Xstrata Copper North Queensland.pdf - Mount Isa Mines

Workplace health and safety
Job Role Criteria (JRC)
Throughout 2010 the JRC tool has been
refined and developed into an interactive
web-based resource. The role library grew to
over 240 roles across our north Queensland
operations and the expansion of the current
evidence base to include Thermal Work Limit,
Manual Task Risk Matrix, and Whole Body
Vibration data. Please refer to the case study
on page 55 for an update on the JRC.
Earth Moving Equipment
Safety Round Table
Since 2008 we have provided the Earth
Moving Equipment Safety Round Table
(EMESRT) Underground Hard Rock mining
group with input into its vision, purpose,
scope and annual action plans.
The group saw developments in 2010 with
the four initial design philosophies being
broadened to 15. The mining industry utilises
communication from EMESRT in relation to
design philosophies and reference points
for Original Equipment Manufacturers when
designing and redesigning existing equipment
used in mining operations. This has increased
the understanding of and influenced design
considerations in the areas of ergonomic
equipment design, noise, working at
heights, fire, dust, isolation, visibility/collision
avoidance, machine stability, guarding, whole
of body vibration, controls/displays, tyres,
manual handling, and equipment access.
EMESRT now includes representation from
major mining companies and equipment
providers. Through EMESRT, Xstrata Copper
North Queensland continues to work in
partnership with Caterpillar and Sandvik and
other underground, earthmoving, drilling and
surface exploration equipment providers.
The EMESRT forum provides an opportunity
for open dialogue aimed at improving our
equipment’s usability and reducing the risks
inherent with their design.
case study
Bulk density weighing unit
At the Mount Isa Mines copper operations, bulk density weighing
is conducted to measure the weight in air and in water of diamond
drill core to determine its bulk density.
The practice of bulk density weighing
using a manual methodology is common
throughout the mining industry. This
method requires significant manual handling
of core samples and the movement of large
quantities of water, exposing personnel to a
range of potential workplace hazards.
In 2008, Mount Isa Mines copper
operations developed a solution to several
critical issues associated with the manual
process of bulk density weighing. These
issues involved a work environment that
required significant manual handling of core
samples, often at poor angles, and also
required the movement of large quantities
of water causing both manual handling and
slip hazards.
Secondly, the data recording process was
done by hand transfer of weights to a paper
sample sheet. The hand written weights
were then transferred to a computer
spreadsheet and loaded to the computer
network, resulting in increased time to
complete the work as data was recorded
multiple times.
Thirdly, there were data quality issues as the
method was repetitive and often prone to
error when conducted over the course of
a shift, often resulting in data transfer and
input errors.
A new bulk density weighing unit was
designed to address these issues. This
resulted in an integrated work platform
with a clear path in and out to handle the
core sample volumes being tested on a
regular basis; a motorised lift system for
the weighing basket and the water tank
to reduce the manual handling issues of
lowering samples in and out of the water
tank; a pumping system to remove the
water from the tanks, and to control the
water level in the tank; and a digital scale
and laptop computer included in the unit
enabling data to be recorded just once and
minimising transfer errors.
Xstrata’s Manager, Strategic Mine Planning,
Nathan Bullock said the design of a new
bulk density weighing unit had provided a
number of safety and operational benefits
to the Mount Isa Mines copper operations.
“The unit is set up so that there is less
handling of core samples and it has
eliminated the need for personnel to
bend and reach like they used to with the
previous method and also reduced the
likelihood of muscle strains and repetitive
motion injuries,” said Nathan.
Mount Isa Mines Copper Operations
invested $31,500 for each unit, and two
units were fully operational by early 2009.
Project work undertaken during 2010 has
shown the introduction of the bulk density
weigh unit has improved the quality of data
collected from the stations. Additionally,
with an incident and injury free year at the
core shed in 2010 the project highlights the
benefits of undertaking operational safety
improvements in the workplace.
Rachael Schultz – Core Shed Technician,
operates the Bulk Density Unit
34 XSTRATA COPPER NORTH QUEENSLAND