limited; Regis Resources; SGS Minerals Services; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Research Providers CSIRO Earth Science and Resource Engineering - Dr Ravi Anand Curtin University of Technology

p778a

Value AU $1,362,150 Commencement November 2010 Duration 3 Years Program Manager Adele Seymon

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West African Exploration Initiative - Stage 2 This project will build on Stage 1 of WAXI by developing a new geological framework to generate new exploration insights which will assist company sponsors to explore in this region. The principal deliverables of this project will be: (a) A craton-scale GIS product showing the craton-wide geophysical stitches,

sample locations, mineral deposits, interpretative layers of structures with fully attributed movement events, and the principal tectonic elements that control and divide domains of distinct mineralisation characteristics.

(b) A space-time chart cross-linked to the GIS showing all the existing and newly acquired geochronological data, with summaries of crustal growth, metamorphic, deformation and mineralisation events.

(c) An understanding of the landscape evolution and surficial processes characteristic of the particular climatic setting of West Africa over the past 60 Ma that will help define exploration strategies for a wide variety of deposit types.

(d) Training of African geoscientists in the techniques of exploration geology via a suite of six short courses over the life of the project, an annual symposium and workshops as necessary to facilitate transfer of knowledge of the outcomes of the project to sponsors.

(e) Training of young African geoscientists via a suite of MSc and PhD projects directly funded by this project or in partnership with other funding sources.

(f) An improved capacity and confidence in the Geological Surveys and Universities in West Africa to respond to the short and long term requirements of the minerals industry.

Sponsors AngloGold Ashanti Limited; AusAID; Azumah Resources Limited; Bureau des Mines et de la Géologie du Burkina; Castle Peak Mining; Centre de Recherches Géologiques et Minières - Niger; Department of Mines and Geology of Togo; Direction National de la Géologie République de Guineé; Direction Nationale de la Géologie et des Mines - Mali; Drake Resources Limited; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Geological Survey Department - Ghana; Gold Fields International Services Ltd; Goldbelt Resources Limited; Golden Star Resources Ltd; Gryphon Minerals Ltd; IAMGOLD Corp.; Lihir Gold Limited (now Newcrest); Ministère des Mines et de L'Industrie Senegal; Ministry of Land, Mines and Energy - Liberia; OMRG l'Office Mauritanien de Recherches Geologiques; Red Back Mining (now Kinross Gold); Resolute Mining Limited; Rio Tinto; SEMAFO Inc; Vale; Volta Resources Inc; Votorantim Metais Research Providers Centre for Exploration Targeting - University of Western Australia - Professor T. Campbell McCuaig; Czech Geological Survey; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) - Dr Mark Jessell; Nancy Universite; Université de Toulouse; Université d'Orléans; Université Montpellier; University of Ouagadougou - Professor Martin Lompo; University of the Witwatersrand - Professor Kim A. A. Ncube-Hein; Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM)

p934a

Value AU $3,467,971 Commencement March 2010 Duration 3 Years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

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Apatite, Tourmaline, Rutile (“ATR”) Mineral Chemistry Applied to the Characterisation and Exploration of Andean

Type Cu ± Au Ore Deposits The overall objective of this proposal is to compile a comprehensive database to develop new robust and cost effective “mineralo-chemical” tools that will not only permit a better understanding of mineralising systems but more importantly will offer explorers a new and improved method of vectoring into mineral deposits. Efforts will be concentrated on optimising drilling programs (i.e. helping in vectoring towards higher-grade ore zones) and improving the geologic evaluation of prospects and targets by developing a process-based independent mineralo-chemical tool. Hydrothermal ore deposits are the result of a combination of diverse physicochemical processes that imprint diagnostic geochemical signatures characteristic of this mineralisation. This study is designed to try to “read” these signatures with the final goal to use them as indicators/discriminators. The proposed mechanism to read these signatures is through the mineralogical and chemical analysis of texturally controlled resistate minerals. Sponsors Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton Metals; Codelco; Newmont USA Limited; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Vale Exploration Research Providers Universidad de Concepcion - Dr Osvaldo Rabbia Dalmasso; Aarhus University; University of Oklahoma

p972 Value US $555,000 Commencement January 2009 Duration 3 Years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

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Deep Exploration Technologies CRC Implementation

AMIRA is working with the CRC to recruit additional affiliate members. The DET CRC (https://detcrc.com.au) officially commenced operations in May 2010. Sponsors ABM Resources NL; Australian Drilling Industry Association Limited; Carpentaria Exploration Limited; CSA Global; Department of Primary Industries (Vic); Diamant Drilling Services SA; Diarotech; Downhole Surveys Pty Ltd; Drillco Tools; Easternwell WA Pty Ltd; Fugro Ground Geophysics Pty Ltd; Geological Survey of NSW; Geological Survey of Queensland; Geological Survey of Western Australia; Geomole Pty Ltd; Geoscience Australia; Globaltech; Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd; HiSeis; JKTech Pty Ltd; Minotaur Exploration Ltd; Monax Mining Limited; Nautilus Minerals Inc; Northern Territory Geological Survey; Olympus Innov-X; Paladin Energy Ltd; Rex Minerals Limited; Sandvik Mining and Construction Australia Pty Ltd; Tanami Gold NL; Teakle Composites; Tercel Oilfield Group Research Providers Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre - Professor Richard R Hillis

p1004a

Value AU $580,000 Commencement May 2010 Duration 8 Years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

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Rapid Inversion of TEM Data

The aims of this project are to further advance the development of rapid approximate inversion of TEM data and to fully develop practical tools for integrated interpretation of multiple data sets in the VP software environment. The algorithms that have been developed currently provide 3D inversion results from TEM data two orders of magnitude faster than any other method available Sponsors AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Gold Fields Australasia Pty Ltd; Mira Geoscience; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited Research Providers ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Assoc. Professor Jeff Foster; Fullagar Geophysics Pty Ltd - Dr Peter Fullagar; University of Tasmania

p1022 Value AU $540,000 Commencement August 2010 Duration 3 years Program Manager Philip McInerney

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Airborne Induced Polarisation - Stage 2 Induced Polarization is a key, but expensive, geophysical methodology in the search for deeply buried mineral deposits (and indeed in other shallow geophysical applications). While magnetics, gravity, radiometrics and electromagnetics have airborne alternatives to ground surveying, IP does not. Airborne IP (AIP) is an often-expressed desire of many explorers. The objectives of Stage 2 are to build on the successes of Stage 1, and take heed of the barriers identified to achieve ground and airborne testing of relevant sensors. Sponsors Abitibi Geophysique; Anglo American Spectrem Pty Ltd; BHP Billiton; Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd; Teck Resources Limited Research Providers RMIT University - Dr Jim Macnae

p1036a Value AU $279,000 Commencement February 2012 Duration 1 year Program Manager Philip McInerney

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Building the Global Encyclopedia of Ore Deposits Data Metallogenica (www.datametallogenica.com) involves progressively building the global web-based encyclopedia of ore deposits. It is a not-for-profit community enterprise owned by AMIRA International on behalf of the minerals industry. The initial seed funding from 1999 to 2004 to do this via AMIRA International projects (P554 and P554A) was provided by over 100 large and small companies plus government groups such as Geoscience Australia, all Australian state and territory geological surveys, the USGS, Geological Survey of Canada and several provincial surveys, plus professional groups such as the Geological Society of Australia, the Society of Economic Geologists, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the AusIMM and similar associations in Canada and southern Africa, the PDAC, SME and AME BC. The initial phase involved purchasing and moving the original physical collection of representative samples from Canada and expanding it by 40% to cover 3000-4000 deposits through 70,000 samples from around the world, digitally photographing at high quality and placing on the web, together with spectral mineralogy of alteration for about 10% of the collection. Self-supporting growth since then has greatly increased the coverage of supporting data such as reports, maps, sections, photographs of field, core and petrography, as well as a full listing of all Australian geological theses from the Australian Geoscience Thesis Database (P874). About 70 full PhD and MSc theses from around the world have also been added. Much of the high quality material in DM is original, unique and irreplaceable. The next phase of building the global encyclopedia of ore deposits will involve much faster growth of several main activities through increased annual funding through a new AMIRA project (P1040): • Data Additions – an extremely large backlog of high quality supporting

digital technical material has already been accumulated from many sources, mainly companies, surveys and research groups for individual deposits and global overviews, the main limiting growth factor being labour to add the material to the web. This growth is very likely to continue, and may be augmented by geochemical analyses of relevant parts of the collection, as well as regional geological overviews.

• Website Upgrade – improved, simplified and expanded navigational

arrangement of material on the web, as well as increasingly sophisticated searchability.

• Expansion of Physical Collection – continued growth of coverage and

photography from missing key deposits around the world.

p1040 Value AU $1,321,500 Commencement June 2012 Duration 3 years Program Manager Alan Goode

25

• Increased Interaction with Other Databases – assessment and implementation of linked web facilities with other supporting quality international databases.

The purpose of DM is to be a major global resource for education and training as well as reference for all economic geologists. It is accessible anywhere at any time and is of particular value in developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America where many new mines will be developed in the future. It is designed for local (field) dial-up access if required. It is also a permanent repository of valuable and fragile past data, rapidly being lost, and has the capacity to expand to include mining, mineral processing, environmental and other data in the future. DM is already a major resource; its long-term potential and value for the minerals industry is almost incalculable. Sponsors Alkane Resources Ltd; Altan Rio Minerals Ltd.; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd; Anglo American Services (UK) Ltd; AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; Boliden Minerals AB; British Columbia Geological Survey; Coffey Mining; Compania de Minas Buenaventura; CSIRO; Department for Manufacturing Innovation Trade Resources and Energy (SA); Department of Primary Industries (Vic); Drake Resources Limited; Encounter Resources Limited; Energia Minerals Limited; ENRC; Geological Survey of Canada; Geological Survey of Western Australia; Geoscience Australia; Gold Fields Ltd; Indophil Resources; Integra Mining Limited; Intrepid Mines; ioGlobal; Issara Mining Limited; Ivanhoe Australia Limited; Lundin Mining Corporation; Mawson Resources Ltd; Mincor Resources NL; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Perilya Limited; Randgold Resources; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Sandfire Resources NL; Saracen Mineral Holdings Pty Ltd; Saskatchewan Geological Survey; Solomon Gold; SRK Consulting; St Barbara Ltd; Stratex International plc; Tasman Metals Ltd; Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd; US Geological Survey; Vale; Votorantim Metais; Xstrata Copper Limited Research Providers AMIRA International Limited - Dr Alan Goode

p1040 Continued…

26

Application of New Technologies to Exploration and Evaluation of Gold Deposits

The project builds on the results from the successful AMIRA project P923 and will undertake a series of short-term site specific pilot studies nominated by the sponsor companies to focus on gold mineralogy and micro-geochemistry of pyrite using new technology advances. Four pilot study sites will be investigated and reported each year of the project. A group of three halo/vector study sites requiring more comprehensive research by the team will be selected on the basis of the pilot studies. This project is only now possible due to recent technology breakthroughs in the application of LA-ICPMS to rocks and ores. These include: • multi-element laser trace analysis to fingerprint different pyrite

generations in a province and ore system; • 2D and 3D laser mapping of invisible gold and other trace elements

throughout the paragenesis of ores and altered rocks; • laser Pb and S isotope analysis on various sulphide minerals in ores

and host rocks; • a new technique for rapid very low level gold and PGE analysis on

rocks, minerals, organic matter and matrix material; and • comprehensive analysis of gold mineralogy to determine the nature

and siting of gold in ores and rocks; refractory gold, invisible gold, free gold, gold tellurides, gold-PGE minerals, gold-bearing organics etc.

These technologies have been developed in the CODES Centre of Excellence Laboratories, and are now available for application in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The project framework will involve two integrated themes: Theme 1: Pilot studies – testing the application of the new laser

technology to exploration case study sites provided by sponsors.

Theme 2: Gold pyrite halos and vectors to ore -- based on selected study sites from Theme 1.

Sponsors AngloGold Ashanti Limited; G-Resources Group; Issara Mining Limited; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont USA Limited; Northern Star Resources Ltd; Sipa Resources Limited Research Providers ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Professor Ross Large

p1041 Value AU $591,000 Commencement February 2010 Duration 3 years Program Manager Adele Seymon

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Spectral Induced Polarisation for 3D Mineral Discrimination

One major challenge for mining geophysics is the ability to confidently distinguish between economic and uneconomic mineralisation. While mineral explorers routinely use different geophysical methods to locate if not delineate mineralisation, there has been no reliable technological methods for mineral discrimination that avoid drilling. The goal of this project is to develop techniques for mineral exploration and mineral discrimination based on spectral induced polarisation. The objective is to develop such techniques based on spectral induced polarization data using distributed acquisition systems and advanced methods of 3D modelling and inversion. In this project, TechnoImaging intend to introduce new techniques for remotely determining the same IP parameters from both frequency- and time-domain field surveys. Sponsors Abitibi Geophysique; Anglo Operations Limited; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton SSM Development Pty Ltd; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Geophysical Resources and Services Pty Ltd; Khumsup Limited; Quantec Geoscience Ltd; Teck Resources Limited; Zonge International Research Providers TechnoImaging - Dr Glenn Wilson, Dr Michael Zhdanov

p1058 Value AU $647,500 Commencement July 2011 Duration 1.5 years Program Manager Philip McInerney

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Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems

P765A produced a series of mineral chemistry vectors within porphyry copper systems to allow the primary deposits to be “seen” from much further away than previously. The project focused on two problematic environments surrounding or overlying mineralized systems – “green rocks” and lithocaps. An unusual and popular feature of the project was to allow sponsors to actively test the vectors in real situations by submitting blind test sites to the research team. As an example, the giant high-grade Resolution deposit in Arizona was accurately detected from early exploratory drill holes under 1 km of barren cover. P1060 will continue this work by looking at other simple minerals which are commonly found in such systems and which can be easily identified by field geologists. Other aspects will also be researched to complement the earlier investigations, including a continuation of blind testing. Sponsors Anglo American Exploration Australia Pty Ltd; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd; Codelco; Compania de Minas Buenaventura; Eldorado Gold Corporation; First Quantum Minerals Ltd; Freeport-McMoRan Australasia Inc; Gold Fields Ltd; G-Resources Group; Inmet Mining Corporation; Intrepid Mines; Lundin Mining Corp; MMG Australia Limited; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont USA Limited; Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Exploration; Xstrata Copper Limited Research Providers ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Prof Bruce Gemmell, Professor David R Cooke; Imperial College of Science; Technology & Medicine; Lakehead University

p1060 Value AU $3,570,000 Commencement June 2011 Duration 3 years Program Manager Adele Seymon

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Ni-PGE Potential of Mafic and Ultramafic Magmas - A

Combined Thermodynamic Modelling and Melt Inclusion Approach

The project combined three approaches: • study of sulphide melt inclusions in early formed phenocrysts in mafic

magmas from various tectonic settings; • thermodynamic modelling of crystallisation of mafic intrusions using new

developments in the COMAGMAT software program; and • and a detailed study of petrology and geochemistry of a world-class

intrusive/volcanic complex associated with large Ni deposits (the Dovyren Intrusion), all aimed at understanding (1) the potential of various mafic/ultramafic magmas to form magmatic sulphide deposits and (2) which processes during magma evolution were responsible for the formation of deposits.

Sponsors Anglo American plc; BHP Billiton Minerals Exploration; Votorantim Metais Research Providers ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Professor Leonid Danyushevsky; Institute of Experimental Mineralogy (Moscow); Vernadsky Institute (Moscow)

p962 Completed Value AU $633,870 Commencement March 2007 Duration 3 years Program Manager Alan Goode

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Airborne IP - Stage 1 This is the first stage of a two-stage project. This stage was a proof of concept study; stage 2 will be a prototype for field testing. The project used charge-coupled electric field sensors developed at RMIT with an existing AEM transmitter. The first phase also involved further development of the Enc3 sensor (provisional patent lodged by RMIT). Sponsors Abitibi Geophysique; BHP Billiton; Outer-Rim Exploration Services Pty Ltd; Spectrem Air Ltd; Teck Resources Limited Research Providers RMIT University - Professor James Macnae

p1036 Completed Value AU $217,485 Commencement November 2010 Duration 0.75 Years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

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MINE ENGINEERING

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Stope Optimisation and Stope Layout The stope design portion of P884–PRIMO from which this project was developed was focused more on strategic planning and feasibility studies. Industry sponsors have identified the need for greater levels of detail and improved stope design solutions for medium and short-term planning. The optimisation techniques being employed are amenable to more complex stope shapes and additional design criteria that would follow as greater levels of detail are modelled and optimised. The choice of optimisation criteria, cutoff, penalties and shape geometry parameterisation can all be extended further. This project seeks to develop a complete solution for the optimisation of stope design and stope layout, covering strategic, tactical and operational planning. Sponsors Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton; Boliden Minerals AB; CAE Mining; Deswik Mining Consultants Pty Ltd; Maptek Pty Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd; MineRP (Australia) Pty Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Vale Canada Ltd; Xstrata Nickel Limited Research Providers Alford Mining Systems - Mr Chris Alford; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd

p1037 Value AU $1,035,000

Commencement April 2011 Duration 3 years Program Manager Matthew Dalziel

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Framework for Rapid Automated Underground Mine Optimisation

This new project brings together a team of applied researchers, industry consultants and software suppliers (who were participants in the PRIMO project - P844) who can deliver an integrated set of tools for rapid, automated optimisation of underground mining projects, where the goal is to evaluate hundreds of scenarios and identify the best set of design criteria and parameters in a strategy optimisation project. Sponsors Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton; CAE Mining; Deswik Mining Consultants Pty Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd; MineRP (Australia) Pty Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Vale Canada Ltd; Xstrata Nickel Limited Research Providers Alford Mining Systems - Mr Chris Alford; AMC Consultants Pty Ltd

p1043 Value AU $1,350,000

Commencement April 2011 Duration 3 years Program Manager Matthew Dalziel

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MINERAL PROCESSING

35

Optimisation of Mineral Processing by Modelling and Simulation

P9P will deliver a more comprehensive range of models compared with P9O, as well as the standards and techniques for particle characterisation (composition and spatial arrangement of minerals) required as model inputs. Ore characterisation at the front end of the process will increasingly replace the traditional time-consuming and expensive measurement of ore properties such as hardness, density, size distribution and floatability, required for the current models of the unit operations. These developments will, for the first time, link all unit operations so that the effects of changes in one area can be simulated and compensated for in other parts of the circuit. This integration of unit operation models will allow true overall process improvements to be identified. The P9P project will be executed with a case study approach in two parallel paths: 1 Implementation of case studies at specific sponsor sites using the

integrated simulation platform based on fit-for-purpose multi-component models.

2 Develop and upgrade ore characterisation methods and models through continued data acquisition and validation.

P9P will carry out extensive scientific research into the fundamentals of processes and unit operation phenomena to underpin the development of unit operation models. Validation will be achieved by in-plant surveys and analysis undertaken within P9P. Where possible and appropriate, P9P will also provide for the development of on-line instruments and measurement devices which will also facilitate the development and application of the models. These developments, fundamental understanding and site activities will of themselves greatly benefit sponsors by direct application, training and technology transfer. Sponsors Alcoa of Australia: Anglo American plc; AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Barrick Gold Corporation; Bateman Engineering; BHP Billiton Base Metals; COREM; FLSmidth Minerals; LKAB; Lonmin Platinum; Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Metso Minerals Process Technology; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Outotec; Polysius AG; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Russell Mineral Equipment; Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Australia; Xstrata Copper Limited Research Providers Chalmers University of Technology; Hacettepe University (Benzer); Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre - Craig Brown; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; University of Cape Town

p009p Value AU $12,906,484 Commencement April 2012 Duration 4 years Program Manager Terry Braden

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Influence of Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the Flotation of

Fine and Coarse Minerals

The P260F Project is a four-year project with the following objectives: 1 Increase recovery of value minerals in coarse, composite particles in

sponsor flotation plants and ores. 2 Increase recovery of value minerals in fine particles in sponsor flotation

plants and ores. 3 Improve selectivity in sponsor flotation plants and ores by increasing

rejection of gangue minerals, including minerals containing penalty element such arsenic, antimony, fluorine, mercury and bismuth in base metal concentrates.

4 Increase recovery of gold in sponsor flotation plants and ores. 5 Assess the impact of reducing water consumption in flotation, and

develop strategies to mitigate against negative impacts. 6 Improve the concentrate quality of key non-base metal concentrates

such as iron ore and phosphate concentrates with our research collaborators.

7 Develop characterisation tools, methods and protocols for use by sponsors.

8 Technology and information transfer to sponsors operations. This is accomplished through three separate but integrated modules: 1 Technology Transfer Module. 2 Sulphide Mineral Technical Challenges Module including Tools and

Methodologies. 3 Non-Sulphide Mineral Technical Challenges Module. The Technology Transfer Module includes the following themes: 1 Technology Transfer from Previous Phases of the P260 Project. 2 Follow up Investigations from the Preceding P260 Projects. 3 Technology Transfer from the P260F Project Each theme will include information transfer packages, follow-up investigations, workshops, biannual meetings, 1:1 briefings and demonstrations of the P260F toolbox. The Sulphide Mineral Technical Challenges Module including Tools and Methodologies includes the following themes: Theme 1: Coarse and Composite Particle Flotation Recovery Theme 2: Fine Particle Flotation Recovery and Particle Interactions Theme 3: Rejection of Iron Sulphide and Penalty Minerals in Sulphide

Flotation

p260f Value AU $3,350,750 Commencement May 2010 Duration 4 years Program Manager Chris Ward

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The Sulphide Mineral Technical Challenges Module including Tools and Methodologies includes the following themes: Theme 1: Coarse and Composite Particle Flotation Recovery Theme 2: Fine Particle Flotation Recovery and Particle Interactions Theme 3: Rejection of Iron Sulphide and Penalty Minerals in Sulphide

Flotation Theme 4: Reducing Water Consumption and Water Treatment Options Theme 5: Increasing Gold Recovery in Flotation Theme 6: Tools and Methodologies The Non-Sulphide Mineral Technical Challenges Module includes the following themes: Theme 1: Iron Ore Flotation- Selectivity Issues in the Rejection of Silica Theme 2: Phosphate Beneficiation - Selectivity Issues in the Rejection

of Dolomite Theme 3: Potash Flotation - Interactions of Magnesium Salts in

Flotation of Sylvite - Coarse Sylvite Recovery Methods Sponsors COREM; Eriez Magnetics Pty Ltd; Freeport McMoRan Process Technology Center; Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Outotec; OZ Minerals Limited; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Exploration; Xstrata Technology Research Providers University of South Australia - Dr Max Zanin, Research Professor Bill Skinner; Universidade de Sao Paulo - Professor Laurindo de Salles Leal Filho

p260f Continued…

38

Enhanced Selectivity in Flotation Using Polymers

The AMIRA P498 projects (P498, P498A and P498B) have been successful in bringing together polymer manufacturers and mineral companies as sponsors of research, with mutual benefits. The underlying goal of the project series has been to provide sponsors with the ability to select the right polymer for the right application based on a knowledge of how the polymer interacts with the mineral surfaces. This approach represents a significant improvement over existing trial-and-error based testing of polymeric reagents. The aim of this project was to extend existing methodology in two ways: • To expand the knowledge base of polymer-mineral interactions, thus

enabling a maturing of the polymer decision tree • To advance the performance testing procedure to allow accurate

prediction of the performance of polymeric depressants, dispersants, and flocculants, based on simple, measurable parameters of the adsorbed polymer.

Sponsors Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd); CP Kelco Oy; National Starch; Newcrest Resources Inc Research Providers University of South Australia - Assoc. Professor David Beattie; Levay & Co Environmental Services - Mr George Levay

p498c Value AU $678,500 Commencement October 2008 Duration 3 years Program Manager Chris Ward

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SAG Mill Monitoring Using Surface Vibrations The previous extension of this project developed a ruggedised piece of equipment to measure surface vibrations on mills, which has been extensively tested at Northparkes Mine. The signals from the unit have been processed in a number of ways to show relationships to key mill operating parameters: toe and shoulder position, mill loading, particle size, ore hardness and liner wear. This project is validating these relationships to develop predictive models. This will include an on-line advisory alarm system to warn operators of substantial departures from normal operating conditions. A unit has been installed on a mill at Mogalakwena Mine and a further installation is under consideration for another platinum mine. The data from these units will be used in the validation and modelling work. Sponsors Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd); Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Rio Tinto Limited; Xstrata Zinc Research Providers CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Ralph J Holmes; CSIRO Mathematical & Information Sciences

p667b Value AU $996,000 Commencement April 2008 Duration 3 years Program Manager Kriba Reddy

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Improved Anode and Cathode Processes in the Electrowinning of Base Metals

This extension project has built on the knowledge acquired in the earlier P705 series of projects led by the Parker Centre research team. The P705B project has been a highly cost effective vehicle for the participating companies to access significant technical knowledge on the electrowinning of base and other metals. It has provided significant opportunities for industry benchmarking, programs for staff development, training, further education and networking, resources for process optimisation (cost reduction/increased recovery/reduced energy consumption), tools and information to enhance tankhouse operating performances as well as information relating to tankhouse OH&S issues through a greater understanding of acid mist issues. The program has also given opportunities for sponsors to influence the direction of, and to participate in, future electrowinning related collaborative projects. Sponsors Anglo Research; BHP Billiton Base Metals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Hatch Associates Pty Ltd; Industrie De Nora S.p.a.; Inppamet Ltda; Outotec; RSR Technologies Inc; Teck Resources Limited; VALE INCO; Votorantim Metais Research Providers Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions - Professor Mike Nicol; Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG); Laurentian University; Murdoch University; University of Utah

p705b Value US $1,485,000 Commencement April 2010 Duration 3 years Program Manager Chris Ward

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Flotation of Copper in Saline Water Small operations in Chile have conducted flotation in sea water in the past, although much of the flotation know-how developed there has been lost. Gold and nickel operations in Western Australia are known to use highly saline waters and the Batu Hijau gold mine of Newmont in Indonesia uses seawater for flotation. Flotation of sulphide copper ores and their by-products (Mo, Au, Ag) in water with high concentration of electrolytes show problems in rougher and cleaner stages. For example, Cu, Mo and Au yield similar recovery levels in rougher circuits while concentrate grade decreases because pyrite depression is affected by the buffer effect of the electrolyte solution. In cleaner circuits pyrite depression using lime to adjust pH reduces recovery of Mo and Au. Sponsors Anglo American Chile Ltda; Antofagasta Minerals S.A.; BHP Billiton Base Metals; Teck Resources Limited Research Providers Universidad de Concepcion - Professor Fernando Concha

p968 Value CL $360,000,000 Commencement April 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Enrique Carretero González

42

Advanced Instrumentation and Control Strategies for Optimising Thickeners

The project aims to develop new instruments and control strategies to optimise the thickening operation in the mineral industry with direct impact on water consumption. Sponsors Antofagasta Minerals S.A.; Codelco Research Providers Universidad de Concepcion - Professor Fernando Concha

p996 Value CL $473,100,000 Commencement April 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Enrique Carretero González

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Optimisation of Mineral Processing Through Modelling and Simulation

The top five accomplishments of P9O were: 1. An integrated multi-component (mineral) modelling and simulation

capability for the future. This framework for integrated modelling and simulation of comminution, classification and flotation can be extended to upstream and downstream processes and is made possible by the methodology developed for measuring composition and texture in 3D using tomography and the mineral liberation model developed for predicting particle composition distribution of comminution products. This package allows the simulation of total process chains (from ore deposit to products) that will enable sponsors to achieve step change improvement in plant performance.

2. Quantification of ore type using the textural convergence methodology. The project developed a technique that, for the first time, quantitatively describes the texture of an unbroken ore. Ores from various locations in an ore body each have a unique quantitative texture that can be correlated with ore type. This textural information has been used in the integrated multi-component simulation framework (discussed above) to predict the performance of a concentrator based on the ore type. Further development of this technique, along with the multi-component integrated simulation framework, will assist sponsors to respond to variations in concentrator feed and implement operational strategies for managing an ore body.

3. Binary component (property) model of AG/SAG mills. Before P9O, the AG/SAG mill was modelled for a single component (e.g. hardness) feed. In reality however, AG/SAG feed comprises several components, each of which may have different hardness and AG/SAG operations change in throughput by up to 50 per cent. The project developed a package, including an ore characterisation procedure and a model, which treats the ore as having hard and soft components. This capability will allow users to predict when events such as the mill sanding up, mill throughput decreasing and product coarsening are likely to occur and to develop strategies to maintain production.

p009o Completed Value AU $13,690,831 Commencement January 2008 Duration 4 years Program Manager Terry Braden

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p009o Completed Continued…

4. A comprehensive model of HPGR that includes the effect of

gap/pressure and recycle. The use of HPGR in the mineral industry is not widespread and when used, they are not usually run with recycle; even though it is common practice to do so in the cement industry as it has been established that the presence of fines actually assists the breakage of the coarser material. The project developed and tested a complete package for modelling HPGR, including ore characterisation. This package will enable sponsors to assess the potential benefit of installing HPGR devices for their hard ores where recycle may provide optimum performance.

5. A practical mechanistic froth model. Until now, there has not been a model of the froth that responds to plant conditions, restricting the use of JKSimFloat in optimising performance. The model of the froth developed can respond to changes in froth height and air rate, in terms of water entrainment and mass and can be calibrated using data that is readily measurable in the plant. The model has been tested and validated in industrial scale flotation cells and it will allow operators to confidently predict how their plants will respond to changes in froth height and air rate.

Sponsors Alcan; Alcoa World Alumina; Anglo Platinum (Rustenburg Platinum Mines Ltd); AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Ausenco Services Pty Ltd; Barrick Gold Corporation; Bateman Minerals & Metals (Pty) Ltd; BHP Billiton; BHP Billiton Base Metals; BHP Billiton Nickel West Ltd; Cayeli Bakir Isletmeleri-INMET; COREM; FLSmidth Minerals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Hatch Africa; Impala Platinum Ltd; Intellection Pty Ltd; LKAB; Lonmin Platinum; Magotteaux Pty Ltd; Metso Minerals Process Technology; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont USA Limited; Outotec; Outotec Minerals OY; OZ Minerals Limited; Polysius AG; Rio Tinto Limited; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Russell Mineral Equipment; Senmin South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Servicios Industriales Penoles SA de CV; Teck Metals Ltd; Vale; Xstrata Copper Limited; Zinifex Port Pirie Research Providers Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre - Professor Emmy Manlapig; Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing CRC; CRC ORE (Optimising Resource Extraction); Hacettepe University (Benzer); Hacettepe University (Ekmekci); McGill University; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; University of Cape Town; University of Newcastle

45

Improving Thickener Technology The use of thickeners in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy is widespread with operational objectives varying from low solids in the overflow from clarifiers to the production of high yield stress paste underflows. Across all applications there is a need for enhanced performance to meet demanding operational and environmental expectations. P266F involved a core “pre-competitive” work program, with activity on three integrated topics plus confidential studies for individual sponsors:

• Experimental studies (laboratory, pilot-scale and site-based) provided insight and the basis for model development and validation. Alternative thickening concepts with the potential to produce step changes in performance were also assessed and, where appropriate, examined in detail.

• Modelling studies to establish the physics and contribute to numerics required for full thickener CFD modelling. Existing and developments in modelling capabilities and general understanding were applied to develop new design concepts and thickener technologies.

• Technology Transfer by multiple mechanisms ensured the learnings, knowledge, tools and techniques arising from P266F activities were effectively transferred to P266F sponsors.

Sponsors Alcoa World Alumina; ALUNORTE - Alumina do Norte do Brasil S/A; Anglo Research; BASF Australia Ltd; Bateman Engineered Technologies Ltd; BHP Billiton Uranium; BHP Billiton Base Metals; BHP Billiton Nickel West Ltd; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Cytec Industries Inc; Exxaro Resources Limited; FLSmidth Minerals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Hatch Associates Pty Ltd; Metso Minerals Process Technology Asia-Pacific; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd; Nalco; Norilsk Nickel Australia Pty Ltd; Outotec; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Shell Canada Limited; Teck Resources Limited; Total E&P Canada; United Company RUSAL; WesTech Engineering Inc Research Providers CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr John Farrow; CSIRO Mathematical & Information Sciences; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions; University of Melbourne - Professor Peter J Scales

p266f Completed Value AU $4,401,250 Commencement January 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY

47

Gold Processing Technology

The gold industry faces challenges more urgent than ever.

• Large, high grade, free-milling deposits are rarely discovered and companies are turning to lower grade, complex and refractory ore bodies to maintain reserves.

• Human resources are still the key to successful operation, yet skilled gold metallurgists are in short supply.

• Investors punish deviation from guidance figures, yet the tools to optimise and to predict performance are not well suited to dealing with other than simple free milling ore bodies.

• OHS&E issues are in the forefront of concerns, yet readily applied tools and know-how are not available to companies to facilitate adherence to duty of care standards.

This proposal offers companies the opportunity to tap into a world-class R&D project at a high leverage of sponsorship investment. This proposal is structured around four research themes:

• Capturing and Preserving Industry Knowledge • Predicting and Improving Ore Processing • Protecting the Licence to Operate • Processing Difficult Ores

Sponsors AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Ausenco Services Pty Ltd; Australian Gold Reagents Pty Ltd; Barrick Gold Corporation; Bateman Engineering Pty Ltd; Gekko Systems Pty Ltd; Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd; Kemix (Pty) Ltd; Lihir Gold Limited (now Newcrest); Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newmont Mining Corporation; Orica Mining Chemicals; Randgold Resources Research Providers Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solution - Mr Bill Staunton

p420d Value AU $2,891,250 Commencement August 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Kriba Reddy

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Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements

in Bayer Liquors Many trace elements are present in Bayer liquors. These come almost entirely from the bauxite ore, where they may occur either as pure minerals in small amounts or (more often) as contaminants of other mineral components. In most cases, the concentration of each trace element in the plant liquors tends to increase until a steady state is reached. This project aims to increase the understanding of the chemistry of these elements in highly concentrated, alkaline solutions and allow improved control of their deportment through alumina refineries. Sponsors Alcoa of Australia Limited; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Hydro Aluminium Metal Products; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited Research Providers Murdoch University - Professor Peter M May; Professor Glenn Hefter, Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions

p507d Value AU $600,000 Commencement July 2011 Duration 3 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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Quantifying the Effect of Solid Phase Oxalate (“SPO”) on Gibbsite Agglomeration

The primary objective is to quantify the effect of SPO on gibbsite agglomeration under the conditions relevant to the Bayer process and improve fundamental understanding of the mechanism of a possible interference by SPO with gibbsite agglomeration. Sponsors Alcoa of Australia Limited; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited; Rusal Aughinish Research Providers CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Iztok Livk; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions

p521d Value AU $600,000 Commencement May 2011 Duration 2 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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A Qualitative Investigation of Strength and Breakage Behaviour of Smelter Grade Alumina (“SGA”) Produced

from Refinery Hydrates The project focuses on alumina quality through:

• quantifying breakage mechanisms of different aluminas • establishing the difference in alumina strength measured by

different test methods • identifying the relationship between precipitation conditions,

precursor hydrate features and alumina strength, and • quantifying the significance of additional gibbsite growth layers on

alumina strength. Sponsors BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Hatch Associates Pty Ltd; Hydro Aluminium Metal Products; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited Research Providers CSIRO Process Science and Engineering - Dr Iztok Livk; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions

p575c Value AU $460,500 Commencement May 2011 Duration 3 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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Improving Crushed Ore Agglomeration Heap leaching of low grade copper and gold ores has been successfully employed over the past two to three decades. It has been realised that percolation is highly dependent on the size distribution of the crushed ore with fines playing a significant role. To minimise the percentage of fines and improve overall percolation, agglomeration of crushed ore has been implemented in gold and copper heap leach operations. While agglomeration has become common practice to improve heap leach recovery, the fundamental understanding of the agglomeration process for crushed ores is still lacking. The project proposes to provide practical quality control tools for agglomeration of crushed ore. The project proposes to divide the work into a hub of practical research and commodity spokes (gold, copper and nickel) designed to be the source of test ore and allowing specific sponsor guidance. Sponsors BHP Billiton Minerals; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd; Vale Exploration Research Providers University of Utah - Assoc. Professor Michael S Moats

p986 Value AU $1,612,000 Commencement April 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Terry Braden

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MULTI-DISCIPLINARY

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High Concentration Suspension Pumping Detailed understanding of the flow regimes obtained in P599 and P599A has provided an opportunity to exploit various aspects of high concentration flows to improve existing processes and possible pumping applications. There are five areas in which extension work should be undertaken: • Technology transfer; • Flow fundamentals; • Vertical conveying; • Separation techniques; and • PipeTools development. As in P599 and P599B, all outputs of the P599B research will be captured in new releases of the PipeTools software. Sponsors Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Shell Canada Limited Research Providers CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering - Dr Jie Wu; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering

p599b Value AU $501,000

Commencement September 2008 Duration 3 years Program Manager Matthew Dalziel

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Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling The initial P843 project made major advances in developing practical methodologies and tools to deliver predictive measures of processing performance. These can be embedded in resource models and exploited in mine planning and optimisation. It delivered a wide range of hardware and software tools with demonstrated potential for routine application. These include lower-cost physical testing devices for comminution, automated core loggers and a range of imaging and microscopy platforms. These are linked to enabling software for specialist textural analysis, multivariate modelling and data integration. The P843A extension project seeks to continue this development with an increasing emphasis on large-scale site-based comparative benchmarking and validation. The research will also extend to new deposit types and processing attributes (early environmental characteristics, blasting and predictive leaching) not covered in the original project (flotation recovery and comminution). A further aim of P843A is to provide technology transfer mechanisms to support sponsors in the implementation of these tools and methods. Case studies include Los Bronces, La Colosa, Cowal, Escondida, Codelco Norte, Andina, Cadia East, Telfer and Prominent Hill. Sponsors Anglo Research; AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited; AngloGold Ashanti Limited; Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd; Barrick (Australia Pacific) Limited; Barrick Gold Corporation; BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd; Boliden Minerals AB' CAE Datamine U.K.; Codelco; Gold Fields Ltd; ioGlobal; Metso Minerals (Australia) Limited; Minera Escondida Ltd; Minerals and Metals Group Ltd; Mount Isa Mines Ltd; Newcrest Mining Limited; Newcrest Technology Ltd; OZ Minerals Limited; Quantitative Geoscience Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Sumitomo - Minera San Cristobal; Teck Resources Limited; Vale Australia Research Providers ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits - Assoc. Professor Jeff Foster; Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation; CRC ORE (Optimising Resource Extraction); CSIRO Process Science and Engineering; Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre - Professor Steve Walters; Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions; University of Tasmania; W H Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre

p843a Value AU $7,758,331

Commencement July 2009 Duration 4 Years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

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Reduced Erosion in Multiphase Flow

This project aims to develop new tools and more efficient solutions to reduce the wear/erosion maintenance costs in multiphase flows. This is being achieved through a combination of better knowledge of the fluid properties and the material properties of the vessels being used to transport fluids and with a solution focused on the flow geometry. Case studies proposed by sponsors are yielding valuable outcomes to increase understanding and leading to recommendations to reduce wear. Sponsors Alcoa World Alumina; BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Alcan Limited; Vale Canada Ltd Research Providers CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering - Dr Jie Wu; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering

p931a Value AU $900,000

Commencement May 2011 Duration 2.5 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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A Systematic Evaluation of Transportable Moisture Limit: Measurement Methods for Bulk Cargoes

There is a move by maritime authorities worldwide to have a Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) for each bulk cargo shipped by sea. Current TML testing options are based on the use of methods originally developed for concentrates. For bulk cargoes containing coarse particles (e.g. iron ore, coal), these tests are problematic. The relationships between the three most widely used TML test methods are unclear, and the implications of removing the +6mm fraction before conducting the TML measurement are not understood. This project will investigate the potential failure mechanisms of bulk iron ore cargoes while assessing the current TML test methods and relevance to any failure. Sponsors BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd; Cliffs Asia Pacific Iron Ore Pty Ltd; The Chamber of Minerals & Energy Western Australia; Fortescue Metals Group; Minerals Council of Australia; Rio Tinto Technological Resources Pty Ltd; Roy Hill; Vale Australia Research Providers Auckland UniServices Ltd.; Creative Process Innovation Pty Ltd - Dr Tom Honeyands; CSIRO Process Science and Engineering; TUNRA Bulk Solids - University of Newcastle

p1097 Value AU $1,958,500

Commencement May 2012 Duration 2 years Program Manager Matthew Dalziel

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Australian Mineral Science Research Institute The Australian Mineral Science Research Institute comprised four existing world-class mineral research centres with a global network of associates and collaborators. AMSRI had the capacity to attack the major technical challenges in mineral and coal processing faced by the global mining industry in the next 25 years, and to reverse the declining trend in the production of technical specialists for the industry. Concurrent programs included: Energy Efficient Liberation, Frugal Water Use and Efficient Waste Management, Innovative Processing, Material and Interface Science, Advanced In- and Ex-Situ Analysis and Mathematics in Mineral Processing. Its science delivered vital sustainability outcomes to mineral producers, and was a major force for mineral innovation and education. Sponsors Anglo Platinum Management Services (Pty) Ltd; AREVA NC; BHP Billiton; Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company; Orica Australia Pty Ltd; Rio Tinto Limited; Xstrata Copper Limited Research Providers University of South Australia - Dr Terry Wilks, Ian Wark Research Institute (IWRI) - Professor John Ralston; Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre - Professor Emmy Manlapig; University of Melbourne - Professor Thomas W Healy; University of Newcastle - Professor Graeme J Jameson

p924 Completed Value AU $8,531,600 Commencement December 2005 Duration 5 years Program Manager Alan Stuart

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Systematic Innovation Application to Minerals Industry

This project was designed to deliver the TRIZ/Systematic Innovation Program with Darrell Mann of Systematic-Innovation over three-day workshops including all materials and on-line training support for 12 months from commencement. Preparation for the program included independent research to canvass the technology landscape that will be explored as examples during the training. Each three-day workshop included one day dedicated to specific industry issues. A number of such issues were examined during each workshop. Sponsors Alcoa Aluminio SA; AMIRA International Limited; Anglo Operations Limited; Vale Exploration Research Providers Hargraves Institute - Mr David Greenwood; Ideal Final Result Consultant Ltd - Mr Darrell Mann; Macquarie University - Mr Allan Ryan

p1057 Completed Value AU $162,000

Commencement August 2011 Duration 0.5 years Program Manager Joe Cucuzza

59

SUSTAINABILITY

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Alternative Treatment Options for Long-Term Acid Rock Drainage (“ARD”) Control

The project aims to: • evaluate the reaction mechanisms and products of selected treatment

technologies and approaches including limestone, phosphate rock and silicates (separately or in combinations)

• incorporate and evaluate data from field trials of treatments from sponsor sites and companion research programs

• outline the implications for management and application of selected technologies

• further test the rates of neutralisation provided by gangue silicate and non-carbonate minerals, validate these results and apply them to real waste mineralogies

• continue methodology development for determination of acceptable design targets for matching Acid Generation Rate vs Non-carbonate Acid Neutralisation Capacity.

Sponsors BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd; Hidden Valley Services Limited; Tasmanian Government; Rio Tinto Technical Services Limited; Teck Metals Ltd Research Providers University of South Australia - Professor Roger Smart, Dr Jun Li; Levay & Co Environmental Services; Boojum Research

p933a Value AU $1,134,000

Commencement December 2009 Duration 3 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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Potroom Dust: Character & Causes The aims of the study were to:

• determine the origins of potroom dust; • identify the important generation mechanisms; • evaluate the influence of cell technology, practices and alumina and

crushed bath materials’ properties on dust generation and composition; and

• determine how broadly dust generation mechanisms and origins could be generalised across the industry, or whether they were specific to a given smelter or potroom.

By taking samples across a range of potroom locations and elevations at four smelters an overall compositional picture of dust as a function of its material sources was built for any potroom. In general, settled dust is dominated by cover material and feed alumina – the role of each, however, is influenced by the granulometry of cover and how alumina is delivered to the pot. In contrast, airborne dust in a potroom is typically dominated by bath-related compounds, with only minor levels of alumina. Sponsors Alcoa Inc; Hydro Aluminium Metal Products; Rio Tinto Alcan Research Providers University of Auckland - Assoc. Professor Margaret Hyland

p791a Completed Value AU $878,400

Commencement August 2007 Duration 3 years Program Manager Gray Bailey

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Exploration Managers Conference 2012

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– Swan Valley, Western Australia

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