Modern Quarrying July-August 2015

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July - August 2015 MODERN QUARRYING 9
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
De Beers seeks expressions of interest
The De Beers Group of Companies is exploring the extension of the
operating life of mine of the Kimberley Mines Tailings operation
beyond 2018, by placing the mine on the market. The company has
been investigating ways to extend the economic life of its tailings-
based operation in Kimberley. In the past decade, the mine has
taken steps to sustain the operation and succeeded in maintaining
production in economically challenging times.”
“It is encouraging that our work to date in considering all options
has shown that Kimberley Mines may not have to close in the near
future,” says Phillip Barton, CEO De Beers Consolidated Mines. “We
are liaising with directly-affected stakeholders outlining feasible
options to extend the potential life of the mine and its assets. We
are engaging fully with employees, union representatives and with
government at national and other levels; most importantly with the
Northern Cape government and the municipality.
“The asset has a superb team of managers and operators, and
we are keen to offer the mine as a going concern to facilitate a
greater degree of job security. The mine is De Beers’ second-largest
producer in South Africa, with production in 2014 of 722 000 carats.
With an appropriate operator, this asset has potential into the next
decade.”
The company hopes to close the expression of interest phase
and conclude a sales agreement within the new few months.
In 2014, Metso and Barloworld celebrated their 10th partnership anni-
versary for Metso mobile solutions. Based on this unique collaboration,
Metso and Barloworld have expanded the Metso solutions partnership.
From 1 May this year, the existing Metso Construction Business has been
transferred to Metso Aggregates, based under the Barloworld Handling
Division.
Officially announced at the IQSA Conference in April this year, this is a
decision supported by the executive management from both Metso and
Barloworld Handling.
Outlining the benefits to the customer, Andrew Stones, Metso
Aggregates manager at Barloworld Metso, says it is a leaner and meaner
operational structure, “offering our customers far more focus on their
requirements from a dedicated team of specialised resources. This
includes full support from Barloworld Handling, Barloworld Limited,
Metso South Africa and the Metso Head Office in Finland. “By provid-
ing the right dedication and focus to the quarrying industry, our aim is
to offer the best advice and equipment to suit your requirements,” he
confirms.
“This is backed by a team of technical people who can assist you to
maintain and keep your units running effectively, with the necessary
inventory of spare parts on hand.
“Leveraging on the similarities of the mobile industry and the quarry
industry, will allow us to improve and grow as a business helping our
customers to achieve the lowest sustainable cost per ton,” Stones says.
Metso expands solutions partnership
Andrew Stones can be contacted at Barloworld Metso
on tel: +27 11 045 6161 or email: