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Sunday, 06 September 15
AUTOMATION AND TECHNOLOGY IS CERTAINLY PART OF THE SOLUTION FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY TO MAKE THE MINE OPERATIONS MORE PROFITABLE, HOWEVER............ - LUKE JALSEVAC
 "The Technology and Innovation in Mining 2015" production team at Information Exchange Group interviewed Luke Jalsevac, Director, Business Optimization Global Value Assurance, Kinross Gold Corporation, one of their speakers for TIM2015.
“ When the price of a commodity is rising, most companies focus on extracting as much from the ground as possible to capture the high margins, which may result in diminished rigor around operational excellence. When prices decline, they often overshoot to the downside, creating substantial financial pain for companies " - Luke Jalsevac
Q: The central theme behind the upcoming Summit is Innovation and Technology. From some of the innovative projects that you have been a part of at Kinross, can you share some areas where automation has helped optimize your business?
A: While Kinross has not done a great deal that can be classified as purely automation, we have been implementing a number of optimization projects involving either data automation or automation of components of processes in both mining and processing. Our focus on improving operational processes over the past number of years is enabling us to look at technology for additional opportunities.
Q: Given the current market scenario for the resources sector, do you think automation and technology is the best way forward to make the operations more profitable?
A: Automation and technology is certainly part of the solution for improving performance and efficiency, however I would argue that it needs to be used judiciously. All too often I have seen technology proposed as a ‘silver bullet’ solution when in fact there are great gains possible from improving foundational technical and business processes first, often with much smaller investments. If there are underlying process problems, technology can in fact exacerbate the situation by adding significant cost and complexity without improving bottom line performance. Having said that, for more mature operations there certainly are opportunities for automation and technology to play an important role in propelling performance to the next level. As an industry, gold mining isn’t the fastest to adopt new technologies for a whole host of reasons, some quite legitimate, but it strikes me that there is much to be learned from other mining companies as well as industries that seem unrelated.
Q: The mining sector has been one of the last ones to wake up to the benefits of technology. From a traditionally orthodox set of operations to drones flying in the mine sites, do you see challenges in terms of employees being able to keep up with the changes?
A: There are definitely a number of structural challenges faced by mining that make it harder for employees to keep up with the changes:
As a general rule cutting edge technology originates in large cities, which is where the top technology talent want to live. Most mines are in remote locations making it very difficult to attract people with the skills required to manage and implement new technologies.
The primary input, the ore body, is usually quite varied throughout changing, making it difficult to automate and standardize certain elements of the process. Manufacturing, in comparison, doesn’t face this same challenge.
The cyclical, boom and bust nature of mining makes it difficult to invest in technology in a methodical manner. Typically speaking , when the price of a commodity is rising, most companies focus on extracting as much from the ground as possible to capture the high margins, which may result in diminished rigor around operational excellence. When prices decline, they often overshoot to the downside, creating substantial financial pain for companies. In this difficult environment, like the one we are experiencing now, technology is often one of the first things to get cut from the budget.
Despite these challenges, there is no question that there are significant opportunities for resource companies to adopt technologies from other industries to improve our performance. It will require the willingness to step out of our comfort zone and try something new.
Q: Would you like to share something about the ongoing projects at Kinross which involves cutting edge technology? What are some of the typical challenges you face when trying to convince the management to embark on such projects?
A: Our focus as a company over the past five years has been building a foundation to strengthen our processes in mine planning, maintenance, geology, operations, etc. As a result, our primary focus has not been on technology, although technology has played a par t in the various improvements. Some examples include: optimization of our mining dispatch systems and implementation of High Precision GPS (HPGPS); implementation of maintenance health monitoring systems; drilling and blasting optimization (e.g. blast hole monitoring); automation of daily production reports, and the list goes on.
Q: What are your expectations from the Technology and Innovation in Mining 2015?
A: I’m interested to hear from other mining companies about which technology has truly helped them improve their bottom line performance, but even more importantly, how they go about selecting and managing technology implementations to ensure that they actually achieve the expected benefits.
Luke Jalsevac, Director, Business Optimization Global Value Assurance, Kinross Gold Corporation was interviewed by the Technology and Innovation in Mining 2015 Production Team at Information Exchange Group
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Monday, 17 July 23
APPROVED AMMONIA-FUELED CONTAINERSHIP - BENEFITS AND RISKS: REED SMITH
Following the news in Offshore Energy that Korea Maritime Consultants has secured approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for it ...
Friday, 14 July 23
CLEAN COAL USE KEY TO DEEP CUTS IN EMISSIONS, STABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY - CHINA DAILY
China must push for the clean use of coal and step up integration of the dirty fuel with carbon capture, utilization and storage to achieve sustain ...
Thursday, 13 July 23
VIETNAM'S COAL EMISSIONS PRIMED FOR SURGE AFTER IMPORTS JUMP - REUTERS
Vietnam’s thermal power emissions are primed for a steep climb this summer after the country’s imports of thermal coal soared to their ...
Monday, 26 June 23
COAL PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION UP IN 2022 - EUROSTAT
In 2022, EU coal production and consumption continued to increase, reaching 349 million tonnes (+5% compared with the previous year) and 454 millio ...
Wednesday, 21 June 23
QATAR STRIKES SECOND BIG LNG SUPPLY DEAL WITH CHINA - REUTERS
Qatar on Tuesday secured its second large gas supply deal with a Chinese state-controlled company in less than a year, putting Asia clearly ahead i ...
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- Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
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- Wilmar Investment Holdings
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- Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
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- Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
- PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
- Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
- Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
- Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
- Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
- Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
- Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
- Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
- Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
- Indika Energy - Indonesia
- Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
- India Bulls Power Limited - India
- Chamber of Mines of South Africa
- Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
- Indogreen Group - Indonesia
- Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
- Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
- Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
- GMR Energy Limited - India
- Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
- Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
- Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
- CNBM International Corporation - China
- Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
- Mercator Lines Limited - India
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- Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
- Vedanta Resources Plc - India
- White Energy Company Limited
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- PTC India Limited - India
- Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
- Planning Commission, India
- Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
- New Zealand Coal & Carbon
- Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
- San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
- Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
- SMC Global Power, Philippines
- SMG Consultants - Indonesia
- GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
- Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
- Anglo American - United Kingdom
- Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
- Sojitz Corporation - Japan
- Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
- Romanian Commodities Exchange
- Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
- Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
- Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
- Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
- Baramulti Group, Indonesia
- Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
- Heidelberg Cement - Germany
- Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
- Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
- Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
- Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
- Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
- Trasteel International SA, Italy
- Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
- Goldman Sachs - Singapore
- LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
- Petron Corporation, Philippines
- Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
- The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
- PowerSource Philippines DevCo
- Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
- Parliament of New Zealand
- Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
- Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
- Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
- Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
- The University of Queensland
- Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
- IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
- Minerals Council of Australia
- Marubeni Corporation - India
- Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
- Ministry of Mines - Canada
- Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
- Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
- Dalmia Cement Bharat India
- Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
- VISA Power Limited - India
- European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
- Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
- PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
- Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
- Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
- Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
- Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
- Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
- Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
- Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
- Electricity Authority, New Zealand
- Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
- Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
- Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
- Singapore Mercantile Exchange
- Deloitte Consulting - India
- Eastern Energy - Thailand
- Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
- Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
- Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
- Aditya Birla Group - India
- Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
- Indonesian Coal Mining Association
- Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
- Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
- Bhatia International Limited - India
- Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
- London Commodity Brokers - England
- Energy Development Corp, Philippines
- Eastern Coal Council - USA
- Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
- Tamil Nadu electricity Board
- Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
- Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
- Central Electricity Authority - India
- Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
- Australian Coal Association
- Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
- Georgia Ports Authority, United States
- GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
- Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
- Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
- Mjunction Services Limited - India
- Videocon Industries ltd - India
- Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
- Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
- Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
- Siam City Cement - Thailand
- Renaissance Capital - South Africa
- The Treasury - Australian Government
- Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
- McConnell Dowell - Australia
- TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
- Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
- ASAPP Information Group - India
- Ministry of Transport, Egypt
- Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
- Central Java Power - Indonesia
- Coal and Oil Company - UAE
- Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
- ICICI Bank Limited - India
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
- Carbofer General Trading SA - India
- Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
- Sical Logistics Limited - India
- Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
- Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
- Commonwealth Bank - Australia
- Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
- Indian Energy Exchange, India
- Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
- Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
- Independent Power Producers Association of India
- Interocean Group of Companies - India
- Bangladesh Power Developement Board
- Latin American Coal - Colombia
- Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
- Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
- Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
- Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
- Posco Energy - South Korea
- MS Steel International - UAE
- Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
- Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
- Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
- Cement Manufacturers Association - India
- Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
- Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
- Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
- CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
- Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
- Edison Trading Spa - Italy
- IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
- Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
- Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
- Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
- Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
- Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
- OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
- TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
- Thiess Contractors Indonesia
- Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
- Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
- Xindia Steels Limited - India
- Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
- Economic Council, Georgia
- Parry Sugars Refinery, India
- Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
- SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
- AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
- Agrawal Coal Company - India
- Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
- South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
- Star Paper Mills Limited - India
- Bhushan Steel Limited - India
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