Mine to Market - June 2009 - Ernest Henry Mining

ISSUE 98 : 1 

minetomarket 

ISSUE 98 : JUNE 2009 

Boost for Bowen PCYC 

One year LTI free for EHM concentrator 

Family Fun Park opens in Mount Isa 

Meet the Refinery’s first female crane driver

2 : mine to market 

Steve de Kruijff 

Kevin Hendry 

XSTRATA STOCK PRICE 

Xstrata is listed on the London 

and Zurich stock exchanges. 

As at 24 June 2009 the 

Xstrata share price on the 

London Stock Exchange (XTA.L) 

was 6.39 (GBp). 

FRONT COVER 

Ross Rycroft, 

Loader Operator/Mucker 

CONTACT THE EDITOR 

Input from all Xstrata North 

Queensland operations is invited. 

Any articles, innovations, 

achievements, ideas or suggestions 

are very welcome. 

Please contact Catherine Bryant 

(Peters), Community Relations on 

email: cbryant@xstratacopper.com.au 

or phone: 4744 3140. 

Dear friends and colleagues, 

It’s been an exciting month in our North Queensland 

communities as we participated in the many Q150 celebrations 

held throughout the State. In Mount Isa, we celebrated with 

the official opening of $4.25 million Family Fun Park on 5 June. 

We were pleased to contribute $1 million to help fund the 

park through our social infrastructure program which will 

provide lasting benefits for all the community to enjoy. 

To read more, please refer to page four. 

Similarly in Bowen, it was good to hear the Government’s 

announcement of almost $1.5 million towards the Bowen 

Police Citizen Youth Club to complement Xstrata Zinc’s 

contribution of $750,000 to the club. More details are 

available on page three. 

Feedback on our operations and the liveability of our 

communities in which we operate is important to us. 

That’s why we have recently conducted the bi-annual 

Community Attitude Survey in our North Queensland 

communities. We look forward to sharing the survey results 

in a later edition of Mine to Market, and thank everyone who 

has participated in this survey. 

In this edition, you will find enclosed a brochure outlining the 

initiatives of the Xstrata Community Partnership Program 

Queensland which comprises Xstrata’s copper, zinc and coal 

businesses. This program, together with the North Queensland 

program provides more than $22 million of support to our 

communities. 

Highlights from our North Queensland operations this 

month include Bowen Coke Works’ Daniel Morris 

receiving Most Outstanding Apprentice Award, Deb Robertson 

for being the first female crane driver at the Copper 

Refinery and the EHM concentrator team who recently 

achieved one year of lost time injury free. 

In Mount Isa, Xstrata Zinc and Klinge & Co have been working 

together to improve tyre safety on site and the copper 

concentrator has successfully launched a new housekeeping 

and spillage campaign: Spillage: Ask Why and Rectify. 

STEVE DE KRUIJFF 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 

Xstrata Copper North Queensland 

KEVIN HENDRY 

EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER 

Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa

ISSUE 98 : 3 

Improving communities through youth development 

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon 

Phil Reeves, recently announced a $1,451,000 grant 

through the Queensland Government’s Major Facilities 

Program towards the construction of the Bowen Police 

Citizens Youth Club (PCYC). This funding commitment 

boosts the $750,000 already committed to the 

Club by the Xstrata Community Partnership Program 

North Queensland. The Whitsunday 

Regional Council has confirmed it has 

budgeted funding to bring the total 

figure for the project to $3M. 

“The community response has been 

extremely positive and supportive since 

Xstrata Zinc announced its $750,000 

contribution in 2008. With the 

remaining funding now secure, 

the community looks forward to 

the commencement of the building 

program and eventual opening 

next year,” said Bruce Coles – 

Superintendent Bowen Coke Works 

and Steering Committee Member. 

The Club will include an indoor 

basketball court, multipurpose space for gymnastics, 

fitness and martial arts, and a canteen and office space 

along with associated amenities. 

Senior Sergeant Rob Mulhern, Officer in Charge Bowen 

Police, thanked Xstrata Zinc for their support. “The early 

significant contribution from Xstrata has gone a long way 

to helping us secure the remaining funding, maintaining a 

momentum through the application process, indicating 

Avril Plath with Clem O’Regan – Assistant 

Commissioner, Northern Police District at 

the presentation. 

we were very serious in getting the project confirmed and 

built,” he said. 

In June, steering committee members and council officers 

will meet to go over the proposed concept plan before 

proceeding to the architectural drawing stage. 

“We will use an architect who has been responsible 

for designing PCYCs throughout 

Queensland and so is very familiar 

with what is required,” said Rob. 

“We hope to be able to commence 

construction later this year, however 

much will depend on the wet season. 

All going well we hope to have the 

Club opened by mid to late 2010”. 

The possibility of a PCYC for Bowen 

was first announced in 2007 with 

much interest shown at a community 

meeting. Late last year a PCYC Activity 

Centre was opened at the former 

Youth Centre and will continue to 

operate until the ‘real thing’ is opened. 

The concept of a PCYC for Bowen has been a community 

effort and will be a great asset to benefit all into 

the future. 

At a recent informal function in Townsville hosted by 

Mark Brand – a Director of Queensland PCYC, Avril Plath 

– Community Relations Officer, accepted on behalf of 

Xstrata Zinc a Business Supporters Award recognising 

Xstrata Zinc for their generous support of the PCYC and 

the Bowen Community 

Mount Isa School of the Air visits Townsville 

Secondary students and their teachers from Mount Isa School 

of the Air (MISOTA) recently spent a week at Magnetic Island 

and Townsville on their school camp. 

The focus of the camp was careers and vocation, and 

included a visit to the Copper Refinery. The students were very 

interested in the electrolysis process and gained valuable 

knowledge for their future science studies. 

Teacher Michele Ridge thanked Xstrata Copper for allowing the 

students to visit the Refinery and gain valuable knowledge that 

will assist them in their future career decisions. 

“It was a great opportunity to tour this world class operation. 

Our sincere thanks go to Simon Gregory for conducting the 

tour. His knowledge of all aspects of the operation was 

invaluable to students and teachers alike,” said Michele


Mount Isa Family Fun Park 

Fun for all the family at Mount Isa’s latest attraction. 

Mount Isa now has its own piece of the Strand – the long 

awaited Family Fun Park was officially opened on Friday 5 June 

by Deputy Premier, Paul Lucas. 

The official opening of the $4.25 million Mount Isa Family Fun 

Park was part of Queensland’s 150 th birthday celebrations 

taking place all over the state. 

Xstrata donated $1 million towards the construction of the 

Fun Park, in addition to providing a parcel of land located on 

Church Street, through Xstrata’s social infrastructure program, 

as part of the Xstrata Community Partnership Program North 

Queensland. 

The multi-purpose, state-of-the-art fun park includes a sensory 

garden, barbeque areas, junior and senior play areas, skate 

park, bike track and a water play area. 

To celebrate the occasion, Steve de Kruijff – Chief Operating 

Officer Xstrata Copper North Queensland (right) and Kevin Hendry 

– Executive General Manager Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa (second from 

left) present Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas (centre) with 

a memorial framed picture. Also pictured are Melanie Litzow – 

Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce Treasurer and Secretary (left), 

State Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan MP (third from left), 

and Mount Isa City Council Mayor John Molony (second 

from right). 

Steve de Kruijff – Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper 

North Queensland, and Kevin Hendry – Executive General 

Manager Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa, said that the Park is a 

great asset to the city and will provide years of fun and 

entertainment for all the family. 

“We are proud to be sponsoring such a great initiative which 

will provide lasting benefits to all of the community,” they said. 

Xstrata presented a memorial framed picture to the Deputy 

Premier in recognition of Mount Isa and Xstrata Mount Isa 

Mines’ 85 Year Anniversary

ISSUE 98 : 5 

A collaborative approach to 

trialling high quality silica flux 

The Copper Smelter, Mount Isa Copper Operations 

(MICO) and Black Star Open Cut (BSOC) mine have 

been working together to trial high quality silica flux 

for use at the Copper Smelter. 

Silica is a critical input for copper smelting operations. 

The Mount Isa Copper Smelter uses about 7,000 tonnes 

of silica flux per month in the Isasmelt TM and converting 

vessels. Silica combines with iron and oxygen in the 

furnace bath to produce slag which settles into a 

separate layer from the 

molten metal and can 

be removed by ‘skimming’. 

In this way, iron is removed 

from the process, leaving 

behind copper and sulphur 

for further refinement. 

The slag material that is 

‘skimmed off’ inevitably 

contains some copper. 

In order to achieve a low 

entrainment (low copper 

loss to slag), good skimming 

practice and most 

importantly quality slag 

conditions (i.e. fluid slag) are 

required. The quality of silica 

flux used in the smelter 

directly affects the quality 

of the slag produced. 

For example, high impurity 

levels in the silica flux 

(especially alumina) 

produce viscous or ‘sticky’ 

slags that are difficult to 

skim cleanly. 

One particular period of 

very low grade flux supply 

(75% silica, 10% alumina) 

during early 2008 saw copper losses in converter 

slag increase by 50% – from 8% up to 12%. So, in 

order to ensure consistent high grades of silica flux, a 

project was initiated to investigate areas of high grade 

silica. Several locations were considered with the 

previously worked quarry located near No.5 tailings 

dam being selected as an easy and economic option 

to trial. 

With the help of MICO Geology and Surveying 

department, estimates were provided that indicated 

three to four years (380,000 tonnes) of high quality 

silica would be accessible at this deposit. 

Metallurgists Ben Hogg (right) and Jared Ball (left) stand in 

front of the crushed silica stockpile for secondary smelting. 

Another six to seven years worth of material is 

potentially contained in the surrounding ridges. 

About 22,000 tonnes of stockpiled material remain in 

the area from earlier quarrying operations. This material 

was trialled in both the primary and secondary smelting 

areas whilst preparations to mine the silica took place 

by MICO and BSOC. 

Initial results from these trials were very encouraging. 

The higher quality silica enabled less volume of slag to 

be removed, known as ‘slag 

fall’, therefore reducing the 

opportunity for copper 

losses during the skimming 

process. This was 

particularly significant for 

the two rotary holding 

furnaces in primary smelting 

given their high frequency 

of skimming – up to 30 pots 

of slag (1,150 tonnes) each, 

per day. 

With advice and direction 

from the MICO planning 

department, the BSOC 

drill and blast team were 

engaged to perform two 

initial firings at the revived 

silica quarry. The first blast, 

of around 15,000 tonnes, 

took place in May to remove 

a flitch (rock outcrop) 

remaining from previous 

work and prepare the 

ground for a second, much 

larger, blast expected to take 

place at the end of June. 

Following the second 

firing, the next stage is to 

determine the most efficient and cost effective way of 

crushing and delivering the material to the smelter. 

Ben Hogg – Senior Metallurgist and Project Leader for 

the silica flux trial, thanked both the MICO and BSOC 

teams for their valuable input and assistance with 

this trial. 

“We’d like to thank the MCIO and BSOC teams for 

their advice and assistance and allowing us to combine 

our resources in order to complete the trial successfully 

and cost effectively,” said Ben


One year TRI free 

Jesse Charles – Electrical Technician, runs a PASS meeting for 

the electrical and mechanical team at EHM’s Concentrator. 

Ernest Henry Mining’s (EHM) 

Concentrator team achieved one 

year of Total Recordable Injury (TRI) 

free days on 18 April, improving on 

the previous TRI record of 303 days. 

TRI is an all-encompassing measure 

covering Lost Time Injuries (LTI), 

restricted work injuries and medical 

treatment injuries. For a day to be 

TRI free, there needs to have been 

no occupational injury, illness or 

disease causing an employee to 

have time away from their usual 

duties at work, or requiring medical 

treatment beyond first aid. 

“It is a significant achievement to 

reach one year of TRI free days and 

this demonstrates the commitment 

by all employees and contractors to 

identify and manage hazards in our 

workplace,” said John Twomey – 

EHM’s Concentrator Manager. 

EHM’s Concentrator also achieved 

two years of Lost Time Injury (LTI) 

free days in January this year 

EHM hauls first ore for the year 

Full ore production began again in the 

Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) open pit 

on 2 June after a record wet season 

deferred production from the bottom 

of the pit to benches higher up. 

The mine has been producing copper 

concentrate all year using ore supplies 

from its Run of Mine (ROM) stockpile 

since water was covering the main 

ore body in Stage 6 at the bottom of 

the pit. 

While water was being pumped out 

of the pit, mining production focussed 

on Stage 7 which consists of only 

waste material. 

Over a period of four months, around 

two giga litres (2,000,000,000 L) of 

water was pumped out of the pit. 

May was a muddy month for those 

working in the EHM mine department, 

since around 100 mega litres of silt 

and sludge was left in Stage 6 once 

the water was gone. 

“It’s been a big task removing the 

mud from Stage 6 since it was too 

dense for the pumps to handle,” said 

Ryan Turner – EHM’s Mining Manager. 

“We ended up trucking a lot of it 

out and we also filled water carts 

with the help of a slurry pump. 

It was a challenging time for our 

operators who had to work in 

the muddy conditions without 

bogging equipment.” 

The first load of ore was moved on 

11 May since broken stocks were left 

in Stage 6 from a blast that took place 

before the wet season, but it took a 

few weeks after this for the team to 

start producing ore consistently 

from the pit. 

“We had to clean up the mud 

while carrying out drill and blast 

preparations, but we managed to get 

into full scale production a few days 

ahead of plan,” said Ryan. 

“There’ll still be a big focus on 

pumping and controlling water 

moving forwards since we’re mining 

below the water table now”

ISSUE 98 : 7 

Daley to Dubai 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines bids a fond 

farewell to Matt Daley – Manager Mine 

Development, who has accepted the role 

of Manager Commercial with Xstrata 

Commodities Middle East DMCC, based 

in Dubai. 

Matt has been with the company based 

in Mount Isa for almost 10 years. During 

this time he has held a number of 

positions and with his enthusiasm and 

professionalism has quickly moved up 

through the ranks to become a senior 

member of MICO. 

Michael Holmes – General Manger 

Mount Isa Copper Operations, said that 

Matt has been an integral member of the 

MICO leadership team. “Matt has played 

a critical part in the continued success of 

the MICO Mine Development Team.” 

“I would like to take this opportunity 

to thank Matt for his valued contribution 

to Xstrata Copper and Mount Isa Mines 

over the past 10 years and for his 

commitment and enthusiasm to these 

roles. We wish him every success in his 

new endeavours,” he said. 

Starting as a vacation student (Technical 

Officer) at Ernest Henry Mining, Matt 

returned to Mount Isa Mines in 2001 as 

a Graduate Mining Engineer. He quickly 

gained experience in a variety of positions 

including scheduling, projects, planning, 

operations and shift bossing. Matt then 

moved into an Acting Superintendent 

position for Development South before 

heading up the N3500 Project. In 2006, 

Matt was promoted to Manager Mine 

Production before moving across to 

Manager Mine Development in August 

2007. 

Glenn Galvin – Superintendent Mine 

Development, has worked with Matt for 

the past seven years. “The thing about 

Matt is his positive attitude and his ability 

to pass this onto all those he comes in 

contact with. Whatever task he’s been 

assigned he has made it work, both 

in production and development. 

Another long standing friend and 

colleague, Clayton Morgan – Manager 

Bulk Product Logistics said Matt has 

provided him with great support and 

advice over the years. “Matt’s easy going 

nature and ability to communicate both 

within the crews and at management 

level has earned him a lot of respect and 

has made him a great friend, colleague 

and mentor,” he said. 

Steve de Kruijff – Chief Operating Officer 

Xstrata Copper North Queensland, said 

Matt’s strong strategic and operating 

abilities and exceptional communication 

skills have seen him progress to senior 

levels of the business. “Matt became a 

core member of the underground mining 

team from early on in his career as a 

Graduate Mining Engineer, through to 

working on the crews, and to his 

most recent role as Manager Mine 

Development.” 

“We hope his new role will benefit his 

professional development and we know 

he will be an asset to the Xstrata 

Commodities Middle East division. 

We look forward to Matt’s return to 

our operations in a more senior role in 

the future,” said Steve 

North West regional plan: Planning for a strong, 

more liveable and sustainable community 

North West Queensland is 

recognised as a strong and 

competitive region, sustained 

by its mining industry. The region 

will be faced with significant 

opportunities and challenges over 

the next decade. These include the 

influence of mining on the regional 

economy and the attraction and 

retention of skilled staff and 

permanent resident populations. 

In 2007, the Queensland 

Government committed to the 

development of statutory regional 

plans to assist in the coordination of 

infrastructure development and the 

delivery of services to communities 

in rural and regional Queensland. 

The Draft North West regional plan 

is now available for public comment 

until 18 September 2009. The plan 

presents a vision of how the North 

West region can balance economic 

vitality, resource conservation and 

quality of life. It will respond to 

specific needs of the region and will 

assist the state, in collaboration 

with local communities, to achieve 

desired planning and development 

outcomes. 

For more information 

about the draft plan visit 

www.dip.qld.gov.au/northwest 

or contact the project team on 

1300 721 194


Q150 celebrations 

The Q150 Steam Train rolls into Mount Isa. 

As Mount Isa celebrates 85 years 

of commerce and community, 

Queensland celebrates 150 years of 

independence from New South Wales. 

A weekend full of events and activities 

was part of the Q150 celebrations in 

Mount Isa. Among them was the Q150 

Steam Train which rolled into Mount 

Isa on Friday 5 June. 

The train travelled throughout 

Queensland, reaching more than 30 

communities including Townsville, 

Mount Isa and Cloncurry. 

Sixty-five tickets were given away to 

Mount Isa Mines employees and their 

families to enjoy an afternoon on one 

of Queensland Rail’s Heritage Fleet of 

locomotives. The tour took them from 

Mount Isa out to Mica Creek and Rifle 

Creek and back again. 

Other Q150 celebrations in Mount Isa 

included the Q150 Shed – an 

entertainment venue based on the 

iconic Australian woolshed which 

began its tour in Mount Isa. The Shed’s 

entertainment included Deep Blue, 

Raw Dance Company and some of 

Mount Isa’s best local talent 

Congratulations 

STEPers 

Congratulations to the Structured 

Training Employment Program 

trainees (STEPers) who have just 

completed three months of their 

twelve month work placements 

with the building services and 

environment department at Xstrata 

Copper’s Mount Isa operations. 

“It has been very rewarding to 

have the opportunity to work here 

and I look forward to a long career 

with Xstrata Copper,” said Warren 

Minniecon – STEPers trainee at 

building services. 

Xstrata Copper also welcomes the 

new STEPers who are providing 

cleaning services at Parkside 

Apartments and to the lab 

technicians at the Chem Lab

ISSUE 98 : 9 

Meet the Refinery’s first female crane driver 

In 1959, Xstrata’s Townsville Copper Refinery commenced 

production of refined copper for the world market. 

Today, some 50 years on, Deb Robertson, a production 

operator in the tankhouse refining section, is credited 

with being the first female at the Refinery to achieve 

accreditation to operate one of two 23.5 tonne rated 

cranes that are the linchpin of the copper 

harvesting production machinery. 

Deb commenced employment at the 

refinery as a production operator/cell 

attendant and has undertaken a number 

of roles in the refinery culminating in her 

latest achievement. 

It is testament to Deb’s perseverance 

and desire to keep improving that has 

contributed to her achievement. It is also 

a reflection of the times and the 

opportunities provided by the refinery 

that more and more females are being 

employed in the production areas. 

Mine to Market caught up with Deb: 

What inspired you to train/qualify 

as a crane driver 

A strong desire to be multi-skilled, and watching and 

learning from other experienced crane drivers. 

What did the training involve 

Lots of practical work and theory and lots of study. I had 

to accumulate considerable hours driving the crane under 

supervision to be able to sit the license. I also had to sit 

written exams. 

What challenges, if any, did the training present 

One of my biggest challenges was maths as it was never 

my strong subject at school, and I’ve had to learn new 

formulas for this job. Another challenge was being away 

from school for 30 years and having to learn how to study 

all over again. 

You are now working in a male 

dominated field, how have the guys 

reacted to your achievement 

The guys have been nothing but 

supportive of my venture. They were 

all willing to listen to any concerns 

I had and helped me no matter what. 

I would like to give special thanks to 

Allan McFayden, Jimmy Soong and 

Paul Gray. 

Into the future, where do you see 

this qualification taking you 

I believe my qualifications will be very 

beneficial for my future prospects. 

Dave Worlein – Manager Copper 

Refinery, said in what has traditionally 

been a male dominated industry, Deb maintains a 

modesty about her achievement. 

“Deb’s colleagues however, have been boasting about her 

achievement, which sets an example to everyone that 

with a bit of hard work and perseverance all things are 

possible,” said Dave. 

Congratulations Deb 

Daniel Morris: most outstanding apprentice 

Bowen Coke Works’ Daniel Morris 

was recently named 2008’s Most 

Outstanding Second Year Electrical 

Apprentice in the Townsville district 

at the recent Townsville Regional 

Group Apprenticeship Scheme 

(TORGAS) Awards. 

Daniel continues to achieve in his 

chosen field having won a similar 

award in 2007 while in the first 

year of his apprenticeship 

Daniel (right) is congratulated by Greg Archer – TORGAS Field Officer 

(left) and Bruce Coles – Bowen Coke Superintendent (centre).


Labour share improves shutdown efficiency 

Left to right: Scott Ezzy, Manager Lead Smelter, pictured with Zinc-Lead Concentrator 

employees; Adam Henshall, Maintenance Support Superintendent Bob Martyr, 

Ben McDonald, Mark Westcott and Jade Geary during a Lead Smelter shutdown. 

The Zinc-Lead Concentrator has a 

scheduled three day shutdown every 

four months while the lead smelter has 

a 12 to 24 hour shutdown each month. 

During these times labour share is vital 

and brings significant benefits to the 

company. These include giving 

employees full ownership of the jobs as 

activities are able to be conducted 

in-house, assisting in overcoming 

significant obstacles such as skills 

shortages within the industry and 

keeping operation costs down. Most 

importantly it allows employees to gain 

experience and exposure to other 

operational areas making them vital 

assets to Xstrata Zinc. 

The Zinc-Lead Concentrator and 

lead-smelter have been actively 

working together to overcome skills 

shortages, reduce operating costs, and 

broaden the skills and knowledge of 

their employees. 

For the past few scheduled shutdowns, 

the Zinc-Lead Concentrator and the 

Lead Smelter have been sharing some 

of their labour force, allowing skills and 

knowledge to be transposed 

throughout the business. 

Maintenance and production are the 

main departments involved in labour 

sharing, with mechanical fitters, boiler 

makers and plant maintainers being key 

assets that are shared. Engineers, 

superintendents and planners from 

each operation also get involved during 

each shutdown. 

Some of the tasks undertaken 

through labour share include conveyor 

maintenance, sinter plant stove changes 

and pressure cleaning. 

“With this increase of knowledge and 

skill comes the ability to operate safely 

in a job that is familiar,” said Mal Barr – 

Metallurgical Processing Maintenance 

Manager. 

“One of the things that we pride 

ourselves on is our safety performance 

during shutdowns,” he said 

Service acknowledgement 

Each year Xstrata acknowledges 

service milestones for employees 

reaching 20, 30 and 40 years with 

a monetary reward and an 

invitation for them and their 

partners to attend the annual 

service awards dinner. This year 

Xstrata will mark the achievement 

of six recipients in the 20, 30, 

40 year category in late October. 

Employees achieving 10 to 19 years service 

with General Manager Mark Roberts. 

However, this year at the 

Townsville Operations, numerous 

employees have already achieved 

or will achieve 10 to 19 years 

service. In celebration, Mark 

Roberts – General Manager, 

hosted an informal gathering for 

these employees and their partners 

at the end of May.

ISSUE 98 : 11 

Fostering the environment 

Students at Hermit Park State School 

in Townsville were keen to show 

Merv Sharkey – Commercial 

Manager, their ‘live’ reef when he 

visited the school recently. This year, 

through support from Xstrata’s 

Community Partnership Program 

North Queensland, students will 

develop an alternative energy 

(wind) facility along with a 

hydroponics garden. 

The school’s many environmental 

projects are aimed at teaching 

students how to help create a 

sustainable environment 

Merv Sharkey is shown the ‘live reef’ by Hermit Park State School students. 

Native grasses planted in Black Star cover system trials 

Xstrata Zinc’s Black Star open cut mine 

(BSOC) is sponsoring internationally 

significant research to determine the 

most environmentally and economically 

beneficial cover systems for its waste 

rock facilities. This project is being 

coordinated through the University of 

Queensland’s Centre for Mined Land 

Rehabilitation (CMLR) as part of a 

PhD study. 

During October last year, two 60 metre 

by 20 metre trial plots were constructed, 

with each consisting of three subplots. 

In May more than 4,800 native grasses 

were planted within these trial plots. 

Each subplot was designed with a 

different density of vegetation: 

No vegetation 

Natural surface density with three 

native grass species, and 

High surface density with three 

native grass species. 

With 300 hours taken to complete the 

planting, the three species of native 

grasses are expected to mature in time 

for the next wet season. The field trials 

will be monitored by sensors within the 

cover system and results sent monthly 

to CMLR for analysis. 

Developing a cover system for the 

BSOC waste rock facility is essential to 

ensure that the potential long term 

environmental impacts of waste 

rock storage, (including acid mine 

drainage which can originate from 

certain types of waste rock) are 

mitigated. The primary objective of 

a ‘moisture store and release cover 

system’ at mining operations is to 

minimise water entering the waste 

rock facility, whilst also providing 

a medium for self sustaining plant 

growth. The development of the 

cover system trials will ensure that 

an economical and environmentally 

appropriate cover system is developed 

for the BSOC waste rock facility. 

Ed Turley – Environment Manager 

North Queensland, said that the best 

possible outcome of the research 

would be to identify sustainable closure 

of the waste rock facility that reflects 

surrounding landscape. 

“This research enables us to plan for 

mine closure in a way which satisfies 

the requirements set by Queensland 

Government and our strict internal 

Sustainable Development standards. 

“We hope that our research into 

environmentally and economically 

beneficial cover systems will be able to 

be adopted internationally by other 

Xstrata sites,” said Ed 

Jonathan Sanders, Environmental Advisor – 

Xstrata Zinc, and Anne Schneider – PhD 

Student, plant native grasses.


Eating right for shift work 

MEDICAL 

As a shift worker, you are a vital component 

to the functioning of our 24-hour society. 

Around 20% of Australia’s working 

population are now considered shift workers. 

However, shift work does disrupt our built-in 

body clocks as we sleep at odd hours and 

eat at different times which can result in 

sleep and digestive complaints. 

Fortunately, you can help overcome many of 

these challenges simply by following a 

healthy eating pattern. 

Tips for healthy eating 

Establish regular eating times as much as 

possible, aiming for a minimum of three 

balanced meals during your waking hours 

Snacks are an important part of a 

healthy eating pattern, particularly 

during long shifts 

Enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods and 

drink plenty of water, and 

Emphasise high fibre, lower fat food 

choices, which can help counteract some 

of the gastrointestinal symptoms 

experienced by shift workers. 

Planning your meals 

Successful management of shift work means 

making some changes to the type of food 

you eat and the timing of your meals. 

When working afternoon and evening shifts 

you should try eating your main meal at 

midday instead of during the middle of the 

shift. Conversely, when working night 

shift, try eating your main meal in the late 

afternoon or early evening rather than in the 

middle of the night. By bringing your meals 

and snacks from home you can ensure you 

have a wide variety of healthy options to 

choose from throughout your shift. 

Eating to stay alert 

To help stay alert, eat high protein foods 

during your shift. These foods tend to have 

the opposite effect of carbohydrates, which 

can make you sleepy. Examples of high 

protein foods include lower fat cheeses, 

peanut butter, nuts, lean meats, chicken, 

fish, eggs, beans and lentils. 

Equally, you should avoid eating too many 

carbohydrate-rich foods if you are feeling 

tired. Large meals should also be avoided 

during your shift as they can make you 

feel sluggish – opt instead for small meals 

and snacks. 

Foods to help you sleep 

People on rotating shifts may experience 

difficultly sleeping. This is due to the fact 

that our internal clock, or circadian rhythm, 

works against daytime sleeping. One way to 

promote sleep after a shift is to enjoy a high 

carbohydrate meal or snack. Foods high in 

carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, a 

brain chemical that promotes sleepiness. 

High carbohydrate foods include pasta, 

rice, breads, cereals, milk, fruit and starchy 

vegetables (such as corn and potatoes). 

A bowl of cereal with milk and fruit may 

help you fall asleep more readily at the end 

of your shift. Conversely, you should avoid 

meals high in protein and fat in the hours 

leading up to bedtime. It is also a good idea 

to avoid caffeinated beverages towards the 

end of your shift so that your sleep is not 

interrupted. 

For more information on managing shift 

work through diet, contact the following: 

Gemini Medical Centre 07 4744 2242 

QLD Government Dept of Industrial 

Relations www.dir.qld.gov.au 

Still buzzing… 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’ BSafe Bee visited Sunset State School in June 

to help celebrate their Under Eights Day. During the visit BSafe Bee 

joined in on the fun playing, dancing and generally spreading the 

message of safety. The BSafe Bee capped off its big day out with a visit 

to the children at the Minnie Davis Park Play Group. 

Be safe at work, be safe at home, be safe for LIFE!

ISSUE 98 : 13 

H1 N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) 

The Human Swine Influenza virus is a new 

flu virus that is infecting people and 

spreading from person to person. 

Human Swine Influenza is spread from 

person to person in the same way as 

seasonal influenza and other common 

respiratory infections. 

Seasonal influenza can spread easily 

Adults can spread the seasonal flu virus 

for up to seven days, primary school aged 

children for up to 14 days, and pre-school 

aged children for up to 21 days. People 

are most infectious when they are still 

coughing and sneezing. In some people, 

the contagious period can begin the day 

before symptoms develop. 

The main ways in which the influenza 

virus can enter a person’s body and cause 

disease are via: 

Respiratory spread – when an infected 

person exhales, their respiratory 

droplets can spread into the eyes, nose 

and mouth of an uninfected person. 

The uninfected person needs to be 

relatively close by – usually within a 

distance of around a metre. 

Contact spread – if an uninfected 

person has virus on their hands and 

they touch their own eyes, nose or 

mouth they can infect themselves. A 

person’s hands may be contaminated 

by touching nasal fluids such as wiping 

a child’s nose, used tissues, doorknobs 

or other items or surfaces that an 

infectious person has contaminated, 

As the virus cannot survive for long 

periods of time in the environment, 

contamination of hands is most likely to 

occur following contact with freshly 

soiled items. 

Infectious Period 

People with Human Swine Influenza 

should be considered potentially 

contagious as long as they are 

symptomatic and possibly for up to 

seven days following the onset of illness. 

Children, especially younger children, 

might potentially be contagious for 

longer periods. 

Recognising seasonal influenza 

Seasonal flu is often confused with the 

common cold. They are both respiratory 

illnesses but are caused by different 

viruses. While there are similar symptoms, 

the seasonal flu is more severe and tends 

to make your whole body ache, whereas 

a cold is milder, comes on slowly and 

usually only affects your nose and throat. 

If you have a cold, you can usually carry 

on with day-to-day activities. If you have 

the seasonal flu, you feel very sick and 

want to stay in bed. 

A person usually develops symptoms of 

the seasonal flu within one to three days 

after becoming infected with the virus. 

Symptoms of the seasonal flu: 

a fever (temperature over 38°C) 

that often appears suddenly and 

may be associated with feeling 

chilled and shivering 

headache 

muscle aches and pains 

sore throat 

dry cough 

trouble breathing 

sneezing 

stuffy or runny nose 

tiredness, and 

loss of appetite. 

The fever usually subsides in three to five 

days, and the person begins to feel 

better. The tiredness and cough may, 

however, persist for a few weeks. 

Sometimes, usually in young children and 

the elderly, seasonal flu can be associated 

with vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Older children and teenagers experience 

the same symptoms of seasonal flu as 

adults. Very young children and infants 

probably experience similar symptoms but 

may not be able to tell people they have 

sore muscles or a headache. They may be 

irritable, have no appetite, and sometimes 

develop a hoarse cry and barking cough 

(like croup). 

If you or members of your household 

experience any of these symptoms, avoid 

contact with other people wherever 

possible. If you are concerned about the 

symptoms, or they become worse, seek 

medical advice immediately. It is especially 

important to get medical advice at the 

first signs of illness in children and in 

people who have certain chronic medical 

conditions. Your doctor will be able to 

advise if you have a chronic condition 

which may put you at particular risk of 

the complications of seasonal influenza. 

Prevention Tips 

H1N1 Influenza A (Human Swine 

Influenza) is spread from person to 

person in the same way as seasonal 

influenza and other common respiratory 

infections. The best way to protect you 

and your family from this flu is to take 

the following proactive seasonal 

flu measures: 

stay home when you are sick, 

wash your hands frequently with soap 

and water or use an alcohol based 

hand gel, 

wash your hands prior to touching 

your eyes, nose and mouth, 

when coughing or sneezing, cover 

your mouth and nose with disposable 

tissues which should be disposed of 

immediately, 

don’t share items such as cigarettes, 

glasses or cups, lipstick, toys or 

anything which could be contaminated 

with respiratory secretions, 

maintain at least one metre distance 

from people who have flu-like 

symptoms such as coughing or 

sneezing, 

consult your doctor if you have a 

cough and fever and follow their 

instructions, including taking medicine 

as prescribed, and 

if attending a medical practice or 

hospital Emergency Department, 

telephone beforehand so that they can 

arrange for you to be seen away from 

other people. 

For more detailed information about 

seasonal influenza please visit 

www.health.qld.gov.au/flu. 

This information is current as at 

11 June 2009. 

For more information please refer to: 

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/


Cloncurry and District Show celebrates 30 years 

The Cloncurry and District Show Society 

held its 30th annual show during June 

with around 3,500 people in attendance. 

Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) was a 

platinum sponsor of this year’s event, 

helping to put on a spectacular fireworks 

display for the crowd on the Saturday 

night. The fireworks have been a main 

attraction for the past 29 years, the same 

quality as those at the Sydney Royal Show. 

Chris Chaplain – Cloncurry and District 

Show Society President, said this year’s 

show was a huge success. “It would not 

have been possible without the help of 

the committee and volunteers who 

assisted on the weekend and our sponsors 

and the community who supported the 

show by coming along.” 

Jason Walduck with the rotating disco chandelier. 

“The show is an important event for 

Cloncurry as it brings people from both 

town and country together and it 

showcases our community and what it 

can do,” he said. 

The Show Society held a Diamonds and 

Pearls Ball during May as part of its 

30th birthday celebrations. EHM kindly 

donated a rotating disco chandelier, 

valued at over $1,000, which was 

constructed by Jason Walduck – a 

Leading Hand Boiler Maker at EHM. 

Photo courtesy of Shane Eden.

ISSUE 98 : 15 

My colleagues don’t know this, but... 

Michael Wiseman 

Contracts Advisor, 

EHM 

Daniel Turner 

Graduate Mechanical Engineer, 

Xstrata Zinc, Mount Isa 

Trevor Duncan 

Senior Operator – Secondary B 

Crew, Isa – Copper Smelter 

Operations 

Erin Cross 

Maintenance Planner, 

GFM Fixed Plant 

My colleagues don’t know 

this, but I used to live in 

New Zealand. 

My favourite food is 

Homemade pizza and lasagne. 

I drive a Toyota Avalon. 

The person I most admire is 

my wife – she has a lot of 

patience and needs it! 

In my spare time I help my wife 

with the kids and try to fit in 

some fishing. 

My pet hate is dangerous 

drivers. 

I can’t live without a sense of 

balance and humour. 


this, but my nickname back 

home is Hoochie. 

My favourite food is roast lamb. 

I drive a Mazda BT50 Ute. 


my dad. 

In my spare time I play guitar. 

My pet hate is negative people. 

I can’t live without family 

and friends. 


this, but my first car was a 

Nissan Patrol. 

My favourite food is Chinese. 

I drive Landcruiser all the way! 


my Dad. 

In my spare time I fish and 

spend time with family. 

My pet hate is the first dayshift 

on a Monday morning. 

I can’t live without my family. 


this, but I have an IT degree... 

though don’t ask me to fix 

your computer! 

My favourite food is barbecued 

pork chops. 

I drive a Dodge Caliber. 


my parents – OK so I cheated, 

that’s two! 

In my spare time I read, watch 

movies, go mountain bike riding… 

and procrastinate doing the 

housework. 

My pet hate is people with 

no manners. 

I can’t live without spending 

quality time with my husband 

and my family. 

Xstrata gets behind our sporting community 

Xstrata is proud to be supporting AFL 

Mount Isa in the development of a new 

sporting complex. When completed, the 

new complex will facilitate AFL (Australian 

Football League) in winter and cricket in 

summer and will have a capacity of 

10,000 spectators. 

With work initiated in February and 

anticipated to be completed in June, AFL 

competitions are scheduled to begin in 

September this year. 

Xstrata has actively provided in-kind 

support to this project. Management 

helped secure heavy earth moving 

equipment (e.g. bulldozers, grader 

and a water truck), Black Star open 

cut surveyors volunteered their time 

to survey the field, company buildings 

were loaned, and fencing mesh and 

barricading was provided to secure 

the area during construction. 

Anthony Kocken – General Manager 

Mining Xstrata Zinc Mount Isa, said the 

decision to support AFL Mount Isa came 

from a strong internal push with many of 

our valued employees being long term 

and dedicated supporters of the sport. 

Leif Welin – AFL Mount Isa Secretary, 

knows that without the support and 

generosity of Xstrata, the AFL Mount Isa 

committee would have struggled to 

develop an asset of this size. 

“Xstrata’s support has presented AFL 

Mount Isa with significant cost-savings. 

“When completed, this sporting 

complex will benefit people in Mount Isa 

and surrounding districts and we are 

very pleased that Xstrata has played 

such a pivotal role in making this a 

reality,” said Leif 

Construction taking place at the new 

Mount Isa AFL football field.


A day in the purchasing office 

Have you ever wondered what’s involved in the 

purchasing process from contract negotiation to 

product distribution 

The Supply Department is responsible for all products 

purchased, managed, stored and distributed for customers 

on site. These include those catalogued and on contract 

and those non-catalogued products. 

There are five key functional areas in the Supply team all 

contributing to the purchasing and warehousing activities 

using key common systems 

to ensure that best 

practices are maintained. 

The Purchasing Team 

within the Supply 

department is a group of 

eight Purchasing Officers 

stationed out in the plants 

close to customers areas 

and are the first point of 

contact for customers. 

There are 20,000 moving 

stock items catalogued in 

MIMS Ellipse and each 

Purchasing Officer has a 

portion that they are 

responsible for. These can 

be on manual or automatic 

order depending on the 

product, where it is stored 

and its criticality. 

Xstrata Copper produces 

approximately 16,000 line 

items on purchase orders 

each month that are 

subsequently receipted, stored and paid for. 

Products are distributed 

through the supply 

transportation function 

Goods are receipted, 

managed and picked for 

use by warehouse staff 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has 2,400 active suppliers that are 

regularly used. Those suppliers with large amounts of 

transactions and/or high value contracts are individually 

managed by members of the purchasing team. This allows 

each of those suppliers to have a purchasing officer 

available to assist them in meeting the Key Performance 

Indicators (KPIs) required under their contracts. The KPIs 

include on time deliveries and minimal discrepancies, order 

adjustments and invoice mismatches. 

SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 

Inventory is managed at 

correct levels by the 

Inventory Controllers 

The Purchasing Officers are responsible for: 

Obtaining quotations – Sorting requests for quotation 

into catalogued and non-catalogued products whilst 

ensuring that spend remains within our existing contract 

arrangements for those commodities and suppliers. 

Products – Sourcing new/alternative products for 

potential cost savings or quality benefits. They will also 

identify products for cataloguing and those with high 

transactions for potential ‘vendor held stock’ (VHS) 

arrangements. 

Expediting requirements 

– Expediting those 

overdue purchase orders 

or those that are 

required earlier by 

Contracts are 

negotiated for 

catalogued goods 

Goods are purchased 

by a Purchasing Officer 

(catalogued/non-catalogued) 

customers 

Special delivery 

requirements 

(domestically and 

internationally) 

– Arranging for special 

pickups interstate or 

negotiating and 

arranging international 

freight requirements 

Supplier performance 

management program 

– Providing the high 

transactional suppliers/ 

contract suppliers 

performance reports 

and statistics on a 

monthly basis. Following 

up with suppliers to 

assist in improving poor 

performances. 

Invoice mismatch – Investigating and correcting orders 

or invoices in the cases where the invoices that are 

loaded but not processed for payment are reported as 

price or quantity mismatch. 

Managing overdue/outstanding purchase orders 

– Reviewing the weekly report for those purchase orders 

that have passed their due date of arrival and following 

up with suppliers. 

Supplier meetings – Organising and attending supplier 

meetings to ensure that performances are met, payment 

issues are resolved and processes are being adhered to. 

Training – Assisting/training customers and suppliers in 

the processes and procedures related to supply systems 

and functions.

ISSUE 98 : 17 

Do you know your department’s purchasing officer 

Di Croghan, Purchasing Supervisor 

– Supply Copper 

Amy Watson – Engineering 

support, Chem Lab, IT and Business 

Systems, Finance, Environment, 

Community Relations, Supply 

Jacky Cowan – MICO (Mine 

Production), Brisbane Office, 

HR (R62) 

John Orman – Mine Maintenance 

Kim White – Rebuild Workshop, 

Port and Logistics, Bulk Products 

Logistics 

Kristina Staines – Copper 

Concentrator, Light Fleet 

Workshop, Safety and Health, 

HR, Contracts 

Michelle Rousseau – Site Services, 

Building Services, Skills Centre, 

Utilities (power and water) 

Nicole Lakeland – Mine 

Development, Strategic Mine 

Planning MICO Engineering, MICO 

Coordination, Exploration, Mine 

Rescue/Safety 

Peter Goodyer – Copper Smelter, 

Mines Power Station


Local schools benefit from Xstrata’s expertise 

Spinifex College learn about 

Physics 

During the past few months the Year 12 

Physics class at Spinifex College has been 

studying engineering physics. Peter 

Woodall – Senior Mechanical Engineer, 

shared his expertise in physics with the 

class and presented a series of workshops 

based on the copper smelter. 

The course included an introduction 

to Engineering Physics and the energy 

equation. Peter also taught more specific 

applied physics including engineering 

design, calculating stresses, pump theory 

and pump practical, crane theory and 

demonstration. 

The students had the opportunity to 

conduct pumping tests, operate a 

vehicle mounted jib crane and review 

the operation and design of 

conveyors. 

Townview State School 

Fiona Robinson – Graduate 

Environmental Advisor, recently 

conducted a workshop for Townview 

State School educating the students 

on the principles of Sustainable 

Development and in particular how 

this applies to environmental 

practices on mine sites such as 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines 

Fiona Robinson at Townview State School. 

Year 12 Physics Class with Pump Test Rig. 

NAIDOC Week 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines is proud to once again sponsor the 

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day Observance 

Committee (NAIDOC) week celebrations taking place in Mount Isa 

from 5 to 12 July. 

This year’s theme is Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth which 

encourages communities to acknowledge the status of Elders as leaders 

and role models for our youth. 

For more information visit www.naidoc.org.au

ISSUE 98 : 19 

Tours in full swing at Ernest Henry Mining 

With the tourist season underway in 

north-west Queensland, tours began 

again at Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) on 

27 May with ten tourists visiting the site. 

Tours will take place most Wednesdays 

and Fridays from now until September, 

with all proceeds from the tours going to 

the Cloncurry Historical Society. 

Two schools also visited EHM in May 

to learn more about the site and mining 

in general. 

Students in Years Five to Seven at 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in 

Cloncurry are currently studying Mining 

and the Environment, so they visited EHM 

on 22 May to complement this unit. 

Ernest Henry Mining held its first public tour for 2009 on 27 May. 

The Year Five class from St Kieran’s School 

in Mount Isa toured EHM on 26 May as 

part of an annual three-day camp in 

Cloncurry 

On the move 

Paul Voigt 

has recently been promoted 

from Senior Metallurgist to 

the position of Metallurgy 

Superintendent at the Lead 

Smelter. 

Matt Wendtman 

– Safety and Training Advisor, 

has recently moved from 

Black Star Open Cut mine to 

the Zinc-Lead Concentrator. 

Vince Henaway 

is the new Electrical 

Supervisor at Townsville 

Copper Refinery. 

Justin Remmer 

recently started as a 

Graduate Mechanical 

Engineer at the Townsville 

Operations. 

Michelle O’Kane 

recently moved from the 

Copper Refinery to EHM as 

Mine Training Coordinator. 

Ciaran Moran 

has been promoted to 

Acting Manager, Mine 

Development. 

Jade Munari 

has been promoted to Senior 

Scheduling Engineer, MICO. 

Melissa Cox 

has been promoted to 

Finance Manager, Xstrata 

Copper North Queensland.


Employee profiles 

Brett Wass 

Production Engineer, 

EHM 

Tracey Altoft 

Administration Assistant, North 

Gate Clean in Clean Out Facility 

Nick Abbs 

Gardener Casa Grande/ 

Building Services, Mount Isa 

Mines 

Jason Schulte 

Design Engineer/Draftsman, 

Xstrata Technology (Tankhouse 

Group) Townsville 

Birthplace: Gin Gin, Queensland. 

Years with Xstrata: One and 

a half. 

My role at Xstrata involves: 

Planning production targets each 

week and working with production 

crews to achieve them. 

Strengths: Friendly, diplomatic and 

motivated to get things done. 

Weaknesses: Easily distracted by 

food. 

Family: I am married and I want 

to get a pet soon! 

Favourite TV show/movie: The 

Mentalist and the Three Amigos. 

Holiday destination of my 

Dreams: The Himalayas. 

Five celebrities I would like to 

invite to dinner: Chevy Chase 

(funny), Stephen Hawking (smart), 

Darren Lockyer (sporty), Beyonce 

(good looking and great singer), 

and Chuck Norris (legend). 

If I could change something, 

it would be: My bank balance. 

Wish for the future: To stay 

healthy. 

Birthplace: Gympie. 

Years with Xstrata: 10 months. 


Ordering and receiving products for 

the CICO, issuing lockers and site 

access to personnel and organising 

the distribution of “Site Only” 

clothing. 

Strengths: Understanding and 

kindness. 

Weaknesses: Chocolate! 

Family: Husband Paul, sister and 

brother-in-law in Mount Isa and a 

large extended family. 

Favourite TV show/movie: Grey’s 

Anatomy, Packed to the Rafters and 

Australia. 


dreams: African safari. 


invite to dinner: Morgan 

Freeman, Magda Szubanski, Garth 

Brooks, Pink and Angelina Jolie. 


it would be: World poverty and 

cruelty to animals and children. 

Wish for the future: Good health 

and happiness. 

Birthplace: Cambridgeshire, UK. 

Years with Xstrata: Four. 

My role at Xstrataa involves: 

Maintaining the grounds at Casa 

Grande. 

Strengths: Knowledge of plants 

and landscaping. 

Weaknesses: Not enough 

daylight hours. 

Family: My nearest family is in 

New Zealand. 

Favourite TV show/movie: 

Caddy Shack. 


dreams: Caribbean. 


invite to dinner: My family are 

more important, and I would 

always want to dine with them 

first. 


it would be: Longer daylight 

hours. 

Wish for the future: Returning 

Rifle Creek to its former Glory. 

Birthplace: Emerald, Victoria. 

Years with Xstrata: Two years. 


All aspects of the design and 

engineering involved with 

tankhouses and associated 

machinery in the production of 

copper cathodes and mother plates. 

Strengths: Stubbornness. 

Weaknesses: Food. 

Family: Wife Peta, and two boys; 

Bailey and Lewis. 

Favourite TV show/movie: 

The Big Lebowski. 


dreams: Russia. 


invite to dinner: Eddie Murphy, 

Craig Lowndes, Stu Ungar, Dalai 

Lama and Stephen Hawking. 


it would be: Where do you want 

me to start 

Wish for the future: Health and 

happiness. 

Cloncurry Race Club says thanks for new running rail 

The new-look photo finish line at the Cloncurry and District Race Club. 

The Cloncurry and District Race Club held its 

first race meet for the year on 16 May, with a 

new sign featuring Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) 

on full display on the photo finish post. 

The club offered EHM the chance to erect a 

sign in this position as a gesture of thanks for 

the support the mine has shown over the last 

four years, and for assistance with two projects 

in particular. 

EHM helped to repair the club’s starting stalls 

and also assisted last year with funding for a 

new outside running rail which was essential to 

the club’s future under Queensland Racing 

regulations

ISSUE 98 : 21 

Klinge crew drives improved tyre safety on site 

The Klinge & Co crew manage the tyre bay at Xstrata Zinc’s Southern Cross Workshop. 

Xstrata Zinc’s tyre bay, located at the newly 

opened Southern Cross Workshop at George 

Fisher Mine, allows for safe and efficient tyre 

maintenance to be conducted on site and 

therefore maximises the potential of Xstrata 

Zinc’s tyre assets. 

The tyre bay is housed in a modern workshop 

which incorporates key safety systems that 

provide nationally recognised, trained tyre 

servicemen with first class facilities (including 

equipment, tooling and design). 

Klinge & Co, an independent Australian 

company with extensive expertise in the tyre 

industry and a leader in Quality Tyre 

Management Control Systems and Services, 

manages the tyre bay on site. Klinge & Co and 

Xstrata Zinc have been successfully working 

together since June 2005. 

As Klinge & Co operates independently of tyre 

manufacturers, they are able to objectively 

recommend the best tyre for any given job. 

Their aim for Xstrata Zinc is to reduce 

operating costs, improve tyre related safety 

and improve vehicle/fleet production rates 

New diesel locomotive for the lead smelter 

The Lead Smelter’s new diesel charge car. 

An early diesel charge car 

before electric charge cars 

were adopted in the 1970s. 

The Lead Smelter recently adopted a new 

diesel charge car to replace an older electric 

version. The charge car is a small train 

locomotive that runs on rails and pushes a 

single ‘Larry Car’ or material storage car. 

The new diesel locomotive is more reliable 

and easier to maintain. 

The main purpose of the charge car is to 

transport ‘charge’ or material in its final stage 

of production to the blast furnace so it may be 

separated into lead and slag (waste material). 

Feed floor operators, who have undergone the 

necessary training, are the only employees 

allowed to operate charge cars with at least 

two drivers rostered on for each 12 hour shift. 

Prior to the diesel charge car being put to work 

within the operations, the Lead Smelter 

generously loaned the car to the Xstrata display 

at this year’s Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo


Queensland Arts Council 

and the Xstrata Community 

Partnership Program North 

Queensland present 

Latin American Carnivalé 

with Grant Collins 

24 August – 4 September, 2009 

Latin American Carnivalé is an artist-in-residence program 

featuring percussion and movement inspired by rich Latin 

American rhythms. It has been developed specifically for 

schools in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, and will culminate at 

the Mount Isa Multicultural Festival in September. 

The project features internationally-renowned percussionist 

Grant Collins and two talented contemporary choreographers, 

joining forces to create new work by Mount Isa and Cloncurry 

students. 

All schools in the region will be invited to participate with only 

a limited number of places available. A maximum number of 

eight schools can be involved. 

What’s involved 

Participating schools will be offered a series of workshops 

(up to four 2-hour sessions) spread across two weeks between 

24 August and 4 September. A number of students from each 

school will then take part in a community performance at the 

Mount Isa Multicultural Festival on Friday, 4 September. 

For more information please visit: 

http://inschools.qac.org.au/residencies/mount_isa 

This project is provided free to the Mount Isa and 

Cloncurry communities with thanks to the generous support 

of Mount Isa Mines and Ernest Henry Mine via the Xstrata 

Community Partnership Program North Queensland. 

Grant Collins for the Latin American Carnivalé. 

Primary students enjoy watching a Queensland Arts 

Council performance. 

Calendar 

July 

1 New Starters Induction 

(Mount Isa) 

3 Mount Isa Campdraft 

4 Hangi, Townies (Mt Isa) for Rodeo Queen Quest 

Entrant, Kate Jacobson 

3-5 Rockhana Gem and Mineral Festival 

8 Community Information Session (Mount Isa) 

16-19 Stockman’s Challenge 

17 Boulia Camel Races 

21 Bowen Community Information Session 

22 Bowen Key Stakeholder 

Morning Tea 

25 Quamby Rodeo 

Red Earth Hotel Rodeo Ball (Mount Isa) 

31 Cloncurry Merry Muster 

August 

1 Cloncurry and District Race Meeting and Cloncurry 

Airshow 

1-2 Cloncurry Merry Muster 

4-6 EHM shut down 


(Mount Isa) 

6 Mailman Express (Mount Isa) 

7-9 Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo (Mount Isa) 

15-16 Burke and Wills Campdraft 

21-23 Sedan Dip Campdraft and Races 

22 Camooweal Drover’s Festival 

September 


(Mount Isa) 

12-15 Ernest Henry Memorial Art Show 

12 Cloncurry Race Day

ISSUE 98 : 23 

Spillage – ask why and rectify 

Copper concentrator supervisors and superintendents at the campaign launch. 

Action has been taken to improve 

housekeeping conditions at the 

copper concentrator. 

A spillage control and housekeeping 

campaign; Spillage: Ask why and 

rectify was implemented to 

empower team members to take 

full responsibility for their own 

housekeeping and improve 

standards around the plant. 

The campaign was successfully 

launched on 3 June 2009 with 

the copper concentrator’s 

superintendents delivering a 

motivational presentation to 

supervisors which has now been 

passed down and rolled out to all 

crews. Each concentrator employee 

was handed a glove clip featuring 

the campaign logo to celebrate the 

launch of the campaign. 

Effective housekeeping reduces 

workplace hazards and helps to 

ensure tasks are able to be 

completed properly and safely. Poor 

housekeeping has the potential to 

cause accidents by hiding hazards 

that cause injuries. 

Frank Tuttle and Simon Chinyama 

with their Glove Clips. 

If debris, clutter and spills are 

occurring in the workplace then 

often other more serious health 

and safety hazards may be taken 

for granted. 

Toni Streczynski – Copper 

Concentrator Manager, said that 

effective housekeeping was a 

multi-faceted approach to ensuring 

safety in the workplace. 

“Housekeeping is not just 

cleanliness. It includes keeping 

walkways free of slipping and 

tripping hazards, ensuring work 

areas are neat and orderly and 

removing waste materials and other 

fire hazards from the work areas. 

It also requires paying attention to 

detail such as the layout of work 

areas and the adequacy of storage 

facilities and maintenance. 

Toni also reinforced the importance 

of effective housekeeping in the 

workplace and said that effective 

housekeeping is an ongoing 

process. “At its source, good 

housekeeping always has good 

maintenance systems and operating 

controls, which in turn create and 

sustain good safety and overall 

operational excellence.” 

“We encourage employees to 

own housekeeping and manage 

their own work areas. House 

keeping is a reflection on our ability 

to manage our own work areas and 

the discipline and pride that exists 

within our team,” said Toni. 

In recognition of housekeeping 

efforts, initiatives such as the Silver 

Shovel Award (awarded each month 

to the department with the best 

contribution to housekeeping) 

have been implemented. Regular 

reporting of housekeeping initiatives 

is now a requirement at all copper 

concentrator PASS (Positive Attitude 

Safety Systems) meetings


For sale 

Classifieds 

85 Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo, needs 

fuel pump, has spare parts – $1,250 ono. 

4post alloy bullbar to suite XF-XG ute 

or XF sedan – $500. Kitchen hutches – 

$150 ono. Ph 0432 175 358. 

Alpine car cass player and 6 CD 

stacker, new $800, selling $250. 

2002 Landrover Discovery front 

bumper and 90 ltr fuel tank any 

reasonable offer. Ph 0412 707 516. 

Hydro foiling moth sailing dinghy, 

full carbon fibre boat with all 

equipment, two sails and beach trolley 

included in price, $14,000 neg. Selling 

for a new model, can provide coaching 

locally if required. Ph 0400 729 412. 

King size bed, Sealy Posturepedic 

superior ensemble with woollen touch 

pillow top, one year old $3,500 new, 

$1,600 ono. Toyota Camry Sportivo 

2006, 5 speed manual, cruise control, 

all power options, and all the extras, 

tip top condition, 16,000 klm on the 

clock, like new $25,000 ono. Toyota 

Prado 2002 model TX turbo Diesel, 

auto, cruise control, power windows, 

8 seater, $25,000. Rosebank baby push 

bike seat $15. Ph 4743 2741. 

READER’S PHOTOS 

2 – 4 person heated portable spa, 

2 years old – 2 metres x 1.4 metres 

very good condition. $3,500. Multiple 

massaging jets, temperature control, 

LED lighting and computer controlled 

filtration. All accessories including 

chemicals and fully enclosed 

insulated cover. 

Mardi Gras float – 

call for volunteers 

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines is calling 

for employees to participate in our 

85th Anniversary float in this year’s 

Mardi Gras parade to be held on 

Friday 7 August. 

If you are interested, please contact 

Community Relations on 4744 2210. 

Employees from Townsville Copper 

Refinery and Port Operations, Bowen 

Coke Works, EHM and Mount Isa 

Mines only are invited to list items for 

sale. Please contact your community 

relations department for the 

classifieds form. 

All submissions are due to the Editor 

by the 3rd business day of each month. 

Mine to Market will not accept any 

commercial advertising notices. 

PHOTO COMPETITION 

Congratulations to Justine Sorenson who 

correctly guessed last month’s photo 

competition a retractable air line at the 

slimes drying shed shown on page 13 

Can you guess this month’s 

photo competition You will 

find the answer somewhere in 

this publication. 

For your chance to win, email 

dslade@xstratacopper.com.au 

before Friday 17 July. 

The winner will receive a double 

movie voucher and have their 

name published in the next issue 

of Mine to Market 

Photos courtesy of Neil Bar, Graduate Mining Engineer, Xstrata Zinc. 

Are you an avid photographer or have you got any photos or holiday pictures you 

would like to share If so please send them to dslade@xstratacopper.com.au

Mine to Market - June 2009 - Ernest Henry Mining

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